Athletic Program

INTRODUCTION

The Athletic Program at Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School is founded on the principal that athletics are an extension of the classroom, and the athletic experience contributes to the growth of the mind and body. The building blocks of the Warrior traditions were laid years ago by some of the community's most respected student athletes, many of whom continue to be involved in the Athletic Program as supportive parents and grandparents, or as loyal fans. While the names change from year to year, the principles that they embody have remained the same. These are dedication and desire, cooperation and compassion, and the importance of working collectively towards a common team goal. These are just some of the ideas that resonate across our playing fields and gymnasium here at WAJ.

The establishment of this Athletic Handbook is a reflection of the school district's concern for the safety, well being, and conduct of its student athletes. The rules and regulations that are contained in this Athletic Handbook are in the best interests of the student athletes.

The creation of such rules carries the responsibility of enforcing them. This requires cooperation between the school and the home. Together we can work toward our mutual concerns of reducing the risks and penalties that could occur if the handbook guidelines are not followed.

TO THE PARENTS

Your child has expressed a desire to participate in the interscholastic athletic program here at Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School. Participation is a privilege, not a right, which should elicit great pride in both the student athlete and his/her family. It is also an acceptance of responsibility which requires an extra level of commitment given those who wear our school colors and represent their teammates, coaches, school and community. Standards of behavior are high and a personal commitment to meet these standards is a condition for being a member of one of our teams.

Consistent with these standards, and as a continuing condition of participation, student athletes are required to meet behavioral as well as academic standards and sign a statement of personal commitment. The student athlete's signature, along with that of his/her parents or guardian, indicates that both parties recognize, understand, and accept this responsibility and agree to adhere to the basic concepts of good school and community citizenship, proper training regulations, and those positive behaviors with which every student athlete should be identified.

This handbook governs our interscholastic program. Please read and review it with your son or daughter. If you have any questions regarding the conditions for participation in our Interscholastic Athletic Program, do not hesitate to contact the Athletic Director or your child's coach.

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

Our Interscholastic Program offers students in grades 7-12 participation in a variety of sports. The purpose of these athletic programs is to provide competitive opportunities so that all school athletes may further develop their personal, academic, and athletic abilities. Student athletes will strive to achieve their goals while learning and practicing the ideals of effective teamwork and sportsmanship in a positive and acceptable manner.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INTERSCHOLASTIC PROGRAM

Consistent with this philosophy, student athletes will be placed in an appropriate level of competition based upon each individual's sport-specific knowledge and skill level. At each level of competition, specific objectives will be emphasized. The following is a breakdown of the different competitive levels offered in the Interscholastic Program and the focus of emphasis at each level.

Modified Level
This level serves as an introduction to competitive high school sports for student athletes.
The objectives of this level are as follows:

a) Acquire and develop sport-specific skills and fundamental strategies.
b) Provide student athletes opportunities to practice skills and strategies
in competitions.

Junior Varsity Level
This is an intermediate competitive level which serves as a bridge between the modified
and varsity levels of competition. The objectives of this level are as follows:

a) Continue development and refinement of sports-specific skills and strategies.
b) Provide student athletes opportunities to demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge
in competitions.

Varsity Level
This is the highest level of competition offered in our Athletic Program. Student athletes at
this level must demonstrate high levels of proficiency in acquired sport-specific skills,
concepts, and strategies. The objectives of this level are as follows:

a) Place emphasis on highly skilled competition.
b) Base playing time upon the demonstrated performance of an individual in
sports-specific skills and ability to help the team win.
c) Field competitive teams at the league and sectional level of competition.

ROLES AND EXPECTATIONS

Coaches, parents, students, and fans play important roles in supporting our philosophy of providing a quality competitive experience for our student athletes. The following identifies the roles and expectations of these groups in relationship to our Interscholastic Athletic Program.

The Coach
At all levels of competition, the role of the coach is one of instructional leadership. Our
coaches will strive to provide a positive experience for our student athletes through quality
instruction based on personal and professional development. The coach will challenge and
encourage each athlete, as an individual and as a team member, to reach the objectives of his/her respective level of competition.

In addition to his/her responsibilities for the varsity team, the varsity coach will serve as
the instructional leader for the development of the total sports program. They will work with
assistant/sub varsity level coaches to deliver a coordinated program with regards to goals
and objectives, instruction, and supervision development.

Our coaches are responsible for providing opportunities and leadership for the student
athlete to compete in an athletic environment which fosters sportsmanship and fair play.
The academic pursuits of the student should be enhanced by their athletic participation.
The following guidelines serve as a benchmark for the conduct of our coaches:

a) Build a personal and team philosophy based upon the values expressed in the
Interscholastic Athletic Program Philosophy Statement.
b) Strive to enlarge their technical knowledge and develop wisdom and competency in all
areas of the coaching profession.
c) Enhance and protect the physical and mental health and well being of the student
athletes.
d) Teach the student athletes to respect themselves, their teammates, opponents, and
officials.
e) Strive to instill in players a desire to know and live by the spirit of the rules of the
school, team, and sport.
f) Help to create an atmosphere of friendly competition where sportsmanship and honor
transcend victory or defeat.
g) Cooperate with administrators, faculty, and other coaches to maintain and improve the
educational quality of our school.
h) Encourage the highest standards of academic achievement among all student athletes.

2. The Parents

The parents of our student athletes are recognized as a valuable asset to our athletic programs.
Through their academic, emotional, and moral support, parents shall assist our coaching staff in
teaching student athletes the value of responsibility and commitment as it relates to our
program objectives.

Through their attendance and conduct at athletic contests, parents shall demonstrate their
support for their child and his/her team by exhibiting good sportsmanship towards opponents,
coaches, and officials as identified by the Section IV Code of Conduct for Spectators.

3. Students/Fans

Our student body and fans of our programs within the community provide moral support for our
student athletes and teams through their attendance at contests, and by their adherence to,
and demonstration of, appropriate behavioral conduct as identified by the Section IV Code of
Conduct for Spectators.

4. Parent/Coach Relationship

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding
of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater
benefits to children. As parents, when your child becomes involved in our Athletic Program, you
have the right to know what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear
communication from the coach/coaches of your child's team and program.

5. Communication You Should Expect From Your Child's Coach

. Philosophy
. Expectations for your child and all the players on the team
. Locations/times of all practices/games
. Team requirements
. Procedures should your child be injured in practice/game
. Discipline that results in denying your child's participation

6. Communication The Coach Should Expect From The Parents

. Concerns expressed directly to the coach
. Notification of schedule conflicts well in advance of the conflict
. Concerns regarding philosophy and/or expectations

As your child becomes involved in the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Athletic
Program, he/she will experience some of the most rewarding moments in
his/her life. It is important to understand that there also may be a time when
things don't go the way you or your child wishes. At these times discussion
with the coach is encouraged.

7. Appropriate Concerns To Discuss With Coaches

. The treatment of your child
. Ways to help your child improve and get better
. Your child's behavior

It is very difficult to accept your child's not playing as much as he/she had
hoped. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on
what they believe to be the best for the team. As you can see above, certain
things can and should be discussed with your child's coach. Other things
must be left to the professional discretion of the coach.

8. Issues Not Appropriate To Discuss With Coaches

. Playing time
. Team strategy
. Play calling
. Other members of the team

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the
parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties understand the
other's concerns. When a conference is necessary, contact the coach to set up an
appointment. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director and he will assist in
arranging the conference. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to confront a coach
before or after a practice or a game. These are emotional times for all involved and we
want to make the concern better, not worse.

9. The Next Step

If the parent/coach meting did not provide satisfactory results to the parent,
call the Athletic Director and arrange a meeting, with the coach present, to
discuss the problem. At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be
determined. Parents are encouraged to discuss issues with the Athletic
Director; however, if a parent has specific complaints regarding a coach, then
the coach must have the opportunity to be present to meet with the parent.

10. Sports Physicals

In accordance with NYSPHSAA regulations, all students participating on
athletic teams that engage in the scholastic competition must complete a
sports physical exam and a health history update when required, and be
approved for participation by the school physician. No student will be allowed
to participate in tryout sessions, practices, or competitions until he/she has
received medical clearance.

Physical examinations are provided to students by the school district at no
cost to the student or his/her family. Exams are scheduled prior to each
sports season for the upcoming season and are valid for the next 12 months.
Depending on when the physical is obtained, a health history update may be
required as well.

You may choose to have the physical exam done by your own personal
physician or family doctor. If so, you must pick up the appropriate
documentation from the school nurse prior to the scheduled exam and return
all of the completed documentation back to the school nurse.

School exams are conducted in the nurse's office. For further details contact
the WAJ school nurse.

11. Risk Factors in Sports

Participation in sports involves a certain degree of risk for injury. Before
beginning participation, we want you to be aware of the risk so that you will
be better able to reduce your chances for injury. Pre-season conditioning,
learning the skills and techniques needed for particular sports, and
knowledge of the rules and safety factors will enable you to have a healthy
season.

12. Injuries/Insurance

It is extremely important to report any injury to your coach and/or the school
nurse immediately. Medical expenses resulting from any injury must first be
submitted to your own personal insurance carrier and then any remaining
balance of cost can be submitted via the school nurse to the school accident
insurance carrier. Contact the school nurse for details.

13. NCAA Information

Any student athlete planning to enroll in college as a freshman and who
wants to participate in Division I or II intercollegiate sports must be
registered with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. Applications to
register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse may be obtained in
the WAJ Guidance Office from Mrs. LeRoy or from Mrs. Morse.

14. Selective Classification

Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School participates in the New York State
Education Department-approved program that can provide the opportunity
for seventh and eighth grade students to participate on junior varsity and or
varsity teams. This program has been designed by the state for the
exceptional few in each school who could be served by playing on a higher
level team than age and grade might indicate. It is expected that there will
be very few participating under this program. Information must be collected
and evaluated by the Athletic Director before a student may try out for a
team. Selection into this process is initiated by the coaching staff, the
physical education staff, and/or the Athletic Director. Considerations to be
met include the following:

1. Parental permission
2. Medical examination and approval by the School Physician, with the developmental and
maturity level determined by the school physician, in accordance with established
guidelines for the particular level of a particular sport
3. The six-item athletic performance test must be administered by a credited physical
education instructor and not the coach of the sport that the student is trying for. The
athlete must meet or exceed the criteria established for the level of participation desired.
Students who do not meet the criteria during the test may have an opportunity to try
again.
4. The individual's prior experience and skill level is judged on the demands of the sport at
the level of play at which the student is endeavoring to qualify.

NOTE: See the Athletic Director for the physical fitness criteria needed for the level and sport
desired.

Athletic Awards - JV/Varsity Athletes

Pins - 1st year pin (sport emblematic) per sport
2nd year pin per sport
3rd year pin per sport
4th year pin per sport
5th year pin per sport
6th year pin per sport

Varsity letter - Presented to athletes who have completed 2 years of varsity competition
in at least 1 sport recognized by WAJ. Only 1 issued per career.

The athlete should have completed the season in good standing;
The athlete should have demonstrated commitment to the team through his/her effort, attitude, and participation in the team;
The athlete has contributed to his/her team's goals and vision;
The athlete has consistently demonstrated qualities of citizenship and sportsmanship in representing the team and the WAJ community.

Team Awards - 3 per sport - Trophies
Soccer - (Boys & Girls) - Offensive Award, Defensive Award, Most Dedicated
Basketball - (Boys & Girls) - Most Improved, Most Outstanding, Coaches Award, JV - Most Improved, Most Dedicated
Cheerleading - Most Improved, Most Dedicated, Spirit Award
Skiing - (Boys & Girls) - Most Improved, Most Dedicated, Most Outstanding
Snowboarding - Most Improved, Most Dedicated, Most Outstanding
Baseball - Most Improved, Most Outstanding, Coaches Award
Softball - Most Improved, Most Outstanding, Coaches Award
Tennis - Most Improved, Most Dedicated, Most Outstanding
Golf - Most Improved, Most Dedicated, Most Outstanding
Alumnus - WAJ Hall of Fame Athlete

Special Awards:
Soccer - 1 Boy / 1 Girl - Bill Davis Sportsmanship Award
Baseball - George W. Osborn Batting Award - highest batting average
Softball - George W. Osborn Batting Award - highest batting average
8th Graders - 1 Boy / 1 Girl - Athletic Achievement Award - given at 8th Grade Graduation.
Seniors - WAJ Senior Scholar Athlete Award - given to a male and a female
senior 3 sport athlete with the highest academic average.

WAJ Senior Sportsmanship Award - given to a male and a female
senior 2 sport athlete demonstrating the highest ideals of
sportsmanship as voted on by the WAJ coaching staff.

Wendy's High School Heisman Nominees - 1 Boy / 1 Girl.

WAJ Booster Club Award - $250.00 award given at graduation to a male
and a female senior 2 sport athlete with at least an 80 average and who
demonstrates the ideals and principles of the Booster Club and supports
its activities.

US Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award - 1 Boy / 1 Girl.

Miscellaneous Individual Awards:

Delaware League Scholar Athlete Award/Nominee
Delaware League All Star Selection per sport - 1st Team, 2nd Team, and Honorable Mention
Delaware League Academic All Star
NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete - Team and Individual
National Student Athlete Day Recognition
BCANY Awards

Alcohol and Alcoholic consumption by all persons at Windham-Ashland-Jewett athletic events and awards programs is prohibited. Whenever possible, awards programs/banquet will be held in a facility where alcohol cannot be sold during the function and at no time be made available in the location of the event. Smoking or use of tobacco products is similarly prohibited.