The Athletic Policy of Monomoy Regional shall provide all students with the information and opportunities necessary to participate in a successful athletic program. It is in the understanding that participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right. No student shall be excluded from or discriminated against obtaining the advantages and privileges of our athletic programs on account of race, sexual orientation, color, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, homelessness, or disability provided they meet all eligibility requirements. Participation in interscholastic activities offers student-athletes significant lifetime learning experiences that cannot be duplicated in any other instructional setting. At Monomoy Regional the athletic program is an extension of the academic program, and all student-athletes are encouraged to strive for excellence in both the classroom and on the athletic field. Good sportsmanship, commitment to the team and school, and the development of skills and strategies necessary for interscholastic competition are essential to a successful athletic program. Interscholastic athletics at Monomoy Regional embodies spirit, social presence, cooperative behavior, discipline and responsibility.

The Monomoy Regional athletic program aims to:

• Assist each student in developing his/her talents and desire to put forth his/her best effort in order to excel in the sports of his/her choice.
• Provide an environment for the student to learn and practice self-discipline, cooperation, good sportsmanship, school spirit and loyalty, and to appreciate the abilities of others.
• Encourage the student-athletes to recognize and embrace the importance of good academic standing. It is the philosophy of Monomoy Regional that athletes are students first. As such, after-school academic assistance takes precedence over athletic practice for our student-athletes. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to notify his/her coach if they will be late for practice due to after-school academic help.
• Foster the qualities of respect for self and others, honesty, commitment, reliability, and perseverance through the promotion of both life skills and sports skills.
• Inform students of post high school opportunities.

All rules and regulations governing secondary school interscholastic athletic contests and practices are established by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (hereafter referred to as the MIAA). The MIAA Rule Book is provided for every coach and is available in the Athletic Director’s office as well as online at www.miaa.net. There are many more MIAA rules than we cannot possibly print in this packet. Athletes are urged to become familiar with the MIAA Rule Book. Student-athletes and parents should check with the athletic director regarding special issues or with questions.

The ideals of good sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and integrity should permeate all interscholastic athletics in our community. In perception and practice, good sportsmanship shall be defined as those qualities of behavior which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Our athletic fields should be the laboratory to produce good citizens reflecting “fair play” in every area of life.

Expectations of Parents, Guests, and other fans:

• Game attendance is a privilege; our expectation is that fans will be supportive and positive.
• Respect the entire playing of the National Anthem.
• Respect decisions made by contest officials.
• Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every manner possible, including content of cheers and signs.
• Become aware of the purpose of the league and rules to keep winning in its proper place.
• Respect fans, coaches and participants.
• Be a fan… not a fanatic!
• Recognize outstanding performances on either side of the playing field.

Suggested Positive Behavioral Guides:

• Applaud during introduction of players, coaches, and officials.
• Accept decisions by officials, they are doing their best under often stressful circumstances.
• Handshakes between participants and coaches at end of contest, regardless of outcome.
• Treat competition as a game.
• Search out opposing participants to recognize them for outstanding performance or coaching.
• Applaud at the end of contest for performances of all participants.
• Demonstrate concern for injured player, regardless of team.
• Encourage supporting people to display only sportsmanlike conduct.

Amended from the Case for Sportsmanship, MIAA

Athlete Ejected from a Contest

In the event that a Monomoy student-athlete is ejected from a contest for: fighting, inappropriate language, abuse of an official or any other unsportsmanlike behavior, he/she must meet with his/her coach and the Athletic Director before returning to participation in that sport. In addition, as outlined by the MIAA guidelines, any ejected student-athlete must complete the NFHS online Sportsmanship course and submit to the Athletic Director a copy of the certificate of completion of said course before returning to play. The student-athlete may be subject to additional sanctions.

Fan Ejected from a Contest

In the event that a Monomoy spectator, including students and parents, taunts a coach, player, game official or other spectators, appropriate management may give the spectator one warning. Any subsequent offense will be subject to ejection and/or further disciplinary action. In addition, any ejected spectator will be required to complete the online NFHS Sportsmanship course and submit a copy of the certificate of completion to the Athletic Director. Upon submission of the course certificate, the Athletic Director in conjunction with the Principal, will schedule a meeting with the violator to review the incident and reiterate expected fan behavior. Any further incidents could result in spectator removal for the remainder of that season and/or the school year. If the incident is deemed severe enough, permanent removal of spectator status could result.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

FALL: 2nd Friday preceding Labor Day through Thanksgiving Day 

WINTER: Monday after Thanksgiving through the second week in March

SPRING: Third Monday in March through June

All varsity coaches will be evaluated on a yearly basis by the athletic director with sign off to include the coach and administration. Coaches may submit, in writing, a response to written evaluation which will be retained as part of the official documentation. All coaches will provide the athletic director with a written summary at the conclusion of each sport season. Included in this document will be: a complete inventory of uniforms and equipment, expected needs for the following season, an overview of the season, highlighting team and individual accomplishments, as well as a brief evaluation on the effectiveness of all coaches under his/her direction.

In accordance with School Committee recommendation, varsity head coaching positions that are contested will be interviewed by a screening committee consisting of one parent member of the school council or booster club, one student and the Athletic Director. The Principal shall make the final recommendation to the Superintendent for appointment of all coaches after considering input from the Athletic Director and/or the screening committee. The Athletic Director shall oversee the interviews of all non-contested positions as well as the selection of sub-varsity coaches.

Monomoy is a member in good standing of the MIAA. With membership, the Principal and Athletic Department agree to abide by all rules and regulations of the MIAA. One of the primary functions of the MIAA is to sponsor and conduct post-season tournaments leading to the determination of geographical district and state champions. When varsity teams qualify for and enter such tournaments, they are subject to specific rules and regulations that govern each tournament, as set by the MIAA. The MIAA does not sponsor or sanction any sub-varsity tournament competition.

During the last marking period preceding the contest (e.g. second quarter marks and not semester grades determine third quarter eligibility) a Monomoy Regional High School student must secure a passing grade in the equivalent of six subjects. If a student-athlete is passing the equivalent of five courses, they will be permitted to practice with the team as determined by the Head Coach but are not permitted to play in games and/or travel with the team. The student-athlete may attend home games and sit with the team but they may not be in uniform. Upon the issuing of Progress Reports for the immediate following term, if the student-athlete is passing all of their classes, they will be able to regain full playing status and return to game play as determined by the Head Coach. If however at Progress Report times the student-athlete has 1 or more failing grades, the practice privilege is revoked and the student-athlete will be ineligible until the next report card. Incomplete grades may not be counted toward eligibility.

• Please refer to grades for withdrawal from courses.
• A student cannot count eligibility for any subject taken during the summer vacation, unless that subject has previously been pursued and failed.
• Student receiving services under Chapter 766 whose individualized educational plan is a 502.4 or more restrictive prototype, may be declared academically eligible by their principal provided that all other eligibility requirements are met.
• A student who is placed on academic or disciplinary probation shall be automatically restricted from participating in any interscholastic activity during the period of probation. This includes team managers.
• If a member of a team is dismissed for any medical, legal, personal or school appointment, they must present written documentation in order to participate in practice or a contest that day and receive permission from the Principal or his/her designee.
• If a member of team is absent from school, they are not eligible to practice or participate in a contest that day unless permission is given by the Principal or his/her designee. Exceptions may be made for college visits, funerals or other such excused absences.
• If a member of team is absent from school on a Friday or the day prior to the start of vacation, they are not eligible to practice or participate in a contest the following day unless permission is given by the Principal or his/her designee.
• For game-day dress code; please refer to the Dress Code section (under Code of Conduct) of this Handbook.

When trying out for a team and after being selected to be a member of a team, Monomoy Regional High School students are expected to attend all practices and games of that team. Practices will average two hours in duration. Weekend practice sessions vary by sport, as well as the level of participation and should be expected. Teams frequently practice and compete during the school vacation periods. Interscholastic athletics demands much more commitment than a club or recreational activity.

In all organizations there is a chain of command or a hierarchy, athletic teams are no exceptions. For our athletic teams it is as follows:

• The Coach
• The Athletic Director
• The Principal
• The Superintendent
• The School Committee

If an issue arises the expectation is that student-athletes and parents will honor this hierarchy and attempt to resolve the issue at the first level, the coach. If the matter is not resolved, then proceeded up the hierarchy would be the appropriate course of action. In addition, issues regarding “playing time” are a matter that should and will be discussed with the student-athletes and not the parents and/or guardians.

Every team member is expected to be present for all team practices and games. Because of scheduling parameters, many of our teams practice and/or play during scheduled vacations. Any student who plans to be absent for an extended period of time due to vacation or a planned extended absence, should discuss this situation with the coach prior to trying out for the team. Any student-athlete who misses scheduled games due to vacations, family trips, etc. will be ineligible for participation until they make up the number of games missed. Any missed scheduled practices will be handled by the coach of each of the respective teams. Mandatory school sanctioned trips are considered excused absences. Exceptions to this rule can only be approved by the Principal and/or the Athletic Director prior to the anticipated absence.

Please refer to the “Chemical Health Regulations” section (under Health and Safety) of this Handbook.

1. All student-athletes are required to register on www.familyid.com before being allowed to practice or play on a team. Included in this registration will be:
2. Signature of parent or guardian
3. Statement that student is covered by medical, hospital, and surgical insurance. The school is not responsible for payment of medical costs resulting from injuries received in a practice or a game.
4. Signature of both student-athlete and parent/guardian indicating that any knowledge of any previous head injury/concussion.
5. All students participating in a varsity or sub varsity sport must receive clearance through the nurse that a current physical exam is on file. Following are the general rules of physical examination requirements:
6. A student wishing to participate in fall, winter, or spring sports must have proof of physical examination completed within the last 13 months.
7. If the physical examination is not within 13 months, the student will be required to have an examination by his/her private physician.
8. Some students with special medical concerns may be required to have a physical examination before each varsity sport.

A member of a team may be dismissed for the remainder of the team's current season or schedule:

1) If he/she doesn't maintain the minimum academic standards.

2) When a student receives an out of school suspension during an athletics season, for each day of the suspension he/she will lose eligibility during the suspension. Once back in school, the coach will determine when the student athlete is able to regain full playing privilege. A second suspension during the season will result in dismissal from the team for the remainder of the season and post-season play.

3) If a student violates the Monomoy Honor Code, he/she will lose eligibility for any and all games occurring during that time period (this student will be allowed to practice).

4) When a student violates the Monomoy Chemical Health Policy for a second time during the same season.

5) If he/she displays unreasonable conduct on or off the field of play, including stealing, while under the supervision of the coach.

6) Continued violation of team rules that may result in removal from the team.

In the case of any dismissal by a coach, a subsequent appeal may be made to the Athletic Director.

All athletes and athletic teams must be transported to and from an athletic event by the school vehicles. In rare cases parents may drive their student-athlete home from an away game with a pre-approved transportation waiver on file in the athletic office. It is understood that such exceptions will be kept to a minimum and granted by the Principal or their designee or the Athletic Director only in case of emergency.

Often students must be excused from classes early in order to participate in away athletic contests. The time of departure from school will be determined by the Athletic Director and Administration so athletes will not miss school any longer than is deemed absolutely necessary.

Regarding early dismissals, an athlete's first responsibility is to his/her academic work. He/she must understand that being dismissed from classes for competition is a privilege.

If a student athlete is in danger of failing, a teacher may request in writing to the Athletic Director, the student athlete forfeit his/her early dismissal privilege. Requests must be made at least 2 weeks in advance of the scheduled dismissal and are subject to review by the Athletic Director and Principal for a final determination regarding the request. The Athletic Director will promptly contact the parent/ guardian of any student athlete with a forfeited early dismissal privilege.

An athlete who becomes a "chronic (repeat) offender" of school rules may lose his/her early dismissal privilege.

Athletes will not be permitted to change sports after five practice days have passed. Exception to this policy will be made only when both coaches and the Athletic Director agree that the change would serve the best interest of the student. Such exceptions will be kept to a minimum.

In order to qualify for a letter, each participant must:

1) Participate in 30% of all scheduled varsity games, periods, matches or meets. A Head Coach may override this requirement if he/she feels there are extenuating circumstances for an individual student-athlete.

2) Complete the scheduled season, attend all scheduled contests:

1. a) Exceptions may be made for injury, illness or conflicting school events
2. b) Exceptions for extenuating circumstances may be granted by the Athletic Director.

3) End of season banquets/celebrations will be held jointly at the conclusion of each sports season.

Monomoy Regional High School teams will not compete in post-season games or in tournaments except those officially sponsored or sanctioned by the MIAA or prior approval of the Athletic Director.

Under the current MIAA guidelines, a student may practice or compete for his/her school team and a club team on the same day. Athletes must remain loyal to their high school team first and foremost, see Bona Fide team member rule in the MIAA handbook.

Participation in athletics is a privilege; students try out voluntarily and on some of our teams, risk being cut. During the tryout period the coach will provide an explanation of his/her expectations. It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate to the coach that he/she can meet these expectations. Students cut from a team are encouraged to try out for another team if there is space on that team and the final cuts, if any, have not been made. Students who are cut from a team will be informed as to the reasons for the cut. After tryouts begin no athlete may voluntarily leave one team and try out for another without the consent of the Athletic Director.

Freshmen & Junior Varsity Teams

This is a developmental level where athletes learn skills and strategies to prepare them for varsity competition. The coaching staff will play all team members for as much time as is practical. Some of the factors that will determine an individual’s playing time will include: attendance at practice, effort, attitude, commitment and athletic skill. This is the level(s) where athletes have the opportunity to show their potential and demonstrate to the coaching staff that they are ready for varsity level competition.

Varsity Teams

This level of competition has the same factors and guidelines as the sub-varsity teams. However, there is one additional major factor. Varsity teams will compete against opponents at the highest possible level and there will be a greater emphasis on winning. To reach this goal, the most competitive, skilled team members will get the most playing time. Regarding seniors, their playing time will be determined on their ability to help achieve the above stated goals and not simply because they are in their last year of eligibility.

It is extremely important that a coach be notified if a student is not going to be present at a practice or a game. Practice is where plans for upcoming contests are devised and perfected. The coaches in our program expect their athletes to be present at all team-related activities. Suspension or dismissal from a team may take place as a result of such absences.

A student has four consecutive years of participation from the day he/she enters grade nine. This means twelve consecutive athletic seasons of eligibility. A fifth year student is ineligible to compete in his/her fifth year even if he/she has not played in one of the previous years. Any extenuating circumstance regarding participation should be brought to the attention of the Athletic Director.

A student must be less than 19 years of age on September 1 of the current school year. A freshman cannot participate on a freshman team if they have turned 16 by September 1.

At the start of each season a coach, with the approval of the Athletic Director, may issue a set of team rules and regulations to his/her team. It is suggested that these be in written form and passed out to the athletes and their parents at a preseason meeting.

Students have an obligation and responsibility for all equipment issued to them. Each student is responsible for the proper care and retention of the equipment from the date of issue to the date of return. Equipment should be stored in a locked locker at all times when not in use. Experience has shown that most losses are due to lockers left open, unlocked, or equipment left unattended. If a student loses school equipment or fails to return the same, he/she is responsible to meet the current replacement cost of the equipment. Payment is required prior to the next season of athletic involvement or graduation, whichever comes first. No student will be allowed to try out for another sport until all outstanding equipment has been returned or paid for.

If an athlete leaves a team during the season due to injury, academics, discipline, or quitting, it is his/her responsibility to return all school equipment immediately.

It is the coach’s decision as to how team captains are selected. They may be elected by the team, appointed by the coach, elected or appointed on a game by game basis. It is expected that team captains be leaders of their team and should be ready to assume duties as outlined by their coach. Captains are expected to communicate with the coach and team in the event of any problems that may affect the team or its members. Captains may be asked to meet with the Athletic Director during the school year to discuss the athletic program. Captains of teams may be relieved of their duties for violation of team or school rules.

One of the most important decisions facing high school student athletes is what to do with their lives after high school. The members of the Monomoy Regional High School athletic staff are willing and eager to assist student athletes with this very important decision. Staff members fully understand the importance of this assistance. They may be able to answer questions, contact schools and/or coaches, send video tapes if available, and write letters of recommendation. They may also be able to guide students to a more knowledgeable resource that can help with decisions. If a student athlete’s goal is to compete athletically at the collegiate level it is very important to be aware of the ever-changing NCAA regulations.

Our Guidance Department has and is a wealth of information on NCAA regulations. They also have copies of the NCAA Clearinghouse Registration Forms, which must be completed by all student athletes planning to participate at the college level.

Coaches will verbally communicate with all players after the tryout period, on which team each player will participate. Although the cutting of students from teams is not desired, in some cases, it may be necessary. Coaches will explain the reasoning to players who have been cut. The Athletic Director is available for further clarification if necessary. Coaches will try their best to keep all freshman and 8th graders on the freshman team, however in some cases, this might not always be possible.

Recognition of senior athletes is not mandatory. If a team would like to honor its seniors, such recognition should be planned by the coach, players, and parents for that specific team, and held on or near the last regular season home game. Recognition ceremonies shall be brief pre-game ceremonies to recognize each senior on that team. The recognition ceremony should start 15 minutes prior to game time and not last more than 15 minutes.