Pittsburg ISD Athletic Department Mission Statement
Consistent with the mission of Pittsburg ISD, the Pittsburg ISD athletic department will provide a program that helps to provide all children with a quality academic background that ensures their development intellectually, emotionally, socially, and technologically in order to prepare them to thrive in our global world.
In addition, the program will provide student-athletes an opportunity to pursue and understand the values of attitude, character, commitment, leadership, sportsmanship, responsibility, accountability, decision-making, work ethic, and team.
PITTSBURG ISD ATHLETIC PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
&
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:
1st Major Offense- 30
days
2nd Major Offense-
One calendar year
3rd 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)
|
Men’s
Basketball |
Women’s
Basketball |
Football |
Baseball |
Men’s
Soccer |
High School Athletes in U.S. |
549,500 |
456,900 |
983,600 |
455,300 |
321,400 |
HS Senior Athletes in U.S. |
157,000 |
130,500 |
281,000 |
130,100 |
91,800 |
NCAA Student Athletes |
15,700 |
14,400 |
56,500 |
25,700 |
18,200 |
NCAA Freshman Positions |
4,500 |
4,100 |
16,200 |
7,300 |
5,200 |
NCAA Senior Athletes |
3,500 |
3,200 |
12,600 |
5,700 |
4,100 |
NCAA Athletes Drafted |
44 |
32 |
250 |
600 |
76 |
Percent High School to
NCAA |
2.9% |
3.1% |
5.8% |
5.6% |
5.7% |
Percent NCAA to Professional |
1.3% |
1.0% |
2.0% |
10.5% |
1.9% |
Percent HS to Professional |
0.03% |
0.02% |
0.09% |
0.5% |
0.08% |
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.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ATHLETIC POLICIES
BY THE STUDENT-ATHLETE
I have read and understand
the Athletic Policies for the Student Athlete in Pittsburg ISD and agree that I
will abide by all policies. Furthermore, I understand that my failure to abide
by these policies and any other rules and regulations determined necessary by
my coaches may result in suspension or removal from the athletic program.
I have
accessed the Pittsburg ISD Athletic Code of Conduct & Parent Handbook for
2020-2021 and will abide by the guidelines and procedures of the Pittsburg ISD
District.
I understand
that I can review a hard copy of this document on my Campus or in the Pittsburg
ISD athletic department.
My signature
certifies that I have accessed the Pittsburg ISD On-line Athletic Handbook for
2020-2021.
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Signature of Student-Athlete Date
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Signature of Parent/Guardian Date