Dear students and parents:

Welcome to the 2008-09 interscholastic athletic and student activities programs at Essex High School!  You are to be commended on your decision to participate in extracurriculars.  In choosing to become involved in your school outside of the classroom, not only will you experience enjoyment, competition and camaraderie, but you have also made a commitment to your team or group, your school, and your community.  An important aspect of your participation is honoring that commitment.  High school athletics and activities are valuable components of education, and we hope you find your experience here at Essex to be rewarding and enjoyable.

Feel free to contact us at any time with questions or concerns, and have a great season!

ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY:  At Essex High School we understand and appreciate the importance of athletics in the overall education of our student-athletes.  Experiences teach values such as hard work, commitment, leadership, discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness, all within a framework of academic excellence.  Participation contributes to the physical, emotional and social health of our students, and promotes a sense of unity and cooperation among athletes, the student body and the larger school community.

Essex has a tradition of success as measured by wins and championships, and winning is a natural goal.  Our teams will strive to win, but emphasis will be placed on effort, improvement, respect for coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials, and learning to win graciously and lose with dignity.  Winning is emphasized more strongly at the varsity level, but never at the expense of healthy attitudes, values, and perspective.  At sub-varsity levels, winning remains a goal, but is subordinate to participation and skill development.  Above all, we want all of our athletes to have a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY:  Essex High School recognizes and promotes the priority of academics within our athletic and student activities programs.  While extracurriculars are an important part of education, academic success remains the primary objective.  Coaches and advisors support this position, and will make every effort to accommodate students’ needs as they balance academics with extracurriculars.  It is essential that students and parents understand the following academic eligibility regulations.

• Students must be enrolled in at least 6 classes per marking period. Lab classes count as 2. 
• The following parameters apply whether the student is enrolled in 6 or more classes.
• Students who fail one class for the preceding marking period are fully eligible to participate.
• Students who fail two classes for the preceding marking period will be placed on academic probation.  While on probation, a student will be permitted practice or meet with his/her team or group, but may not dress in uniform, travel with the team or group, or participate in any competitions.
• Students placed on probation will have their grades reviewed by the athletic/activities director or advisor at the midpoint (progress report) of the next marking period.  If requirements are met at this time, they will be reinstated to full participation.  If grades remain below the requirements, they will be deemed ineligible, and may not practice or compete until requirements are met at the next grading period.
• Students who fail three or more classes for the preceding marking period are ineligible to participate.
• An "incomplete" is considered a failing grade until the student completes the necessary assignments to receive a passing grade.
• For fall sports, eligibility for sophomores, juniors and seniors will be determined by fourth marking period grades from the previous school year.  Students on probation for fall sports will be permitted to participate in scrimmages and competitions.  Grades will be checked at the first progress report to determine eligibility for the remainder of the season.
• Correspondence courses, audited classes, and community service credits will not be accepted in order to meet the 6 class requirement.
• Students who are declared academically ineligible will not receive postseason letters, awards, or certificates for that sport or activity.
• Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the administration individually.

INSURANCE

All candidates for an athletic team are required to furnish proof of accident/health insurance before participationg in tryouts, practices or competitions.  Essex does not purchase insurance for its athletes, but the district does offer a school time insurance program at a nominal fee to all enrolled students.

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PHYSICAL EXAM

EHS requires a physical examination a minimum of every two years in order to participate in interscholastic athletics.  Physical exams are at the expense of the individual, and a record of the physical must be on file in the nurse's office before a student is eligible to practice or compete.  If the two year time limit expires during the season, the student will be denied participation until his/her physical is renewed.

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TRAINING RULES

In order to promote in our students a healthy lifestyle, responsible behavior, and optimal team and individual performance, Essex High School maintains and enforces the training rules below. Our administrators, coaches and advisors are concerned with the health habits of our student/athletes, and we feel strongly that participation in athletics and/or activities, and use and the use od tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs are incompatible. For this reason, Essex High School maintains a "zero tolerance policy" with respect to training rules violations.  Our hope is that students and parents, when they sign the consent form to become part of a sport or activity, recognize the importance of their commitment, appreciate our intent to promote a healthy lifestyle and good choices, and that when students do violate our rules, they learn a difficult but valuable lesson about the consequences of making poor choices through the firm and consistent enforcement of our policy.

RULE PARAMETERS

• Training rules are in effect from the date of the first official team practice, through the concluson of the final event/competition.
• These rules shall be applicable whether the violation occurs on or off the Essex High School campus.
• These rules may be supplemented by specific training rules imposed by the coach and reviewed and approved by the administration. Each sport, team or activity is unique, deeming it appropriate for individual coaches/adviors to determine and set guidelines for participation in activities and/or competitions. These guidelines will be made clear to the student prior to the start of participation in the sport or activity.
• Violations may be self-reported by students, or may be reported by responsble adults, including parents, coaches, school employees, police officers, etc. In order to aid in the reporting of training rules violations, and to help promote responsible student behavior, Essex High School does cooperate with the Essex Police Department.  Team lists are provided to the police, and any student cited by the Essex police for violations included in our training rules, will have his/her name reported to the school by the Police Department. 
• Reported training rules violations will be referred to and investigated by the TRAINING RULES PANEL.  The panel will consist of the Director of Athletics and/or the Director of Student Activities, one Assistant Principal and one teacher and/or coach.  The Assistant Principal and teacher/coach will change annually.  If the student(s) in question are members of the team coached by the coach serving on the panel, and alternate coach will serve as a replacement for the incident in question.  If the violation is not reported by the student or his/her parents, the student and/or parents will be informed of the charges by a panel member.  Following their investigation, the panel will make a decision and inform the student(s) and parents of the consequences.
• Any student found guilty of any violation listed below will not be eligible to receive post season awards, letters, or certificates for any sport(s) or season(s) impacted by the violation.  Furthermore, Essex High School student-athletes guilty of training rule(s) violations will not be eligible for any All-league, All-State, Twin-State, Shrine team, or other league or state recognition or All-Star participation for athletics.  Athletes guilty of violations will have their names and statistics removed from such school public records as rosters, web pages, programs, etc. from the time of the violation.
• The decision of the Training Rules Panel is final.

• The student will be immediately dropped from the program for the remainder of the season. This will hold true even if the time frame extends beyond the 90 day/ 30 day "Discipline and Required Student Behavior" policy.  There will be no re-entry onto any team during the same season.
• For a second offense during one school year, the student will be suspended from participation in any sport or activity for one calendar year.
• If any athlete is guilty of violating the "Disciplineand Required Student Behavior" policy on school grounds or at a school event, the 90 day/ 30 day consequence will be effect even if it extends into a second sports season. At this time there will be no re-entry onto an athletic team unless the consequence ends before the starting date of the next sports season.  For 90 day / 30 day violations ocurring during the spring, any days that carry over to the following school year will resume with the first day of practice for any student playing a fall  sport, or with the first day of school for students not playing fall sports.
• For participants in student activities other than interscholastic athletics, violation of the training rules policy will result in a meeting with the activities director, activity advisor, and the appropriate assistant principal to determine consequences.
• Students who feel they have a substance abuse problem may voluntarily come forward for help and be extempt from the above penalty. This must occur before any potential violations take place.

REFERRAL FOR ASSISTANCE

We fully recognize that our policy includes a consequence that can be very difficult for a student to accept.  In order to offer assistance and education to students guilty of violations, we will refer students and their parents through our Guidance and Counseling department to the support services available through our Student Assistance Program office.  It is mandatory that students who are guilty of training rules violations successfully complete a substance abuse education program before they are permitted to participate in any other sport or activity.  The mandatory education program will be coordinated by the school’s Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselor.  It will include a basic in school program and may, upon recommendation of the SAP Counselor, require an outside assessment and/or professional treatment program (at the family’s expense).  The SAP counselor will report to the Athletic and/or Activities Director whether the required program has been satisfactorily completed.  We hope that by requiring students to use these resources it will help turn a difficult experience into one that can promote learning and help to avoid future problems.

CIVIL/CRIMINAL VIOLATION TRAINING RULES
A student participant who:

• is convicted of a misdemeanor other than a misdemeanor resulting from a motor vehicle offense which did not involve personal injury or careless and negligent driving;
• is  charged with a felony for which probable cause has been determined, or convicted of a felony; or
• vandalizes school property or steals property on school district grounds.

• For the first offense occurring during a sports season, the student will be immediately dropped from the program for the remainder of the season.
• For a second offense during one school year, the student will be suspended from participation in any sport or activity for one calendar year.
• For a first offense that takes place outside of a sports season, but is discovered during the season, there will be no penalty.  However, if the student violates training rules again during that school year, he/she will be suspended from participtaion in any sport or activity for one calendar year.

CYBERIMAGE POLICY

Essex High School encourages safe and responsible student behavior with regard to internet use.  We highly recommend our students avoid inappropriate use of public web sites such as Facebook, Myspace or YouTube.  Any identifiable image, photo, video, or posted on-line conversation which implicates a student-athlete to have been in violation of our training rules, that is discovered on these or any other web-based site will be investigated immediately by school officials.  Parents will be notified, and the student will be questioned. 

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PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS/SUPPLEMENTS

Healthy student-athletes do not need supplements.  Our students are encouraged to maintain a healthy diet, lifestyle, and exercise regimen in order to optimize performance.  Use of illegal performance enhancing substances such as anabolic steroids, diuretics, HGH, etc. is now included in our athletic training rules and will result in dismissal from the team.  There are many other commercially available products (such as creatine and other nutritional supplements) marketed for the purpose of enhancing athletic performance.  We advise against use of these products – studies on their long-terms affects are incomplete, and they may be detrimental to the health and performance of young student-athletes.  And, they can be dangerous when used inappropriately.  Our athletic training staff is knowledgeable about the use and dangers of these products and they are available to answer questions from students and parents.

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HAZING
Hazing is a form of harassment and will not be tolerated in conjunction with the Essex High School athletic/activities program.  Hazing is defined as "a willful act, occurring on or off school grounds, directed against a player or prospective member of a school-sponsored team or group, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a player or prospective member for the purpose of initiation, admission into, or continued membership of any such team or group." Another definition is "any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers, regardless of the person's willingness to participate."If a student is in violation of "hazing," consequences may range from individual suspension from participation in the athletic/activities program for a period of time, to cancellation of an athletic schedule, depending upon the magnitude of the incident and number of students involved.  Consequences for hazing violations may range from individual suspension from participation in the athletic program for a period of time, to cancellation of an athletic schedule, depending upon the magnitude of the incident and number of athletes involved.  Consequences for hazing violations brought to the attention of the administration after the season may be applied to and/or include subsequent athletic/activities participation, athletic letter awards, or athletic/actities probation. The athletic/activities director and principal will determine consequences.  There is also now a Vermont law making hazing a crime, and students should be aware that, in addition to the school penalites outlined above, they could face prosecution for engaging in hazing. Click on the link to reference the CCSU district hazing policy and procedure.

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DISMISSAL FROM A TEAM

Any student dismissed from a team by a rule or as a result of a coach’s decision for reasons including academics, training rules, hazing, or any other disciplinary situation, will not be permitted to join another interscholastic or club sport during the same season.  No student-athlete may quit a team and join another team in the same season once a team roster has been established.  If a student-athlete wishes to quit a team and join another team in the same season, both coaches must be in agreement and the team the student-athlete wishes to join must still be in the team selection process.

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ATTENDANCE

Students must be in school all day in order to be eligible to practice, compete, or perform, unless the absence is a school-sponsored event.  Excused absences, such as doctor’s appointments, college visits, etc., must be approved by giving a parent-signed note to the coach, advisor or athletic/activities director.  Partial attendance or special circumstances will be reviewed by the athletic/activities director.  An example of an unexcused absence:  The morning after a long weeknight road trip, you decide to sleep through first block and come in with a note from a parent so you can practice that day. 

Also, any student sent to PACS will not participate in extracurriculars on that day.  Team practice attendance policies will be determined by the head coach.

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FAMILY VACATIONS

One of the most important aspects of participation on a team is commitment.  As such, we respectfully request that all student-athletes who choose to try out for our teams, along with their parents, be prepared to commit to the team for all practices and competitions for the duration of the season.  When parents and student-athletes choose to take family vacations during a sport season, it must be understood that the time missed by the student-athlete can affect team performance and chemistry.  Student-athletes who miss practices or competitions for reasons related to vacations can (and likely will) have their playing time adjusted.

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VERMONT PRINCIPALS' ASSOCIATION ELIGIBILITY

VPA eligibility rules and activities apply to all activities, both athletic and non-athletic, sanctioned or sponsored by teh Vermont Principals' Association. Waiver requests regarding undue hardships must be submitted through the school principal. The following VPA eligibility rules:

• Contestants or participants must be bona fide students in their school. Students may only compete on school temas sponsored by their own school during the season;
• In an activity season, players who have participated in practice or competetion  as a member of a school team shall not practice or compete as members of a non-school organized group in the same activity;
• Transfer students are eligible at once, provided they were bona fide students in the school from which they transferred according to the definition in #1 above;
• Participants must be under 19 years of age, except that a student whose 19th birthday occurs on or after August 1st, is eligible for all activities in the ensuing school year;
• Students are ineligible is they have graduated from any course of study in a secondary school comparable to the Vermont system;
• Students have four consecutive year (8 semesters) of eligibility. Attendance of 30 days of any semester will be regarded as a semester.

For a complete list of VPA rules and regulations, go to www.vpaonline.org     

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CUT POLICY
One of the most difficult and unpleasant tasks of coaching is making "cuts." Before deciding to be a candidate for any athletic team, you and your parents must be prepared to accept the possibility that you may not be selected.  No one enjoys telling a student with the desire to play sports that he/she does not possess the necessary abilities to make the team, but in some activities it is essential to reduce the squad to a manageable size, particularly considering safety, fiscal resources, facilities, and coaching personnel.  The coach's decision regarding cuts is final.  No candidate (including seniors and students who have played ont he team previously) is guaranteed a roster spot on any team.  You will improve your chances of making a team by reporting to practice on time, in shape, with all the necessary paperwork, and with a good attitude.  If extenuating circumstances (vacation, etc.) will not allow you to attend all or part of tryouts, please contact the coach or the athletic department.

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EQUIPMENT
It is the responsibility of the student to return all school issued equipment,uniforms and supplies to the coach or advisor. Students who fail to do so will be billed for the value of any missing items. Failure to pay the bill could result in the withholding of report cards and/or diplomas, and the denial of future participation. It will not be the responsibility of the student to replace items that are damaged through normal wear and tear.

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PERSONAL PROPERTY
Essex High School is not responsible for students' personal property that is lost, stolen or damaged in association with participation in extracurricular activities.  Participants in the athletic program will be issued a lock and locker in the locker room.  We stongly urge students to lock up their belongings at all times, and to ask the coach to secure valuables and/or large amounts of money.

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TRANSPORTATION
Students are required to travel to and from all athletic for which EHS provides transportation.  Exceptions to this rule must be requested by a parent or guardian directly to the coach/advisor, and must be approved by the coach/advisor.  Students who do not ride the bus are expected to check in with the coach/advisor in person with the person providing transportation before leaving.  Only a studen's parent(s) or guardian(s) may provide transportation, and under no circumstances will a student be permitted to ride with another adult, another student, or drive him/herself to any athletic event.  While on the bus students are expected to adhere to the rules of the driver and bus company, and to pick up all trash before exiting the bus.

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INJURIES
EHS employs a part-time Athletic Trainer who is available to student-athletes to assist and/or advise in the care, prevention, treatment, referral and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.  All injuries occurring while participating in athletics must be reported to the coach and/or trainer. Athletes who are treated by a physician, whether or not they are being treated by the trainer, must obtain written permission from the physician in order to return to the activity.

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ATHLETIC LETTER AWARD POLICY
Each sport has a varsity letter requirement that may be unique to that acivity.  The head coach will determine the letter award policy for an individual sport.  Junior varsity and freshman athletes will receive certificates of participation upon successful completion of the season.  The first time a varsity letter is earned, the student receives a letter a pin for that sport.  Subsequent letters earned for the same sport will be recognized with a bar.  All seniors completing a varsity season in good standing will receive letters whether or not they complete the necessary requirements.

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CHANGE IN SPORT AND 2 SPORT POLICY
Except in isolated and unusual cases, students WILL NOT be permitted to change sports during the season, or to participate in more than 1 EHS sport in the same season.  Students should make every effort to honor their initial commitment to any sport or activity.  Exceptions must be discussed in advance with, and receive the approval of,  the head coach(es), along with the Athletic Director.

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NON-SCHOOL SPORTS
We understand that students frequently participate in sports outside of school, and we encourage them to do soas they choose.  However, Essex High School expects the commitment to EHS teams to be the students' first priority should a conflict arise.  Students choosing to participate in a non-school team event in favor of an EHS team event, should expect to face consequences as decided upon by the coach - including potentialsuspension and/or dismissal from the team.  The coach must be informed of any such conflicts well in advance, but we do want to make it very clear that all student participants are expected to honor their commitment to our teams for the duration of the season.

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NCAA AND COLLEGIATE ELIGIBILITY

Students may wish to participate in intercollegiate athletics after high school.  The NCAA requires certain minimums on high school core courses, grades, and SAT/ACT standardized test scores.  It is the responsibility of the student to monitor his/her status with regard to NCAA requirements.  Questions in this area may be directed to the Guidance Department, or use the following resources:

For information about NCAA eligibility, click HERE

For a free copy of the Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete, call 1-800-638-3731 or click HERE

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PLAYING TIME

Decisions regarding playing time are made by the coach in the best interests of the team.  At sub-varsity levels, every effort will be made to get all students playing time in each contest, regardless of their ability, provided the coach determines they meet the following requirements: 

• The student is in good mental and physical health, and playing will not place the student at unreasonable risk of injury.
• The student abides by all school, department and team rules.
• The student strives to "earn" playing time by consistently demonstrating good sportsmanship, respectful behavior toward teammates, coaches and officials, a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

At the varsity level winning is emphasized more strongly, and playing time is not guaranteed.  Playing time is determined by the criteria above, an individual's ability, and the team situation. 

Students who have questions about their playing time should address them directly to the coach.  Coaches are not required to discuss playing time with parents.

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COMMUNICATION OF ATHLETIC CONCERNS
This section is intended to help foster constructive communication between students, parents, coaches and administrators, ultimately for the benefit of the student.  Involvement in extracurricular activities will allow your child to experience some of the most rewarding times of their lives.  However, there will likely be times when things don't go as they wish, or they or their parents disagree with a coach.  It is important that students and parents realize these difficult situations are as much a part of the learning process as are the good times.  Our coaches work hard on behalf of their athletes.  However, just as we recognize the challenges involved in parenting a high school student, we ask you to respect the fact that their decisions are often extremely difficult, and are made based on factors of which students and parents may not be aware.  We strongly encourage the student, not the parents, to talk to the coach about any issues or concerns that may arise during the season.  This is not only the most direct and productive means of communication, but also a valuable method of teaching responsibility. Furthermore, we encourage parents to communicate in a positive manner with their children, other students, and other parents, regarding participation in sports and activities.  Negative conversations on the sidelines, criticism of coaches among parents or between parents and their kids, and unsportsmanlike behavior in the stands have a detrimental affect on all involved, and can ultimately have a significant negative impact on the success and enjoyment experienced by individuals and the team.  We are all in this together, and if we can all maintain the proper perspective on what high school sports are about, our students will have fun and will learn, regardless of their playing time or how many games they win.

We recognize that situations may arise where parents find it necessary to raise a concern, and we ask you to please adhere to the following communication guidelines.

• Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches: 
  • 1.  The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.  
  • 2.  Ways the parent can help the child to improve.  
  • 3.  Concerns about your child's behavior.

• Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches: 
  • 1.  Playing time.  
  • 2.  Team strategy.  
  • 3.  Play calling.  
  • 4.  Other student-athletes

    Protocol for registering concerns:

• Protocal for registering concerns
  • 1.  The student-athlete meets with the coach first to discuss and attempt to resolve the problem.
  • 2.  If resolution is not reached, the parent/guardian will contact the coach to schedule a meeting with the coach, the athlete, and the parent..  If the coach cannot be reached, call the athletic office to assist with arranging a meeting.
  • 3. If this meeting does not provide satisfactory resolution, call to set up an appointment with the Athletic Director. At this point a meeting will be scheduled that will include the Athletic Director, the Coach, the parent/guardian, AND the student-athlete.

SPORTSMANSHIP
Essex High School promotes good sportsmanship among athletes and fans.  We encourage students, parents and friends to attend games asnd support our teams, but we ask you to do so in a positive manner.  Individuals who choose to berate opponents or officials, use vulgar language, or make derogatory comments will be asked to leave.  Furthermore, please remember that negative comments about coaches, players, opponents, or officials, even in conversation in the stands, do nothing but undermine the coach and harm the team.  We understand that contests can get emotional, and a poor call, a costly mistake, or a loss can be difficult to swallow.  However, we ask you to keep high school sports in perspective, and to undersatnd that kids, coaches and officials do make mistakes.  Yelling at them from the stands, or even sharing a negative opinion about the siutation can only make matters worse.  Please keep yourself under control at all times in the stands and represent our school and community with the dignity that you expect from our coaches and teams.