JJIB

Adoption Date: 3/8/2006, Revised: 12/12/2012
J - Students

JJIB Athletic Statement

Athletic Statement

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District believes that a broad athletic program, competently directed by people committed to the goals of the schools, contributes to the future success and happiness of our students.

The athletic program is an essential school component that provides students an opportunity to develop a positive self-image, strong character, and enhanced physical wellness. In addition, athletics offer students a chance to learn the values associated with discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, accountability, sacrifice, organizational skills, effort and accountability.

Academic achievement of the student-athlete shall be the foremost priority. Student-athletes are students first, and athletes second. Good sportsmanship is also of importance. The School District encourages and expects all parties present at an event to display the highest possible level of sportsmanship. Players, coaches, and spectators should treat opponents, game officials, and visiting spectators with respect.

Participation in interscholastic athletics is subject to both the regulations of the student handbook and the rules, regulations and policies of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. The principal of each school has jurisdiction over the interscholastic athletic program and will be responsible to the superintendent of schools for its implementation.

Eligible students who try out for interscholastic athletics will be selected based on merit. Prior to the start of the season, the athletic director will review with the coaching staff the school athletic guidelines and criteria for team selection.

Practice sessions will be well planned, well structured, and scheduled at reasonable times and of reasonable duration, consistent with the overall well-being of the athlete. As a general practice, athletic teams will meet a maximum of six consecutive days in a week. This includes all games, practices and scrimmages. In general, practice sessions should not exceed two and one half hours. At the sub-varsity level (junior varsity, freshmen, and middle school) coaches are encouraged to have all team members participate as frequently as possible.

Coaches, players and parents will be required to abide by all athletic policies and regulations. Among other things, students are ineligible to participate in athletic practices or contests on days they are absent due to an illness.

Athletes are expected to ride to and from out-of-town games on district-owned or chartered vehicles. Students may ride with a parent or guardian after receiving permission from the coach. Extenuating circumstances regarding transportation will require approval from the school principal.

In the event of inclement weather or unsafe playing conditions, games or practices may be postponed or cancelled. This information will be furnished in as timely a manner as reasonably possible. In the event of school closing, games and practices will be cancelled unless the school principal and/or superintendent determines travel and playing conditions are safe.

The athletic director and assistant athletic director will observe the team at practice(s) and competition(s). At the conclusion of the season, the athletic director, under the direction of the school principal, will prepare a written, summative evaluation of each coach to review performance and determine whether the obligations outlined in the athletic policy and the student handbook have been met. Since all coaches will be held to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) standards of conduct, they will be responsible for familiarizing themselves with the MIAA Coaches’ Handbook. It succinctly addresses the concept of the coach position, and it contains the general and specific rules governing Massachusetts High School Athletics.

All coaching positions are filled annually. Chapter 71, Section 47A of Massachusetts General law states there is no tenure for athletic coaches as such under Section 41 of that chapter. Each applicant seeking a coaching position must submit a letter or application annually to the principal. Our district strives to fill each coaching position with the most qualified person available. Therefore, all coaching positions will be advertised as needed. Preference will be provided to a Dudley-Charlton Regional School District employee, applying for such a position if applicants’ qualifications are considered equal.

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee encourages clear, frequent, constructive communication among players, parents/guardians and coaches. Although the responsibility for evaluating coaches resides with the school principal and the athletic director, feedback for coaches from team members and their parents or guardians is important. Student-athletes are encouraged to communicate their needs, satisfactions, frustrations, and problems directly to the coach. Parents and guardians with questions and concerns should feel free to contact the coach directly without fear of retribution against the student-athlete. If concerns remain, the athletic director should be contacted. If there remains a concern after communicating with the athletic director, the school principal should be notified. All concerns will be resolved as close to the origin as possible consistent with district Policy 1311 (adopted July 10, 2002).

Adopted March 8, 2006

Amended December 12, 2012