Tejeda Middle School Athletic Policy

Tejeda Middle School Athletic Policy Monroe Meador, Athletic Coordinator Dana Dutson, Assistant Athletic Coordinator

Purpose This policy is to create a clear and concise code of conduct and accountability that will promote high standards and excellence for all student athletes at Frank Tejeda Middle School. This policy defines the expectations for student athletes in all areas of life including practice, contests, and academics. Tejeda Middle School athletes serve in leadership positions requiring them to demonstrate high standards of ethics, sportsmanship, and good character in order to positively reflect the reputation of the athletic department, school, and community. The Tejeda Athletic Policy incorporates the philosophies of University Interscholastic League and NEISD Athletic Policy (available online at http://www.uil.utexas.edu and http://www.neisd.net/athletics/index.html). I. Expectation of Athlete A. All athletes are expected to maintain a positive attitude both in the regular classroom and during athletics. Athletes are representatives of our school and athletic program and should be on their best behavior at all times. Athletes will not engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including profanity, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, taunting, or other actions that demean individuals or the sport. An athlete s words and actions should: - Unite the team and its members, not divide. - Be positive and constructive to the team and our goals. - Should help reinforce, the rules and regulations necessary for successful team efforts. - Help strengthen the leadership of our team. II. Character Traits - The athlete will be responsible for his/her own actions and understand that there will be a consequence if they make a choice which violates the code of conduct. Athletes must remember that they are representatives of Tejeda and being an athlete is a privilege, not a right. - The athlete will exhibit positive sportsmanship and be open-minded and willing to listen and learn. - The athlete will always treat other athletes, opponents, students, parents, coaches, teachers, administrators and officials with respect at all times. - The athlete will be trustworthy and compete honorably. They must never lie, cheat, steal, or engage in any other dishonest practices or conduct..

III. Academics A. Athletes are here to get an education first. An athlete who goes home ill from school will not be allowed to return to practice or play in a game that day. Every athlete should be aware of the no pass, no play rule. If they fail a class, they will still be required to attend practice, but will not be allowed to participate in any game until deemed academically eligible. B. Athletes are expected to attend class every day. IV. Practice A. One week of practices is considered Game Day to Game Day. - In order for our team to perform its best, every athlete is required to attend practice daily. Try to schedule appointments of any kind at times other than practice time. If an athlete misses a practice they must bring an excusable note from a parent/guardian. Come to practice on time and ready to work hard. V. Absence and Illness A. Athletes will need to notify their coach if they will not be attending a practice or game. *If an athlete misses one practice they will not start in the game and playing time will be at the coach s discretion. If an athlete misses two or more practices in a week they will not play in that week s game. The athlete will be expected to be at the game if possible. VI. Injuries A. Please report all injuries to a coach. If further medical attention is needed, a parent will be contacted immediately. If the parents cannot be reached, the emergency number on the physical form will be utilized. If an athlete must leave school because of an illness, contact the coaches office 356-5600 ext. 65655. If an athlete is ill or injured and attends school, a note is required by the parent or physician to be excused from participating in practice. The athlete is still required to be at practice in uniform and accompany your group from station to station unless given special permission by the head coach. *If an athlete is held out of competition due to doctor s orders then that athlete will not be allowed to participate until they have been cleared by the doctor. Playing time will then be up to the head coach s discretion. VII. Transportation A. Every athlete will ride the bus to and from competitions. Attendance throughout the entire event is crucial in establishing team unity. If it is a home game, at the conclusion of the last game, all teams, as well as coaches and managers will work together to clean up the facilities. It is extremely important that athletes make arrangements to be picked up in front of the gym on time after games and practices. All requests for early dismissal from a competition must be made prior to the game by phone, email or signed letter. Athletes are only allowed to leave with a parent or guardian.

VIII. Games A. The effort, dedication, and hard work put forth daily in practice is for one reason - to win games. Tejeda s athletes are expected to win every competition, however and more importantly, our athletes are expected to play to the best of their abilities, no matter the situation, score or time remaining in the game. B. Every athlete is expected to be mentally and physically ready to play when the coach calls his/her name. Every athlete is expected to pay attention to the game and be supportive of their teammates during a competition. Athletes waiting to play in the next game are expected to support the team that is playing. C. Distractions, such as, cell phones, IPods, candy, homework, horseplay etc. are not conducive to winning and therefore not allowed at or during a game. Athletes that are caught horse playing during a game will be subject disciplinary action and may be removed from the team. D. Tejeda s Athletes are at a game to compete and to win. IX. ISS/AMS A. If an athlete is placed in ISS (In School Suspension), he/she will not be allowed to participate in the game that week. If an athlete is placed in ISS, he/she will be required to attend practice. B. If an athlete is placed in AMS (Alternative Middle School), he/she will be prohibited from participating in any competition until they return from AMS. The student will be allowed to participate only if reinstated by the Tejeda Administration and Athletic Coordinator. C. Any referral that results in disciplinary action, (ISS or AMS) will result in a minimum one game suspension and/or removal from team.

X. Conduct/ Respect A. Tejeda athletes are noted for their sportsmanship, mental toughness and competitive play. We will not talk negatively on or off the field. We praise our teammates for good plays and will always play beyond our ability. B. We will always conduct ourselves as good sportsmen at all times. Tejeda athletes will follow school rules and procedures while attending class and are expected to act properly in class, giving teachers and administrators courtesy and respect at all times. C. Each athlete is expected to perform to the best of their ability in class, at practice and during competitions. Failure to follow the above conduct will result in a conference and possible disciplinary action. D. Behaviors not conducive to team spirit and athletic integrity include but are not limited to: missing practice (skipping practice without a note and/or medical excuse), inappropriate conduct such as hazing, bullying, fighting, and any other behaviors such as cheating or falsifying records. Any of the above behaviors will result in a strike against the athlete and could result in additional actions depending on the severity of the violation. Code of conduct violations involving theft may result in removal from athletics. XI. Dress/ Appearance A. Tejeda athletes are representatives of the school, athletic program and the community. As an athlete and part of a team all athletes will adhere to the same standards of dress and appearance on and off the field/ court. - All athletes will keep their hair neat and clean off the collar and out of their eyes. Mohawks, Faux Hawks or any hair that would be seen as a distraction will not be allowed. - No facial hair will be allowed. - Jewelry is not allowed during athletics class, practice or games. o Boys will not be allowed to wear earrings at anytime during the school day. - Athletic uniforms will be kept in good condition by the athletes, no holes, no cut off sleeves, or torn clothing will be allowed. - All athletes will have the same uniform appearance for competitions and practice. Wristbands, football helmet visors, undershirts for basketball or track jerseys will not be allowed.

XII. Equipment/ Facilities A. All athletes will be issued equipment for football and be given a locker and a lock to secure all their equipment. If an athlete loses his lock, it is his responsibility to pay for replacing the lock immediately. B. Athletes are responsible for hanging their football equipment in their locker as shown. All athletes are to clean their locker and equipment weekly. C. Cleats are to be worn outside only, not in the gym or the dressing room. When athletes change into their work out uniform, they are to hang up their personal clothes in their locker. D. Each athlete is responsible for cleaning up their locker and the locker room each day. The athlete will be responsible for paying for lost or damaged items. All equipment issued to an athlete will be returned at the conclusion of the season. XIII. Dedication A. Athletes at Tejeda Middle School are expected to devote themselves to being the best player they can be for the Tejeda Middle School Athletic Program. In order to be in the athletic period students must participate in two out of these three sports, boys (Football, Basketball, and Track) and girls (Volleyball, Basketball, and Track). Athletes are expected to be a vital part of a complete team and to stay with that sport for its entire season. If a player quits a sport, he/she may not be allowed to play another sport at Tejeda unless there are extenuating circumstances and approval of the athletic coordinator or assistant coordinator. XIV. Theft A. Athletes are provided a locker and lock to secure their personal items. Each athlete is responsible for securing their items in their locker. It is the athlete s responsibility to inform a coach that he or she has lost their lock, as well as paying $5.00 towards the purchase of a new school lock. The school and coaching staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items. If an athlete is caught stealing from another student or athlete, they will be removed from the athletic program. XV. Drinking, Smoking, and Drugs A. Use of these substances, are not on the road to success; thus, they will not be a part of our athletic program. Any athlete caught using or holding cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol at school or at any school-sponsored event will no longer be a member of the Tejeda Athletic Program.

XVI. Reinstatement A. Students seeking reinstatement for other sport opportunities after violating Tejeda s Athletic Code of Conduct or quitting a sport will require a parent, student, and coach conference by contacting the Athletic Coordinator Monroe Meador at 356-5600, ext. 65655. XVII. Discipline A. Notification of Violations and Opportunity for Improvement All disciplinary problems will be handled using the following due process procedures: Opportunity for Improvement (OFI) is a discipline management tool used by a teacher(s) to communicate to the coaching staff any discipline issue that occurred in the classroom between athlete and administrator, athlete and teacher, athlete to student, or athlete to athlete. The coaches take each OFI seriously and consider each OFI a violation of our athletic policy. The following is a breakdown of disciplinary action that will occur when an athlete receives an OFI. First OFI / Violation Disciplined after practice by the coach. The first OFI / violation will result in a verbal conversation and consequence(s) assigned by the coach. The coach will place the OFI form or documentation of the violation(s) in the athletes folder and include future expectations for the athlete. A phone call to the parent/guardian will be made. Second OFI / Violation Disciplined after practice and reduction of play time in that week s game. A second OFI/ violation will result in a meeting with the coach, student-athlete, and parent. At this time the parent and athlete will review the code of conduct with the coach. The parent and student will be notified that a third violation will result in suspension for one game. Third OFI / Violation Disciplined after practice and will not be allowed to play in that week s game. A third OFI / violation will result in a meeting between coach, athlete, parent, and athletic coordinator. The parent and student will be notified that the athlete will be suspended for one game. Fourth OFI / Violation Removal from team. A fourth OFI / violation will result in a meeting between coach, athlete, parent, athletic coordinator and a school administrator. In this meeting the dismissal of the athlete will be discussed.

XVIII. Playing Time A. Every athlete should have a strong desire to be a starter for Tejeda s athletic teams. Unfortunately, not every athlete will. The coaching staff will make the final decision on who will start each week. It is important to understand how the coaching staff will decide on the depth charts as practice progresses each week. The following five (5) points are the guidelines we will utilize, in this order, to determine the depth charts. 1. Knowledge of Assignment We will not play an athlete that does not know their assignment. Every athlete can and should know his assignment. Your coach will be willing to spend extra time with you if you want and need extra help. 2. Hustle and Effort All athletes are expected to give 100% effort at all times. Your teammates will be giving 100% effort and they will expect you to do the same. Extra effort wins games. Every athlete can give 100% effort. 3. Mental Toughness The coaches will discover during practice which athletes have a strong desire to intimidate our opponents and can consistently excel as an athlete. Playing on a competitive team is hard work and in order for the team to excel, every athlete must play with mental toughness. 4. Contributing to the Overall Team Team sports are an important part of Tejeda s athletic program. The athletes who motivate their teammates to do better, are always enthusiastic and ready, will make a greater contribution than the athletes who do not possess these qualities. Every athlete can be a team player. 5. Talent If the above four characteristics are equal and they should be, and then the athlete who has the most talent and / or who makes the most big plays will start. However, talent will not enter into our evaluation until we look closely at the first four qualities. B. In closing, the best players, according to the criteria previously mentioned, will start. Playing will be determined by practice performance. Every practice our athletes will have an opportunity to compete for a starting job. We will do our best to get every player in competitive settings; playing time will be based on the five previously mentioned criteria. We have great respect for all athletes and believe that all can and will learn their assignments, give 100%, develop mental toughness, and will be a team player.

XIX. Communication A. Any concerns should be voiced at the appropriate time and place mutually agreed upon by both parent and coach. Before, during, or after a game is not an appropriate time to approach the coach about any issues. B. Certain issues will NOT be discussed between parent and coach or athlete and coach. These issues include, but are not limited to: an athlete s playing time, team strategy, play calling, other athletes, and an athlete s placement on a team. C. If a meeting with the coach is warranted, the first step is to make an appointment with the coach 356-5600, ext. 65654(girls) or 65655 (boys). D. If the meeting with the coach did not resolve the problem satisfactorily, then a meeting with Monroe Meador (e-mail cmeado@neisd.net), Tejeda s Athletic Coordinator, should be scheduled. If this does not resolve the problem, the next step will be to have a meeting with Tejeda s administration.

XX. Athletic Contract I,, am a member of the Frank Tejeda Middle School athletic program. I understand that I am not just a student of this school, but as an athlete I have accepted the fact that I must maintain and uphold the standards of the program as they are administered and governed by the North East Athletic Program and the Tejeda Athletic Policy. By accepting this challenge, I understand that my attitude and conduct affect not only myself, but also my teammates, school, coaches, parents, and the community. I will strive to be an example in athletic competition, in the classroom, and in my everyday walk of life to uphold the highest standards. I have read the Tejeda Athletic Policy with my parent/guardian and agree to follow the guidelines, standards, protocols, and code of conduct of the Tejeda Athletic Program. Athlete s Signature Date As a parent/guardian of a Tejeda athlete, I have read the Tejeda Athletic Policy with my son/daughter and understand that he/she must comply with the guidelines of the athletic program. Parent/Guardian s Signature Date