ATHLETIC STUDENT
HANDBOOK
2004 -2005
The purpose of this Lee High Athletic Handbook is to establish pertinent
operating procedures for the athletic staff of Lee High School.
This ready reference will facilitate the process of seeking information about
administrative rules and regulations and will provide a framework within which
the athletic department can operate smoothly and efficiently according to our
own guidelines as well as those guidelines from the Virginia High School League.
Lee High School coaches, Athletic Director, and Lee High administration gave
input and accepted this handbook.
Lee High School Athletic Department believes that every possible opportunity
must be provided for those students endowed with outstanding physical and
mental ability to be able to prepare themselves to compete at a level beyond that
normally offered in the instructional program of the school. We believe the
talented athlete will be allowed to develop their skills and knowledge to the
highest level of that student's ability. Hard work and practice will lead to
competency on the practice field, which offers a laboratory to measure
accomplishments and set personal and team goals.
In addition to the development of these physical skills, the Athletic Department
believes each athlete should have the opportunity to develop and hone those
mental and social skills that lead to good citizenship, good manners, and good
attitudes. Excellence on the playing field and in the classroom comes from
commitment and willingness to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of the
team. Respectful relationships with teammates, coaches and opponents will
develop loyalty, dedication, spirit, pride and dignity.
Lee High School Athletic Department believes the enrichment of the total student
is achieved through educational, social, moral, emotional, and physical
development. This principle is the foundation of all our school athletic programs.
1. To contribute to the physical fitness and athletic skills of participants by
teaching a sound program of conditioning and skill development.
2. To teach values of sportsmanship according to the Virginia High School
League Sportsmanship Code so participants learn to be humble in victory and
gracious in defeat.
3. To teach self-discipline by educating students about lifestyle choices and the
consequences of those choices. By reinforcing positive behaviors that contribute
in a positive way to team effectiveness and success.
4. To teach the compatibility of self-reliance and cooperation. To design
recognition for contributions of individual athletes that demonstrates successful
efforts of such behavior toward the success of the team.
5. To unify the school by providing common goals and common purpose, which
involves all students, thereby generating school spirit.
6. To provide a wholesome environment for athletic participation by teaching
and modeling positive attitudes, values and purpose.
7. To counsel students of recreational and collegiate goals consistent with their
interests, abilities and needs.
OBJECTIVES OF THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM
The school administrator shall: (back to top)
1. Encourage and promote friendly relationship and good sportsmanship
throughout the school by requiring courtesy and proper decorum at all times, by
acquainting students and others in the community with ideas of good
sportsmanship, and by so publicizing these concepts and attitudes that all
members of the school community will understand and appreciate their meaning.
2. Insist upon implicit compliance with all rules and regulations of the Virginia
High School League.
3. Secure qualified officials for all contests.
4. Insist upon adequate safety provisions for all activities for both participants
and spectators.
5. Approve only those activities and schedules that are educationally and
physically sound for the school pupil.
6. Encourage everyone to judge the success of the athletic program on the basis
of the attitude of the participants and spectators, rather than on the basis of the
number of games won or lost.
7. Insist that the school cheerleaders exemplify the highest standards of good
sportsmanship as a means of installing desirable spectator attitudes.
8. Provide adequate hygienic, sanitary, and attractive facilities for the dressing
and housing of visiting teams and officials.
9. Provide for the efficient handling of all athletic funds with such safeguards as
audits, insurance, and proper bookkeeping, to insure maximum benefits from
available funds.
10. Review with the staff the Virginia High School League Sportsmanship Rules.
11. Provide an adequate athletic program for girls and boys to meet their athletic
interests within the school's facility and the economic feasibility of the involved
schools.
The student must : (back to top)
1. Be a regular bona fide student in good standing.
2. Have been promoted to the ninth grade.
3. Have enrolled in the school represented not later than the tenth day of the
current semester.
4. Have passed at least five subjects the previous semester and must be
currently enrolled in not less than five subjects/credits.
5. Not have reached his/her nineteenth birthday on or before the first day of
August of the current school year.
6. Have been in residence at the current high school, or at a junior high from
which the high school receives its students, during the last full semester, unless
the student is transferring from a school with a corresponding move on the part
of his/her parents into the attendance zone served by the current school; or
unless the student is transferring from a ninth grade for the first time; or unless the
student is transferring from a Virginia public school and, at the former school, the
student did not participate this school year in the sport he/she wishes to play.
7. Not, after entering the ninth grade for the first time or after first enrolling in a
school year after passing five eighth-grade subjects, have been enrolled in or
been eligible for enrollment in high school more than eight consecutive semesters
or have represented a high school or prep school in a varsity sport for more than
four years.
8. Be an amateur as defined by the Virginia High School League. An amateur is an athlete who engages in VHSL athletics solely for the educational, physical, mental, and social benefits he/she strives for, and to whom VHSL athletics are nothing more than an avocation.
9. Have submitted to the principal, before becoming a member of any school athletic team, an Athletic Participation Parental Consent Physician(s) Certificate Form, totally completed and properly signed, attesting that the student has been examined and found to be physically fit for athletic competition and that the student(s) parents consent to their participation.
10. Not accept, nor have accepted, in recognition of his/her ability as a high school athlete, any award not presented or approved by his/her school or the league.
11. Not, while a member of his/her school(s) team in any sport become a member of or participate with any other organized team or participate in any Non-VHSL sanctioned meet or tournament in the same sport during the same sport season.
12. Not have participated in any all-star contest between teams
whose players are selected from more than one high school.
The spectator should: (back to top)
1. Realize that he/she represents the school just as definitely as does the member of the team, and, therefore, has an obligation to be a true sportsman, encouraging through his/her behavior the practice of good sportsmanship by others.
2. Recognize that good sportsmanship is more important than victory by approving and applauding good team play, individual skill, and outstanding examples of sportsmanship and fair play exhibited by either team.
3. Recognize that, since the primary purpose of interscholastic athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well being of the players through the medium of contests, victory or defeat is in reality of secondary importance.
4. Treat visiting teams and officials as guests, extending to them every possible courtesy.
5. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat; congratulate sportsmanship and effort.
6. Respect the judgment and integrity of officials, realizing that their decisions are based upon game conditions as they observe them.
Understand that when physical or verbal abuse/threats/actions are deemed so severe as to interfere with the functioning of the athletic goals of Lee High School, the offending party/parties will be banned for an unspecified length of time from all school activities, and, or, be charged through a court of law.
Set an appointment through the school for a conference with a coach and administrator to discuss any problems or concerns related to the Athletic Department.
Respect the necessity of having only authorized personnel on the playing practice area, dressing area or on school transportation.
B. Emergency Data Form
Prior to a candidate participating in a try-out session, the coach must have complete emergency data information for each candidate. The coach will keep one copy of this data and another copy will be given to the athletic director.
C. Equipment Distribution
1. An orderly and organized method of equipment distribution must be established to insure that candidates are properly fitted with all necessary equipment.
2. Records of all issued equipment must be kept.
D. Transportation
Bus Request Forms for the entire season should be filed with the Athletic Director one week prior to the first scrimmage of each sport .
E. Athletic Insurance (back to top)
All team members who are covered by the regular school blanket scholastic policy have insurance protection while practicing or playing with the school team. Additional athletic insurance is recommended for all squad members.
1. The coach in charge of each athletic activity is responsible for squad members from the time they report to practice, game, or departure time until they leave the school at the conclusion of the activity.
2. The coach must not leave until all squad members have departed from the designated parental pick-up point. Coaches are responsible for securing the area utilized for the activity. Head coaches may delegate duties within their staff. When more than one sport uses the same facility a coach of another sport agrees to remain to secure that area of the school. After school practice begins promptly at 3:15 p.m.
3. The head coach is responsible for the conduct and safety of all squad members while they are representing the school at away contests. To facilitate this responsibility, all athletes are required to travel on school furnished transportation. Parents who wish to transport their child home from a game must sign a wavier with the coach before removing the athlete from the coach =s care. Anyone other than a parent wishing to transport an athlete must have written permission from the custodial parent submitted to the school principal one day prior to the game. The principal will either approve or disapprove this request and inform the head coach/travel designee before the team leaves for the game.
4. The head coach will turn in the sign-out sheet to the athletic director the next school day.
5. Use of the weight room is encouraged for all sports. Adult school personnel must be present to supervise the weight room area. The weight room is to never be left unlocked or unsupervised.
6. All athletes must bring their materials from the main building to the field house or locker room immediately after school. Students are not allowed back into the main building area after the practices or games unless a coach accompanies them. Violation of this may require the athlete to sit out the next game.
C. Injuries (back to top)
1. If an injury occurs, first aide should be administered immediately.
2. If the injury is serious, the coach should notify the athletic trainer and/or seek proper medical attention immediately.
3. The coach/designee should contact a parent or guardian and advise him/her of the situation.
4. If an injury requires medical attention an injury report must be filed in the main office along with a school insurance form.
D. Care of School Facilities
The coach must instruct squad members to respect school facilities and all athletes and coaches must inform the Athletic Director of any damages to the Lee High or to any host school. Disciplinary action will be taken.
E. Practice Schedules
The Athletic Director will make practice schedules for the use of the school facilities. If a coach wants to use the facilities other than during the assigned times, the use should be cleared first with the Athletic Director. If a coach wants to use the weight room or any facility for an outside group, prior permission must be secured through the AD.
F. Purchase Orders
1. Before any equipment or supplies are ordered, a purchase order must be completed with company name, price, and necessary signatures.
2. NO ORDER IS TO BE PLACED WITHOUT THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AND THE PRINCIPAL’S APPROVAL.
3. All coaches will adhere to the bid policy of the Lee County School Board.
4. The Athletic Director will place all orders.
***Invoices must be given to the AD as soon as they are received.***
G. School Student Season Participation Rule (back to top)
Once a student begins practice in a sport and squad membership is terminated by a coach for a reason other than being cut, or by the student voluntarily withdrawing from the squad before six practices, he/she is ineligible to participate in any other sport during that season unless given approval by the Athletic Director after a thorough investigation of the case. He/she cannot start the next season sport until the first season sport is finished. The student can be involved in a weight program or open gym program if these are open to all students.
2. Players dropped from squad:
A. If a player is dropped from a squad for any reason, the coach must give, in writing to the Athletic Director, the reason for dismissal from the squad.
B. If the player quits the team, the coach must give his/her name, in writing, to the Athletic Director.
3. If, at the conclusion of Junior Varsity season, an athlete moves to the varsity for one day, this athlete becomes a part of that team for the duration of the season.
H. Awards/Recognitions (back to top)
1. There are three athletic social/presentation events during the school year, one to follow each of the seasonal sport groups. These events will include parents, athletes, and community members. Dates will be announced.
***Senior Night is the last home game in each sport.***
3. Mr. LHS and Miss LHS events are held between varsity basketball games. Football Homecoming activities are held during halftime.
4. Certificates, medals, trophies and letters are awarded to athletes at the appropriate banquets. Each sport will announce the criteria for earning a letter. These will be the official Lee High General letters made for and awarded only to deserving athletes.
5. Hall of Fame criteria is located in the appendix of this document.
I. Reporting Home Varsity Game Scores
As soon as feasible after a home varsity game, match or meet. The coach is responsible for notifying the newspapers of the score and any other pertinent information relative to the game. Results are also to be reported to the school so an announcement can be made to the student body.
J. Monitoring Student Athlete Grades (back to top)
Lee High School believes that students should have academics as their first priority, when that happens, sports and all other activities find their level of importance. No student should jeopardize academic standing to participate in a school-sponsored sport. Coaches should have an active role in monitoring of an athlete =s academic progress. Participation in Lee High School sports is a privilege based on athletic ability and academic progress. Coaches have the opportunity to be a role model of influence in young people =s lives as they stress academic success and its correlation to success on the playing field. Under no circumstance is a coach to provide any extra assistance to a student that is not also available to the entire student body.
1. The coach must submit the names of all students who are trying out
for his/her team to the Athletic Director for an eligibility check.
***This is mandated by the VHSL.***
2. As the team is selected and the team members have met the eligibility requirements for the state, they should be given, in writing, a copy of the school system requirements for graduation and a copy of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requirements for eligibility at the Division I level. This will include a listing of >Core Subjects = and SAT requirements. The coach will meet individually with those students who have the most potential or desire to compete at the collegiate level.
3. Once the season is underway, the first and best way for coaches to monitor academic performance is by Progress Reports. Individual coaches should ask their players to submit a copy of the reports to them. Each coach should record the grades of the players for future reference.
4. If, at Progress Report time, a student has received a grade of >D = or lower, and if the coach deems it necessary, that student will be responsible for giving weekly reports, concerning the grade in that particular class, to his/her coach. The weekly/daily checks will continue until the official report card for that term has been issued. If, at that time, the student in question has brought the grade to an acceptable level, then the weekly teacher reports will end.
5. If, at the time of report cards, the student has not made an improvement in that particular class(e's), then the coach and student should discuss the situation to determine if athletic participation is causing the poor performance in the classroom. Some suggestions at this point might be for the student to attend tutoring sessions in place of practice one day per week, or have the student sit out all or part of a game until progress is shown. The idea is to use athletic participation to motivate the student in the classroom. The coach should look at each case individually and, along with the student, develop as plan that would increase classroom performance, while still allowing the student to participate in school sports.
6. If the situation does not improve a parent conference may be needed.
Coaches are to inventory equipment and to determine requirements. Examine various models and styles available. Follow the procedures for submitting purchase orders and accepting bids. Coaches must adhere to this procedure.
No coach is authorized to obligate the school for the purchase of athletic equipment.
V. Public Relations (back to top)
The athletic coach is consistently placed under the scrutiny of the public and probably is more susceptible to public criticism than any other member of the teaching profession. Therefore, it is most important that a coach be constantly aware of manner, methods, and presence in the performance of their job duties. Cooperation with the media, willingness to communicate with parents and open mindedness are all necessary for a successful public relations program. Uppermost in a coach =s mind when performing in public should be the realization that he/she is not only being viewed as an individual but also as a leader of youth and a representative of the coaching and teaching profession.
VI. Miscellaneous
A. Sunday Rule (back to top)
No member school of the Virginia High School League may schedule or play an athletic contest or engage in regular practice on Sunday.
Coaches should have practice times scheduled and posted in advance so players and parents know starting and finishing times. People have other commitments and coaches should go by their practice schedules.
C. Sports Season Rule (back to top)
No member school team shall engage in any athletic practice in any sport prior to the opening season dates. ( See Sports Seasons on page 19 )
D. Coaches’ Offices
Coaches’ offices are to be used by physical education teachers and coaches only. Students should be in these areas only when they have business and permission.
E. Two Sports in One Season Rule (back to top)
1. Athlete determines which sport is priority sport at the beginning of the fall-winter-spring sport season with approval and understanding of all coaches involved.
2. The designated priority sport will take precedence over the second sport in practices and games. Coaches and athlete should have a schedule of practices and games for both sports.
3. Theater, Forensics and Scholastic Bowl are priority sports.
4. If conflicts arise the priority sport coach makes decisions.
VII. Player’s Responsibilities
A. Practice (back to top)
1. Players must be on time to practice unless given permission by the coach not to attend practice.
2. A student-athlete who finds it necessary to miss practice must make necessary arrangements personally with his/her respective coaches. This should always be done before, not after, missing practice. (Illness may be an exception)
3. In the event of illness, a squad member should notify the coach by phone prior to practice time.
4. Students are not allowed back into the main building area after the practices or games unless a coach accompanies them. Violation of this may require the athlete to sit out the next game.
B. Training Regulations (back to top)
1. The use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs will not be permitted on school property or at any school activity.
2. Curfews set by coaches must be adhered to by all athletes. Offenders will be disciplined.
- 3. School rules apply to game and practice situations. Legal system convictions may result in an athlete =s removal from a team.
C. Attendance and Conduct (back to top)
- Regular attendance at school is mandatory to participate in athletics.
- Any student-athlete must attend two hours of school during a school day
- to be eligible to play or practice that day. Leaving school prior to the checkout time for away games must be for a medical appointment. Just leaving to pick up an early dinner or clothes left at home will not be an acceptable excuse. THINK AHEAD! If an athlete must be out of school on a game or practice day, it will be excused only for medical reasons or because of a death in the family.
3. Improper conduct in the classroom will not be tolerated.
4. Student-athletes are expected to maintain self control and realize they are representatives of Lee High School, their parents and themselves at all times, both on and off the playing field.
5. Unexcused tardies to school or class and/or unexcused absences from school will not be tolerated. If athletes must serve detention they must attend the regular detention sessions offered to all other students.
6. Students will not be able to practice or play on days they have been assigned In School Suspension or Out of School Suspension.
D. Appearance (back to top)
Student-Athletes are to be well groomed. Extremes in any case will not be tolerated. School dress code rules apply.
E. Equipment
1. All equipment must be handled with the utmost care.
2. Practice gear should be laundered periodically.
3. After athletic contests, each player is responsible for returning equipment to the coach /designee.
F. Athletic Trips (back to top)
1. Players are requested to wear proper attire as specified by the coach.
2. Dress should be neat and representative of Lee High.
3. Players are reminded of the proper conduct to and from the contest while on the bus or at the opponent =s facility.
- 4. Players must travel with the team to a contest. Athletes are strongly encouraged to return with the team on the bus as this builds team solidarity and spirit; however, if parents want their child to return home with them, parents will sign them out with the coach/designee - not verbal notification - but signed, with the time they assumed responsibility of their child from the coach. Penality for not following this directive: FIRST OFFENSE – One game suspension. SECOND OFFENSE – Dismissal from team. Exception: An athlete may be returned home by someone other than their parent/guardian, if, a signed permission by the parent is given to the principal no later than the day prior to the game. This note will state who is to assume the responsibility of the athlete. The principal will approve/disapprove this request and give to the coach a list of those athletes not making the return trip with the team. The coach will then release the player to the designated person after the game. NO ONE will leave the team to ride home with anyone other than their parent without this written parental request received by the school on the day prior to the game. Emergencies will be dealt with as they occur.
G. After the Season
1. Athletes must return all school equipment as instructed.
2. Athletes should participate in some form of off-season activity or another sport to maintain a degree of fitness.
3. Athletes must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their sport, their school, and themselves at all times.
ATHLETIC INFORMATION FOR 2004 – 2005
Eighth Graders – Eligible eighth graders students MUST have written approval from the 8 th grade principal and Lee High School principal in order to play on a JV team.
General Admission for Athletic Events – (back to top)
(General admission prices do not apply to tournaments or playoff games.)
Varsity Football $5.00 J.V. Football $3.00
( If two games are played) $4.00
Baseball $4.00 Softball $4.00
Track $3.00 Volleyball $4.00
Girls & Boys Basketball $5.00 Girls & Boys J.V. Basketball $4.00
These ticket prices are subject to change.
All Sports Season Pass: Adult $75.00 Student $45.00 Reserved Football only $30.00
Special package prices do not include tournament or play off games.
Letter and Award Information – See Athletic Handbook.
Spectators should:
- Realize that he/she represents the school just as definitely as does the team members, and therefore, has an obligation to be a true sportsman, encouraging through his/her behavior the practice of good sportsmanship by others.
- Recognize that good sportsmanship is more important than victory by approving and applauding good team play, individual skill, and outstanding example of sportsmanship and fair play exhibited by either.
- Recognize that, since the primary purpose of interscholastic athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well being of the players through the medium of contests, victory or defeat is in reality of secondary importance.
- Treat visiting teams and officials as guests, extending to them every possible courtesy.
- Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat, congratulate sportsmanship and effort.
- Respect the judgment and integrity of officials, realizing that their decisions are based upon game
conditions as they observe them.
- Understand when physical or verbal abuse/threats/actions are deemed so severe as to interfere with the functioning of the athletic goals of Lee High School, the offending part/parties will be banned for an unspecified length of time from all school activities, and/or be charged through a court of law.
- Set an appointment through the school for a conference with a coach and administrator to discuss any problems or concerns related to the Athletic Department.
- Respect the necessity of having only authorized personnel on the play and practice area, dressing areas or on school transportation.
Sport and Beginning Practice Date: (back to top)
- Fall Season Sports Football and Golf August 2, 2004
Cross Country August 9, 2004
Volleyball
Theater
Forensics
Scholastic Bowl
- Winter Season Sports Girls & Boys Basketball November 15, 2004
Indoor Track
- Spring Season Sports Baseball February 21, 2004
Softball
Girls & Boys Outdoor Track
Girls & Boys Tennis