The Goal of Athletics

          The goal of the athletic program is to offer the opportunity of participation to every student who has the ability and desire to do so.  According to the University Interscholastic League rules, athletics is a privilege, not a right.  Since it is a PRIVILEGE, the coaches reserve the right to revoke the privilege when rules are not followed.  The special standards for athletes will provide the security of authority which youth need.  Athletes will know what they can and cannot do.  They will realize that the school wishes them to reach their very best achievement level, both in their lives and in interscholastic athletics.

          When a young man or woman signs up for athletics and becomes a member of the team, they make a commitment.  The students and their parents should know they are obligated to follow the rules and regulations of the program.  The student should realize they are not forced to participate.  It is voluntary; therefore, they are expected to follow rules of order.

          Parents should encourage their son or daughter to achieve success in athletics.  Success is defined as preparing and participating at 100% of the individual’s ability.  We can never expect an athlete to do more than they are capable of.  However, we do want them to obtain their fullest potential.  A supportive parent can instill this desire in a student-athlete long after his or her playing days are over.

         Parents should strive to help their son or daughter to achieve the potential by seeing that the student is on time, attends practice and games, and follows rules and regulations.

Each student must have the following documents on file to participate:

          Completed Physical Form from a doctor

          Acknowledgement of UIL rules

          Acknowledgement of athletic program rules

          Steroid Form

          Medical History

          CFB Code of Conduct for Parent and Student

Dress Code

Being a part of Polk athletics you are a role model.  You should set yourself apart from the rest of the school body.  Because you are asked to do certain things for your team and school, you become different and special.  Are you willing to meet these challenges?

Ø     No jewelry at practices, games, or during the athletic period

     All new ear piercings must be done at the beginning of summer vacation.

    NO EXCEPTIONS.  You will be asked to remove any new piercings done during any in-season and off-season.

Ø     Practice clothes must be worn daily and shirts tucked in.  All athletes will be issued practice shirts and shorts which must be worn everyday every period.  There will be consequences for those not wearing issued practice gear. NO EXCEPTIONS.

     Workout, practice, and game clothes should not be taken home for any reason.  All practice/ workout/ and game clothes will be washed at school by the coaching staff.

Ø     Athletes can buy their own knee pads during volleyball season or use the ones the program supplies. No knee pads = no practice.

Ø     Follow the Student Code of Conduct during school and at games both home and away.  Dress Code violations will be handled as addressed in the Code of Conduct manual

Ø     Uniforms will be issued per season for those that make the teams.  Uniforms must be returned to coaches after the game.  Failure to do so will result in loss of playing time, suspension, and possible removal from the team.

Ø     Below is a replacement fee schedule for any uniforms or practice gear that is lost

Ø     If a student chooses not to dress out, they will have an alternative workout and their grade will be affected.

Practice and Game Expectations

All players committed to this team are expected to adhere to certain rules and regulations set forth by Ted Polk Middle School and the coaching staff.  Players will develop discipline, character, and integrity by following the training rules.  The coaching staff’s goal is to have high practice expectations and standards for the team and the coaching staff will hold everyone on the team accountable for those standards.

1.     BE THERE:  Missing practice or matches will only keep you from getting the experience you need to improve basic fundamentals and it also interferes with team chemistry. 

·        Miss one practice = Loss of playing time

·        Missing two practices = Suspension from game

·        Suspension from 2 or more games = Removal from team

2.     BE ON TIME:  The coaches must know if you are going to be late so adjustments can be made to the practice plans. 

·        Multiple tardies will result in loss of playing time and possible suspension of games or removal from the team.

·        It is the responsibility of the athlete to notify the head coach if they will not attend practice either by email, phone or written note from a doctor or parent in advance.

·        All practice time missed must be made up in order for the athlete to compete in the following match

3.     COMMUNICATE:  Talk with your teammates and coaches.  We cannot stress enough the importance of allowing your athlete to discuss concerns with their coach first.  If we cannot rectify the concerns then please follow the line of communication.

·        Line of communication: 

a.      Head coach and student-athlete

b.     Head coach of program and athlete

c.     Parent/Coach/Athlete meeting (athlete must be present)

d.     Parent/Athlete/Coach/Athletic Director

4.     TRASH TALKING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. This includes talking back to refs, teammates, opponents, spectators and coaches.

5.     BE PROFESSIONAL:  Always use proper language. No profanity. Carry yourself well.

6.     REALIZE YOUR GOALS AND WHY YOU ARE HERE.  Do not allow little things to get in the way of your personal goals and your team’s goals.  Compete and have fun doing it!

ILLNESS/INJURY

Athletes may be excused from activity if they bring a note from their parent or guardian.  Parent/guardian notes are accepted for 3 days.  After the 3^rd day, we require a note from a doctor to excuse the athlete from activity.  This is to insure that your student is healthy enough to perform physical activities.  The safety and health of your student athlete is our number one priority.  Alternative assignments will be given for those who are not able to perform physical activity.

Locker Rooms

To maintain a safe and secure environment, only students suiting out for the days’ activity will be allowed to enter the locker rooms.  Students will come to practice dressed or will be given 5 minutes prior to the beginning of the class to suit out and be seated in their assigned roll call line.  If they are not in their assigned spot at this time, they will earn a tardy.  5 tardies in any class results in an automatic Step 4.

Students will be assigned a locker with a combination lock.  Students are not encouraged to give anyone their combination nor should they share or allow others to share their lockers.  Athletes are only allowed into the locker room area before or after school or during their athletic period.  Any other time during the day, the locker room will be secured and will not be unlocked for any reason.  Athletes should not store any items in their gym locker other than athletic equipment or uniforms.

Locker rooms must be cleaned before the athletic class is released to class.

TRANSPORTATION

Students will ride district transportation to and from all away games.  Students will not be able to leave an away with their parent this is a district policy that must be enforced.  Your child must be picked up from the school no later than 15 minutes after the end practice or a game. 

·        1^st Late pickup = Warning

·        2^nd Late pickup = Suspension from practice and/or game

·        3^rd Late pickup = Possible Removal from team

PARTICIPATION

To maintain a competitive and productive athletic environment, we required that athletes participate in at least two sports.  Every athlete is expected to compete and/or try out for the Track team.  They may choose from volleyball, basketball, or soccer as their second sport.  All students are encouraged to try out for all sports.  Only those making the teams, will participate in games and practice before or after school.  Equal playing time is encouraged on all team except the 8^th grade “Green” team, where playing time is earned.

REPLACEMENT FEES