THE SHELTON SCHOOL ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT STUDENT ATHLETE CONTRACT

THE SHELTON SCHOOL ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT STUDENT ATHLETE CONTRACT 2015-2016 Shelton School Philosophy It is the philosophy of The Shelton School that learning different students learn the best in a supportive environment that stresses multi-sensory learning techniques. Through carefully planned successful experiences, students are able to increase academic skills, improve motor development, and acquire greater appreciation of the world. Athletic Department Philosophy The Athletic Department s philosophy is centered on developing a positive belief in the attainment of realistic goals. We believe that with proper work ethic, reasons for motivation and proper planning, student-athletes can achieve what they believe. The Athletic Department desires to build champions in three areas: 1) Character 2) Academics 3) Athletics. Purpose The Shelton School Athletic Department provides a learning experience that enhances the academic, social, emotional and physical development of the learning different child. The Athletic Department assists and supports the development of the whole child. Success in this area depends on coaching the child first and the fundamentals of the sport second. Goals Instill sportsmanship, teamwork and pride in accomplishments Develop concepts of teamwork by putting the desires of the team before personal desires Develop a respect for team, community, peers, authority and self Develop ability to handle adversity and learn from mistakes Provide opportunities to develop friendships and develop social skills Build school pride and promote school spirit Promote academic accountability and responsibility Improve physical fitness, cardiovascular fitness, strength and endurance Improve motor skills, perceptual skills, reaction times, and eye hand coordination Increase knowledge and understanding of their particular sport Test capabilities and help determine limits of physical ability and endurance Student-Athlete and Parent Contract 6 TH - 12 th grades (12 month contract) 1. ACADEMICS ARE THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY Students are expected to use and organize their time wisely in class and at home in order to meet Shelton s academic requirements. Athletes should communicate with coaches and teachers of problems concerning schoolwork and schedules. Students must be able to accept responsibility of academic and athletic requirements and understand that academics are the first priority. Students who fall behind and must miss practices to make up work will also miss playing time. A coach must know ahead of time in writing, phone call or email that a player will miss practices due to tutoring or after school study hall. Students may not ask another student to inform the coaches for them in their absence. 1

2. PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS IS A PRIVILEGE Students who abide by the policies, rules and guidelines of Shelton Athletics, The Shelton School, High School TAPPS and Middle School TAPS Organizations are allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities. 3. CLASS ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES Student-Athletes may NOT participate in practices or games if they are not present for at least 4 classes on school day prior to weekend or holiday activities. Assemblies do count as a class period in special situations. 4. PRACTICES ARE REQUIRED ACTIVITIES Students who fail to attend practices may receive disciplinary actions, suspensions or dismissal from the team or Athletics in special situations. Athletes are expected to be at every practice except for illness or other valid reasons. It is the athlete s responsibility to communicate with the coach prior to a missed practice or game. A written excuse, phone call or email by the parent, physician, or Shelton staff member must be turned in before the next practice. A player who fails to have a written excuse, email or phone call from a parent or guardian will receive an unexcused absence. FIRST unexcused absence: the Coach will notify the Athletic Department and the parents will be notified about the un-excused absence. The Student can be suspended for 20% of the Athletic Contests scheduled. The Athlete will dress out and sit with the team for those contests. SECOND unexcused absence: the Coach will notify the Athletic Department and the Parents will be notified. A conference will be scheduled and the Athlete can be suspended for 50% of the contests. The Athlete will make up the missed hours of practice time, at the coach s discretion. THIRD unexcused absence: the Coach will notify the Athletic Department and the parents will be notified. The Athlete can be dismissed from the team pending a parent/student/coach conference with the Athletic Department. Students who are released from teams may be ineligible from participating in other Shelton sports programs during the current season or the next consecutive season. High School Students may not receive credit and will have to follow the DROP procedures as in other classes. 5. NO-QUIT POLICY Athletes take on responsibility when they agree to participate on Shelton s athletic teams. Therefore, accountability is essential to maintain a cohesive and functional athletic program. In the event an athlete chooses to quit or is dismissed from the team after the first competition, he or she may continue conditioning in an off-season sport but may not practice or compete on a new team during the current season or the next consecutive season. This includes not being allowed to participate in organized practices, team meetings and games for another sport. All awards received will be forfeited for the season. Any extenuating circumstances may be reviewed with the Athletic Director for a final determination. 6. NO PASS - NO PLAY POLICY (PASSING is 70 and above) MIDDLE SCHOOL EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES 2

A. Seventh and eighth grade students, along with some sixth graders, can participate on Shelton teams and compete with other schools. Tryouts are designated for certain sports. B. Participation on sports teams does not take the place of P.E. requirements. C. Students who wish to attend athletic contests as spectators must have parent supervision throughout the event. Any student left unsupervised after 4:00 will be sent to late carpool and then to after school care. A fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged. D. Students may not leave campus without parent or adult supervision (i.e. crossing street to go to Wendy s or other establishments). E. Students may not participate in extra-curricular activities if they have not been in school that day a minimum of four class periods. F. A student becomes ineligible if he/she receives a failing grade (below 70) in any course at the end of the grading period. The failing grade will be reported to the MS administration by the teacher on the day the grading period ends. The MS Administration will notify all extra-curricular activity sponsors/coaches of students who are ineligible. G. When a student becomes ineligible, the period of ineligibility will last until the next mid-quarter grade report. The student regains eligibility if he/she has raised the grade to a passing grade (above 70) on the mid-quarter grade report. The student remains ineligible until the next report card if the grade is not passing (above 70) on the mid-quarter grade report. H. Students receiving an incomplete grade on the report card will be ineligible until the grade becomes complete and passing. If the incomplete grade becomes complete and is a failing grade, the student will remain ineligible until the mid-quarter grade report. The student regains eligibility if he/she has raised the grade to a passing grade (above 70) on the mid-quarter grade report. The student remains ineligible until the next report card if the grade is still incomplete or is not passing (above 70) on the mid-quarter grade report. I. Ineligibility for activities on the mid-quarter of the second semester is based on failing or incomplete grades for the first semester and/or the 2 nd quarter. J. For each grading period, the period of ineligibility begins 24 hours after the day the grading period ends and continues until the mid-quarter grade report. K. A student who is serving an in-school or out-of-school suspension will be ineligible to participate in or attend any extra-curricular activities or practices during the suspension. The Athletic Director or director of the extra-curricular activity will meet with the division administration to determine any additional consequences or further days of ineligibility. L. While ineligible, a student may participate in practices, but may not participate in the competitions, performances, or activities (i.e. compete in an athletic event, participate in school-day club meetings, or participate in other extracurricular activities as an organizer or officer.) M. Ineligible students may not miss class or advisory period for extra-curricular activities. N. The coach or sponsor of the activity may add other conditions of ineligibility. 3

UPPER SCHOOL EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES A. A student becomes ineligible if he/she earns a failing grade in any course at the end of the grading period. B. When a student becomes ineligible at the end of any grading period, the student Is ineligible for 21 calendar days. After the 21 calendar days, the student becomes eligible if he/she has passing grades in all courses. The student remains ineligible for another 21 calendar days if failing any course. If the student is still failing after 42 calendar days, the student will remain ineligible until the next report card. C. Students receiving an incomplete grade on the report card will be ineligible until the grade becomes complete and is a passing grade. If the incomplete grade becomes complete and is a failing grade, the student will remain ineligible for the remainder of the 21 calendar day period, and will follow the process as listed above in rule #2 to regain eligibility. D. Ineligibility, for activities in the first 21 calendar days of the second semester, is based on failing or incomplete grades for first semester and/or failing or incomplete grades for the second nine weeks. E. For each grading period, the period of ineligibility begins 24 hours after the grade submission deadline and continues for 21 calendar days. F. While ineligible, a student may attend practices, but may not participate in extracurricular competitions, performances, or activities (i.e. compete in an athletic event, perform or participate in a play, participate in school-day club meetings, or participate in other extracurricular activities as an organizer or officer.) G. Ineligible students may not miss class or advisory period for extra-curricular activities. H. A student who is serving an in-school or out-of-school suspension will be ineligible to participate in or attend any extra-curricular activities during the suspension. The Athletic Director or the director of the extra-curricular activity will meet with the division administration to determine any additional consequences or further days of ineligibility. I. The coach or sponsor of the activity may add other conditions of ineligibility. 7. STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN NON-SHELTON PROGRAMS (Outside of Shelton) TAPPS does not allow High School Students to participate in similar sports programs during the school year. It is the responsibility of the Athlete, Parent or Guardian to notify the Athletic Department of scheduling conflicts prior to the season. The Athletic Department and Coaches will make every reasonable attempt to assist Athletes with schedule conflicts, but the Students and Parents should understand that they must put Shelton Athletic teams and programs first or participation may be limited. Middle School students may participate in non-shelton programs of a similar sport during the season, however the parents and athletes must communicate with the coach regarding schedules and events that conflict. 8. STUDENTS MAY PARTICIPATE IN MORE THAN ONE ATHLETIC PROGRAM IN THE SAME SEASON One Team sport and one Individual Sport - Students in good academic standing and with no behavior or detention issues may participate in more than one sport in a season as long as one is a team sport and one is 4

an individual sport, and provided there are no significant schedule conflicts. Athletes must have approval of Athletic Director, head coaches and parents. Student- Student may not participate in two team sports in the same season. Team sports include Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer and Volleyball. Individual sports include Cross Country, Golf, Tennis and Track and Field. Members of Spirit Organizations such as Cheer, Chargerettes, Wranglers and Mascots are allowed to participate in Athletics if they have the approval of the sponsor, coach and athletic director. 9. POSSESSION OR USE OF TOBACCO, POSSESSION, USE OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE ALCOHOL OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES ON CAMPUS (AT SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS, ON OR OFF CAMPUS ATHLETIC EVENTS) EXPULSION OFF CAMPUS Shelton expects and requires Student/Athletes to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times. However, in the event that inappropriate behaviors happen off campus at non-school sponsored activities it is the Parents responsibility to monitor and control consequences. If illegal actions are brought to The Shelton School s attention we may investigate based on our students safety. However, consequences for off campus non-shelton related activities, events or parties fall under parental guidelines. We will help develop a strategy to correct behaviors with the parent s assistance. Students who are arrested or cited for illegal activities are under the control of their parents and Shelton will not get involved unless the safety of other students is also involved. 10. VERBAL ABUSE, BULLYING, INTERNET BULLYING, HAZING, PHYSICAL AGRESSION THESE ARE VERY INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS AND THEY ARE PROHIBITED BY SHELTON, SHELTON ATHLETICS, TAPPS AND TAPS. INFRACTIONS will be evaluated and investigated by the Coach, Athletic Director and School Administration. The Shelton School will determine what actions or consequences will take place. Consequences may include suspensions, removal from teams or athletics and in some cases expulsion. 11. STUDENTS WHO DRIVE Students who drive have a responsibility to their parents, the public and to the Shelton School to drive in a safe and friendly manner. On occasion, athletes may be granted permission by the parents and the school to drive to certain athletic events. Students who are reported driving in an unsafe, irresponsible manner may lose driving privileges to school events or have their parking permits revoked. Students will not be allowed to drive to practices between 3:15 3:45pm, Mon Thurs and 2:25 2:45pm on Fridays. Students may not drive to athletic events or leave athletic events without parent s permission. A Shelton student driver permission form must also be completed and signed by a parent and be on file in the athletic office. This form is available in the athletic office an is valid for one season at a time. Failure to have permission will result in disciplinary action. 5

12. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS. In many programs, Athletes will be issued uniforms and those uniforms will be returned to the coach of a particular sport the following Monday after the season ends. Students will not be allowed to participate in other sports until all equipment, uniforms and/or fees are turned in from the previous sport played. Additionally, an athlete will not be able to take a midterm or end of year final until this has been handled. 13. STUDENTS ARE TO RESPECT THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS, SHELTON AND OPPONENTS Any athlete who takes another student s belongings without permission of the owner may be dismissed for the season and is subject to all consequences outlined in the Shelton handbook. Any student who damages Shelton equipment, facilities or uniforms will pay for ALL damages. Damage or theft to opponent s school or personal belongings may result in dismissal from the Athletic program. 14. CONFLICT RESOLUTION Both parenting and coaching are difficult vocations. By keeping lines of communication open between parents and coaches, many potential problems can be avoided. Any parent or athlete who has a concern regarding another Student, Parent or Coach is asked to first contact the particular coach for that situation. 15. MEDICAL INSURANCE AND INJURIES Medical insurance is required for all athletic participants. Parents will be asked to provide policy information on the Athletic Participation form, one of the required forms to participate in athletics. If an athlete does not have medical insurance, student accident insurance is available for purchase through the Shelton business office. Report any injuries immediately to your coach and trainer. Injuries requiring medical attention need a written clearance from a physician for further participation. Parent notes without doctor notes will not excuse athletes from participating in the athletic period, practice, or workouts. Because a student can always contribute something, injured athletes are expected to attend all practices/games unless approved through the coach. 16. 8 TH PERIOD ATHLETICS (HIGH SCHOOL) Who is involved and when? 1 st semester only Cheer Both semesters Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Track, Student Athletic Trainers and Chargerettes NOTE: Tennis will be in study hall during 2 nd semester for 8 th period. Cross Country and Golf will not participate in 8 th period athletics. Managers If a manager is a non-athlete, then they will not be enrolled in the Athletic Period. Once an athlete is enrolled in the athletic period, they will remain in the athletic period for the entire semester. Half a pe credit is given for the semester. 6

STUDENT ATHLETE CONTRACT SIGNATURE PAGE 2015-2016 PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO THE ATHLETIC OFFICE PRIOR TO PLAYER PARTICIPATION I have read the Shelton Student Athlete contract and I will abide by the policies of the school. Date Parents signature Parents Name (Printed) ******************************************************************************* Date Students signature Students Name (Printed) rev 7-2015 7