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Athletic Handbook... ATHLETIC STATEMENT This athletic booklet is designed to inform athletes and their parents or guardians of the rules, regulations and information that helped develop the rich tradition of competition at Lafayette Jefferson High School. Participation in high school athletics is a privilege which carries with it varying degrees of honor, responsibility and sacrifice. Since athletic competition on high school teams is a privilege and not a right, those who choose to participate will be expected to follow the Code of Conduct established by the administration and other specific coaches’ rules for their sport. Athletes represent their school and student body. Athletes are to conduct themselves in a manner that is acceptable to their family, Lafayette Jefferson High School and the community.
ATHLETIC
PHILOSOPHY ATHLETE DEFINED The Lafayette Jefferson athlete is defined as and includes all young men and women who represent a team that engages in interscholastic competition and further includes bat maids, mat maids, swim maids, cheerleaders, lifters, student managers, trainers and statisticians. ATHLETIC PROGRAM PROFILE Lafayette Jefferson High School supports twenty (21) sports offers 56 different teams to over 750 students in grades 9-12. Student-athletes are coached by 72 men and women and participate in over 600 contests per year. Lafayette Jefferson has been a member of the North Central Conference from the1931-32 school year to the 2002-2003 school year. Starting with the 2003-2004 school year Lafyette Jefferson became a member of the Hoosier Crossroads Conference (HCC). Other members of the HCC are Avon, Brownsburg, Hamilton Southeastern, Harrison, McCutcheon, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville, and in 2007 Fishers. A Conference All Sports Champion plaque is awarded to the girls’ and the boys’ team that has accumulated the most points at the end of the year. ELIGIBILITYRESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS To participate in athletics at Lafayette Jefferson High School, a student must be properly enrolled and meet Lafayette School Corporation and Indiana High School Athletic Association participation requirements. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY AT LAFAYETTE JEFFERSON Student-athletes must be passing five credits each nine weeks grading period (semester-ending grades take precedence) in order to continue to participate as a team member. Coaches and sponsors can check progress of students by talking with teachers, issuing periodic grade checks and checking grade cards at the end of grading periods. It is the policy of the athletic department to work closely with the academic progress of each participant. Students with failing grades will attend practices and/or study table during periods of ineligibility (at coaches’ discretion). PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS Every student-athlete is required by Lafayette Jefferson High School and the IHSAA to have a physical examination completed and on file with the athletic office before practicing in any sport. Physical exams are the responsibility of the athlete and his/her parents. The physical exam must be completed and dated after May 1st to be accepted for the following school year. WHAT MUST BE DONE BEFORE YOUR FIRST PRACTICE Before participating in a practice for any team, an athlete and his/her parent/guardian must have all forms required by Lafayette Jefferson High School and the Indiana High School Athletic Association completed, signed and on file in the Athletic Office: * physical examination form * one time participation fee * code of conduct form * emergency medical release form * if a transfer student--forms beginning the athletic transfer process Transfer students new to Lafayette Jefferson can not compete in interscholastic contests until an athletic transfer is complete. CODE OF CONDUCTSTATEMENT The following Lafayette Jefferson athletic rules are in accordance with the Indiana High School Athletic Association constitution. The conduct of participants in athletics at Lafayette Jefferson, in or out of school, year-round, shall be such as: 1) not to reflect discredit upon our school, and 2) not to create a disruptive influence on the discipline, good order, moral or educational environment in our school. Any such violation of these principles shall be subject to disciplinary measures. ENFORCEMENT of the Code of Conduct The Athletic Director or his/her designee shall enforce all rules and regulations as described in the Code of Conduct (hereafter the Code) for athletes. All rules regarding behavior and/or training as outlined in IHSAA regulations apply. The Code will be reinforced by the coach of each sport during the year. Parents/Guardians and athletes are required to sign the acknowledgment, consent, injury awareness and disclosure document stating that they understand the Code and the athlete is subject to disciplinary measure should he/she violate the Code. Any alleged violation of the Code shall be reported first to the coach or his/her designee and then is to be followed by an investigation by any or all of the following people... coach, sponsor, athletic director, principal or his/her designee. If a violation of the Code has been determined to have occurred, a meeting will take place between the Athletic Director or his/her designee and the athlete in question. The Code is in force twelve (12) months a year, grades nine through twelve (9-12). EXPECTED STANDARDS of CONDUCT for ATHLETES Ø The good of the team is first and foremost. While individual needs are important, teamwork is an expectation. Ø No player(s) will ever employ illegal tactics to gain an undeserved advantage. All players will devote themselves to being a true sportsman. Ø All athletes will care for all equipment as though it were their own personal property. If equipment is destroyed through normal wear and tear during practice, the school will replace the item(s). If equipment is lost or stolen the athlete(s), will fulfill his/her responsibility by paying for replacement of item(s). Ø All athletes will obey the specific training and practice rules of their team as given to them by the coaching staff. Ø Athletes should not engage in negative activities. Drinking alcohol, taking controlled drug substances, using tobacco products, using profanity and being disobedient are harmful to athletes and their team. Maximum effort and performance cannot be attained by participation in these activities. Ø Athletes and support students of the team must pass five credits each grading period to be eligible to participate in athletics. Team members should plan their time so that they devote energy to their studies to insure passing grades that represent their true abilities. Ø Athletes should be a positive influence in all they attempt to do. They are to work for the betterment of Lafayette Jefferson and set a good example by doing what is right and good. Ø Officials deserve courteous respect. The purpose of officials is to insure both teams a fair contest; they are not responsible for losing games or contests. Ø Athletes should appreciate the fact that coaches, teachers and school officials have the best interest of all athletes in mind as they purchase equipment, schedule contests and conduct the athletic program.
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All
Lafayette Jefferson athletes must comply with the standards of our
athletic code of conduct and school rules or be subject to disciplinary
action or dismissal from a team as determined by the rules, coaching
staff, athletic director, and/or principal of Lafayette Jefferson High
School. RULES of the CODE of CONDUCT The following rules are specific examples of conduct that would violate the Code of Conduct as set forth above. Conduct that is not covered by these specific examples but that violates the principles of the Code of Conduct is subject to disciplinary measures. Rule 1. Athletes (hereafter student staff, student athletic trainers, managers, and cheerleaders are included in the term ‘athletes’) shall not partake in any degree or be in possession of illegal drugs and/or alcoholic beverages. Consequence: The use of illegal drugs and/or alcohol is not in accordance with this code of conduct and will result in an automatic suspension of participation in athletic events and from the athletic squad or team in which the student is participating for 30% of the contests for such team or squad and the athlete will be placed on athletic probation for a period of one (1) calendar year for the first offense. Practice for an athlete, who is under suspension, is at the discretion of the coach. The athlete must agree to enter a substance abuse assessment program and enroll in an appropriate intervention or educational program. A second offense of this rule or any other rule of this code, while the athlete is on probation, shall result in immediate suspension from all athletic participation for one calendar year from the date of the violation. Rule 2. Athletes shall not partake in any degree or be in possession of tobacco substances. Consequence: The use of tobacco products is not in accordance with this code of conduct and will result in an automatic suspension from participation in athletic events and from the athletic squad or team that he/she is participating for 30% of the contests for such team or squad and serve an athletic probation for one (1) calendar year for the first offense. Practice for an athlete, who is under suspension, is at the discretion of the coach. A second offense of this rule or any other rule of this code, while the athlete is on probation, shall result in immediate suspension from all athletic participation for one calendar year from the date of the violation. Rule 3. Misdemeanors and acts of delinquency. Consequence: Any athletes arrested or detained as a juvenile on such a charge will be suspended from participation pending investigation of the incident. Conviction of a felony at any time shall exclude the student/athlete from athletic participation for one full year (12 months) from the day the violation is confirmed. Conviction of a misdemeanor shall be subject to athletic suspension for up to 30% of the contests on the first offense with practice at the discretion of each coach. A second offense of this rule or any other rule of this code, while the athlete is on probation, shall result in immediate suspension from all athletic participation for one calendar year from the date of the violation. Rule 4. Athletes may not exhibit personal behavior while in or outside the school that reflects poor judgment and is not exemplary conduct expected of a student/athlete. Consequence: Any athlete exhibiting personal behavior or poor judgment that is not exemplary will result in suspension for up to 30% of the contests on the first offense. Practice for an athlete who is under suspension is at the discretion of the coach. A second offense of this rule or any other rule of this code, while the athlete is on probation, may result in immediate suspension from all athletic participation for one calendar year from the date of the violation. Rule 5. Any athlete who is in violation of school rules resulting in truancy, suspension, classroom disruption or other punishable acts will be disciplined by the already-established school rules. The athlete may further be dealt with within the structure of each coach’s rules for his/her sport. If an athlete is suspended out-of-school for any reason, he/she will be ineligible for all contests and practices during the term of his/her suspension. Practice is at the discretion of the coach for any athlete suspended in-school. Athletes suspended out-of-school cannot practice during the suspension time. Rule 6. The coach of each sport may set specific team rules. These rules and the penalties for breaking them will be given to the athletes in writing by the coach at the first meeting or practice of that sport. These written regulations must be approved and on file with the Athletic Director. SELF-REPORT CLAUSE It is the intent of Lafayette Jefferson to assist students with developing responsibility for their actions and to encourage honesty. Therefore, any student who voluntarily reports on him/herself as to a violation of the Code of Conduct before being reported by some other means or within 2 week days (Monday–Friday) will be permitted leniency. This student will serve a lesser penalty for the infraction than stated; he/she will not be permitted to participate in a number of contests equal to one-half of the previous stated penalties or at least one contest of the sport season he/she is in or will be in. This Self-Report clause can be used only on a first violation of any rule and can be used only once during the 365 days following the athlete’s first Code of Conduct rule violation. COMPASSION CLAUSE Any student serving a one year suspension may restore his/her athletic eligibility by completing the Community Service Program established and monitored by the Athletic Director or his/her designee. RESPONSIBILITY AT SOCIAL EVENTS Attendance at social events (parties, dances, etc.) is up to the athlete and his/her parents. However, athletes are expected to leave social events immediately where there is illegal use of chemical substances and/or alcohol. All athletes must understand that failure to leave such events could result in disciplinary action or dismissal from a team as determined by the rules, coaching staff, athletic director, and/or principal of Lafayette Jefferson High School. ATHLETIC SEASON DEFINED The athletic season is defined as commencing with the first practice and ending with the elimination of the team and/or individual from the state tournament series. Penalties for violations take effect immediately upon verification of any violation and will include games in succession, i.e. season schedule, tournaments and state series, in order of competition. FORFEITURE OF AWARDS If an athlete re-establishes his/her eligibility before the end of the athletic season (see definition above) and is considered to be in good standing with his/her team, the athlete may be considered a candidate for all letters and awards for that sport season. Failure to re-establish eligibility will result in forfeiture of all letters and awards for that sport season. CARRY-OVER SUSPENSION If a violation of the Code occurs in the last part of a sport and the violator cannot fulfill the terms of his/her violation in that sport the suspension does carry-over until the suspension is fulfilled. This includes the athlete’s next sport or the same sport next year, i.e., if the suspension is for two football games with only one remaining, the athlete must also miss the first contest in the next sport the athlete participates in until the suspension has been served. An athlete that completes a suspension in a sport will be required to complete the season in good standing or will have to serve the full suspension again in the next sport. COMPLETING A SUSPENSION When serving a temporary suspension, the athlete is expected to be present at ALL athletic contests and practices involving his/her team or squad. The athlete is a member of the team and is expected to fulfill this responsibility. If the athlete does not attend the contest, credit will not be given toward fulfilling the requirements of the suspension. The coach’s discretion can excuse the athlete. If a student is a dual sport athlete (two sports at the same time), he/she must serve the suspension in both sports. The Athletic Director or his/her designee has the responsibility for monitoring and enforcing all athletic policies. All discipline related to sports’ participants shall reflect the understanding of procedures and practices included in the policy for Students’ Rights and Responsibilities. Procedures of disciplinary action are listed in the document--DUE PROCESS FOR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. Awards/ScholarshipsAny athlete, who earns a letter in three sports for two consecutive years and defends the letter his/her senior year, will be presented with an All-Sports Ring. Top 50 Awards are given by the Jeff Booster Club to the male and female athletes who rank in the Top 50 students in the senior class. Golden Broncho Award recipients are selected by the Board of Directors of the Golden Broncho Club and is given to the outstanding male and female athletes in the senior class. To qualify for this award the athlete must participate in at least two sports during his or her senior year and rank in the upper 1/2 of the class. The Frank Snyder Award is given each year to the top student-athlete in the senior class. Mr. Snyder, who was one of the organizers of the Booster Club, was a long-time member. The Marion L. Crawley Scholarship was established in memory of one of Jefferson High School’s all-time great coaches. Mr. Crawley coached two state championship basketball teams and was a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. The winner of this scholarship must have been either a football or basketball player, ranked in the upper 1/2 of the class, and attend a college or university in Indiana. The Norman Willey Scholarship was established by the family of Norm Willey to recognize an outstanding senior wrestler. Mr. Willey coached many state championship wrestlers during his tenure at Jefferson High School. He is a member of the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame. This scholarship will be given to a senior wrestler, who furthers his education at an accredited school of higher learning. The Granny Scholarship was established by the family of Abbie Clippinger (the mother of Gail Gripe, our volleyball coach), who was an avid sports fan at Jefferson High School. A scholarship will be given to a senior boy and girl, who have participated in boys’ or girls volleyball, boys’ or girls basketball, or girls tennis and who will attend a college or university in Indiana. The Bill Long Scholarship was established by his wife, Susan, in memory of Bill, who was an avid golfer. This scholarship will be given each year to a senior boy and girl, who have demonstrated dedication and love of the sport. The Booster Club awards 20 scholarships each year to athletes who graduated the previous year and continue their education at an accredited school of higher learning. The Joe Heath Mental Attitude Scholarship has been established to honor Mr. Heath and recognize individuals who display positive character, honesty, integrity, fairness, and sportsmanship. This scholarship will be given to a senior, who furthers his/her education at an accredited school of higher learning. The Phil Hurt Cross Country Scholarship was established by the athletes Mr. Hurt had over more than forty years of coaching at Lafayette Jefferson. Mr. Hurt is a member of the Indiana Coaches Hall of Fame for Track and Cross Country. Mr. Hurt was best known for his dedication to the student athlete, his positive role model, and his work ethic. This scholarship will be given to a boy and girl cross country senior each year for his/her educational needs. Individuals, who received a full ride at a college or university, are not eligible to receive the scholarships. PARENTS: SUPPORT YOUR CHILD! Maybe your child will be a great athlete someday, and maybe they won’t, but they will be a better athlete if you follow these rules. And if you follow these rules they will have a lot more fun. 1. Make sure your child knows that win or lose, you love them. Let them know that you appreciate their efforts and that you won’t be disappointed in them if they fail. Be the person in their life they can always look to for support. 2. Try to be completely honest with yourself about your child’s athletic ability, their competitive attitude, their sportsmanship, and their level of skill. 3. Be helpful, but don’t coach your child on the way to the game or at the breakfast table. Think how tough it must be on them to be continually inundated with advice, pep talks, and criticism. 4. Teach your child to enjoy the thrill or competition, to be “out there trying,” to be consistently working to improve their skills, to take the physical bumps and come back for more. Don’t tell them that winning doesn’t count because it does and they know it. Instead, help them to develop a healthy competitive attitude, a “feel” for competing, for trying hard, for having a good time. 5. Try not to live your life through your child. You’ve lost as well as won, you’ve been frightened, you’ve backed off at times, you’ve been the villain. Don’t expect any better of your child. Sure, they are an extension of you, but don’t assume they feel the same way you did, want the same things or have the same attitudes. Don’t push them in the way that will give you the most satisfaction. 6. Don’t compete with your child’s coach. The coach may become a hero to your child for awhile, someone who can do no wrong, and you may find that hard to take. Or your child may become disenchanted with the coach. Don’t side with your child against the coach. Talk to your child about the importance of learning how to handle programs and how to react to criticism. Try to help them understand the necessity for discipline, rules, and regulations. 7. Don’t compare your child with the other players on the team - at least not within their hearing. If your child has a tendency to resent the treatment they get from the coach, or if they are jealous of the approval other players get, try to be honest with them. Don’t lie to your child about his capabilities as a player. If you are overly protective you will perpetuate the problem. 8. Get to know your child’s coach. Make sure that you approve of his attitude and ethics. A coach can be very influential and you should know what his/her values are so that you can decide whether or not you want them passed on to your child. 9. Remember that children tend to exaggerate, when they are praised and when they are criticized. Temper your reactions to the stories your child brings home from the game or practice. Don’t criticize them for exaggerating, but don’t over react to the stories they tell you. 10. Teach your child the meaning of courage. Some of us can climb mountains but are frightened to get into a fight. Some of us can fight without fear but turn to jelly at the sight of a bee.Everybody is frightened of something. Courage isn’t the absence of fear. Courage is learning to perform in spite of fear. Courage isn’t getting rid of fear, it’s overcoming it.
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