HISD Athletic Handbook Dear Parents: Enclosed is the Athletic Handbook and the student/parent contract. The handbook will explain the philosophy, regulations, standards and responsibilities of both the athlete and the parent. Our coaching staff and school administration believe that participation in athletics is a privilege. Since it is a privilege there are guidelines the athlete must follow. Athletes, in our opinion, should be role models and leaders of the school. Athletes represent not only the school, but their community as well. For these reasons, we hold athletes to higher standards than our other students. In order to provide a meaningful program, we are asking that you and your athlete sign a student athlete agreement to show that you support the rules and regulations for our athletes. This agreement is designed to be a preventive measure for all parties involved. If you have any questions concerning the handbook, please feel free to contact the Athletic Office at 977-1645. Sincerely Rudy De Los Santos Director of Athletics 1
Athletic Program Participation It is the goal of this athletic program to offer the opportunity of participation to every student who has the ability and desire to do so. H.I.S.D. has a no cut policy below the junior level. There are no guarantees in athletics; therefore; playing time is not guaranteed at any level. Coaches will not discuss playing time with parents. Conferences will be limited to parents or legal guardians. Conferences will only be held after parents have contacted the coach and made an appointment. The value of athletics is that you learn important lessons such as work ethic, courage, perseverance and poise. These lessons are essential in preparing young men and women to be productive citizens. However, no student is obligated to take part in athletics nor is participation in athletics required for graduation. Participation in Athletics is a privilege and as such, this privilege can be revoked. 2
Athletic Insurance Information Harlandale ISD provides a blanket insurance coverage for all students involved in extracurricular activities. This insurance is a secondary coverage to any insurance coverage that you as a parent have for your child (except if you have Medicaid or CHIPS) Procedure if your child is injured: Make sure you inform your child s coach/athletic trainer of an injury. The coach/athletic trainer will provide you with a claim form that must be filled out completely and signed. Our insurance carrier will not pay if the form is not completed and signed. Before you take your child to the doctor, please consult with our trainer. He/She will provide a network of specialists to better serve your child. The use of the network will also assist in keeping your out of pocket expenses to a minimum. (In case of an emergency disregard and seek immediate medical help). Provide copies of any bills that you receive to our athletic trainers. If you do take your child to the emergency room or doctor please provide a copy of your completed form to our athletic trainers. The insurance coverage that Harlandale ISD provides is a good secondary coverage. You must use your personal insurance as the primary coverage. Use of both insurances should limit any out of pocket expenses. If you do not have coverage our insurance will become the primary. It will not cover all expenses and you will have a balance which you will be responsible for. However, it is important that you follow the before mentioned steps in order to help limit your expenses. 3
Responsibilities of a Spectator Always be positive: Cheering for good play on both teams creates a positive game atmosphere. Treat officials and coaches with respect. These men and women are professionals who have been trained to do their jobs. Refrain from distracting players during the game. There are plenty of opportunities to speak to your sons or daughters after the game Remember the game is for the athletes. Give them a chance to shine. Do not bring attention to your self as a spectator. Realize that if you are ejected from a game you may be banned from all U.I.L events. Enjoy yourself at the games, realize that your son or daughters high school careers are short, so attend as many games as possible. 4
HISD Athletics Behavior Agreement Participation in athletics at HISD is a privilege. To enjoy this privilege, student/athletes are expected to behave in an orderly manner at all time. Guidelines for behavior include (but are not limited to) the following: 1. The athletes must abide by the laws of the City, State, and Federal government. Any athlete charged or convicted of a felony will be suspended. Administration will determine the length of the suspension. 2. The athlete must abide by all the rules set forth by the staff, school, school district, and the UIL. 3. The athlete will abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. 4. The athlete will conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner. 5. The athlete will refrain from abusive and profane language. 6. The athlete will not steal another person s belongings. 7. The athlete will be responsible for all equipment issued to them and will be held accountable for any items that are lost, damaged, or stolen. 8. The athlete may not leave one sport to join another until the first sport has completed its season. Upon quitting one sport, the athlete must receive the permission of the head coach to be reinstated into the program. 9. The athlete must be present at all practices. Athletes must notify their coach prior to an unavoidable absence, or must bring a written excuse to their coach afterward. 10. The athlete will not dress or alter his appearance in a way that will draw inordinate attention to themselves. Boy athletes will not wear earrings during school functions, maintain their hair in a neat orderly fashion and will not wear saggy pants. Girls will dress according to school policy and maintain their hair in a manner which will not bring inordinate attention to themselves. Any athlete failing to comply with these guidelines for behavior may face any or all of the following corrective measure: 1. Conference between coach/parent/athlete 2. Suspension from athletics 3. Counseling with a high school counselor and/or administrator 4. Counseling with outside counselors of an accredited agency 5. Reference letter from a teacher 6. Letter from the athlete requesting reinstatement to the athletic program 7. Expulsion from athletics 8. Other measured as deemed necessary by the head coach of the particular sport 5
As parent and student I agree to follow the stipulations set forth in this handbook. I realize that these stipulations are set in order to make my participation in athletics a positive experience for everyone associated with the athletic department at Harlandale ISD. Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date 6