ROCK SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC HANDBOOK Congratulations! It is an honor to be an athlete at RSMS. You are now part of a program that your school and community are very proud of. The following guidelines have been set forth in order to maintain the success and integrity of our athletic program. You will be expected to adhere to these guidelines as long as you choose to participate in athletics. Attitude Your attitude is a direct link to your success. Your attitude toward your coaches, teachers, and teammates should be such that you are able to contribute positively to the success of the team. Grades The primary purpose for your attendance at RSMS is academic. Academics come first. For this reason, you will be expected to maintain a certain degree of academic achievement. Any student athlete who, during the season of that sport, was failing more than one subject at report card time, would be ineligible to play in any games of that sport until mid-six week grade reports are issued. During this probationary period, the athlete may practice with the team if so allowed by the coach, but may not participate in games. If by the time mid-six week grade reports are issued, the athlete is failing no more than one subject, he/she will become eligible once again. If the athlete is still failing more than one subject at mid-six week report time, he/she will not be allowed to participate for the remainder of the season. Conduct Your behavior does not affect you alone. You are a reflection of your family, your team, your school, and your community. You are expected to be a good ambassador for your team wherever you go. People at school and in the community will recognize you as an RSMS athlete. You may not know them, but many of them know you. Poor conduct will jeopardize your eligibility to participate in the athletic program. In School and Out of School Suspensions Students, who are suspended, either in or out of school, will neither practice nor play until his suspension is over. In fact, all students, including players, are banned from all athletic and extracurricular events while under suspension. Failure to abide by this policy will result in further disciplinary action. Detention Hall Any athlete assigned to detention hall must attend detention hall at the scheduled time. He/she may not skip detention hall in order to go to practice or a game. Let your coach know in advance that you have been assigned to detention hall and will be either absent or late to practice. It will be the coach s decision as to what disciplinary actions will be taken concerning any missed practice or game time due to detention.
Attendance Your attendance at all scheduled practices, meetings, and games is mandatory. Absences are only acceptable in cases of emergency, i.e. illness, family death, family tragedy, etc. If you know you are going to miss practice, you must notify one of your coaches. If you leave school during the day due to illness, you must contact one of your coaches before you leave. Messages for your coach can be left in the office if your coach cannot be located. Make every effort to schedule doctor s appointments at some time or day other than during practice. Missing practice, regardless of the reason, will very likely prevent you from playing in an upcoming ball- game. School Absenteeism Any student who is absent the entire school day may not attend practice or a game on that day. Sports Physicals Every RSMS athlete must have a physical on file that reflects the physical s occurring after April 15th of the current school year. The physical form must state that you have been examined, and the doctor gives his consent for you to participate in the particular sport(s) you are playing. For example, if the physical form states that it is all right for you to participate in basketball, this physical would not be valid for football. Most doctors will examine you and give their consent for you to participate in all school sports if you request it. Transportation You are responsible for your own transportation to and from practices. Always have your ride there to pick you up at the close of practice. You should not need to call someone to pick you up. Transportation to and from games will be arranged by your coach. All team members are expected to be on time to leave with the team. The team will not wait on you if you are late. Players are not allowed to ride to or from games any other way than is approved by the coach. Quitting Quitting something to which you have made a commitment is a show of irresponsibility. There are others who would like to have had your spot on the team. Any student athlete who quits or is dismissed for disciplinary or academic reasons will not be eligible to participate in any other RSMS sport until the sport season of which he/she is no longer a participant is completely concluded. Recreation League Participation Rock Springs Middle School athletes are not allowed to participate in any other league of any sport during that RSMS sport season. This includes city recreation leagues, Jr. Pro leagues, church leagues, or any other organized league. RSMS athletes may participate in these leagues prior to the first practice and after the last game of the season provided that he/she is not involved in another RSMS sport at that time.
Team Rules Your coach will inform you of specific team rules. You are expected to follow those guidelines without exception. Violation of team rules will result in disciplinary action by your coach. Violations may prompt your removal from the team. Equipment If athletic equipment of any kind is issued to you by your coach, you are responsible for its care. You will be expected to pay for lost or damaged equipment or uniforms issued to you. Practice Clothing Any practice clothing that is not provided by your coach is your responsibility. You should have clean practice clothes daily. Always begin practice with clean dry socks and undergarments. Damp, dirty clothing is unhealthy for you and others. Injuries All injuries, even minor ones, must be reported to your coach immediately. If you see a doctor concerning an injury, report this information to your coach as well. Always be completely honest with your coach about injuries. He/she needs to be able to trust your word so that he/she can make decisions about you safety. Never fake or hide an injury. Managers The managers have an extremely important role to play on your team. They are responsible for assisting in maintaining equipment and facilities, and game or practice preparation. They are as much a part of the team as you are. They are to be treated with the same courtesy and respect that you would give any other teammate.
RSMS ATHLETIC CODE 1. I will do my very best in the classroom and on the playing field. 2. I will commit myself to the success of my team. 3. I will train and condition my attitude to become a positive tool for success. 4. I will accept my coach s guidance, directions, and corrections in a positive and constructive manner. 5. I will accept responsibility for my own actions. 6. I will be a positive reflection of my team, school, family, and community. 7. I will abstain from using substances that can harm my mind, body, or attitude.
Signed Agreement Form I have been given a copy of the RSMS athletic handbook. I understand that participating in a school sport is a privilege that requires accountability, responsibility, commitment, and sportsmanship for all players and spectators. I agree to the terms specified in the handbook. I understand that all tactical decisions regarding the amount of play time and the assigning of positions is the coach s privilege. As an athlete, I understand that academic success is top priority, and that I may be removed from the team if my grades fall below my coach s expectations. I also understand that my conduct impacts the team as a whole. I understand that I am expected to follow all rules, including dress code, and will do so at all times. As an athlete I am held to a higher standard, and I will behave in a manner that reflects positively on our team, our school, and our families. Student Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date: Parents: If you have any concerns about your child, please address them with the coach before contacting the school s principal. We all work better as a team when we communicate openly and in a cordial manner.