Athletic Handbook

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Administration

MR. JAMES AGOSTINE - PRINCIPAL 203-262-3200
MR. JOSEPH M. VELARDI - ATHLETIC DIRECTOR 203-262-3244
MRS. SHERRY MORGAN - ATHLETIC ADM. ASST. 203-262-3294
MRS. SUE CRISTADORO, MRS. KATHLEEN FITZPATRICK - SCHOOL NURSES 203-262-3222
MR. MIKE RODRIGUES- ATHLETIC TRAINER 203-264-1735
COMPILED BY MRS. KATHI PECK

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Message from the Principal

I want to thank Mr. Joseph Velardi, Athletic Director, and Kathi Peck for creating this excellent athletic handbook for Pomperaug High School Students and parents.  Communication is an essential ingredient to the success of our program and this handbook has been carefully crafted to do just that. We are all very proud of our Athletic program at Pomperaug and know that this handbook contributes to its reputation. We continually strive to strike a balance between high academic achievement and a healthful approach to student activities.  With you help and support we can accomplish this balance and provide maximum educational opportunities for our students.

Very truly yours,

James C Agostine
Principal

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Message from the PTO

Student athletics are supported emotionally and financially by the Pomperaug High School P.T.O.  Our organization is the parent forum in which concerns about all areas of student activities can be addressed.  We welcome the input of all parents at our monthly meetings.  The Athletic Department is supported by our membership drive.  When families or individuals choose to become Panther Club or Red and Gray Club members of our organization, portions of these fees are given back to the Athletic Department.  In turn, the donors are given passes to all home regular games.

When a student joins a team at Pomperaug he/she experiences a sense of belonging to a larger group, one that works together for a common effort. This camaraderie is so important during the high school years.  Also, contrary to many parents’ fears that the large commitment of time to athletics will affect grades, many student athletes learn to manage their time more efficiently.  The Pomperaug P.T.O. encourages parents and students to become involved in the PHS Athletic Program during these special high school years.

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Note to Parents

The purpose of this handbook is to provide student athletes and their parents with a resource that will familiarize them with the athletic rules, policies and procedures at Pomperaug High School.  Keep in mind that participation in athletics is a priveledge and not a right.  As a priviledge often athletes are held to a higher standard of behavior.

We encourage you to support your child's decision to play a sport and attend their contests.  You are the key!  Help them understand and abide by the rules, regulations, and policies in this handbook.  In a world that is flooded with destructive alternatives, we strongly feel that with the support of the education system, the coaching staff and you, we can make a difference.

As a parent, you can set your own academic standards and behavioral standards above and beyond the school standards.  As a parent, you have the right to revoke your child's privilege to participate on an interscholastic team if you so choose.  Working together to develop responsible young people is a team effort, and we need you on our team.

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Athletics Mission Statement

It is a privilege to be a student/athlete in the interscholastic athletic program at Pomperaug High School.  The school intends to maintain a sports program that is well managed and meets the needs of the students and the school community.

The interscholastic athletic program, an integral part of the total educational plan, develops mature and responsible young adults.  Participation in sports helps to enrich personal growth and development.

Participation on a team requires dedication, hard work and commitment on the part of the student.  Student athletes set forth standards that are representative of leadership, responsibility and excellence.

We would like to welcome you to become involved and meet the challenge.  Enjoyment and a meaningful experience awaits you.  GOOD LUCK!

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Program Objectives

- to provide an opportunity to those who have demonstrated a high level of athletic skill to compete on an interscholastic level.
- to provide fulfilling and positive experiences for students.
- to foster academic and athletic achievement through the development of attitudes and values that motivate students to pursue excellence.
- to develop increased knowledge of skills needed to achieve individual and team success through consistency and hard work.
- to develop respect for teammates, opponents, coaches and officials by developing emotional control and cooperation.
- to stress the importance of physical fitness, proper conditioning, good health habits and safety.
- to create an atmosphere of team work and to generate school spirit by displaying a positive attitude and good sportsmanship.
- to provide opportunities to develop lasting friendships with teammates and opponents.
- to provide leadership and supervision that focuses on skill development, motivation, discipline, sportsmanship and good work ethic.

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Requirements for All Team Candidates

Each prospective athlete:

must submit, to the coach, an emergency information/parental permission form, which includes an important agreement statement (a separate form is needed for each sport).

must have on file, with the school nurse, an athletic physical and medical history form signed by a physician and parent or guardian (the physical is good for one calendar year). (Physical forms are available from the school nurse or at the main office.)

must pay the participation fee.

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S. W. C. Affiliation

Pomperaug High School is a member of the Colonial Division of the South-West Conference (SWC).  The schools in the SWC are New Milford, Masuk, Newtown, Bunnell, Bethel, New Fairfield and Pomperaug. 

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Collegiate Athletics

We believe that participation in collegiate athletics can be a rewarding experience for those students who have the desire and ability to do so.  While preparation for inter-collegiate athletics is not the main focus of our high school athletics program, we would like to do what we can to help any of our students who aspire to compete at this next level.  While the success of our athletic program is not measured by the number of Pomperaug athletes who compete at the college and university level, we would like to do what we can to assist these students to connect with the program which will be the best "fit" for that student.

REALITY

We advise parents not to have unrealistic expectations for students or to put undo pressure on them to perform.  The NCAA reports that only 10% of High School athletes participate in their sport in college.  In addition, for every 1000 High School athletes there are only 3 full athletic scholarships available.  While athletes from Pomperaug exceed these statistics students should not put all of their hope in receiving an athletic scholarship nor should they be so intent on playing a sport in college that they neglect other areas of academic life.

CHECKLIST FOR COLLEGE BOUND ATHLETES
- Read the "Guide for the College Bound Athlete" online.
- Meet routinely with your counselor to assure your compliance with the NCAA's By-laws.
- Complete a college search in the Guidance area.
- Talk to your coach about your interest in college sports.
- Take the ACT and SAT tests.
- Research the schools you are considering.
- Visit some of the schools you might want to attend.
- Schedule metings with your counselor and coach to discuss the college search and selection process.
- Review The NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student/Athlete  (available in the career center)
- Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse online

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Step by Step to College Athletics

The intent here is to provide for parents and students a guide for reaching athletic goals in college.

MIDDLE SCHOOL
1.  Provide students with as much opportunity to play as many different sports as possible.  Students should explore sports that are interesting and exciting to them.  Students at this age are discovering their likes and dislikes in a lot of different areas.  Those who develop a high level of skill later on do so because the spend a lot of time playing their sport.  Students who discover a sport that they grow to love are willing to spend a lot of time practicing it.

2.  Sharpen skills.  Attend camps and clinics that High School Coaches work.  Play against the best competition possible.  Play on your own.

3.  Begin to work on speed, strength, agility, endurance.

4.  Goals:

a.  Make the team in 7th grade.

b.  Start on the team in 8th grade.

 FRESHMEN
1.  Adjust to the High School Schedule.  Learn how to budget your time.  Parents students and guidance counselors should work together to make sure that the student is placed in the appropriate level of class.

2.  Adjust to the level of competitiveness and intensity of High School athletics.  Learn what it is to play hard at the High School level.

3.  Understand that there are specific core courses that colleges look at when determining Grade Point Average (GPA). They are available from your counselor.
Courses that are taken freshmen year count toward the GPA.  Obviously, the better the student's academic performance the more colleges they will have an opportunity to enter.  Know what your average is in all courses at all times.

4. Goals:
a. Make the team.
b. Start on the Freshmen team.
c. Begin a strength and conditioning program that includes weight lifting, speed and agility.

5. Improve your skills in the off season by playing your sport on your own, with other teams and by attending sports camps.

 SOPHOMORE YEAR
1. Goals:
a. Starter on the JV team.
b. Sub on the varsity.

2. Continue to improve your skills in the off season.  Attend camps where college coaches work.

JUNIOR YEAR
1. Goals:
a. Starter on the Varsity.
b. Receive some league recognition (honorable mention, all division)

2. Take the PSAT.

3. In September read the information on the ncaa.org web site.  The site contains forms, and other information that would be beneficial to students and families.

4. Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse on line.

5. Assemble an athletic portfolio. List accomplishments, statistics, PSAT/SAT Scores, list indicators of strength and speed.

6.  Contact colleges in which you are interested (they can't contact you).

7. Take SAT in the spring.

8.  Attend camps and clinics where college coaches work.

9.  Make college visits.

SENIOR YEAR
1. Goals:
a. Receive high league recognition (All League, All Division)
b. Receive State recognition.

3.  Ask your coach if they would call or write college coaches on your behalf.

4.  Work with your guidance counselors to complete the application process.

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PHS Athletic Rules and Regulations

Sports at Pomperaug High School are an extra curricular activity. It is a privilege not a right to participate in interscholastic athletics at Pomperaug High School. That privilege may be revoked at the discretion of the school. Parents have the right to set academic and behavioral standards above and beyond the school standards for their children. Parents have the right to revoke their child’s privilege to participate on an interscholastic team. Working together to develop responsible young people is a team effort, and we need you on our team. Coaches may set rules that supersede those listed below.

1 Pomperaug High School coaches have the sole responsibility for the selection of all team members. The team selection is based on the subjective opinion of the coach who will consider the students’ athletic ability, sportsmanship and citizenship when making choices.
2 The amount of playing time, the position the athlete plays and the level that they play (Varsity, JV, and Freshman) is the sole decision of the coach. At the varsity level in particular the emphasis will be on developing the most competitive team possible given the talent of the athletes. Younger students (freshmen and sophomores) may play over older students (juniors and seniors). There is no guarantee of playing time particularly at the Varsity level. It is possible that students may not play at all. Payment of a participation fee is not a guarantee of any playing time.
3 Spectators, including students, parents and others attending contests shall refrain from criticizing officials, coaches, opponents or players. Inappropriate spectator behavior can result in banishment from contests.
4 Students must take at least 4 units of work. A unit is defined as a course that meets each day for full credit.
5 Students must pass at least 4 units or the equivalent at the end of the last marking period. Incomplete grades do not count. For fall participation a student must have received credit toward graduation at the close of the school year preceding the contest in at least four units.
5 Students can not be 19 years old before July 1st and participate in a sport.
6 Students can not have transferred into Pomperaug from another school district without changing their address.
7 Students can not play the same sport for more that 3 seasons in grades 10, 11, and 12.
8 Students can not take lessons, play, practice or participate in any way with other coaches, instructors or teams in the same sport while a member of the school team while the school team is in season.
9 Students can not receive personal economic gain for participation in any sport. Students can not receive gifts for participating in their sport.
10 Attendance at all practices and games is mandatory, including vacation periods. Athletes and parents must realize that missed practice time may affect the playing time of the athlete. Students who will be absent from or late to practice should speak directly to the coach in advance. Do not pass a message via another person.
11 An injured athlete who has had medical treatment can not participate until a release from the doctor is given to the coach.
12 Uniforms or parts of uniforms may be worn only at the coaches’ discretion.
13 Students are financially responsible for uniforms issued to them. All uniforms must be returned to the coach at the conclusion of the season. Any athlete who has not turned in equipment and/or payment obligations at the close of the season will not be allowed to compete in any further competition until the obligation is completed.
14 Possession, use or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs (including steroids) on school grounds, at school functions off school grounds, en route to, during, or driving from a contest is strictly forbidden. As a result of this infraction an athletic penalty will be imposed ranging from a three week suspension up to removal from the team for the remainder of the season. Coaches may institute stricter rules (including possession off school grounds) which would supersede this school policy.
15 Athletes are expected to maintain the highest order of sportsmanship at all times.
16 Pomperaug High School and the CIAC do not, in any way, sanction, encourage or condone “Captain’s Practice”. Students should not feel pressured or compelled to participate in off-season practices. Off-season practices are not sanctioned or supervised by Pomperaug High School coaches or the athletic department. Students do not have permission to practice or play on school grounds on their own. Athletic insurance will not cover students that are injured during unauthorized practice. Teams may hold voluntary out of season, physical conditioning workouts with a coach.
17 Each coach will be responsible for setting up criteria for selection of team captains. Each coach may have a different approach to the selection of captains.
18 No student at Pomperaug High School may take part in bullying, initiations or hazings. Students do not have the right to impose their will on other students, nor should they feel compelled to be initiated by others. Sport teams at Pomperaug High School should be welcoming, comfortable and inclusive. There will be a penalty imposed on those who participate in bullying, initiations or hazings.
19 The weight room is available for student use. The hours of use will be announced over the PA system. Supervision is required at all times. Athletes must wear appropriate clothing and follow all safety guidelines posted.
20 Athletes must travel to and from contests in school provided transportation. With permission from the coach a student may go to or from a contest with their parent. With prior permission from the coach and a written note from their parent, a student may go to or return from a contest with a parent of another teammate. With written permission of the parent and proof of insurance students can drive themselves to an event. No student may travel to or from an athletic contest with another student. There are some instances when teams will car pool to athletic events.
21 The student is responsible and accountable for all work that is missed due to early dismissal for any interscholastic sporting event. Athletes should notify their teachers well in advance of the competition that requires early dismissal. Parents need to provide written notification to the office.
22 All athletes are expected to fully participate in Physical Education class. No athlete is excused from Physical Education for athletic reasons.
23 Students are responsible for their personal property. Students should never leave property unlocked. If a lock or locker is not available students should keep the property with them at the practice area.
24 An athlete who is on suspension from school is not eligible to practice or take part in a contest until he/she is allowed to return to school.
25 Student-athletes must follow all school rules.
26 Coaches reserve the right to close practices to parents and other members of the public.
27 Parents must pick up students within 1/2 hour of the conclusion of practices or games.
28 In instances where issues or conflicts arise, parents and students shall comply with the following chain of command: Athlete/parent or guardian should try to resolve situation directly with the coach. If the concern is not resolved, it should be addressed to the Athletic Director. If the concern remains unresolved it should be brought to the attention of the Principal, as well as the Athletic Director.

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Athletes Code of Ethics

As an athlete it is your responsibility to:

- conduct yourself in a respectful manner at all times
- treat officials and opponents with respect and dignity
- accept decisions that are made by coaches, officials and school personnel
- exhibit good sportsmanship
- remember that there is no place for "winning at all costs"
- show courtesy to visiting teams and officials
- understand and accept the rules of the sport and abide by the standards of eligibility
- maintain all athletic equipment given to you by the coach
- refrain from making faces or other gestures toward officials, coaches or others
- use appropriate language at all times, profanity will not be tolerated

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Locker Room

- Do not leave valuables in the locker room.
-Do not share a locker with another student.
- Keep your locker locked at all times; the school is NOT responsible for personal property.
- "Horse play" behavior is prohibited at all times; many athletic careers have been cut short because of locker room incidents.
- Cleats are not to be worn in the locker room or in any other part of the school building.

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Try-outs

Announcements will be made over the PA system, for team announcements and tryouts prior to the start of the season.  Permission forms, physical forms, and insurance policy brochures are available from the coach.

In sports where teams are limited to size, it is often necessary to make cuts.  Pomperaug High School coaches have the sole responsibility for the selection of all team members.   The team selection is based on the subjective opinion of the coach who will consider the students’ athletic ability, sportsmanship and citizenship when making choices.

Prior to the opening of each season, an athlete who has been cut from a team may try out for another team if spots are available and there is mutual agreement of the coaches.  However, an athlete who is on the eligibility list of one sport and has participated in a varsity or junior varsity or freshman contest of that sport is not eligible to join another team during that season.

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Captains

Each coach will be responsible for setting up criteria for selection of team captains.  Each coach may have a different approach to the selection of captains.

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Captain's Practice

Pomperaug High School and the CIAC does not, in any way, sanction, encourage or condone "Captain's Practice." It is a violation of CIAC rules.  Students should not feel pressured or compelled to participate in off season workouts.  Off season workouts are not sanctioned or supervised by Pomperaug High School coaches or the athletic department.  Students do not have permission to practice or play on school grounds on their own.  Athletic insurance will not cover students that are injured during unauthorized practice.

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Initiations

No student at Pomperaug High School may take part in an initiation or hazing.  Students do not have the right to impose their will on other students, nor should they feel compelled to be initiated by others.  Sport teams at Pomperaug High School should be welcoming, comfortable and inclusive.  There will be a penalty imposed on those who participate in an initiation.

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Weight Room

The weight room is available for student use.  The hours of use will be announced over the PA system.  Supervision is required at all times.  Athletes must wear appropriate clothing and follow all safety guidelines posted.

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Trainer

Pomperaug High School has a part time athletic trainer.   Her role is to:

- enhance the medical staff
- to recognize and treat the athlete's injuries
- to provide rehabilitation services and/or recommend further medical treatment
- to provide prophylactic taping to athletes to prevent injury
- to provide coaches with up to date information on conditioning and the prevention of injuries

The hours that the trainer is available are posted on the training room door.  Efforts are made to schedule the trainer when the most sports are practicing and/or competing.  It should not be assumed that the trainer is on duty at all times.

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Injuries

 Any student sustaining an injury while participating in an interscholastic sports program should report the injury to his/her coach immediately.  If this injury requires medical evaluation or follow-up*, the coach or sports trainer will complete an accident/insurance claim form that provides information related to the injury, and submit it to the school nurse.  The school nurse will keep a copy of the accident/insurance report and will send the original to the injured student's parent or guardian.  Parents/guardians are responsible for submitting all insurance claims.  These are not submitted by the school.  At the beginning of the sport season, each coach will provide every team member with a brochure explaining the school insurance coverage for athletes.

*Any injury requiring medical follow-up and/or continued medical or chiropractic treatment,  will need to have a written medical clearance from the physician/chiropractor before the student will be allowed to return to gym class or interscholastic sports.

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Insurance

Pomperaug High School has an Interscholastic Sports Accident Plan.  The insurance policy provided at Region 15 is a secondary type policy.  It does not cover treatment services when benefits are payable under any other insurance or medical plan available to the insured person.  Contact the School Nurse for more information.

Transportation

Athletes must travel to and from contests in school provided transportation.  With prior permission from the coach, a student may go to or from a contest with their parent.  With prior permission from the coach and a written note from their parent, a student may go to or return from a contest with a parent of another teammate.  NO STUDENT MAY TRAVEL TO OR FROM AN ATHLETIC CONTEST WITH ANOTHER STUDENT WITHOUT CONSENT FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR.  There are some instances when teams will car pool to athletic events.
Click here for directions to opponents.

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Early Dismissal

The student is responsible and accountable for all work that is missed due to early dismissal for any interscholastic sporting event.  Athletes should notify their teachers well in advance of the competition that requires early dismissal.  Parents need to provide written notification to the office.

Physical Education Class

All athletes are expected to fully participate in Physical Education class. No athlete is excused from Physical Education for athletic reasons.

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Playing Time

Pomperaug High School coaches have the sole responsibility for the selection of all team members. The team selection is based on the subjective opinion of the coach who will consider the students’ athletic ability, sportsmanship and citizenship when making choices. The amount of playing time, the position the athlete plays and the level that they play (Varsity, JV, and Freshman) is the sole decision of the coach. At the varsity level in particular the emphasis will be on developing the most competitive team possible given the talent of the athletes. Younger students (freshmen and sophomores) may play over older students (juniors and seniors). There is no guarantee of playing time particularly at the Varsity level. It is possible that students may not play at all. Payment of a participation fee is not a guarantee of any playing time.

Awards

An awards ceremony is held at the end of the season.  It is held at the school. Individual and team accomplishments are recognized at this time.
Pomperaug High School and the SWC has established criteria for individual and team awards.
The criteria for PHS varsity letters is established by the coach for each sports team.

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Sports Jacket

Any Pomperaug High School Student can order a Sports Jacket.  The form can be obtained from the athletics office.  Complete the form and bring it to Mrs. Morgan in the Athletics Office with your check.  

Admission Fees

Admission fees for contests at Pomperaug High School are as follows:  For football, basketball, evening swim meets, evening lacrosse games, evening soccer games the admission fee is $4.00 for adults and $3.00 for students.  For all CIAC and SWC tournament games the costs range from $5.00 to $7.00.

Admission fees for contests at other schools vary from school to school.

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Due Process

1. Athlete or parent/guardian should try to resolve situation directly with the coach.

2. If the concern is not resolved, it should be addressed to the Athletic Director.

3. If the concern remains unresolved it should be brought to the attention of the Principal, as well as the Athletic Director.

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Direction to South-West Conference Schools

All Directions are from Pomperaug High School
Click here for a complete list of Directions to Opponents
 
 

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