HHS/WMS Athletic Contract

ATHLETIC CONTRACT FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

Hewlett-Woodmere’s parents and professional staff believe that active student participation in athletics is vital to the development of a well-rounded individual. In keeping with this belief, we will continue to encourage student involvement, emphasizing the honor and privilege of representing Hewlett-Woodmere Schools as a student athlete.  We hold high expectations for academic achievement of all student athletes and expect them to maintain those standards. The honor of participation carries with it the responsibility of Hewlett-Woodmere’s adolescents and young adults to present themselves as role models. Athletes represent not only themselves, but also their coach, their team, the Hewlett-Woodmere student body, and the Hewlett-Woodmere community. They are therefore expected to act in a responsible manner at all times. As part of the commitment to a team, regular attendance at practices and games throughout the sports season and conformity to the rules established by the District is expected. The Hewlett-Woodmere School District Athletic Guidelines are as follows:

ATTENDANCE

An athlete’s first commitment must be to the school program. Athletes are expected to attend EVERY practice and contest commencing on the first day of the start of a particular season, unless excused by their coach. There are no unexcused absences from practices or games. Athletes are to provide coaches with prior notification of all anticipated absences. The Director of Athletics or designee will handle absences due to uncontrollable events on an individual basis.  The athlete must be in school by 10:15am to participate in an athletic practice or contest on that day.  Exceptions will be made only if the athlete provides evidence of an acceptable excused absence. Additionally, a student may not leave school after 5 periods and return for practice/contest unless it is an excused absence approved by the building administration or Director of Athletics. Students who arrive at school late without an approved excuse, as defined by the student disciplinary code, or are absent for any part of the day due to illness, will not be considered to be in “regular attendance at school all day” as prescribed by the Interscholastic Athletic Eligibility Policy, and will not be permitted to practice or play on that day.  If an athlete is present during his/her physical education class and is not prepared or does not participate, he/she will not be permitted to participate in the practice/contest that day. However, the athlete is required to attend practice and it is treated as an unexcused absence. Legal excused absences to be accepted by the district are:

1. 1. Illness, Illness or death in family
   2. Required attendance at doctor/dental appointment
   3. Impassable roads or weather
   4. Religious observance
   5. Required court appearance
   6. 1 Approved college visit/season (proof of attendance required)
   7. Military obligations
   8. Approved school program
   9. 1 Approved college showcase/season (proof of attendance required)

Athletes are expected to be in attendance for the full time of the practice and/or contest including school recess periods.  If an athlete has an unexcused absence from a practice/contest, the coach will notify the parent and/or athlete and initiate the following:

First unexcused absence          will result in             warning

Second unexcused absence      will result in             suspension from 1 contest/performance

Third unexcused absence         will result in             suspension from 2 contests/performances

Fourth unexcused absence       will result in             the athlete’s being dropped from the team

Being late 3 times or being released early 3 times, without evidence of an acceptable approved excuse, will constitute one unexcused absence. Athletes missing practices or contests due to extended illnesses or injuries will not be permitted to participate in contests until appropriate conditioning is attained as determined by the coach. Circumstances such as a serious family emergency may be considered for an appeal and will be dealt with on an individual basis. A decision will be made after discussion involving the coach, the player, and the Athletic Director. Athletes missing practice time are not guaranteed identical playing time/status until they prove themselves ready through practice. An external suspension is considered an unexcused absence and is treated as indicated as above.  A second offense during the same sport season resulting in an external suspension will result in the athlete being dropped from the team. An internal suspension is considered an unexcused absence and is treated as an Unexcused Absence. Any other attendance or behavior related incident may result in consequences for the athlete.

 ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

Student athletes must recognize their commitment when participating in athletics. For a student to participate in an extracurricular activity, he/she must be in regular attendance at school all day when the said activity is scheduled. Attendance on Friday will suffice for Saturday activities. The principal or his/her designee may grant permission for the student to be absent under special circumstances. To be eligible to participate in athletics and co-curricular activities at the high school level, students must maintain acceptable academic standards. If a student fails two courses in a quarter, the student will be deemed “on probation.” A student on probation may continue to participate in athletics and/or co-curricular activities by filing a probationary contract co-signed by the student and his/her parent. “On probation” means that the student can only participate after a probationary contract has been processed through the building Principal or designee. If a student fails three or more courses in a quarter, the student will be deemed “ineligible” during the subsequent quarter. If the student is declared ineligible she/ he will not be permitted to participate in any co-curricular activities. To be reinstated, the student must follow the probationary contract procedure initiated with the Assistant Principal and petition the Eligibility Committee. The Principal may, restrict participation in co-curricular activities for reasons that include and/or transcend the above stated eligibility policy. Fourth quarter grades will determine eligibility status for fall activities. Consideration may be given for successful completion of summer school courses. Ineligible students who are passing the required number of subjects during the subsequent marking period, or who believe that they have a valid reason to be reinstated, may at the mid-point (5 weeks) of the marking period appeal to the building Principal for permission to participate in athletics or co-curricular activities for the remainder of the marking period.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation to off-site contests, is usually, provided by the school district.  If an athlete misses a bus he/she cannot practice or compete. Students may not drive themselves to a practice (without prior approval from the  Director of Athletics) or a contest when transportation is provided. They are ineligible to participate if they do so.

ATHLETIC ATTIRE

Athletes are to wear only school-issued uniforms for contests.  In addition, the school dress code is in effect for athletic practices and contests.  Athletes are

not permitted to wear clothing considered inappropriate. This includes clothing that is vulgar; obscene; libelous; or that denigrates others on account of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability; or that promotes and/or endorses the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs and/or encourages illegal or violent activity.  Hewlett-Woodmere athletes are expected to be role models for all students. They are expected to demonstrate positive behavior through their actions and attire.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

All student expectations and responsibilities fall under the Hewlett-Woodmere School District Code of Conduct.  Those students who exhibit a failure to abide by the Code of Conduct may be excluded from extracurricular activities. Athletes are responsible to review the Code of Conduct in their student handbooks and be aware of its contents.  Hewlett-Woodmere athletes are expected to behave at all times as responsible members of their teams, in addition to meeting Hewlett-Woodmere’s high standards for academic achievement and exhibiting respectable behavior in keeping with the Code of Conduct. At no time may an athlete gossip about, disparage, belittle, ridicule, criticize, or bully any other person for any reason whatsoever. Causing social or emotional distress to another individual will jeopardize the athlete’s continuance on the team.  Unauthorized, inappropriate use of photo(s) or video(s) of Hewlett-Woodmere athletes or teams is prohibited and will result in discipline, suspension, or removal from team.

AWARDS

School District awards are issued only to those athletes who complete their season in good standing. Athletes who are dropped from a team or quit prior to the last contest are not eligible for awards.  Athletes who fail to return or reimburse the cost of equipment or uniforms are ineligible for awards.  These athletes will not be eligible to participate in a subsequent sport season until the return or reimbursement is satisfied.

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

An athlete may not be in possession of, use, or sell alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances at any time.  Any athlete found to possess, use or sell alcohol, tobacco, or any illegal drug on or off school property at any time, including weekends, preceding or during a season, will be disciplined or suspended from participating in that sport.  If a student self informs a coach and/or other school official about his/her substance abuse, suspension may be waived if the athlete is willing to take active steps to remedy the problem.

HAZING/SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Hazing, a form of harassment whether it is physical or verbal, cannot be tolerated or condoned by a victim, a coach, staff, family, school administration, fellow students and especially team members.   Any student found to have committed an act of harassment against any student in the Hewlett-Woodmere District, including team members, will face disciplinary action, which may include suspension from an athletic team and suspension from school.  Team members are expected and required to notify a coach or other school official if any such behavior is rumored or observed.  Sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome verbal, electronic, or physical interaction between two or more people. Sexual harassment can happen between people of the same gender or people of different genders.  Any athlete, male or female, proven to sexually harass any other student will be subject to suspension or removal from the team, a program, or the school.

BEHAVIORS

Foul language and insulting remarks are not permissible.  Students will not be permitted to fight or strike teammates or opponents unless in the context of a contact sport where such physical conduct is required and controlled in accordance with contest rules.  Athletes are expected to obey a coach’s directions. Disobedience, unwarranted comments, and other subversive behaviors may interfere with the coach’s ability to conduct a practice/contest and may distract from the time a coach should be devoting to the team.  Athletes are expected to communicate with coaches before or after practice to avoid detracting from team practices/contests and team goals.  Athletes are also expected to follow the rules and protocol of their sport and not intentionally violate the rules of the sport that they are playing during practice or competitions.  The coach, building administrator, or Athletic Director will impose all penalties for violations. Penalties will be consistent throughout the athletic program and dependent upon the severity of the violation and behavioral history of the violator.

SPORTSMANSHIP EXPECTATIONS FOR A HEWLETT-WOODMERE ATHLETE

It is important for all athletes to remember that participation is a privilege that is not to be abused by unsportsmanlike conduct. The Hewlett-Woodmere athlete is to demonstrate self-control and respect for teammates, opponents, other athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators at all times.  Hewlett-Woodmere athletes are expected to treat opponents with respect before, during and after competitions. Saying “Congratulations,” shaking hands, and showing other acts of good sportsmanship are expected from the athlete. Hewlett-Woodmere athletes are expected to follow the following SPORTSMANSHIP code:

1. Follow the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.
2. Make no remarks or gestures at any time toward any other person, which would be considered belittling, disparaging, bullying, or in any way judgmental or critical of that person.
3. Show respect and courtesy to visiting teams, spectators and officials.
4. Establish positive relations with visiting teams, hosts and respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.
5. Follow the Section 8, NYSPHSAA and the school rules of eligibility.
6. Encourage leadership, initiative and good judgment in teammates.
7. Recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, moral, social and emotional well-being of the players.
8. Remember that an athletic contest is ONLY A GAME for the athlete, coach, school, spectator or community.

APPEALS

An appeals process is available to students. Students and/or parents may initiate appeals. Such appeals will be heard by a committee, convened as necessary, consisting of the Director of Athletics, building administrator, and an advocate selected by the student.  Appeals will be heard in as timely a manner as possible

I have read the above guidelines for a Hewlett-Woodmere athlete, and I am willing to adhere to all rules and expected behaviors. I am also aware that disciplinary actions will be initiated if I fail to adhere to the rules and expected behaviors. I understand that all athletic policies are governed specifically by the Board of Education and it is my responsibility to know, understand, and follow those expectations.

Our Philosophy on Commitment

Being a part of the Hewlett-Woodmere’s Athletic program is a privilege that requires dedication, discipline, and commitment to your teammates and coaches. Success relies on everyone being present, prepared, and ready to work. When you commit to this team, you are expected to attend all scheduled practices, games, and team events including those during school holiday and recess periods. Please read the athletic contract found on Final Forms carefully with your parent/guardian.

Pre-Season Conflict Sheet- (To be submitted to head coach by the end of first week of practice)

We understand that some scheduling conflicts are known well in advance (e.g., a sibling’s wedding, a school band concert, a mandatory standardized test). Please list any known conflicts for the upcoming season below. Providing these now allows coaches to plan accordingly. Adding conflicts during the season will negatively influence playing time, standing on team and can result in removal from the team.  Fill out any known conflicts and sign at the bottom.  If you have no known conflicts, please write “NONE” across the table.

Acknowledgment & Signatures

By signing below, we acknowledge that we have read, understand, and agree to abide by Hewlett-Woodmere Athletic Contract & Attendance Policy. We understand the definitions of excused and unexcused absences, the communication protocol, and the consequences for failing to meet team expectations.

Athlete Name (Print): _________________________________________                 Sport:_______________

Athlete Signature: _____________________________________________               Date: _______________

Parent/Guardian Name (Print): _________________________________________