Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School

“Home of the Cardinals”

Student - Parent

Athletic Handbook

Mrs. Patricia Benevento – Athletic Director x2137

Mr. Frank Armstrong – Athletic Trainer x2129

Mrs. Eileen O’Sullivan – Athletic Secretary x2139

Athletic Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Phone: 201-664-0880

Fax: 201-722-1542

www.bignorthconferencenj.com

For athletic schedules & other related information go to:

www.wwrsd.org

Click on Jr./Sr. High School

Click on Athletics tab

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Athletic Philosophy 2

Department Objectives 2

Sport Offerings 3

Head Coaches 3

Student/Athlete Participation 4

Causes for Suspension 4

Academic Eligibility 4

Age Eligibility 5

Athletic Physicals 5

Try-out Guidelines 5

Team Development Model 6

Description of Athletic Teams 6

Sport Camp Participation 7

Athletic Insurance 7

Equipment 8

Practice Schedule 8

Transportation 8

Athletic Training Program 8

Concussion – Return to Play Protocol 9

Signs and Symptoms of Concussions 9

Weight Training Program 10

Conflicting Activities during the Sports Season 10

Awards 10

Travel Directions 10

Sportsmanship 10

Athlete/Spectator Code of Behavior 11

Admission Prices 11

Westwood Cardinals Athletic Association (“Boosters)) 11

Parent-Coach Relationship 11

New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) 12

Participation Limitations 13

Transfer Rule 14

Eligibility 14

Contest Disqualification 14

Big North Conference 15

College Athletic Planning 15

N.C.A.A. Clearinghouse 16

WESTWOOD REGIONAL JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY

The athletic program at WESTWOOD REGIONAL JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL consists of 27 varsity, 25 junior varsity and 11 freshman programs and also 6 Junior High teams. Since the inception of athletics at Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School, the school has won its share of individual and team championships at the conference, count and state levels. Many of our athletes have gone on to various colleges and universities throughout the country and have excelled not only on the playing fields, but in the classroom as well.

The athletic program is an integral part of the total educational process at Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School. Young people learn a great deal participating in educational based interscholastic athletics. Determination, perseverance, sportsmanship and teamwork are some of the valuable lessons that can be attained through their participation. Athletics play an important role in helping the individual student develop a positive self-concept as well as a healthy body. Athletic competition fosters school spirit and develops pride in the school and community for participants, students and fans.

Through athletics we seek to provide a wholesome form of physical activity for as many students as possible. We will make every effort to offer our student-athletes the best in equipment, facilities and coaching in order to provide them with an enjoyable and rewarding experience, while the reputation of our school and community is enhanced whenever its representatives excel. The department’s greatest reward and satisfaction is derived by the large number of students that actually participate on our athletic teams.

We believe that the soul of our school can be reflected in what occurs before and after the normal academic day. This extension of the school day, whether it is in athletics, in the arts or in clubs sets the tone for the school year. If we can keep students involved and concerned beyond the classroom, we are bound to have a more positive effect on them in the classroom. We are aware of the tremendous obligations we have to the student-athletes in our care. Parents entrust their children to us and we shall always strive to earn their confidence.

This handbook has been prepared to enhance communication between parents, student-athletes, coaches and school administrators. Parents and athletes are asked to familiarize themselves with the contents of this handbook in order to garner a further understanding of the athletic experience at Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School. It includes general guidelines for conduct, NJSIAA rules and regulations, and the coach/athlete/parent communication procedure. Any concerns or questions may be directed to Patricia A. Benevento, Director of Athletics, at 201-664-0880 x2137. Sport specific questions should be directed to your child’s coach.

DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES

It is the intent of WESTWOOD REGIONAL JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL’S ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT to provide to our students an educational based, comprehensive program. The athletic program shall be managed and students coached in a manner that strives to achieve the following objectives:

§  Promote individual and team desire for excellence while emphasizing that the first priority for all students is intellectual and emotional growth.

§  Encourage enjoyment of competition, a desire to win and a healthy attitude towards athletics.

§  Develop the self-confidence and self-respect of each team member.

§  Develop the specialized talents, skills and physical fitness of each participant.

§  Develop attitudes and skills that foster teamwork, cooperation, loyalty and team spirit.

§  Develop the highest degree of sportsmanship by instilling a sense of fair play; respect for coaches, gam officials, and especially fellow athletes, both teammates and opponents.

SPORTS OFFERINGS

Fall Season Levels Var. JV FR

1.  Cheerleading X X

2.  Cross Country (Boys & Girls) X X X

3.  Field Hockey X X

4.  Football X X X

5.  Soccer (B) X X X

6.  Soccer (G) X X

7.  Tennis (G) X

8.  Volleyball (G) X X X

9.  8th Grade Soccer (Boys & Girls

Winter Season Levels Var. JV FR

1.  Basketball (Boys & Girls X X X

2.  Bowling (Boys & Girls) X X

3.  Competition Cheerleading X

4.  Ice Hockey X X

5.  Swimming (Boys & Girls) X X

6.  Winter Track (Boys & Girls) X X

7.  Wrestling X X

8.  8th Grade Basketball (Boys & Girls)

Spring Season Levels Var. JV FR

1.  Baseball X X X

2.  Golf (Boys & Girls) X

3.  Lacrosse (Boys & Girls) X X

4.  Softball X X X

5.  Tennis (B) X X

6.  Track (Boys & Girls) X X X

HEAD COACHES

Sport Head Coach Email

Baseball Kris Izzo

Basketball (B) John Santulli

Basketball (G) Charles Collis

Basketball – 8th Grade (B) Adam Sidrow

Basketball – 8th Grade (G) Jacob Zeigler

Bowling (B/G) Dan Rattacasa

Cheerleading Michelle Krone

Cross Country (B/G) George Glover

Field Hockey (G) Jaclyn Magliato

Football Vito Campanile vito@

Golf (B) Paul Levesque

Golf (G) Keith DeBlasio

Ice Hockey Brian Sharkey

Lacrosse (B) Casey Drummond

Lacrosse (G) Kari Bell

Soccer (B) Kurt Rogers

Soccer (G) Eric Pfeifer

Soccer – 8th Grade (B) Barnett Goldman

Soccer – 8th Grade (G) Lindsey Morgan

Softball Dan Rattacasa

Swimming (B/G) Chris Armen

Tennis (B) Kathy Moroney

Tennis (G) Eric Delaney

Track (B/G) George Glover

Track – 8th Grade (B/G) Mike Attanasio

Volleyball Kathy Moroney

Winter Track (B/G) George Glover

Wrestling Paul Castellini

STUDENT/ATHLETE PARTICIPATION

Participation in athletics and all extra-curricular activities in the WESTWOOD REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT is a privilege that carries with it certain responsibilities. A student is a representative of the school and the entire community. There are certain standards of behavior expected of the participants in athletics at Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School.

1.  All participants must remember that they are student first and athletes second. Participation in athletics is a privilege granted to students, not a right guaranteed to them. All students are required to sign an Athletic Participation Form prior to each season.

2.  All students are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit upon WRSD.

3.  Being a member of a team does not entitle any student to special privileges in the school. Rather, student-athletes are expected to use good judgment in the face of peer pressure that may violate school and/or team rules. Student-athletes are also expected to set examples of good school citizenship which will reflect upon them as individuals and upon the student body in general.

4.  Students afforded these privileges must assume the responsibilities that accompany them at all times.

All required forms are available online (from the Jr./Sr. High School Page click on Athletics, click on Athletic Forms). They are also available in the Athletic Office. www.wwrsd.org

Physical Education Excuses

1.  Athletes are not excused from physical education classes. Varsity athletes will dress for class on days of contests.

2.  No athlete with an excuse from physical education will be permitted to participate in athletics on that day or during the season if the excuse from physical education is long term.


CAUSE FOR SUSPENSION FROM AN ATHLETIC TEAM

Gambling, stealing, the use of tobacco (in any form), failure to consent in writing, each season, to alcohol and drug testing, possession, sale and use of drugs (including steroids), and/or alcoholic beverages are prohibited and will result in discipline in accordance with Board Polices, the STUDENT HANDBOOK and the Athletic Participation Form which clearly details all aspects of drug, alcohol, substance use and abuse, including other sanctions.

Other reasons for suspensions may include but are not limited to insubordination, profanity, fighting, unsportsmanlike conduct, unexcused absence from practice, unsatisfactory attitude, and a failure to follow any additional rules and regulations that the coach or advisor deems necessary to maintain discipline and facilitate the efficient execution of daily procedures.

Imposed suspensions in excess of one day require consultation with the Athletic Director and/or Principal. Parental notification will be required in all cases of suspension.

Discipline referrals and school suspensions may be justification for suspension or removal from a team.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

Student athletes must always keep in mind that their first priority is their schoolwork. Many studies show that athletes can maintain a high level of performance in the classroom and in athletics if they make effective use of their unscheduled time. If students are having difficulty in a subject, they are encouraged to seek extra help with their teacher.

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association rules and regulations regarding eligibility are mandatory. In addition, the Westwood Board of Education has adopted the following guidelines for students participating in high school athletics.

All students entering grade 10, 11 and 12 will be required to achieve 30 credits in the year prior to participation in the first semester of a school year. To be eligible in the second semester, students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 must achieve 15 credits.

Please Note: All 9th grade students are automatically eligible in his/her first semester.

These academic requirements will apply to all athletes. Additional information regarding eligibility can be obtained upon request from the Athletic Director or Principal.

AGE ELIGIBILITY

A student cannot participate in interscholastic athletics if he/she has reached the age of 19 prior to September 1st of the current school year.

ATTENDANCE ELIGIBILITY

In order for a student to participate in a scheduled athletic event, practice or school function, he/she must be in school on the day of the event or the last day of school prior to a Saturday event for a total of four hours or in by 11 a.m. A note from a doctor, prior written approval from the Athletic director or school administrator is the only VALID excuses. Excessive absenteeism, tardiness and cutting classes will not be tolerated. These offenses justify removal from a team with the consent of the Athletic director and school administration. Incoming freshman and all upperclassmen are expected to be at practice and games over school-scheduled vacations. Participation in other voluntary school events such as ski trips, the play, band/chorus trips is an individual choice which will hold sport specific consequences.

ATHLETIC PHYSICALS

Before the start of the season, students are required to use their own physician for a physical. Every year a New Jersey Department of Education Physical Form must be completed and signed by the student-athlete, parent/guardian and physician. Then it must be submitted to the nurse on or before the following dates:

§  Fall Sports – June 15

§  Winter Sports – November 15

§  Spring Sports – February 15

DO NOT GIVE THESE FORMS TO THE COACH.

A student can make arrangements with the nurse to have the school physician render the physical.

The school physician must review and sign off on each physical form. PLEASE NOTE:

This process may take an additional 2 weeks and therefore may delay a student-athlete’s eligibility to participate in an organized practice session.

After a student-athlete gets cleared for their initial sport each subsequent sport requires only the Health History Update form.

The Athletic Permit Form must be properly completed, signed and submitted to their coach prior to participation in each sport.

In addition, the athlete must also submit a Steroid Consent Form and Concussion Form (if required) on or prior to the first day of practice.

All required Athletic forms are available Online and in the Athletic Office.

TRYOUT GUIDELINES

Coaches will, at times, have the unenviable task of cutting a squad. It is never easy or pleasant. Cutting a squad is certainly one of the most difficult and uncomfortable moments for a coach. Coaches will base the selection of their team on the following criteria:

§  Nature of sport

§  The ability to provide playing time

§  Instructional/practice time

§  Space considerations

§  Transportation

§  Facility use

§  Supervision

§  Injury factors

§  Objective measures of skill assessment

Coach’s preference – will all determine the most effective squad size for a particular sport.

However, in line with our Athletic Philosophy coaches will make every attempt to involve as many students as possible without compromising the safety and productivity of their team.

Sign-up information is posted on the Athletic website and try-out information is available at signups. In order to minimize any misunderstanding the following tryout guidelines will be implemented:

1.  Coaches will announce in advance when tryouts will be conducted. Dates, time and location of tryout sessions will be clearly articulated to athletes and/or parents at a pre-season meeting.

2.  The length of the tryout period (usually 3-6 days) and the sport specific skills and other criteria to be considered will be discussed with students prior to the tryout session.

3.  When cuts are made students will be informed of their status in an individual letter from the coach.