Pendleton County

High School

Athletics Handbook

School Year 2014-15

Table of Contents

Philosophy and Governing Bodies3

Sportsmanship, Attendance, 24-hour rule & Chain of Command4

Awards Reception and PCHS Award Recognition Policy5

Continued PCHS Award Recognition Policy6

Continued PCHS Award Recognition Policy, Players Conduct and Dead Period7

Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Substance Use and Athletic Drug Testing Policy8

Continued Athletic Drug Testing Policyand Academic Eligibility9

Insurance, Sunday Activities, Medical Records, Physicals and

Parent Consent and Players of Multiple Sports10

Participation of Middle School Athletes, Team Pictures & Transfer Students

Transportation11

Team Tryouts, Wildcat Fight Song and Booster Groups12

Booster Groups and Financing (Fundraising, Team Financial Need

In House v Booster Group Accounts)13

Financing (Gate Receipts, Travel and Per DiemAllowances and Athlete Participation Fee),

and Coaches Conduct and Guidelines for PCHS Gym14

Communication with Media, Medical Trainingand Rosters/Schedules15

Rules Clinics, Uniforms, Team Apparel and Griffin Fitness Center16

Locker Room and Coach’s Office Usage, Workers for Sporting Events, Overnight/Out of Town

Trips, Coaching Staff Selection and Game Day Duties/Regulations17

Game Duties/Regulations, Required Paperwork, and Practice Schedules forShared

Facilities18

Inclement Weather Plan, Changes to Handbook and Disclaimer.19

Pendleton County Athletics Social Media Guidelines for Student/Athletes………………….20

Parent/Guardian Drug-Testing Consent Form…………………………………………………..21

Student/Athlete Drug-Testing Consent Form……………………………………………………22

Documents can be accessed at and click on Forms.

Philosophy

Pendleton Co. High School believes that a dynamic program of student activities is vital to the educational development of all students. Athletics enable the student athlete to develop character, a spirit of cooperation and personal discipline. Athletics will provide opportunities for personal instruction and growth. Teamwork, school pride and sportsmanship will be emphasized on all athletic teams. Each program is to strive for increased proficiency and excellence. Winning in any type of competition is an enjoyable and rewarding accomplishment. Yet, winning will not be considered paramount to the school’s other stated goals and purposes. Because developing the individual and involvement are important in competitive events, the coaching staff will utilize as many participants as possible. All programs and participants must comply with the by-laws of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) as well as all regulations of Pendleton County Board of Education and Pendleton Co. High School and Title IX guidelines.

Governing Bodies

Pendleton County High School is a member of the Kentucky High School Athletics Association and is bound by the by-laws and regulations set forth by the KHSAA. You may access the regulations and by-laws of the KHSAA on their website:

Pendleton County High School is under the jurisdiction of the Pendleton County Board of Education and will abide with the regulations set forth by them.

Athletics at Pendleton County High School are subject to the policies of the Pendleton County High School Site-Based Decision Making Council and will abide with all policies set forth by them.

The Principal of Pendleton County High School is responsible for all matters involving athletics at PCHS.

The Athletic Director may serve as the Principal’s Designated Representative for the purpose of conducting the interscholastic programs at PCHS.

The Gender-Equity in Athletics Committee shall periodically review compliance with Title IX regulations in accordance with the standards set forth by the KHSAA.

Policies and Guidelines

1. Sportsmanship

The minimum standard for sportsmanship shall be as outlined in the KHSAA Sportsmanship statement:

THE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FEDERATION AND THE KENTUCKY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION REQUIRE OFFICIALS TO ENFORCE SPORTSMANSHIP RULES. HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS EMPHASIZE POSITIVE VALUES. THE PARTICIPANTS HAVE WORKED HARD TO CREATE A SENSE OF TEAMWORK, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY AND PERSPECTIVE. WE REMIND YOU THAT GOOD BEHAVIOR IS EXPECTED FROM ALL AND THAT MISCONDUCT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. LET THIS COMPETITION RELFECT MUTUAL RESPECT AMONG ALL PARTICIPANTS, OFFICIALS AND FANS. GOOD LUCK, HAVE A GREAT EVENT AND ENJOY THE GREATEST SPORTING EVENT AROUND – A HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC EVENT!

It is the responsibility of Pendleton County High School athletes to represent PCHS in a positive manner at all times.

2.Attendance at School

Students may not attend a school activity or function if they are absent from school on the day of the event, unless they get special permission from the principalprior to the absence.

Students must be in attendance at school for a minimum of ½ day (3 ½ hours) in order to participate in games, practices, fund raisers and any team-related event (dinner, etc.)

Students involved in extracurricular activities (ball games, drama productions, etc.) must be in attendance at school and may not leave school early. The only exception would be a doctor’s appointment, college visit, or by the permission of the principal.

Students on school-sponsored field trips are considered to be in attendance.

3. 24 hour rule

Meetings to discuss a situation in regards to a player should occur 24 hours AFTER a competitive event has occurred. Coaches, players, parents should not meet immediately after games while emotions and adrenaline are still high. Meetings should occur a minimum of 24 hours later when a rational discussion can be held.

4. Chain of Command

Any concerns concerning an athlete’s roles with the team SHOULD START with the athlete meeting with an assistant or head coach. It is imperative that an athlete learn the skill to talk with their coaches that will translate later in life to talking with college professors/advisors or employers/bosses.

Assistant Coaches reports/meets with Head Coach concerning the issue.

Head Coach reports/meets with Athletic Director concerning the issue.

Parent: Only after the athlete has worked through the chain of command may a parent request a meeting with coach(es), Athletic Director, Athletic Administrator, Principal and/or Superintendent.

  1. Awards Reception

An “Awards Reception” is scheduled to honor athletes and recognize their achievements. It is the Athletic Director’s responsibility to organize and execute the Awards Reception. Coaches are required to provide the Athletic Director with a players' list and special awards by a specified date so the AD can procure the awards for the ceremony.

Approved Awards to be given:

  • Senior Awards
  • Academic Awards
  • Varsity specialty Plaques (6 per team – MVP, Most Improved, i.e.)
  • Letters, bars, numerals and patches as outlined in the general awards/honors section.
  • Individuals or teams that win a district, region or state title will be awarded chenille path for the accomplishment.

** Every sport is a little different, but any awards given beyond this must be discussed with and approved by the Athletic Director.

PCHS Award Recognition Policy

Pendleton County High School Athletic Department and the Boosters program provide all athletic awards for the athletes at Pendleton County. All Student Athletes are treated equitably and eligible for all awards regardless of sport or gender.

Any special awards honoring individual and team achievements as well as alumni will be at the discretion of the athletic department.

A. General Awards/Honors:

Letter (P): Determined by the coach thru Varsity competition.

  • Baseball/Fast Pitch participated either on defensively or offensively in 2/3’s of the varsity innings.
  • Competition Cheerleading competed in 50% of the competition.
  • Game Squad Cheerleading competed in 50% of the games the game squad cheered.
  • Golf participated in 50% of the golf matches/tournaments.
  • Tennis participated in 50% of the tennis matches/tournaments.
  • Football competed in 50% of the varsity quarters played.
  • Basketball competed in 50% of the varsity quarters played.
  • Cross Country competed in 50% of the meets.
  • Track competed in 50% of the meets.
  • Volleyball competed in 50% of the volleyball matches.
  • Soccer competed in 50% of the soccer minutes played.
  • Bowling competed in 50% of the bowling matches.

Numerals: For participation only during their freshmen year, athletes are awarded a set a numerals signifying their potential graduating year.

Certificates and Bar: Each participant in each sport receives an official certificate and bar.

Academic: KHSAA Academic All-State First Team Certificates are awarded to each athlete that has a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. KHSAA Academic Honorable Mention All State Certificatesare awarded to each athlete with a 3.25-3.75GPA. PCHS Senior Academic Award is awarded to seniors who have a cumulative 4.0 for their high school career.

Rings: Varsity Team Members on KHSAA Sanctioned State Championship TEAM CHAMPIONS are awarded award rings by the Boosters. (There is a limit of $75.00 for the first, $50.00 for the second and $25.00 for the third ring received by each athlete)

Varsity Specialty Awards: At the Sports Receptions at the end of each season Coaches give out special awards like Most Valuable Player, Most Improved Player, etc. There will be a limit of six awards per team. These are up to the discretion of the coach with the approval of the Athletic Director.

B. Special Awards/Honors:

District Team Championships: Teams who win their district championship will be honored with a banner/sign indicating the year the championship was won. Each additional district championship will be signified with the year it was won. Individual team members will receive a chenille patch

Region Team Championships: Teams who win their regional championship will be honored with a banner with each member’s name hanging at PCHSor home field. Banners for basketball, volleyball and cheerleading will be hung in the main gym. Individual team members will receive a chenille patch.

State Team Championships: Teams who win the KHSAA state championship will be honored with a banner with each member’s name hanging in the main gym or home field.

Individual Region Championships: Individuals who have won region championships, most notably but not exclusively in golf, tennis, wrestling, cross country and track, will be recognized in the main gym lobby in a portion of the trophy case set aside for individual region championships and qualifying for the KHSAA State Tournament.

Individual State Championships: Individuals who have won KHSAA state titles, most notably but not exclusively in golf, tennis, wrestling, cross country and track, will be recognized in the a section of the trophy case set aside to honor their accomplishment.

Retired Jerseys: For their accomplishments as players or their contributions as coaches/supporters, individuals who have a banner hung in their honor will be determined by the meeting of criteria determined by the Athletic Director and Varsity Coach of that sport. The location of the banner should be at the home field of the sport.

Hall of Fame: Each sport can develop a Region Hall of Fame. If a former player, coach or supporter is selected to join the Hall of Fame of their respective sport, they will be honored with a plaque in the front gym lobby. Nomination for Hall of Fame consideration is determined by the Varsity Head Coach of that respective sport. Some sports have not created a Hall of Fame and thus the players are not eligible for this honor. If a player, coach or supporter is chosen to be a member of the KHSAA Hall of Fame, they will be honored with a plaque in the front gym lobby.

Trophy Case: District/Region/State Awards at the varsity level will have a permanent place in the trophy case. Trophies/Awards at the JV/Freshmen level will be displayed in the front office throughout that season, moved to the trophy case for the remainder of the school year. As the class who won the JV/Freshmen trophy graduates from PCHS, the trophy will be removed from the trophy case and awarded to the varsity coach of the respective sport.

  1. Players Conduct

A participant is subject to all athletic department rules and policies as outlined in the student handbook and in other sources of school policy. Participants are also subject to team rules and disciplines as outlined by the coach of each sport. The minimum standards set by the school do not necessarily meet the standards of conduct, dress and appearance expected of athletes and members of specific teams.

Each coach will provide team rules to team participants and the AD setting forth those standards of training, behavior, and appearance, which are in effect for that team. Included will be information about such matters as practice times, vacation practice expectations and personal equipment necessary for participation on that team. These requirements are not necessarily the same from team to team or from coach to coach. This information will be furnished in writing to participants at the beginning of the season. Parent and student acknowledgment of these standards may also be required.

Athletes who have been suspended from school may not practice or compete in the athletic program while under school suspension. A student may be disciplined for violation of the Student Code of Conduct AND the Athletic Code of Conduct arising out of the same incident.

Students whose behavior at an extracurricular activity poses a continuing danger or ongoing threat are subject to immediate removal from the activity.

A participant in the athletic program is a representative of the school. A team member’s personal conduct reflects upon fellow athletes and the school in general. Conduct which might prove detrimental to the athletic program or the school shall be considered a serious breach of discipline and may be considered for denial of participation from a team or the athletic program.

  1. Dead Period

By KHSAA regulations, students may not receive coaching or training from school personnel, and school facilities, uniforms, nicknames, transportation, or equipment shall not be used during this period. Per KHSAA bylaw, the Dead Period is set as June 25th-July 9th.

  1. Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Substance Use Policy

While participants are subject to school rules and policies regarding the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, individual coaches may have team rules as well. The minimum standards set by the school do not necessarily meet the standards as set by each coach.

All events held in the name of PCHS should be held with the strict understanding that no alcohol should be available or present without approval of Superintendent. No alcohol is to be consumed at any KHSAA sanctioned event. This includes “tailgate parties” which may be held on the site of the KHSAA sanctioned event.

Anyone who has consumed enough alcohol so as to impair them in any way is not welcome at any PCHS functions, home or away and may be asked to leave an event at which he/she has already obtained entry. Students are subject to school rules at away events.

  1. Athletic Drug Testing Program

All students who participate in a sport offered at Pendleton County High School or Sharp Middle School must sign a waiver that states they have read the Drug/Alcohol Policy and are aware of the consequences in violating the policy. Waivers have to be signed and turned into the varsity coach before being eligible to participate in the first day of practice, July 15th for Fall Sports, October 15th for Winter Sports and February 15th for Spring Sports. The waiver is in effect for the period of one year from the first day of practice of their sport.

Students and their parent/legal guardian must sign the waiver before they can participate in their sport.

In coordination with the Athletic Drug Testing Program, athletes must attend a drug awareness symposium provided by the school every year prior to their season of competition. The drug awareness seminar is ONLY valid for the school year that it was attended.

Varsity Coaches are responsible for having their players present a signed waiver before the first day of practice and attendance by each player at the Drug Awareness Symposium on the scheduled date for their season. The Athletic Director is responsible for keeping the signed waivers on file for the period of one year and coordinating the date for the Drug Awareness Symposium.

All players and support staff must submit to the Mandatory Drug/Alcohol Test before they participate in a sport for Pendleton High School. After the initial test, their names will be placed in a pool where a random number of names will be selected to submit to the Random Drug/Alcohol Test. Their names will remain in this pool for the length of their waiver period.

The Athletic Director of Pendleton County High School will oversee the administration of the drug/alcohol tests and assign appropriate monitors. The Athletic Director will select testing company.

Breathalyzer will be considered as a Random Test.

The following constitutes a violation of the Drug/Alcohol Policy:

• Mandatory or Random Drug Test Failure