Mattoon Middle School Student-Athlete Code of Conduct
PURPOSE
The goals of the athletic programs at MMS include the following:
A. To get each student to be the best student-athlete they can be;
B. To develop a sense of good sportsmanship;
C. To promote team and school spirit; and
D. To develop better relationships between the various schools during all contests.
ATTENDANCE
In an effort to achieve our goals and to work cohesively as a team, attendance at all practices and contests is vitally important. On an occasion when an absence is unavoidable, a note to the coaches seeking to be pre-excused is a courtesy that would be appreciated.
The following are examples of acceptable reasons for missing a practice and/or a contest and considered excused:
A. Absence from school due to an illness or family emergency; and
B. Religious instruction classes
Students with unexcused absences from practices and or contests will be penalized as follows:
· 1st unexcused absence- ineligible to participate inthe next contest.
· 2nd unexcused absence- may be dismissed from the team.
· Students must attend school for ½ of the dayin order to participate in a contest or practice. (Exceptions may be made if the absence is pre-arranged and approved through the office).
· If a student is excused from physical education class for medical reasons, he/she may not participate in practice or a contest for the duration of the medical excuse.
RULES
As a participant in Mattoon Middle School Athletics, I agree to conduct myself according to the following rules/expectations:
A. I will adhere to all regular school policies as outlined in the current Mattoon Middle School handbook.
B. I will maintain or exceed the grade requirements as set forth by Mattoon Middle School and IESA.
C. I will adhere to all rules outlined by my coach and administration specific to my sport in accordance with this Athletic Code of Conduct
D. Any student who is found to be in violation of IESA rules or school rules concerning athletics may be subject to one or more of the following consequences in addition to any levied by IESA:
1. Immediate suspension for an agreed upon number of contests as decided by the coach, athletic director, & administration.
2. Immediate suspension for current athletic organization.
3. Suspension from attending all school sponsored athletic competitions for the remainder of the season.
E. Disciplinary/Detention Policy- Our student-athletes are expected to model good character at all times whether on the field or off the field. Participation in inter-scholastic athletics is a privilege that is an extension of our instructional mission and values. Student-athletes should be aware at all times that they not only represent their respective sport, but that they also represent Mattoon Middle School and its entire community. They should also be aware of the reciprocal reporting agreement that exists between Mattoon Schools and the Mattoon Police Department, Coles County Sheriff, and State’s Attorney’s Office. The following policies outline the consequences for student-athletes who commit disciplinary infractions during their season:
· AER- not participate in practices or games/meets on the days serving AER.
· Out of school suspension- may be up to one week dismissal from the team.
· Further suspensions- Dismissal from team upon consultation with building Administrator and Athletic Director.
F. Appeals- If a student wishes to appeal a ruling on his/her behavior contained in this Code of Conduct, they will first contact the coach/sponsor. The next step would be to contact the Athletic Director followed by the Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent. If the Board of Education is called upon to rule on an appeal their decision is final.
G. I will not smoke and/or use any drug, which is illegal for me to use. Such items include but are not limited to alcohol, narcotics, tobacco, vaporized tobacco, marijuana, prescription medications not prescribed to me, abuse of over the counter medications, etc.
H. I will be the best student possible. I will be helpful, courteous and responsible.
I. I will be on time to all practices, contests, and bus departures.
J. I am aware that I must attend school, arriving for no later than 5th period in order to participate in that day’s contest.
K. I will have my ride at school within a reasonable amount of time after all practices and contests.
L. I will dress properly for all contests with all necessary equipment.
M. I will wear my uniform correctly at all times.
N. I will not get involved in any horseplay before, during, or after practices and/or contests. I will behave in a manner that will reflect well on the athletic programs, our school, and our community.
O. During a contest, I will abide by the rules of the game as set forth by IESA.
P. During a contest, I will refrain from disrespectful or challenging words, gestures, or actions toward officials, coaches, and members of the opposition maintaining only the highest level of sportsmanship at all times.
Q. I will be responsible for turningin my school-issued equipment as directed. I will also be responsible for replacing or paying for any lost or damaged equipment not due to the rigors of the athletic contest.
R. I will respect the rights and property of my team members/school mates; I will not make fun of or criticize other members, nor will I in any way tamper with their belongings.
S. I will conduct myself according to MCUSD #2 rules and regulations while riding the bus to and from contests. I realize that I am generally expected to ride the bus home unless my parents have either signed a Transportation Release form with the school office/coach prior to the contest. (Appendix B) or made prior arrangements with the coach. I understand that I am subject to consequences by the coach or school for failure to abide by required travel expectations.
T. I will always do my best. I will not make excuses when things did not go well. When coaches are talking, I will give them my undivided attention.
U. I will be sincere and loyal at all times to my coaches, fellow team members, and my school.
V. I will display good sportsmanship during practices and contests, showing respect for the officials, coaches, and players.
W. I will attempt to display leadership both on and off of the field or court, in the community, and in the classroom, and I will encourage others around me to display the same characteristics of leadership.
MATTOON MIDDLE SCHOOL INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES ELIGIBILITY POLICY, BASED UPON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Definition-
A. The goal of this Interscholastic Activities Eligibility Policy is to impress upon our students the proper perspective of school priorities: academics first and interscholastic activities second (Student-Athlete NOT Athlete-Student).
B. This policy prescribes a period of time during which a student, due to poor academic performance, may not be permitted to participate in practices, as well as any games/meets.
C. The academic status of each student involved in the interscholastic activity shall be checked each week to determine eligibility. Final weekly eligibility is generally run on Thursday evening and the final grade pull is generally each Friday at 12:00PM. Eligibility runs from Friday to Friday. Students may be deemed eligible after 12:00PM at the discretion of the Athletic Director, Administration, Coach, and Teacher if circumstances deem it appropriate.
D. A student shall be found ineligible when systematically monitoring the academic standing of a student, the coach finds that the student has earned an F in one or more of his/her classes. All ineligible students are reported to the athletic director and administration.
CONSEQUENCES
A. Once a student has been found ineligible, he/she may not participate in any contest during the week of eligibility which is Friday at 12:00 to the next Friday when the eligibility report is run, regardless of his/her academic progress during that probationary period. Student-athletes will not be allowed to dress in uniform for any contest during the time of their ineligibility; however, the student-athlete may attend any home contests, with travel to away contests being permitted only by agreement among the coach, athlete, and family.
B. Decisions concerning full, limited, or no participation in practice shall be at the discretion of the coach, and shall be based on the severity of the student’s sub-level academic performance. Students are expected to attend each practice held during the time of their ineligibility.
C. If, after 3 total weeks of probation, the student has not improved his or her grades to an acceptable level, his/her name may be deleted from the roster and all practice and performance privileges are terminated.
TRYING OUT FOR A TEAM
As a potential participant in Mattoon Middle School Athletics, I agree to conduct myself according to the following rules/expectations when trying out for a team.
I understand that:
A. By choosing to try out for a team, the rules set forth in this Code of Conduct apply during the process of trying out.
B. I must have evidence of a current physical BEFORE I can participate in the tryouts for a team.
C. I am expected to attend all tryouts set forth by the coach, and it is my responsibility to discuss any absences with the coach before the absence occurs. Failure to try out for a team disqualifies the student from consideration for the team.
D. If I do not make a team, I may seek out a coach by appointment to receive suggestions for improvement, but I should accept the decision with integrity and dignity.
E. If I do not make a team, neither the administration nor the Athletic Director will overturn the coaches’ decisions.
F. If I make a team, it is my responsibility to maintain integrity and respect regarding the privilege of representing Mattoon Middle School, never putting my placement at the expense of another student.
BIRTHDATES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR 2016-17 ATHLETICS:
Activity / Birthday must be on or after:Girls Softball / September 25, 2000
Boys Baseball / October 2, 2000
Boys and Girls Golf / September 18, 2000
Boys and Girls Cross-Country / October 16, 2000
7th Grade Girls Basketball / December 9, 2001
8th Grade Girls Basketball / December 16, 2000
7th Grade Boys Basketball / February 10, 2002
8th Grade Boys Basketball / February 17, 2001
Boys & Girls Wrestling / March 12, 2001
7th Grade Girls Volleyball / March 15, 2002
8th Grade Girls Volleyball / March 22, 2001
7th Grade Track & Field / May 21, 2002
8th Grade Track & Field / May 21, 2001
CONFERENCE AFFILIATION
Mattoon Middle School joined the South Central Junior High Conference (SCJHC) in 2010-11. Participating schools in addition to MMS include: Charleston Middle School, Effingham Junior High School, Effingham St. Anthony, and Teutopolis Junior High. All scheduled “A” contests will count in the conference standings in the following sports:
· Softball
· Baseball
· Cross-Country
· Girls Basketball (7th & 8th)
· Boys Basketball (7th & 8th)
· Volleyball (7th & 8th)
· Scholastic Bowl (Varsity)
· Track & Field (7th & 8th Boys; 7th & 8th Girls)
A conference champion is crowned in each of these activities. Standings, previous MMS SCJHC Championships, and conference information can be followed at:
www.southcentralconference.net
Conference standings in no way affect or reflect Mattoon Middle School’s participation or opportunities in IESA regulated post-season play.
Mattoon Middle School student-athletes should understand the importance of conference-based games and know that while each contest holds meaning to conference standings, no contest will be valued any more or less than any other contest regardless of the activity. Nonetheless, MMS student-athletes will model sportsmanship, respect, and high conduct at all conference tournaments or events.
STATE ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP
Mattoon Middle School is a member of the Illinois Elementary School Association or IESA. Mattoon Middle School works diligently to maintain compliance in all areas of student participation. While many policies of conduct are set forth by the Mattoon CUSD #2 Board of Education and Illinois School Code, any and all remaining matters of compliance are set forth by the IESA. Mattoon Middle School strives to find itself competitive at the state level in all of it membership activities. A primary goal of both MMS and IESA is to create successful and meaningful participation for students. An essential ingredient in this endeavor is sportsmanship. It should be the goal of each administrator, coach, player, and parent that we are recognized not only for our interscholastic successes, but also for our sportsmanship.
Please note the following information regarding Mattoon Middle School and IESA State-Tournament play:
"Each member school acknowledges that athletic contests and interscholastic competition take place in the public. As such, there is no expectation of privacy in the images of student athletes, coaches or other participants at such events. The IESA and/or its agents or designees may take, distribute and use photographs of student athletes, coaches, officials and other participants at such events and use the same for publicity, marketing and other appropriate purposes, including event programs. The member school will take appropriate actions to notify its student athletes, coaches and participants of this provision."
For more information about the Illinois Elementary School Association please go to: www.iesa.org
POLICIES REGARDING PARENTS
As a parent of an athlete participating in Mattoon Middle SchoolAthletics, I agree to conduct myself according to the following rules/expectations:
A. I will support my son/daughter by getting them to practices and contests on time and picking them up directly after the event or practice has ended.
B. I will support my son/daughter’s teammates by cheering for them at contests.
C. I will encourage my son/daughter to talk to the coach on their own behalfbefore expecting me to make the contact.
D. When I have concerns regarding my son/daughter I will contact the coach and set up an appointment to discuss these concerns. It is discouraged for a parent to approach a coach directly following a contest. Coaches have been encouraged by the Athletic Director not to participate in matters of conflict following contests.