STUDENT ACTIVITIES

“Opportunities to expand and enhance the Educational Experience”

2018-2019

ESSEX HIGH SCHOOL

HORNETS

ACTIVITIES DIGEST

Robert Reardon, Principal

Jefferson Goodrich, Academic Dean of Student Activities (802) 857-7012 jgoodrich@ewsd.org

Todd Herrington , Coordinator of Student Activities

(802) 857-7147 therrington@ewsd.org

Athletic Department Web Page address: http://www.ewsd.org/ehsathletics

Student Activities Web Page address: http://www.ewsd.org/ehsactivities

Twitter Page: @EHSBuzz

All student participants and their parents are should have a working understanding of the

procedures contained herein. Completion of the consent forms confirm your understanding and agreement to adhere to the guidelines as stated here.

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Welcome to the 2018-19 interscholastic athletic and student activities programs at Essex High School! You are to be commended on your decision to participate in co-curricular activities. In choosing to become involved in your school outside of the classroom, not only will you experience enjoyment, competition and camaraderie, but you have also made a commitment to your team or group, your school, and your community. An important aspect of your participation is honoring that commitment. High school athletics and activities are valuable components of education, and we hope you find your experience here at Essex to be rewarding and enjoyable.

This brochure is designed to provide students and parents with information about athletics and student activities. Parents, please familiarize yourself with this information so that you and your child(ren) understand and accept responsibility for our rules and policies.

(Bold and Italics Signify changes in procedure)

STUDENT CLUBS / ACTIVITIES If you are interested in starting a new club or activity or have questions about joining one of our existing co-curricular offerings please consult the activities web page or contact Mr. Goodrich.

Astronomy Club Library Advisory Council Athletic Leadership Council Math League Band (Brass, Percussion, Pit, Saxophone and Woodwind, Small Ensembles)

Chemistry Club

Cabaret Night Music Ensembles (Pep Band)

Chess and Go Club National Honor Society (NHS)

Chorus (Pitchpipes, Kaleidoscopes, barbershop quartet)

One Heart

Class Officers (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) Peer Helpers Climbing Club Community Service / Social Action Club Computer Club Poetry Out Loud CORE (Christian Youth Outreach) Red Cross Club EHSPN Robotics Team Drama Scholars’ Bowl Environmental Club School Musical Envirothon Club/Team French Honor Society / Spanish Honor Society Board Game Club Student Government

HOWLS (Helping our World’s Living Species) Unified Sports Improvisational Team Variety Show

Japanese Club Intramural Hockey DECA WAM Jane Austin Club Graphic Novel Club Neuroscience Club Figure Skating Club Bounds for Hounds Bike Club

(Note at time of printing there were several clubs / activities pending approval)

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS For specific information about any of the sports listed below, contact the athletic office.

FALL Bass Fishing (New Fall 2018 - coed) varsity Cheerleading (coed) varsity

Cross country running - boys' and girls' varsity/jv Field hockey varsity/jv/freshman Football varsity/jv/freshman Soccer - boys' and girls' varsity/jv/freshman Volleyball varsity / jv /freshman

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WINTER Alpine skiing - boys' and girls' varsity Basketball - boys' and girls' varsity/jv/freshman Cheerleading (coed) varsity Gymnastics - girls' varsity Ice hockey - boys' varsity Ice hockey - girls' varsity

Indoor Track – boys’ and girls’ varsity Nordic skiing - boys' and girls' varsity Wrestling varsity SPRING Baseball - boys' varsity/jv/freshman Golf - boys' and girls' varsity/jv Lacrosse - boys' and girls' varsity/jv/freshman Rugby - boys' and girls' club sport Softball - girls' varsity/jv Tennis - boys' and girls' varsity

Track and field - boys' and girls' varsity/jv Ultimate Frisbee – boys’ and girls’ varsity / jv

PHILOSOPHY : At Essex High School we understand and appreciate the importance of athletics and co-curricular activities in the overall education of our students. Experiences teach values such as hard work, commitment, leadership, discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness, all within a framework of academic excellence. Participation contributes to the physical, emotional and social health of our students, and promotes a sense of unity and cooperation among athletes, the student body and the larger school community.

In terms of competitive athletics, Essex has a tradition of success as measured by wins and championships, and winning is a natural goal. Our teams will strive to win, but emphasis will be placed on effort, improvement, respect for the rules of the game, coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials, and learning to win graciously and lose with dignity. Winning is emphasized more strongly at the varsity level, but never at the expense of healthy attitudes, values, and perspective. Winning however is not the only measure of success and many other valuable measures should be considered in the overall assessment of a students’ experience and the success of a program. At sub-varsity levels, winning remains a goal, but is subordinate to participation and skill development. Above all, we want all of our athletes to have a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY : Essex High School recognizes and promotes the priority of academics within our athletic and student activities programs. While co-curricular activities are an important part of education, academic success remains the primary objective. Coaches and advisors support this position, and will make every effort to accommodate students’ needs as they balance academics with co-curricular participation. It is essential that students and parents understand the following academic eligibility regulations.

1. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 classes per marking period. Classes with labs count as 2. 2. Outside courses taken for EHS credit (college classes, virtual high school, correspondence and online courses, high

school completion program, etc.) must be pre-approved by the Counselor, the Director of School Counseling, and the Academic Dean of Student Activities in order to satisfy athletic/activities eligibility requirements.

3. Credits accrued upon completion (audited classes, work experience, introduction to college studies, and community service credits) will not be accepted in order to meet the 6 class requirement.

4. EHS Teachers Aid programs and independent study coursework, as they relate to athletic eligibility, will be assessed on an individual basis.

5. The following parameters apply whether the student is enrolled in 6 or more classes: A. Students who fail one class for the preceding marking period are fully eligible to participate in all aspects of

their sport pending an improvement plan generated in writing by the student-athlete and approved by the affected teacher and the Academic Dean of Student Activities.

B. Students who fail two classes for the preceding marking period will be placed on academic probation. While on probation, a student will be permitted to practice or meet with his/her team or group, but may not dress in uniform, travel with the team or group, perform or participate in any competitions. The probationary status is offered pending an improvement plan generated in writing by the student-athlete and approved by the affected teacher(s) and the Academic Dean of Student Activities.

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C. Students placed on probation will have their grades and improvement plan reviewed by the athletic/activities director or advisor at the midpoint (progress report) of the next marking period. If requirements are met at this time, they will be reinstated to full participation. If grades remain below the requirements, they will be deemed ineligible, and may not practice or compete until requirements are met at the next grading period.

D. Students who fail three or more classes for the preceding marking period are ineligible to participate. Efforts will be made to establish an improvement plan for the student-athletes future academic success and eligibility for future seasons. Onus will be on the student-athlete to create and manage the improvement plan. The Academic Dean of Student Activities will support and advise the student-athlete towards successful improvements.

6. “Incomplete" is considered a failing grade until the student completes assignments necessary to receive a passing grade. 7. Eligibility will be checked when the grades are final and “posted” at the conclusion of each marking quarter. Work

turned in, and grades changed from failing to passing after this date will NOT change eligibility status. 8. For fall sports/activities, eligibility for sophomores, juniors and seniors is determined by a review of the student’s

preceding year’s academic progress. Student who have one failure for a credit bearing course will be notified that they need to complete an academic improvement plan filed with the Academic Dean of Student Activities. Students who fail two courses in the second semester or full year may be placed on academic probation. Students on Academic Probation will need to meet with the Academic Dean and complete an Academic Improvement plan. While on academic probation the student can practice and scrimmage but not participate in inter-scholastic competition. Approximately four weeks into the season a second review of the student-athletes academic record will take place and to be deemed eligible that student needs to be passing all of their classes. Students who fail three or more second semester or yearlong courses must appeal in writing to the academic dean of student activities for consideration of probationary status. Each appeal will be handled by members of the administrative team and where appropriate faculty members and coaches.

9. Future or potential fall sport athletes who are considering taking summer courses (correspondence courses, summer school, college classes, etc.) to meet academic eligibility requirements must go through the pre-approval process at the EHS Counseling office. Students must provide proof of satisfactory completion of summer courses. Enrollment and completion of summer courses does not guarantee eligibility. Cases will be reviewed individually by the Counseling Department and the Academic Dean of Student Activities.

10. Students who are declared academically ineligible will not receive postseason letters, awards, or certificates for that sport or activity.

11. Essex High School is in the process of updating our grading procedures to be compliant with Vermont State Law and maintain current educational “best practices.” Students will be assessed on “learning habits.” These traits may be assessed separately from their averages. These assessments may be used when factoring eligibility if it is deemed an appropriate indicator for measuring student success in the classroom. Students who are facing probationary or ineligible status will have their “learning traits” reviewed by the Academic Dean of Student Activities. After a comprehensive review of the academic record and any academic improvement plans on file a decision will be made by the Academic Dean regarding the student’s status.

12. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the administration individually.

TRAINING RULES (for athletics and activities): In order to promote in our students a healthy lifestyle, responsible behavior, and optimal team and individual performance, Essex High School maintains and enforces the training rules below. Our administrators, coaches and advisors are concerned with the health habits of our student/athletes, and we feel strongly that participation in athletics and/or activities, and the use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs are incompatible. For this reason, Essex High School maintains a “zero tolerance policy” with respect to training rules violations. Our hope is that students and parents, when they sign the consent form to become part of a sport or activity, recognize the importance of their commitment, appreciate our intent to promote a healthy lifestyle and good choices, and that when students do violate our rules, they learn a difficult but valuable lesson about the consequences of making poor choices through the firm and consistent enforcement of our policy.

RULE PARAMETERS � Training rules are in effect from the date of the first official meeting/practice, through the conclusion of the final

meeting/event/competition. � These rules shall be applicable whether the violation occurs on or off the Essex High School campus. � These rules may be supplemented by specific training rules imposed by the coach and reviewed and approved by the

school administration. Each sport, team or activity is unique, deeming it appropriate for individual coaches/advisors

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to determine and set guidelines for participation in activities and/or competitions. These guidelines will be made clear to the student prior to the start of participation in the sport or activity.

� Violations may be self-reported by students, or may be reported by responsible adults, including parents, coaches, school employees, police officers, etc. In order to aid in the reporting of training rules violations, and to help promote responsible student behavior, Essex High School does cooperate with the Essex Police Department. Team lists are provided to the police, and any student cited by the Essex police for violations included in our training rules, will have his/her name reported to the school by the Police Department.

� Reported training rules violations will be referred to and investigated by the TRAINING RULES PANEL. The panel will consist of the Director of Athletics and/or Director of Student Activities, one Assistant Principal, and one teacher and/or coach. If the student(s) in question are members of the team coached by the coach serving on the panel, an alternate coach will serve as a replacement for the incident in question. If the violation is not reported by the student or his/her parents, the student and/or parents will be informed of the charges by a panel member. Following their investigation, the panel will make a decision and inform the student(s) and parents of the consequences.

� Any student found guilty of a violation listed below will not be eligible to receive post season awards, letters, or certificates for any sport(s) or season(s) impacted by the violation. Furthermore, Essex High School student-athletes guilty of training rule(s) violations will not be eligible for any All-league, All-State, Twin-State, Shrine team, or other league or state recognition or All-Star participation. Athletes guilty of violations will have their names and statistics removed from such school public records as rosters, web pages, programs, etc. from the time of the violation.

� The decision of the Training Rules Panel is final.

DRUG/ALCOHOL TRAINING RULES A student participant who is found to have supplied or provided, purchased, attempted to purchase, used or possessed tobacco, alcohol, electronic cigarettes, vapor pens, or used any substance as an inhalant, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia, shall be subject to the following penalties: � The student will be immediately dropped from the program for the remainder of the season. This will hold true even

if the time frame extends beyond the 90 day / 30 day "Discipline and Required Student Behavior” policy (http://www.ccsuvt.org/policies/a31b436_JG.pdf). There will be no re-entry onto any team during the same season.

� For a second offense during one school year, the student will be suspended from participation in any sport or activity for one calendar year.

� If an athlete is guilty of violating the “Discipline and Required Student Behavior” policy on school grounds or at a school event, the 90 day / 30 day consequence will be in effect even if it extends into a second sports season. At this time there will be no re-entry onto an athletic team unless the consequence ends before the starting date of the next sports season. For 90 day / 30 day violations occurring during the spring, any days that carry over to the following school year will resume with the first day of practice for any student playing a fall sport, or with the first day of school for students not playing fall sports.

� For participants in student activities other than interscholastic athletics, violation of the training rules policy will result in a meeting with the activities director, activity advisor, and the appropriate assistant principal to determine consequences.

� Students who feel they have a substance abuse problem may voluntarily come forward for help and be exempt from the above penalty. This must occur before any potential violation takes place.

REFERRAL FOR ASSISTANCE We recognize that our policy includes a consequence that can be difficult for students to accept. In order to provide assistance and education to students guilty of violations, we refer students and their parents through our Guidance and Counseling department to the support services available through our Student Assistance Program office. It is mandatory that students guilty of training rules violations successfully complete a substance abuse education program before they are permitted to participate in any other sport or activity. The mandatory education program will be coordinated by the school’s Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselor. It will include a basic in school program and may, upon recommendation of the SAP Counselor, require an outside assessment and/or professional treatment program (at the family’s expense). The SAP counselor will report to the Athletic and/or Activities Director whether the required program has been satisfactorily completed. We hope that by requiring students to use these resources it will help turn a difficult experience into one that can promote learning and help avoid future problems. CIVIL/CRIMINAL VIOLATION TRAINING RULES A student participant who:

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� is convicted of a misdemeanor other than a misdemeanor resulting from a motor vehicle offense which did not involve personal injury or careless and negligent driving;

� is charged with a felony for which probable cause has been determined, or convicted of a felony; or � vandalizes school property or steals property on school district grounds;

Shall be subject to the following penalties: � For the first offense occurring during a sports season, the student will be immediately dropped from the program for

the remainder of the season. � For a second offense during one school year, the student will be suspended from participation in any sport or activity

for one calendar year. � For a first offense that takes place outside of a sports season, but is discovered during the season, there will be no

penalty. However, if the student violates training rules again during that school year, he/she will be suspended from participation in any sport or activity for one calendar year.

Please realize, in joining an Essex High School team/club/organization, you are pledging your word that you will abide by these rules. You are committing to your team or group, your school, your parents, and to yourself, that you will not use tobacco, alcohol or drugs while involved in athletics and/or student activities at Essex High School. Parents, you too, are making a commitment that you understand and accept these rules, and that you will aid in their enforcement by reporting any violations you witness, even if it is your own child.

CYBERIMAGES AND APPROPRIATE USE OF TECHNOLOGY: Essex High School encourages safe and responsible student behavior with regard to internet use. We highly recommend our students avoid inappropriate use of social networking sites including, but not limited to: Facebook, Myspace, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram. We also encourage safe and appropriate student use of cellular phones. Any identifiable image, photo, video, or posted on-line or text message conversation which implicates a student to have been in violation of our training rules that is discovered on cell phones or any web-based site will be investigated immediately by school officials.

USE OF STUDENT-ATHLETE PHOTOGRAPHS : The Essex High School Athletic and Student Activities Departments do publicize photographs of students, including team/club pictures, and sports and activities action photographs. Photographs are publicized on the school district and/or athletic department web page, on publicized athletic schedules, and in pictures displayed at the school. Any parent who does not want his/her child’s photograph used for these purposes, please contact the athletic or activities director.

PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS/SUPPLEMENTS : Healthy student-athletes do not need supplements. Our students are encouraged to maintain a healthy diet, lifestyle, and exercise regimen in order to optimize performance. Use of illegal performance enhancing substances such as anabolic steroids, diuretics, HGH, etc. is now included in our athletic training rules and will result in dismissal from the team. There are many other commercially available products (such as creatine and other nutritional supplements) marketed for the purpose of enhancing athletic performance. We advise against use of these products – studies on their long-terms affects are incomplete, and they may be detrimental to the health and performance of young student-athletes. And, they can be dangerous when used inappropriately. Our athletic training staff is knowledgeable about the use and dangers of these products and they are available to answer questions from students and parents.

HAZING : Hazing is a form of harassment and will not be tolerated in conjunction with the Essex High School athletic/activities program. Hazing is defined as “a willful act, occurring on or off school grounds, directed against a player or prospective member of a school-sponsored team or group, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a player or prospective member for the purpose of initiation, admission into, or continued membership of any such team or group.” Another definition is “any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.” If a student is in violation of “hazing,” consequences may range from individual suspension from participation in the athletic/activities program for a period of time, to cancellation of an athletic schedule, depending upon the magnitude of the incident and number of students involved. Consequences for hazing violations brought to the attention of the administration after the season may be applied to and/or include subsequent athletic/activities participation, athletic letter awards, or athletic/activities probation. The athletic/activities director and principal will determine consequences. There is also now a Vermont law making hazing a crime, and students should be aware that, in addition to the school penalties outlined above, they could face prosecution

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for engaging in hazing. More information can be found regarding the EWSD HHB (hazing) policy and procedures online at: https://www.ewsd.org/Page/4511 ATTENDANCE : Students must be in school all day in order to be eligible to practice, compete, or perform, unless the absence is a school-sponsored event. Excused absences, such as doctor’s appointments, college visits, etc., must be approved by giving a parent-signed note to the coach, advisor or athletic/activities director. Partial attendance or special circumstances will be reviewed by the athletic/activities director. An example of an unexcused absence: The morning after a long weeknight road trip, you decide to sleep through first block and come in with a note from a parent so you can practice that day.

Also, any student sent to ISS / In or out of school suspension will not participate in co-curriculars on that day. Team practice attendance policies will be determined by the head coach.

DISMISSAL FROM A TEAM/CLUB/ORGANIZATION : Any student dismissed from a team/club/organization by a rule or as a result of a coach/advisor’s decision for reasons including academics, training rules, hazing, or any other disciplinary situation, will not be permitted to join another interscholastic or club sport during the same season. No student-athlete may quit a team and join another team in the same season once a team roster has been established. If a student-athlete wishes to quit a team and join another team in the same season, both coaches must be in agreement and the team the student-athlete wishes to join must still be in the team selection process.

VERMONT PRINCIPALS’ ASSOCIATION ELIGIBILITY : VPA eligibility rules and activities policies apply to all activities, athletic and non-athletic, sanctioned or sponsored by the Vermont Principals’ Association. Waiver requests regarding undue hardships must be submitted through the school principal. The following are VPA eligibility rules:

• Contestants or participants must be bona fide students in their school. Students may only compete on school teams sponsored by their own school during the season;

• In an activity season, players who have participated in practice or competition as a member of a school team shall not practice or compete as members of a non-school organized group in the same activity;

• Transfer students are eligible at once, provided they were bona fide students in the school from which they transferred according to the definition in #1 above;

• Participants must be under 19 years of age, except that a student whose 19th birthday occurs on or after August 1st, is eligible for all activities in the ensuing school year;

• Students are ineligible if they have graduated from any course of study in a secondary school comparable to the Vermont system;

• Students have four consecutive years (8 semesters) of eligibility. Attendance of 30 days of any semester will be regarded as a semester.

For a complete list of VPA rules and regulations, go to www.vpaonline.org VPA Loyalty Clause: VPA Policies Art. III, Sec. 3, Part B Non-School Competition (5/28/14) A member of a school team is a student athlete who is regularly present for, and actively participates in, all team tryouts, practices and competitions. Bona fide members of a school team are prevented from missing a high school practice or competition to compete with an out-of-school team, practice or competition to include tournaments, showcases, combines or other athletic events. Whenever a conflict arises between the high school team practice/competition and an out-of-school practice/competition on the same day, the high school team practice/competition shall be honored by the student athlete. Priority must be given at all times to the high school team, its practices, and its contest unless permission has been granted by the school. It is expressly understood that permission shall not be granted on a regular basis and shall only be granted in extraordinary circumstances.

This loyalty clause adopted by the Vermont Principals association replaces former Essex High School procedures pertaining to participation in Non-EHS Sports teams in an existing season.

CUT POLICY : One of the most difficult and unpleasant tasks of coaching a team or directing a production is making "cuts." Before deciding to try out for an athletic team or drama production at Essex High School, you must be prepared to accept the possibility that you may not be selected. No one enjoys telling a student who wants to participate that he/she does not possess the ability to make the team or cast, but in some activities it is essential to reduce the squad/cast to a manageable size, considering safety, resources, facilities, and personnel. The decision regarding cuts is final. No

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candidate (including seniors and students who have played/performed on the team/cast previously) is guaranteed a spot on any team or cast. You will improve your chances of making a team by reporting to practice on time, in shape, with the necessary paperwork, and with a good attitude. If extenuating circumstances will not allow you to attend all or part of tryouts, contact the coach or director.

EQUIPMENT : It is the responsibility of the student to return all school issued equipment, uniforms and supplies to the coach or advisor. Students who fail to do so will be billed for the value of any missing items. Failure to pay the bill could result in the withholding of report cards and/or diplomas, and the denial of future participation. It will not be the responsibility of the student to replace items that are damaged through normal wear and tear.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Essex High School is not responsible for students' personal property that is lost, stolen or damaged in association with participation in co-curricular activities. Participants in the athletic program will be issued a lock and locker in the locker room. We strongly urge students to lock up their belongings at all times, and to ask their coach to secure valuables and/or large amounts of money.

TRANSPORTATION : Students are required to ride the bus to and from all events for which EHS provides transportation. Exceptions must be requested by a parent directly to the coach/advisor, and must be approved by the coach/advisor. Students who do not ride the bus are expected to check in with the coach/advisor in person with the person providing transportation before leaving. Only a student's parent(s) or guardian(s), or other reliable adult, may provide transportation, and under no circumstances will a student be permitted ride with another student, or drive him/herself to any athletic or co-curricular event. While on the bus students are expected to adhere to the rules of the driver and bus company, and to pick up all trash before exiting the bus.

INJURIES : The fundamentals of playing sports safely will be taught and emphasized. No protective equipment can totally eliminate the inherent physical risks of playing sports, which may include serious brain and/or neck injuries including paralysis or death. Although the risk of serious injury is small, you need to be aware of the risk and stress the importance to your child of following and adhering to the techniques and direction of the coaches. EHS employs an Athletic Trainer who is available to students to assist and/or advise in the care, prevention, treatment, referral and rehabilitation of injuries. All injuries occurring while participating in athletics or activities must be reported to the coach/advisor and/or trainer. Students who are treated by a physician, whether or not they are being treated by the trainer, must obtain written permission from the physician before returning to the activity. CONCUSSIONS: The Vermont Legislature and Department of Education have adopted legislation around the informing and management of concussions in schools. Below you will find links to attachments providing detailed information about concussions in sports, as well as guidelines for how we manage concussions within our athletics program. Essex High School will be in full compliance with all aspects of the law. Our coaches meet NFHS and VPA guidelines, our athletic equipment - including helmets - meets all NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) requirements, our athletic training staff receives the latest information and training, we provide coaches, parents and athletes with the necessary information, and we follow the University of Vermont Medical Center Return to Play Guidelines that have been adopted by the VPA. We do all we can to provide a safe environment for our athletes. However, we cannot prevent concussions, and they remain a risk with participation in sports. We rely on student-athletes and their parents to communicate openly and honestly with our coaches and athletic trainers regarding concussion symptoms.

Please go to the SPORTS MEDICINE link on our web site, https://content.ewsd.org/custom/athletics-ehs/documents/ConcussionActionPlan.pdf for detailed information and to access numerous resources that offer a

comprehensive overview of our concussion protocols.

Please note that by signing the Participation Consent Form required for participation in sports at Essex High School, students and parents are acknowledging that they have been provided with information around concussion-related injuries and management.

PARENT INFORMATION – REQUIRED FORMS

CONSENT FORM: All sign-ups for co-curricular activities have been moved to an online process located on the activities / athletics web page. All information pertaining to consent and student information can be completed

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online. Parents and students must complete this information prior to starting any activity or sport. Questions pertaining to paperwork can be addressed to Todd Herrington (Coordinator of Student Activities.) Completing the consent form indicates parental permission, as well as confirming that the contents of this digest have been read and understood by both the student and parent.

REMAINING ITEMS ARE SPECIFIC TO ATHLETICS

INSURANCE: All candidates for an athletic team are required to furnish proof of accident/health insurance before participating in tryouts, practices or competitions. Essex does not purchase insurance for its athletes, but parents may contact the school nurse or the CCSU office to inquire about student insurance alternatives.

PHYSICAL EXAM : EHS requires a physical examination a minimum of every two years in order to participate in interscholastic athletics. Physical exams are at the expense of the individual, and a record of the physical must be on file in the nurse’s office before a student is eligible to practice or compete. If the two year time limit expires during the season, the student will be denied participation until his/her physical is renewed.

ATHLETIC LETTER AWARD POLICY : Interscholastic varsity sports have varsity letter requirements that may be unique, and that are determined by the head coach. Letter policies for each sport will be provided either in advance or upon request, by the head coach. Freshman and JV athletes receive certificates of participation upon successful completion of the season. First time varsity letter winners receive a letter and a pin for that sport. Subsequent letters earned for the same sport are recognized with a bar. Seniors completing a varsity season in good standing receive letters whether or not they complete the necessary requirements.

FAMILY VACATIONS : One of the most important aspects of participation on a team is commitment. As such, we respectfully request that all student-athletes who choose to try out for our teams, along with their parents, be prepared to commit to the team for all practices and competitions for the duration of the season, including during school vacations. When parents and student-athletes choose to take family vacations during a sport season, it must be understood that the time missed by the student-athlete can affect team performance and chemistry. Student-athletes who miss practices or competitions due to vacations can (and likely will) have their playing time adjusted.

CHANGE IN SPORT AND 2 SPORT POLICY: Except in isolated and unusual cases, students WILL NOT be permitted to change sports during the season, or to participate in more than 1 EHS sport in the same season. Students should make every effort to honor their initial commitment to any sport or activity. Exceptions must be discussed in advance with, and receive the approval of, the head coach(es), along with the Academic Dean of Student Activities. NCAA AND COLLEGIATE ELIGIBILITY: Students may wish to participate in intercollegiate athletics after high school. The NCAA requires certain minimums on high school core courses, grades, and SAT/ACT standardized test scores. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor his/her status with regard to NCAA requirements. Questions in this area may be directed to the Guidance Department, or use the following resources:

For information about NCAA eligibility, go to http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA_EMS.html#

For a free copy of the Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete, call 1-800-638-3731 or go to: http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/CBSA.pdf

PLAYING TIME : Decisions regarding playing time are made by the coach in the best interests of the team. At sub-varsity levels, playing time will not necessarily be equal, but every effort will be made to get all students playing time in each contest, regardless of their ability, provided the coach determines they meet the following requirements: 1. The student is in good mental and physical health, and playing will not place the student at unreasonable risk of

injury. 2. The student abides by all school, department and team rules. 3. The student strives to "earn" playing time by consistently demonstrating good sportsmanship, respectful behavior

toward teammates, coaches and officials, a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

At the varsity level winning is emphasized more strongly. Playing time is determined by the criteria above, an individual's ability, and the team situation.

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At all levels, students and parents must understand that playing time is not guaranteed, coaches' decisions around playing time are difficult, and interscholastic sports are competitive. Regardless of playing time, every member of our teams is important and has the opportunity to help his/her team while having an enjoyable experience. We encourage all students to maintain a positive, team-first attitude, work hard to improve, and to always do their best. We ask parents to help their kids learn that playing time is not the most important aspect of their high school sports experience. Parents are encouraged, regardless of how much their son/daughter plays, to stay positive with their kids, their teammates, and their coaches. Students who have questions about their playing time should address them directly to the coach. Coaches are not required to discuss playing time with parents.

COMMUNICATION OF ATHLETIC CONCERNS : This section is intended to help improve communication between, parents, coaches and administrators, ultimately for the benefit of the student. Involvement in co-curricular activities will allow your children to experience some of the most rewarding times of their lives. However, there will likely be times when things don't go their way or they disagree with a coach. It is important that students and parents realize these difficult situations are as much a part of the learning experience as are the good times. Our coaches work hard to do the best they can for all of their athletes, and we ask you to respect the fact that their decisions are often extremely difficult, and are made based on factors of which students and parents may not be aware. We strongly encourage the student, not the parents, to talk to the coach about any issues or problems that arise during the season. This is the most direct and productive means of communication, and also a valuable method of teaching responsibility.

We recognize that situations may arise where parents find it necessary to raise a concern, and we ask you to please adhere to the following communication guidelines.

• Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches: 1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically. 2. Ways the parent can help the child to improve. 3. Concerns about your child's behavior.

• Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches: 1. Playing time. 3. Play Calling 2. Team strategy. 4. Other student-athletes

• Protocol for registering concerns: 1. Contact the Coach first . If you cannot reach him/her, call the athletic office and a meeting will be set up for

you. 2. If the meeting does not provide satisfactory resolution, call to set up an appointment with the Academic Dean

of Student Activities, Jefferson Goodrich.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONFRONT A COACH BEFORE OR AFTER A PRACTICE OR CONTEST. THESE CAN BE EMOTIONAL TIMES FOR BOTH PARTIES. MEE TINGS OF THIS NATURE DO NOT

PROMOTE RESOLUTION.

SPORTSMANSHIP: Essex High School promotes good sportsmanship among athletes and fans. We encourage students, parents and friends to attend games and support our teams, but we ask you to do so in a positive manner. Individuals who choose to berate opponents or officials, use vulgar language, or make derogatory comments will be asked to leave. Furthermore, please remember that negative comments about coaches, players, opponents, or officials, even in conversation in the stands, do nothing but undermine the coach and harm the team. We understand that contests can get emotional, and a poor call, a costly mistake, or a loss can be difficult to swallow. However, we ask you to keep high school sports in perspective, and to understand that kids, coaches and officials do make mistakes. Yelling at them from the stands, or even sharing a negative opinion about the situation can only make matters worse. Please keep yourself under control at all times in the stands and represent our school and community with the dignity that you expect from our coaches and teams.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR EXPE RIENCE WITH CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AT ESSEX HIGH SCHOOL.

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