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Milton Athletic Program
Coaching Handbook
Great Schools. Strong Community. Successful People.
Table of Contents
Introduction of the Milton Athletic Program2
Philosophy2
Mission Statement3
Sportsmanship3
Coaching Expectations and Conditions of Employment4
General Coaching Principles4
Code of Conduct for Coaches5
Certification of Coaches5
Coaching Duties and Responsibilities5
Program Ownership6
Team Rules6
Administrative Procedures6
Team Rosters6
Mailboxes6
Reports7
Athletic Equipment7
Purchase Orders7
Storage7
Securing Milton7
Coaches Evaluation System8
Athletic Department8
List of Athletic Activities8
Contact Information9
Communication Plan9
Athletic Department Responsibilities10
Facility Usage and Rental11
Athletic Program Rules, Procedures, and Guidelines12
Code of Conduct for Athletes12
Enrollment12
Duration of Competition and Age12
Member School to Member School Program13
Transfer Rules13
Online Registration13
Sports Physical 13
Insurance13
Athletic Pledge13
Concussion Information13
Participation Eligibility13
School Attendance13
Team Attendance13
High School Academic Eligibility14
Middle School Academic Eligibility (Athletic Club)15
Conduct Detrimental to the Program15
Team Selection and Levels of Participation16
Changing Sports16
Table of Contents (continued)
Varsity Captains16
Practice and Games17
10 Practice Rule17
Announcements17
Early Dismissal17
Cancellations17
Injuries or Accidents17
Remittance to Athletic Activity18
Athletic Trainer(s)18
Concussions18
Locker Room and Weight Room18
Dress and Jewelry19
Buses and Transportation19
Overnight Trips19
Drug and Alcohol Policy19
FERPA Obligations20
Anti-Hazing, Harassment and Bullying Policy20
Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect22
Cyber Images22
Conflicts with Co-Curricular Activities22
Awards23
Team Functions23
Code of Conduct for Parents and Families24
Booster Club and Fundraising24
Off Season24
Out of Season24
Summer Recess25
Open Gyms25
Athletic Program Forms25
Return to Learn/Play Protocol27-28
Welcome to Milton Athletics!
Athletic Department Philosophy
The Milton Athletic Department recognizes the value of participation in athletic activities and that it is an integral part of the educational program, which places a high priority on academic excellence. The Athletic Department encourages all students to participate in, as many different, interscholastic activities, as possible, because it offers a positive and meaningful experience that will enhance the growth and development of all the students who participate.
Our athletic teams will always strive to win, but never will winning be given priority over the genuine concern for the overall welfare of the individual student athletes. There will be emphasis placed on excellence, effort, player development, and respect for all Milton athletic programs, in addition to open communication and mutual respect among school administration, teachers, coaches, students, parents, and officials.
Milton Athletic Department recognizes that participation on an athletic team is a privilege and not a right. High standards of conduct will be expected of students, coaches, and parents at all times to uphold traditions that have been established over many years, by many people who have committed themselves to excellence.
We believe that athletic competition provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences, not just for the active participants, but for the whole student body and community. Athletic competition adds to our school spirit, provides enjoyment and fun, and helps all students, spectators and participants to develop pride and unity in their school and community.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Milton Athletic Department is to provide student athletes with an opportunity to compete, successfully, in an athletic program that develops their athletic abilities, to full potential, in an environment that prioritizes the welfare of all student athletes and promotes high academic standards, in addition to the development of leadership capabilities and unity among each other and within their community.
Sportsmanship
Milton Town School District is committed to the ideals of good sportsmanship and fair play. It is expected that all
persons show respect to opposing teams, game officials, and each other while at Milton athletic events.
The Athlete
●Demonstrates self-control and respect for others at all times be they officials, coaches, spectators, or other athletes.
●Deals with opponents with respect. Shake hands after the competition and congratulate them on their performance.
●Respects the integrity and judgment of the officials.
●Complies with all rules and regulations of the game.
●Accepts victory with grace and defeat with dignity.
●Remembers that improper behavior while in uniform reflects poorly upon yourself, your school, and your community.
The Coach
●Promotes good sportsmanship by setting a positive example.
●Respects the integrity and judgment of the sports officials.
●Approaches competition as a healthy and constructive exercise, not as an event that requires victory at any price.
●Recognizes that the participants are young men and women with limitations who are capable of making mistakes.
●Avoids the use crude or abusive language with players, opponents, officials, or spectators.
●Instructs the players in the elements of good sportsmanship and removes players from competition who demonstrate unsportsmanlike behavior.
●Avoids behavior that will incite players, opponents, or spectators.
The Spectator
●Cooperates with referees and school officials.
●Demonstrates no objectionable cheers, unsafe, or unsportsmanlike behavior.
●Is aware that smoking, drugs, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on school grounds.
●Directs all energies to encouraging your team.
●Avoids actions which offend visiting teams or individual players.
●Shows appreciation of good play by both teams.
●Learns the rules of the game, in order, to be a more informed spectator.
●Treats all visiting teams in a manner, in which, you would expect to be treated.
●Accepts the judgment of coaches and officials.
●Encourages other spectators to participate in the spirit of good sportsmanship.
●Stays positive.
Coaching Expectations and Conditions of
Employment
The success of our athletic program will depend upon our ability to secure the services of highly qualified and motivated coaches. All coaching positions are yearly appointments and there is no tenure as far as these positions are concerned. Each coach, will be evaluated annually by the Athletic Director and a satisfactory evaluation will be essential for continuation in that position for the next school year.
The Milton Athletic Department believes that interscholastic athletic competition should be fun, but that it must also be a significant part of an educational program. We believe that those who coach student athletes are, first and foremost, teachers who have a duty to assure that the essential elements of character-building are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and ethical values. Finally, we believe that sincere and good efforts to honor this code will improve the quality of our programs and the well being of our student athletes.
General Coaching Principles
- Competence
Coaches must strive to maintain high standards of excellence in their work. They must recognize the boundaries of their particular competencies and the limitations of their expertise. They must provide only those services and use only those techniques, for which, they are qualified by education, training or experience. Coaches must exercise careful judgment and take appropriate precautions to protect the welfare of those with whom they work. They must maintain a working knowledge of relevant coaching and educational information related to the services they render and must recognize the need for ongoing education. Coaches must make appropriate use of scientific, professional, technical, and administrative resources.
- Integrity
Coaches must seek to promote integrity in the practice of coaching. Coaches must be honest, fair, and respectful of others in describing or reporting their qualifications, services, or products and not make statements that are false, misleading or deceptive. Coaches must strive to be aware of their own belief systems, values, needs and limitations, and the effect of those on their work.
- Professional Responsibility
Coaches must uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify their roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their behavior, and adapt their methods to the needs of different athletes. Coaches must consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other coaches and administration to the extent needed to serve the best interest of their athletes.
- Respect of Participants and Dignity
Coaches must respect the fundamental rights, dignity, and worth of all participants. Coaches must be aware of cultural, individual, and role differences, including those due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status. Coaches must try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors and they must not knowingly participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices.
- Concern for Others’ Welfare
Above all else, coaches must adhere to and set the example of spirit of the game. In their actions, coaches must consider the welfare and rights of their athletes and other participants. When conflicts occur, it is the coaches obligation to attempt to resolve these conflicts and to perform their roles in a responsible fashion that avoids or minimizes harm.
- Responsible Coaching
Coaches must be aware of their ethical responsibilities to the student athletes they coach, to the community and society, in which, they work and live, and to the Milton Athletic Program. Coaches must try to avoid the misuse of their work and to comply with the procedures, rules, and regulations that serve the interest of their sport.
Code of Conduct for Coaches
●Exemplifies the highest moral character, behavior and leadership, adhering to strong ethical and integrity standards. As coach, it is your responsibility to act in a positive manner to show your athletes the proper way to conduct themselves in competitive situations.
●Promotes the entire interscholastic program of the school and directs his or her program in harmony with the total school program.
●Respects the integrity and personality of the individual athlete.
●Does not ask an athlete to do anything that will put their integrity in question.
●Abides by and teaches the rules of the game in letter and in spirit.
●Refrains from arguments with officials or other coaches in front of players and spectators.
●Shakes hands with the officials and opposing coaches before and after the contest.
●Respects the integrity and judgment of game officials. Does not call their integrity into question.
●Treats opponents and officials with respect and hospitality when hosting an event. This includes having proper dressing areas and any pertinent information that could be useful, such as, game schedules and post-game procedures.
●Displays modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat in public and, in talking, with the media. Confines remarks to game statistics and the performance of your team. Never degrades the performance of any participant, coach or officials.
●Be no party to the use of profanity, obscene language, or improper actions, which includes the verbal or physical abuse of participants, coaches, officials or spectators.
Certification
In accordance to the Vermont Principals’ Association, all Varsity and Junior Varsity coaches must be certified in:
●Concussion Courses
●Fundamentals of Coaching
●First Aid (CPR/AED)
All coaches must be certified in Concussion training before the being of their season. Concussion certificates must be renewed every two years.
First year coaches have one full year to complete the certification for Fundamentals of Coaching and First Aid (CPR/AED). If a Varsity and/or Junior Varsity coach is not certified in his/her second year, they will not be eligible to coach at all.
The certification training is available online at .
Coaching Duties and Responsibilities
●The responsibility of a coach is to teach appropriate attitudes, proper habits, knowledge, and skills. The athletic program is designed to enhance academic achievement and should never interfere with opportunities for academic success. Each student athlete should be treated as an individual whose welfare shall be primary at all times. The coach must be aware that he or she serves as a model in the education of the student athlete and, therefore, shall never place the value of winning above the value of character building.
●The coach shall support and enforce school rules for the prevention of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use and abuse, and under no circumstances shall authorize the use of these substances.
●The coach shall be thoroughly acquainted with contest, state, league and local rules, and is responsible for their interpretation to team members. The coach shall abide by the letter and spirit of these rules at all times.
●Hold a pre-season meeting to discuss proper sportsmanship with your athletes and parents. It is your responsibility to help ensure that positive sportsmanship is displayed at sporting events.
●Before and after games, rival coaches should meet and exchange friendly greetings to set the correct tone for the event.
●Coaches are responsible for the proper behavior of their players before, during, and after the contest. Definite corrective action should immediately follow all cases of player misconduct during a contest.
●Coaches are expected to be diligent in attention to routine details of coaching, reports, eligibility rosters, headcounts, etc.
●Primary responsibility for meeting deadlines for tournament applications lies with the coach.
●It is unethical for coaches to scout opponents by any other means than those adopted by the State High School Athletic Association and the league.
●Coaches must update the miltonyellowjackets.org website after each game with the score and a small write up.
Varsity Level Head Coaches
Program Ownership: The Milton Athletic program requires that all head coaches participate in Program Ownership, which involves overseeing the entire program for that specific sport. This includes recommendations of assistants, junior varsity and middle school coaches at the beginning of each season. In order to create a consistent program, collaboration between varsity level coaches and lower levels is necessary.
The Head Coach is responsible for performing an end of the season review with the Junior Varsity and Middle School coaches before the meeting with the Athletic Director.
Team Rules
The Milton Athletic Department requires that all teams abide by the procedures, rules, and regulations that govern our program, in addition to the general school rules and policies. However, each team or coach may have additional team rules or policies that must be approved by the Athletic Director prior to issuing. A coach’s policy regarding any additional team rules could include, but not limited to:
●Unexcused absences or tardiness from practices or game sessions
●Dress code, practice procedures, inappropriate languages, and game time conduct
●Any additional rules not covered in general procedures
Students in violation of any team rules are subject to consequences that the coach and athletic director deem appropriate.
Administrative Procedures
Team Rosters: The Athletic Department needs an updated list of all active participants at least one weekbefore the team's first scheduled games. This list must be correct, neat, organized, and include:
●School name
●Player name
●Uniform number
●Position
●Grade
Mailboxes: Coaches’ mailboxes are located in the Athletic Department. Mail and any other notices will be placed in them. Coaches should check these mailboxes regularly.
Reports:
●Accident Reports
Accident reports must be completed within 24 hours for any player who has been injured during practice or a game and submitted to the Athletic Department. It is necessary that coaches contact Megan Allen, our Athletic Trainer, at (802) 782 - 5853 to inform her about the incident.
●Athletic Contest Reports
At the Varsitylevel, regardless of a win or loss, coaches must call or email game summaries, as soon as possible, to media outlets. (Ideally, within the first half hour after the end of a game). Final scores must also be emailed to the Athletic Department after every game for VPA reporting.
Athletic Equipment
All uniforms and equipment must be collected and an “Inventory of Athletic Equipment” form must be filled out at the end of the season.
The head coach, for each sport, has the direct responsibility for selecting safe and quality equipment for their program. Catalogs can be located in the Athletic Department and the Athletic Director will assist in any way possible.
Selection of Equipment:
●Safety
●Design and Material
●Utility and Durability
●Cost of Maintenance
●Quality and Workmanship
●Source of Supply
●Service and Price
Purchase Orders (PO’s): Coaches are expected to request all necessary items and must be able to justify their use.
A budget worksheet must be prepared for all items that are requested (no later than 15 days after the last game of the season). This will be included in your season ending summary.
All purchases using Student Activity funds (fundraising money) must be requested by using the approved school district purchase order forms. Information showing the cost of items being purchased (quote from company, website, etc.) must be attached to the purchase order form. All forms are located in the Main Office.
After all the necessary forms have been completed, they must be submitted to the Athletic Director for approval. However, if you are requesting a purchase of any item that comes from the Athletic Department funds, it will have to be initiated by the Athletic Director.
Purchase orders are faxed and must include a fax number on the form. Orders CANNOT be placed until purchase orders are fully approved.
Storage: To ensure that all equipment is returned in proper working condition; it is important that all equipment be organized and neatly stored.
Securing Milton
The coaches who use the facilities last and/or are returning from away games must LOCK the locker room, equipment rooms, the training room, all gym doors, and the front doors upon leaving each night or on the weekends. ALL lights must also be shut off. All keys must be returned to the Athletic Department at the end of the season.
Evaluation System for Coaches
The sole purpose of the coaches evaluation system is to improve the quality of our athletic program by recognizing and encouraging the use of successful coaching practices and techniques.