Foreword

Your interest in this phase of our school program is gratifying. We believe that participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences which assist in personal adjustments.

We who are concerned with the educational development of boys and girls through athletics feel that a properly controlled, well organized sports program meets the students needs for self-expression, mental alertness, and physical growth. It is our hope to maintain a program that is sound in purpose and will further each student’s educational maturity.

A student who elects to participate in athletics is voluntarily making a choice of self-discipline and self-denial. These are the reasons we place such stress on good training habits. Failure to comply with the rules of training and conduct mean exclusion from the squad. This concept of self-discipline and self-denial is transferred by our responsibility to recognize the rights of the individual within the objectives of the team. We do not want uniformity or blind conformity as a means for achieving team responsibility and discipline. However, there is no place in high school athletics for students who will not discipline their minds and bodies for rigorous competition. We are striving for excellence, and do not want our athletes to compromise with mediocrity.

When your son/daughter enlists in one or more of our sports programs. He/she committed our department to certain responsibilities and obligations which are: (1) to provide adequate equipment and facilities; (2) to provide well trained coaches; (3) to provide equalized contests and officials; (4) to provide adequately supervised transportation; to name a few.

Likewise, we feel that you have committed yourselves to certain responsibilities and obligations. Please allow us to take this opportunity to acquaint you with specific policies that are necessary for a well organized program of athletics.

It is the role of the Department of Athletics to make rules that govern the spirit of competition for the community. These rules need a broad basis of community support, which is achieved only through communication to the parents. It is our hope to accomplish this through this document, prepared for the parents, students, teachers, administration, coaches and other interested community members.

Sincerely,

Bob Brown,

Athletic Director

PHILOSOPHY OF THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Athletics during ancient times served a single purpose. Through the gymnastics and Olympic programs, the Greek State sought to equate the academic and physical curriculum. It was the aim of Pedicles, the famous Greek Statesman, to develop a sound mind and in a healthy body.

Today, in order to meet the needs of a dynamic society, the role of athletics in the curriculum has changed considerably. Through proper coaching techniques, the athletic department strives for the following objectives;

An Appreciation of Proper Health Habits - It is necessary to teach that health is one of our most important assets.

Proper Attitudes of Sportsmanship - In this area, the coach seeks to implant proper moral and ethical patterns of conduct that will serve the athlete throughout life.

An Appreciation for Teamwork – Here the coach develops attitudes of self-denial, self-sacrifice, subordination of individual desires, courage, loyalty, devotion to a cause and the other attitudes necessary to the realization of a successful team effort.

Proper Attitudes Toward the Role of Victory and Defeat –The coach must strive to develop proper attitudes in players toward both victory and defeat. Although every team enjoys winning, each one must also know how to face defeat. When one has given his/her fullest effort, there is no shame of defeat.

Understanding of democracy in Action – In this area the coach encourages the squad to select its leaders and prepares plans that will enable the team to achieve its objectives.

Our society is very competitive. We do not always win, but we succeed when we continually strive to do so. You can learn to accept defeat only by striving to win with earnest dedication. Develop a desire to excel.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETE

Being a member of a Denison athletic team will carry a tremendous responsibility toward establishing a great athletic tradition. A great athletic tradition is not built overnight. It takes hard work of many people over a period of many years.

Our tradition should be to win with honor. We desire to win but only with honor to our athletes, our school and our community. Such a tradition is worthy of the best efforts of all concerned. We hope, over the years, to have achieved more than our share of district, regional and state titles. We want our athletes to set records and earn All-District and State Honors.

It will not be easy to contribute to this type of tradition. To compete for your school may mean that you will have to say “no” to pleasures an athlete cannot afford. When you wear your school colors, we assume that you not only understand the meaning of tradition, but are willing to assume the responsibilities that go with them. However, the contributions you make should be satisfying accomplishments to you and your family.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOURSELF: The most important of these responsibilities is to broaden yourself and develop strengths of character. You owe it to yourself to get the greatest possible good from your high school experiences, your studies, your participation in other extracurricular activities and your participation in sports. All of these things prepare you for your life as an adult.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOUR SCHOOL: Another responsibility you assume as a squad member is to your school. Denison I.S.D. cannot maintain its position as having an outstanding school unless you do your best in whatever activity you wish to engage. By participating in athletics to the maximum of your ability, you are contributing to the reputation of your school. You assume a leadership role when you are on an athletic squad. The student body and citizens of the community know you. You are on stage with the spotlight on you. The student body, the community and other communities judge our school by your conduct and attitudes, both on and off the field. Because of this leadership role, you can contribute greatly to school spirit and community pride.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHERS: As a squad member, you also bear a heavy responsibility to your home. If you never give your parents anything to be ashamed of, you will have measured up to the ideal. When you know in your heart that you have lived up to all training rules, that you have practiced to the best of your ability everyday, and that you have played the game “all out”, you keep your self-respect and your family can be justly proud of you.

The younger students in the Denison school system are watching you. They will copy you in many ways. Do Not do anything to let them down. Set good examples for them.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION

The University of Interscholastic League governs all athletic activities in Texas High Schools and Middle schools.

In order to be eligible to participate in an extracurricular activity event for a six weeks period following the initial six weeks period of a school year. A student must not have a recorded grade average lower than 70 on a scale of 0 to 100 in any course for that preceding six weeks period.

A student whose recorded six weeks grade average in any course in lower than 70 at the end of a six weeks period shall be suspended form participation in any extracurricular activity event during succeeding six weeks periods until the end of a six weeks period during which such student achieves a course grade average for that six weeks of at least 70 in each course. However, the campus principal may remove this suspension if the class is identified as an honors class under the criteria stated in Section 75.152 (d) if this title (relating to Advanced High School Program).

AGE: A person who has reached their 19^th birthday on or before the first day of September preceding the contest shall not be eligible. Seventh grade athletes cannot be 14 on or before September 1 and eight grade athletes cannot be 15 on or before September 1.

RESIDENCY AND TRANSFER: A person must be a bona fide resident of the school district in which they represent in athletic competition. An exception to this would be if after an athlete has established himself/herself as a bona fide resident and was enrolled in school and athletics, the parents moved a short distance away but was actually in another school district. The student/athlete may still attend his/her original school but release forms may be requested from the new school district (this is not legally required, but may be requested).

PHYSICAL EXAMS: Physical examinations or Medical Appraisal forms must be completed an on file before an athlete will be allowed to participate. At the beginning of each school year. The Athletic Department will schedule a day for high school boys and girls and middle school boys and girls to receive their physicals at a reduced rate. If the athlete misses the day scheduled, he/she will have to obtain the physical through their own doctors.

PARENTS’ COMMITMENT FORM: The parents’ Commitment Form must be signed and on file in the Athletic Director’s office prior to the student being allowed to participate.

CONDUCT OF AN ATHLETE

The conduct of an athlete is closely observed in many areas of life. It is important that your behavior be above reproach in all of the listed areas.

ON THE FIELD/COURT: In the area of athletic competition, a real athlete does not use profanity or illegal tactics, and learns fast that losing is part of the game and that you should be gracious in defeat and modest in victory. It is always courteous to congratulate the opponent on a well played game after the contest, whether in defeat or victory.

IN THE CLASSROOM: In the academic area, a good athlete becomes a good student. A person cannot be a classroom laggard and think he/she can be an outstanding athlete. If you are lazy in class, you will be lazy on the practice field or floor and will never reach your full potential. As an athlete, you must plan your schedule so that you give sufficient time and energy to your studies to insure acceptable grades. In addition to maintaining good scholarship, an athlete should give respectful attention to classroom activities and show respect for other students and faculty at all times. Horseplay and unnecessary boisterousness are not approved habits of behavior.

A healthy athlete should have a good attendance record. Never cut classes or school.

ON CAMPUS: The way we act and look on campus is of great importance. Athletes should be leaders and fellow students should respect and follow them.

GROOMING AND DRESS POLICY

A member of an athletic team is expected to be well groomed. “He shows up best who shows off least.” Appearance, expression and actions always influence peoples opinions of athletes, the team and the school.

The following grooming and dress rules will be adhered to in addition to existing D.I.S.D. policy:

B. Hair length will be evaluated by each head coach in each program. Criteria for the evaluation of hair length will be safety, performance and general appearance.

D. Only the uniforms issued by the Department of Athletics will be permitted to be worn for contests.

E. On campus, dress is covered in the student handbook. Clean and neat sport clothes are to be worn when traveling as a team on out-of-town trips. Team shirts and slacks are recommended when applicable. At banquets, semi-formal wear is recommended.

TRAINING RULES AND REGULATIONS

It is the overwhelming opinion of health educators and coaches that athletes perform best when they follow intelligent training rules which include restrictions on tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Medical research clearly substantiates the fact that use of tobacco, alcohol and any type of mood modifying substances produce harmful effects on the human organism.

The coaches of the Denison Public Schools, concerned with the health habits of the student/athletes of this community, are convinced that athletes and the use of there substances are not compatible. It is a fact that when students have a strong interest to participate in athletics, their desire to use these substances is greatly reduced.

Students have to decide if they want to be an athlete. If you do wish to be an athlete, “you have to pay the price” in order to be a competitor. A big part of this price is following a simple set of training rules which the Department of Athletics believes to be fair.

USE OF TOBACCO: Research emphasizes that use of tobacco is physically harmful to young adults. The harm done by this is not only a health problem. The community follows the progress of young athletes, and any deviation from accepted training rules marks one as unwilling to “pay the price.” If one squad member breaks the rules, the whole team is branded no-trainers. This rule means the use of tobacco is prohibited.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: There is no way to justify athletes using alcoholic beverages, even though social pressure may be hard to resist. The people who would like to draw the athlete into their “drinking sessions” will be the first to criticize the athlete if he does not “come through” in a game. Again, this rule means the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. It is highly recommended that you remove yourself from the company of those who are drinking, so as to avoid an unjust label that you could be given just through association.

DRUGS: Simply stated, drug abuse is the consumption of any chemical substance or the smoking of some plant derivatives for the purpose of mood modification. Students with a strong sense of purpose have no need for mood modifiers. Illegal use of drugs is prohibited.

D. Rest is important. Attempt to get adequate rest before practice and contests.

VIOLATIONS

The importance of enforcement of all regulations in this document should be apparent. A firm and fair policy of enforcement is necessary to prevent a travesty being made of regulation. The community, school administrators, and coaching staff feel strongly that high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential in maintaining a sound program of athletics. It is our intent and our major consideration to preserve rules that reasonably pertain to the health and safety of the student/athlete. What happens to the student/athlete is of primary importance. Hopefully, their welfare transcends any other consideration.

In the event an athlete fails to comply with these necessary standards, it will be interpreted by the Athletic Department as an indicator that the athlete does not have sufficient desire to participation the interscholastic athletic program. Therefore, the athlete will be denied the privilege of participating until such time as he/she can prove this desire. In severe or repeated cases, expulsion may be necessary.

The precise period of suspension will depend on the violation and the attitude of the athlete and parent. Generally, a minimum of one week suspension will be necessary to prove the desire to participate and to comply with the standards which have been established for the benefit of the athlete and the team. Repeated or flagrant violations may result in expulsion from the interscholastic program.

Any athlete that violates the Denison I.S.D. Alcohol and Drug Policy will be subject to the disciplinary actions as outlined in that policy.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE: The coach may immediately suspend a player from a contest or a practice. Any suspension period of more than one day shall be determined by a meeting of the athlete’s coach or coaches, the head coach and the athletic director. The following will be requires:

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICIES

DROPPING A SPORT: Quitting is an intolerable habit to acquire. There is not a place in athletics for quitters. A quitter may lose the privilege of participating in athletics. On occasion however, an athlete may find it necessary to drop a sport for a good reason. If this is the case, the following procedures must be followed:

TRANSFERRING AT END OF SEASON: An athlete must have completed the sport they were participating in, to the head coaches satisfaction. That means that all contests and team meetings have been concluded, and proper equipment has been check in.

EQUIPMENT: Denison I.S.D. provides most all athletic equipment for participants, with the exception of golf clubs, tennis rackets and athletic shoes in various sports.

When athletic equipment is issued, proper storage and locks are also provided. It is the athlete’s responsibility to properly care and use the equipment.

Use and wear of this equipment outside of school sponsored activities is prohibited. If any equipment issued is torn or broken, during practice or contests, the athlete should bring it to the coach for repair and/or re-issuance of new equipment.

At the end of the season, the athlete is responsible to check-in the issued equipment or be prepared to pay the current cost of replacing the equipment.

OFF-SEASON: The off-season program is offered to athletes who are not involved in the sport currently in season.

Off-Season is only offered during the designated athletic period for boys and girls. It is designed to increase strength and overall conditioning. In some cases when facilities and coaches are available, skills and fundamentals are also taught.

All rules, regulations and grading policies shall be observed during the off-season programs as well as during the in-season programs.

TRANSPORTATION: Denison I.S.D. will provide transportation to and from all out-of-town events.

It is required that athletes travel to and from these athletic events with the team. If a “special” situation should arise whereas a parent needs their son or daughter to travel with them before or after an athletic contest, they must personally contact the high school or middle school principal to make the request. The parent is responsible to personally make contact with the coach in charge in order to present or collect their son or daughter.

If an overnight stay is necessary due to distance and time on contest, lodging and meals will be provided by the school district. Proper chaperones will be present and a travel itinerary will be given to the parents.

PRACTICES, CONTESTS AND ATTENDANCE: Attendance at all practices and contests is mandatory. Illness, funerals or other school sponsored activities are the only excuses accepted. Any other excuse may be deemed by the coach, as unexcused.

Upon the head coaches discretion, any one absence would be justification for not starting a contest and two absences may disqualify the athlete from participating in the next contest.

Two unexcused absences may be grounds for dismissal from the program in which the athlete is currently involved. Flagrant violations of unexcused absences may be grounds for dismissal from athletics.

Athletic practices and contests are designed so as to prevent as little time loss from the classroom as possible. Therefore, most athletic practices and contest are before and/or after school hours and sometimes on Saturdays. There are also practices and contests during school holidays, except on religious holidays, one week during Christmas (UIL Rule), and summer months.

If an athlete should have to miss a practice or contest because of another school sponsored event, it is the athlete’s responsibility to notify the coach, one week prior to such event.

All athletes and managers must be counted present at school the date of the event on which the activity is taking place unless unusual circumstances arise. In the event of unusual circumstances, approval by the athletic director and administration would be necessary.

CUT POLICY: The head coach of each sport will determine the number of participants that each level (7^th A&B, 8^th A&B, 9^th, JV and Varsity) should have. This number will be determined by:

In each sport, the coaches will use the first week of practice as a “try out” period. At this time a series of drills, relevant to the sport, will be administered so that the coach may use his/her professional judgment to determine who will make the team. At the beginning of each season or sport, the head coach will make known, the number of players that will be kept on the team.

Those who do not make the team will be sent to the off-season program, if available, to work on strength and conditioning and encouraged to try again next year or prepare for the next sport that follows.

Other criteria that could be used in not allowing a student to participate in a sport or cutting them after they join a sport, would fall within violation of rules and regulations. Such violation of rules and regulations may include excessive absence, tardiness, not participating, grade problems, disrespect and quitting another sport or off-season program, this may be justification for the head coach to not allow the student to come out for his/her sport.

All athletes on the sub-varsity level will be given an opportunity to participate in contests. There is no regulated times placed on the coach to play all athletes. As stated previously, it is the purpose of the athletic staff to prepare each athlete for competition at the highest level, the varsity.

COLLEGE RECRUITMENT POLICY: In the event an athlete should be contacted personally by a college recruiter, he/she has an obligation to work through his/her coach and the athletic department. Inform your coach of such a contact as soon as possible. College recruitment information is available in the counselor’s office.

SPORTS AVAILABLE

ATHLETIC AWARDS

Awards will be given to all UIL sponsored events at Denison High School. No athlete or manager shall be permitted to received awards for participation in inter-school competition in excess of $50.00 (letter jacket) during his/her high school enrollment at Denison High School; except that additional inter-school activity each year. This is UIL standard.

A. The athlete must complete the sport in season before he or she can receive an award in that sport.

C. In the event of an injury sustained while playing or practicing in the sport which prevents the athlete from fulfilling the participation requirements, he/she may upon the discretion of the coach and administration, receive an award without fully fulfilling the participation requirements. (If in the opinion of the coach, the injury is not serious enough to prevent participation, the player must obtain written medical opinion that he or she is not able to participate.)

D. Any senior who has been out for a sport faithfully for two years may be given a major award.

CONTEST REQUIREMENTS FOR VARSITY LETTER (major Award): Each head coach will determine the requirement necessary to receive a major or symbolic award in his/her sport.

MANAGER/TRAINER AWARD: These awards will parallel the regular awards system and will be made only upon the recommendation of the head coach. A manager/trainer in the ninth grade will not be eligible for a major award as this will be viewed as an apprentice year.

Athletic grades are based on the athlete suiting out and participating in the in-season sport or off-season activities. Attitude and effort will fall into the citizenship evaluation. Poor citizenship and effort may be criteria for suspension or expulsion.

When a student misses classroom work, make-up could be in the form of tests, reports, and etc. When a student/athlete misses athletics, make-up will primarily be in the form of strength training, conditioning, and/or skills work. Each coach will determine the type of make-up work needed in their program. It will be progressive, if long term conditioning is needed, and relevant to the type of program the athlete is currently in.

If long term illness or hospitalization occurs, an “I” or incomplete will be recorded and a conditioning-rehabilitation program will be provided for the athlete so as to make-up for work missed. When the make-up work is complete, the appropriate grade will be substituted for the incomplete.

Failure to suit-out and participate, with no excuse, (forgetting or losing clothes, errands, jobs, etc) will be treated as unexcused absences with no opportunity for make-up. Expulsion may be deemed necessary by the head coach.

An athlete making a semester grade of “F” in athletics will be considered ineligible for participation in athletics for the following semester or school year, by the Director of Athletics.

All coaches assume certain obligations and responsibilities to the game they coach, to the players and to their fellow coaches. It is essential that every member of the profession be constantly aware of these obligations and responsibilities with the purpose in mind that the coaching profession will always remain an honorable profession and that each member is to conduct himself or herself in such a manner as to maintain the dignity and decency of his/her profession.

An active coach is involved in three areas of relationships which entails certain obligations for which some definite standard of conduct may be described. These areas include the following:

In the coach’s relationship with players under his/her care, the coach should always be aware of the tremendous influence he or she controls for good or bad. Parents trust their dearest possessions to the coach’s charge, and the coach through his or her own example must always be sure that the boys and girls who have played under him/her are finer and more decent because of this experience. The coach should never place the value of victory above that of instilling the highest desirable ideals and character traits in their players. The safety and welfare of the athletes should always be uppermost in the coach’s mind and the athletes must never be sacrificed for any personal prestige or personal glory. In teaching the game of his or her choice, the coach must realize that there are certain rules designed to protect the players and provide common standards for determining a winner and a loser. Any attempt to beat those rules in order to take unfair advantage of an opponent or to teach deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct has no place in the coaching profession. Any coach guilty of such teaching does not have the right to call himself/herself a coach. The coach should set the example of winning without boasting and of losing without bitterness. The coach who conducts himself/herself according to these principles need have no fear of failure for in the final analysis, the success of the coach can be measured in terms of the respect he or she has earned form his or her own players and from their opponents.

In his/her relationship with the school for which he/she works, the coach should remember that he/she is on public display as a representative of that school. Therefore, it is important that he/she conduct himself/herself in such a way as to maintain the principle of integrity and the dignity of their school. School policies regarding the athletic program should be adhered to both to the letter and to the spirit. The coach should remember that other members of the faculty also have an interest in the school and in the pupils, and their conduct must be such that no criticism arises concerning their efforts to develop the common interest and the purpose of their school.

Sportswriters and sportscasters should not be used as an outlet for relieving ill feelings toward other coaches, players, officials, or other schools. Sportswriters also have an interest in the athletic program and should be treated with respect and honesty.

Officials are an essential part of the athletic program and of the game. It should be recognized that officials are to attempt to maintain the highest standards of integrity and honesty. And, just as coaches can make mistakes, so can officials. It is important that their efforts to secure perfection in performance be highly respected by coaches.

It should be assumed that all members of the coaching profession intend to follow the precepts set forth in a code of ethics. All evidence of unethical conduct should be brought openly to the proper authority through the prescribed channels.

Coaches whose conduct reflects honesty and integrity will bring credit to the coaching profession, to the games which they coach, to their schools and to themselves. It is only through such conduct that the profession can earn and maintain its rightful place in the educational program and, make its full contribution to the school and the community.

1. Diagnosis and prescription of treatment of injuries are strictly medical problems and should under no circumstance be considered a province of the coach. The coach’s responsibility is to see that injured players are given prompt and competent medical attention and to see that the most detailed instruction of the athletic trainer and/or doctor are carried out.

2. The coach must remember that he or she is a living example for all of the boys and girls in the community in which they coach. Therefore, it is important to the coach and to the profession which they represent, that his/her actions and behavior, at all times, brings credit to the profession and to himself/herself.

A. Before and after a game, rival coaches should meet and exchange friendly greetings.

C. Coaches are encouraged to demonstrate a friendly and kindly attitude toward their players.

D. The attitude of coaches toward officials during the progress of the game should be respectful.

E. After-game visitors should not be permitted to a team’s dressing room until coaches have had

sufficient time to complete all of their post-game responsibilities, including a careful check of any injuries.

Coaches and Directors of school activities are among the best trained leaders of youth. They must be certified teachers with special abilities and training for their responsibilities. Their efforts contribute much toward the complete education of youth.

THE COACH’S RESPONSIBILITY TO HIS SCHOOL

1. The function of the coach is the education of pupils through participation in the game under his or her direction. The primary and basic functions must never be disregarded.

2. Because of the unique place which the coach holds in the educational organization, it is highly important that he or she support the administration in all the policies, rules and regulations which may from time to time be enacted. Differences of opinion must be discussed. Behind closed doors and not aired through the public press and radio.

3. It is important that a harmonious relationship exist between the coach and director of athletics. The coach should feel free to suggest and initiate any action which has to do with the conduct or improvement of the athletic program. Controversial matters should be discussed on a friendly basis. Once final decisions have been reached, they should be accepted and supported by the coach.

4. Participation in inter-school athletics is based on the individual pupil’s observance of established rules and regulations. Every coach should be thoroughly acquainted with these rules and regulations. The coach should assume responsibility for their observance and enforcement in cooperation with the school officials who have been charged with this responsibility. Matters of eligibility should be constantly referred to the school principal or director of athletics for consultation and interpretation and improvement.

5. One of the coach’s fundamental responsibilities must be to inspire his or her players to achieve academic success – not only to make good grades but to secure a well-rounded high school education and to graduate with honor.

1. The coach should be thoroughly acquainted with and follow the rules of the game. Officials rule books should be studied and frequently reviewed. The coach is primarily responsible for teaching and interpreting the rules to their players.

2. The letter and the spirit of the rules must be respected and adhere to by the coach. Rules are made for the protection of the players and for the best interest of the game. It is the coach’s responsibility to see that they are observed.

3. Disregarding the rules brands a coach or a player as a person unfit to be associated with the athletic programs It is especially important that coaches stress those rules which involve bodily contact. The rules permit the use of hands and arms. It is the coaches responsibility to see that hands and arms are used legally. It is not the purpose of any game to hurt or injure an opponent by legal or illegal methods.

4. Good sportsmanship begins on the practice field and if it becomes a habit, no one will have to worry about unsportsmanlike tactics being used in any game.

The following four objectives are set up as a means improving the total athletic programs each year.

1. Increase the total participation each year, under existing guidelines of each program.

2. Each coach in the athletic program should develop and improve each year. Listed below are nine traits that can be both self-evaluated and will be measured by the administration.

B. A “want to” attitude, rather than a “willing to” attitude toward your work.

H. Ability to get along with teachers, principals, parents, student body and other coaches.

3. Develop the best sportsmanship possible for pupils, athletes, and coaches. Sportsmanship is abiding by the rules with the proper attitude.

4. Develop athletes to become the best competitors on the athletic field and to be the best possible citizen off the field.

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