INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC TEAM POLICIES

ATTENDANCE

  • Students are expected to be present at all practices and games. Students must attend class to participate in a practice or a game on that day.
  • Athletes may miss practice once without penalty if the athlete communicates with the coach at least one day in advance.

Basketball, Ice Hockey, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Volleyball, and Softball Athletes:

  • An athlete who accrues a second unexcused absence will not be permitted to start in the next game.
  • An athlete who accrues a third unexcused absence will not be permitted to play in the next game, will meet with the Athletic Director, and may be removed from the team.
  • An athlete who misses a game (or part of a game) due to an unexcused absence will not be permitted to play in the next game and will not be eligible to receive a team award or serve as captain.
  • An athlete who is absent (unexcused or excused) from practice the day before a game will not start.

Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Sailing, Squash and Tennis Athletes:

  • An athlete who accrues a second unexcused absence will not be permitted to participate in the next competition.
  • An athlete who accrues a third unexcused absence will not be permitted to play in the competition, will meet with the Athletic Director, and may be removed from the team.
  • An athlete who misses a competition due to an unexcused absence will not be permitted to play in the next competitoin and will not be eligible to receive a team award or serve as captain.
  • An athlete who is absent (unexcused )from practice the day before a race or match will not be able to participate in the next race or match.

Examples of excused and unexcused absences

  • Excused - illness, family emergency, injury and academic conflict (e.g.: retreats or class trips)
  • Unexcused – using practice time to finish academic requirements, college visits, transportation, medical appointments
  • Each coach communicates the consequences for lateness. Any athlete who is chronically late will meet with the Athletic Director and may be suspended or removed from the team.
  • Students travel to and from games and practices with the team unless an advance written request has been receivedand approved by the Director of Athletics.

Uniform/Equipment

  • Athletes must come to practice and games on time and ready to participate with all appropriate equipment and in complete uniform.
  • School warm-up suits are required for all upper school athletes and must be worn to home and away games. Other apparel is not permitted.

Try-Outs

  • Athletes must tryout each season for a position on a team.
  • Positions are limited and cuts may be required.
  • Team rosters are based on skill level, physical fitness, game sense and potential for growth.
  • Teams are not based on grade level or the years a student athlete has played the sport.
  • Coaches select team members based on performance at practices. Individual coaches make these judgments. Coaches often make changes to team rosters throughout the season.

Playing Time

  • Playing time is earned. Attendance is required to all practice and contests.
  • Any playing time concerns should be discussed between the athlete and the coach.
  • Varsity Level
  • Playing time at this level is a privilege and not a right.
  • Athletes are not guaranteed playing time. Coaches determine individual playing time and what position/situation girls play in.

Academics

  • Students on academic probation may be removed from the team.
  • If an athlete needs to make up a test or meet with a teacher they must do it before practice/game or during the day. If there is no time that can be arranged, the athlete should speak to the Athletic Director to be excused from practice. If the athlete does not meet with the Athletic Director it will be considered unexcused.

Students understand that by participating in a team sport they are representing the school. If a player violates school rules, whether at home or away, she will face action by the Honor Committee. Penalties include forfeiting participation in a given number of games, suspension from the team, loss of sports awards, recognition as a team member, and/or the forfeiture of a leadership role as well as other penalties which may be imposed through the Honor Committee process.

Newton Country Day School Athletes…

Understand that representing the school is an honor

Respect self and team

Appreciate teammates

Are serious students

Build community

Have a positive attitude towards teammates, opposing team, coaches and referees

Are flexible

Learn from mistakes

Are team players

Encourage and support each other

Always exercise self-control

HAVE FUN!!!

By signing this document, we (student/parent) understand and will abide by the rules that are set forth by Newton Country Day School Athletic Department.

Athlete’s Name ______Sport ______

(Please Print)

Athlete’s Signature ______Grade ______

Parent Signature ______Date ______