USD 219
Minneola Wildcats
Student Activities Handbook
2017-2018
Minneola Athletic Handbook
Table of Contents
Statement of Philosophy………………………………………………………………….... 3
Purpose of Minneola Schools Activities’ Program……………….…………………...…… 3
Academic Requirements/Transfers……………………………………………………….... 4
Awards Policy- KSHSAA……………………………………………………………….… 4
Behavior and Citizenship………………………………………………………………..…. 5
Bona Fide Student- KSHSAA Rule 14……………………………………………………. 5
Care of Equipment…………………………………………………………………...…….. 6
College Recruiting………………………………………………………………………..... 7
Concerns’ Procedures (Parents)……………………………………………………………. 7
Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Policy………………………………………….....………….. 7
Reporting of Violations Outside of School………………………..…………….………… 9
Dual Sport Participation…………………………………………………...……………….. 9
Injuries to Athletes/Insurance………………………………………………………..….…. 10
Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA)…………………………….. 10
Outside Competition……………………………………………………………………….. 10
Physicals…………………………………………………………………………………… 11
Playing/Participation Time and Team Selection……………………………………...……. 11
Practice Policies…………………………………………………………………….……… 11
Purchasing T-Shirts, sweatshirts, etc………………………………………………...…….. 11
School Attendance………………………………………………………………….……… 12
Summer Camps- KSHSAA Guidelines……………………………………...…………….. 12
Technical Fouls/Expulsions/Unsportsmanlike Conduct……………………………...……. 13
Training Rules……………………………………………………………………...………. 13
Transportation………………………………………………………………………..…….. 14
Weekly Eligibility…………………………………………………………..……………… 14
Written Agreement…………………………………………………………………………. 15
Statement of Philosophy
Extra-Curricular activities play an important role in the life of the students at Minneola Junior High and High School. By participating, student athletes gain knowledge in team work, sportsmanship, competition, and work ethic. The ability to handle wins and losses prepares the student athlete to handle tough situations they will face in the future. Extra-curricular activities add spirit and pride to our school and community.
Extra-curricular activities will be conducted in accordance with the existing Board of Education policies, rules, regulations, and KSHSAA regulations. While the Board of Education takes great pride in winning, it does not condone “winning at any cost” and discourages any and all negative pressures which might neglect good sportsmanship. It should be the purpose of all student athletes and coaches to focus on what it takes to win within Board of Education policies and Kansas High School Activities Association guidelines.
It is the ultimate goal of any extra-curricular activity to help develop a well-rounded student. Our hope at Minneola Junior High and High School is that extra-curricular activities will provide opportunities for students to gain valuable experiences which will better prepare them to meet life’s challenges.
Purpose of Minneola Schools Activities’ Program
At Minneola, it is important every coach/sponsor understands and stresses the value of the Minneola Athletic program. Every coach and sponsor should strive for the following goals:
In conclusion, as a coach, do the necessary things to give your team the best chance of success. This is what the Minneola athletic program is all about.
Academic Requirements/Transfers
Awards Policy - KSHSAA
A .Schools may give to athletes:
B. Out-of-season Awards – coaches should warn their athletes that during
the summer they may receive: medals, ribbons, T-shirts, and certificates. They may not accept cash or merchandise at any time. They will be ineligible the following season if they do.
Behavior and Citizenship
The conduct of a team member is closely observed by many and it is important that a participant’s behavior be above reproach. Appearance, expression, and actions always influence people’s opinions of the athletes as well as the sport itself. Once you have chosen to be a member of a squad, you have made the choice to uphold certain standards expected of all participants in this community. Violations of the established training rules are intended to provide all participants with an opportunity to develop skills that shall produce productive citizens. Being a student-athlete is a privilege, not a right.
Bona Fide Student KSHSAA Rule 14
Section 1: General Regulations
Article 1: In order to be eligible for participation, the student must be a bona fide undergraduate member of that school and in good standing. (See Rule 22-1-3, Outside Competition and Rule 30-2-2, Seasons of Activities.)
In order to participate in practice, the student must be a bona fide undergraduate of that school and one who is eligible or has the possibility of eligibility.
Article 2: A student who is under penalty of suspension or whose character or conduct brings discredit to the school or to the student, as determined by the principal, is not in good standing and is ineligible for a period of time as specified by the principal.
Article 3: A student who uses any form of tobacco, illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, etc. at school events is not in good standing.
Article 4: A student who uses anabolic steroids would be ineligible for interscholastic competition until such time as medical evidence can be presented that his/her system is free of that drug.
Article 5: A student shall not be permitted to make up work after the close of the semester for the purpose of becoming eligible. A “condition” or an “incomplete” shall count as failure. However, should a student have an excused absence for day(s) missed, completing such work per school policy (Illustration: two days for every day missed) would not be considered as “make up” per se. Summer school is not to be used for making up credit deficiencies for the purpose of becoming eligible.
Article 6: If the student competes under an assumed name, he or she shall be ineligible in all sports.
Section 2: Senior High Regulations
Article 1: A student who is enrolled in five or more subjects in the ninth grade or above, even though carrying subjects of a lower grade, is classified as a high school student. (See Rule 13, Scholarship Requirements.)
Article 2: An undergraduate student is one who has completed less than the minimum number of units of high school credit, as specified by the Kansas State Board of Education, or has not completed some course to which no exception is made, or has not been granted a diploma of graduation from his or her high school.
Article 3: In determining subjects of unit weight, an extracurricular activity shall not count. The Kansas State Board of Education states, “Athletic practice or competition between organized groups in interscholastic leagues shall not be counted for credit purposes.”
Article 4: Students attending vocational or trade schools offering special courses approved by the Kansas State Board of Education, may transfer such credits to their home school for the purpose of establishing eligibility. Such students may be eligible for interschool activities at their home school, provided they meet all eligibility requirements. (See Rule 15, Enrollment.)
Section 3: Middle/Junior High School Regulations
Article 1: Middle/junior high schools may permit sixth-grade students of the same school system or of an elementary school which lies wholly within an organized middle/junior high school district, to participate in middle/junior high activities other than tackle football, boxing, and wrestling. Such participation will not adversely affect the eligibility of such students when they become high school students.
Article 2: Elementary students of the same school system, or of an elementary school that lies wholly within an organized high school district, may participate in bands, orchestras, choruses or glee clubs representing member high schools without affecting their eligibility after they become high school students. Grade school students (5th grade and below) are not eligible to represent a middle/junior or senior high school in any other type of activity.
Care of Equipment
College Recruiting
All student-athletes interested in post-secondary athletic participation, regardless of level or division shall initiate NCAA prior to their senior year. Assistance shall be provided by the coach, athletic/activities director and guidance counselor.
Concerns Procedures (Parents)
NOTE: Parents should encourage their child to talk to the coach before any parental meeting is scheduled.
Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Policy
Reporting of Violations Outside of School
For violations of the drug, alcohol, and tobacco policies outside of school, the following guidelines will be followed:
Dual Sport Participation (High School)
At Minneola High School, if an athlete wants to compete in more than one sport during the same season, the following must occur:
Injuries to athletes/insurance
Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA)
The ultimate governing body of Kansas athletics is the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA). Minneola Schools are a member of this governing body and shall adhere to all rules and regulations. Violations, when verified, shall be reported and consequences shall be enforced.
Questions regarding specific concerns should be directed to the athletic director for clarification.
Activities covered by KSHSAA include: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cheerleading, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Wrestling, and Bowling.
Also included are non-athletic activities: Music, Debate and Speech, Spirit and Spirit Competition, KAY, Student Council, Scholars Bowl, and Sportsmanship.
Outside Competition KSHSAA Rule 22
Section 1: General Regulations
Article 1: A student who is a member of a school athletic, scholars’ bowl or debate squad effective Tuesday following Labor Day through Friday preceding Memorial Day may not participate as a member of an outside team or as an independent competitor in the same sport, scholars’ bowl, or debate activity.
Article 3: A student becomes a member of a school’s athletic squad, scholars’ bowl, or debate team when he or she first participates in a practice session.
A student ceases to be a squad member after his or her last contest for the school’s athletic squad, scholars’ bowl, or debate team or when the membership on a squad is terminated.
Physicals
Every student who wishes to participate in athletics or cheerleading, must have a physical on file in the principal’s office prior to any participation. Make sure parents have signed and the student’s most recent tetanus shot date is on the physical form. Managers are not required to have a physical on file. Athletes must get a new physical every school year. The earliest a new physical can be taken for the upcoming school year is May 1st of each year.
Playing/Participation Time and Team Selection
The selection of all team members and all playing time shall be the sole responsibility of the coach in charge of the team.
Practice Policies
Purchasing T-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.
When a coach would like to purchase a team t-shirt, sweatshirt, etc., the following guidelines should be followed:
School Attendance
An athlete must be in school at least half the day of school (by 11:30am) to participate in practice or games. Only the principal, or in their absence, the head coach, may make exceptions to this rule. Exceptions may include: family crisis, medical situations, funerals, etc.
Summer Camps – KSHSAA Guidelines
A. All school coaches conducting summer camps for their athletes must complete their camps by Saturday of Standard Calendar Week (SCW) #2.
Technical Fouls/Expulsions/Unsportsmanlike Conduct
A. Sportsmanship is always a priority at USD 219. Coaches at USD 219 should teach their athletes to respect officials, the opposing team, and the rules of the game they are participating in.
B. When technical fouls, expulsions, or unsportsmanlike penalties do occur, the school administrator and head coach will meet to discuss the situation. Punishment may include but is not limited to: extra running, being held out of games, writing an apology, or being removed from the team. These situations will be determined on a case by case basis.
Training Rules
A. Each coach is responsible to hand out to the athletes before the season begins a set of training rules that are thorough and concise. Make sure the rules have a definite purpose and are clear. Within your training rules, the steps of discipline which will take place if the rules are broken should be discussed. It is advisable to make sure your rules governing punishment are flexible so all situations can be addressed.
B. Training rules should include:
1. Practice guidelines
2. Tardy or absences from games/practices
3. Bus conduct/rules
4. USD 219’s Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Policy
5. Guidelines on sportsmanship/officials
6. Lettering Requirements
7. An athlete must be in school at least the last half day of school (by 11:30am) to participate in practice or games. Only the principal, or in their absence, the head coach, may make exceptions to this rule. Exceptions may include family crisis, medical situations, funerals, etc.
NOTE: All athletes should be aware that adherence to all training rules start the first day of practice and does not end until the completion of the season.
Transportation
Weekly Eligibility
A. Junior High
1. In order for Junior High Students to remain academically eligible for participation in extracurricular activities, they must maintain a passing grade (59.5 % or above) in all classes. Grades are figured by teachers each week. If a student is failing any one class in which three or more grades are recorded, he/she may maintain eligibility for extracurricular activities by attending an academic assistance session at 7:30 each morning (Monday – Thursday) the following week, and tuning in all missing assignments. If a student chooses not to attend or is tardy to a session, he/she will be ineligible for participation in any extracurricular activity the following week. Parents and students will be notified of failing grades/ineligibility status in advance. During the week a student is attending 7:30 a.m. academic assistance sessions or is ineligible, he/she is still required to attend practices after school.
B. High School
1. On the third Thursday of every nine weeks, teachers will send grades to
the office for the purpose of establishing student eligibility.
2. An ineligible list will be published and the students and parents on the
list will be notified of their standing. Students with missing assignments
or a failing grade will be considered ineligible.
3. Students will have until 8:00 AM Monday morning to turn in assignments
or establish a passing grade.
4. Grades will be turned in to the office to determine eligibility every
Thursday for the rest of the nine weeks. The process will start over at the
start of every nine weeks.
Consequences
1. Students who have a failing grade as of 4:00 PM Monday will be
considered ineligible for that week’s school activities. Students with a
failing grade will not be allowed to participate in games/performances.
Practice time will be at the coaches/sponsors discretion.
2. Students who have missing assignments as of 8:00 AM Monday morning will
be required to attend study hall until assignments are turned in. Study
halls will be held with the teacher in whose class the students have missing
assignments. Teachers are responsible to inform the office if students fail
to show up for study hall. Students, who appear on the missing assignment
list three times in a nine week period, will have until Monday at 8:00 to
get the assignments turned in. If they do not, they will be considered
ineligible for the week of their third offense.
Written Agreement
Student participants and parents of USD 219 activities, must sign a written agreement acknowledging the receipt and understanding of the Student Activities Handbook. By signing this agreement, the student, parent and/or guardian recognize the authority of the activity sponsor and the school to administer consequences for violations of activity regulations.
Minneola High School and Middle School
Student Activities’ Parent Signature Page
Please sign and return to the school office by August 14.
I have received and read the Minneola High School/Jr. High Handbook. By signing this agreement, I recognize the authority of the activity sponsor and the school to administer consequences for violations of activity regulations.
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Student Signature Date
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Parent or Guardian Signature Date