*Please Note Policy Change*

*PLEASE NOTE POLICY CHANGE*

Thomaston High School Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Policy For Student Athletes

Participation in athletics at Thomaston High School is a privilege and not a right. The policy and procedures found herein apply to all CIAC controlled and Non-CIAC controlled Thomaston Athletic Department activities sponsored at Thomaston High School. There will be absolutely no use, consumption, possession, sale or distribution of any quantity of tobacco (including smokeless), alcohol, illegal non-prescription drugs (including steroids, performance enhancers or ergogenic aid), any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate or marijuana.

All students are subject to the Thomaston Board of Education Policy around tobacco, alcohol, drugs and other illegal substances. Thomaston High School athletes are expected to adhere to these board policies in addition to the following:

1.1.1First Violation

• Athletic Director/Coach/Player/Parent Conference
• Minimum two-game/meet/match suspension
• Subject to denial of varsity letter for that sport
• Loss of position of officer or team captain for current and future sports

1.1.2Second Violation

• Athletic Director/Coach/Player/Parent Conference
• Suspension from participating in the sport for the remainder of the season
• Denial of varsity letter for that sport

1.1.3Third Violation

• A student found to have engaged in a third offense within a student’s Thomaston High School career (Grades 7-12) will be prohibited from participating any further in interscholastic athletics and/or other extra-curricular activities for the remainder of the student’s high school career.

Before any “suspension from a team” provided under these rules shall take effect, the student shall be advised of the consequences faced by the coaching staff/administration. This conference shall include the Athletic director, coach, player and the parents/guardians of the student.

All athletes are subject to school policies, which in effect mean if an athlete is serving and in-school or out-of-school suspension, they cannot attend practices or games/meets/matches. In the event that an athlete is suspended from school, the games missed as a result of the suspension will not count towards the game/meet/match suspension of this policy. When the school suspension is over and an athlete is waiting for the two-game suspension to be completed, the athlete will attend practice, and may attend games but not participate.

“SPORT” IS

Nobody has ever been able to say quite what “sport” is.

But life would hardly be the same without it.

Perhaps that’s because sport means a number of opposite

things.

It means fact and fancy. It is as tangible as a baseball

bat and as intangible as a frosty morning; exciting

as a photo finish; serene as an ebb tide.

It is competition, composure, memory, anticipation.

Sport is not all things to all people. But today it is

something in more different ways to more people than it

has ever been before.

It is play for many and work for few.

It is what no one has to do and almost everyone wants to do.

It represents on the one hand, challenges willingly

accepted, and on the other hand, gambits willingly

declined.

The colors are as bright as a cardinal’s feathers, as soft

as midnight on a mountain trail.

It is as loud as Yankee Stadium at the climax of a world

series and as quiet as snow.

It is exercise and rest. It is person exuberant and person

content.

Sport is not an act of religion, morals and ideals.

But with all those, it shares values which are at least

humanly high and always highly human.

Sport is a wonderful world.

THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOL’S STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I PAGE

4Athletic participation requirements

5Statement of Purpose

6 Booster Club

7Message from the Athletic Director

8Our school system’s responsibility to you

9The student-athletes and parents responsibility to the school system

PART II

10Due Process

11CIAC Athlete’s Rights of Due Process

12-16CIAC Eligibility Rules

16-18School Districts Eligibility Rules

18Title IX

PART III: GENERAL POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE

19Appropriate Behavior - Expectations of Students

20Hazing 20 Unacceptable Behavior

21a. Substance Use

1. Illegal Activities/Situations

22c. Fighting

22d. Unsportsman-like conduct

23e. Verbal and/or Physical Abuse

24f. CIAC/BL Ejection Policies

25Trying Out for a Team

25Captains Practice

25Eligibility for Practices and Games (Attendance)

25-26Absence policy

26Detention/Suspension Policies

26Responsibility for Equipment

26-27Responsibility Regarding Locker Rooms

27Bus Travel and Trips 27-30 PART IV: ATHLETIC AWARDS

PART V: MEDICAL/HEALTH ISSUES

30Procedures for Reporting Athletic Injuries

30Insurance

31PART VI: Athletic Participation requirements/Physical exams

PART VII: EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION TO EMPOWER YOU REGARDING:

32-35Chemical Education

35-37Nutrition for Athletes

38Information for College-Bound Student-Athletes

PART VIII: GENERAL INFORMATION 39-42

39Sports Programs Offered by Season

39Names and Numbers of Athletic Personnel

39-42 Directions to League/Conference Schools

(high school and middle school directions)

42 A final thought

IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN

OUR ATHLETIC PROGRAM,

THE FOLLOWING MUST BE COMPLETED

BEFORE THE FIRST PRACTICE:

RETURN TO THE NURSE

1. A completed up to date physical form.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS

• To participate in interscholastic athletics, you must pass a physical examination between June 15 and September 1 of the current year and file the completed form with the school nurse. Physical examinations are good for a one year period and must cover the first practice through the end of the season. Physicals must be completed and submitted to the nurse prior to participating in any practice, scrimmage, or game.
• Dates will be offered during the summer at Thomaston High School for physicals at a reduced fee. An appointment must be made with the school nurse for these physicals.

These physicals are available to any student-athlete at Thomaston High School.

RECEIVE FROM THE COACH, ATHELTIC DIRECTOR

1. An eligibility/emergency card for each sport you participate in.

2. Concussion form

3. Pay for play payment form

RETURN TO THE COACH

1. An eligibility/ emergency information card filled out completely and signed by parents/guardians and student athletes handed to your coach.

2. Any special waiver forms.

3. Pay for play payment form with payment.

4.Signed concussion form.

• Remember that physicals are to be completed between June 15 and September 1 of the current year!

THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAM

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

A comprehensive and balanced interscholastic athletic program is an integral part of the total educational process. While the high school athletic program serves as an arena for the student-athlete to display his/her talents, student-athletes must, in turn, be willing to accept the responsibility to self, to team, and to school. The value of athletics as an educational tool provides opportunities for mastery of established learning outcomes and existing skills. The student-athlete will demonstrate self-discipline, emotional control and the ideals of good sportsmanship. The student-athlete will be given opportunities and experiences to develop a healthy self-esteem. Through group participation, the student-athlete will develop appreciation for fitness, fun and wellness. The student-athlete will demonstrate ethical qualities and be capable of taking his/her place in modern society. Participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege, not a right.

Booster Club

Thomaston High School athletic teams are sponsored by the Thomaston Golden Bear Booster Club. The Booster Club is made up of parents of student athletes; as well as friends of the Thomaston High School athletic teams. They are a vital part of our athletic program as they raise funds to finance many projects that the athletic department cannot afford to pay for. They also sponsor and provide food as well as awards for our Athletic Awards nights. Without them, these special nights cannot happen. They need your help; be it spending one night a year selling food at basketball games or by being involved in every aspect of their fundraising. They have monthly meetings that anyone can attend and give input to the club. If you’re interested in helping, please feel free to call the athletic department for information at 860-283-3030 Ext. 14345.

Dear Student-Athlete,

Welcome to the Thomaston Public School’s Interscholastic Athletic Program. We at Thomaston truly believe that athletics are an important part of the total educational opportunity offered. However, as a student-athlete in our system, you need to be aware of the responsibilities and expectations that go along with that privilege. The purpose of this handbook is to do precisely that.

For the privilege of participating in athletics in the Thomaston Public School system, every athlete must realize that more is expected of athletes than any other student. As an athlete in Thomaston, you are a role model and you will be expected to make many sacrifices. Please read the following information very carefully.

After reading this handbook and determining that you are willing to live by all the rules and expectations, I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy yourself and benefit from your participation. On the other hand, if you feel the rules are too demanding, if you feel you will not be able to say “NO” when pressured by friends to break the rules, if you feel the price is too great, if you feel your personal rights are too sacred to conform to the demands, please do not plan to be a member of an athletic team at Thomaston High School.

Remember, when you are competing for your respective school, you are not only representing yourself, but also your parents, your school, and your community. Please act accordingly.

Have a great year, but above all, HAVE FUN!

Sincerely,

AJ Bunel & Alex Sconziano

Directors of Athletics

5

THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOL’S

RESPONSIBILITY TO YOU:

To promote student/athlete self-esteem that reinforces

a positive attitude.

To provide leadership and supervision that stresses:

self-discipline, self-motivation, work ethics,

excellence in both academics and athletics, the ideals

of good sportsmanship.

To develop the skills of the athlete by teaching

fundamentals in an effort to reach athlete’s potential.

To provide coaches who, as teachers, will carry out the

statement of purpose.

To provide a rewarding athletic experience for

students.

To develop an understanding of physical fitness and

wellness appropriate to an adult life.

To promote an attitude whereby all of our athletic

teams (men’s and women’s) are supported and developed

equally.

To provide a focus of interest on programs for student,

faculty, and community that will generate a feeling of

unity and school pride.

To provide drug and alcohol awareness programs for

athletes and parents.

To provide adequate medical training for athletic

staff.

THE STUDENT-ATHLETE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO THE

SCHOOL SYSTEM:

You are an ideal student-athlete when you:

• stand at attention for the National Anthem;

• keep all aspects of the training contract;

• work to get into top physical condition;

• learn all the rules of the game;

• dress appropriately on game days;

• offer a hand in friendship to an opponent;

• never berate an official;

• never boo or harass an opponent, whether on the

field or in the stands;

• respect and appreciate support received from all fans;

• in every athletic contest, try to be the best you can be.

How do you measure up? Most student-athletes do most of these well, most of the time. But our goal is perfection; we have a long way to go, and only you can get us there.

1.1.3.1PARENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO STUDENT ATHLETES AND THE SCHOOL SYSTEM

• Insist on good grades. Please be active in your son’s or daughter’s education.
• Provide your son or daughter the opportunity to attend all practices and competitions.
• Support expectations and guidelines. Know and support the expectations of your son or daughter in the athletic program.
• Know and understand the rules and expectations your son or daughter has committed to.
• Be aware and accept the consequences administered if a violation occurs.
• Reinforce the importance of good nutrition, appropriate rest, academics and time management.
• Give the coach the respect you would any other individual in their position.
• Support the coach by respecting their decisions both publicly and privately.
• Leave the skill instruction, role responsibilities and strategy decisions to the coach. Players need to have one instructional voice.
• Never berate an official.
• Never boo or harass an opponent, whether on the field or in the stands.

DUE PROCESS

“Lines of Communication”

Please follow the appropriate chain of command—Complaints outside this chain will not be considered or addressed by the Athletic director, Administration or the Thomaston Board of Education. These are the steps to be followed until resolution of the problem/issue.

1. Athlete talks to coach.
2. Athlete and parent talk to coach.
3. Athlete and parent talk to Athletic Director.
4. Athlete and parent talk to the Principal.
5. Athlete and parent talk to the Superintendent.
6. Athlete and parent talk to the Board of Education.

DUE PROCESS

Participation in the interscholastic athletic program is a privilege, not a right. In the event, a student-athlete chooses to violate any rule or regulation set forth by the school district, due process is required. Due process involves the following steps:

1. The coach/administration states the violation.

2. The student-athlete and/or parent have the

opportunity to respond.

3. Any necessary investigation/discussion follows.

4. The decision is rendered with the appropriate

consequences as stipulated within the student-

athlete handbook on school policies.

In the event a student-athlete or parent/guardian has a

concern, it should be submitted in writing within 2 school

days and addressed through the following process:

1. Head Coach

2. Athletic Director

3. Principal

4. Superintendent

5. Board of Education

Following is the ATHLETE’S RIGHTS OF PROCESS as stated by the CIAC Bylaws and your rights under those Bylaws.

THE CONNECTICUT INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

30 REALTY DRIVE, CHESHIRE, CONNECTICUT 06410

TELEPHONE (203) 250-1111/ FAX (203) 250-1345

To CIAC Student Athletes:

The CIAC has provided this document so that you, the student athlete, might have the means to be informed both of the CIAC Bylaws and your rights under those Bylaws. This is also your personal copy of the rules of Eligibility and Control with which all member schools and their athletes are required to comply. You and your parents or legal guardian are strongly urged both to read this document carefully to acquaint yourselves with the important information it contains, and to save it for future reference. This document does not purport to list all CIAC athletic policies. Those can be found in the CIAC Handbook, a copy of which has been distributed to all member high schools.

ATHLETES’ RIGHTS OF DUE PROCESS

There may be a time when, because of special personal circumstances, an athlete either commits an act, or fails to perform a duty, which results in his/her being declared ineligible to compete in a high school sport. In some cases, exceptions to the eligibility rules can be granted. All athletes have the right to the due process procedures listed below in seeking to have their eligibility restored.

Step 1. The athlete should first discuss the matter with the appropriate coach or athletic director. If it is felt that the circumstances for the case warrant a request for the exception to the rule, the high school principal should be so informed.

Step 2. The high school principal then requests in writing to the CIAC Eligibility Committee that the matter be examined and an exception granted. Address of the Committee: 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT 06410.

Step 3. The CIAC Eligibility Committee will examine the facts of the case at its next regular meeting. If the situation is such that the matter be resolved before the next regular meeting, an emergency meeting will be called. The Committee has the right to require that medical reports and/or other relevant documentation be provided.

Step 4. If the Eligibility Committee decides that the circumstances of the case merit an exception, it will be granted and the athletes’ eligibility will be restored subject to the approval of the Board of Control. If in the judgment of the Committee no exception is warranted, it will be denied and the student’s ineligibility will continue in force for the period required in the regulations. In no case of denial of an exception is the decision of the Committee communicated to the CIAC Board of Control, so that should the athlete decide to take his case further in the procedure of due process no information concerning the case will have been made available to the next higher authority in the due process procedure. This protects the athlete’s right to a full, unprejudiced hearing.

Step 5. In the case where request for an exception is denied by the Committee, the athlete has the right, through the high school principal, to request that an appeal of the Committee’s decision be made to the CIAC Board of Control. The principal then initiates such request, addressed to the Executive Director, CIAC, 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT 06410. This request must be made within fourteen(14) days of the ruling of the Eligibility Committee.

Step 6. The CIAC Board of Control will hold a full hearing on the matter in timely fashion. At that time, the athlete, his/her parents, representatives of the school and any other persons the athlete feels may help to present his/her case may appear and present evidence before the CIAC Board. The Board has the right to require presentation of medical reports or other relevant documentation.

Step 7. The CIAC Board of Control will, after a full hearing and proper consideration of the facts of the case, render its decision, either to grant the requested exception or to uphold the ruling of the Eligibility Committee. If the exception is granted, the athlete’s eligibility is restored immediately and retroactively. If it is denied, the student’s ineligibility remains in force for the period required in the regulations.

In all matters of athletic eligibility, the decision of the CIAC Board of Control is final and binding on all parties.