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PARENT HANDBOOK 2020-21

ATHLETIC POLICIES FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE (THE ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT)

PITTSBURG ISD

Participation in the athletic program and/or University Interscholastic League contests is a PRIVILEGE, not a right. No student is required to take part in the contests or activities. Therefore, it is imperative that all students and parents of students taking part in the program understand the following Athletic Code of Conduct and conform to the rules and regulations therein and that the coaches of the sport or activities and the athletic director shall have every right to remove these privileges.

The goals of the athletic programs of Pittsburg ISD are designed to:

·       Develop attitudes in each individual that will become an integral part of his/her quest for success

·       Further an appreciation for optimum health and physical fitness of the participant

·       Encourage the student-athlete to grow physically, mentally, and socially

·       Develop the characteristics of sportsmanship, loyalty, discipline, training, courage, improvement, and pride in the student-athlete

The student-athlete must understand that both winning and losing are part of the game. A student- athlete must be disciplined to be a good loser as well as a gracious winner. The student- athlete must never use profanity or resort to illegal tactics. Excessive displays of temper, flagrant violations of contest rules, etc., will not be tolerated. Total respect to officials at all times is an absolute must. Any discussion of calls made by officials will be done by the coach. Any behavior contrary to the above or any other act that is not conducive to good sportsmanship may result in removal from the contest and possible further discipline action, including, but not limited to removal from the team.

ATHLETIC DRESS CODE

To participate in athletics in Pittsburg ISD, certain standards must be maintained, one of which is acceptable grooming and dress as determined by the district Board of Trustees, the Athletic Director, and the head coach of each sport. Specific standards of grooming are necessary in order to provide a safe and healthy athletic environment, to express uniformity among team members, and to promote self-discipline of the student-athlete.

The student-athlete should be in compliance with the student dress code as it appears in the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook. Also, the head coach of a sport may determine additional dress code requirements for his/her sport. The athlete should be neatly dressed for competition. Each team member is to be dressed the same as his/her teammates, while participating in an event. Equipment worn by the athlete should be identical to his/her team members, with the exception of shoes. Shoes, if different, should be of the same color when

possible. Game uniform tops/shirts must be worn tucked in at all times unless the top is designed otherwise.

FAILING TO FULFILL COMMITMENT

A student should take his/her decision to join an athletic team seriously. Athletics takes much hard work, time, and dedication. Any participant who quits a sport after he/she has begun will not be allowed to participate in any other sport until the regular season has ended in the sport he/she quit. The only exceptions to this will be by a majority vote of the Athletic Council or if he/she quits upon the recommendation of the coach.

Reinstatement in a sport quit by a student-athlete will not be allowed unless he/she has a majority vote of approval from the Athletic Council.

The Athletic Council at each school will consist of the Athletic Director and the head coach of the sport involved.

CARE AND USAGE OF EQUIPMENT

The athletic budget provides money to field well-equipped teams in all sports. While this equipment is not always the most expensive available, it is always good equipment and provides adequate protection where needed. With proper care, this equipment can be kept in use for the duration for which it is designed, possibly allowing budget money designated for replacement equipment to be used in other areas of the athletic program. The athlete is financially responsible for all equipment that has been issued to him/her.

Proper care of equipment relies basically on the use of common sense by the student-athlete. This includes keeping equipment as clean as possible at all times and repairing equipment as soon as possible after it is damaged.

Poorly-fitting and/or damaged equipment can be a hindrance to any athletic team and can often lead to injuries. The athlete should insure that equipment issued to him/her fits properly and is not damaged. If issued equipment does not fit properly or is damaged, the athlete should notify the equipment manager or coach.

Equipment not being used should be returned to the equipment manager or coach. Equipment should not be borrowed from other athletes. Report missing equipment immediately.

PRACTICE REGULATIONS

Practice is an integral part of developing into the best athlete a person can be. Therefore, all athletes are expected to participate to their fullest potential at all practice sessions. Absence from any practice must be approved ahead of time by the coach. Missing a practice without permission may result in suspension or removal from the team.

All athletes are expected to follow all rules and regulations set up by the coach. Unsportsmanlike conduct during practice sessions will not be tolerated.

Poor effort during practice will not be accepted. Work as hard in practice as you intend to play in a game. Inappropriate effort in practice may result in reduced playing time or suspension from future athletic contests.

TRAVELING TO OFF-CAMPUS CONTESTS

All student-athletes in junior schools and high schools in Pittsburg ISD are representatives of our community, school, and coaches. Therefore, it is expected that all student-athletes will dress in an acceptable manner on trips and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects pride in self and community. At a minimum, the school dress code should be worn at all times when representing a Pittsburg ISD athletic program. Coaches may impose stricter dress requirements on athletes. Violations may result in suspension and possible expulsion from the team or athletic program.

Athletes are expected to be on time for all contests. Time of departure will be set by the coach. Tardiness may result in discipline consequences within the program.

Traveling representatives of Pittsburg ISD should show respect for opposing teams’ facilities and any other venues visited. Abuse of any facilities will not be tolerated. Behavior in restaurants and other public places must be appropriate at all times.

Athletes will be expected to make all trips to and from contests on district-provided transportation. Athletes will be expected to return on this transportation unless there is an emergency situation or when parents are present and prior arrangements have been made for the student-athlete to leave with them. Arrangements for alternate transportation after an athletic event must be made between the parents and the coach. This arrangement must be in writing and signed by the parent with whom the student will leave. Athletes will not be allowed to leave with anyone other than their own parent(s).

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR / SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

Student-athletes are expected to be leaders inside and outside of the classroom. Therefore, a student-athlete who is a habitual problem in the classroom and/or receives repeated poor conduct grades may be suspended from a team on a temporary or permanent basis. In addition, a student- athlete may receive additional athletic consequences for inappropriate behavior in the classroom or for other violations of the Student or Athletic Codes of Conduct. Serious violations of any part of the above mentioned codes, including those involving off-campus placements, will be referred to the Athletic Council.

LISTENING TO INSTRUCTION

To be a part of the PISD athletic program, all athletes are expected to be well behaved and disciplined. They must be coachable. Coaches want to see every student be as successful as they can in school, athletics, and in life. Insubordination, disrespect, and disobedience to coaches will not be tolerated. Student- athletes will face disciplinary action for bad behavior toward coaches that could lead to being disciplined in athletics, suspension, or in cases of repeated insubordination, disrespect or disobedience, removal from the team or program. We cannot win with undisciplined players and will not tolerate them.

PROHIBITED CONDUCT

At Pittsburg we want to see all of our athletes being good citizens and role models on and off the field of play. Trouble with civil authorities could lead to suspension from athletics. Any of the following are considered major violations: possessing selling, delivering, or using drug paraphernalia; stealing; any conduct resulting in an arrest and/ or Class B Misdemeanor; assault; indecent exposure or sexual gestures; unlawful carrying of weapons; or membership in a gang or participation in gang like activity.

Any of these major violations will lead to suspension from the athletic program for the following time periods:

1^st Major Offense- 30 days

2^nd Major Offense- One calendar year

3^rd Major Offense- Removal from the athletic program for the remainder of high school career

DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE

Drug and Alcohol use is strictly prohibited. Players must understand that they are representatives of our program and that use of these substances is a negative reflection of our program.

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY & DAEP PLACEMENT

·       A student is ineligible for athletic participation during any off-campus disciplinary placement (DAEP). He or she may not participate in games or practices.

·       With head coach and Athletic Council approval, a student returning from off-campus placement may enter an off-season program.

·       With head coach & Athletic Council approval, a student returning from off-campus placement may enter an in-season program.

·       If an athlete is allowed to return to the athletic program, coaches are to provide appropriate conditioning opportunities that will prepare the athlete for a return to competitive physical activities.

HAZING

Hazing is any action or activity that, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participants, causes or intends to cause: 1) physical harm, 2) mental harm, 3) anxieties, or 4) degrading or disgracing a person for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization. Hazing has long been a tradition for many organizations, clubs, and sports teams, causing members to endure physical or mental abuse in the name of brotherhood, sisterhood, and unity.

Hazing is an illegal activity (Texas Education Code 37.151-37.157) and is also a violation of the PISD Student Code of Conduct. Therefore hazing under any circumstances will not be tolerated in the athletic programs of our school district. Students found to be in violation of this portion of the Athletic Code will be subject to disciplinary action through the athletic program, the school district, and the judicial system.

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF CHAMPIONSHIP PARENTS

1.      Be positive with your son/daughter; let him/her know they are accomplishing something by simply being part of the team. Don’t put him/her down.

2.      Don’t offer excuses for him/her if they are not playing. Encourage him/her to work harder and do their best.

3.      Don’t put down their coaches, teachers, etc. Remember, these represent the “boss”, the “authority”, the “parent”, the “law”, etc. If you are constantly bad-mouthing the coaches, how can you expect the youngster to play for them. You are teaching him/her to be a complainer, not a doer.

4.      Encourage your son/daughter to follow team rules. Whether he/she is first string or third string, players must follow rules.

5.      Insist on good grades. If he/she doesn’t pass, he/she doesn’t play.

6.      Don’t try to live your life vicariously through your son/daughter. This is a kids’ game; let them play it. Don’t show animosity or jealousy to any of your child’s teammates. This type of envy rubs off on your child, and it can devastate a team. Who cares who scores, etc. as long as everyone plays their role to the fullest.

7.      Don’t be a know-it-all. The coaches work hard with the players 10 months a year and they know what a player can and cannot do. As a fan, you are entitled to scream your head off, but please don’t become belligerent and arrogant toward the players. They are amateurs and your children. Respect that.

8.      Insist on your athlete’s respect for team rules, school rules, game officials, and sportsmanship. Don’t let them embarrass their family, school, and/or team by some “uncalled-for” gesture. Self-respect begins with self-control.

9.      Encourage your athlete to improve his/her self -image by believing in themselves. Every person has been created with worth and value. Always remind your athlete of this fact. Don’t compare and contrast your athlete with family members who played previously or with other team members. Every youngster is different.

10.    Encourage your athlete to play for the love of the game, not for a scholarship or something that is in the hands of a college recruiter. Insist on unselfishness. Usually good things happen to the unselfish, hardworking athlete.

PARENT / COACH RELATIONSHIPS

Both parenting and coaching are very difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding between coaches and parents, both are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a more positive experience for everyone. Parents should be informed of the expectations placed on them and their children by the coach. Coaches should be afforded the opportunity to meet and discuss any concerns of the parent at the appropriate time and place.

Communication parents should expect from their child’s coach:

1.                Coach’s philosophy.

2.                Expectations the coach has for the student and others on the team.

3.                Locations and times of practices and contests.

4.                Team requirements (team rules, off-season expectations, special equipment needs, fees, etc.).

5.               Procedures that will be followed if the student becomes injured during participation.

Communication coaches expect from parents:

1.                Concerns regarding the student expressed directly to the coach at the appropriate time and place.

2.                Specific concerns in regard to the coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.

3.                Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with a coach:

1.                The mental and physical treatment of your child.

2.                What your child needs to do to improve.

3.                Concerns about your child’s behavior.

It is very important to understand your child may not be playing as much as you may hope. Coaches make decisions based on what they believe is in the best interests of all students participating. As you can see from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those listed next, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues NOT appropriate for discussion with your child’s coach:

1.                How much playing time each athlete is getting.

2.                Team strategy.

3.                Play calling.

4.                Any situation that deals with other student-athletes.

RESOLVING CONFLICTS

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and parent. These are not discouraged, as it is important for each party to have a clear understanding of the others’ position. Persons seeking a resolution conference for athletic concerns should not approach the coach immediately following an athletic contest or practice. Coaches have responsibilities at these times that limit the time they have available to meet with parents. In addition, the time immediately following practices or games can be emotional times for both the parent and coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution of the situation and can often escalate it. When these conferences are necessary, the following steps are suggested to help promote resolution to the issue.

1.                Call the school to set up an appointment with the coach. If the coach is an assistant coach, include the head coach of the sport in the conference.

2.                Decide exactly what you expect to accomplish as a result of the meeting.

3.                Stick to discussing the facts, as you understand them.

4.                Listen to the coach’s response.

5.                If the concern is still not resolved, a conference involving the student and/or parent, head coach of the sport, and the Director of Athletics should be scheduled.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

The purpose of participating in high school athletics should not be a quest to win a scholarship to perform at the collegiate level. The following information is provided to help parents and athletes realize the difficult task faced by a high school athlete to earn a free college education through athletics and the even more difficult task it is to become a professional athlete.

Estimated Probability of Competing in Athletics Beyond the High School Level (Information furnished by the University Interscholastic League)

COLLEGE RECRUITING

What we can do-

1.     Remind students to take the ACT and SAT test.

2.     Put emphasis on a high grade point average.

3.     We, as coaches, will assist all student athletes in filling out personnel questions, making individual highlight tapes, and any other help we can give.

4.     We, as coaches, will give positive feedback to college recruiters. We will send tapes anywhere the students desire us to.

What you can do-

1.      Make good grades and maintain a high GPA.

2.      Take the ACT and SAT test multiple times.

3.      Go to college mini-camps or combines.

4.      Can assist with making individual highlight videos to send to colleges.

Recruiting Process-

1.      Colleges send questionnaires and enter kids into database.

2.      Colleges select players and send personal letters and questions.

3.      Colleges look up their hudl highlight film to analyze potential selected players and ask high school coaches about grades, character and college playing potential.

4.      Colleges invite and rank kids at their camps.

5.      Colleges assess their program needs and rank the top high school prospects in order to recruit.

6.      College recruiters will recruit multiple high school players for each position and each scholarship.

7.      College recruiters will offer scholarships to their top prospects only. If that prospect signs or commits to another program they will go to their second choice. (All the time “stringing along “all possible recruits for that position until they sign who they want.)

8.      After signing day many lower level colleges will sign prospects who were overlooked or ask recruits to walk on with limited or no money offered for college.

ADDITIONAL POLICIES

The head coach of each sport in PISD has the authority to set rules and regulations in addition to this Athletic Code of Conduct that are specific to his/her sport. These additional rules and regulations will be distributed to all participants in the program at the beginning of the season and all participants will be expected to follow the additional guidelines. The head coach, with approval by the Athletic Director, will set consequences for violation of the team rules.

THE ATTACHED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO THE HEAD COACH BEFORE A STUDENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS.