SANDYHIGH SCHOOL

COACHES HANDBOOK2015-2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTION 1Page 2-5 Introductions, Belief Statement/Core Beliefs, and PhilosophyPage 6-7 Coaching Expectations – Problem Solving Flow ChartPage 8 Team Selection and LetteringPage 9-11 Drug & Alcohol, Attendance, and Academic Policies,

Social MediaPage 12 Pre-season Parent Meeting/Handbook

Page 13 Budget, Ordering, and Fundraising PolicyPage 14 Board Policy on Supervision of Athletes,

Transportation, and Maintenanceof Facilities

Page 15 Out of State Travel, Media

Page 16-17Building a Successful Program

Calendar Dates / OSAA Calendar

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INTRODUCTION

This manual is a compilation of policies, rules, and regulations, taken from the Oregon State Athletic Association, Sandy High School, and other organizations.The manual is developed primarily as a reference source for administrators, coaches, and other personnel working with the high school athletic program. It will be updated annually to embrace current rules and regulations.

SANDY HIGH SCHOOL BELIEF STATEMENT

The Sandy High School Athletic Program is an extension of the total educational experience provided for our community. Our goal is to develop our student-athletes’ physical, emotional, mental and intellectual skills within a competitive and cooperative environment where sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork is taught, modeled and encouraged. The athletic program will recognize a person’s individual uniqueness and the need for equality amongst gender.

All students will have access to the program commensurate with their interest and abilities and have complete freedom of choice in selecting activities.

SANDY HIGH SCHOOL CORE BELIEFS

Play Hard – Play Together – Play With Class

Our success as an athletic program begins before we even take a step on the field, court, pool, mat, course or into the weight room. There are countless lessons that can be learned from athletics. The vast majority of which will apply far more to our lives away from athletics. In order to recognize the importance and significance of these lessons we have to begin by applying them. We must take an active role in accentuating the most positive aspects of our program. We must also recognize and own those aspects that are a hindrance to our successes and make adjustments. Sandy High School athletes will be synonymous with excellence. We will be the model of good citizenship within our school and our community. We will be the programs that people talk about because of what we bring to this community both through our athletic achievements and outside of athletics. It is up to us to make these things so!

A Sandy High School Athlete will be a 1st Class Citizen, Student and Athlete.

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CITIZENSHIP What does it look like to be a First Class Citizen?

We will be Courteous, Polite, Helpful, and Sincere. We will say “Please” and “Thank you” religiously. We will model polite and courteous behavior at school and around town. We will open and hold doors for those coming and going.

We will offer to give a helping hand to those who look as though they need it. We will show the utmost respect to parents, teachers, coaches, and adult community

members. We will refer to them as Mr./Mrs./Ms./Coach. We will dress with pride. We will live the concept of “Pay It Forward” (doing something because it is the right

thing to do) by adopting program projects and not expecting anything in return. We will be sincere with our good nature. Really want to help. Really mean our “pleases

and thank you’s.” We want to be good people and take pride in being such as part of this athletic program.

We will work diligently at keeping the school clean and safe. Our language and PDA’s will be appropriate.

SCHOLARSHIPSuccess is a full time endeavor. Successful people find ways to get the job done in all areas of their lives. This is because success is a mentality, an attitude. Very rarely do we find a person whom we would call “successful” in only one specific area. Typically these people are dedicated family members, good thinkers, hard workers, and committed to finishing the job. These traits will span over many, perhaps all areas of life. Our dedication to the classroom says much about our dedication to other endeavors. Can we be disciplined enough to finish what needs to be done even if we have to struggle through the process?

What does it look like to be a First Class Student? We will attend every class and be on time. We will complete every assignment. We will seek assistance if we need it. We will greet our teachers every day. We will participate in class activities and be engaged in all lessons. We will be committed to and set the example for excellence. When entering a classroom we will remove our hats.

ATHLETICSA first class athlete goes hard all the time, never takes a drill or play off. They do things the right way every time. Doing things right and with every bit of effort we have with every rep we take will ensure that when the time comes to perform in competition, our mind and muscles will perform at a level that reflects preparation. If we all trust that each member of the team will take care of our individual responsibilities with maximum effort, we can minimize thinking on the field and just play.

What does it look like to be a First Class Athlete? Family, school, and team first – Lose “Yourself”

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Committed to improving – practice and compete with a purpose, every drill, every rep “all in.”

We owe it to ourselves to be the best we can be, take advantage of every opportunity, weight room, practice, and attacking the fundamentals.

We will leave it all on the court, floor, field, mat, pool, course, and weight room. Right Now! Sense of urgency and purpose. Be on time and clean up after ourselves.

PHILOSOPHY

A comprehensive co-curricular activities program shall be an extension of the school day and shall provide an environment which is beneficial to all participants. The program shall offer instruction which is conducted by qualified coaches and advisors who assist participants in the improvement of physical, social and intellectual skills. Since some of the components of the co-curricular activities program requires intensive physical and mental activity, the health and welfare of each and every participant is a primary consideration.

Coaches and advisors of co-curricular teams and activities assume the major role in influencing the students who are members of their groups. Coaches and advisors shall assist in the development of leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, and the fostering of cooperation. Coaches and advisors must also insist upon ethical behavior, a sense of responsibility, citizenship, and sportsmanship. When in a competitive environment, they shall help their group’s members to win or lose with a balance of pride and humility.

Sandy High School’s athletic programs promote, administer, and conducts activities in such a way as to encourage maximum participation and promote student-athletes’ mental and physical growth and development.

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SHS Athletic Program Coaching Expectations

Coach will demonstrate: Knowledge in all phases of the sport; skills, strategies, position or team placement,

offense, defense, conditioning and strength training.

Strong organizational skills

Effective communication skills; willingness and ability to communicate with community, administration, staff, students and parents.

Ability to motivate student-athletes and staff.

Positive role modeling of sportsmanship, citizenship, teamwork and integrity for fellow coaches and student-athletes.

Lives up to the high standard of sportsmanship established by Sandy High School. Teaches and expects all fellow coaches and student-athletes to avoid public displays of anger and /or displeasure

Appropriate adult behavior and leadership.

Teaches athletes to be the best person they can be by providing positive feedback and skill building techniques.

Teaches, critiques, and encourages. Use of correction techniques that are not demeaning.

Effectively implements the Sandy High School Athletic Programs’ established regulations, procedures, policies and rules.

Maintains accurate records of team members’ daily attendance in school and holds student-athletes and coaches accountable to the district policy.

Maintains accurate records of team stats, scores, and win/loss record and reports them following each game to the media and SHS athletic department.

Participates in clinics, safety studies, and professional growth opportunities.

Treats all participants of the inter-scholastic program equally with dignity and respect; i.e. students, coaches, parents, administration, spectators, and officials.

Teaches and enforces the local and state rules of eligibility, athletic codes, procedures, and other relevant district and state policies.

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Develops, maintains, implements and evaluates sound program goals, training plans, practices and procedures.

Maintains a current knowledge of and abides by the current rules governing inter-scholastic athletics (OSAA).

Maintains effective communications with school and district administration, teachers, parents, students, booster clubs, media and community organizations.

Demonstrate loyalty to the staff and programs within the SHS Athletic Department through cooperation, communication and the encouragement of multi-sport athletes.

When possible get to know parents so you can foster their help and support of your program.

Accepts seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing Sandy High School and the Sandy community by displaying positive public actions.

PROBLEM SOLVING FLOW CHARTAthletic Issues

Athlete meets with coach ------ Resolved

Parent and Athlete meet with Assistant Coach and/or Head Coach

------ Resolved

Parent and Athlete meet Athletic Director

------ Resolved

Parent and Athlete meet with Principal

------ Resolved

Parent and Athlete provide written documentation to Superintendent

------ Resolved

Parent and Athlete meet with Superintendent

------ Resolved

This procedure is intended to help athletes develop and practice independent problem solving skills.

TEAM SELECTION PROCESS

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When selecting team members, the following beliefs will be adhered to:

1) Efforts will be made to maximize the opportunities for our student-athletes without diluting the quality of the program.

2) Every effort will be made to allow equal opportunity to earn squad membership.3) Selection of teams is at the discretion of a coach or advisor. Team selection will be based

on skill, team balance, experience, work ethic, attitude and a team member’s over-all contribution to a team and program.

4) Coaches are encouraged to keep as many student-athletes as they can without compromising the integrity of their sport.

Cutting Procedures:If your program has a tryout period and makes cuts

1) Prior to trying out, the coach shall provide the following information to all candidates and parents for the team:

a. Extent of try-out periodb. Criteria used to select the teamc. Number to be selectedd. Practice commitment if they make the teame. Game commitmentsf. Any additional expected commitment

2) When a squad cut becomes a necessity, the process will include two important elements:a. Student-athletes will have equivalent and equal amount of time as all selected

team members to show the coaching staff their abilities.b. Students will be personally informed of the cut by the coach. Coaches will explain

the reason for the action (unless the numbers are too large to allow the process of individual notification).

3) Coaches will inform students who are cut of alternative possibilities for participation in the sport or activity in other areas of the activities program.

4) If a coach foresees difficulties arising as a result of squad/activity cuts, he/she shall discuss the situation with the athletic director.

5) Appeal of cutting or selection decisions shall be made to the athletic director.

LETTERING

When lettering team members, the following beliefs will be adhered to:1) Coaches will outline their lettering policy in the handbook following approval from the

athletic director. This policy will be clear to all team members before the season begins.2) Individual lettering will be at the discretion of a coach.3) It will be required for any athlete at Sandy HS to complete 5 hours of community service

during the season in order to letter.

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SPORTSMANSHIP

It is the intent of Sandy High School to conduct all athletic events within a framework of good sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship is simply defined as the creation of an atmosphere of courtesy and fair play toward officials, contestants, and spectators at all activities. Coaches at Sandy High School have the responsibility of teaching their teams the value of good sportsmanship and the teams are expected to uphold this value at all times.

DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY

The use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, or other controlled substances, and the possession of paraphernalia related to those substances will not be tolerated by OSAA, Sandy High School, or the Oregon Trail School District. If a student has been identified using, or in possession of any of the above substances, or in attendance at a function where illegal use of mentioned substances, s/he will be subject to the consequences outlined in the team handbook of their individual sport/activity. With a minimum standard set by Sandy High School’s administration as a guideline (SHS Student Handbook), coaches have the latitude to create stricter policies for drug, alcohol & tobacco, academics, and attendance for their own teams. In drafting these policies, coaches will be reasonable and maintain fairness and equality for team members. Every effort will be made to make parents aware of individual team policies.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Coaches will receive a daily attendance sheet for their teams at or around 2:30 pm. Any student whose name is on this sheet is not eligible to participate that day unless otherwise specified by the Athletic Director.

1) Attendance in all classes the day of practice or a contest is a school board prerequisite to participation.

2) PRE-EXCUSED absences THROUGH THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE for school activities or doctor’s appointments are acceptable. Any other reason must be Pre-Excused through personal contact with the Athletic Director.

3) There may be “special” circumstances which could only be excused by the Principal, Vice Principal, or Athletic Director. Please contact the Athletic Director immediately PRIOR TO PARTICIPATION if you feel you have a “special” circumstance.

4) Missing school or classes any day will have consequences regarding participation in that days practice or game. Athletes are not allowed the three day grace period to get excuses to attendance clerk.

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ATHLETIC/ACTIVITY BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

Athletic and activities programs are designed for and contribute to the mental and physical growth of our students. Each program has adopted policies, procedures and expectations pertaining to the conduct of student participants. The programs will promote high standards of conduct, desirable citizenship and favorable social behavior of the participants. Because participation in any of the athletic/activity programs is voluntary and is not a property right, the behavior of students taking part must be exemplary. The Oregon Trail School Board, District Office and Sandy High School Administration support coach’s team policies that apply to student behavior, at all times, while a member of any given athletic team or school sanctioned activity.

All athletics and activities participants are directed to follow Sandy High School code of conduct, Board policy, OSAA regulations and the participation policy set by the coaching staff, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Coaches have the right and responsibility to assess the student athlete’s level of skill, ability to perform in game situations, attitude, and adherence to team and school policy and determine the extent of a student’s participation based on same. The coach’s policy will be reviewed at the parent meeting prior to each season and a signed copy shall be returned to the coaching staff and athletic department before a student athlete can participate. Failure to follow the direction of participation policy subjects the participant to discipline including, but not limited to, probation, suspension and/or removal from the activity/sport.

Board Policy, Code: IGDJA

The Board believes that participation in district athletics complements reinforces and extends academic programs and offers opportunities for students to grow physically, intellectually and socially. Participation is a privilege, not a right, and students are expected to meet and maintain district eligibility standards in order to participate. Failure to meet and maintain academic achievement, satisfactory attendance and desirable behavior, as measured by district criteria, may result in discipline including probation, suspension and/or removal from the activity.

ACADEMIC POLICY

An eligible student is one who is enrolled in school, attending regularly and passing in subject’s equivalent to at least 5 classes (2.5 credits per semester) of work the semester during participation and the semester prior to participation. Eligible students must have also passed subjects equivalent to at least five classes of work during any previous semester of high school. All academic requirements must be completed within 10 days of the end of the preceding semester or earned during the summer following the deficient semester. The Athletic Director reserves the right to place any student at risk of failing classes or not maintaining eligibility on an academic plan of assistance.

A semester is one-half of the regular school year.

MINIMUM SATISFACTORY PROGRESS REQUIREMENTS

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Credits to Graduate 24Credits Per Year 6Prior to Grade 10 4.5Prior to Grade 11 10Prior to Grade 12 17

SOCIAL MEDIA

Though mediums for speech and expression have changed drastically since the 1960’s, the standard for protected speech in schools has continued to reflect the precedent that was set in Tinker v. DesMoines School District (1969). That is, any speech/expression that does, or is likely to, cause a substantial and material disruption in the educational process is not protected. We need to keep in mind that this speech must go well beyond creating discomfort or the team’s/school’s/district’s desire to avoid discomfort. There must be a substantial disruption (or the likelihood of a substantial disruption). However, the speech itself does not need to be limited to school hours or on school grounds. This is the policy that the school and district will abide by. All social media policies must be approved by Athletic Director before adding to a team handbook or implemented as a team policy.

PRE-SEASON PARENT MEETING/ HANDBOOK

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Every Head Coach will conduct a parent meeting prior to each season. It is important to have all the coaches in the program attend. Athletic Director will have a copy of your programs handbook prior to your pre-season parent meeting.

Handbook – Each program will have a program specific handbook. Distribute one to each student-athlete’s parent at the parent meeting. The following items are to be covered in the handbook and addressed at the meeting:

1) Program philosophy – how are you going to run the program (team)?2) Share goals for the year3) Player evaluation process4) Cut policy/process (if necessary)5) Expectations of athletes6) Expectations of coaches in your program7) How playing time is determined (not necessary, but would help you)8) Team policies9) Eligibility10) Attendance policy11) Code of conduct12) Lettering criteria (Be specific)13) Transportation to and from games14) Parent communication with coaching staff15) Schedules – practices- game

The following are some important items which may also be included and addressed: Drug & Alcohol Policy (team) Attendance Policy (team) Academic Policy (team) Parent Expectations Parent’s Pledge Try-out Information (if needed) Sportsmanship

**Coaches should also distribute a sheet of paper for parents to sign which acknowledges that they have read and understand team guidelines and athletic policies.

BUDGETS

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District Budget: Check with the Athletic Director for spending authorization.

DISTRICT PURCHASE ORDERSTo order any item the following must be done PRIOR :1. Request authorization for funds from the athletic director.2. Complete a Purchase Order Requisition and include bid amounts and item(s)3. Give PO to the athletic secretary for processing

NOTE: Before placing an order you must first have a P.O. number from District Office. If you need to place an order more immediately, please alert A.D. to your plan to place an orderUpon receiving the order bring the Invoice to Rita McCombs (signed and dated).

A.S.B. Budget: Please refer to School Activity Fund Handbook . Check with the Bookkeeper’s office monthly (or more often if requested) for your current account status. Student and coach signer is required.

ASB PURCHASE ORDERSTo order any item the following must be done PRIOR :

1. Complete a Purchase Order Requisition and give to the Athletic Director for signature. 2. Have designated student signer sign PO request 3. Submit the P.O. to the Bookkeeper (Lexi Tappert)

NOTE: Before placing an order you must first have a P.O. number from Lexi and you must let the A.D. know.Upon receiving the order bring the Invoice to Lexi (signed and dated).

FUNDRAISINGTo do any school or club related fundraising:

1. Complete the Application for Fundraising and give to the Athletic Director for signature.2. The athletic director will submit the Application for Fundraiser to Activities Director, Sally Tripp

and Bookkeeper, Lexi Tappert3. Either get a gate box from Lexi for daily drop in safe or have all transactions be done through the

bookkeeper’s office. Please notify Lexi of your intent before submitting form.4. Inventory all fundraising materials and compare list with Lexi prior to handing out supplies to

students.5. DO NOT BEGIN ANY FUNDRAISERS WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION.6. All monies contributed to a program through a program’s FOUNDATION must be run

through the ASB account to pay for item(s) and prior authorization must be given by athletic director.

a. ***Money or gifts given by any foundation must be in compliance with District, State, and Federal law/policy. OTSD is required by law to foster and encourage an environment reflecting equal access and equal opportunity to all students. Excessive gifts to one program or one gender will not be accepted by the school or district.

ALL OF THIS INFORMATION CAN ALSO BE FOUND IN THE SCHOOL ACTIVITIY FUND HANDBOOK

SUPERVISION of ATHLETES

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Athletes should be supervised at all times from when they arrive to practice or games to the time they depart. Coaches should not leave the facility until all players have left and coaches must make sure the facility is locked and secured before leaving. Coaches should not allow any use of school facilities without adequate supervision.

Coaches should be very careful about being in an uncomfortable or compromising situation with any athlete. Coaches should avoid physical contact that could be interpreted as sexual in nature. Coaches should avoid, if possible, transporting athletes alone.

MAINTANENCE OF FACILITIES

It is the responsibility of every head coach to make sure that the facilities and equipment being used by their program are taken care of and secure. This includes, but is not limited to, the following

Locking up the facility. This will be especially important on nights that your program is the last to use the facility. If it is a large facility, break the responsibilities up with your staff.

o See me for Stadium and Gymnasium lock-up procedures if needed. Care of equipment and facility. Please teach your student-athletes and coaching staff

proper care for the equipment and facilities you are using. Spend some time at the beginning of the season considering points of emphasis for the season in this regard.

o Volleyball nets and stands put away properly every night and at season’s end, football sleds stripped of pads and put away at season’s end, locker rooms and team rooms cleaned out at end of season, no throwing of baseballs/softballs in gym, No hitting tennis balls against gym walls, etc.

TRANSPORTATION There must be a responsible coach on a bus that is transporting a team to and from an

athletic event, unless prior approval has been given by the athletic director. School buses or other transportation will be used only when approved by the proper

administration authorities and the athletic director. It is the coaches’ responsibility to communicate with the athletic director any

transportation of athletes other than district school buses. Two of the most important duties of the coach with regard to travel are the athletes’

safety and effective communication with all parties regarding time schedules. If a coach decides to allow athletes to ride home with their parents after a contest, there

must be, at a minimum, a record (note, email, letter, etc.) of parents verifying the transportation arrangements.

On the occasion when the district personnel might organize or facilitate car pools of students in privately owned vehicles, each vehicle and driver must comply with the

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explicit criteria outlined in Policy EEAE-AR of the Oregon Trail School District Board Policy Handbook.

OUT OF STATE TRAVEL Allowed with athletic director, principal and school board approval Complete Board Action Item form Turn in completed form to athletic director no less than six-weeks prior to departure All out of state travel is funded solely by fundraised dollars or donations to the sport

traveling.

MEDIAHead coaches will designate 1 individual that will be responsible for communicating with the media. This communication should take place within 1 hour of contest’s conclusion. These will include, but are not limited to….

VNN Press Box (this will populate Facebook and Twitter as well. Should populate OSAA)

OSAA Oregonian/OregonLive.com Sandy Post Facebook/Twitter/any other social networking site (team sites only) Rita McCombs (Athletic Secretary), Erin Barton (Administrative Secretary), Julia

Monteith (OTSD Communications Director)…I would recommend putting these 3 in one group email.

CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED TO BUILD

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A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM

Effective Thinking or Mind Set: Think Critically Make Activity Fun and Exciting Connect with Athletic Program, Staff, Parents, and Community Get Everyone to “buy in” to your TEAM Philosophy Never Compromise “Good of the Team/Program” Never Sacrifice Values or Integrity Have Passion Everything We Do and Teach is about Building Positive Relationships All Coaches Should have These STANDARDS:

We are a TEAM We are Professional (on and off the field)We are Well-CoachedWe are DisciplinedWe are ConditionedWe have Traditions (Maintained)We have a Quality Appearance (Uniforms and Facilities)We Build Lifelong RelationshipsWe Attend Clinics and Continue Learning

Managing a Team Effectively: Head Coach must be a Leader Staff Communication is Vital Work with Staff and Develop Them Teach, Expect, and Model Positive Sportsmanship and Character Fair, Firm and Consistent Prepare

Always Bring Your BEST to the TableAlways over prepare

Never Panic On Time and Stick to Time Schedule Practice Plan is very Structured Set the Standard(s), Lead by Example and Does the Follow-up Sets TEAM “Ground Rules” /Standards Set Right Away Clear Expectations Hold Athletes Accountable to TEAM STANDARDS Expectations and Standards are Communicated to Parents Mutual Respect To and From the Athletes Use Positive Proactive Coaching Methods Caring (success comes when people care about each other) Willing to be flexible with kids Maximize Players Strengths Build a Long Term System Teach Players to Support Each Other

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Encourage Players to Have a Good Balance Between Team and Family Focuses on Team Building within the Program

Effectively Building Strong Community Relationships: Sandy Tradition is the Sandy Community Be “Visible” in the Community Introduce Yourself to the Community Involve the Community Players and Coaches Should be Ambassadors for the Program Reach Out to the Middle Schools and Youth Programs Speak to the Various Community Organizations (Rotary, Kiwanis,

Elks, Etc.) Athletes Represent the Community (what can we give back????) Have Mandatory Meetings of Parents and Players Support All Sandy High School Athletic Programs

2014-15 DATES TO MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR

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SANDY HS NPLB APPLICATION DEADLINES

FALL: SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

WINTER: DECEMBER 1, 2015

SPRING: MARCH 15, 2015

OSAA CALENDAR (NEXT PAGE)

COACHES MEETINGS:SHS M4-10

7:15 AM2nd Wednesday of Month

September 9, 2015October 14, 2015

November 11, 2015December 9, 2015January 13, 2016February 10, 2016

March 9, 2016April 13, 2016May 11, 2016

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