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Concord School

Coaches’ Handbook

2015-2016 Concord School

178 School Street

Concord, VT 05824-9730

Phone 802.695.2550 • Fax 802.695.3311

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Table of Contents

Extra-Curricular Philosophy 3

Statement of Objectives 4

Coaches’ Code of Ethics 5

Fourteen Legal Obligations of a Coach 6

Mandated Reporting 7

VPA Standards 7

Eligibility 8

Rules & Regulations 12

FERPA 12

Title IX 12

Equal Opportunity 12

State Regulations 13

Board Policy 13

Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco 13

Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying 14

Student Medication 15

Concussion Awareness 15

Departmental Rules 16

Dress Code 16

Playing Time 16

Postponement of Games / Practices 16

Practice Requirements 16

Transportation 17

Expectations of Conduct 18

Student Behavior 18

Discipline Issues 18

Athlete Responsibilities 19

Parent & Guardian Responsibilities 19

Sportsmanship 20

Coaching Requirements 22

Coaches Check List 24

Athletic Injury Emergency Plan 25

Concussion Return to Play Progression 26

Athlete Injury Report Form 29

Communication of Athletics Concerns Plan 30

Transportation Consent Sign-Out Form 31

Roster and Uniform Sign-out 32

Athlete Evaluation Form 33

Coaching Evaluation From 34

Practice Plan Template 35

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Concord Athletics Mission

Extra-Curricular Philosophy Concord School is committed to developing young men and women with active and creative

minds, a sense of understanding and compassion for others, and the courage to act on their

beliefs. In partnership with parents and the community, we will provide an environment which

supports the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of students, while

fostering an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of good citizenship.

Athletics are an integral part of the educational program. Their purpose is to provide unique

educational experiences that will contribute to the development of better citizens. Athletics

compliment the work that takes place in the classroom. Emphasis is on teaching life skills

through athletics, in addition to teaching the skills of the sport. Development of the whole

student is at the core of the Concord program.

Athletics provide students’ opportunities to improve fitness and social skills, and to develop as

an individual. They serve as a laboratory where students can cope with problems and

situations similar to those encountered in today's society. With good leadership, students learn

self-discipline, self-motivation, and develop good sportsmanship.

At the middle school level, development of skills, knowledge and understanding of the game,

and conditioning is stressed, while encouraging a positive, winning attitude.

“Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something

they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision.”

-Muhammad Ali, American Boxer

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Statement of Objectives

To present athletics participation as a part of the total educational process and provide

an opportunity for physical, mental, and social growth.

To strive always for playing excellence that will produce winning teams within the

bounds of good sportsmanship, while enhancing the mental health of student-athletes.

To protect, promote, and preserve the health and physical well-being of participating

students. To help students understand and practice the principles of sound health,

safety, and physical fitness.

To provide a program that enhances the curriculum of the school, helping students learn

new skills beyond those acquired in regular classes and to improve upon those already

acquired.

To provide opportunities for students with advanced talents and skills to have extended

experiences.

To give each student the opportunity to be a member of an organized team and to

compete at a level that is consistent with his/her abilities.

To provide students with the opportunity to experience working as a member of a team

in order to achieve a goal, and in the process, to learn that cooperation and competition

are not mutually exclusive concepts.

To give parents and community members an opportunity to see our students work in a

team environment.

To provide a positive image of school athletics at Concord School.

To provide students with the opportunity to exemplify good sportsmanship as a means

for learning good citizenship.

To provide students with the opportunity to experience self-discipline, sacrifice, and

dedication as a means of achieving goals.

To provide students with the opportunity to experience both winning and losing.

Students should come to understand that losing provides opportunities to learn and to

make adjustments.

To demonstrate to students that real, lasting satisfaction comes from doing the job to

the best of one’s ability.

To develop self-confidence and foster a feeling in students that, as individuals, they are

capable of achieving more than they may have thought possible.

To provide students with the opportunity for experience in problem solving, decision

making, and time management.

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Coaches’ Code of Ethics

I hereby pledge to live up to my role as a Concord Coach by following the Concord School Athletics Coaches’ Code of Ethics:

I will place the emotional and physical well-being of players ahead of personal motivations.

I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and

physical development for the same age group.

I will do my best to provide a safe environment for each player to learn, develop and grow as an athlete and individual.

I promise to review and practice basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my

players and ask for help when necessary.

I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.

I will lead by example in demonstrating the values of Concord Athletics such as, fair play, sportsmanship, and effort to all my players.

I will not cheat or engage in any form of unethical behavior that violates Concord

Athletics’ stated mission, guiding values and/or rules.

I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use in all youth sport environments.

I will be knowledgeable in the rules of the sport, and I will teach these rules to my

players.

I will be a continual student of the game and of coaching and implement appropriate games, drills and lessons for all of the skills that I teach.

I will remember that I am a Concord coach, and that I coach to provide a positive

athletics experience for all athletes.

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Fourteen Legal Obligations of a Coach

Over the past 20 years, through thousands of lawsuits, the courts have defined and continue to

define your legal duties as a coach as the following:

1. Properly play the activity

2. Supervise all activities closely

3. Provide a safe physical environment

4. Evaluate athletes for injury or incapacity

5. Provide adequate, safe and proper equipment

6. Teach skills properly and safely

7. Condition your athletes safely and properly

8. Warn of inherent risks

9. Provide appropriate emergency assistance

10. Design and follow an Emergency Response Plan

11. Select, train, and supervise your coaching staff

12. Match your athletes based on skill, age and maturity

13. Provide safe transportation

14. Ensure all athletes have insurance coverage

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Mandated Reporting

EVERYONE WHO WORKS FOR A SCHOOL IS A MANDATED REPORTER.

Any mandated reporter who reasonably suspects abuse or neglect of a child shall report in

accordance with the provisions of section 4914 of this title within 24 hours of the time

information regarding the suspected abuse or neglect was first received or observed (33 VSA §

4913(c)).

A report must be made within 24 hours of the time information about suspected abuse or

neglect was first received or observed. Calling law enforcement is not the same as reporting

suspected abuse or neglect to FSD. You must notify FSD directly. Each mandated reporter is

responsible for making a report on time and is liable if one is not made.

Vermont Family Services Division 1-800-649-5285

VPA Standards

The VPA has developed the following standards in order that our middle school athletic/activity programs may consistently apply the best of what we know to this centrally important part of the larger middle grade program.

A. Student activities, intramural, and interscholastic sports are an integral part of the Middle School educational program.

B. The emphasis of a Middle School activities program is on teaching, participation, and progression without the competitive pressures, which are part of the Senior High School athletic program. No single phase of the educational program shall be promoted at the expense of other equally important programs.

C. Participants, coaches, parents, officials, and fans shall model and uphold the highest ideals of sportsmanship.

D. The supervision of activities should be in the hands of trained school personnel. The selection of this leadership should be based on their knowledge of teaching activities to this age group, understanding of the modified sports/activities program, training, and safety procedures.

E. The programs should operate with minimal loss of school time, limited publicity, competent officiating, and limited awards.

F. All participants are required to have health insurance.

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G. All participants should receive appropriate medical screening in accordance with school district policies.

H. All participants should be selected, equipped, instructed, and supervised in accordance with school district policies.

Eligibility

Participation / Eligibility

The Concord Athletics Department encourages all students to participate in extracurricular activities

providing they meet the eligibility guidelines. It is important that students, parents, and interested

individuals are aware of necessary expectations.

VPA Eligibility Rules

Eligibility rules and activities policies apply to all students, both boys and girls, in grades 7-12 in affiliated

schools. Eligibility rules and activities policies apply to all activities, athletic and non-athletic, sanctioned

or sponsored by the Vermont Principals' Association. Waiver requests regarding undue hardships must

be submitted through the Principal.

The following are VPA eligibility rules:

Contestants or participants must be enrolled in their school and must meet the school's

prescribed academic and eligibility rules. Students may only compete on school teams

sponsored by their own school during the season, and may only compete for the one school in

which he or she is officially enrolled. Students may participate in meets as individuals but may

not participate as a member of another team.

In a sports season players who have participated in competition as a member of a school group

shall not compete as members of a non-school organized group in the same sport.

Transfer students are eligible at once provided they were bona fide students in good standing in

the school from which they transferred according to the above definition in and there is a bona

fide change is residence. If the transfer is the result of any coercion, recruiting or inducement to

move in order to participate in interscholastic activities, students will be ineligible for a period of

365 calendar days from the date of the infraction.

If there is no bona fide change in residency, students are eligible to participate immediately up to the first play date of that sports season. If a student’s transfers, and does not change

residence, after the first play date of that sports season, the student must wait 20 calendar days

after the transfer to be eligible, and must participate in at least 60% of the season competitions (at the new school) to be eligible for post season competition.

A school shall be deemed in violation of the rule against recruitment for directly or indirectly

supporting or sanctioning recruitment if a representative or agent of the school, or any

individual or group associated with the athletic programs of that school, approaches a student-

athlete in another school, apart from a publicized meeting for all prospective students in that school, and directly or indirectly attempts to persuade or induce a student-athlete to enroll in

his/her school. A school may also violate this rule by failing to take adequate steps to control recruitment by third parties.

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Students are ineligible if they have lost their amateur standing, i.e., they have accepted

remuneration, gifts or donations directly or indirectly for participation in an athletic contest, or they have participated under an assumed name, or they have competed on a team some player

of which was paid for his participation, or they have entered into a playing contract with a professional club or agent. Reference to "gifts or donations" is not intended to preclude the

acceptance of playing apparel and equipment that is presented by the sponsoring organization.

The VPA Policy with regard to below grade nine participation on high school teams is based on core (main) sports with four divisions.

o That no student-athlete below grade eight will be allowed in any VPA sanctioned sports

at any level (varsity, junior varsity, freshman).

o That grade eight participation is possible in Division 1, 2 and 3 by waiver request. Grade

eight participation may be granted only at the lowest level of team offering at the school.

o That division 4 schools may use a grade eight student-athlete on a sub-varsity team

provided that the student-athlete is needed to maintain the schools sub varsity team. If

a Division 4 school does not have a sub-varsity team, the grade eight student-athlete

may be used on a varsity team provided that: a) a waiver has been granted by the VPA AND that b) no other student-athlete in grades 9 through 12 has been cut from the

program.

o That the grade eight student-athlete who will participate on in a high school sports

program falls under the same academic and behavioral expectations of high school

students.

o That the grade eight student-athlete who participates on a high school sports team will

be granted five years (10 semesters) of eligibility.

o That schools must apply for a waiver from the VPA in order to use a grade eight student-

athlete in any sport with less than 4 divisions,

o That a determination has been made by his/her principal to ensure that the grade eight

student-athlete is physically, mentally and socially prepared to participate at the high school level.

For a complete list of VPA rules and regulations, go to www.vpaonline.org.

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Concord Participation Standards

It is a requirement of Concord School and the Vermont Principals’ Association to have a physical examination every two (2) years for students who engage in Middle School interscholastic athletics. These exams are at the expense of each individual. It is also necessary that all candidates furnish proof of accident/health insurance or purchase the school medical insurance prior to participation.

Sport Participation Medical Clearance Form – to be completed at exam with doctor. Contact the school nurse or athletic director for a copy of the form. Form can also be found online at www.concordwildcatathletics.weebly.com

Contact Information and Health Questionnaire – to be completed by parent/guardian and athlete. (Form will be kept in the Athletic Office)

Warning, Acknowledgement, & Authorization – to be read and signed by both parent/guardian and athlete.

Athlete Emergency Information Card – to be completed by parent/guardian. (Form will be kept with coaches at all times)

In addition the following general provisions adopted by the Concord School Board apply:

Candidates must be full-time students as defined by Policy 2051, or home schooled students.

Using the appropriate forms, parents must give written permission prior to a student's participation on a Concord team.

By becoming a member of any team, participants agree to comply with rules and codes of conduct established by the Concord Athletics Department and by the Vermont Principal's Association.

Academic Eligibility

Academics come first! A student who needs to get extra help from a teacher is expected to do so.

Please notify the coaches or Athletics Director one day ahead if possible. This is an acceptable absence

or tardy and the student will not face any consequences for the absence.

Students playing on the middle school teams must maintain a 75% average and not be failing any classes to be eligible for the season.

Eligibility of transfer students shall be based on the standards of their previous school until they

have been issued a Concord report card.

Grade will be checked on Monday morning to determine a student’s academic standing

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Academic Eligibility

Academics come first! A student who needs to get extra help from a teacher is expected to do so.

Please notify the coaches or Athletics Director one day ahead if possible. This is an acceptable absence

or tardy and the student will not face any consequences for the absence.

Students playing on the middle school teams must maintain a 75% average and not be failing

any classes to be eligible for the season.

Eligibility of transfer students shall be based on the standards of their previous school until they

have been issued a Concord report card.

Grade will be checked on Monday morning to determine a student’s academic standing

Eligibility Study Hall

If deemed academically ineligible students will be placed on academic probation and must follow the

subsequent guidelines in order to receive credit and meet the standards to participate on the team.

Students must attend two (2) study halls per week.

Standards for study hall are delineated below. If students are meeting the standards, they get credit for that day. If they do not, they will be sent out and not given credit for that day.

o Study hall begins at 3:00 p.m. and ends at 4:15 p.m.

o Students will be working on class assignments for the duration of the study hall.

o Students will not use cell phones while participating in study hall.

o Students will respect all student and staff personnel participating within the study hall.

o Students will enter the study hall prepared to stay for the duration. They will have an

individual plan for success created by the student and study hall supervisor present at

all times. This includes written descriptions of assignments to be completed during the

study hall.

o Students must find a ride home unless their practice or game begins between 4:15 p.m.

and 4:45 p.m.

The consequence for not participating in two study halls a week will be a temporary suspension from the team, for the following week.

Students will be welcomed back to the team once they attend two study halls.

A student who is late will not be given credit for that day. A student who leaves early

(unexcused) will not be given credit for that day.

Any discipline issues (disrespect, distracting others, using cell phone) will result in dismissal from

study hall and as a result, no credit for that day.

Students will not be excused from study hall on game days or for practice.

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Rules & Regulations

Federal Law

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a

Federal Law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all

schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to

release any information from a student’s education record. However, schools may disclose,

without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone

number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However,

schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents

and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose

directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of

their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA

bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.

If you do not want your student-athletes roster information (including photos) on rosters,

publicity mailings, websites or other sports information, please contact the Athletics Director

prior to the start of the sports season.

Title IX

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 states that:

“... no person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, or denied

the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving

federal aid.”

Equal Opportunity

The Concord School interscholastic athletics experience is equally available to all students. This

equal opportunity exists regardless of race, religion, gender, ethnicity or nationality. Three

separate sports are offered for girls, three for boys and one is considered co-educational. To

ensure that a balanced program, available for all students, is maintained at all times, the

Principal and Athletics Director shall consider the following:

The nature and extent of the sports offered and their accommodation of the interests

and abilities of all students both in terms of sports and levels of competition offered.

The provision of equipment and supplies.

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The scheduling of games and practice times.

The provision for travel.

The nature and extent of the coaching provided.

The assignment and compensation of coaches.

The provision of locker rooms, practice and competitive facilities.

The nature and extent of publicity.

Equal aggregate expenditures shall not be required in ensuring that a balanced program for

men and women is maintained at all times. However, financial resources shall be allocated as

necessary to provide facilities, equipment, supervision, supplies, and opportunities for

participation and competition that equally accommodate the athletic interests and abilities of

both men and women.

State Regulations

As a member of the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA), Concord requires its athletes to

conform to rules and regulations adopted by the VPA.

A comprehensive list of these regulations can be found on the VPA website:

http://www.vpaonline.org/Page/236

Board Policy

In addition, students are expected to comply with all policies and procedures adopted by

Concord School. Questions regarding rules, regulations, policies, and procedures should be

directed to the Athletics Director.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco

We perform best when following sound health practices. These practices include a prohibition

on alcohol, tobacco products, and illegal or misused drugs. It is the policy of Concord School

and the Essex-Caledonia Supervisory Union that no student shall knowingly possess, use, sell,

give or otherwise transmit, or be under the influence of any illegal drug (any narcotic drug,

hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, or any controlled substance as

defined by state or federal regulation or statute), regulated substance, or alcohol on any school

property, or at any school sponsored activity away from or within the school.

Students who violate the school’s policies on alcohol, drugs and tobacco while they are

members of a school athletic team will be removed from the team for the remainder of the

season. If drugs or alcohol are involved, drug/alcohol counseling may be required in order to

participate in the next season. Any student who commits a second offense in the same year

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may not represent the school in any activities for the remainder of the school year. This rule

applies to behavior both on and off school property. The player may also be subject to further

action under the school's disciplinary policy.

Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying

Concord School and the Essex-Caledonia Supervisory Union will ensure that all students find

their participation in athletics enjoyable. There is zero tolerance for harassment, hazing, and

bullying within Concord School and its athletics programs. In order for this to happen, all adults

and student leaders will make every effort to ensure that participants understand what

harassment, hazing, & bullying are and will not take part in any action which will make the

experience less than enjoyable for others.

“Bullying” means any overt act or combination of acts, including an act conducted by electronic means, directed against a student by another student or group of students and which: a. Is repeated over time; b. Is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the student; and c. (i) occurs during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity, or before or after the school day on a school bus or at a school sponsored activity; or (ii) does not occur during the school day on school property, on a school bus or at a school sponsored activity and can be shown to pose a clear and substantial interference with another student’s right to access educational programs.

“Harassment” means an incident or incidents of verbal, written, visual, or physical conduct, including any incident conducted by electronic means, based on or motivated by a student’s or a student’s family member’s actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, marital 4 status disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, that has the purpose or effect of objectively and substantially undermining and detracting from or interfering with a student’s educational performance or access to school resources or creating an objectively intimidating hostile, or offensive environment.

“Hazing” means any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student: In connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is affiliated with the educational institution; and 5 (1) Which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, endangering the mental or physical health of the student.

Since bystander support of harassment, hazing or bullying can support these behaviors, the

district prohibits both active and passive support for acts of harassment, hazing, or bullying. The

staff should encourage students to support students who walk away from these acts when they

see them, constructively attempt to stop them, or report them to the designated authority.

Concord School and the Essex-Caledonia Supervisory Union recognizes that students should

have a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment and that none of the above has a

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place or will be tolerated in the school. We expect students to conduct themselves in a manner

in keeping with their levels of development, maturity, and demonstrated capabilities with a

proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students, school staff, volunteers, and

contractors.

Student Medication

A middle school pupil may possess and self-administer medications only with written

permission of a parent or guardian and with the permission of the Principal or school nurse.

Self-administration means that the pupil is able to consume or apply prescription and non-

prescription medication in the manner directed by the physician without additional assistance

or direction. Self-possession means that the pupil may carry medication on his-her person to

allow for immediate and self-determined administration. A medicine that a pupil possesses

must be labeled and prepared by a pharmacy or pharmaceutical company and include the

dosage and frequency of administration. Only one day's dose may be carried by the student at

one time. A pupil’s use cannot be denied if the conditions of written permission and physician

direction are met. The principal may discontinue a pupil’s right to self-administer and self-

possession if there is misuse by the pupil. The denial shall follow a consultation with

parent/guardian.

For example, a pupil who requires the use of an inhaler for relief or prevention of asthma

symptoms will be allowed to carry and use the inhaler if there is written approval from the

pupil’s physician and parent/guardian on record at the school. A pupil who is in possession of

an inhaler under the above conditions shall have each of his/her teachers notified of this by the

school nurse. Any student whose inhaler for self-medication is found out of the student’s

possession will have these privileges suspended and must report to School Nurse’s Office for

his/her inhaler.

Concussion Awareness

Sections 39-41 of Act 58 (S.100) of 2011, which is codified in 16 V.S.A. § 1431, direct the

Vermont Department of Education (DOE) to develop guidelines to assist schools in taking

reasonable steps to prevent, and to minimize the effects of, school athletic team-related

concussions. In the creation of these guidelines, the DOE has consulted with the Vermont

Department of Health, and with the Vermont Principals' Association.

Sections 39-41 of Act 58 (S.100) of 2011, which is codified in 16 V.S.A. § 1431, direct the

Vermont Department of Education (DOE) to develop guidelines to assist schools in taking

reasonable steps to prevent, and to minimize the effects of, school athletic team-related

concussions. In the creation of these guidelines, the DOE has consulted with the Vermont

Department of Health, and with the Vermont Principals' Association.

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The law requires that schools educate their coaches, their youth athletes, and the youth

athletes' parents and guardians regarding the prevention and mitigation of concussion-related

injuries. Note that this is now a K-12 requirement.

Departmental Rules

Dress Code

Proper attire, as defined by the head coach, will be worn to all games.

Playing Time

Decisions regarding playing time are made by the coach in the best interests of the team. The

team will always come first.

At the middle school level, every effort will be made to ensure each athlete participates in

every event. It is expected that members of the middle school level teams will see action in

each game as long as they fulfill all of their team responsibilities and expectations as

determined by the coaching staff.

Postponement of Games / Practices

The responsibility for postponing games generally rests with the Athletics Director. The

Athletics Director will consult with the coach before postponement of a home athletic event, if

possible. The Athletics Director will reschedule postponed games according to availability of

open dates, after consultation with the opposing school. The Athletics Director must notify all

parties affected, including the opposing school, the game officials, police or security, the

building custodian, the media, etc.

The responsibility for canceling practice generally rests with the coach only after he/she has

contacted and obtained permission from the Athletics Director. The Athletics Director will then

inform the respective team of the cancelled practice. If the coach is unable to contact the

Athletics Director, they shall contact the administrative office to ensure proper notice is given

to the athletes.

If a team is scheduled to play away from home, we will in general accept judgment of the host

school regarding a game postponement.

The Athletics Director may decline to play or travel, if in his/her opinion, playing or traveling

conditions are unsafe.

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In the case of lightning or thunder, practice or competition will be suspended immediately.

Subsequently, VPA guidelines will be followed.

Practice Requirements

An athlete must have at least ten practices, no more than one practice per day, before he/she

may participate in a game. Practice only starts when the player is eligible. A practice is defined

as a structured, formal situation under the supervision of a coach and or assistant coach where

formal instruction, training or conditioning for a sport is being conducted. It is expected that

practice must be physical in nature unless an injury prevents that. An athlete is expected to be

at practice every day to participate and learn.

When a student joins a team, s/he has a responsibility to teammates and to the school to be

involved for the duration of the season. An athlete is expected to attend each practice and

game. Missing practices or games because of detentions or suspension is considered an

unexcused absence. Unexcused absences may result in the student being suspended or

dropped from the team. Excused absences include doctor or dental appointments, illness, after

school academic assistance, or other legitimate excuse as determined by the Principal, Athletics

Director or Coach. Students are expected to see their coaches before missing a practice/game.

Excuses must be made in writing. Communication through a friend is not acceptable. If a

parent feels it is unsafe for their child to attend practice due to weather or conditions the

practice will be excused buy the coach as long as they are notified the student will not be

attending.

Students must be in school for the full day if they are going to participate in a game. If there are

extenuating circumstances, a parent may contact the principal for a waiver to the full day rule.

(Refer to Policy 4100) They should also be in school the full day to attend practice unless the

parent has contacted the school to explain the absence.

Transportation

Students are expected to ride school transportation to and from school sponsored athletic

activities. The sole exception to this policy is if a parent/guardian signs their child out using the

Concord School Transportation Consent Sign-Out Form. All requests for alternative

transportation must be approved by the administration in advance, in writing, and provided to

the coach.

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Expectations of Conduct

Standards of Behavior

We believe that the opportunity to participate in an athletics program is a privilege that carries

with it many responsibilities. Any student who is willing to adhere to the rules and standards of

an athletic team is given this privilege. We believe that academics come first and that the

values and attitudes learned in athletics contribute to the complete education of the student.

Athletes attending school activities will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all

times. School rules and procedures will be followed.

Students are expected to show good behavior on bus trips, home/away athletic competitions,

restaurants, and host schools. Failure to do so may result in suspension from the sport and/or

school.

All School rules are in effect on school property, during a school related activity, while on a

school bus, or during any other school sponsored activity.

Discipline Issues

All participants are expected to positively represent themselves, their team, their school, and their

communities. Any behavior deemed detrimental to the team, school, and/or community will result in a

minimum one-game suspension, to a maximum of termination from the team as determined by the

Principal and Athletics Director.

Any school-related suspension will result in suspension from participation. Students may not participate

in, or attend any extra-curricular programs during the term of a school-related suspension (to include

weekends).

Any after school detention will result in the athlete missing that days practice or game.

Any student who reaches step 5 during the school day will be suspended from the program for 1

day. (Not including weekends or a day with no practice or game)

This is zero tolerance of harassment, hazing, or bullying within Concord Athletic programs.

These actions will result in minimum of a two day participation suspension with justice for

further suspension or expulsion from the program.

Possession, consumption and/or distribution of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or look-alike substances on/off

school grounds will result in an immediate declaration of ineligibility. Arrival at school for a regular

school day or to participate in school functions after having consumed, and/or being impaired by alcohol

or other illegal substances on/off school grounds; counseling may be required. Students who violate the

school’s policy on alcohol/drugs while they are members of a school athletic team will be removed from

the team for the remainder of the season and attend drug/alcohol counseling. Any student, who

commits a second offense in the same year, may not represent the school in any extra-curricular

activities for the remainder of the school year.

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Additionally, while a member of any team, participants must comply with rules and codes of conduct

established by each Coach. Specific rules and penalties that are established shall be distributed to each

participant in writing prior to the start of each activity.

Additionally, while a member of any team, participants must comply with rules and codes of

conduct established by each Coach. Specific rules and penalties that are established shall be

distributed to each participant in writing prior to the start of each activity.

Responsibilities

The Athletes’ Responsibility

Respect, commitment, dedication and hard work - these are the qualities that describe an

athlete. Furthermore, by treating the opponent with courtesy and respect, one demonstrates

self-respect, respect for your family, the community, and the school. An athlete should bring to

every competition a “do your best to win attitude”. Competition is designed to be played by the

highest standards of fair play and within the rules of the game.

Some things athletes can do to see that the game is played well and that indicate a willingness

to practice good sportsmanship are:

No arguing with officials.

Make only positive comments to an opposing player or coach.

Treat an opponent as you would like to be treated, especially if you are the home team.

Remember, being friendly doesn't mean you can't be competitors.

Cheer for your own team.

Positively acknowledge a good performance by an opposing player.

Refrain from gloating after a victory. Be happy with the win, but it is not necessary to do

so at the expense of the opponent.

Parent & Guardian Responsibilities

Be positive with your child. Let him or her know that he or she is accomplishing

something simply by being part of the team.

Encourage your child to work hard, reach his or her potential and contribute to the

team’s efforts. Do not offer excuses for your child if he or she is not playing as much as

he or she would like.

Be openly supportive of the coaches rather than being openly critical of them. By openly

criticizing the coaches, your child will be trapped between the coach’s authority and the

parent’s criticism. This situation merely erodes your child’s effectiveness and lessens his

or her ability to contribute to the team effort.

Encourage and support your child’s efforts to follow the Concord Interscholastic Policies,

school and team rules. Your positive role modeling is critical to your child’s success and

well-being.

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Emphasize the importance of academics and understand school and VPA academic

guidelines. With few exceptions, most student-athletes do not receive collegiate athletic

scholarships. Your child’s future as an active, contributing citizen is determined by his or

her academic abilities, not his or her athletic abilities.

Sport is a game, and games are supposed to be fun. Do not criticize or envy the failures

or successes of your child’s teammates or the children on the other team. Most are

trying their hardest on any given day, and they deserve respect for their efforts.

Focus your energy toward being a supporter of the team. Every team is composed of

three groups: athletes, coaches, and parents. Be a positive part of the team.

Emphasize being a good sport with your child. Win or lose, your child must show respect

for his or her opponents and demonstrate the maturity necessary to show class. Self-

respect begins with self-control.

Remember that officials are professionals who occasionally make mistakes. When a

coach, player, or official participates in a contest he/she is always trying to do his/her

best. Please respect the contributions and feelings of all officials.

Emphasize that “team” must take precedence over the individual. Recognition is directly

affected by the success of the team and the individual’s contribution to the team’s

success.

The lessons learned through athletic competition are lessons for life. Keep sports in

perspective. It is not life and death.

Sportsmanship

Concord School promotes good sportsmanship amongst student-athletes and fans. We

encourage students, parents and friends to attend games and support our teams, but we ask

you to do so in a positive manner. High School students should set a good example in the

matter of sportsmanship and should quickly condemn unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of

other students or adults. To this end, they should strive at all times to exemplify the qualities of

good citizenship and realize that they are role models.

Inappropriate language or gestures that are vulgar, demeaning, hurtful, derisive or not in the

school or athletic program’s best interests will not be tolerated. On the field, a real athlete does

not use profanity or illegal tactics, and learns fast that both winning and losing are part of the

game, and that you should be gracious in defeat and modest in victory. When you assume the

risk of competition, be prepared to handle either outcome with honor.

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VERMONT PRINCIPALS’ ASSOCIATION SPORTSMANSHIP

HANDBOOK

SPORTSMANSHIP – THE COACHES’ RESPONSIBILITY

The person who is rewarded with the opportunity to coach or advise young people must realize

and understand the importance of teaching good sportsmanship to a school’s students. The

coach and advisor must accept primary responsibility for the behavior and actions of her/his

players, and realize how critical a good example is to players and spectators alike.

The student is at a very impressionable age. The coach or advisor is a very special person to him

or her, many times the coach or advisor substitutes for a parent. There is no doubt that the

student’s general attitude is in part molded by the coach. How the coach or advisor measures

success is reflected in how the student views it. Success should be measured, not only in terms

of winning, but also in terms of the lasting values received for having participated. Winning is

fun, but just being able to participate should be fun, too.

The coach and advisor must see her/his role as an educator and never lose the proper

perspective of what interscholastic athletics and activities are all about – to work with young

people and impart sound educational values through example and coaching.

SPORTSMANSHIP SUGGESTIONS FOR THE COACH

1. MAKE IT FUN. Build self-esteem in your players. 2. Always exemplify professional, positive behavior. 3. Be aware of your responsibility to the school, community, parents, athletes, and the

coaching profession you represent. 4. Unsportsmanlike tactics employed to influence the odds of winning are never worth the

loss of self-respect. 5. Respect officials’ integrity and judgment. 6. Anger is a poor substitute for reason. 7. Remember that your players will mirror you. 8. Your players will rise to your expectations. 9. Treat your athletes the way that you want them to treat you. 10. Be a good host/hostess to opponents. Treat them as your guests. 11. Provide social opportunities for players and coaches whenever possible. 12. Be careful of remarks made to the media. 13. Be modest in victory, and gracious in defeat. 14. Patience and love are the most powerful tools in coaching. 15. Would you be proud of your actions if you were videotaped? 16. MAKE IT MORE FUN!

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SPORTSMANSHIP - THE ATHLETES’ RESPONSIBILITY

Respect, commitment, dedication and hard work – these are the qualities that describe you,

the athlete, and these are the same attributes your opponent brings to the competition.

Your opponent is exactly that, and opponent, not your enemy. By treating your opponent

with courtesy and respect, you demonstrate respect for yourself, your family, your

community and your school. As an athlete you bring to every competition an attitude, that you

will do your best to win, that you will strive to achieve, to excel, and this is the way it should be.

But, competition is designed to be played by the highest standards of fair play, and within the

rules of the game. To win by bending the rules of the game means that you were not able to

win by playing by the rules.

Some things athletes can do to see that the game is played well and that indicate a willingness

to practice good sportsmanship are:

1. Participants should not argue with officials. First of all, you never win and seldom does an official change their call. Your chances of picking up a technical or unsportsmanlike penalty are increased. Your performance is affected because you are emotionally upset and your mind is not on the game and what needs to be accomplished.

2. Participants should make only positive comments to an opposing player or coach. 3. Treat an opponent as you would like to be treated, especially if you are the home team.

Remember, being friendly doesn’t mean you can’t be competitors. 4. Participants should cheer for their own team. Positive comments about an opposing

player’s performance are always appropriate. 5. If you see a play by an opponent that you feel was well done, there is nothing wrong with a

positive acknowledgement of that. 6. Participants leaving the playing site after a victory should refrain from gloating after a

victory. You should be happy that you won, but it is not necessary to do so at the expense of your opponent.

Coaching Requirements The VPA believes that coaches should obtain proper training. Coaches play a critical role in the overall quality of the interscholastic activity program, the safety of student athletes, and the education of our children. (a) A person shall be eligible to be employed or appointed as a coach in any interscholastic high school and/or middle level activity if the person satisfies all of the following conditions:

(1) The person’s appointment as coach must be approved by the local school district responsible for the member school in which the person coaches.

(2) The coach must be at least 18 years of age or a high school graduate at the commencement of the sport season for which the person has been appointed to coach.

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(3) The coach must sign a statement acknowledging that he or she has read, understood and agrees to comply with and abide by all VPA bylaws and policies.

(4) The coach must successfully complete the NFHS Concussion Education course. This course (or another approved by the VPA) must be completed immediately once a coach is hired and before the beginning of their first practice (Required under 16 V.S.A. sec. 1431 (b)(3)(B).

(5) This policy applies to coaches who volunteer or are under contract with a school district. (b) Guidelines for Coaching Education

(1) The VPA highly recommends that all coaches and advisors of middle school students successfully complete training through an appropriate coaching program as defined by the local administration. Recommended professional development courses include on-line NFHS courses such as Fundamentals of Coaching; First Aid, Health, and Safety for Coaches; and Coaching Sports in the Middle School.

(2) Examples of available programs include: (A) National Federation of High Schools: www.nfhslearn.com (B) The Association of Allied Health, Physical Education, Recreation &

Dance Association training:

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COACHES CHECK LIST

_____ I have completed my Concussion Certification

_____ All Athletes are Academically Eligible

_____ All Athletes have been cleared by Nurse

______ I have Reviewed Nurses Condition List

_____ Emergency Information Cards for all Athletes are in my Med Kit

_____ Uniform, Equipment and Locker Sign-out Sheets Complete

(Copy Filed With AD)

_____ I have held my Parent/Team Meeting Date_________

- Expectations and Team Rules - Warned of inherent risks of the sport - Attendance Expectations - Academic Expectations; AARP Expectations - Code of Conduct Expectations - Hazing Policy - Transportation Expectations - Playing Time - Athlete/Parent Communication Plan

_____ Discussed Emergency Plan w/Assistants

- Assign Specific Duties - Review Procedures - Check Facilities/Equipment for Safety - Check Med Kit - Inhalers and EpiPen

_____ Roster (filed with AD)

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Athletic Injury Emergency Plan

Home Event Emergencies

1. If the Athletic Trainer, when present, will be notified by the coach or designee. The

Trainer will have the responsibility of administering to all injuries and making proper recommendations.

2. If the Athletic Trainer is NOT present the coach will assume the responsibility. He/she must be prepared to recognize and properly administer first aid or refer injured athletes to the proper medical personnel.

No member of the coaching staff should exceed his/her capability or scope of responsibility. When there is any question as to the extent, seriousness or nature of the injury, seek professional medical help immediately.

3. The Emergency Squad should be called for all Emergencies:

The coach should stay with the injured athlete and will send someone else to call the Emergency Squad.

Examples

Unconscious athlete or coach

An athlete who is having difficulty breathing (an asthma attack that lasts more than 3 min.)

Profuse bleeding

Possible back or neck injury

Possible fracture

Loss of sensory/motor nerve function

Etc…error on the side of safety

Person calling the ambulance should go to the nearest phone (cell phone) and provide

the following information:

Their name

The school

The nature of the injury

The location of the injured athlete

Stay on the phone until the dispatcher hangs up

4. The person calling the ambulance should check back with the coach or Trainer to let them know the ambulance has been activated

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5. If the parents are not present, a member of the coaching staff should go to the hospital with the injured athlete…The Emergency Treatment Card must go with the injured athlete.

6. The coach or trainer must notify the injured athlete’s parents immediately.

7. An Injury Report Form must be filed to the Concord Athletics Director within 48 hours.

Away Event Emergencies

8. Check with coach or Athletics Director as to accessibility of an Athletic Trainer or medical staff on site. If there is no staff on site the coach will follow the at home protocol.

9. Always carry the team’s Emergency Treatment Cards in your med-kit.

Individual Team Emergency Plans

Each team may have unique situations…be prepared.

Always have your med-kit at practices and games

Always carry your team’s Emergency Medical Treatment Cards

Determine who will stay with the athlete and who will make the call.

Designate someone to be with the team…usually best to move the team away from serious situations

Fall and spring coaches; know where you will move your team if a sudden lightning storm strikes.

Rehearse your plan with your team.

If a coach is injured, determine the protocol.

Know where the nearest phone is (cell phone.)

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Concussion Return to Play Progression

There are five gradual steps to help safely return an athlete to play, adapted from the

International Concussion Consensus Guidelines:

Baseline: No Symptoms

As the baseline step of the Return to Play Progression, the athlete needs to have completed

physical and cognitive rest and not be experiencing concussion symptoms for a minimum of 24

hours. Keep in mind, the younger the athlete, the more conservative the treatment.

Step 1: Light aerobic activity

The Goal: Only to increase an athlete’s heart rate.

The Time: 5 to 10 minutes.

The Activities: Exercise bike, walking, or light jogging.

Absolutely no weight lifting, jumping or hard running.

Step 2: Moderate activity

The Goal: Limited body and head movement.

The Time: Reduced from typical routine.

The Activities: Moderate jogging, brief running, moderate-intensity stationary biking, and

moderate-intensity weightlifting.

Step 3: Heavy, non-contact activity

The Goal: More intense but non-contact

The Time: Close to typical routine

The Activities: Running, high-intensity stationary biking, the player’s regular weightlifting

routine, and non-contact sport-specific drills. This stage may add some cognitive component to

practice in addition to the aerobic and movement components introduced in Steps 1 and 2.

Step 4: Practice & full contact

The Goal: Reintegrate in full contact practice.

Step 5: Competition

The Goal: Return to competition.

It is important to monitor symptoms and cognitive function carefully during each increase of

exertion. Athletes should only progress to the next level of exertion if they are not experiencing

symptoms at the current level. If symptoms return at any step, an athlete should stop these

activities as this may be a sign the athlete is pushing too hard. Only after additional rest, when

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the athlete is once again not experiencing symptoms for a minimum of 24 hours, should he or

she start again at the previous step during which symptoms were experienced.

The Return to Play Progression process is best conducted through a team approach and by a

health professional who knows the athlete’s physical abilities and endurance. By gauging the

athlete’s performance on each individual step, a health care professional will be able to

determine how far to progress the athlete on a given day. In some cases, the athlete may be

able to work through one step in a single day, while in other cases it may take several days to

work through an individual step. It may take several weeks to months to work through the

entire 5-step progression.

Before the start of the season, health care professionals should learn about state, league, or

sports governing body’s laws or policies on concussion. Some policies may require health care

professionals to take a training program or provide written clearance as part of the return to

play process for young athletes.

For more information regarding concessions please visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html

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ATHLETE INJURY REPORT FORM

Date of Injury:________________ Sport: _____________________

Athlete’s Name: ____________________________________Age: ___________Time of Injury:___________

Location of Accident: ( ) Field ( ) Parking lot ( ) Gym ( ) Other

Body Part Injured: (circle)

HEAD TRUNK EXTREMITIES OTHER

Ear Abdomen Ankle Lower Arm

Eye Back Elbow Lower Leg

Face Chest Finger Thumb

Head Groin Foot Toes

Neck Shoulder Hand Upper Arm

Scalp Hip Upper Leg

Knee Wrist

Type of Injury: (circle)

Abrasion Bite Bruise OTHER

Burn Concussion Cut

Dislocation Fracture Heat

Laceration Puncture Scratch

Shock Sprain Strain

First Aid Given: (circle)

Applied Dressing Applied Splint Stopped Bleeding OTHER

Kept Immobile Ice Washed Wound

Action Taken: (circle)

Parent took home Returned to sport Parent took to ER OTHER

Called 911 Transfer to hospital

Explanation of Accident: (circle)

Collision w/ person Hit with object Injury to self OTHER

Collision w/ obstacle Fall

Describe: Describe specifically how the injury happened.

Form Submitted by:______________________________________________________________________

Signature/Date:_________________________________________________________________________

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COMMUNICATION OF ATHLETIC CONCERNS PLAN

Good communication is critical in athletic situations. A communication plan is in place

to assist and to improve communication between parents, coaches and administrators,

ultimately for the benefit of the student athlete. Involvement in athletics and activities will

allow the students to experience some of the most rewarding times of their lives. However,

there will likely be times when things don’t go their way or they disagree with a coach. It is

important that students and parents realize these difficult situations are as much a part of the

learning experience as are the good times. The coaches work hard to do the best they can for

all of their athletes, and we ask the students and parents to respect the fact that their decisions

are often extremely difficult, and are made based on factors of which students and parents may

not be aware. The student, not the parent, is strongly encouraged to talk to the coach about

any issues or problems that arise during the season. This is not only the most direct and

productive means of communication, but also a valuable method of teaching responsibility.

It is recognized that situations may arise where parents find it necessary to raise a

concern with a coach, and it is imperative the parent(s) adhere to the following communication

guidelines:

Appropriate Concerns to discuss with coaches:

The treatment of your child, mentally and physically

Ways the parent can help the child improve

Concerns about your child’s behavior

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:

Playing Time

Play Calling

Team Strategy

Other student-athletes

Protocol for registering concerns:

1. Encourage Student to express their concerns to the coach.

2. Contact the coach after the student and coach have met and if student and coach

cannot resolve issue. If you cannot make contact, call the Athletics Director and a

meeting will be set up for you.

3. If the meeting does not provide satisfactory resolution, call to set up an appointment

with the Athletics Director and Coach.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONFRONT A COACH BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER

A PRACTICE OR CONTEST. THESE CAN BE EMOTIONAL TIMES FOR BOTH PARTIES. MEETINGS

OF THIS NATURE DO NOT PROMOTE RESOLUTION.

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Concord School Transportation Consent Sign-Out

By signing below you grant permission for you daughter/son to be transported by private vehicle after

the culmination of their away contest.

Concord School and Essex-Caledonia Supervisory Union does not investigate or make any

representations regarding the suitability or driving record of any operator of a private vehicle.

Date Student Athlete Parent/Guardian Signature

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Concord Athletics Roster and Uniform Sign-out

COACH: SPORT:

Student Number Shirt Size

Short Size

Date Assigned

Date Returned

Missing Items

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Athlete Evaluation Form

Athlete:

Sport: Date:

Coach: Signature:

CATEGORY RATING NOTES

Effort

Sport Specific Skill

Fitness Level

Strategy and Tactical Comprehension

Respect for teammates and coach

Sportsmanship

Leadership Qualities

4 – Exceeds Expectations 3 – Meets Expectations 2 – Improvement Needed 1 - Unsatisfactory

Recommendations for athlete:

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Concord Athletics

Coaching Evaluation Form

Coach:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________

Sport:________________________________________ Years in Present Position:__________________

Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs to Improve

N/A

Demonstrates commitment to

district, school, students and

parents/guardian

Care of equipment & inventory Knowledge of activity Teaching skills & ability Ability to motivate participants Rapport between advisor/ coach/director and participants

Intensity of interest in leading the activity

Supervision of participants in activity areas

Supervision of participants on trips

Rapport between advisor/coach/director and rest of activity staff

Sets positive example for

student by appearance,

manners, behavior and

language

Attends required meetings Participates in clinics, workshops, etc. for professional development

Additional Comments:

I have read and received a copy of this report and have went over the evaluation. The signature does

NOT validate that I agree or disagree with the contents.

Coach Signature:______________________________________________ Date:___________________

Athletics Director Signature:______________________________________ Date:___________________

Principal Signature:_____________________________________________ Date:__________________

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PRACTICE PLAN TEMPLATE

Equipment Needed: cones, soccer balls….

Space Needed: ½ soccer field

Modifications for Individuals with Differences: group players with teammates of their equal size and skill

Sport: Soccer Date: Coach:

Practice Focus:

EXAMPLE

Passing

Switching the point of attack

Objectives: (Expected Outcomes)

EXAMPLE

Players will use the inside of their foot when making passes under 20 yards

Players will move the ball from high to low pressure areas

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Time Practice Description Organization Points to Emphasize/

Instructional Cues

EXAMPLE

Partner pass and move

EXAMPLE

Inside of foot

Plant leg in the direction of target

Top 1/3 of the ball