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Welcome!This booklet has been compiled to better acquaint you with the athletic program at Wellesley High School. Please keep this booklet handy and refer to it when questions about your daughter's or son's athletic experience arise. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call me at 781-446-6305, Ext. 5195. John Brown, Athletic Director
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PHILOSOPHYThe Interscholastic Athletic Program at Wellesley High School is committed to the total physical, emotional, social and mental development of its participants. The program is an extension of the values and ideals of our school leading to the development of a well rounded individual. Wellesley High School athletes will take pride in themselves, their team, school and community while learning to work together towards common goals. Every athlete should enjoy the experience of being a team member. Tryouts for programs are open to all students providing they meet the standards of academic eligibility, school citizenship and basic physical/health qualifications. Participation in the program is a privilege granted to students who meet and maintain these standards. As a member of the Wellesley program, students are expected to demonstrate proper respect for all coaches, teammates, officials, spectators and equipment. Student athletes are expected to exhibit the highest level of conduct and sportsmanship both on and off the playing field, as they are at all times representatives of their team, school and community. ROLE OF THE COACHWellesley High School acknowledges the substantial amount of time coaches and teammates spend with each other. We know how important the relationships that develop between teammates and between a coach and an athlete can be. We see coaches as teachers, mentors, and role models. In addition to teaching the skills and strategies of athletics, coaches must model and encourage positive citizenship, integrity, commitment, and strong work ethic. While keeping the entire team in mind, one of a coach’s top priorities must be to assist in the healthy physical, emotional and social development of each player. GOVERNING BODIES"The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association" The Wellesley High School Athletic Department is a member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and is therefore governed by Association "Rules and Regulations". Additional policies, regulations and rules are set by the Wellesley School Committee. Under MIAA guidelines, local communities are allowed to set their own policy, rules and/or regulations as long as they are more restrictive than those stipulated by the MIAA. Rules governing individual sports vary depending upon the sport. For example, rules are as stipulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (with MIAA modification) for football, by the National Federation of State High School Associations for basketball and by the Sporting News Rules of Baseball for baseball. Copies of the complete set of MIAA rules and regulations are available in the Athletic Office. One of the primary functions of the MIAA is to sponsor and conduct post-season tournaments leading to the determination of geographical district and state champions. When our varsity teams qualify for and enter such tournaments, we are completely subject to the specific rules and regulations that govern each tournament as set by the MIAA. Tournament qualification, divisional placement and geographical district criteria are sport specific. Some of our teams may qualify for regional tournaments beyond the MIAA tournaments that are sponsored and conducted by the combined state associations that make up the region of competition. Some of our varsity teams may host and/or play in seasonal tournaments that are sponsored by local school districts or other qualified agencies. MIAA regulations specify that such tournaments be sanctioned by the Association and be conducted totally under their policies, rules and regulations. The MIAA does not sanction or sponsor any sub-varsity tournament competition. The MIAA is a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations and is bound by their set of rules, policies and regulations. THE BAY STATE CONFERENCE Wellesley High School is a member of the twelve (12) school league known as the Bay State Conference. The Conference is governed by the MIAA and its own Constitution. A copy of the Constitution is available for your review in the Athletic Office. Most of our game schedules at all levels of competition are set by the Conference. Most sport game schedules sponsored by the Conference at the varsity level are divided into two (2) divisions for championship play, and for seasonal play at the junior varsity and freshman levels. The "Herget Division" includes the schools from: Dedham, Natick, Walpole, Milton, Norwood and Wellesley. The "Carey Division" includes: Framingham, Needham, Braintree, Brookline, Newton North and Weymouth. Interdivisional scheduled play is common for most of our teams. We also schedule some non-conference contests against schools from other surrounding communities. A few of our programs such as skiing and sailing compete in other leagues or compete entirely in a "non-league" schedule, because the majority of schools in the Bay State Conference do not sponsor these specific sport activities. WELLESLEY RAIDER FALL SEASON: Starting Date: Varies, usually late August WINTER SEASON: Starting Date: Monday after Thanksgiving SPRING SEASON: Starting Date: Third Monday in March LEVELS OF PLAY - GOALS The common goals of the athletic program at ALL LEVELS of play are for athletes to: Additional goals of JUNIOR VARSITY LEVEL teams are to: Additional goals of VARSITY LEVEL teams are to: PLAYING TIME Playing time is influenced by many factors, a great many of which are unique to the sport. Five factors which will help determine playing time are: There are many decisions made on a regular basis by members of our coaching staff. These include: which athletes should start a contest, who should play what position and the amount of playing time. These very difficult coaching decisions are made only by members of our coaching staff after weighing a considerable number of factors. The coach has sole responsibility for all playing time decisions. SELECTED RULES, REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND PRACTICE The following is a list of important policies, rules and regulations that govern our athletic department. Take the time to read and understand them. If any questions and/or concerns arise during your athletic experience at Wellesley High School that are not addressed or answered in this booklet, please contact the Athletic Office at the High School. COMMITMENT The Wellesley High School Athletic Program is based upon the philosophy of "Raider Pride". Each member of our athletic teams, Freshman, Junior Varsity and Varsity MUST: Realizing that these 4 qualities are necessary to achieve "Raider Pride", we expect a high level of commitment from all of our student athletes within the broad context of their lives as Wellesley students. At the Varsity and JV Level weekend and/or evening practices and games are common. Students should expect regular involvement during these times. Because many of our teams share facilities and/or use facilities off campus, practice and game hours may vary considerably. Contact the coach or the athletic office for more specific information concerning practice and game times. TRY OUTS/CUTS PARENT MEETING Attendance Policies VACATION AND EXTENDED ABSENCE POLICY Varsity and Junior Varsity Teams: THERE ARE PRACTICES AND CONTESTS SCHEDULED. Although extended absences from team functions either during school vacation periods or while school is in session are discouraged, the Athletic Department recognizes the fact that certain circumstances do require them. Students who are planning to be absent from team activities for an extended period of time due to family trips, religious obligations, or college visitations (as examples) are expected to inform their coach regarding the absence as soon as plans are made. If an athlete misses one game or more than one practice, under such circumstances, he/she will miss the first scheduled contest after his or her return. Although prior notification of a planned absence is mandatory, such notification does not eliminate the consequence. An athlete is required to earn his or her position back upon return. DAILY TEAM ATTENDANCE It is extremely important that a coach be notified if a student is not going to be present at a practice or game if the student is not absent from school that day. The coaches in our program expect their athletes to be present at all team related activities and may suspend a team member from contests for absences. While students are “excused” from team activities for illness, injury, academic, family or religious reasons, prior notification is strongly recommended and expected. STANDARDS FOR PARTICIPATION In addition to being willing to make the above commitment, every student must be declared eligible by the Athletic Director according to the standards listed in this section. Physical Examination MIAA ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY RULES MIAA student eligibility requirements for participation in high school athletics are quite involved. The MIAA regulations have been condensed considerably here in an attempt to highlight the most important rules and regulations. As with all MIAA rules, there is a waiver process. Waivers of MIAA rules must be initiated by the school principal. If the information below does not answer specific questions, or there is a concern that a waiver might be necessary, please contact the Athletic Office. IN SEASON ELIGIBILITY At Wellesley High School student athletes are expected and encouraged to maintain the highest level of scholastic achievement possible. They are also expected to maintain the highest level of citizenship. To promote these goals the following policies are in effect: Daily Attendance, Class Cuts School Nurse Fitness and Health TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM CONTESTS The school provides bus transportation or a suitable substitute to most "away" contests. All team members are expected to travel to these contests using the school-provided transportation. Exceptions to this policy must be requested in writing to the Athletic Director by a student's parent prior to the contest. Reasonable requests will be honored. A coach may allow students to ride home from a contest with their parents provided personal contact at the game site is made between the parent and coach. In most instances, students will not be allowed to ride to and from contests with other students. Non- team members may occasionally be allowed to ride team transportation if room exists, the coach in charge has given approval and prior written parent permission has been given to the Athletic Director. In the event that a student engages in a dangerous activity on the athletic bus, the student may not be permitted to ride the athletic bus for the remaining season. If the season is over, the student nay not be able to ride the bus during the student’s next season. Transportation to and from athletic events will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian and must be approved by the Athletic Director. DIRECTIONS TO AWAY CONTESTS The Athletic Department published a set of directions to all away contest locations for the "Bay State Conference" and are available on the Internet under: www.highschoolsports.com. In the event that directions are needed to a non-league contest, parents and other interested spectators may contact the Athletic Department at: 781-446-6305 Ext. 5195. ATHLETIC FEES According to School committee policy, each student athlete at Wellesley High School is required to pay a fee to participate on a team according to the following guidelines: Refunds SCHOOL ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT Students have an obligation and responsibility for all equipment issued to them and for its proper care and retention from the date of issue to the date of return. Students failing to turn in all issued equipment, or returning equipment damaged through misuse, are responsible to meet the current replacement cost for such equipment. Payment is required at the time of the loss, prior to the next season of athletic involvement, or graduation, whichever comes first. In the event that the equipment is found and/or returned after payment, a refund will be issued. LOCKER ROOMS AND FACILITIES Student Lockers Care of Facilities Building and Facility Access Athletic Shoes TRAINER AND TRAINING ROOM Wellesley High School is extremely fortunate to have a highly qualified and skilled full-time Trainer as a member of the staff and a well equipped training center. On school days, the Trainer's hours are usually 2 pm until the conclusion of the last practice session or home contest. During weekends or on days when school is not in sessions, the Trainer is required to be on site only for contests and for some scheduled scrimmages. Occasionally, the Trainer will be on site for "non-school" day practice sessions. At certain times, the Trainer, student staff and facility are extremely busy. Because of this, access to the training room and its services is limited to athletes who are there for care only; it should not be used as a student lounge. Training services will be granted on a first come, first served basis on practice days. On game days, students will be treated in an order that will allow bus and/or game commitments to be met. The Training program exists to help athletes receive the best possible care. In the event of an athletic injury, the Trainer and/or Physician is in immediate control. At away contests, if the Trainer or Physician are not present, the host school medical personnel are in control. If no medical personnel are present, members of the coaching staff are instructed to "take charge" of the situation and, if warranted, call for emergency care. After an injury, a student may not return to competition without clearance by the Trainer which may also include written permission from the Physician. MIAA DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY As a member of the MIAA, Wellesley High School strictly enforces the below listed Rule: 62.1 From the earliest fall practice date, to the conclusion of the academic year or final athletic event (whichever is latest), a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product; marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance. This policy includes products such as "NA or near beer". It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student's own use by his/her doctor. This rule represents only a minimum standard upon which schools may develop more stringent requirements. This MIAA statewide minimum standard is not intended to render "guilt by association", e.g. many student athletes might be present at a party where only a few violate this standard. If a student in violation of this rule is unable to participate in interscholastic sports due to injury or academics, the penalty will not take effect until that student is able to participate again. Minimum PENALTIES: Second and subsequent violations: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests totaling 60% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 60% of the season. If after the second or subsequent violations the student of his/her own volition becomes a participant in an approved chemical dependency program or treatment program, the student may be certified for reinstatement in MIAA activities after a minimum of 40% of events. The director or a counselor of a chemical dependency treatment center must issue such certification. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 40% of the season. Penalties shall be cumulative each academic year. If the penalty period is not completed during the season of violation, the penalty shall carry over to the student's next season of actual participation, which may affect the eligibility status of the student during the next academic year. TEAM CAPTAINS It is a coaching decision as to how and when team captains are selected. They may be elected by the team or appointed by the coach prior to the first regularly scheduled contest. Captains may also be elected or appointed on a game-by-game basis. It is expected that team captains be leaders of their team and should be ready to assume duties as outlined by their coach. They are expected to be more aware of team rules and student athlete responsibilities. Captains are expected to communicate with the coach and team in the event of any problems that may affect the team or its members. Captains may be asked to meet with the Athletic Director during the school year to discuss the athletic program. Captains of teams may be relieved of their position for violation of team, department or school rules. Discussion between the coach and Athletic Director must take place before an athlete is dismissed as a team captain. CAPTAIN'S PRACTICE According to the MIAA. Rule Book "a captain's practice usually means that the team's captain(s) are organizing and conducting out-of-season practice for that sport without coaching supervision." These practices are designed by students to allow team candidates to "get in shape" for the upcoming season. They are not organized, attended or sponsored by members of our coaching staff. Since members of our coaching staff are not permitted to be involved with these practices, they are NOT MANDATORY, attendance is NOT MONITORED by a coach, and they are NOT part of our athletic program. COLLEGE/CAREER GUIDANCE One of the most important decisions facing high school students is what to do with their lives after high school. The members of the Wellesley High School Athletic Staff are willing and eager to assist all of their students with this extremely important decision. Staff members fully understand the importance of this assistance. They may be able to answer questions, contact schools and/or coaches, send video tapes, if available, and write letters of recommendation. They will guide students to more knowledgeable resources who can help with decisions. If a student's goal is to compete athletically at the collegiate level, it is very important to be aware of the ever changing N.C.A.A. (National Collegiate Athletic Association) regulations. Copies of the latest regulations are available in the Athletic Office. The High School Guidance Department also has a wealth of information and experience on this topic MIAA TOURNAMENT PARTICIPATION/BONA FIDE TEAM MEMBERS Participation in any Meet or Tournament sponsored by the MIAA is limited to students of institutional member schools which have registered that sport with the Association during the summer membership renewal process. Rule 45 of the July 1, 2005 MIAA Handbook states: "A bona fide member of the school team is a student who is consistently present for, and actively participates in, all high school team sessions (e.g. practices tryouts, competitions). Bona fide members of a school team are precluded from missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a non-school athletic activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA. Any student who violates this standard is ineligible for 25% of the season immediately upon confirmation of the violation. See Rule 96 for additional tournament restrictions. POSTPONED CONTESTS Many contests throughout the school year are postponed due to factors such as inclement weather. In most instances it is the "home" school that calls for a postponement. By Bay State Conference rule, games are to be made-up on the next available open date on both schools' schedules, including weekends, whenever practical. Decisions on postponements are made as late in the day as is practical for proper notification of all interested parties. On school days, the most common time is about 1 pm for afternoon contests. If there are any questions as to the status of a contest, the Athletic Office welcomes calls, but please wait until after 1 pm. On non-school days, and for evening contests, postponements are made approximately 2 to 3 hours prior to the contest. Please delay calls in these instances until 2 hours before the scheduled contest. Normally, you may call for game status information up until the scheduled time of the contest. You may also check our web site at highschoolsports.net for up to the minute information. SPORTSMANSHIP Wellesley High School expects all parties present at a contest to display the highest possible level of sportsmanship. Players, coaches and spectators should treat opponents, game officials and visiting spectators with respect. The MIAA reserves the right to "warn, censure, place on probation or suspend up to 1 calendar year any player, team, coach, games or school official or school determined to be acting in a manner contrary to the standards of good sportsmanship." Wellesley High School in turn, reserves the right to impose the same penalties on spectators displaying poor sportsmanship at any of our contests, both home and away. INTENT TO INJURE RULE The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Associations Rule Number 56.8 states "any student in any sport" (in the opinion of the game official) "who willfully, flagrantly or maliciously attempts to injure an opponent shall be removed from the contest immediately and shall not participate in any sport season for 1 year from the date of the incident. "Fighting" does not apply to this section unless warranted in the judgment of the game official. HAZING The Massachusetts Hazing Law is quoted below. Hazing in any form is unacceptable. If you have any concern that you son or daughter is involved in a hazing incident, we strongly encourage you to call the Coach, the Athletic Director, or the Principal immediately. Massachusetts State Law - Chapter 536, Sections 17, 18 Hazing is defined as any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or person. Incidents of hazing must be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials as soon as reasonably practicable. Section 17. "Whoever is a principle organizer or participant in the crime of hazing as defined herein shall be punished by a fine of not more than $3000 or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than 1 year, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Hazing is defined as any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which will fully or recklessly endanger the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation." Section 18. "Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in Section 17 and is at the scene of such a crime shall, to the extent that such a person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such a crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such a crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1000." ATHLETE/COACH RELATIONSHIPS Participation in athletics should be an enjoyable experience for all parties involved; student, coach and parent. There is no doubt that participation tends to be emotionally charged and dealing constructively with these emotions can be an excellent learning experience. In most cases, athletic competition is extremely positive and complements the educational experience enjoyed by students at Wellesley High School. Occasionally conflicts between coaches and students arise. These conflicts must be addressed and resolved immediately so that the many benefits of athletic involvement may continue to contribute to the emotional and physical growth of Wellesley High School students. The following section of this booklet deals with what families may expect from the coaching staff, and what to do if conflicts and/or problems present themselves. COACHING EXPECTATIONS At Wellesley High School, athletes should expect to be treated with respect and to be treated fairly by their coaches. The coaches are professionals who are aware of and committed to upholding the responsibilities they have to follow the policies and regulations of the MIAA, the Bay State Conference and Wellesley High School. Each student must be treated as an individual, yet as a part of the team. Rules and regulations must be uniformly and fairly enforced at all times. In most instances, during the season of play a student athlete spends more time daily under the direct supervision and guidance of his/her coach than any other adult. This time spent should be enjoyable, educational, positive and worthwhile; the influence that a coach may have with each individual team member is enormous. As recommended by the MIAA, we encourage participation in varied activities under different teacher/coach role models. The percentage of student athletes who complete their formal athletic experiences at the conclusion of his/her senior year is overwhelming (well in excess of 90%). Other than championships or the development of "blue chip athletes", we focus our attention upon goals that will develop contributing members of society. Time Commitment EVALUATION OF COACHES Each coach employed by the Town of Wellesley is formally evaluated on his/her performance at the conclusion of each athletic season. The evaluations are performed by the head coach for each of his/her assistant coaches and by the Athletic Director for each head coach. COMMUNICATION POLICY Athletic involvement is highly emotional and very time consuming. Because of this, conflicts and issues between a student and his/her coach may arise. It is imperative that any conflict and/or issue be addressed immediately and as directly as possible so that it can be resolved promptly. FIRST STEP: Personal Student-Coach Contact The best solution is to ask the coach, either over the phone or in person, if an appointment could be made to discuss the issue. A parent or student may also leave a note for the coach in the Athletic Office. SECOND STEP: Student-Athletic Director Contact THIRD STEP: Student-Administration Contact The Athletic Department strives to hire the best possible coaches who are committed to ensuring a positive environment for all athletes. As a department we strive to build player/coach relationships and recognize that all interactions provide a healthy learning opportunity. While we realize that at times an athlete and his or her parents may have a concern with a particular coach and may not want to speak directly with the coach, we feel it is essential that athletes and parents do speak with coaches directly to resolve any concerns. An issue cannot possibly be resolved unless those directly involved have a candid, open conversation regarding the problem. The coach is the person most familiar with the student athlete in the context of the team environment. Coaches and players interact daily at practice and games and have the mutual information necessary to discuss any situation which may arise. This positive communication is of utmost importance. MESSAGE TO SPECTATORS AND PARENTS We urge you to support the Wellesley High School Athletic Program by: |
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