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Hiram High School
Athletic
Handbook
06-07
Introductions
To the Parent
Coaches/Sponsors/Advisors Office Hours
Parent Complaints or Concerns
Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians
To the Student Participant
Responsibilities to Yourself
Responsibilities to your School
Responsibilities to Others
Interscholastic Competition Philosophy
Statement of Philosophy
Athletic Goals and Objectives
Governance’s
The Board of Education
The Region
The Georgia High School Association (GHSA)
The National Federation of State High School Associations
Requirements for Participation
Physical Examination
Risk of Participation
Emergency Medical Authorization
Insurance
Parental Acknowledgment of Athletic Policies
Scholastic Eligibility
Other GHSA Eligibility Rules
Athletic Codes of Conduct
Basic Interscholastic Participation Policies
Athletic Awards Policy
This material is presented to you because your son or daughter has indicated a desire to participate in interscholastic activities. The Paulding County School System believes that participation in sports and other interscholastic activities provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences which will assist students in personal growth and development.
We feel that a properly controlled, well-organized interscholastic activity program meets with the students' needs for self-expression, mental alertness and physical growth. It is our hope to maintain a program that is sound in purpose and will further each student's educational maturity.
A student who elects to participate in the interscholastic program is voluntarily making a choice of self-discipline and self-denial. These are the reasons we place such stress on good training habits. Failure to comply with the rules of training and conduct means exclusion from participation. This concept of self-discipline and self-denial is tempered by our responsibility to recognize the rights of the individual within the objectives of the team or activity. There is no place in high school interscholastic competition for students who will not discipline their minds and bodies for rigorous competition. Were striving for excellence and do not want our students to compromise with mediocrity.
When your son/daughter enlisted in one of our interscholastic programs, he/she committed our staff to certain responsibilities and obligations which are:
1. to provide adequate equipment and facilities
2. to provide as well-trained coaches as possible
3. to provide full schedules with qualified officials as directed by the GHSAIt is the role of the department of athletics to make rules that govern the spirit of competition for the school. These rules need a broad basis of community support, which is achieved only through communication to the parent. It is our hope to accomplish this objective through this publication for students and parents.
"No student shall, on the basis of gender, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be treated differently from another student, or otherwise be discriminated against in any interscholastic or intramural athletics offered by a local school system, and no local school system shall provide any such athletics separately on such basis." This is basically the heart of the law, and should provide a reference point for school systems in guiding their actions with regard to gender equity in their athletic programs. This provision in the law tracks language from the federal Title IX regulations. (O.c.G.A. 20-2-315 (a). Questions regarding this ,matter you may contact Mr. David Colvard, Athletic Director Paulding County School District, at 770/443-8000 or the Paulding County Board of Education, 3236 Atlanta Hwy, Dallas, GA. 30132
Coaches/Sponsors/ Advisors Office Hours
Continuing our effort to establish and maintain clear lines of communication between the Athletic Department Staff and the parents/guardians of our student-athletes, the coaching staff will set up a specific time and day to meet about concerns that arise. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before. during. Or after practice. a game. or a contest including half time. Those can be emotional times for both the parents and the coaches. Meetings of that nature, and at those times, do not promote resolution. The following guidelines will help to ensure the concept of a productive and positive experience:
* Parents can use this time to ask questions and obtain information.
* Coach will discuss what the student-athlete needs to work on or improve.
* Coach will only talk to a parent/guardian about his/her own child.
* Playing Time will not be discussed!!
* If satisfaction is not obtained, the parent/guardian should then contact the athletic director.
* Parents who verbally abuse a coach may be liable for harassment/slander/defamation of character.
There is a proper Uniform System of Command that should be followed in parent/guardian submitting complaints and concerns.
Every effort should be made to resolve a complaint with the coach involved.
If the concern is not resolved with the coach, it should be submitted to the athletic director (a letter prior to conference.)
If the concern is not resolved with athletic director, it should be submitted by letter to
the principal. The principal will contact the county office if the problem is not resolved.It is the intent of the Athletic Department to provide an avenue for meaningful dialogue and communication between coaches and parents. Working together we can and will accomplish great things.
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Code of Conduct for Parents I Guardians
The role of the parent in the education of a student is vital. The value system and support that is established in the home and nurtured in the school enables the student-athlete to accept the opportunities presented at school and in life. The goals of the parent/guardian of a student-athlete at Hiram High School are:
Realize that athletics are part of the educational experience and the benefits of involvement go beyond the final score of a game;
Encourage our students to perform their best;
Participate in positive cheers that encourage our student-athletes and discourage any cheers that would redirect that focus;
Learn, understand, and respect the rules of the games, the officials who administer them and their decisions;
Respect the task our coaches face as teachers; and support them as they strive to educate our youth;
Respect our opponents as students, and acknowledge them for striving to do their best; treat them with courtesy;
Develop a sense of dignity under all circumstances;
You can have a major influence on your student's attitude about academics and athletics. The leadership role you take will help influence your child, and our community, for years to come.
Being a member of an Hiram High School interscholastic team is the fulfillment of an early ambition for many students. The attainment of this goal carries with it certain traditions and responsibilities that must be maintained. A great competitive tradition is not built overnight; it takes the hard work from many people over many years. As a member of an interscholastic team, you will be faced with either the task of maintaining an already successful tradition or the task of establishing a successful tradition.
It is not easy to build a great tradition in interscholastic competition in either athletics or literary activities. When you represent your school, we assume that you not only understand our goals and traditions, but are willing to assume responsibilities that go with them. It is our hope that the contributions you make should be a satisfying accomplishment for you and your family.
1. Responsibilities To Yourself
The most important of these responsibilities is to broaden your strength of character. You owe it to yourself to get the greatest possible good from your high school experiences. Your academic studies, your participation in other extracurricular activities as well as sports, prepare you for your life as an adult.
2. Responsibilities To Your School
Another responsibility that you assume as a participant is to your school. Your school cannot build or maintain the position as having an outstanding school unless you do your best in whatever activity you wish to engage. By participating in interscholastic competition to the maximum of your ability, you are contributing to the reputation of your school.
You assume a leadership role if you are on an interscholastic team. The student body and citizens of the community know you. You are on stage with the spotlight on you. The student body, the community and other communities judge our school by your conduct and attitudes, both in and out of school. Because of your leadership role, you can contribute greatly to school spirit and community pride. Make your school and your community proud of your faithful exemplification of these ideals.
As a team member you bear a heavy responsibility to your home. You should never give your family anything to be ashamed. When you know in your heart that you have lived up to all of the raining rules, that you have practiced to the best of your ability everyday, and that you have played the game "ALL OUT," you can maintain your self-respect. Your family can be justly proud of you and your effort.
Also, remember that younger students are watching you and they will copy you in many ways. Do not do anything to let them down. Always set good examples for them.
II. Interscholastic Competition Philosophy
The Hiram High School Activity Program should provide a variety of experiences to aid in the development of favorable habits and attitudes that will prepare students for adult life in a democratic society.
The Interscholastic Activity Program shall be conducted in accordance with existing Board of Education policies, rules, and regulations. While the Board of Education takes great pride in
winning, it does not condone "winning at any cost." It discourages any and all pressures which might tend to neglect good sportsmanship and/or good mental health. At all times the Interscholastic Activity Program must be conducted in such a way as to justify it as an educational activity.Although we want to have as competitive an athletic program as possible, the purpose in high school athletics is not in obtaining college scholarships. When a student-athlete has the abilities to gain such recognition, the coaches and staff will support the young person as much as possible, but not to the detriment to the overall athletic program.
B. Athletic Goals and Objectives
Goals - The student participant shall become a more effective citizen in a democratic society.
Objectives - The student participant shall learn:
1. To work with others: In a democratic society a person must develop self discipline, respect for authority, and the spirit of hard work and sacrifice. The team and its objectives must be placed higher than personal desires.
2. To be successful: Our society is very competitive. We do not always win, but we succeed when we continually strive to do our best. You can learn to accept defeat only by striving to win with earnest dedication. Develop a desire to excel.
3. To develop sportsmanship: To accept any defeat like a true sportsman, knowing we have done our best, we must learn to treat others the way we would have them treat us. We need to develop desirable social traits, including emotional control, honesty, cooperation and dependability.
4. To improve: Continual improvement is essential to good citizenship. As a participant, you must establish goals and you must continually try to reach those goals. Try to better yourself in the skills involved and those characteristics set forth as being desirable in your chosen activity.
5. To enjoy participation: It is necessary for students to enjoy participation, to acknowledge all of the personal rewards to be derived from participation, and to give sufficiently of themselves in order to preserve and improve the program.
6. To develop desirable personal health habits: To be an active, contributing citizen, it is important to obtain a high degree of physical fitness through exercise and good health habits, and to develop the desire to maintain this level of physical fitness after formal competition has been completed.
1. The Board of Education, responsible to the people, is the ruling agency for Hiram High School.
2. The Board of Education is responsible for the following areas:
a. Interpreting the needs of the community.
b. Developing policies in accordance with state statutes and mandates and in accordance with the educational needs and wishes of the people of the Paulding County School System.
c. Approving means by which professional staff may make these policies effective.
d. Evaluating the interscholastic athletic program in terms of its value to the community.
Hiram High School is a voluntary member of a GHSA region. The region was established for the purpose of promoting selected interscholastic activities among member schools and the assurance of such advantages as may be gained by a union effort. Region membership facilitates the arranging of schedules, equalizing competition, and conducting Region meets/tournaments/playoffs, and determining Region championships. The Region provides each school the opportunity for competition without excessive travel and with schools of similar size. Membership requires abiding by Region schedules, rules and regulations.
C. The Georgia High School Association (GHSA)
All schools are voluntary members of the Georgia High School Association and compete only with member schools or out-of-state schools that are approved by the GHSA. As a member school, we agree to abide by and enforce all rules and regulations set forth by the GHSA.
The primary role of the GHSA, which is empowered by the Georgia State Board of Education, is to maintain rules and regulations that ensure equity in competition for the students and a balance with other educational programs. The GHSA solicits input and is responsive to request for modification from member schools, appointed committees, and coaches' associations.
The GHSA attempts to enforce such rules that assure the greatest good for the greatest number to ensure that competition is conducted in an appropriate manner.
D. The National Federation of State High School Associations
The National Federation consists of the fifty individual state high school athletic/activities associations. The purposes of the Federation are to serve, protect and enhance the interstate activity interests of the high schools belonging to the state associations; to assist in those activities of the state associations which can best be operated on a nationwide scale; to sponsor meetings, publications and activities which will permit each state association to profit by the experiences of all other member associations; and to coordinate the work to minimize duplication.
IV. Requirements for participation
A yearly physical examination is required. The physical must be completed by a medical doctor and submitted to the Athletic Director prior to participation. The physical covers all sports for one calendar year. The form will be kept on file in the Athletic Directors' office. It is the students' responsibility to make certain their physical is current. Physical forms may be signed ONLY by the Doctor, NOT a nurse practitioner or physicians assistant. Any physical examination taken on or after April I, in the preceding year will be accepted for the following GHSA school year.
Click here for a copy of the physical examination formAll athletes and parent(s)/guardian(s) must realize the risk of serious injury which may be a result of athletic participation. Hiram High School requires RISK OF PARTICIPATION FORM be signed by both athlete and parent(s)/guardian(s).
C. Emergency medical authorization
Each athlete's parent(s)/guardian(s) shall complete an EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FORM giving permission for treatment by a physician or hospital when the parent(s)/guardian(s) are not available. The form will be kept available by the Athletic department for use as needed.
The school district does provide the opportunity to purchase insurance to cover student athletic injuries. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to sign a form stating that they either have purchased the necessary school insurance or possess a family insurance plan that covers athletic injuries.
If a family insurance plan is used, the family must provide the school with the name of the insurance company and the policy number on the appropriate form.
E. Parental acknowledgment of athletic policies
Upon entering high school or at the time a student tries out for an athletic team, he/she will be presented with this handbook containing all the necessary forms and information for participating in athletics. Each parent(s)/guardian(s) shall read all of the enclosed material and certify that he/she understand the athletic eligibility rules and policies of Hiram High School. The signed document will be filed in the athletic office.
In order to participate in an interscholastic activity, each athlete must have satisfied all of the scholastic eligibility requirements prior to participation.
1. With the exception of 9th graders, ALL participants must have passed 5 of 6 classes the semester prior to participation.
2. Students must be "On Track" for graduation according to the following criteria:
a. First-year students (entering 9th grade) are eligible academically. Second semester or quarter first-year students must have passed at least five (5) courses the previous semester of quarter in order to participate.
b. Second-year students must have accumulated four (4) total Carnegie units in the first year, AND passed at least five (5) courses in the previous
semester or quarter.c. Third-year students must have accumulated ten (10) Carnegie units in the first and second years, AND passed at least five (5) courses in the previous semester or quarter.
d. Fourth-year students must have accumulated sixteen (16) Carnegie units in the first three years, AND passed at least five (5) courses in the previous semester or quarter.
e. Students may accumulate the required Carnegie units for participation during the school year.
G. Other GHSA eligibility rules
1. A student who turns 19 prior to May 1 cannot participate the following year.
2. Once a student enters the 9th grade, he/she will have four successive years in which
to participate provided he/she does not exceed the age requirement. This is referred
to as the "8 semester rule" in the GHSA Constitution and By-Laws.3. Transfer students must comply with the GHSA migratory rule. If you are a transfer student, immediately contact your coach so that he/she can determine if you are in compliance with the migratory rule.
A firm and fair policy of enforcement is necessary to uphold the regulations and standards of the athletic department and school. The community, school administrators and the coaching staff feel strongly that high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential in maintaining a sound program. The welfare of the student is our major consideration and transcends any other consideration. All students shall abide by a code of ethics which will earn them honor and respect that participation and competition in the interscholastic activity program affords. (Any conduct which results in dishonor to the athlete, the team, the school, or the community will not be tolerated.)
A. Ethics Rule: Acts of unacceptable conduct, such as, but not limited to, disruption of school, theft, vandalism, disrespect, immorality, or other violations of the law tarnish the reputation of everyone associated with the program and will not be tolerated. Due to the serious nature of violations of the Ethics Rule, the appropriate coach, the athletic director, and the principal shall meet to determine the penalty according to the degree of the infraction.
B. Training Rules and Regulations: We cannot compromise participation in scholastic activities with substance abuse. The student who uses tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs or any type of mood altering substance found in legal over the counter products jeopardizes team morale, team reputation and team success and does physical harm to himself/herself. Students have to decide for themselves whether or not they want to participate in our interscholastic program. If a student wishes to participate, you must make a commitment in order to be a competitor. A big part of this commitment is following a simple set of training rules which we believe to be fair.
1. Use of Tobacco: Research emphasizes that the use of tobacco is physically harmful to young adults. The harm done by this is not only a health problem The community follows the progress of young competitors, and any deviation from accepted training rules marks one as unwilling to pay the price of competition and commitment. If one squad member breaks the rule, the entire team's reputation is damaged. This rule means no use of tobacco all year, in or out of season.
2. Use of Alcoholic Beverages: There is no way to justify competitors’ use of alcoholic beverages, even though social pressure may be hard to resist. This rule means no use of alcoholic beverages all year, in or out of season.
3. Use of Illegal Drugs or Mood Altering Substances: Simply stated, drug abuse will not be tolerated. The use or misuse of drugs or chemicals is a social problem. Students with a strong sense of purpose have no need for mood modifiers. The rule for drugs/chemical abuse is in effect all year long.
4. Penalties for Violation of Training Rules: Due to the serious nature of violation of Training Rules, the appropriate coach, the athletic director, and the principal shall meet to determine the penalty according to the degree of the violation.
C. Individual Coach's Rules: Coaches may establish rules and regulations with the approval of the athletic director and principal for their respective activities. These rules, as pertaining to a particular activity, must be given by the coach, in writing, to all team members and explained fully at the start of the season. Penalties for violation of team rules will be in writing and shall be administered by the coach. Copies of all additional team rules by coaches are on file in the athletic office.
VI. Basic Interscholastic Participation Policies
A. Participation: A student may participate in only one sport per season unless two coaches/ sponsors agree to the student's competing in both activities and priorities are set to settle conflicts before the season.
B. Dropping or transferring sports: Quitting is an intolerable habit to acquire. Once a season begins if a student quits one sport, he/she may not participate in another sport until the conclusion of the first sport. Exception to this policy must be approved by the head coaches, athletic director and principal.
C. Equipment: School equipment issued to the student/athlete is the student's responsibility. Loss of any equipment is the athlete's financial obligation, and failing to meet that obligation can result in the denial of participation in any and all programs. A student may not practice or compete in one sport if he/she has outstanding obligations in another sport.
D. Missing practice: A student should always consult his/her coach before missing practice. Missing practice or a game will be dealt with at the discretion of the coach, including but not limited to: running, missing the next contest(s), loss of position on squad, not dressing out, etc.
E. College recruitment policy: In the event that a student athletic should be contacted personally by a college recruiter, he/she has an obligation to work through his/her coach and the athletic department The student must inform his/her coach and the athletic department. The student must inform his/her coach of the contact as soon as possible. College recruitment information is available in the counseling department. A student runs the risk of loss of eligibility if recruiting matters are not handled properly.
F. Conflicts in extracurricular activities: An individual student who attempts to participate in several extracurricular activities will, undoubtedly, be in a position of conflict of obligations. However, conflicts involving work and other non-school related matters are not considered here.
1. The athletic department recognizes that each student should have the opportunity for a broad range of experiences in the area of extracurricular activities, and to this end, will attempt to schedule events in a manner to minimize conflicts.
2. Students have a responsibility to do everything they can to avoid continuous conflicts. This would include being cautious about belonging to too many activities where conflicts are bound to happen. It also means notifying the faculty, sponsors/coaches involved immediately when a conflict does arise.
3. When a conflict does arise the sponsors/coaches will work out a solution so the student does not feel caught in the middle. If a solution cannot be found, the principal will make the decision based on the following:
a. The relative importance of each event.
b. The importance of each event to the student.
c. The relative contribution the student can make.
d. How long each event has been scheduled.
e. Talk with the parents.Once the decision has been made and the student has followed that decision, he/she will not be penalized in any way by either sponsor/coach. If it becomes obvious that a student cannot fulfill the obligations of a school activity, he/she should withdraw from that activity.
G. Attendance: Students who miss over half of the school day due to illness will not be able to play in a contest or practice on that date. Students missing school for reasons other than illness must have an excused absence in order to participate. Final authority for infractions of this rule will rest with the principal or his/her designee. Students absent from school on the day prior to a non-school day will be eligible to participate the day after the absence.
H. In-School and Out-Or-School Suspension: Students will not be allowed to participate until they have served their suspension. There should be no adjustments made in the assignment of suspension days to allow a student to participate in any activities. As ISS or OSS assignment ends at 3:30 p.m. the school day of said assignment.
I. Squad selection and Playing Time: In accordance with our philosophy of athletics and our desire to see as many students as possible participate in the interscholastic program while at our school, we encourage coaches to keep as many students as they can without compromising the integrity of their program. Time, space, facilities, equipment, and other factors will place limitations on the most effective squad size for any particular activity. Choosing the members of athletic squads is the responsibility of the coach of those squads. Participation time and specific assignments and positions of participants is the professional judgment of the coach.
J. Reporting of injury: All injuries that occur while participating in athletics should be reported to the trainer/coach. If the injury requires medical attention by a doctor or treatment center, it will be necessary to have an injury report form completed. Once a student is treated by a physician, the athlete must obtain written permission from the doctor to return to the activity.
A. Varsity Award Requirements: The varsity award shall be presented to an athlete who satisfies the participation requirements as set forth by the head coach. Athletes must finish their sports season in good standing in order to letter in a sport. (The coach may recommend a waiver of these requirements under an unusual circumstance.)
1. 1st-year award: Chenille award letter with insert signifying the sport and certificate. (Note: Should the student letter in a second sport, he/she will not receive a second chenille letter.)
2. 2nd-year award: Service bar and certificate.
3. 3rd-year award: Service bar and certificate.
4. 4th-year award: Service bar, certificate and a plaque indicating the recipient as a four-year varsity letter winner.
5. Participants who do not letter will receive a certificate.
B. Junior varsity and freshman awards are given on the recommendation of the coach to all athletics who complete the season. Certificates are given for both first and second year awards.
C. Managers, trainers and statisticians will parallel the regular awards system if they manage for the entire season.
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