The Price of Success Is Hard Work, Dedication to the Job at Hand, and the Determination

Rogers-HerrMiddle School
Athletic Handbook
2015 - 2016
For Coaches, Players and Parents

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.

Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.

Leaders aren't born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.

People who work together will win, whether it is against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.

The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.

-Vince Lombardi -

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction...... 1
Academic Responsibilities...... 2
Middle School Athletic Eligibility ...... 3
Athlete Code of Conduct...... 4
Coaching Duties and Responsibilities...... 5
NCCA Code of Ethics...... 6
Athlete Sportsmanship...... 7
Sportsmanship Ejection Policy...... 8
Parent/Coach Communication...... 9
Parents as Spectators...... 9
Transportation...... 10
Athletic Insurance...... 10
Uniforms and Equipment...... 11
Practice Pick-up...... 11
Attendance Policy...... 12
Injuries...... 13
Emergency Action Plan...... 13
Concussions...... 13-14
Re-admittance to Athletic Activity Following an Injury...... 15
Playing Time...... 15
Individual Coach’s Rules...... 15
Study Hall...... 16
Acknowledgement Form...... 17
Blank Page…………………………………………………………………………18

INTRODUCTION

Information in this handbook is provided for the safety of student athletes and developed for the best interest of the student athlete in mind.

Values such as good sportsmanship, integrity, character education, and a winning attitude shall be promoted at all times.

The rules outlined with in the handbook are established for all athletes that represent Rogers-HerrMiddle School. Student-athletes, parents, and coaches are responsible for knowing the contents of this handbook and for following the guidelines set forth herein. Failure to comply with these rules and procedures may result in a suspension of participation in Rogers-HerrMiddle Schoolathletics. Participation in sports is an extra-curricular activity: aimed at developing the minds, bodies, and character of our student athletes at Rogers-HerrMiddle School.

It is a privilege, not a right to be a part of our athletic program.

Rogers-HerrMiddle School Sports

Fall
Boys Soccer
Football
Volleyball -Girls
Cheerleading
Cross Country / Winter
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Cheerleading
Spring
Baseball
Softball - Girls
Girls Soccer
Track and Field
Darryl K. Beasley, Sr., Athletic Director

EXT.70278
Lance Scott, Assistant Principal

EXT. 70241 / Kecia Rogers, Principal

EXT. 70222
Myra Penuel, Assistant Principal

Ext. 70232
Rogers-HerrYearRoundMiddle School
911 W Cornwallis Rd
DurhamNC27707
(P) 919.560.3970 (F) 919.560.2439

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Rogers-HerrMiddle School recognizes that a student’s first priority must be to the academic program. Since, participation in the athletic program requires a significant amount of commitment; parents are to monitor their child’s academic progress. When required to do so, student athletes must attend after school make-up classes, extra help sessions, and/or tutoring prior to practicing or competing with their team.

Athletes must be passing 6 out of 6 classes at the beginning of tryouts and at the beginning of each semester to be allowed to try out and must remain eligible for athletic participation.

RHMS Athletic Handbook

MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

2015-2016

Seventh and eighth grade students interested in participating in athletics in the 2015-2016 school year should familiarize themselves with the following eligibility requirements and athletic policies. Listed below are the sports seasons and the athletic programs during that season.

Fall / Winter / Spring
Boys Soccer
Football
Volleyball -Girls
Cheerleading
Cross Country / Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Cheerleading / Baseball
Softball - Girls
Girls Soccer
Track and Field

2015-2016 Sport Season Dates

Fall Sports Season - The first tryout/practice day is August 17, 2015 for Football and Cheerleading
Fall Sports Season - The first tryout/practice day is August 24, 2015 for Volleyball, Soccer and Cross Country
Winter Sports Season - The first tryout/practice day is November 6, 2015.
Spring Sports Season - The first tryout/practice day is February 22, 2016.

Eligibility: In order to be eligible for any athletic activity, the athlete:

1. Must meet all eligibility requirements prior to the first tryout/practice date.

2. Must have a completed and signed Middle School Athletic Participation Form prior to the first tryout/practice date.

3. Must not participate if he/she becomes 15 years of age on or before October 16, 2015.

4. Must receive a medical examination once every 365 days by a licensed medical physician, physician’s assistant or family practitioner in the United States. (See Appendix i)

5. Must meet promotion requirements to be eligible for fall semester. Students retained by the school will be ineligible for the fall semester.

6. 4 Semester Rule - No student may be eligible to participate at the Middle School level for a period lasting longer than 4 consecutive semesters beginning with the students’ first entry into 7th grade. The principal shall have evidence of the date of each player’s entry into the 7th grade.

7. Must earn passing grades (D or better) in one less core course than the required core courses to be eligible for participating during the succeeding semester.

8. Must not have more than 13 total absences (85% attendance requirement) in the semester prior to athletic participation. (This is a State Board of Education requirement according to Board Policy 6860, students who participate in interscholastic athletics must meet all requirements of the State Board of Education.)

9. Must purchase regular school accident insurance or provide proof of insurance coverage by filling out the insurance information waiver on the Middle School Athletic Participation Form.

10. Must not participate (practice or play) if ineligible.

11. Must not participate (practice or play) in any athletic event if suspended or is actively serving in the (P.A.S.S) in-school suspension program for that day or days.

12. Must be present in school the entire day in order to participate in practices or games.

13. Must live with a parent or legal custodian within the Durham County Public School System administrative unit. (Must notify the athletic director if not living with a parent or legal custodian.)

14. A student upon first entering grade seven (7) is academically eligible for competition on middle school fall athletic teams. All requirements must be met the first semester (fall) in order for this student to be eligible for athletic participation the second semester (spring).

15. A player must practice a total of six (6) days before playing in a game in all sports except football, where a player must practice nine (9) days.

16. A player injured requiring medical attention and/or absent due to illness must meet eligibility requirements and must have practiced the required number of days above (# 15). This player may not participate in practice or a contest without a doctor’s note. Students absent from athletic practice 5 or more days due to illness or injury shall receive a medical release by a licensed physician before re-admittance to practice or play.

17. If school is not in session or school closes early, no practice or game will take place. There will be no practice on Saturdays (this includes year round schools), holidays, or vacation days.

1Revised 7/15/14

RHMS Athletic Handbook

ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT

The conduct of an athlete is closely observed in many areas of life. It is important that your behavior be above reproach in all of the following areas:

In the classroom Strong academics reinforce strong athletics. As an athlete, you must plan your schedule so that you give sufficient time and energy to your studies. In addition to maintaining strong academics, an athlete should give respectful attention to classroom activities and show respect for other students and faculty at all times.

School discipline referral: Any student referred to the office for rule violations may be denied the privilege of participation in all athletic activities for a period determined by either the principal, athletic director or head coach.

On the field: In the area of athletic competition, a true athlete does not use profanity or illegal tactics and understands that losing is part of the game. You should be gracious in defeat and modest in victory. It is always courteous to congratulate the opponent on a wellplayed game after the contest, whether in defeat or victory.

NECESSARY FORMS TO PARTICIPATE

Prior to the first day of participation, all athletes must have the following items on file in the Athletic Office:

DPS Assumptions of Risk/Medical Treatment Release Form

DPS Medical History Athletic Participation Form

DPS Medical Examination Form (Physical Form)

Authorization For Release of Protected Health Information Form

Athlete Pledge

Concussion form

Signed and dated Acknowledgement Form

NCHSAA Eligibility and Authorization Statement

COACHES DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

General Responsibilities
• Chain-of-command responsibilities
• Loyalty between head coach and staff
• Loyalty to your school
• Professional behavior and dress
• Sportsmanship behavior and attitude
• Attitude and behavior toward parents, athletes, other coaches and administrators / Knowledge of the Game
• Philosophy of the head coach
• Rules of the game
• Treatment of the officials
• Practice organization
Working with Parents and Athletes
• Care and treatment of injuries
• Language and conduct
• Preseason meetings
• Parent/coach meetings / Pre-season Duties
• Equipment issues, care and inventory
• Meetings with staff, parents and athletes
• Practice preparation
• Conditioning
• Staff and athlete development
• Rules meeting and attendance
In-season Duties
• Supervision of athletes(Remain with student-athletes until pick-up)
• Practice duties
• Pre-game and post-game duties
• Legal duties
• Monitoring athlete behavior and academic progress
• Motivation of athletes and staff
• Parent interaction / Post-season Duties
• Equipment collection, inventory and storage
• Security of facilities and equipment
• Awards
• Athletic counseling
• Evaluation of all coaching staff
Off-season Duties
• Conditioning and player development
• Staff development / Other
• Post-season checklist
• Coaches post-season responsibilities
• Coaches off-season responsibilities
• Coaching improvement
• Staff improvement
• Athletic improvement
• How to improve the overall program
• Meeting with school athletic director
Equipment

Coaches are responsible for all equipment issued at the beginning of the season and will be subject to reimbursing the school for any lost or damaged equipment

North Carolina Coaches Association Code of Ethics/Coaches Responsibilities

When entering the coaching profession, a coach accepts the following obligations:

Responsibility to the players
Fellow coaches
Games Directed

If we are to keep the coaching profession on a high level, we must assume all the responsibilities in such a way that we will give our profession honor and dignity.

The coach, in contact with each player, should by principle and example set a pattern of behavior for each student, for he/she influences those more than any other person. Parents put their dearest possessions under the coaches’ guidance and therefore coaches should be sure to see that students grow under their leadership.

The coach should meet rival coaches before and after each game to exchange greetings.

The coach should see that every injured athlete is given immediate medical attention.

The coach should remember the first function is to educate a student through participation in athletics.

Coaches should remember the position they hold in the school system and that they must support the administration in all policies, rules, and regulations. Where there are differences, they should be discussed behind closed doors.

The coach should be sure that every participant fulfills all the rules and regulations for eligibility. Anyone who attempts to circumvent eligibility rules and to use ineligible players will be guilty of unethical conduct.

The coach should inspire every student to self-actualize their true potential in academics and athletics.

The coach should give help to the athletic council.

Every coach should have a good knowledge of all rules of the game that he/she is in charge. Coaches should never attempt to disregard any rules to their advantage.

Coaches should stress good sportsmanship at all times. Coaches that condone unsportsmanlike tactics, will be considered guilty of breaking the coaching ethics.

Every coach should advise players as to the proper conduct in meetings with the press/radio, and how to conduct him/herself in player interviews, both for the athlete’s protection and to avoid any embarrassment.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Good sportsmanship is viewed by the National Federation of State High School Associations as a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity. In perception and practice, sportsmanship is defined as those qualities which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others:

Play fair, take a defeat without complaint, or victory without gloating
Treat others as you wish to be treated
Respect others and one's self
Impose self-control, be courteous, and gracefully accept results of one's actions
Display ethical behavior by being good (character) and doing right (action)
Be a good citizen.

1)Respect should be demonstrated for athletic opponents and for their school at all times. Rogers-Herr student-athletes should treat visiting teams and their supporters as guests and accord them the consideration everyone deserves. When visiting other schools, Rogers-Herr student-athletes should respect the property and dignity of their host school and its athletic teams.

2)Respect should be demonstrated for the officials at all times. Officials should be given respect and positive sportsmanship regardless of decision during and after game.

3)Respect and knowledge of rules is the guide for all athletes.

4)All participants must maintain selfcontrol at all times. The desire to win cannot be accepted as a reason for irrational behavior. A proper perspective must be maintained by all if the potential educational values of athletic competition are to be realized.

5)All participants should learn to recognize and appreciate skill in performance regardless of school affiliation. Recognition of the good performance of an opponent is a demonstration of generosity and good will that is encouraged in all member schools. In order for good sportsmanship to prevail, it is essential that all participants understand their individual responsibilities and expected modes of behavior before, during and after contests.

SPORTSMANSHIP EJECTION POLICY

This policy applies to all persons involved in athletic contest, including student-athletes, coaches, managers, and game administrators. The examples below include behavior or conduct which will result in ejection from a contest.

Fighting includes, but is not limited to, combative acts such as an attempt to:

Strike an opponent with fist, hands, arms, legs, or feet
An attempt to punch or kick an opponent, regardless of whether or not contact is made
An attempt to instigate a fight by committing an unsportsmanlike act toward an opponent that causes an opponent to retaliate
Leaving the bench area to participate in a fight (contact or no contact);
Taunting or baiting
Profanity directed toward an official or opponent
Obscene gestures, including gesturing in such a manner as to intimidate
Disrespect when addressing or contacting an official

Penalty for an Ejection

For a First Offense:
The person shall be reprimanded, required to take an online course and suspended for the next game or until the course is completed. / For a Second Offense:
The person shall be placed on probation, required to take an online course and suspended for the next two games.
For a Third Offense:
The person shall be suspended for one calendar year.
A coach who is suspended at any level of grades 7-12 (middle school, junior high or high
school) may not coach in any other grade level in grades 7-12 during the period of suspension.

Note: Penalties are cumulative from sport to sport and from sport season to sport

season. Ejections in the last game of the season carry over to the next sport

in which the individual participates that year. Ejected players may practice

but not play. Ejected coaches may not be on the premises for a contest. If no

member of the school's coaching staff is present to assume an ejected coach's

duties, the contest shall be terminated by a forfeit.

Other Recommendations:

Teams in the following situations will not be allowed to participate in Tournament play or

the remainder of the season (for those who do not play a tournament):

a team whose players or coaches accumulate two (2) or more individual ejections

during the regular season.

a team whose players or coaches accumulate more than one (1) individual

ejection for fighting during the regular season.

1Revised 7/15/14

RHMS Athletic Handbook

PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION

It is our desire that positive relations can be maintained between parents and coaches. Parents are encouraged to ask questions regarding their child’s performance and/or status, and a meeting can be arranged by contacting the coach. In the event that hostile feelings or arguments ensue, the meeting should be immediately terminated by either party and another meeting scheduled with the Athletic Director present.

Parents are to adhere to the following protocol when a conflict arises.

1:Student-Athlete Speaks to the coach directly

2:Parent Speaks to the coach directly

3:If the issue has not been resolved, then parent meets with the coach and Athletic Director.

4:If the parent seeks further assistance after having met with the coach and the Athletic Director, seek advice from the building principal.

PARENTS AS SPECTATORS

As a spectator, parents should:

realize you represent the school; therefore, you have an obligation to be a true sportsman, and encourage through this behavior the practice of good sportsmanship by others;

recognize that good sportsmanship is more important than victory by approving and applauding good team play, individual skill and outstanding examples of sportsmanship and fair play exhibited by either team;

remember that the primary purpose of interscholastic athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well being of the players through the medium of contest; and

be modest in victory and gracious in defeat respect the judgment and integrity

of game officials.