WINOOSKI ATHLETICS 2025-2026
STUDENT-ATHLETE & PARENT HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
- Overview of Athletics
- Mission
- Student Athlete standards of conduct
- Parents or Guardians standards of conduct
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging statement
- ARBITER REGISTRATION-SIGN UP HERE
2.0 Overview of VPA regulations / Policies
3.0 Athletic Eligibility requirements
3.1 Absenteeism
3.2 Missing assignments
3.3 Tardy / Late
3.4 Early Dismissal
3.5 Restorative conversations
3.6 Academic Support
3.7 Substance Abuse
4.0 Safe Place for ALL
4.1 Prevention of Harassment, Hazing, Bullying
4.2 Title IX
4.3 Student Alcohol and Drug use
4.4 Weapons
5.0 Participation Forms & Physical Examinations
6.0 VPA Divisional alignments
7.0 Member to Member Agreements
8.0 Dropping or Transferring Sports
9.0 Athletic Awards and Varsity Letters
9.1 Overview of Letters and Pins
9.2 End of the Year Sports Celebration
10.0 Uniforms and Equipment
11.0 Communications Protocol
12.0 Spectators Expectations
13.0 Community Service / Team projects
14.0 Meet the Coaching Staff
1.0 Overview
The Athletic department is represented by highly qualified people. Our coaches will be using restorative practices and restorative justice while teaching the game of sports. The bigger than the sports approach is designed to promote great life teachings through the sport lens. Our coaches will be using the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) as our guided framework for success. It is important that we teach real life skills through each and every sport. We are committed to giving back to our community who has embraced, supported, and followed us for many years.
1.1 Our Mission
At Winooski Schools, we believe that athletic participation is an integral and valuable component of our students’ overall educational experience. We educate student-athletes by providing participation opportunities in various sports and promoting the well-being of student-athletes. Through their participation, our student-athletes develop the skills necessary to help them in the classroom, in college and in life “Bigger than sports approach”. We accomplish this in three
ways: First, we ensure that our coaches understand that they are educators. Second, our student-athletes understand that participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right, and they exhibit the behavior of model citizens. Third, and most important, the athletic department strives to be a source of pride for our students, the school and the community.
1.2 Student Athlete Standards of Conduct
Student-athletes at WSD are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that best represents their team and the School while being productive members of both the campus and the surrounding community. It is their responsibility to exhibit behavior that enables them to make the most of the academic and athletic opportunities afforded to them. Participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right; student-athletes are subject to
NFHS and VPA rules and regulations. To earn and maintain that privilege, all student-athletes are expected to uphold at all times high standards of integrity and behavior to reflect well upon themselves; their families, community, coaches and
teammates; and the Athletics Department. Student-athletes are expected to abide by all rules and regulations of WSD and the VPA. Failure to do so may result in suspension from the team or from the School. It is expected that the behavior of student-athletes shall at all times reflect the high standards of honor and dignity that characterize participation in athletics at WSD; student-athletes may be subjected to Athletics Department discipline for such acts that violate the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, regardless of where and when the acts are committed and regardless of whether any other disciplinary or legal action is taken against the student-athlete.
General student-athlete and academic responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Knowing, understanding and following School rules and regulations as outlined in the School Student Handbook and the Student-Athlete Conduct Code;
- Attending all scheduled classes and completing all academic assignments;
- Informing instructors ahead of time of all expected absences due to official athletic events;
- Taking proper care of equipment, facilities and athletic uniforms;
- Attending all scheduled practices unless excused by the coaching staff or in case of a class conflict;
- Abiding by all team, Athletics Department and VPA rules;
- Treating officials and opponents with respect;
- Avoiding undue confrontations during athletic contests;
- Maintaining control during emotionally charged situations; and
- Reacting in a positive manner to an aggressive action by an individual or group (an opposing crowd, taunting by opponents, etc.)
- bringing it to the coach’s attention.
1.3 Parent/Guardian Standards of Conduct
WSD believes that a constructive working relationship with all parents and guardians is essential to the fulfillment of its mission. To this end, WSD strives to maintain close
communication with parents at all times so that there is partnership between parents and WSD in the mutual education process. Forming such a partnership requires mutual
trust, understanding and cooperation between you and WSD, as well as support from you for WSD mission, programs, faculty and staff. Therefore, WSD reserves the right to remove your student at any time if WSD, in its sole judgment, determines that you (or any other parents or guardians of your student):
- Consistently act or behave in a manner that is deemed not to be in the best interests of WSD or its students;
- Fail to cooperate with members of WSD’s faculty and staff
- Disregard or fail to abide by WSD’s rules and regulations; or
- Demonstrate an unwillingness or inability to be a positive and productive member of the WSD community
1.4 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement
Winooski School District and (name of away school):__________, in conjunction with the Vermont Principals’ Association, the Vermont Superintendents Association, and the Vermont State Athletic Directors Association requires participants and spectators to behave in a respectful manner.
Sportsmanship and safe playing environments are the top priorities for all Vermont school-sponsored activities. This is especially true with respect to a person’s race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ethnic differences, or disabilities.
Under no circumstances should any student-athletes, officials, or coaches be subjected to behavior and/or language aimed to demean, disrespect or harm. If behavior or hate speech of this kind is observed and/or reported, the site officials will stop the event immediately to meet with the coaches and the game officials about the next possible outcomes of violating this expectation, which could include:
- Immediate ejection from the event
- Ending the event early and returning home
- Forfeiture of the event or future events
- Resuming the game without fans
- Scheduling future games without fans
- Restrictions/suspensions from future attendance/participation
Adults and students are encouraged and expected to work together to ensure a meaningful and safe learning environment for our communities to grow and thrive together.
Thank you to all participants for helping ensure the highest levels of respect and safety for all.
1.5 Arbiter Registration
- ALL Athletes are required to sign-up for sports using this platform. Athletes and families will need to create an account and upload documents to be officially signed up.
NEED HELP? Arbiter Registration (How to guide)
Sign up using the QR Code
2.0 Overview of VPA regulations / Policies
3.0 Athletic Eligibility requirements
3.1 Absenteeism
If you are absent on any practice or game day, you can not participate that day.
3.2 Missing assignments
If a student-athlete is missing 2 or more assignments they will not be allowed to participate until all assignments are completed. If missing assignments become a chronic issue an assignment plan will be made with the Athletic Director.
3.3 Tardy / Late
Student-athletes need to arrive on time to school and class. If a student is (unexcused) late or tardy to school they may not be allowed to practice or play for that day. The Athletic Director will develop a plan for chronic lateness or tardiness.
3.4 Early Dismissal
It is the responsibility of student-athletes to communicate with their teachers before they depart because of an athletic contest. Student-athletes with an early release time should remind their teacher of this before class on the day of the event. Student-athletes are responsible for any and all work and tests missed due
to an early release. Student Athletes are not permitted to leave class prior to a release time. It is a privilege to leave school early to participate in athletics.
3.5 Restorative Conversations
3.6 Academic “Core” Support
Any violations of tardy, missing assignments, or behavior infractions may result in core support 3x a week for the week of the infractions. Core support will run Tuesday-Thursday every week except; during school closures or vacations. Core support will be right after school. Every player will have successfully satisfied their core support obligations before returning back to the team.
3.7 Substance Abuse
WSD prohibits students from possessing, using, selling or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at School or at any School-related event. Any student violating this policy may be suspended or removed from the team, and will have to show engagement with the SAP counselor. The players support team will meet to discuss next steps for the student athlete.
Any student exhibiting behavior that creates a reasonable suspicion that the student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at any School-related activity will be evaluated by the School nurse or a designated administrator.
Tobacco and electronic/vapor cigarettes are prohibited on campus. Possession, consumption or distribution of these on campus during School hours or at School Sponsored events may result in a suspension.
4.0 Safe place for ALL
4.1 Prevention of Harassment, Hazing, Bullying
4.2 Title IX
4.3 Student Alcohol and Drug use
4.4 Weapons
5.0 Participation Forms & Physical Examinations
5.1 Each student must complete a series of forms in order to be granted participation privileges by the Athletics Department. These participation forms may be accessed in Powerschool. Additionally, all students must be evaluated by a physician and receive formal approval from that physician that they are physically capable and prepared to participate in high school athletics. Physicals are good for Two calendar years.
**To compete in an interscholastic contest or scrimmage in the VPA, a student must be on the team’s official roster and have (10) practice sessions with the coach/team.
6.0 VPA Divisional Alignments
7.0 Member to Member Agreements
7.1 Definition- Allowing Member School Students To Participate On Other Member School Teams (Member to Member Rule) Rationale – The Member to Member Program is designed to provide a short-term fix for a school with low participation and an opportunity for a student/athlete from another school(s) to participate on a team that a sending school does not offer.
7.2 Expectations- all members will need written approval from the AD and building principal. Athletes will have to abide by all WSD policies and expectations. WSD
has the right to amend or suspend any member to member agreements. Students must stay in good standing behaviorally and academically.
8.0 Dropping or Transferring Sports
On occasion, an in-season athlete may find it necessary to drop out of a sport. If this is the case, the following procedure is suggested.
1. Talk with the Head Coach.
2. Report the situation to the Athletic Director.
3. Return all equipment and uniforms issued to the Head Coach.
Student-athletes who quit their teams or are removed from the team by the coach at any time during the season will forfeit any awards and letters they would have received.
9.0 Athletic Awards and Varsity Letters
9.1 Awards and letters are earned by participating on a varsity-level team. In order for a player to letter, minimum standards and requirements must be met. Because of the differences in many sports, each coach will set his or her own award requirements. Student-athletes who quit their teams or are removed from the team by the coach at any time during the season will forfeit any awards they would have received.
A varsity letter and sports-specific pin will be awarded to each student-athlete the first year he or she letters. During each subsequent year that the student-athlete letters, he or she will receive an additional pin. Individual sports may also issue a variety of other awards to varsity athletes at the discretion of the Head Coach.
9.2 End of the Year Sports Celebration
We will host our 82nd Annual sports awards night on June , 2026! We encourage all players and families to come. Coaches nominate athletes based on their performances, attitude, and effort during the year. The athletic council, made up of all High School Head coaches, votes on each student-athlete and has open discussions about each athlete. Athletes who have been dismissed from
a sport by a coach, have quit a team, or remained academically ineligible, are not eligible for nomination for any awards. Extenuating circumstances may be reviewed by the Athletic Director/Principal.
10.0 Uniforms and Equipment
It is the responsibility of the Head Coach, in coordination with the Athletic Director or his or her designee, to order and maintain all equipment, apparel, and uniforms for each team.
The Varsity Head Coach is responsible for monitoring the uniform, apparel and equipment inventory for the team at all levels (Middle School, Novice, JV and Varsity).
An accounting of each team’s inventory must be done prior to the start of a season and at the end of a season by the Varsity Head Coach or his or her designee. A total accounting of this inventory must be submitted to the Athletic Director or his or her designee at the end of every season. All student-athletes will receive uniforms and apparel from the Varsity Head Coach or his or her designee at the beginning of the season.
All student-athletes must properly maintain all uniforms and equipment given to them for use during the season and must return all uniforms and equipment to their Head Coach at the conclusion of their sport’s season.
Players' failure to turn-in a uniform may result in a replacement fee or community service within the athletic department.
11.0 Communications Protocol
When dealing with questions and concerns that arise during or outside of an athletic season, the student-athletes should meet with their coach before parents or guardians become involved. If the parents or guardians still have a valid concern, they should then contact the coach to set up a meeting that includes the student-athlete, the parent and the coach. If there is not a satisfactory resolution, the parent may contact the Athletic Director to set up an appointment. The Athletic Director, in his or her sole discretion, may decide on the appropriate parties to attend that meeting. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- This department will honor the 24-Hour rule.
- Coaches will send out weekly reminders to parents about games and practices.
- Coaches will never discuss another player without their parents or guardian in attendance.
- Communication is most productive when an appointment is made to sit down and discuss the issues in private.
- Parents should never try to address issues or concerns with a coach before, during or after a practice / game.
- Text messages / emails are not the most effective way to communicate.
12.0 Spectators Expectations
WSD is committed to protecting the safety and comfort of all spectators and providing an environment that supports sporting conduct and enables our student-athletes to participate in a positive educational experience. The Athletics Department staff and security personnel therefore enforce strict standards for spectator behavior that expressly prohibit misconduct such as the following:
- Abusive verbal or physical conduct of spectators directed at participants, officials, or sponsors of the event or at other spectators;
- Verbal or physical conduct of spectators that interferes with the performance of student athletes, officials or sponsors of the event;
- Use of vulgar, obscene or demeaning expressions directed at student-athletes, officials or sponsors participating in the event or at other spectators;
In addition to authorizing the security officer to ask the offending spectator to leave the facility, the Athletics Department reserves the right to revoke such spectator’s privilege to attend future games and contests.
13.0 Community Service / Team projects
All teams will be participating in community service and team social projects. This is one way we will give back to our community. Teams will discuss these projects with their coaches. We are committed to building deeper relationships within our community.
14.0 Meet the Staff
15.0 Green Forms & Accountability Expectations
15.1 Overview of Green Forms
Green forms are academic accountability tools used to monitor and support the academic progress and behavior of our student-athletes. These forms are filled out weekly by teachers and reviewed by the Athletics Department and coaches.
15.2 Process
Every Friday, student-athletes will collect their green forms from the Athletic Director's office.
Students must bring the form to each of their teachers to complete.
Teachers will provide feedback on behavior, participation, assignments completed, and overall academic standing.
Completed forms must be submitted to the coach by Monday of each week.
15.3 Expectations and Consequences
Missing or incomplete green forms will result in the student-athlete being held out of practices and/or competitions until the form is turned in.
If the green form reflects academic or behavioral concerns, the student-athlete may be assigned to academic support sessions or required to have a restorative check-in.
Consistently positive green forms may be rewarded through team recognition or incentives.
15.4 Purpose
The purpose of the green form system is to align athletic participation with Winooski School District’s core values of honesty, engagement, accountability, responsibility, and