Updated Jan. 2007

Table of Contents

Introduction......................................................................................................................................3

Purpose.............................................................................................................................................3

Acknowledgments............................................................................................................................3

Distribution......................................................................................................................................4

Formation of a Team........................................................................................................................4

Academics and Extracurricular Activities.......................................................................................4

Tournaments, Practice Times & Seasons.........................................................................................4

Coaches............................................................................................................................................5

Philosophy of Coaching...................................................................................................................6

Responsibility of Coaches................................................................................................................6

Coaches Conduct.............................................................................................................................6

Coaches Relationship With Team....................................................................................................6

After the Contest..............................................................................................................................8

Dealing with Student Body and Fans...............................................................................................8

Relationship with Officials..............................................................................................................8

Scheduling of Sports........................................................................................................................9

Use of School After Regular School Hours.....................................................................................9

Equipment........................................................................................................................................9

Uniforms........................................................................................................................................10

Player Selection........................................................................................................................………....10

Player Commitment.......................................................................................................................10

Player Conduct...............................................................................................................................11

Travel.............................................................................................................................................12

Billeting..........................................................................................................................................13

School Attendance on Days of Travel...........................................................................................13

Clothing.........................................................................................................................................13

Smoking.........................................................................................................................................14

Alcohol and Drugs.........................................................................................................................14

Canteen Services............................................................................................................................14

Fundraising....................................................................................................................................14

Coaching Directory........................................................................................................................15

Appendix........................................................................................................................................16

Introduction

Corner Brook High offers a varied athletic program for students. Opportunity is provided for all students to acquire physical skills as well as sportsmanship and character development in both team and individual activities. These activities are voluntary by students and teachers and do not carry academic credit.

class=Section3>

Corner Brook High believes that participation in athletics will assist students-athletes in reaching their physical, emotional, educational and social potential. It will also help them to develop healthy lifestyles together with responsible and positive attitudes. Studies have shown that involvement in extracurricular activities promote constructive use of leisure time, development of personality, practice of good human relations and positive teacher-student relations.

Corner Brook High’s extracurricular athletic program includes the following:

Intramurals

· soccer, floor hockey, basketball, volleyball, etc.

Recreational Clubs

· badminton, archery, weight-lifting, fencing, outdoor pursuits, track and field, etc.

Varsity Clubs

· cross country running, softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, etc.

Purpose

This handbook was developed to provide a set of operating guidelines for students-athletes, coaches, and sponsors involved in extracurricular athletics at Corner Brook High. These guidelines attempt to ensure fair opportunity for all user groups and respect for school property.

Acknowledgments

The following people are to be recognized for their willingness to participate in the review and update of this “Athletics Procedures Handbook”.

Distribution

This handbook is intended to be distributed to all coaches, teacher sponsors and students participating in Corner Brook High extracurricular athletics programs prior to the groups starting each year.

Formation of a Team

If students or prospective coaches are interested in forming a sports team at Corner Brook High, they must make application to the administration of the school. Administration will give all applications due process. If a team is given approval, the following items must be provided:

· Coaching Application (Available at the School)

· Certificate of Conduct for Coach (Available from RNC or RCMP)

· Teacher Sponsor (Can be any teacher from our District)

· Team Roster

· Practice Schedule

· Tournament Schedule

· Other (...see Administration)

Academics and Extracurricular Activities

Corner Brook High aims to provide equal opportunity and time for as many students as possible in the extracurricular athletics programs. Access to these activities is available through instructional classes, intramurals, recreational clubs and varsity sports.

All students involved in extra curricular athletics activities are expected to maintain a B average in their courses. They also are required to work to the best of their ability, including class conduct and attendance. Students failing a course in the first semester of the sport season will be placed under probation and reviewed the next semester or reporting session. (See Appendix) The administration in consultation with the coaches will be responsible for monitoring the academic status of student team members.

Tournaments, Practice Time and Seasons

Corner Brook High recognizes the value of students participating in sport tournaments. We support this participation and the efforts by students and coaching staff to prepare for such events including team selection, fund-raising, and practice times. It is important that we maintain a balanced approach to tournaments. In this regard, the following criteria must be applied when deciding if a team can attend a tournament:

Tournaments

Students can attend Four (4) Tournaments in a sport where a school day(s) may be required, with Administration approval. Those tournaments will include:

· A Regional Tournament

· A Provincial Tournament

· Any two (2) Invitational Tournaments where school days may be required for travel

Students may attend other Tournaments with Administration permission, but are not permitted to use school days for travel or otherwise.

Seasons & Practice Time

Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of sports. Students must participate in all Tournaments that are In-Season for their chosen sport as per the School Sport Newfoundland & Labrador Handbook. (SEE WILDCARD POLICY)

· In-Season sports have the primary practice sessions (See Athletic Director)

· Off-Season sports may hold practices throughout the year but will be given secondary practice sessions. (See Athletic Director)

Wild Card Policy

· In the event a coach applies for a wild card for their respective provincial tournament they must first have the consensus of the team. If a student does not wish to participate in that event they must notify the coach immediately. If the coach fails to notify the student that they have applied for a wild card the student may chose to play a tournament in another sport. However, if the student commits to playing with the team after commiting themselves as a wildcard participant at the provincial tournament they must represent their team at the tournament. NO EXCEPTIONS!!

Coaches

Herdman Collegiate recognizes the valuable contribution made by all volunteers to the extra curricular athletic program. Such dedication of volunteers is beneficial to students in this most important facet of school life.

Herdman Collegiate will attempt to provide the best possible coaching staff for its varsity athletes. Coaches will be selected and approved by the Herdman administration in consultation with the athletic director and sports committee.

· An advertisement for coaches for the upcoming academic year will be posted in the local media in late July. (See Appendix)

· Coaches will be required to submit an application (which includes a Certificate of Conduct) and a Season Plan each September. Coaches are required to reapply each fall if they wish to continue coaching a particular team.

· A coach may only be allowed to coach the same nucleus of players for a maximum of three years (OR) may continue to coach with principal’s permission.

· Teachers of Herdman Collegiate have the first opportunity to coach teams. If suitable coaches cannot be found within the school, coaches will be sought outside the school. If coaches are appointed from outside the school, teacher sponsors are required. (Pending School Board Policy Change)

Philosophy of Coaching

School Sports Newfoundland & Labrador 2003-04 outlines that high standards of courtesy, fair play, and sportsmanship must be a feature of all school sports competition.

Corner Brook High philosophy of coaching will be rooted in the concept of ‘fair play’ which emphasizes the following:

· respecting the rules of the game.

· respecting the officials and accepting their decisions.

· respecting the opponent.

· providing all participants with equal opportunities.

· maintaining dignity under all circumstances.

Responsibility of Coaches

Coaches and teacher sponsors are expected to provide due care and control of students as would any prudent parent or guardian. In this respect coaches and teachers shall:

· Set a good example of sportsmanship.

· Encourage students to balance their time and effort such that their academic work is not affected.

· Impress upon students that in their efforts to achieve excellence/victory- the principals of good sportsmanship must always prevail.

· Set expectations of students that are in keeping with the daily school policies and regulations.

· Arrange for distribution and collection of all school property (uniforms, equipment, etc).

· Provide a tournament schedule.

· Provide a practice schedule.

· Submit an annual financial report of all fundraising activities (see fundraising).

Coaches Conduct

Corner Brook High administration will be responsible for the assigning, monitoring, and providing direction to coaches. Administration will also intervene when necessary to do so where non-compliance of policy or questionable conduct occurs.

It is the coaches responsibility to:

· provide instruction so that players perform to their maximum ability within the rules of the sport and good sportsmanship.

· know the rules of the game and to instruct these rules to players.

· teach techniques consistent with standards of the game and good sportsmanship.

· inform players of conduct expected in the locker room, in other school facilities, on the floor, or field, and during travel.

· ensure players understand they do not respond to remarks from the spectators or opponents that may be designed to provoke them but to report concerns to coach.

· ensure teams involved in the game stand quietly and respectfully to honor the national anthem.

· prepare the team mentally and emotionally for a contest, the coaches remarks at practice and prior to a game should be consistent with good sportsmanship and ethical conduct.

· abide by limitations imposed on their sport by School Sports Newfoundland & Labrador.

· anticipate any potential problems specific to a particular contest.

Coaches Relationship With Team

The coach is to:

· keep the team seated in assigned benched area, and restrict all non-players from the bench area.

· be totally responsible for the physical and verbal actions of the team members.

· ensure that if an altercation breaks, athletes remain on the bench Coaches and Teacher Sponsors should refrain from becoming involved in an altercation.

· promote good grooming of players.

· use careful, sound judgment and sensitivity when reprimanding players.

· inspire and encourage athletes without inciting adverse crowd reaction.

· honor designated time allotments for pre-game and half-time performances by groups.

· restrict pre-game warm-up to a pre-determined area

· set an example for the team with his/her conduct toward opposing players and coaches.

monitor disturbances by:

i) in the event of a disturbance both on and off the playing field, the coach’s first responsibility is to his/her players. If asked to intervene by an official to calm the situation, the coach should help if at all possible.

ii) When the disturbance is in the game, the coach should:

· Prevent further players from entering the disturbance.

· Calm down those who are involved, and

· Use foresight in heading off potential difficulties.

After the Contest

The coaches are to:

· ensure players shake hands with opponents after games. If circumstances warrant a change, in the opinion of the coach, an established alternate plan could be put into effect.

· ensure teams leave the floor in an orderly manner.

· stay out of official’s locker room.

· actively supervise student’s locker rooms.

· ensure the team leave the locker room as a group, leaving the facility in good order.

Dealing With Student Body and Fans

The coach is to:

· understand the rules of the game and demonstrate good sportsmanship.

· use discretion when voicing comments about opponents and officials.

· promote his/her sport and the accomplishments of the team and individuals. Look for the good in all circumstances.

· deal fairly and respectfully with the media when discussing opponents and contests.

Relationship with Officials

The coach is to:

· direct questions to officials in a courteous and professional manner.

· not show any in-ordinate emotional display with the official’s decision.

· demonstrate mutual respect in taking time-outs at an appropriate time to question rules interpretations of rules.

· instruct players to respect decisions of officials.

Scheduling of Sports

Coaches must submit seasonal/weekly practice request to the Athletic Director. This is necessary to avoid scheduling conflicts and to ensure students are not put in a situation where they have to choose to play in one sport only.

Coaches need to be cognizant of scheduling practices and activities during students’ normal participation in family, spiritual, and community activities.

Coaches will attempt schedule practice times that accommodate the majority of the team.

Use of School After Regular School Hours

Coaches and sponsors who assume responsibility for after-school activities are asked to please comply with the following:

· general conduct and safety of the students involved is the responsibility of the coach and teacher-sponsor; thus all precautions noted for regular school activities apply to after school as well.

· participants and students are to be confined to the area of activity and not allowed to roam the school.

· if classrooms are to used as meeting places for teams, permission needs to be obtained from the homeroom teacher.

· staff room is off limits to students involved in after-school activities.

· students are to be informed that eating and drinking is permitted only in designated areas. No food is to be taken into the gym or hall area.

· it is the responsibility of the host team to ensure that the areas used are cleaned after the activity.

· pay telephone in the main entrance is to be used for spectators and students.

· during week-end tournaments, when cleaners are not usually present, it is the responsibility of coaches and sponsors to ensure that all students have left the building, all windows/doors are locked and lights off. Coaches and sponsors can not leave until all students have left the building.

· any unusual happening, accidental or otherwise, must be reported to the Principal, or Vice-Principal, as soon possible.

Equipment

The Physical Education Department operates on a yearly budget. The priority for spending goes to the physical education instructional program, remaining funds may be spent on clubs and/or teams. Clubs and teams are asked to provide their own equipment. If this should not be possible, the club or team using the program equipment is asked to adhere to the following guidelines:

· Each coach or sponsor will be issued a key to their own locker where equipment, balls, uniforms, etc. may be stored. A second copy of the key will be kept in the physical education office. Keys are to be returned to the physical education teacher at the end of your season.

· If a group needs to use the instructional equipment, the coach or sponsor is to obtain the key from the PE teacher. Students are not permitted in the equipment room. The key must be returned to the PE teacher prior to next morning’s classes.

The coaches shall:

· ensure equipment is taken care of and is returned to the proper place prior to the start of morning classes.

· record the type and quantity of equipment borrowed.

· notify the PE teacher or administration as soon as possible should the equipment become damaged.

· ensure all equipment rooms are locked at the end of practice.

· replenish equipment if it is deemed necessary.

Uniforms

Teams are responsible for their own school uniforms. Most teams now purchase uniforms for their particular sport and seasons. Uniforms can be purchased at a nominal fee.

Player Selection

Only players from Corner Brook High shall be selected for sports teams. In the event that there are an insufficient number of players from Herdman Collegiate and all potential player lists have been exhausted, the coach may discuss (with Administration) the possibility of using students from feeder schools (Grade 7-9 as outlined by School Sports Newfoundland & Labrador)

Player Commitment

Players seeking to play on the varsity team should understand that their behavior and conduct must reflect the highest standard of respect and discipline expected of all Corner Brook High students. The teams’ success will stem from an enthusiastic attitude, combined with technical skill and pride in representing the school.

It is expected that students are willing to make a commitment to the varsity team. Therefore, if you feel that a conflict may arise, please consult the coach immediately. Players who cannot ensure the required commitment may be replaced by players who can. This is intended to bring together a group of motivated players who are prepared to work toward common goals.

If a player participates in more than one school varsity team, he/she must play on the team or sport which is in season as outlined by School Sports Newfoundland & Labrador. If a player fails to respect this rule, he/she will not be permitted to play on any varsity team for the remainder of that school year. It is expected that coaches will adhere to these rules. Should a coach not respect these rules, he she will be removed as coach of the team. This rule protects the varsity team which is in the current playing season, allowing the team in season to compete with its strongest group of players.

Player Conduct

Students participating on Corner Brook High teams shall adhere to the following guidelines:

Practice

· Each practice will have a specific objective and will be characterized by quality not quantity and focused intensity. Since each practice will be planned and organized for specific activity, mediocrity and fooling around will not be tolerated.

Attendance

· is compulsory.

· if you cannot attend practice, contact the coach or teacher sponsor prior to practice.

Punctuality

· coaches, managers and players are expected to be on time for practices, games and other events.

Attitude

· officials, opponents, and team mates must be shown respect at all times.

· players who draw attention to themselves by persistently chatting to opponents in order to distract or abuse opponents or officials, and/or use foul language, will be quickly removed from the game.

· All of the above pertain to players on the bench who are expected, as part of the team, to be supportive and encouraging.

· One of the priorities of the coach is to get the team ready to perform at its best.

· Sportsmanship includes having the ability to be good loser and a graceful winner.

Team Captain

· the team captain should be an exemplary experienced athlete. His/her duties as leader and motivator both on and off the playing area, are crucially important to the team. Team members should support him/her in their role and be willing to help out.

· Only the team captain should consult with officials, and then, in a respectful manner.

Other

· many tasks have to be done to ensure that training sessions, games, and other activities go smoothly. Players may need to help with equipment, baggage, fund-raising, or any other activities that are planned for the team. These initiatives help to build team spirit and contribute to the quality of our efforts.

· players need to set specific goals to aspire towards. For example:

· to improve a particular skill or aspect of your game, at a particular practice.

· to improve your all round skill level, fitness and quality of play over the duration of the season.

· players need to appreciate the vital role you can play in developing team spirit. Encouraging, praising, motivating, helping, and the occasional reprimand, can all help build this critical aspect of your character and the team’s character. Good team spirit doesn’t just happen - it comes from a lot of hard work and commitment.

· it is important for players to be honest, work hard, and show consideration.

· be proud to be a member of a Herdman Collegiate sports team.

· bring all concerns to the coach immediately. Do not talk or complain behind the backs of others.

· non-starters need to realize that not all athletes can start a game. They should support the decisions that are made by the coach. As team members, they are all equally highly regarded by the coach and the school. As players, they should have a similar respect for each other.

Travel

$ permission slips must be signed by parents/guardians and submitted to the coach prior to the day of travel. (See Appendix)

$ as recommended by School Sport Newfoundland & Labrador, the supervision of teams travelling to athletic contests should be such as to ensure that the conduct of school representatives brings credit to themselves, their school and their sport.

$ while traveling as a member of a Herdman Collegiate team, all players and managers must represent their school, their family, their city and themselves well.

$ team members must travel with the team unless special permission is granted by the coach.

$ Legal implications negates against students using their own vehicles for school sponsored activities. Students have to follow School District 3 policy section 311 Administrative Handbook.

$ Athletes will meet at the designated point and time of departure.

Billeting

All students representing Corner Brook High who are billeted in homes are to abide by the following rules:

· Athletes must follow all rules and instructions given by the coach and host committee when attending a tournament. Unacceptable behavior may lead to players being released from the team.

· Curfew time is generally 11:00 p.m. but may be set earlier or later as determined by the coach. Once a coach has determined curfew time, player must abide by this. Curfew times are established for safety reasons, to ensure a good nights rest for the competition and to show courtesy and respect to your host.

· If a student does not follow the billet rules, coaches may take disciplinary action including withdrawing them from a game or even from the tournament.

· Thank you cards or a small gift should be given to billet before leaving or immediately on return from trip.

· The coach will provide each team member and host an emergency contact number while staying at a billet.

School Attendance on Days of Travel

· When a team is departing for a tournament during a school day, students are required to attend school for the portion of the school day prior to departure. If a student is absent but intends to travel, a note is required by a parent or guardian.

· When students return from travel on a school day, they are required to attend school during the remainder of that school day.

Clothing

Students are not permitted to wear clothing that advertises or promotes violence, drugs, foul language or makes explicit reference to items of a sexual nature. Clothing must also be appropriate and in good taste. Students wearing inappropriate clothing or attire will be asked to change. (See Student Handbook)

Smoking

Smoking will not be tolerated on school property. Smoking while participating on school teams discourages the whole purpose of sports, that is to develop healthy lifestyle habits.

Students are not permitted to smoke on the bus, in vehicles or at the playing venue (bench, field, premises, or outside school) under any circumstances.
Alcohol and Drugs

Any player or manager who is involved in possessing and/or using alcohol or drugs while traveling with school teams will face disciplinary action from administration of Herdman Collegiate.

Possible implications of such use may include:

· police action

· suspension from school

· temporary ban on future participation

· permanent ban on future participation

Students are not to frequent bars or clubs while traveling. This is illegal as students are under the legal age. Even if students are of legal age, consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited on school sports outings.

Canteen Services

Canteen services may be available to athletes and visitors at all tournaments. Groups and sports teams hosting tournaments will have the first opportunity to provide this service. If the hosting team chooses not to have a canteen, the next opportunity must be given to other groups within the school as approved by the office.

Fundraising

All fundraising activities must be approved by the administration of the school. Fundraising events involving the sale of tickets and ticket draws must contain the school’s “Ticket Lottery Licence”.

Records of revenues and expenditures from fundraising activities must be reported to the office. This includes all receipts and bills associated with such activities. Coaches will be expected to submit an end-of-the-year financial report.

Coaching Directory

SPORT	COACH	TELEPHONE NUMBER	TEACHER SPONSOR	TELEPHONE NUMBER
ARCHERY
BADMINTON
BASKETBALL(FEMALE)
BASKETBALL (MALE)
BROOMBALL (FEMALE)
BROOMBALL (MALE)
X-C RUNNING (FEMALE)
X-C RUNNING (MALE)
X-COUNTRY SKIING
HOCKEY
RUGBY
SOCCER (FEMALE)
SOCCER (MALE)
SOFTBALL (FEMALE)
SOFTBALL (MALE)
TABLE TENNIS
TRACK & FIELD (FEMALE)
TRACK & FIELD (MALE)
VOLLEYBALL (FEMALE)
VOLLEYBALL (MALE)
WEIGHTLIFTING
WRESTLING

Appendix

HANDBOOK

TITANS

Corner Brook High

Corner Brook, NL

A2H 6K6

Wild Card Policy