SaukRapids-Rice

HighSchool&

MiddleSchoolActivitiesHandbook

UpdatedSpring2018

2 (revised 6/2018)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

ActivitiesMissionStatement...........................................................................................................3ActivitiesPhilosophyStatements....................................................................................................3Membership....................................................................................................................................3PublicRelations...............................................................................................................................3STUDENTSStudentResponsibilities..................................................................................................................4AcademicEligibility.........................................................................................................................4AttendancePolicy...........................................................................................................................6GoodStanding.................................................................................................................................6Registration.....................................................................................................................................7RemovingaParticipantfromanActivitiesProgram.......................................................................7HealthandConcussionProtocol....................................................................................................7COACHES&ADVISORSCoachesResponsibilities.................................................................................................................8Clinics,Conferences,StateTournamentsandMeetings.................................................................9“15”and“09”Accounts.................................................................................................................9Captains’Practice............................................................................................................................9CoachingOutofSeason..................................................................................................................9EquipmentandSupplies................................................................................................................10InjuriesandAccidentReportingProcedures.................................................................................10LetteringPolicy..............................................................................................................................11PurchaseOrders............................................................................................................................11PARENTSParents&GuardiansExpectations................................................................................................12BoosterOrganizations...................................................................................................................13MISCELLANEOUSPOLICIESFitnessCenter................................................................................................................................13SevereWeather.............................................................................................................................13Transportation..............................................................................................................................14AccelerationPolicy........................................................................................................................14Hazing/HarassmentPolicy.............................................................................................................15SelectionProcess...........................................................................................................................16CommunicationChainfortheSRRResolutionProcess.................................................................16

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SAUKRAPIDS-RICEACTIVITIESMISSIONSTATEMENTSaukRapids-RiceActivitiesisdedicatedtoencouragingstudentstoparticipateinavarietyofactivitiestoexploreanddeveloptheirfullpotentialtolearn,toleadandtobecomeproductivecitizens.--------------SAUKRAPIDS-RICEACTIVITIESPHILOSOPHYSTATEMENTSSaukRapids-RiceActivitiesisanextensionofourfamiliesandschoolsworkingcollaborativelytobuildasenseofcommunityandpride.SaukRapids-RiceActivitiesstrivestoconnectstudentstoenjoyable,yetchallengingexperiences,whichwillenrichtheireducation.Theseexperiencesarefocusedonfosteringthetalentsandinterestsofallparticipants.SaukRapids-RiceActivitiesencouragespositiverelationshipstobebuiltinastudent-centered,team-orientedenvironment.Students,leaders,parentsandspectatorsareexpectedtoberespectful,responsible,dedicatedandaccountabletothegoalsandguidelinesofeachschoolsponsoredactivity.SaukRapids-RiceActivitiesprovidesopportunitiesforstudentstodeveloptheirpersonal,physical,mentalandsocialskillsinapositiveenvironment.SaukRapids-RiceActivitiescommunicatesclearexpectationsthatholdstudents,leaders,parentsandspectatorsaccountabletotheMSHSL&CLCCodeofConduct..

--------------MEMBERSHIPSaukRapids–RiceSchoolsareparticipatingmembersoftheMinnesotaStateHighSchoolLeague(MSHSL)andtheCentralLakesConference(CLC).TherulesandguidelinesofthesetwoorganizationsapplytoallsanctionedactivitieswithintheDistrict.

--------------PUBLICRELATIONSPublicityandcommunicationisavitalpartoftheoverallactivitiesprogramatalllevelsofcompetition.Up-to-dateschedulesarepostedontheISD47districtwebsite(www.isd47.org).Coachesareresponsibleforkeepingupdatedschedules,rostersandresultsontheMSHSLwebsite(www.MSHSL.org).

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STUDENTRESPONSIBILITIESStudentresponsibilityisvitaltothesuccessoftheactivitiesprogram.Thefollowingguidelinesaregivenforparticipants:

1)FollowtherulesandproceduresofSaukRapids-RiceSchools,theMinnesotaStateHighSchoolLeague,CentralLakesConferenceandthecoaches/advisorsofthechosenactivity.2)Filloutallformsandsubmitthempriortothefirstpractice.Allfeesmustbepaidpriortoparticipationinanactivity,withtheexceptionofprogramswithauditions.

3)Displaygoodsportsmanshipatalltimes,respectthejudgmentofsupervisingofficials,andkeep

bothwinningandlosinginproperperspective.Theuseofprofanityand/orabusivelanguageisunacceptable,makingthestudentpotentiallysubjecttodisciplinaryaction.4)Exemplifyapositiveattitudebytreatingotherplayers,coaches/advisors,spectators,officials,andparentswithdignityandrespect.5)Communicateproblemsandconcernstocoaches/advisorsand/ortotheHighSchoolActivitiesDirector.6)Communicateanyschedulingconflictsregardingbothpracticesandgames/performancestothecoach/advisorassoonaspossible.7)Makeacommitmenttoyourselfandyourteam.Itisexpectedthatstudentswillparticipateuntilthecompletionofthechosenactivity.

------------ACADEMICELIGIBILITY–HIGHSCHOOLCurrentStatusofAllParticipantsTheprimaryfocusofSaukRapids-RiceHighSchoolisacademicachievement.Studentsmustmaintainsatisfactoryacademicperformanceinordertoparticipateinextracurricularactivities.DuringeachgradingperiodtheActivitiesOfficewillmonitoracademicprogressforallstudentsregisteredforanextracurricularprogram.Thiswillbedoneatthehalfwaypointduringtheregularseasonforeachactivities’competitiveseason,whentheseasonis12weeksorshorter;foractivity’sregularcompetitiveseasonlongerthan12weeks,gradeswillbecheckedattheone-thirdandtwo-thirdspointsintheseason.Anystudentswhoarefailingwillserveatwo-weekprobationaryperiod,butcancontinuetopracticeandparticipate.Duringtheprobationaryperiod,thesestudentswilltakeanacademicdragsheettoalloftheirclassestocheckacademicstatus.ThedragsheetsshouldbegiventoteachersonWednesday’sofeachweek,andturnedintotheActivitiesOfficebyFridayat10a.m.Attheendofthesecondweekofprobation,theprobationarystudentswhoarestillfailingwillserveatwo-weekineligibleperiodfromcontests.Theywillremainineligibleuntiltheyarepassingallclasses.Studentswhoareacademicallyineligiblemaycontinuetopractice.Thesestudentswillcontinuetocompleteweeklyacademicdragsheetsuntiltheybecomeeligible.

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FailuresFromaPreviousGradingPeriodAnystudentregisteredforanextracurricularorcocurricularactivitywhohasafailurefromeitherofthetwopreviousgradingperiodswillbeineligibleforthenexttwocontestsafterthe“incomplete”periodhasbeencompleted.TheineligibilitywillbeginonthefollowingMonday.Foractivitieswithlessthan10regularlyscheduledseasonevents,thestudentwillmissthefirstcontestaftergradesaredistributed.Thepenaltywillbeservedthefirstactivityfollowingthefailure,andwillberesolvedafterthecompletionoftheentireseason,i.e.gradesfromwinterandspringtrimesterwillaffectfallactivities. OnWednesdayofthethirdweekofanewtrimester,studentswhohavefailedaclasswilltakeanacademiceligibilitydragsheettoalltheircurrentteachers.Thiswillcontinueonaweeklybasisduringthecurrentgradingperiod.Academiceligibilitydragsheetsmustbeturnedinweeklyby10a.m.FridaytotheActivitiesOffice.Studentswhohavefailedaclassintheprevioustrimesterwillnotbeallowedtoparticipateinextracurricularcontestsuntiltheyareshowingsignificantprogressinallclasses,buttheymaycontinuetopracticeandtravelwiththeteam.GraduationCreditsAnystudentwishingtoparticipateinextracurricularactivitiesmusthaveadequatecreditsorpotentialcreditstobeontracktograduatebythefirstdayofpracticeofanactivityseason.Creditsareearnedbeginningwiththe9thgradeyear.Inordertobe“ontrack”tograduate,studentsmusthaveaccumulatedcreditsaccordingtothefollowingcriteria,attheendoftherespectivegradingperiods. Grade9–SpringTrimester:12 Grade10–SpringTrimester:25 Grade11–SpringTrimester:39MIDDLESCHOOLACADEMICSTANDARDSANDELIGIBILITYExtracurricularactivitiesareviewedasanopportunityforstudentstoparticipateinanon-academicexperiencethatisconsideredbeneficialtotheiroverallwell-being.However,thefollowingacademicstandardisaminimumrequirementfortheirparticipation:TheMiddleSchoolActivitiesOfficewillmonitorgradesforallstudentsregisteredforanextracurricularprogram.Thiswillbedoneatmid-seasonandattheendofeachtrimester.Atthesetimes,theActivitiesOfficewillverifythatallstudentsarepassingtheircourses.Anystudentswhoarefailingwillserveatwo-weekprobationaryperiod,butwillcontinuetopracticeandparticipate.Aftertwoweeksfromtheinitialdateofgradechecks,thesestudentswilltakeanacademiceligibilitysheettoalloftheirclassestochecktheiracademicstatus.Anyprobationarystudentswhoarestillfailingwillserveatwo-weekineligibleperiodfromcontests.Theywillremainineligibleuntiltheyarepassingallclasses.Studentswhoareacademicallyineligiblewillcontinuetopractice,butnotparticipateincontestsorevents.FAILURESFROMAPREVIOUSGRADINGPERIODAnystudentregisteredforanextracurricularactivitywhohasafailurefromapreviousgradingperiodwillbeineligibleforthenexttwocontestsafterreportcardsaredistributed.TheineligibilitywillbeginonthefollowingMonday.Foractivitieswithlessthanten(10)regularlyscheduledseasonevents,thestudentwillmissthefirstcontestaftergradesaredistributed.Gradesfromspringtrimesterwillaffectfallactivities.OnWednesdayofthethird(3rd)weekofanewtrimester,studentswhohavefailedaclasswilltakeanacademiceligibilitysheettoalloftheircurrentteachers.Thiswillcontinueonaweeklybasisduringthecurrentgradingperiod.Studentswhohavefailedaclasswillnotbeallowedtoparticipateinextracurricularcontestsuntiltheyareshowingsignificantprogressinallclasses,butwillcontinuetopractice.

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ACADEMICDISHONESTYStudentswhoknowinglycommitanycheatingthatwouldbeinrelationtotheiracademiccourses,isconsideredtohavecommittedacademicdishonestyoracademicmisconduct.Thisincludesallformsofplagiarism.AcademicdishonestywillbeassessedasaCodeofConductViolation(MSHSLorCLC),wherepenaltieswillbedistributedtothestudent,andviolationswillbeserved.PenaltiesassessedwillbedeterminedbythePrincipalandActivitiesDirector.

------------ATTENDANCEPOLICYStudentsinactivitiesmustbeinattendanceatschoolby11:00a.m.attheMiddleSchoolorbythirdhourattheHighSchoolinordertoparticipateorpracticeinanactivitythesameday.Anyunexcusedabsenceduringtheschooldaywillresultinnoparticipationinactivitiesthatevening.Schoolsponsoredactivitiesareconsideredclassperiods.Studentsineveningactivitiesareexpectedtobeinalltheirclassesthefollowingday,ortheywillnotbeallowedtoparticipateinthenextevent.Noearlyreleasewillbegivenforstudentsleavingforanactivitytogetclothes,food,etc.ExcusedAbsences–thesemusthavepriorapproval,sick/emergencyforamissedpracticewillbeexcusedwithapriornote,emailorphonecallbyparent(s)/guardian(s).UnexcusedAbsences–detention,work,etc.areunexcused.Participantswillnotstartinthenextcontestorotherparticipationasoutlinedbytheadvisor/coach.*Whenindoubt,communicatewiththeProgramCoachorAdvisor.(deletedconsequencesasthesewillbedeterminedbyeachprogram)

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MSHSLBYLAW206–GOODSTANDING

1. GoodStanding:InordertobeeligibleforregularseasonandMSHSLtournamentcompetitionastudentmustbeingoodstanding.Definition:Theterm“GoodStanding”shallmeanthatthestudentiseligibleunderalloftheconditionsandeligibilityrequirementsofthatschoolaswellastheeligibilityrequirementsoftheMinnesotaStateHighSchoolLeague.

2. StudentCodeofResponsibilities:Participationininterscholasticactivitiesisaprivilege,whichis

accompaniedbyresponsibility.AsastudentparticipatinginMSHSLsponsoredactivities,Iunderstandandacceptthefollowingresponsibilities:

A. Iwillrespecttherightsandbeliefsofothersandwilltreatotherswithcourtesyandconsideration.

B. Iwillbefullyresponsibleformyownactionsandtheconsequencesofmyactions.C. Iwillrespecttherightsandpropertyofothers.D. Iwillrespectandobeytherulesofmyschoolandthelawsofmycommunity,stateand

country.E. Iwillshowrespecttothosewhoareresponsibleforenforcingtherulesofmyschool

andthelawsofmycommunity,stateandcountry.

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REGISTRATIONFamiliesareresponsibleforregisteringtheirstudentsforactivityparticipation.Allregistrationmaterialscanbefoundonline,onthedistrictwebsite.andneedtobecompletedpriortothefirstpractice.Paymentsforallactivitieswillbepaidatthetimeofregistration.TheonlyformthatwillbeturnedinviapapercopywillbeaSportsPhysicalForm,whichcanbefoundinyourdoctor’soffice,theHSActivitieswebsiteorintheActivitiesOffice.TheSportsPhysicalsaregoodforthreeyearsfromthedateofthephysical.

------------REMOVINGAPARTICIPANTFROMANACTIVITIESPROGRAMCoaches/Advisorshavetherightandresponsibilitytoremoveparticipantsfromtheirteamwhoarenotmeetingteamrulesandguidelines.Thecoach/advisorwillcontacttheActivitiesDirectorandparents/guardiansaboutthesuspensionordismissal.Toremoveaparticipantfromtheactivityformorethantwodaysrequiresthatthecoach/advisormeetwiththeActivitiesDirectortodiscussthesituation.Atthismeeting,thecoach/advisormayrequestthattheparticipantberemovedforalongerperiodoftime,aplantodiscussthesituationwithparentswillbemadeandthefutureparticipationofthestudentwillbediscussed.WhenastudentisinviolationoftheMSHSLeligibilityrules,dueprocess,asdefinedintheMSHSLhandbook,willbefollowed.

------------HEALTHINFORMATIONANDCONCUSSIONPROTOCOLEverystudentparticipatinginactivitiesneedstohaveanupdatedhealthreportfilledoutthroughtheregistrationprocess.EachfamilycanalsoupdatetheirhealthinformationthroughSkywardFamilyAccess.Anystudentthathasbeenissuedamedicalnotetobeheldoutofanactivityduetohealthorinjury,musthaveareturnvisittothedoctorandobtainadoctor’snotewhichgrantsclearancetoreturntoaction.StudentscannotbeheldoutofPhysicalEducationclassandstillbeeligibleforactivitiesorvisaversa.CONCUSSIONSAconcussion,orviolentblowtotheheadthatmayormaynotresultinlossofconsciousness,areseriousinjuries.Safetyofeachparticipantisatoppriority,soeveryprecautionwillbetakenwhenaconcussionissuspected,whetherbyimpacttotheheadorothersymptomsthatarepresent.EachcoachisrequiredtotakeconcussiontrainingthroughtheMSHSL,andwillaidindeterminingifaparticipantshouldsitoutduetosymptomsofaconcussion.Ifastudentissuspectedofhavingaconcussionorhasbeendiagnosedwithaconcussion,itismandatorythatthestudentisseenbyamedicalprofessional(doctor,nursepractitioner)tobeclearedtoreturntoaction.Thisclearancemustcomefromamedicalpracticeoffice,totheActivitiesOfficeorMainSchoolOfficefaxorpersonallyhandedinbytheparticipantuponreturntoschool.ReturntoPlayplanswillbeenactedonanystudentthathasbeendiagnosedwithaconcussionandshouldbegivenbytheparticipant’sdoctor.Coaches,parentsandathletictrainersmaynotclearastudenttoreturntoactionaftertheyhavebeendiagnosedwithaconcussion.

COACHESANDADVISORSDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIESCoaches/advisorsmustbeawarethattheyhaveatremendousinfluenceintheeducationofstudentsand

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shouldinstillthehighestdesirableidealsofcharacter.Thefollowingresponsibilitiesaregiventocoaches/advisors:

1)Educatestudentsthroughparticipationinactivityprogramswithoutinterferingwithopportunitiesforacademicsuccess.

2)Strivetosetanexampleofthehighestethicalandmoralconduct.Theuseofprofanity/abusivelanguageisunacceptable.3)Beknowledgeableaboutallrules,procedures,andpoliciesassociatedwithyouractivityandberesponsiblefortheirinterpretationtoparticipants.

4)KnowandenforcethepoliciesoftheschooldistrictandtherulesoftheMinnesotaStateHighSchoolLeague.5)Promoteandsupporttheentireactivitiesprogramoftheschooldistrict.Coaches/Advisorsshouldsupportandencouragestudent’sparticipationinactivitiesoutsideoftheirprogram.6)Activelyusepersonalinfluencetopromotepositiveaudience/spectatorbehavior.7)Respectdecisionsofeventofficialsandjudges.8)Allheadcoaches/advisorsarerequiredtohaveFirstAidandCPRtraining.Allcoaches/advisorsarerequestedtohaveorobtainCPR/FirstAidtraining.9)Keepcommunicationlinesopenwithparents/guardiansduringtheseason.

10)Representthehighstandardsofthedistrictandthecommunityatalltimes.Maintainappropriatedressandconduct.

11)ChangepracticeschedulesorplansafterconsultingwiththeActivitiesDirector.

-------------CLINICS,CONFERENCES,STATETOURNAMENTSANDMEETINGSCoaches/AdvisorsshouldattendprofessionalmeetingsasrequiredfortheirpositionandrequiredoperationalmeetingscalledbytheActivitiesDirector.Coaches/Advisorsarealsoencouragedtoattendmeetings/conferencestodevelopfurthercoach/advisorknowledgeandskills.TransportationwillbeprovidedforConferenceandRegionalmeetings.ForStatetournaments,coaches/advisorsforgrades10-12willbeallowedtoattendonedayoftournamentswithsubstituteteachersprovided.ActivitiesthatrequireRulesInterpretationmeetingattendance,rostersandscheduledataontheMSHSLwebsite,thiswillbetheheadcoach’sresponsibilitytocompletepriortothedeadline.-------------“15”and“09”ACCOUNTSPleaseconsulttheCoach/AdvisorGuidebookforfulldetailsonFinancialProcedures.Generalguidelinesarelistedbelow.

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• Fundsgeneratedthoughfundraisers,generatedoutsideofan“ExternalBoosterClub”,areconsideredtaxpayerfundsandaregovernedbythesamerules,regulations,anddistrictpoliciesasallotherdistrictfunds.

• InternalandExternalBoosterClubactivitiesandaccountingpracticesaregovernedbythe“BoosterClubGuidelines”availableforreferenceat:http://www.isd47.org/storm/booster-clubs/

• AllfundraisingrequestsmustbesubmittedtotheHighSchoolorActivitiesOfficeforapprovalpriortothescheduledevent.

• Coaches/Advisorsarenotallowedtohavepettycashfunds.• Allfundsgeneratedfromfundraisingevents,orreceivedfromactivityparticipantsandfamilies,

mustbedepositedwiththeActivitiesOffice.• Allfundsmustbedepositedwithinonebusinessdayofthereceiptoffunds,orevent,andina

completed“ActivitiesDeposit–Fund15”envelope.• Allpurchasesmustbemadebyoneofthefollowing:

A. PurchaseOrder(preferred)B. ExpenseReimbursement

• Allreimbursementswillfollowthedistrictstipendlimits;thisincludesmealexpenses–seethebackofthe“ExpenseReimbursementForm”forcurrentSchoolBoardapprovedamounts.

• GiftcardsarenotanallowableActivityorFund15expense.• Onlyacceptableuseitemswillbereimbursed;noreimbursementwillbeallowedforprohibited

items.

------------CAPTAINS’PRACTICETheMinnesotaStateHighSchoolLeague(MSHSL)hasdefinedCaptains’Practice(Bylaw208.2)asfollows:Captains’Practiceisprimarilyforthepurposeofphysicalconditioning,organizedandconductedbythestudents.Studentsmayparticipateincaptains’practiceprovidedthatsalariedandnon-salariedpersonnelarenotinvolvedinanycapacity.ItistheresponsibilityofschoolofficialstobecomeawareofthepreseasonactivitiesintheirschooldistrictandtoensurethatthespiritandintentoftheLeaguerulesareobserved.Thereisnorequirementforstudentstoattendcaptains’practiceasaprerequisiteformembershiponahighschoolteam.Aschooldistrictemployeemustsupervisecaptains’practice.Allfacilitiesusedforcaptains’practicesmustbereservedthroughtheHighSchoolActivitiesOffice.

------------GUIDELINESFORCOACHINGOUTOFSEASON–MSHSLBylaw208Whatmayacoachdoandnotdobeforeandafterthehighschoolseasonwithhis/herhighschoolathletes? MayDo

1. Providecampandnon-schoolteaminformationtoathletesifapprovedforasummerwaiverandauthorizedbyyourathleticdirectortodoso.

2. Coachesapprovedforsummercoachingmayprovidecoachingduringtheprescribedtime

period.

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a. SummerCoachingWaiver:MemberschoolsshallhavetheauthoritytoapproveacoachingwaiverfollowingthefourthFridayinMaythroughJuly31ofthesamecalendaryear.CoacheswhohavebeengrantedasummercoachingwaiverbytheirhighschooltocoachasummerleagueteammaycontinuetocoachthatteamthroughLaborDayifthatteamparticipatesinanend-of-the-seasontournamentasanaturalextensionofthesummerteamseason.Thehighschoolathleticdirectorofthatschoolmustapprovesaidexception,inwriting.

b. SummerCamp/ClinicWaiver:Memberschoolsshallhaveauthoritytoapproveacoachingwaiverforcampsand/orclinicsfollowingthefourthFridayinMayandendingJuly31.

c. ProcedureforGrantingSummerCoachingorSummerCamp/ClinicWaivers:Thedesignatedschoolrepresentativeofthememberhighschoolshalldocument,inwritingandkeeponfileintheschool:1. Aletterofverificationfromthecoachindicatinganagreementtocoachthe

students;2. TheletterrequiredforsummercoachingshallbedocumentedonanofficialLeague

SummerCoachingForm,whichisavailableontheLeaguewebsite.MayNotDoDuringtheschoolyear,priortoandfollowingthesportseason:1. Maynotprovidecoaching,instruction,training,etc.toanymemberoftheirhighschoolteam,

B-squad,JVorvarsityotherthanduringtheseasonorunderthesummerwaiver.2. Maynotinfluenceordirectaplayer’snon-schoolplay.Thisincludes:

a. Directingathletestoplayinaleagueorattendacamporclinic.b. Placeathletesonaroster,developororganizeateamroster;draftplayersforateam;

select,secure,evaluateorotherwiseinfluencetheplacementofathletesonateamforleagues,tournaments,campsorclinicsotherthanthoseathletesapprovedforthesummercoachingwaiver.

c. Maynotdirect,orundulyinfluenceanathletetoparticipateinopengym,captains’practice,ornon-schoolteams,leaguesorcamps.

d. Maynotorganize,supervise,directorotherwisebeinvolvedintheorganizationofcaptains’practice.

------------EQUIPMENTANDSUPPLIESEquipmentwillbetheresponsibilityoftheheadcoach/advisor.Theresponsibilityforequipmentshallincludedetailedcheckouttoparticipants,propercareduringuse,andproperreturnandstorageofallequipment.Ifuniform/equipmentislostordamaged,thestudenttowhomitwaslastissuedwillberesponsibleforthereplacement/repaircost.AllequipmentandsupplieswillbeinventoriedbytheHeadCoach/Director,andallinventorydocumentswillbeturnedintotheActivitiesDirectorpriortosigningoffontheseason.-------------INJURIESANDACCIDENTREPORTINGPROCEDURESThetrainersorcoaches/advisorswillcompletetheSchoolInjuryReportFormimmediatelyfollowingallinjuriesoraccidentsthatrequiremedicalcarebeyondimmediatecarebycoach/advisorand/ortrainer.Thisappliestoallstudentsundertheirsupervisionduringapractice,event,orwhiletravelingtoandfromanevent.Thetrainersorcoaches/advisorsaretocalltheActivitiesDirectorandinformthemimmediatelyifa

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participantistakentothehospital.TheformshallbeturnedintotheActivitiesOfficethefollowingmorningwiththetrainerorcoach/advisorretainingacopy.Whenanaccidentreportformisrequired,coaches/advisorswillattempttopersonallycontacttheparentsorguardians.Ifaphysician,duetoillnessorinjury,excusesaparticipantfromeventsorpractices,studentsmustsupplyawrittenstatementfromthephysicianallowingthemtoreturntotheactivity.

------------STORMVARSITYLETTERINGSTANDARDPOLICYEarningavarsityletterentailsdemonstratingCharacter,Commitment,andContributiontoavarsityprogram.ParticipantsmustbeingoodstandinginaccordancewiththeMSHSLCodeofConductandtheacademicpoliciesdefinedbyISD47.Coaches/Directorswillhavediscretionwithletteringconsideration.Allhighschoolcoaches/advisorsshoulddevelopcriteriaforletteringwithintheiractivities.Thispolicywillbediscussedwithstudentsatthebeginningoftheseason.ThisinformationwillbeprovidedtotheActivitiesDirector.

-------------PURCHASEORDERSAllpurchasesmadebycoaches/advisorsneedthepriorapprovaloftheActivitiesDirector.Thepreferredmethodofitemspurchased,afterapproval,willbepurchasedthroughaPurchaseOrderissuedtothecompanyandpaidbytheDistrictuponreceivingtheproduct.StandardprocedureforpurchasesrequiresaRequisitionFormtobecompletedandreturnedtotheActivitiesOfficeforapprovaloftheActivitiesDirector.RequisitionFormsarelocatedintheActivitiesOffice.Uponapproval,theActivitiesAdministrativeAssistantwillprocessthepurchaseorderandsubmitittotheBusinessOfficeforapprovalandfinalprocessing.Allitemsmustbeapprovedforpaymentwhengoodsarereceivedsopromptpaymenttovendorscanbemade.PurchaseorderreceivingcanbecompletedthroughtheActivitiesAdministrativeAssistant.Allordersmusthaveavalidpurchaseordernumberbeforeauthorizationtopurchaseisgiventothevendor.Thestandardpurchasingprocedureisdocumentedabove.Inrarecircumstances,itmaybenecessarytopurchaseitemswithoutapurchaseorder.Insuchcircumstances,priorapprovalfromtheActivitiesDirectorisstillrequired.OriginalITEMIZEDreceiptsmustbeattachedto“RequestforReimbursement”form.Creditcardsummaryreceiptsarenotacceptable.TheActivitiesDirectormustgrantfinalapprovalandreimbursementformwillbeprocessedthroughDistrictBoardbillprocedures.IfturnedintotheBusinessOfficebeforethetenth(10th)ofthemonth,thereimbursementwillbeprocessedforthatmonthandcheckswillbereleasedattheendofthemonthafterSchoolBoardapprovalattheregularmeeting.Ifturnedinafterthetenth(10th),thereimbursementwillbeprocessedthefollowingmonth.

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THEROLEOFPARENTS Parents,youplayanintegralroleinthedevelopmentofyourchildasanathlete.Yoursupportisabsolutelynecessaryforthesuccessofyourchildandforthesuccessoftheteam.Justasitisthecoachesjobtocoach,theofficialsjobtoofficiateandtheplayersjobtoplay,itisyourroletoparent.Acoachwillnottellyouhowtoparent.Thisisyourprivilegedroletosupportyourstudent,justasacoach,playerandofficialhavetheirprivilegedroles.

• Bepositivewithyourchild.Letthemknowthattheyareaccomplishingsomethingbybeingpartofanactivityparticipant.

• Pleaserefrainfromyellingforanyreasonotherthanforencouragement.• Pleasedonottrytocoachyourchildinoroutofcompetition.Itishardforyoungathletestomake

senseofconflictingmessages.Advisors/Coachessincerelycareaboutthestudents!Coachingstylesdifferwheninteractingwithpeopleandsituations.Student’slivesareenrichedbytheexperienceofdifferenttypesofleadership.

• Donotofferexcusestothemiftheyarenotparticipating.Encouragethemtoworkhardanddotheirbest.Justasimportant,isthatyousupporttheeffortsofyourchild’scoaches.Ifyouarecriticizingotherplayersorcoachesathome,youareputtingyourchildinano-winsituation.

• SupporttheMSHSLrulespertainingtonouseorpossessionoftobacco,alcoholorothercontrolledsubstances.

• Pleasedonotcallthecoachtotalkaboutyourchild’splayingtime.Youhavetheroleofparentandcoacheshavetheroleofcoach.Coachesseeplayerseverydayinpracticeanditistheirdesiretoplaceplayersinsituationswheretheycansucceed.

• Ifyouneedtodiscussissuesorconcerns,pleasefollowthechainofcommunication.• Whenyouhaveaconcernorissuewiththeprogramorcoach,pleasefollowthechainof

communication/resolutionprocess(onpage16aftergettingafullstoryfromyourchild.Pleaseavoidcommunicatingconcernswiththecoach/advisordirectlyfollowingaperformanceorcontest.Thecoach’sduty,immediatelyfollowingacontest/performanceistotheparticipant/team,notthespectator.Allowatleastonenight/24hourstopasstogetyourthoughtstogether.

HaveDiscussionswithYourChild Talktoyourchildabouttheirexpectationsfortheseason.Dosoatthebeginningaswellasinthemiddleoftheseason.Oftenparentsprojecttheirownhopesanddreamsfortheirchildrenontotheirchildrenwithoutstoppingtoaskwhattheywantforthemselves.Donotassumeyouknow.Askyourchildaboutwheretheythinktheyfitinontheteam,whattheirperceivedstrengthsandweaknessesareandwhattheyhopetheywillaccomplishoverthecourseoftheseason.Askyourchildwhattheywanttoaccomplishthroughoutthecourseoftheircareer.Mostoften,playersknowwhattheirskilllevelisandwheretheybelong. Onceyouhavethediscussion,supportyourchild.Whenyourchildisfinishedwithagame,tellthemthatyouloveandsupportthem.Tellthemthatyouenjoyedwatchingthemplay.Donotrehashthegamewithyourchildunlesstheyinitiateit.Alwaysspeakpositively,eveniftheyareangry.

------------BOOSTERORGANIZATIONSAcloseworkingrelationshipshouldexistbetweenthecoachingstaffandtheboostersindeterminingtheneedsforaprogram.ThefinancesoftheBoosterClubwillnotinvolveschoolpersonnel.Currentcoaches

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cannotserveontheBoosterClubboard.Note:SchoolpersonnelwillnotbeabletowritechecksontheBoosterClubaccounts.

------------FITNESSCENTERStudentscannotusethefitnesscenterunlessthereisapprovedadultsupervision.TheDistrictrequiresthattheadultisaschoolemployeewhohasknowledgeandistrainedinthisarea.EmployeesmaygainaccesstothefitnesscenterthroughtheActivitiesOffice.Allaccessofthefitnesscenterbythepublic,thosenotemployedbytheDistrict,isprohibited.

------------SEVEREWEATHERSRRwillfollowandbeguidedbytheMSHSLWeatherConditionsandCompetitionBoardPolicywhichincludes:Lightning/ThreateningWeather,CompetitionIndexforCold,andCompetitionandPracticeIndexforHeat.KeepinginmindthattheSchoolDistrict’sprimeconcernisstudents’safety,thefollowingprocedureswillbefollowedinsevereweathersituations.

1)Beforeanactivity/contesthasstarted,itwillbetheActivitiesDirector’sdecisionastowhetherornottheactivityshouldbegin.ParentsmaycontacttheActivitiesDirectorforinformation.

2)Duringanactivity/contest,theresponsibilityfordetermining“playability”isleftwithofficialsandActivitiesDirectororPrincipal.Wheneverthereisdangertotheparticipants(e.g.lightning,etc.)studentswillnotcontinueplay.SRRwillfollowtheMSHSLGuidelinesforlightning.3)Nopractices/eventswillbeallowedtotakeplaceonanydaywhenschoolhasbeencanceledduetosevereweather.4)CancellationofscheduledpracticesoreventsneedspriorapprovalfromtheActivitiesDirector.

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TRANSPORTATIONAllparticipantsareexpectedtoride(bus,vanorsuburban)withtheteamtoandfromeventsontripswheretransportationisprovidedbythedistrict.Undernocircumstancesshouldacoach/advisorpermitastudentarriveorleavefromacontestwithotherstudentsortodrivethemselveswhendistricttransportationisprovided.AnytransportationtoandfromeventsneedstobearrangedaheadoftimewiththeActivitiesOffice.

1)Theschools’vansandsuburbanshallbetheofficialmodeoftransportationwheneverpossible.BustransportationshallbeobtainedandutilizedonlythroughtheapprovaloftheActivitiesDirector.2)TransportationrequestsshallbemadebytheActivitiesOffice.Allvehicleexpenseswillbechargedbacktotherespectivebudgetsofcoaches/advisorsusingsuchvehicles.Coaches/Advisorswillreceiveweeklytransportationschedulesfortheiractivity.3)Acoach/advisorshallaccompanytheirteamsand/orplayersonallbustrips.Coaches/Advisorsareresponsiblefortheconductoftheirstudentsduringtraveltoandfromscheduledevents.4)Allstudentsareexpectedtorideonthebustoandfromevents.Ifstudentsridehomewithparents/guardians,theymustprovidewrittenorverbalrequestsfromtheirparentsorguardianstotheheadcoach/advisors;and,theparentmustsignthestudentoutpriortoleaving.5)Fordistrictvehicleuse,coaches/advisorsshouldmakearrangementsthroughtheActivitiesOfficeandobtainpriortrainingthroughtheBusinessOffice.Makesurethevehicleiscleanafteruse.Gasshouldbefillediftankisclosetoa¼tankorless.Coaches/Advisorsshouldalsosignthelogbookbeforetheyleave.Note:Allschoolvehiclesarerequiredtostopforallrailroadcrossings.------------

ACCELERATIONPOLICY7-12CombinedPrograms:CrossCountry,Swimming,Gymnastics,Wrestling,Track,Winterguard,Dance(8-12)TheseprogramshavecombinedMiddleandHighSchoollevelstoensureopportunityforallstudents.In7–12combinedprograms,studentsareeligibletocompetewithoutuseoftheAccelerationPolicy.9-12ProgramswithoutMiddleSchoolPrograms:One-ActPlay,Hockey(10-12)Studentsin7thand8thgradearestronglyencouragedtoparticipateinprogramsavailableattheirlevel.WhileMSHSLrulesstatethatall7-12studentsareeligibletoparticipateinthe9-12program,theseactivitieswillfollowtheaccelerationpolicylistedbelow.9-12ProgramswithseparateMiddleSchoolPrograms:Tennis,Soccer,Football,Volleyball,Basketball,Softball,Baseball,Golf,Lacrosse,Speech,MusicGuideline:ItisthegeneralpolicyofSchoolDistrict47nottoacceleratestudentsfromMiddleSchoolprogramstoHighSchoolMSHSLprograms.

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ThedecisiontoacceleratestudentsfromtheMiddleSchoolprogramtotheHighSchoolprogramshouldbetakenseriouslybyexaminingthefollowingconsiderations:

• Physicalabilitiesandemotionalneedsofthestudent(s).• EffectonbothMiddleSchoolandHighSchoolprograms.• Academicperformanceofthestudent(s).• Student,parents,coachandActivitiesDirectorsareinagreement.• Accelerationmaybeto9thGrade,10thGrade,JVorVarsitylevels.

ProcedureforAcceleration:IntherareinstanceswhereaccelerationwillbeconsideredfromaMiddleSchoolprogramtoseniorhighprogram,theseproceduresmustbefollowed:

1)TheheadcoachwillinitiateinwritingtheproposedaccelerationtoboththeMiddleSchoolandHighSchoolActivitiesDirectors.2)ThetwoActivitiesDirectorswillconductareviewtodeterminethefeasibilityoftheproposedaccelerationaccordingtotheguidelinesestablished.Thedecisiontoacceleratemustbereachedthroughconsensus.3)Iftherecommendationistofurtherconsideracceleration,theparentsandthestudentwillthenbenotifiedbytheHighSchoolActivitiesDirector.Iftheparentsandstudentdonotconcurwiththerecommendation,theprocessends.Ifthestudentandhis/herparentsconcurwitharecommendationtoaccelerate,thestudentwillbemovedtotheappropriatelevel.4)Oncethestudenthasbeenaccelerated,thestudentwillhaveatwo-weekevaluationperiod.Attheendofthattime,afinaldecisiononplacementfortheseasonshallbemade.------------

HAZINGANDHARASSMENTPOLICYThepurposeofthispolicyistomaintainasafelearningandworkingenvironmentforstudentsandstaffthatisfreefromhazingandreligious,racialorsexualharassmentandviolence.Hazingandharassmentactivitiesofanytypeareinconsistentwiththeeducationalgoalsoftheschooldistrictandareprohibitedatalltimes.(MSHSLBylaw209)GeneralStatementofPolicy:

1)Nostudent,coach,oradvisoroftheschooldistrictshallplan,direct,encourage,aid,orengageinhazing.

2)Nostudent,coach,oradvisoroftheschooldistrictshallpermit,condone,ortoleratehazing.

3)Apparentpermissionorconsentbyapersonbeinghazeddoesnotlessentheprohibitionscontainedinthispolicy.4)Thispolicyappliestobehaviorthatoccursonoroffschoolpropertyandduringandafterschoolhours.5)Apersonwhoengagesinanactthatviolatesschoolpolicyorlawinordertobeinitiatedintooraffiliatedwithastudentorganizationshallbesubjecttodisciplineforthatact.

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6)Theschooldistrictwillacttoinvestigateallcomplaintsofhazingandwilldisciplineortakeappropriateactionagainstanystudent,coach,oradvisoroftheschooldistrictwhoisfoundtohaveviolatedthispolicy.

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SELECTIONPROCESSTheDistrictsupportstheinvolvementofasmanystudentsaspossibleintheactivitiesprogram.Coaches/Advisorsstrivetokeepasmanystudentsinvolvedwithoutnegativelyimpactingtheintegrityoftheiractivities.Factorsthatcouldplacelimitationsonactivityrostersmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,time,space,facilities,equipment,budget,coaches/advisors.ForGrades7-9:Nostudentswillbecutfrom7ththrough9thgradeprograms.*Theonlyexceptionwillbeinprogramsthatencompass7-12grades,andarelimitedduetospaceandteamcapssetbytheguidelinesintheactivity.TheexceptionwillbeDance,WinterguardandGymnastics.ForGrades10-12:

1)Reviewtry-outprocessandselectioncriteriawiththeActivitiesDirectorpriortoconductingtry-outs.Thisprocedurewillbediscussedandprintedintheprogram’shandbook.2)Priortotry-outs,thecoaches/advisorsshallprovidethefollowinginformationtoallcandidatesfortheiractivities: a.Extent/lengthoftry-outperiod b.Criteriaforselectionandnotification;and c.Participationexpectationsandtimecommitmentifselected3)Uponcompletionofthetry-outperiod,whenacutisnecessary,thecoach/advisorshallprivatelyinformeachstudentofthereasonforthatdecision.

4)Listsarenottobeposteduntilallcutstudentshavebeennotified.5)Alternativepossibilitiesintheactivityorotherareasintheactivitiesprogramshouldbediscussedbythecoach/advisorwithanystudentwhoiscut.

------------COMMUNICATIONCHAINFORTHESRRACTIVITIESRESOLUTIONPROCESSTheSaukRapids-RiceSchoolDistrict’sResolutionProcesshasbeendevelopedforthepurposesofestablishingandmaintainingpositivelinesofcommunicationsbetweentheschool,parents/guardiansandstudentsfortheresolutionsofconcernsandasaforumforexplorationofprogramideas.Thisprocessisameansbywhichbothconcernsandissuesabouttheprogramscanberesolved.Ifparents/guardiansorstudentshaveconcerns,theyshouldcontactthecoach/advisorthenextworkday.Coaches/advisorswillsharewithparents’specifictimeswhentheyareavailableduringtheworkdaybecausetheDistrictdoesnotbelieveitisacceptabletointerruptclassesinordertoprocessanextra-

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curricularconflict.Concernsthatariseshouldnotbeaddressedduringorimmediatelyfollowingacontest.Eventsites,practiceareas,lobbiesorlockerroomsarenotappropriateplacestohandleconflicts.Coaches/Advisors,parentsandstudentsarenottomeetordealwithconcernsatthesetimesorplaces,ratherthantosetupalatermeetingdate.*Iftheconcernisoversomethingyourchildhastoldyouaboutagame,practiceorothersituation,pleasemakesureyouhavethecompletestoryfromyourchildandthatyourchildiswithyouintheresolutionmeetings.StepsforResolutionStepOne–ParticipantConcerns:Ameetingbetweenthestudentandcoach/advisorwillbescheduledorheldtoresolveissuesoranswerquestionsthatareinitiatedbyeitherthestudentorthecoach/advisor.OrStepOne–Parent/GuardianConcernsAmeetingbetweenthecoach/advisor,theparent/guardianand/orthestudentwillbeheldorscheduled.Theparent/guardian,student,orcoach/advisorcaninitiatethismeeting.StepTwoAmeetingwiththeActivitiesDirectorwillbeheld/scheduledifanyoneofthethreeparties(parent/guardian,student,orcoach/advisor)stillfeelsthattheissuesorquestionshavenotbeenresolved.StepThreeAmeetingwiththebuildingPrincipalwillbeheld/schedulediftheissuesorquestionspersist.ThebuildingPrincipal,alongwiththeActivitiesDirector,willbeaskedtomediatetheissue.StepFourIftheissuesorquestionsstillhavenotbeenresolved,theywillthenbereferredtotheSuperintendentandifhe/shechooses,totheBoardofEducation.

• Atanystepintheprocess,whenanissueorquestionhasbeenresolved,theresolutionshouldbecommunicatedtotheaffectedparties.

GuidelinesforaResolutionMeetingInanymeetingbetweenparent/guardian,student,andcoach/advisor:

• Conversationswillberespectfulandappropriateinnatureorthemeetingwillneedtoberescheduled.

• Conversationsregardingplayingorparticipationtimewillbefocusedonskills,workethic,attitudesandroles.

• Resolutionparticipantsareencouragedtobeopen-mindedandkeepthegoalsoftheentireprograminmind.

• Forpurposesofdataprivacy,discussionswillfocusontheparent’s/guardian’sstudentorchildandnotonotherplayersorparticipants.

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