Jacksonville Commons Middle School Athletic Department

Jacksonville Commons Athletic Code of Conduct

Participation in the athletic programs at Jacksonville Commons Middle Schools is considered an honor and a privilege that entails obligation to the school and community. All students who wish to participate in athletics must pass a current physical examination signed by an M.D., D.O., Physician’s Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner and have it on file with the athletic director prior to the first practice. Student athletes must also meet the eligibility requirement set forth by Jacksonville Commons Middle School. The coaches shall review the Code of Conduct with their teams at the beginning of each season. The student athlete and his/her parent/guardian must sign a copy of the Code of Conduct and file it with the athletic director before the students will be eligible to practice. This signed copy will remain on file and be in effect for the duration of the student’s enrollment. Suspensions, probations, or removal from athletics will not carry over from Jacksonville Commons Middle School to a future high school.

The Jacksonville Commons Middle School Athletic Code of Conduct handbook is a reference guide for coaches, student-athletes, and parents, concerning the policies that govern interscholastic athletics at Jacksonville Commons Middle School.

Academic Requirements.

1)During a season a student must be passing 5 of 6 classes in orderto practice and compete in games. Eligibility will be checked at the beginning of each sports season.

2)In the event that a student is passing less than 5 classes, he/she will be ruled ineligible until academics improves.

3)If ineligible, a student will not participate in any athletic functions and will attend tutoring sessions until academics improve.

Attendance Requirements

1)Student athletes must attend school on the day of a contest for at least 3 hours to be eligible tocompete in contest or practice.

The athleticdirector may waive this requirement for reasons such as school activities, funerals etc.

2) Suspensions, unexcused absences, and detentions are all reasons for an athlete to be exempt from competition on that particular day.

Drugs and Alcohol

1) No drinking of any alcoholic beverages, minor in possession of alcohol, or any alcohol related violations/offenses/situations. 2) No use or possession of mind altering drugs or illegal substances. 4) No smoking, use or possession of tobacco products. 5) No use or possession of any performance enhancing drugs, substances, or supplements, (i.e. Steroids, Ephedra, Synephrine, Human Growth Hormone, etc.)

Violation of School Policies

  • Detentions

-Any student who is issued an after school or before school detention will miss the next scheduled athletic event.

-Any student who is issued an after school or before school detention for the second time will miss one week of athletic events, suspension will begin on the day detention is to be served.

-Any student who is issued an after school or before school detention for the third time will be excused from their perspective team.

  • Suspensions

-Any student who is issued ISS will be suspended from athletics for one week, suspension begins the day ISS is served. This includes practice and games.

-Any student who is issued ISS for the second time will be excused from their perspective team.

-Any student who is issued OSS will be excused from their perspective team.

Policy Implementations

  • Violation of Athletic Code of Conduct occurs
  • Athletic Director/Coach notifies student and parent of violation, and consequences
  • If parents choose to appeal the consequences, they must contact the Athletic Director within 3 days of the notification.
  • Athletic Director will schedule a meeting with the Principal, Coach, Athlete, and Athletic Director.
  • Final decision on the violation will be decided on by the Principal and Athletic Director.

Philosophy of Athletics

We believe that Jacksonville Commons Athletics teach our student-athletes many life lessons and are an important part of our overall educational program. Therefore, we encourage all students to participate by offering a well-rounded athletic program. This provides the opportunity for athletes to learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, self-discipline, community service, and leadership, which are integral lessons in the educational process. We expect three things from all of our student-athletes:

  1. Follow the Jacksonville Commons Athletic Code of Conduct.
  2. Have a positive attitude.
  3. Perform in the classroom.

Message to Players and Parents/ Guardians

Parents: Your child has indicated a desire to participate in Jacksonville Commons voluntary interscholastic athletic program. Students are not obligated to play athletics; playing is a privilege and not a right. This privilege may be revoked if the athlete fails or refuses to comply with the rules.

The parents/guardians of student athletes also commit themselves to certain responsibilities and obligations. Your signature on the Jacksonville Commons Athletic Code of Conduct indicates that you understand and accept those responsibilities and agree to abide in enforcing the Code of Conduct. As fans and spectators at athletic events, parents/guardians of athletes play a special role in supporting their child, coach and team. Parents/Guardians are expected to model good sportsmanship at all times during athletic events.

Players: When you wear the Maroon and Gold as an athlete, you are expected to understand the traditions and responsibilities they represent. In every situation, participation in our athletic program is regarded as a privilege that is earned through hard work in the classroom and in practice and through adherence to the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct, which is in effect the entire calendar year.

Expectations of Coaches

Jacksonville Commons Middle School has a proud tradition of excellence our coaches have built over the years. Coaches are expected to:

  • Be positive, enthusiastic, supportive, and maintain high standards of ethics, integrity, sportsmanship and leadership.
  • Never use profanity or abusive language at any time.
  • Follow Onslow Counties polices and guidelines for athletics
  • Provide a safe practice and game environment as well as having all practices properly planned.
  • Submit an accident report if any injury occurs during a practice or game.
  • Supervise student athletes at ALL times.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of rules, fundamentals, strategies, and safety precautions.
  • Care for and inventory all equipment before and after the season.
  • Cover the Jacksonville Commons Athletic Code of Conduct with the team during the first week of the season.
  • Turn in all eligibility and rosters to the Athletic Director no more than ten days after the start of the season.

Communication Between Parent and Coaches

We encourage parents to communicate with coaches. Parents and coaches working together can best provide a positive experience for the athlete. Parents with concerns should call to speak to the coach or set up a meeting. In most instances, it is best to have the athlete at any parent/coach meeting. Parents are not to confront a coach at a practice or after a game. Talk to the coach and try to resolve the issue before contacting the Athletic Director.

Communication Between Players and Coaches

It is the philosophy of Jacksonville Commons Athletic Program to have open communication with athletes. Personal problems will be handled one on one, but all other team concerns should be discussed as a team. This type of communication is done for several reasons: * The action of one team member will affect all the other team members. * It will help eliminate rumors and misinformation that can divide a team. * Teammates will learn from each other and this will help eliminate repeat problems.

Communicating with the Media

Coaches, players, and parents are sometimescontacted by the media. In order to represent Jacksonville Commons Middle School in a proper, positive and professional manner; the following guidelines should help in communicating with the media. Defer all requests for comment to coach, athletic director, or school administrator. Be positive with your comments following a contest. Do not make negative remarks about our team or opponents. Do not make excuses (lost because of officials, injured players, long day, tired ets.) Do not refer to team as “they”- it is “we”. Make team comments and less individual comments. Never mention suspension of a team member or an injury.

Complaint Procedure

Step 1: An athlete is advised to meet with his/her coach to resolve any misunderstandings. Step 2: Parents are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the coach if the concern remains unresolved. Step 3: Contact the Athletic Director for a formal meeting. This meeting will include the coach, athlete, parent, and athletic director. Step 4: If the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved by the Athletic Director, the parents may appeal and schedule a meeting with the Principal. The Principal will meet with the parties involved.

Cancellations

Players, coaches, and parents will be notified of cancellations. Please use our school web site for up to date information. Teams will not practice on holidays or school cancellation days.

Insurance

Jacksonville Commons Middle School and Onslow County do not assume financial responsibility for medical, hospital, or ambulance expenses incurred because of athletic injuries. Athletics is a voluntary program, and students participate at their own risk. All parents/guardians are required to sign a Proof of Insurance form before joining a team. Parents/Guardians will be made aware of a supplemental insurance program if they have an interest in purchasing one.

Injuries/Accidents

Insuring the safety and health of all Jacksonville Commons Athletes is the most important job of everyone associated with the Athletic Department. Coaches must use sound judgment and continually monitor athletes during practice and games. Athletes are to report all injuries before they leave practice or game. The following are procedures for coaches:

  • Give no treatment beyond normal first aid
  • EMS or other medical personnel should be contacted for all head injuries and all serious injuries
  • Do not move the athlete unless it is necessary for his/her safety
  • Parent/Guardian should be contacted for all serious injuries.
  • Stay with any athlete who requires medial personnel.
  • Contact the Principal or Athletic Director ASAP.
  • Make every effort to go to the hospital if an athlete is transported
  • If serious injury occurs make follow up calls to athlete and parent.
  • Complete and submit an Incident/Accident Report to the Main Office by the next day. Description of the situation needs to be in writing.

Volunteer Coaches

Volunteer coaches are very important to our programs and have the same expectation as our hired coaches. In addition, these volunteers must be cleared by Onslow County Schools and must meet with thePrincipal and Athletic Director before being approved.

Becoming a Knight

The following must be collected by the coach and turned into the Athletic Director before participation:

1) Physical Card (this must be on file before the first tryout or practice). 2) Code of Conduct (no athlete may practice after the first practice without this turned in). 3) Proof of Insurance (must be turned in before practice or tryouts begin.

National Anthem

Parents, coaches, and athletes are expected to stand and honor our flag during the National Anthem. Coaches will expect athletes to stand perfectly still, remain quiet and always show respect.

Uniforms

Jacksonville Commons teams are expected to be dressed the same from head to toe for all athletic contests. Shirts are to be tucked in. Coaches are required to be dressed up for all game situations(no jeans). Players will also be required to dress up for away games, and may wear their home jersey for home games. Coaches are responsible for the maintenance of the uniforms; coaches will wash, dry and fold all uniforms after each contest. Players are required to return all uniforms immediately following a game (no uniform is to go home with an athlete, expect cheerleading).

Conduct During Athletic Contests

The players not currently on the field/court/mat are an important part of the team and should support teammates who are participation with positive energy. Non-involved athletes or athletes displaying negative attitudes will not be placed in the contest. Coaches will conduct them selves with pride, dignity, and integrity while coaching. Coaches will not yell, grab, or intimidate an athlete when coaching. Athletes are expected to listen to coaches and officials and not comment on officiating calls or coaching strategy. Any athlete who violates this policy will be subject to suspension or removal from their perspective athletic team.

Playing Time

The Jacksonville Commons Athletic Program believes that everyone is an important part of the team and life lessons can be taught to each member regardless of the amount of playing time. Playing time is earned in practice. Coaches will make every effort to play each athlete every game and will attempt to play the athlete as often as possible. Here at Jacksonville Commons Middle School we do not have an equal playing time policy. The goal for each of our programs is compete at the highest level. Playing time will be based on the athlete’s skill, practice attendance, effort and attitude.

Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is a very important part of the Jacksonville Commons Athletic Program. Players, Parents and Coaches all are responsible for maintaining this tradition. Poor behavior by any of the above groups is a reflection on our team, athletic program, school system and our community. Please support our teams in a way that brings pride to Jacksonville Commons Middle School.

Jacksonville Commons Middle School Athletic Department

Jacksonville Commons Athletic Code of Conduct

We, the undersigned, have read, understand, and will abide by the Jacksonville Commons Middle School Athletic Code of Conduct.

______Student Name (Print) Date Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Date

______Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date