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.