WESTERLY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

July 2008

Acknowledgements

The Westerly Public Schools would like to extend a special thank you to the following individuals who served on the Community Committee for Westerly Public Schools Sports Program. Participation in this very important project and continued support of Westerly Public Schools is recognized and appreciated.

Tricia Barber Neal Cobleigh Paula Dinoto Dave Federico MaryAnn Janiszewski Scott Kizner Barbara Miller Mike Najim Ryan Palmer Theresa Poitras Mary Raftery Dave Smith Sarah Steverman Tom Terranova Linda Ward Chris Wreidt Special thanks to Rose Falcone for organizing this document.

1

July 2008

Westerly High School Department of Interscholastic Athletics

Purpose and Philosophy of the Interscholastic Program The Westerly High School Interscholastic Athletic Program is a natural extension of the high school curriculum that provides activities for the growth and development of our students. The program includes laboratory experiences in human relations as well as opportunities for developing each student physically and emotionally. We view the Interscholastic Athletic Program as the other half of education. At Westerly High School, we believe that the Interscholastic Athletic Program contributes significantly to preparing our students for becoming productive, contributing citizens of our community and society. A comprehensive program of athletic activities expresses our commitment to ensure the development of physical fitness and personal health, the acquisition of competent performances and the achievement of excellence in the student’s chosen sport. In addition, our aim is to develop a student with an improved self-image, the ability to learn a new skill and an intrinsic motivation for growth and development. We want to see a student who will demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibility for his/her actions, measure him/herself against standards of quality, express ideas and solutions to problems and value fair play, honesty and cooperation. Objectives of the Interscholastic Athletic Program Our goals are: 1. To develop and maintain the highest level of sportsmanship. 2. To develop proper attitudes toward winning and losing; success and failure. 3. To encourage and develop respect for fellow athletics whether they are teammates, members of other Westerly teams or members of opposing teams. 4. To assure that the amount of time required for athletic participation does not interfere with academic success. 5. To develop proper attitudes toward individual health habits, appearance on and off the field, citizenship in and out of school and life long fitness. 6. To encourage competition not only for the tangible rewards but also for the development of positive attitudes that makes athletic competition valuable and worthwhile. 7. To orient all athletic staff members to abide by the rules, regulations and officials’ decisions that govern each sport. 8. To maintain the highest standard of ethics, recognize each participant as an individual who will conduct him/herself in a matter befitting his/her responsibilities and develop the kind of rapport with the broader school community that will improve the total educational program.

2

July 2008

Communication We stress the importance of clean, frequent, supportive, constructive communication. That works both ways. Although the responsibility for evaluating coaches resides with the athletic director, feedback from coaches, team members and their parents is important. The following is the process for an athlete/parent to communicate their needs, satisfactions, frustrations and problems. We encourage the athlete to discuss any concerns with his/her coach before the following steps are implemented. 1. If an athlete/parent has a question or concern, an appointment should be made with the coach first. 2. A meeting with the athletic director, coach, athlete and parent will be the next step in the process. 3. If there is no resolution, a meeting can be scheduled with administration, the athletic director, coach, parent and athlete. Administration and the athletic director do not get involved in team player selection and player time.

3

July 2008

I. Introduction A. To the Parent This material is presented to you because your son/daughter has indicated a desire to participate in interscholastic athletics at Westerly High School and you by signing the Athletic Contract have expressed a willingness to permit him/her to compete within the rules/regulations set forth. Your interest in this aspect of our school program is gratifying. We believe that participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences which assists students in personal growth and development. We, who are concerned with educational development of young men and women through athletics, feel that a properly controlled, well-organized athletic program meets students’ needs for self-expression, mental alertness and physical growth. It is our hope to maintain a program that is sound in purpose and will further each student’s educational maturity. 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 emphasis on good training habits. Failure to comply with the rules of training and conduct could mean 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 interscholastic 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 the athletic programs, he/she committed our staff to certain responsibilities and obligations which are: 1. To provide adequate equipment and facilities 2. To provide well trained coaches 3. To provide equalized contests with skilled officials Likewise, we feel that you 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 athletic program. It is the role of the athletic department 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 publication for students and parents.

4

July 2008

B. To the Athlete Being a member of a Westerly High School athletic team is the 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 numerous people over many years. As a member of an interscholastic team at Westerly High School, you have inherited a wonderful tradition, a tradition you are challenged to uphold. Our tradition has been to participate with honor. We desire to win, but only with honor to our athletes, our school and our community. Such a tradition is worthy of the best efforts of all concerned. It will not be easy to contribute to such a great tradition. When you wear the colors of our school, we assume that you not only understand the 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. Remember: To participate on any sports team at Westerly High School is a privilege and not a right and should be treated as such. 1. Responsibilities to Yourself: It is important for you, as a student, to broaden yourself and develop strength of character. You should try to get the greatest possible good from your high school experiences. Your academic accomplishments, your participation in other extracurricular activities as well as sports, prepare you for life as an adult. 2. Responsibilities to Your School and Your Team: You must remember that as a team member you have a responsibility to your team, your teammates and to your school. Westerly High School cannot maintain its position as having an outstanding school unless you do your best in whatever activity you wish to engage. By participating in athletics to the maximum of your ability, you are contributing to the reputation of your school. Also, by participating to the maximum of your ability you are encouraging your teammates to excel. Always remember that you should behave as a role model both on and off the field of competition. II. Objective Participation in the athletic program at Westerly High School is a privilege granted to students in return for compliance with rules and regulations established within the handbook. Every student wishing to take advantage of the athletic program at Westerly High School should make certain they understand all the rules and regulations before participating in try-outs. Also, parents/guardians should be familiar with these same rules and regulations. The student athlete is afforded this privilege of representing himself/herself and his/her school, as long as the student is willing to accept the responsibility of adhering to all rules and regulations. Studentathlete, their parent/guardian and coach must sign the Athletic Contract Form. This form must be returned to the coach at the start of each season. III. Governance The Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL), an extension of the Rhode Island Secondary Schools Principals’ Association, is the governing body for high school athletics in Rhode Island. All schools are voluntary members of the RIIL. The primary role of the state association is to maintain rules and regulations that ensure equity in competition for the student-athletes and a balance with other educational programs. The state association solicits input and is responsive to requests for rule modifications from member schools, appointed committees and coaches’ associations.

5

July 2008

The state association 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. As a member of the RIIL, Westerly High School abides by all the rules and policies of the state association. As a member of the Principals Association, the Principal of Westerly High School oversees the Athletic Program and is responsible for any rule violations. At his/her discretion the Principal may permit his designee, the Athletic Director, to check on any rule violation or RIIL policy. Any rules/regulations/policies developed for the Westerly Athletic Program are in addition to, not in lieu of the rule/regulations/policies of the RIIL. Copies of the RIIL Handbook are available in the Principal’s/Athletic Director’s offices. The Westerly School Committee, responsible to the people, is the ruling agency for the Westerly Public Schools. All policies and procedures of the Westerly Athletic Program will have prior approval by the Westerly School Committee. IV. Code of Conduct A firm and fair policy of enforcement is necessary to uphold the regulations and standards of the Athletic Department. The community, school administrators and coaching staff feel strongly that high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential in maintaining a sound athletic program. The welfare of the student is our major consideration and transcends any other consideration. All athletes shall abide by a code of ethics that will earn them the honor and respect that participation and competition in the interscholastic program affords. Any conduct that results in the 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 Westerly Athletic Program and will not be permitted. Due to the serious nature of this code, the coach involved, the Athletic Director and the Principal shall determine the penalty according to the degree of the infraction. The penalty shall range from the minimum of a one game suspension to a maximum of permanent denial from participation. V. Training Rules and Regulations A. Substance Abuse – see Substance Abuse Policy B. Attendance – Regular school attendance is required of all athletes. A student who is absent for the entire school day is not permitted to participate in a practice or game (match/meet) that day without the written excuse of a physician and/or the full sanction of the school administration. This includes the day prior to a holiday or weekend game (match/meet). A student who has been suspended from school shall not participate in practices or games during the period of suspension. Excused Absences 1. Personal Illness – to be verified by appropriate authority; if deemed necessary by the responsible school official. 2. Appointment with health professionals that cannot be made outside of the regular school day. Appropriate documentation may be requested by the responsible school official. 3. Observance of recognized religious holidays when the observance is required during a regular school day. Appropriate documentation may be requested by the responsible school official. 4. Emergency family situations deemed appropriate by the responsible school official. 5. Planned absences for school sponsored educational purposes that are in conjunction with core course curriculum. 6

July 2008

6. Education Purposes approved by teacher or administrator. Unexcused Absences All absences not included above. C. Any student with an unexcused absence will have to make up the number of days missed, both practices and games, before they are allowed to participate in a game. Any future playing time will be at the discretion of the coach. This includes days missed during school vacations. D. Academic Eligibility – A student must meet all the requirements set up by the Rhode Island Principal’s Committee on Athletics as well as those of the Westerly School Department. 1. Eligibility for extra curricular activities is based on the 1st quarter, 1st semester (Final grade), 3rd quarter and 2nd semester (Final grade). In order for a student/athlete to be eligible in the fall of the next year, they cannot fail more than one course of all the courses they have taken the previous year. 2. Eligibility Standards for Extracurricular Activities* a. The policy will cover students engaged in all extracurricular activities including sports. b. A one (1) F policy will be followed. c. Students who fail more than one subject will be ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities including sports, until the next report card is issued. d. If you retake and pass a course it does not count as a failure at the end of the school year (June). This also applies for courses made up in summer school. 3. Preventative Measures The following measures will be taken to prevent ineligibility: a. Mandatory bi-weekly reporting by all student-athletes. Students must have bi-weekly reports signed by all teachers and turned into the coach on Fridays. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. b. It is the responsibility of students to make arrangements for extra help by classroom teachers. Coaches are expected to cooperate with these arrangements in every way possible. c. At the official mid-term progress report, students must meet the “One (1) F Policy” requirement. Failure to do so will be considered failing and the athlete will be placed on probation until he/she meets the eligibility standard. d. Any athlete who is failing two subjects will be dismissed from the team. This means that the athlete will no longer be eligible to participate in their sport for the remainder of the season. ∗

The Academic Policy in this handbook supersedes the regulations of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League. The RIIL Principals Committee has very specific guidelines on the make up of failures. If an athlete has any questions in this regard, he/she must check with the Athletic Director. 7

July 2008

VI. Requirements for Participation A. Physical Examination – A Westerly High School Sport Physical Examination Form that will be filled by student athlete’s personal physician. The sports physical form, upon completion, will be turned into the school nurse who will issue a gold clearance card stamped approved. This gold card will be turned into the coach. Coaches will not allow athletes to tryout for or participate in an interscholastic sport without the gold card. The physical form will be kept on file in the nurse’s office. •

The only Sport Physical Examination Form that will be accepted by the school can be obtained from the school. Individual notes or other physical examination forms will not be accepted.

•

The Sport Physical Examination form should be signed by the examining physician and returned to the school nurse for review. The date of the actual examination must be included. All physical limitations must be noted.

•

The school physician has the final authority to determine the physical capability of a student to participate in a sport.

•

A Sport Physical Examination is valid for 12 continuous months with these stipulations:

•

°

If there has been a change in the athlete’s physical status, a new sport physical or a doctor’s clearance note may be required.

°

If the athlete has been absent from school for 5 or more consecutive days during the sport season or has received an injury, the athlete must obtain a re-entry note from the attending physician. This note must be presented to the coach before resumption of the interscholastic activity.

It is the parent’s responsibility to update the nurse on any medical changes throughout the athletic season.

B. Athletic Contract – All candidates will return a Westerly High School Athletic Contract signed by a parent/guardian, the athlete participant and the coach. C. Insurance Waiver – Parents indicate the right to waive the purchase of school insurance applicable to all athletes except for football. All football candidates are required to purchase school insurance. D. Assumption of Risk Waiver – Provided by the RIIL, all participants must sign and have notarized one Assumption of Risk Form in a four-year period. VII. Rhode Island Interscholastic League Policies Determination of Eligibility These rules apply to Varsity and Junior Varsity competition. A. A student is eligible for eight continuous semesters after he/she first enrolls as a freshman in high school. B. A student becomes ineligible if his/her nineteenth birthday occurs prior to September 1st. 8

July 2008

C. An athlete may only compete in one sport per season with the exception of the field events of indoor and outdoor track. D. Any athlete listed on a Varsity Eligibility list is able to play on an outside team according to RIIL. E. Once the RIIL session starts a student whose name appears upon the Eligibility List shall not play or practice with any other school squad until one calendar week has elapsed from the date the principal of the school notified the Executive Director of the removal of the name from the Eligibility List and, if needed the addition of the name to the Eligibility List of the new sport. This change; however, cannot be made once the mid-point of the RIIL season is reached. F. An athlete must be taking at least four subjects, not including Physical Education, each involving at least four periods of work or the aggregate of fifteen periods of work per week. G. Home School Eligibility – For students in home schooling to be eligible for competition in the RIIL, the following requirements must be met: a. The student must be listed on the rolls of the school and certified to the Rhode Island Department of Education as a student. b. The home school must furnish to the school and certify the academic grades and the school must record them on the official school records on a quarterly basis. c. If a student is ineligible for academic and/or disciplinary reasons and subsequently becomes home schooled; s/he may not participate in interscholastic athletics during the period of ineligibility. d. The school must approve the request of the home school student to compete on its teams. e. All other requirements of the Rules and Regulations must be followed with the regular school certifying the eligibility of the home school students. H. There are very specific guidelines for out-of-season competition established by the RIIL. Athletes are urged to check with the athletic director before participating in any all-star or out-of-season competition. Failure to do so could result in ineligibility. VIII. Basic Athletic Department Policies A. Participation – Before any student can participate in tryouts, the student must: 1. Have turned in a signed Athletic Contract. 2. Have passed a physical examination prior to the season and in the last calendar year. B. Dropping or Transferring Sports – A student who repeatedly quits athletic teams may lose the privilege of participating in athletics. On occasion; however, an athlete may find it necessary to drop a sport with good reason. If this is the case, the following recommendations are made: 1. Consult with the Coach 2. Return all equipment issued to you.

9

July 2008

C. Transportation Westerly High School will provide transportation for all student athletes, support and coaching personnel of athletic teams in authorized school vehicles when the contest has been scheduled away from the high school district. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide transportation to practice sessions within the district. The coach of the team must ride in the provided transportation with his/her athletes. Team members are strictly forbidden to drive an automobile transporting members of an athletic team or to be driven by another student to an athletic contest or practice site that is out of district. 1. If a student athlete misses the district’s provided transportation to a contest or practice and arrives at the site by other means, the individual cannot participate in that practice or contest unless written permission had been granted by the athletic director or principal. This individual is not considered part of the team for this contest. 2. Under certain circumstances or in exceptional situations where it creates an inconvenience for the family, student athletes may be excused from riding to or from an athletic event in school-authorized transportation. This privilege is to be kept to a minimum since our philosophy is that a student athlete is a part of a team in all phases of team activity. a. The parent(s) of student athletes must make arrangements with the athletic director in advance of the trip by having the approved Travel Release Form at the contest. b. The coach will release the student athlete to the parent(s) or designated adult upon presentation of the approved Travel Release Form or a letter approved by the athletic director or principal. c. Should a parent approach a coach at an away contest and request that his/her student athlete ride home with him/her, the coach may agree. d. A student athlete will not be allowed to ride home with another student. 3. Athletic shoes with cleats are not to be worn on the bus. 4. Food and beverages are permitted, but leftovers and empty containers must be discarded and the bus cleaned. D. Dress Code – An athlete should dress presentably and appropriately at all times; on trips, at assemblies and at banquets. Athletes are representatives of their school. Only school issued uniforms/equipment are to be worn at any athletic contest. Athletes will not be allowed to participate until deviations of the above rules are satisfactorily corrected. E. Locker Room Regulations – The following regulations have been set up for the safety of the athletes: 1. No horseplay or roughhousing is allowed in the locker rooms at any time. HAZING (to humiliate and play pranks on, especially as part of an initiation) of players is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action. 2. No one except coaches and players are allowed in the locker rooms. 3. No glass containers are permitted in the locker rooms. 10

July 2008

4. No spiked or cleated shoes in the building at any time. F. Injuries – All injuries must be reported immediately to your coach or team physician. If an injury requires medical attention, the athlete must file an injury report with the coach. Once an injury has been treated by a physician, the athlete must obtain the doctor’s permission to return to the activity. G. Squad Selection – In accordance with our philosophy of athletics and our desire to see as many students as possible participate in the athletic program while at Westerly High School, we encourage coaches to keep as many students as they can without unbalancing the integrity of their sports. Time, space, facilities, equipment, personal preference and other factors will place limitations on the most effective squad size for any particular sport. H. Acceptance Policy – Choosing members of an athletic squad is the sole responsibility of the coach(es) of those squads. Prior to try-outs, the coach shall provide the following information to all candidates: 1. Length of try-out period 2. Criteria used to select team 3. Number of players to be selected 4. Practice commitment if they make the team 5. Game commitments When a cut becomes necessary, the process will include three elements. Each candidate shall have: 1. The opportunity to compete in a minimum of five practice sessions. 2. Performed in at least one intrasquad game. 3. Been informed of the cut by the coach through a letter or in person, including the reason(s) for the action. IX. After School Practice A. Practice may begin after the close of the school day. It is the responsibility of the student athlete to inform the coach in advance if he/she plans to miss or be late to a practice. B. A student athlete may not practice or play if he/she is absent from school unless: 1. Arrives at school by 10:30 a.m. 2. Provides an acceptable parent’s or doctor’s excuse to the principal or designee 3. Is granted permission by the principal or assistant principal C. If practice is going to be canceled by the coach, notification must be given to the athletes via school announcements

11

July 2008

X. Equipment Athletes are responsible for all individual and team equipment issued to them during the season. The athlete will be financially responsible for any damaged or missing equipment. A. Athletic uniforms are to be worn at school sponsored events only, unless designated otherwise by the coach. B. Athletes in possession of uniforms and/or equipment not officially issued to them will be subject to suspension and possible expulsion from the squad. C. All issued items must be returned to the athletic department prior to the presentation of any athletic award. D. No athletic equipment will be issued to any student with an outstanding financial obligation for lost or damaged equipment. Athletes who have not returned or paid for lost/damaged equipment will be referred to the Athletic Director/Assistant Principal. At the discretion of the Athletic Director/ School Administrator, a school consequence may be issued which could include but not limited to an office detention. E. Equipment safety – Athletes should inspect their equipment on a daily basis. Each coach will instruct squad members on the proper use and care of individual and team equipment. Athletes should notify the coach immediately of any deficiency. XI. Athletic Awards Policy A. Varsity Award Requirements The varsity award shall be presented to an athlete who satisfies the participation requirement listed below, completes all team obligations and receives the recommendation of the coach. The coach may recommend a waiver of the athletic awards policy requirements under particular circumstances: 1. Specific Sports Requirements: a. Baseball/Softball – i.) play in one-fourth of all innings played; ii.) pinch hit or pinch run in threefourths of the games played; iii.) pitch in four starts of six game appearances. b. Basketball (Men and Women) – Participate in fifty percent of regular season games. c. Cheerleading – Meet ninety percent of contest and practice requirements. d. Cross-Country (Men and Women) – Place seventh or better in one-half of the dual meets or in the top 10- in the Division Meet or the top 15 in the State Meet. e. Football – Participate in fifty percent of the quarters played or play a specialist position, (e.g., punter, kick-off squad, return man, extra point kicker) in fifty percent of the regular season contests. f. Golf – Participate on the varsity team in at least fifty percent of the matches. g. Gymnastics – i.) seventy-five percent of the possible points; ii.) 5 points for participating plus 3 for 1st, 2 for 2nd, 1 for 3rd. h. Soccer (Men and Women) – Participate in fifty percent of periods played. i. Tennis (Men and Women) – i.) earn as many points as there are matches; ii.) one point for playing and one additional point for winning. j. Track (Men and Women) – i.) earn a total of 20 points; ii.) one participation point for finishing in the top four in a meet plus actual points won in a meet. Points will be tripled in a large meet with eight or more teams. k. Volleyball (Men and Women) – Participation in fifty percent of games played. 12

July 2008

l. Wrestling – Participation in fifty percent of matches or 50 wrestling points: Pins – 6 points; Decision – 4 points; Draw – 2 points. m. Sailing – Participate on one of the varsity boats in at least fifty percent of the regattas. n. Lacrosse – Participate in fifty percent of periods played. 2. Season is defined as that time period from the first practice to the awards program. 3. Manager’s award will parallel the regular awards system if they manage for the entire season. 4. Statistician’s award will be given when statistics are satisfactorily compiled for the entire season. B. Award Criteria – All Sports 1. It will be at the coach’s discretion to award a letter to a senior who has not met the season requirements for a letter. 2. 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 letter requirements. 3. In a sport where a state tournament play is sponsored, an athlete may receive a letter if they become a starter and play seventy-five percent of the quarters, innings, matches or score team point in individual competition in tournament play regardless of other letter criteria. 4. Complete the season in good standing with the school and coach. 5. Turn in all equipment issued to them at the start of season. C. Athletic Awards 1. Varsity Awards a. 1st Year Award: Chenille Award Letter. Note: should an athlete letter in another sport, he/she will not receive a second letter. b. 2nd Year Award: Gold Chevron signifying the sport. c. 3rd Year Award: Gold Chevron signifying the sport. d. 4th Year Award: Senior Athletic Plaque indicating the Varsity Letters earned by the athlete during their career. e. Any ten season athlete will receive an engraved clock. 2. Non-Letter Winners – All members of a varsity squad who successfully complete an athletic season for a particular sport, but who have not earned enough points for a Varsity Letter will be awarded a certificate of participation. 3. Championship Award Policy a. League or Division Championships – A banner will be presented to the championship team to be displayed in the gymnasium. 13

July 2008

b. State Championship: All Varsity Letter Winners will be awarded the standard Championship Award Jacket by the Sports Boosters. By a vote of team members, the standard award jacket can be replaced by another award, provided the cost of the replacement is not greater than the cost of the standard award. The team members will be responsible for any additional cost incurred in improving upon the standard award. XII. College Recruiting Policy Athletes who are contacted personally by college recruiters have an obligation to deal with college coaches through the Athletic Department (coach and/or athletic director). A. NCAA Rules and Regulations are available in the Guidance Office. B. College bound athletes MUST register for the NCAA Clearinghouse through the Guidance Office. The Athletic Director/Coach cannot register an athlete for the Clearinghouse.

14

July 2008

Westerly Public Schools Substance Abuse Policy

Participation in Westerly Public Schools Extra Curricular/Athletic programs is a privilege. Students perform best when they follow reasonable training rules which include prohibitions on the use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, steroids, or any mood-modifying substance producing harmful effects on the mind and body and impeding athletic performance. Every effort will be made to educate all students to the dangers in the use of these substances. In addition, a high school student must abide by all the rules and regulations established by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League and the rules and regulations of the Westerly High School. A uniform Substance Abuse Policy is necessary to insure that all are treated in a just and fair manner. Further, it is an indication of the serious manner that such matters will be dealt with by Westerly High School administration and/or athletic director. Substance Abuse Policy The Substance Abuse Policy for Westerly Public Schools is intended to protect students/athletes and help to make them responsible role models both on and off campus. Advisors/Coaches are required to implement this policy in the event that student non-compliance occurs. There is a self-referral component to the policy. If a student were to self-refer to the Student Assistance Counselor or to a staff member prior to being involved in an incident, there would be no sanction imposed on the student at that time. Continued participation in extra curricular activities or athletics would be based on an evaluation/recommendation submitted to the advisor/head coach and building principal by the counselor. Westerly Public Schools is committed to doing all it can to assist students/athletes who have self-referred. Self referral is defined as a student approaching a counselor or staff member independently without provocation and confiding in them the substance(s) with which they are having a problem. Drugs, Alcohol and Other Controlled Substances The purchasing, consumption, possession, transportation or distribution of alcohol, other drugs, and/or any controlled substance(s) is unacceptable behavior for any student in Westerly Public Schools Extra Curricular/Athletic Program. Non-compliance and failure to self-refer indicates the need to preclude membership in activities/athletics. 1st Non-compliance: Non-compliance will result in dismissal for the remainder of that extra curricular activity/sport season, including post-season contests. In the event of such a dismissal, the student will not be permitted to participate in another activity/sport during that season or the ensuing season until a minimum of 20 school days has elapsed, and furthermore, will not be permitted to participate in any activity/athletic contest/game until he/she has completed the appropriate school approved counseling program. 2nd Non-compliance: If a 2nd non-compliance were to occur within the same school year, the student would not be allowed to participate in any extra curricular/interscholastic athletic activity for the remainder of the school year. Any and all help the school can make available would be directed to the student. 15

July 2008

3rd Non-compliance: A 3rd non-compliance within the same school year will result in an student being ineligible to participate for the remainder of the school year and intensively assisted in seeking appropriate addiction treatment. The Westerly Public Schools Substance Abuse Policy will be applied to all acts of non-compliance involving students. Appropriate actions will be taken by the Administrator in conjunction with the advisor/coach. At times, immediate action may be called for in situations where consultation with other authorities is not possible. An advisor/coach may use his/her discretion in dealing with suspected acts of non-compliance. Parents will be notified in writing in all cases of dismissal. A written report(s) of all pertinent information of events and actions will be filed. Students and their parents have the right to appeal any dismissal for non-compliance with the Substance Abuse Policy to the Principal and the Superintendent of Schools. During the appeal process, students/athletes will not be allowed to participate in activities, practices or games. The appeal process will be conducted in a timely manner not to exceed three to five days.

16

July 2008

RIIL rhode island interscholastic league 2212 Post Road Warwick, RI ♦ 02886 Telephone ♦ (401) 738-0530 Fax ♦ (401) 732-9554 ARTICLE I, SECTION 19 APPROVED BY THE PRINCIPALS’ COMMITTEE ON ATHLETICS JUNE 19, 1993 TAUNTING Taunting in all sports is a flagrant unsportsmanlike foul which shall result in the ejection of the participant from that game, plus the next scheduled League game. Taunting is defined as: “Any actions or comments by coaches, players or spectators which are intended to bait, anger, embarrass, ridicule or demean others, whether or not the deeds or words are vulgar or racist. Included is conduct that berates, needles, intimidates, or threatens based on race, gender, ethnic origin or background, and conduct that attacks religious beliefs, size, economic status, speech, family, special needs or personal matters.” Examples of taunting that would lead to ejection include, but are not limited to: “Trash talk”, physical intimidation outside the spirit of the game, reference to sexual orientation; “in the face” confrontations by one player to another; standing over/straddling a tackled or fallen player. NOTE:

Officials who are assigned to Rhode Island Interscholastic League contests must enforce the rules regarding tolerance for abuse. The only warning to participants and coaches regarding sportsmanship should come at the beginning of the contest (Blue Card). The Rhode Island Interscholastic League expects that officials will eject any coach who protests an unsportsmanlike conduct call provided by the rules of the sport. Disqualification is a judgment call and officials must be certain the act warrants disqualification.

Fan Conduct. The School Committee expects all fans and visitors to act in an appropriate and responsible manner, by way of their conduct, which includes things that they say, and things that they do. Any fan/visitor who acts in an inappropriate manner will be asked to discontinue that behavior, and/or asked to remove himself/herself from the event. Individuals who fail to abide by appropriate department standards will be barred from future events if it is deemed advisable.

17

July 2008

Travel Release Form

Date of Athletic Event _____________________________ My son/daughter ______________________________________________has my permission to leave with ____________________________________________________________at the conclusion of the athletic event in lieu of school transportation.

Parent Signature ______________________________________________Date _____________ Principal Approval ____________________________________________Date _____________ Coach Approval ______________________________________________Date _____________

Completed form must be returned to the principal one day before the athletic event. No student will leave the event without completed paperwork.

18

July 2008

WESTERLY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC CONTRACT FORM

I have read, understand and am willing to comply with the Rules and Regulations set forth in the Westerly High School Athletic Handbook. As a candidate for the athletic team, I will maintain the standards set forth and I accept them.

Date ____________________Candidate’s Signature _____________________________________________ Candidate’s Name (please print)_____________________________________________________________

I have read, understand and am willing to have my child/charge comply with the Rules and Regulations set forth in the Westerly High School Athletic Handbook.

Date ____________________Parent’s Signature ________________________________________________

I have read, understand and am willing to abide by and enforce the Rules and Regulations set forth in the Westerly High School Athletic Handbook.

Date ____________________Coach’s Signature ________________________________________________

19

July 2008