Graford Athletic
Handbook


Jackrabbits
2007-08


TO BECOME A CHAMPION:  YOU MUST SUCCEED
ACADEMICALLY, BEHAVE SOCIALLY, BE COMMITTED
TO PRACTICES, AND MAKE GOOD CHOICES.

 

Athletics is an integral part of our secondary education process.  Athletic activities provide opportunities for teaching sportsmanship and citizenship.  Proper attitudes and a competitive nature should result form participation in a quality program.  These traits, along with other important characteristics taught within the program will be invaluable to the individual student athlete who must be prepared to live in a complex society and meet the challenges set forth by society.

It must be remembered, however, that a good athletic program is only part of the total school program.  Academic achievement must remain the number one concern of the student, teacher, coach, and the administration.

 

No student is obligated to take part in athletics, nor is this required for graduation.  It should be stressed that it is a privilege, not a right.  Since it is a privilege, the coach should have the authority to revoke the privilege when rules are not followed.  The special standards for athletes will provide the security of authority that our youth need.  The athlete will be aware of the expectations that accompany being a student athlete at Graford ISD.  The goal of the athletic program is to provide and overall positive experience by encouraging our student athletes to strive for the highest achievement level possible in athletics and academics.

 

The Graford Athletic Program will be an integral part of the total school experience for both our girls and boys.  The athletic program is available to any student 7-12 at Graford ISD.  Our athletic program will serve as a vital component of the education process.  The rules, regulations, and requirements set forth in this handbook are designed to provide for the efficient operation of such a program.

 

HANDBOOK VIOLATIONS

All athletic and school handbook violations will have consequences. By signing the acknowledgment form, you are agreing to the terms and conditions set forth by the Graford Athletic Program.

 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

 

All athletes must meet all U.I.L. guidelines for participation in the athletic program, i.e. scholastic eligibility form, rule acknowledgement form, medical history, physical, general rules, and steroid use form.  Also, a previous participation form may be required if you are a move-in/transfer to the district.

To participatte in any sport offered by Graford Athletic Department athletes must be in the athletic period unless there is an extenuation academic reason.  Any other reason would have to be reviewed by the Athletic Director.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES of a GRAFORD ATHLETE

 

ATTENDENCE/ABSENCES/TARDIES

 

Athletes are expected to be at all practices and all competitions on time and remain for the duration of the practice or competitions.  It is the athlete’s responsibility to notify the coach if they must miss the practice or competition.  By becoming a member of the Graford Athletic Program the student athlete is making a commitment to the program.  An unexcused absence form a game may result in suspension from the next game.  Playing time will be at the head coach’s discretion for an absence on the day of a scheduled game.

Excessive tardiness or absences will result in loss of practice and playing time, and may lead to dismissal form the sport.  Make-up conditioning will be required for misses practice time.

A Doctor’s excuse will be required for any athlete missing more than 3 consecutive days.  Without an excuse (parental/doctor) the athlete will be expected to practice and even with a excuse the athlete is still expected to make practices in-order to observe.

 

QUITTIN/DISMISSED/OFF-SEASON

 

There will be times when an athlete may find it necessary to quit playing a sport before the season ends.  An athlete may not quit one sport to play another sport.  If a student athlete quits a sport outside of reasonable circumstances (AD’s discretion) then that student athlete will not be allowed to participate in the following seasonal sport/s; i.e. if an athlete quits crosscountry or volleyball (Fall Season Sports), then they will not be eligible to participate in basketball (Winter Season Sport).  And before an athlete may join the next sport, after sitting out a seasonal sport, they must cimplete the requirements outlined below for quitting.  The following procedures should be followed in order to drop/quit a sport.

·        Examine the situation before a decision is made

·        Talk to the coach to evaluate the reason and look for a solution

·        If the decision to quit is made, the athlete must check out of the sport through the Athletic Director.  If any clothing or equipment needs to be checked in it will be done at this time

·        An athlete that quits a sport must complete 10 miles of running, 500 push-ups an d 15 ladders/apaches before they may join the next sport, unless the reason for quitting was due to some extreme circumstance which will be decided by the head coach and Athletic Director

·        An athlete who quits multiple sports during a season may be removed from athletics and possibly not be allowed to re-enter the program.  An athlete who quits a sprt for a second time (any time period from 7-12) will not be allowed to participate in that sport again

·        An athlete who becomes ineligible during a season and remains ineligible for a period that includes a 3 week grading period and will enter the next grading period (six weeks) ineligible may be dismissed to off-season

·        An off-season program will be used for those athletes that are not currently paricipating in a sport

 

ISS/AEP/CODE of CONDUCT/SPORTSMANSHIP

 

Any athlete that is place into an alternative education arrangement (AEP or home suspension) will not participate in practices and/or competitions for any extracurricular activity for the duration of the alternative education arrangement.  Extended time may result in dismissal form any sport.  Any athlete disciplined under the student code of conduct could be subject to suspension or dismissal form the athlete program depending on the severity of the infraction.  While the athlete is serving ISS, form the first day to the last day (consecutively), they may not practice or participate in games.  Any athlete receiving ISS on the days prior to an athletic competition may be subject to a loss of playing time.

 

Any athlete who is caught stealing from the athletic program or a teammate, i.e. clothing, equipment, money or personnel items may be subject to removal for the program.

 

An athleic contract (probation) may be used as a response to excessively poor conduct.  When an athlete is asked to sign the contract a parent/guardian will also be in attendance and be required to sign the contract.  The contract will specifically outline the guidelines that the athlete must follow and for what time period the contract will last.  Failure to meet the contract’s guidelines will result in dismissal form the sport.

 

The Graford Athletic Department stresses exemplary behavior and attitude at all times, especially during practices and games.  Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.  Athletes should be positive role models for all students to follow.  Athletes should be courteous to other contestants and fans, and respectful to all coaches and officials.

An unwillingness to comply with this expectation and a repetitive violation in this area will be grounds for removal from the athletic program.

 

DRUG and ALCOHOL USE

 

It is the philosophy of Graford ISD that our extracurricular programs shall be drug and alcohol free.  Any student-athlete using, possessing or selling controlled substances or alcohol, as determined by law enforcement or school administration, will be suspended from athletic participation.  The following outlines consequences within 1 school calendar year:

                     1st Violation…………………………..20 day suspension + run 15 miles

                     2nd Violation……………………………60 day suspension + run 30 miles/counseling

                     3rd Violation…………………………….removal form the athletic program

 

ATHLETIC DRESS CODE

 

The student handbook dress code requirements extend beyond the campus when the athlete is represting Graford ISD in an athletic contest.  In accordance with U.I.L. rules and regulations athletes are not allowed to wear jewelry of any kind during athletic competition.  For the same reason jewelry will not be allowed during athletic practices.  Male athlete shall not wear earrings at anytime while representing Graford ISD or during travel to and from contest.

 

PRACTICE UNIFORMS

Every athlete will be issued a set of practice clothes.  These clothes will be worn at practice only and should be worn at every practice.  At the end of the season/year, the issued clothes will be returned.  Athletes will not be allowed to wear practice gear/game uniforms outside the practice/game setting, i.e. home or around the community etc.  A payment of $10 per article of clothing lost or damaged may be required before the athlete is issued a replacement.  Not dressing in school issued clothing will result in consequences to be determined by the head coach.

TEAM TRAVEL

The student handbook guidelines will be in effect for athletic travel.  The approval of the Principal must be obtained at least 24 hours in advance for an athlete to return home with their parent/guardian (except for emergencies).  The parent/guardian must also sign the athlete out form the coach who is in charge (team coach).

 

Even with a letter from the parent/guardian, Graford ISD may not allow a student to leave with any other person other than the parent/guardian of that student athlete.  Failure to follow these instructions may lead to discipline action subject to the head coach’s discretion.

 

Food and/or drinks will only be allowed on the bus with approval of the coaches.  The coaching staff retains the right to ban any radios, electronic games, cell phones, etc…on bus trips.  Team meals will be provided for the athletes under special circumstances, i.e. Tournament, District Meet or Play-offs.  All other times the athlete is responsible for their meals when an opportunity to eat occurs.

 

SHARING STUDENT ATHLETES

 

The Graford Athletic Department believes that each student/athlete shall have equal opportunities to participate in as many curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities as they see fit.  The athletic staff will work to make sure that proper coordination of workouts, games, etc., will fit the needs of all our student-athletes.  Post district competition will be given priority, then district, and finally non-district.

 

SELECTION of TEAMS

 

The head coach of each sport will determine the teams.  The selection of teams will be at the coach’s discretion.  Playing time cannot be guaranteed, but it is the belief of our athletic department that for our Jr. High and JV teams all individuals will get an opportunity to compete in a game setting in-order to gain experience and to develop the necessary skills to become a Varsity player.  Playing time will not be discussed, only ways to improve will be addressed.

 

SELECT/CLUB SPORTS/LEAGUES

 

In the case of a non-school related athletic event conflicting with a school related athletic event, priority will be given to the school athletic event.  Consequences for violating this rule will be at the discretion of the head coach and Athletic Director.

 

CRIMINAL CHARGES

 

An athlete that the administration reasonably believes engaged in conduct punishable, as a felony will be subject to suspension indefinitely from the program.  If the administration has reasonable belief an athlete engaged in a misdemeanor (other that a traffic violation), the athlete may be subject to suspension based on the circumstances of the case.  If convicted of a felony the athlete will be dismissed from the program.

 

INSURANCE

 

All extracurricular participating students will be covered by school insurance when they are engaged in those activities and while at school.

 

ATHLETIC BANQUET

 

In the spring, the Booster Club in coordination with the Athletic Department will host a high school athletic banquet honoring all student-athletes who participated during the past school year.  All athlete will be expected to attend and the dress code will be in affect.

 

STUDENT-ATHLETE ACTIVITY FUND

 

Coaches and athletes may be asked to participate or organize various fundraisers for specific intents.  Profits will be placed in the student-athlete activity account.  All account money must be used for student-athlete purposes only!

 

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

 

Athletes should not leave personal items, especially jewelry or money, in areas unsupervised.  Each athlete is issued a locker and it is their responsibility to secure that locker with a lock to protect their property.  Graford ISD and the Athletic Department are not liable or responsible for lost or stolen items.

 

AWARDS and LETTERING POLICY

 

Schools may give one major award, not to exceed $70.00 in value, to a student during high school enrollment at the same school for participation in one of the UIL interschool competitions.  One additional symbolic award, not to exceed $10.00 in value, may be presented for participation in each additional UIL activity.  The $10.00 award may be given to a student for any activity during the same school year that the major award is given for that activity.

 

A varsity athlete is eligible for a letterman jacket, upon meeting the requirement in that sport they are participating, beginning their freshmen year.  The athletic department (school) will provide the athlete with a letterman jacket and any subsequent lettering awards (other than certificates) will be the responsibility of the student-athlete (additional patches/letter bars).

 

Coaches will consider conduct, attendance to practices/games, and completion of the season before the application of the following standards for lettering in each sport at the varsity level.

 

*Volleyball-must play in over 50% of the varsity games; have a contributing factor in the success of the varsity team; Includes, but not limited to post season awards.

 

*Cross Country-places in the top ten at the District meet or advance to Regional meet as a member of the team.

 

*Boy’s Basketball-must receive one of five local awards or receive a district honor at the ALL DISTRICT MEETING.  If the team advances to the play-offs all members will be eligible for lettering.

 

*Girl’s Basketball-must play in over 50% of the varsity games; have a contributing factor in the success of the varsity team; Includes, but not limited to post season awards.

 

*Baseball/Softball-must complete the season and participate in a minimum of half the games played, or in the judgment of the coach, contributes to the team’s success throughout the season.  If team advances to the play-offs all members will be eligible for lettering.

 

*Track-must score a minimum of ten points at varsity level during the season or point ate the district track meet in the varsity division.

 

*Golf-must place in the top ten in the Varsity Division at the District Meet.

 

*Tennis-competes at the district meet and wins at least 2 matches either in doubles or singles (cannot count together).  Advancing to the Regional Meet will automatically qualify the athlete for a letter.

 

Athletes cannot be scholastically ineligible more than one grading period (six weeks) during the season to be eligible for a letterman award.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

The coaching staff at Graford ISD reserves the right to formally evaluate every situation and consider exceptions to our policy with review by the administration.  Also, it should be clear that our purpose is to provide student-athletes with a valuable experience through athletic participation, but the coaching staff will formally dismiss a student-athlete who is not following the athletic policy and is a distraction to other student-athletes within the program.