Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School Athletic Dept

Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School Athletic Dept.

Coach’s Policy and Procedure Manual

Page 1 of 24

2014-15

Hamilton-Wenham Athletics

Policy & Procedure Manual

Philosophy of Hamilton-Wenham Athletics

Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School is a proud member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and Cape Ann League (CAL) whose primary purposes are to organize, regulate and promote interscholastic athletics for the secondary schools of Massachusetts. Membership requires that Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School agrees to abide by the rules of these Associations’ governing activities.

At Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School, the interscholastic athletic program is an integral part of the students'total education and development. It is in our athletic program that we strive to develop the student-athlete and our teams to the best of his/her/their ability. Our programs help to mold character and develop self-control, self-direction, personality traits and social patterns which will better prepare our students for adult life. We emphasize becoming a great teammate and being accountable to one another, good sportsmanship and the spirit of fair play in all our athletic contests. The influence of athletics on the overall school environment contributes significantly to our students'education.

It is the responsibility of our coaches, student-athletes and their parents to become familiar with our athletic handbook which presents the policies and procedures of the athletic department. We encourage all students to participate in our athletic program and to abide by the rules established by the MIAA, CAL and Hamilton-Wenham Public Schools.

There are many interscholastic athletic teams at the High School in which students may participate if they meet the academic and physical guidelines set forth by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and the administration of Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School. These sports activities are open to any student who wishes to participate, with the understanding that some teams have a limited number of persons per team, while others have an unlimited roster. "No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges and courses of study in such public school on account of race, color, sex, religion, natural origin, or sexual orientation." (Chapter 622 of Massachusetts General Laws)

VISIONTo enrich the lives of all student-athletes through the values of teamwork and competition. Our student-athletes will learn and appreciate the intricacies of their sport, while always representing our families, community school, and teams with the highest levels of character, class, and excellence.

MEMBERSHIPHamilton-Wenham Regional High School’s athletic program is a part of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). Without exception, all of our teams will follow the rules and guidelines established by the MIAA. Please see MIAA Rule Book on-line at:

Additionally, Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School is a proud member of the Cape Ann League. Each conference is governed by the MIAA and its own Constitution. A copy of the league’s Constitution is available for your review in the athletic office and on the athletic website.

HWRHSThe Athletic Dept. Policies and Procedures are meant tocompliment any

STUDENTguideline set forth in the HWRHS Student Handbook and further detail

HANDBOOKsituations pertaining to Athletics. If and when there is an inconsistency between the two documents, the HWRHS Handbook would take priority.

GOALS FORFor Coaches: In addition to fulfilling the visions of the Athletic

PLAYERSDepartment, a Hamilton-Wenham Coach will strive to…

& COACHES

Create a positive and memorable experience that will be

cherished by the Student-Athlete for the rest of his/her life.

Teach the unquestionable truth that 2+2=5. The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.

Teach the specific and unique skills of each sport to the very best of our abilities by using all means, methods, and resources available to us.

Teach the skill of competition and always put the Program in the best situation to succeed both in the present and the future.

For Players: In addition to fulfilling the visions of the Athletic

Department, a Hamilton-Wenham Athlete will strive to…

Learn the incredible value of what it means to be a great teammate and be accountable to others.

Maximize his or her potential through daily attendance at practice, accepting constructive coaching, and always being open to learning the nuanced intricacies of their sport.

Compete as hard as they can while always remembering to represent our families, school, community, and teams with the highest level of character, class, and excellence.

Embrace their leadership role as sons and daughters, teammates, classmates, and members of the Hamilton-Wenham community both on and off the fields / courts.

Special Note: Participation in the athletic program is not a right, but a privilege. Therefore, it is imperative that all students taking part in the athletic program understand these goals and conform to the rules therein, and that the coaches of the sport and activity, along with the Athletic Director shall have every right to remove these privileges.

TEAMS

Please note, sub varsity teams are dependant on number of participants in that sport. Further, HWRHS will

offer Wrestling (Danvers), Girl’s Hockey (Masco) and Boy’s Hockey for returnees (Salem) through co-

operative agreements with local schools.

Season / Sport / Comp. Levels / Start Date / Target # of Games
Fall / Cheerleading / Varsity / August 25, 2015 / 3
Girl’s Cross Country / Varsity / August 21, 2014 / 10
Boy’s Cross Country / Varsity / August 21, 2014 / 10
Field Hockey / Varsity / August 21, 2014 / 18
Field Hockey / Junior Varsity / August 21, 2014 / 16-18
Football / Varsity / August 18, 2014 / 10-11
Football / Junior Varsity / August 18, 2014 / 8
Golf / Varsity / August 21, 2014 / 14-16
Soccer – Girl’s / Varsity / August 21, 2014 / 18
Soccer – Girl’s / Junior Varsity / August 21, 2014 / 16
Soccer – Girl’s / Freshmen / August 21, 2014 / 14
Soccer – Boy’s / Varsity / August 21, 2014 / 18
Soccer – Boy’s / Junior Varsity / August 21, 2014 / 16
Soccer – Boy’s / Freshmen / August 21, 2014 / 14
Volleyball / Varsity / August 21, 2014 / 20
Volleyball / Junior Varsity / August 21, 2014 / 18-20
Winter / Basketball – Girl’s / Varsity / December 1, 2014 / 20
Basketball – Girl’s / Junior Varsity / December 1, 2014 / 18-20
Basketball – Girl’s / Freshmen / December 1, 2014
Basketball – Boy’s / Varsity / December 1, 2014 / 20
Basketball – Boy’s / Junior Varsity / December 1, 2014 / 18-20
Basketball – Boy’s / Freshmen / December 1, 2014 / 16-18
Gymnastics / Varsity / December 1, 2014 / 6-8
Ice Hockey – Boy’s / Junior Varsity / December 1, 2014 / 12-14
Indoor Track – Girl’s / Varsity / December 1, 2014 / 8
Indoor Track – Boy’s / Varsity / December 1, 2014 / 8
Swimming / Varsity / December 1, 2014 / 6-8
Spring / Baseball / Varsity / March 16, 2015 / 20
Baseball / Junior Varsity / March 16, 2015 / 18-20
Lacrosse – Girl’s / Varsity / March 16, 2015 / 20
Lacrosse – Girl’s / Junior Varsity / March 16, 2015 / 18-20
Lacrosse – Boy’s / Varsity / March 16, 2015 / 20
Lacrosse – Boy’s / Junior Varsity / March 16, 2015 / 18-20
Softball / JV or Varsity / March 16, 2015 / 16-18
Tennis – Girl’s / Varsity / March 16, 2015 / 14-16
Tennis – Boy’s / Varsity / March 16, 2015 / 14-16
Track & Field - Girl’s / Varsity / March 16, 2015 / 10
Track & Field - Boy’s / Varsity / March 16, 2015 / 10

PLAYERAll students who wish to participate in athletics must meet the

ELIGIBILTYrequirements set forth by the MIAA, which include Medical, Academic, and Age requirements.

Varsity: All students in grades 9 through 12 are eligible to tryout

and participate in Varsity Athletics.

Junior Varsity: All students in grades 9 through 11 are eligible to tryout and participate in Junior Varsity Athletics. However, in the rare circumstances when a Junior Varsity Coach wants to select a junior, the Varsity Head Coach for that sport has the final say on whether or not the athlete makes the JV squad.

Freshman: Only students in grade 9 are eligible to tryout and participate in Freshman Athletics.

Academic Eligibility:

All students who wish to participate in athletics must meet requirements set forth by the MIAA and Hamilton-Wenham.

Fall Sport Eligibility is determined by second semester grades from the previous academic year.

Winter and Spring Eligibility are determined by grades at the close of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Quarter.

When students become ineligible, they will be ineligible to participate in athletic contests until the close of the following quarter where the same guidelines apply.

Special Note: Student Athletes who are academically ineligible may attend practice, games, or meetings along with other team members. However, while students may attend games as would any other spectator, they may not travel with the team and/or sit on the bench.

Please be aware that Head Coaches have the final say in permitting ineligible athletes to be a part of any team activities. Should a coach not allow an athlete to continue to be a part of the team after they become ineligible, there will be no User Fee refund for that athlete.

Age: All Student-Athletes must be less than 19 years of age on or

before September 1st of the school year. For Freshmenlevel sports, student-athletes must be less than 16 years of age on or before September 1st of that year.

PLAYERMedical Eligibility: All students who wish to tryout for Athletics must

ELIGIBILTYhave their parents fill out all required information on the Family ID Registration Page.

Before being able to participate in any tryout or practice, potential student-athletes must also have an up to date physical on file with the School Nurse. An up to date medical record is defined as having had a signed & completed physical examination within 13 months of any given day of that season.

For example: It is possible that a student-athlete would begin a season with an up to date physical but then have that physical expire during the course of the season.

Transfer Eligibility, International Student, Alternative School Plan

Students who transfer from another High School to Hamilton-Wenham, arrive here as an International Student, and/or have an approved, alternative school plan will very likely require an MIAA Waiver before being allowed to compete in an Interscholastic scrimmage or game.

The Athletic Office will work with players and coaches in all such cases. Please note, this approval process generally takes a week to a month depending on the complexities of the situation. The earlier the office is notified, the more the situation can be handled in a timely manner.

ANTI -At the beginning of every season, Head Coaches for every team at every

HAZINGlevel will provide meaningful lessons and school policies regarding this

POLICYterribly disturbing trend in high school athletics. Once such conversations take place, Head Coaches will sign, in accordance with State Law, the form titled: Annual Statement of Acknowledgement for Student Groups, Teams, and Organizations Anti-Hazing Law

Massachusetts Law - Chapter 269, Section 17

Crime of Hazing, Definition, Penalty

Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one-year, or both such fine andimprisonment.

The term hazing as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mentalhealth of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical

ANTI-health or safety of any such student or person, or which subjects such HAZING student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended POLICY deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action. Added by St. 1985, c.536;amended by St. 1987, c.665.

Massachusetts Law - Chapter 269, Section 18

Duty to Report Hazing

Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime, shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate lawenforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars. Added by St. 1985, c. 536; amended bySt. 1987, c. 665.

Massachusetts Law - Chapter 269, Section 19

Statutes to be Provided to Student Groups; Compliance Statement and Discipline Policy Required

Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of postsecondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an institution issue copiesof this section and section seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, team or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’s recognition’s or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams, or organizations. Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team, or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested

acknowledgment stating that such group, team, or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and thatsuch group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen. Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post-secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full-time student in

ANTI-such institution a copy of thissection and sections seventeen and HAZING eighteen.

POLICY

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post-secondary education shall file, at least annually,

a report with the regents of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such

institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full-time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institutionhas adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers a participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forthwith appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution’s policies to its students. The board of regents and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report. Added by St. 1985, c.536; amended by St. 1987, c.665.

HWRHSMassachusetts law mandates that all MIAA schools develop regulations CONCUSSION to implement the policies including: I. educating coaches, athletes and POLICY their parents about concussions, II. the documentation of student athlete's past head injuries, III. requirements for taking a student athlete out of competition or practice, and certification for "return to play".

The Hamilton Wenham Regional High School plan for compliance:

EDUCATION:

Prior to each athletic season, the athletic department will issue a Connect-Ed message informing parents and students on how to stay up to date on concussion issues via the following two websites; or

At the mandatory meeting, prior to each season, the athletic director will verbally remind all parents and students to go online to educate themselves on concussions.

On the online parent consent form to participate in athletics, each parent will sign off that they have been made aware of how to obtain the online concussion information.

The athletic department will require our coaches and trainer to take the National Federation of High Schools’ online course on an annual basis.

HWRHSII. COLLECTING HISTORY

CONCUSSION

The online registration form will require that any student athlete with a previous head injury note that injury and relevant information and that the HWRHS athletic trainer receive such information prior to the start of the season.

At the time of any subsequent head injuries, the trainer will record the incident on the state form.

At the end of the year, the trainer will submit all information collected to the state as required by law.

III. PRACTICE GAME SITUATIONS

The HWRHS coaches and certified Athletic Trainer will be educated to understand the following new policy for game/practice situations:

When a student has suffered, or is suspected of having suffered, a concussion during a game or practice, the student MUST be removed from play or practice. The law is clear that a student who may have signs or symptoms of a concussion may not return to the same game or practice. When symptoms are thought to be a potential concussion, the law also requires that student athletes be certified for return to play and / or practice by a physician.

Please note: It is possible that a medical professional would say that symptoms are not in line with a possible concussion and that the athlete may return to play the next day.

When a student is diagnosed with a concussion (or possible concussion), the following personnel will be contacted; the trainer will notify the Athletic Director and the nurse, the nurse will notify the guidance department and theadministration, the guidance counselor will contact the teachers of the student athlete. It is also true that when the player returns to play after the graduated return to play process (next paragraph), the same people are notified. Student-Athletes who have returned to play will not likely be afforded academic aid in completing work or tests.