HEATH CITY SCHOOLS

BULLDOG PRIDE

Parent-Athlete Athletic Policy Handbook 2005-2006

A. Introduction

1. To the parent

This material is presented to you because your son or daughter has indicated a desire to participate
in interscholastic athletics and you have expressed you willingness to permit him/her to compete.
Your family interest in this important component of our school program is gratifying. We believe that
participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences, which assist students in
personal adjustments.

We are concerned with the educational development of boys and girls through athletics and feel that
a properly controlled, well-organized sports program can meet student needs for self-expression,
social, mental and physical growth. It is our intent to conduct a program that is educationally sound
and will enhance each student’s personal growth.

It should be understood that participation in athletics is a privilege and not a right and that a
student who elects to participate in athletics 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 the squad. 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. There is no place in high school athletics for students who will not discipline
their minds and bodies for rigorous competition. We are striving for excellence and do not want our
athletes to compromise with mediocrity.

When your son/daughter enlisted in one of our sports programs he/she committed our staff to certain
responsibilities and obligations, which are:

a) To provide adequate equipment and facilities

b) To provide well trained coaches

c) To provide equalized contests with skilled officials

Likewise, we feel that you have committed yourselves to certain responsibilities and obligations. We
would like to take this opportunity to acquaint you with specific policies that are necessary for a well-
organized program of athletics.

It 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 athletic
publication for students and parents.

2. To the athlete

Being a member of a Heath City Schools athletic team is a 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 athletic tradition is not built overnight; it takes the hard work of many people over
many years. As a member of an interscholastic squad of Heath High School or Heath Middle School,
you have inherited a wonderful tradition, which you are challenged to uphold.

Our tradition has been to win with honor. We desire to win, but only with honor to our athletes, our
schools and our community. Such a tradition is worthy of the best efforts of all concerned. Over
many years our squads have achieved more than their share of league and tournament
championships. Many individuals have set records and achieved All-League and All-State honors.

It will not be easy to contribute to such a great athletic tradition. When you wear the brown, white,
and orange, we assume that you not only understand our traditions, but also are willing to assume the
responsibilities that go with them. However, the contributions you make should be a satisfying
accomplishment to you and your family.

a) Responsibilities to Yourself: The most important of these responsibilities is to broaden and
develop strength of character. You owe it to yourself to derive the greatest benefit from your high
school experiences.

Your academic studies, your participation in other extracurricular activities as well as in sports,
prepare you for your life as an adult.

b) Responsibilities to Your School: Another responsibility you assume as a squad member is to
your school. Heath City Schools cannot maintain its position as having outstanding schools
unless you do your best in the activity in which you engage. By participating in athletics to the
maximum of your ability, you are contributing to the reputation of your school.

You assume a leadership role when you are on the athletic squad. 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 schools by your conduct and attitude, both on and
off the field. Because of this leadership role, you can contribute significantly to school spirit and
community pride. Make Heath High School and/or Heath Middle School proud of you, and your
community proud of your school, by your consistent demonstration of these ideals.

c) Responsibilities to Others: As a squad member you also bear a heavy responsibility to your
home. If you never give your parents anything to be ashamed of, you will have measured up to
the ideal. When you know in your heart that you have lived up to all of the training rules, that you
have practiced to the best of your ability everyday and that you have played game “all out,” you
can keep your self-respect and your family can be justly proud of you.

The younger students in the Heath City School System are watching you. They will copy you in
many ways. Do not do anything to let them down. Set good examples for them.

B. Athletic Philosophy

The Heath Athletic Department believes that participation in athletics provides positive experiences
in the areas of educational, social, and physical growth. Interscholastic competition provides a
vehicle for such growth. We believe that values to our student athletes are genuine.
Development of good health habits, fair play, sportsmanship, initiative, dedication, teamwork, self-
discipline, and the ability to win and lose gracefully are only some of the potential benefits of
involvement in our athletic programs. The student-athlete in turn along with the coaching staff
provides the student body with loyalty, enthusiasm, pride and spirit for the school system. The
athletic programs in the Heath City Schools exist for the benefit of the participants. The welfare
of those participants is the primary concern.

C. Sportsmanship

Heath Schools Sportsmanship Policy

The Heath Board of Education recognizes and supports the value of interscholastic athletics. In
so doing, the Board supports the athletes, coaches, support personnel, fans and officials; all of whom
have an essential role in athletic contests.
The use of profanity, disrespectful or derogatory yells/chants, or gestures toward athletes,
coaches, officials and fans are examples of unacceptable behavior.
As this policy is to reflect sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity, the following are the expectations
of the Heath Board of Education concerning these groups.
The athlete is expected to compete within the spirit of the rules established by the Board of

Education, his/her coach, and the OHSAA.
The coaches are expected to instill sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity in their athletes by
serving as models of acceptable behavior, both as a coach and as a person.

Support personnel (time keepers, scorers, chain crew, line judges, announcers, etc. are expected
to perform there assigned duties fairly and ethically to the benefit of both the hosts and the guests.
Fans are expected to show respect to athletes, coaches, officials, and other fans. They should
cheer for their team, not against the opponent.
Officials have been licensed by the OHSAA to serve as unbiased and impartial judges of
contests. Their honesty, integrity, and ethics have been guaranteed and should not be questioned.
Ethics, integrity, and respect are values important in our daily lives. All of these important values
are learned by participation in interscholastic activity programs. During competition, they are
translated into one word---sportsmanship. Sportsmanship is one of the strongest educational lessons
and lifetime values taught by interscholastic activities. It makes sense to exhibit good sportsmanship.

Heath Schools Fan Behavior Policy

The Board of Education recognizes the value of extracurricular activities in the educational
process and the values that young people develop when they have the opportunity to participate in an
organized activity outside of the traditional classroom

Student participants and all adults involved in Board-approved extracurricular activities are
expected to demonstrate responsible behavior and conduct. The Board encourages the development
and promotion of sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity in all phases of the educational process,
including athletics and all other extracurricular activities. The Board encourages that sportsmanship,
ethics, and integrity be demonstrated by all segments of the community including administrators,
participants, adult supervisors, parents, fans, spirit groups, and support/booster groups.

The Board authorizes contest/event supervisors and security personnel to ensure that
participants and spectators alike can enjoy the contest/event. Any person, who uses profanity,
disrupts a contest/event in any manner including prior to and following a contest/event will be subject
to removal from the contest/event. The Heath City Police or other appropriate law enforcement
officers may be called upon to deal with any person who refuses to leave upon request. Offenders
may also be subject to criminal prosecution for disorderly conduct, trespassing, or other applicable
violations. The supervisor or security personnel may order the removal of any individual(s) who
interferes with or causes a disruption of the contest/event or violates the principles of decency and
sportsmanship to ensure that the contests and events can be enjoyed by participants and spectators
alike.

In the event that a spectator is removed from a contest/event by a game official, security
personnel, or a school employee, that spectator shall be denied attendance to any
contest/extracurricular event involving the Heath City Schools, whether at home or away, for a period
of one calendar year, unless a lesser period is determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
Probationary status may be granted if the following conditions are met:

1. The ejected fan requests a meeting with the building principal and Superintendent.

2. The ejected fan accepts in writing all guidelines as set forth by school personnel, and the
individual agrees to behave in the manner expected of all who follow the principles of good sportsmanship.

3. Any further infraction will result in the fan being denied admittance for one calendar year.

D. Governance

1. The Board of Education

The Board of Education, responsible to the people, is the ruling agency for the Heath City
Schools and is responsible for the following areas:
a) Interpreting the needs of the community

b) Developing policies in accordance with state statutes and mandates in accordance with the
educational needs and wishes of the people of the Heath City Schools District

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.

2. The Ohio High School Athletic Association

Heath High School and Heath Middle School are voluntary members of the OHSAA and agree to
abide by and enforce all rules and regulations promulgated by this association.
The primary role the OHSAA is to maintain rules and regulations that ensure equity in competition
for the student-athletes and a balance with other educational programs. The OHSAA solicits
input and is responsive to requests for rule modifications from member schools, appointed
committees, and coaches associations.

The OHSAA attempts to enforce such rules that assure the greatest good for the greatest number
and to ensure that competition is conducted in an appropriate manner.

Heath Schools offer athletic competition in the following approved sports and/or activities:
Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Volleyball, Basketball, Wrestling, Swimming,
Baseball, Softball and Track and Field.

3. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)

The NFHS consists of the fifty-one individual state high school athletic and/or activities
associations. The purposes of the NFHS are to serve, protect, and enhance the interstate activity
interests of the high schools belonging to 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 experience of
all other member associations.

The NFHS is both a service and regulatory agency. The growth and influence of state
associations and the NFHS ensure some degree of teamwork on the part of more than 20,000
schools and enables them to formulate policies for the improvement of interscholastic activities.

4. The Mid-State League

Heath High School and Heath Middle School are voluntary members of the Mid-State League.
This league was established for the primary purpose of promoting selected interscholastic
activities among member schools and a union of effort may gain the assurance of such
advantages as.

The Mid-State League was established to encourage member schools to improve their co-curricular
program in athletics. The conference membership facilitates the arranging of schedules, equalizing
competition, and conducting league meets and determining league championships. The Mid-State
League provides Heath High School and Heath Middle School the opportunity for competition without
excessive travel and with schools of similar size and athletic philosophy. Membership implies abiding
by conference schedules, rules, and regulations.

Member Schools are:

Cardinal Division Ohio Division Buckeye Division

Berne Union Academy Amanda Clearcreek

Fisher Catholic Bexley Bloom Carroll

Grandview Heights Granville Canal Winchester

Harvest Prep Heath Circleville

Liberty Union Lakewood Fairfield Union

Licking Heights Licking Valley Hamilton Township

Newark Catholic New Albany Logan Elm

Millersport Whitehall Teays Valley

5. Ohio High School Athletic Association Rules

To be eligible for interscholastic athletics, a high school student must meet the state regulations
as set forth in the OHSAA Eligibility Bulletin provided to the student athlete by his/her coach
(extra copies are available in the Athletic Director’s office). These regulations cover the following:
a) Enrollment

b) Age

c) Physical Examinations

d) Seasons of Competition

e) Semesters of Enrollment (Scholarship)

f) Residence Requirements

g) Transfers

h) Guardianship

i) Awards

j) Amateur Practices

k) Participation on Independent Teams

l) Undo Influence (Recruiting)

E. Requirements for Participation

1. Physical Examination

A yearly physical examination is required of all athletes’ grades 7-12. An OHSAA Preparticipation
Physical Examination Form must be completed by physician and submitted to the coach or
athletic director prior to participation. In addition the medical history part of the form must be
filled out and signed by the student and parent or guardian. The examination covers all sports for
the entire school year. The form will be kept on file in the athletic trainer’s office.

2. Emergency Medical Authorization (EMA)

Each athlete’s parents shall complete an EMA form giving or denying permission for treatment by
a physician or hospital when the parent(s) are not available. The coach will keep one copy of the
form for availability at all practices and contests another copy will be on file in the athletic office,

3. Parent Acknowledgement of Athletic Policies

Upon entering middle school and again 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 or guardian and athlete shall
read all of the enclosed material and certify that they understand the athletic eligibility rules and
policies of the school district. This signed document will be filed in the athletic administrator’s
office.

4. Insurance

All athletes must have proper insurance coverage before participating in practice sessions or try-outs.
The school district does not carry insurance to cover student athletic injuries. A parent/guardian will
need to sign the Insurance Verification Form showing that they possess a family insurance plan and
return it so that it may be kept on file with the athletic director. Parents/guardians may purchase
insurance from an insurance carrier approved by the school. Forms are available in the office.

5. Scholastic Eligibility
In order to participate on a Heath High School or Heath Middle School athletic team, each athlete
will be required to meet the following eligibility standard:

All high school student athletes must meet the scholastic requirements of the Ohio High School
Athletic Association which require that the athletes pass a minimum of the equivalent of five
credits toward graduation during the immediately preceding grading period in order to be eligible
for the following grading period. Changes of eligibility will become effective at the conclusion of
the fifth school day after the end of the nine weeks.

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average:

1) All student-athletes of Heath High School will be required to earn a grade point average of
1.700 or better during the preceding grading period in order to be eligible for the following
grading period.

2) The grade point average for the preceding year’s 4^th nine weeks grading period shall be used
for to determine fall athletic eligibility.

The minimum cumulative grade point average policy does not apply to Heath Middle School
students. Middle school students must have received passing grades in 75 percent of the
subjects in which enrolled the immediately preceding grading period.

For eligibility, summer school grades may not be used to substitute for failing grades received in
the final grading period of the regular school year or for lack of enough courses taken the
preceding grading period.

All beginning seventh graders are eligible for the first grading period. All beginning ninth graders
must have received passing grades in 75 percent of the subjects in which enrolled the
immediately preceding grading period to be eligible for the first grading period.

Students, for whom an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is on file, at the time that they would
be declared ineligible under the above standards, shall automatically be afforded a review of their
case. The principal, athletic director, the student’s guidance counselor, and the student’s special
education teacher shall conduct the review. This review committee shall have the right to waive
the eligibility requirement if, in their professional judgment, the student has made every effort
possible to meet the standard.

6. Risk of Participation

All athletes and parents must realize the risk of serious injury, which may be a result of athletic
participation. The Heath City School District will use the following safeguards to make every
effort to eliminate injury:

a) Conduct a mandatory parent/athlete meeting prior to the start of the season to fully
explain the athletic policies and to advise, caution, and warn parents/athletes of the
potential for injury.

b) Maintain a continuing education program for coaches to learn the most up-to-date
techniques and skills to be taught in their sport.

c) Instruct all athletes about the dangers of participation in the particular sport.

6. Financial Obligations and Equipment

a) Pay to Play (optional as financial conditions warrant) – Each sport season when squads are
selected, athletes may be assessed a small fee as established by the Board of Education to
help maintain the high quality of the athletic program.

b) Uniforms – In several sports, athletes will be required to purchase a portion of their game
uniform, which will become their property.

c) Equipment – All athletes are responsible for the proper care and security of equipment issued
to them. School-furnished equipment is to be worn only for contests and practice. All
equipment not returned in good condition at the end of the season will be subject to a
financial penalty.

F. Athletic Code of Conduct

Participating in athletics in the Heath City Schools is a privilege. If a student is offered and accepts
membership on a Heath team, then he/she becomes a representative of the Heath City Schools.
Thus personal conduct should be unquestionable at all times.

To insure consistency within the teams and in all sports, the following general rules have been
established for the athletes at all times. The coach for any particular sport may have rules in addition
to these which he/she demands the athlete to follow; but these few general rules apply to all athletes
at all times. It is strongly recommended that any potential athlete discuss these guidelines with
his/her parents to create a greater degree of unity in the program.

1. Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco

The use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, including any performance enhancing substances will harm
an athlete’s most valuable asset – his/her body. Not only do these hurt the athlete personally, but
they also have a great influence on those younger athletes who may be modeling themselves
after the athlete’s style of play and conduct, both at and away from school. Thus any athlete
found to be using any of these substances or having them in his/her possession on or off school
grounds will face the following consequences:

a. First Violation

1) The student athlete will lose 25% of competition in the athletic season; AND

2) The student athlete will given the option of:

a) Within five days having an appointment with Certified Chemical Dependency
Counselor for a chemical dependency assessment and then follow the
recommendations of the counselor.

b) Denial of participation in interscholastic athletics for the remainder of the current
athletic season and the next athletic season.

b. Second Violation

For the second violation within a two year period following the first violation, the student
athlete will be denied participation for the remainder of the current athletic season and the
next athletic season.

c. Third Violation

For the third violation within a two-year period following the first violation, the student athlete will
be permanently denied the privilege of participation in athletics at Heath City Schools.

Student-athletes at both Heath High School and Heath Middle School will be required to
participate in a urine drug-testing program approved by the Heath City Schools Board of
Education. The testing program consists of an initial testing at the beginning the athlete’s
participation for the school year and random testing that will occur throughout each athletic
season. Detailed information about the drug testing policy is provided to each student athlete
when he/she joins a Heath athletic team.

2. Conduct of Athletes

A firm and fair policy of enforcement is necessary to uphold the regulations and standards of the
athletic department. The community, school administrators and the coaching staff feel strongly
that high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential in maintaining a sound program of athletics.
The welfare of the student is our major consideration and transcends any other consideration.

All athletes shall abide by a code of ethics, which will earn them the honor and respect that
participation and competition in the interscholastic program affords. Any conduct that results in
dishonor to the athlete, the team, or the school will not be tolerated. Acts of unacceptable
conduct, such as, but not limited to theft, vandalism, disrespect, immorality or violations of the
law, tarnish the reputation of everyone associated with the athletic program and will not be
tolerated.

3. Penalties for Violation

Due to the serious nature of this rule, the coach involved, the athletic director, and the building
principal shall meet and determine the penalty according to the degree of the infraction. The
penalty shall range from a minimum of 10% of the season or succeeding season to a maximum of
permanent denial of participation.

4. Denial of Participation
Concerning denial of participation in extracurricular activities, the Superintendent, a Principal, an
Assistant Principal, or another administrator may prohibit a student from participating in any
particular or all extracurricular activities of the District, and a person employed by the District to
direct, supervise, or coach a pupil activity program as provided by the District may prohibit a
student from participating in any particular or all extracurricular activities of the District directed,
supervised, or coached by that person, for such period of time as is determined by the
Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal, other administrator, or person employed by the
District to direct, supervise, or coach a pupil activity program. This policy shall be posted in a
central location in each school building of the District and shall be made available to students
upon request.

5. Due Process

A violation of OHSAA, MSL, Heath City Schools or coaches’ rules and policies may result in
denial of sports participation. Procedure for denial is listed below.

a. When an athlete has committed an offense, the athlete will be confronted and disciplinary
action explained at that time by the coach.

b. After the athlete has been advised of the offense and disciplinary action to be taken, a report
will be made to the Athletic Director who will then advise the Principal. A letter explaining this
action will be forwarded to the athlete’s parents. During denial of participation, the athlete will
relinquish all privileges, which he/she has received as an athlete.

c. A coach may deny participation of an athlete for a period of time not to exceed twenty-four
(24) hours without a hearing or an appeal being involved.

d. Disciplinary action resulting in denial of participation may be appealed to the building principal
by the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must contact the school office to set up a
hearing appointment.

G. Basic Athletic Department Policies

Participation: Due to the relatively small student body at Heath High School and the desire of our
student body to participate in more than one activity; the following guidelines must be followed. When
potential and/or probable conflicts occur a student must adhere to the following guidelines:

a. Before trying out or joining more than one team, the student with parent approval must identify
the prime or first choice sport, and both coaches must agree to abide by the student athlete and
parent decision.

b. A competitive team activity must take precedence over non-competitive or performance
activities. Rationale: When a team is selected, someone may be denied a starting role or
position on the team. It is unfair to the advisor, coach, and/or teammates to deny them the
teammate’s services.

c. When two athletic activities come in conflict, the athletic policy addresses the procedure to be
followed.

A competitive event such as softball, basketball, track, etc. shall take precedence over a
Non-competitive event such as cheerleading

Tournament competition takes precedence over regular season competition

League competition takes precedence over non-league competition

League championship contending competition takes precedence over non-championship play

d. When two performance activities come into conflict, competitions take precedence over a

Performance; whereas, a performance takes precedence over a practice.

In all instances every effort will be made by the school administration to schedule activities in
a way as to avoid as many conflicts as possible. It is also expected that the student athlete
with the conflict will communicate to all parties involved as soon as the conflict is discovered.

3. Dropping or transferring sports: Quitting is an unacceptable habit. A quitter may lose the
privilege of participating in athletics. On occasion, however, an athlete may find it necessary
to drop a sport for a good reason. If this is the case, the following procedure must be
followed:

a. Consult with immediate coach and then the head coach

b. Report situation to the athletic director

c. Return any and all equipment

A student athlete who has been chosen to play on a team he/she may not try out for another
team until that sport season is finished, nor may he/she be involved in organized conditioning for
another sport. Exceptions may only be made by the in-season head coach of the sport for which
the student athlete has been selected, and only due to extenuating circumstances.

3. Equipment: Each student athlete will be issued equipment at the beginning of the interscholastic
season of his/her sport. The athlete will be responsible for the care of this equipment. Return of
this equipment is also a responsibility of the athlete at the end of the sports season. No athlete
will be permitted to try-out for or participate in another interscholastic sport unless equipment from
the previous sport is turned in or if lost, damaged, or destroyed reimbursement made to the
athletic department.

4. Missing practice: An athlete should always consult his/her coach before missing practice.
Missing practice or a game without good reason and/or prior notification will be dealt with
severely.

5. Travel: All HS and MS Team transportation will be provided by the athletic department through
the use of Heath City Schools' busses. All athletes must travel to and from athletic contests in
transportation provided by the athletic department unless previous arrangements are made by the
parents, and then only for an exceptional situation.

a. Athletes will remain with their squad and under the supervision of the coach when attending
away contests.

b. Athletes that miss the bus will not be allowed to participate in the contest unless there are
extenuating circumstances

c. All regular school bus rules will be followed

6. College recruitment policy: In the event a college recruiter should contact an athlete
personally, he/she has an obligation to work through his/her coach and the athletic department.
Coaches should be contacted as soon as possible. College recruitment information is available
in the athletic office. NCAA standards are available to students and families in the athletic office
and through the guidance office.

7. Attendance: To be eligible to participate in an extra-curricular activity sponsored by Heath City
Schools, a student must be in attendance a minimum of five (5) full periods and must have written
permission from a parent/guardian for the periods missed to be able to participate in after school
practice and/or contests that day. Exceptions may be made for excused non-illness related
absences (e.g. college visitation, dentist appointments, funerals, etc.). If there must be a
variation to the above stated rule prior permission must be obtained from the athletic director or
principal.

8. Release From Class: It is the responsibility of athletes to see their teacher the day before the
classes they will miss because of an athletic contest. All work will be made up at the
convenience of the teacher.

9. Grooming and Dress Policy: A member of an athletic team is expected to be well groomed.
Appearance, expression and actions always influence people’s opinions of athletes, the team,
and the school. Members of a squad have made a choice to uphold certain standards expected
of athletes in this community.

Team members will adhere to the following grooming and dress rules:

a. Hair styles are to be maintained in a neat and clean manner so as to present a positive image
for both the team and the school.

b. An athlete shall dress presentably at all times, on trips, or at assemblies or banquets.

c. Only uniforms issued by the athletic department will be worn for contests.

d. Athletes will not be permitted to participate until deviations of the above rules are
satisfactorily corrected.

10. Vacation Policy: Vacations by athletic team member during a sport season are discouraged.
Parents/athletes wishing to do so may reassess their commitment to being an athlete. In the
event of an unavoidable absence due to a vacation, an athlete must:

a. Be accompanied by his/her parents while on vacation.

b. Contact the head coach prior to the vacation.

c. Practice one day for each practice or contest day missed prior to resuming competition.
(Contest day will count as a practice day.)

d. Be willing to assume the consequences related to their status on that squad.

11. Squad Selection: In accordance with our philosophy of athletics and our desire to see as many
students participate in the athletic program as possible while at Heath High School and Heath
Middle School, we encourage coaches to keep as many students as they can without
unbalancing the integrity of their sport. Time, space, facilities, equipment, personal preference
and other factors will place limitations of the most effective squad size for any particular sport.

12. Squad Reduction Policies: Choosing the members of athletic squads are the sole responsibility
of the coaches of those squads.

Prior to trying out, the coach shall provide the following information to all candidates for the team:

a. Extent of try-out period

b. Criteria used to select the team

c. Number to be selected

d. Practice commitment if they make the team

e. Game commitments

When a squad cut becomes a necessity, the process will include three important elements. Each
candidate shall have:

a. Competed in a minimum of five practice sessions.

b. Performed in at least one intra-squad game.

c. Been personally informed of the cut by the coach, including the reason for the action.

Coaches will discuss alternative possibilities for participation in the sport, or other areas in the
activities program.

13. Reporting of Injury: All injuries, which 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 physician treats an athlete, the
athlete must obtain the doctor’s permission to return to the activity.

14. Team Rules: Each coach may include special rules of his/her own. If a coach does so, the
student athlete is expected to be aware of these rules and abide by them. The athletic director
and principal must approve these additional rules and regulations and a copy should be filed with
both administrators. All athletes should keep in mind that participation in interscholastic athletics
is a privilege. Athletes need to remember that not only do they represent themselves but they
also represent their coach, team, school, and community. Their behavior should reflect this
responsibility on and off the playing field. The student handbook governs the behavior of student
athletes as well as other members of the student body at athletic events.

15. Ejection: The OHSAA has adopted an ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct policy. The OHSAA
policy is as follows:

Any student ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct or flagrant foul shall be ineligible for contests for
the remainder of that day. In addition, the player shall be ineligible for all contests at all levels in
that sport until two regular season/tournament contests (one in football) are played at the same
level of ejection.

If the ejection occurs in the last contest of the season, the student shall be ineligible for the same
period of time as stated above in the next sport in which the student participates. A student under
suspension may not sit on the team bench, enter the locker room, or be affiliated with the team in
any way traveling to, during, or traveling after the contest(s). A student who is ejected a second
time shall be suspended for the remainder of the season in that sport.

16. Locker Room Regulations:

a. Roughhousing and throwing towels or other objects is not allowed in the locker room. Hazing
of other players is not allowed.

b. All showers must be turned off when finished using them. The last person to leave the
shower room is expected to check all showers.

c. No one except coaches and assigned players are allowed in the locker room.

d. No glass containers are permitted in locker rooms.

e. All spiked or cleated shoes must be put on and taken off outside of the building. Wearing of
spikes or cleats is never permitted in any part of the school building.

17. Weight Room Regulations:

a. Any student who uses the weight room must have a signed parental permission and release
form on file in the athletic office.

b. Shirts and shoes are required at all times.

c. No one is to be in the weight room alone.

d. All students must be under the supervision of the instructor assigned.

e. Lifters must work with a partner.

f. Replace all weights on racks immediately following use.

g. Know your limits! Work with the instructor to determine your limits.

h. Do the lifts correctly. It is better to use lighter weight for correct lifting than heavier weights
and run the risk of injury.

i. Warm-up with proper stretching exercises.

j. No chewing gum or eating candy while lifting.

k. No food or drinks inside weight room.

l. No horseplay or profanity.

m. No abuse of equipment. Any equipment that is broken must be reported immediately.

n. Strength training is not only a supplement to other athletic programs, but also a highly skilled activity itself.

18. Sports Season

All of the preceding rules and policies apply to athletes “in season.” A season is defined as
beginning on the first day of conditioning or try-outs through, and including, the last contest. This
includes tournament competition.

H. Athletic Awards Policy:

1. Varsity Letter Requirements

The varsity award shall be presented to an athlete who satisfied the participation requirements as
determined by the coach with the approval of the athletic director.

a. The requirements to earn a varsity letter are different for each sport. The athlete should
check with the coach for specific requirements in their sport.

b. Each athlete must be in “good standing” at the end of the season to receive an award.

c. No athlete will receive an award until all equipment has been returned.

d. Season is defined as that period of time from the first practice to the awards program.

e. Junior varsity and freshman awards are given based on the recommendation of the coach.
To be eligible athletes must complete the season.

f. Manager’s award will parallel the regular awards if they manage for the entire season.

g. Statistician’s award for satisfactorily compiling statistics for the entire season.

2. Award Criteria That Pertain to All Sports

a. An athlete who moves from one level of competition to another will be awarded at the level of
highest competition provided the athlete has met combined requirements.

b. A coach will have the prerogative to letter a senior who has not met the seasonal
requirements for lettering.

c. Injury Rule: Any athlete who is a starter or plays regularly and was thereafter injured may be
awarded a letter, if in the coach’s judgment, he/she would have met the lettering
equirements.

d. In a sport where state tournament play is sponsored, athletes may letter if they have become
a starter and play 75% of the quarters, innings, matches, or score team points in individual
competition in tournament play regardless of other lettering criteria.

e. Complete the season in “good standing” (eligible and all obligations met) with the school and
coach.

3. Awards

a. Varsity awards

(1) 1^st year award: Chenille award letter with insert signifying the sport for which the letter
was earned.

(2) 2^nd year award: Second year medal and certificate.

(3) 3^rd year award: Small plaque and certificate.

(4) 4^th year award: Large sport plaque indicating the recipient as a four-year varsity letter winner.

b. Junior varsity (reserve) awards

(1) 1^st year award: Patch and certificate

(2) 2^nd year award: Certificate

(3) 3^rd year award: Certificate

c. Freshman awards: Numerals and certificate

d. Non-letter awards

All members of a varsity athletic squad who successfully complete an athletic season for a
particular sport, but who have not earned a varsity letter, are to be awarded a varsity
participation certificate. Athletes will receive only one Bulldog Patch no matter the number of
sports participated in.

e. Three Sport Letter Winner Award

All Heath athletes that earn a varsity letter in three sports during a school year will receive a
special plaque signifying their accomplishment.

f. Championship awards

All members of a varsity team that wins a league, district, regional, or state championship will
receive a chenille emblem of that sport which will indicate the championship. Individuals who
qualify for district, regional or state competition will receive a chenille emblem of that sport
indicating their achievement.

4. Senior Scholar Athlete Scholarship Award

This award is presented each year at the Senior Awards Ceremony to the senior girl and senior
boy who maintain a high scholastic average along with athletic excellence. Each recipient will
receive a $100 scholarship from the Heath Athletic Boosters.

KEEP THIS HANDBOOK AND RETURN ALL OF THE FOLLOWING FORMS.

Heath City Schools Athletic Agreement Policy

Prior to participating in any practice or tryout sessions for any interscholastic sport, each athlete
must:

1. Successfully pass a physical examination by a registered physician and the copy of
such examination must be on file in the office of the athletic director. One current
physical examination per year is sufficient for all sports during that school year.

2. Return to his/her coach the Athletic Responsibility Agreement Form properly signed.