ATHLETIC

HANDBOOK

Table of Contents

Director of Athletics Letter                                                        1

Philosophy of Athletics                                                                2

Mission Statement                                                                3

Responsibilities                                                                        4

Conflict Resolution Plan                                                        5 - 6

Equipment and Facilities                                                        7

Transportation Policy                                                                8

Eligibility                                                                                9 - 10

Quitting a Sport                                                                        11

Off-Season                                                                                12

Policies for Student Athletes                                                        13

Athlete / Parent Verification Form                                                14

Dewey High School

Athletic Department

Dear Parents / Athletes:

I am honored to welcome you to the Dewey High School athletic program. Participation in our program will greatly enhance the students overall development academically, athletically, and as a citizen of this community. Sports play an important part in preparing you for the competitive real world that you will face in your future. The Dewey High School Athletic Department prides itself in developing our athletes to meet the challenges they will face after graduation.

Every coach at DHS is committed to teaching our athletes the skills and strategies that will help them attain their goals. They will teach them the meaning of good sportsmanship, commitment, responsibility, hard work, and the importance of team.

The DHS athletic department expects our athletes to be committed by working to develop themselves as a positive role model. It is vital for the athlete to take pride in themselves, their school, community, and family.

If everyone works together and accepts the responsibilities we will be guaranteed to have success. I hope each of you will accept the challenges ahead and set goals for making the school Oklahoma’s best.

I look forward to the future and have the faith in what we are building. Together we will accomplish great things.

Travis Ruble

Athletic Director Dewey Public Schools

1

Philosophy of Athletics

The primary goal of Dewey High athletics is to foster the physical, academic, and moral development of all student – athletes in the program. It is our belief that the benefits of athletic participation extends beyond the courts and fields of athletic competition into the challenges of life. We will strive to instill the self-discipline, character, work ethic, and cooperative skills that will give our student - athletes the best chance to succeed and develop a positive and healthy self-esteem.

We feel that this can best be achieved through a fair and impartial implementation of the Athletic Handbook. Expectations of our student–athletes are thoroughly outlined in this handbook. Through the use of achievement oriented, enthusiastic coaching methods, and organization we will have a successful athletic program.

We believe that coaches must be teachers, motivators, and a positive role model for our student–athletes. We highly encourage our coaches to keep up with the changes in the coaching profession. They will keep a close relationship with administrators, teachers, and the community. Winning will always be important for all our programs, but we will never sacrifice winning at the expense of an individual, the team, our athletic program, or Dewey Public Schools.

2

Bulldogger Athletic Mission Statement

1. Our goal is to enhance the personal growth and wellness of  our players

1. Athletes will leave our program as a better person and will be more prepared for the challenges they will face in the future.
2. We will maximize each player’s academic and athletic talents.
3. We will be committed to excellence through hard work, dedication, and faith in our team goals.

2. We believe in a strong work ethic that will prepare us for all our athletic events.

1. A work ethic applies during season, during off season, as well as during the summer.
2. The better work ethic we have the more successful we will be.
3. Students should work to have a winning season, to win the district, and ultimately win the state title.

3. We will have a positive impact on our school / community.

1. We will be professional with our actions.
2. We will make sure the student-athlete’s academics is our number one goal.
3. We will give every player an opportunity to be successful.
4. We will teach our athletes that they are representing our community.

4. We will teach the athletes that family and teamwork come before the individual.

1. Developing a “family” atmosphere will promote the pride and confidence an athlete needs to be successful.
2. Working together as a team will develop a family atmosphere within the team.

5. We will always take pride in ourselves and in our school.

1. It is a privilege to participate in athletics and we will take pride in it.
2. We are positive representatives of Dewey Public Schools.

3

Responsibilities 

Responsibilities of the School

1. Transportation: The school will provide transportation to and from all athletic events for our athletes
2. Facilities: The school will provide adequate facilities for our athletes to compete
3. Equipment: The school will provide safe and effective equipment for our athletes.
4. Student safety and development: The school will provide the training necessary to educate its coaches to properly develop the athlete.

Responsibility of the Coach

1. To provide for the safety of the student-athletes
2. Encourage maximum effort in the classroom while monitoring the athletes grades
3. To follow all rules and regulations within the athletic program and OSSAA
4. Teach the skills to necessary for an athlete to be successful
5. Teach sportsmanship and respect
6. Set the an example for the student-athlete
7. Manage and care for equipment and facilities

Responsibilities of the Parent

1. To give positive support for their son/daughter for their participation in athletics
2. To encourage the student-athlete to attend all practices and games.
3. Work with the coach to make a positive influence on the athletes career
4. Encourage the student-athlete to do their best in the classroom.  

Responsibilities of the Athlete

1. Be a positive influence on our school and community
2. Always put the team first
3. To be responsible to his/her family. The student-athlete should not do anything that will bring shame or dishonor to his/her family.
4. Be a role model for the younger athletes
5. Always put academics before athletics
6. Follow all school, athletic, and OSSAA policies
7. Refrain from activities that are harmful to your body
8. ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND YOUR SCHOOL  

4

Conflict Resolution Plan

Athletic involvement can be highly emotional and issues about playing time, team selection, honors and awards can arise. It is very important that these issues be addressed as soon as possible, and as directly as possible, so that they can be resolved promptly. The following model will be used when a problem arises.

STEP ONE: PERSONAL CONTACT BETWEEN STUDENT-ATHLETE AND COACH

When an issue arises, it is important to present the issue to the coach as soon as possible by the individual student–athlete. The student–athlete should ask for a meeting with the coach. If this meeting doesn’t resolve the issue then the student–athlete’s parent(s) should contact the coach at the APPROPRIATE TIME. The best solution is to ask the coach either over the phone, via email, or in person if an appointment could be made to discuss the issue. DO NOT TEXT THE COACH ABOUT AN ISSUE. 

STEP TWO: PERSONAL CONTACT BETWEEN THE COACH, STUDENT–ATHLETE, PARENT, AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

If a satisfactory resolution is not reached through direct contact with the coach, the student–athlete and/or parent(s) should contact the athletic director. The athletic director will then schedule a meeting with all parties involved. It is very important for all student–athletes and their parent(s) to know that any comments, concerns, or issues raised to the athletic director will be discussed with the coach. Issues concerning personnel WILL NOT be discussed with anyone other than the coach involved. 

5

STEP THREE: STUDENT–ATHLETE  -- ADMINISTRATION CONTACT

If there is not a satisfactory resolution, the student–athlete and/or parent(s) should contact the high school principal. There is a no guarantee that all parties will agree with all resolutions. A thorough and respectful dialog can lead to a more productive relation. We must make the best decision based on the team, athlete, and school.

 TIMES TO AVOID WHEN CONTACTING A COACH:

• Prior to or immediately after a competition
• During a practice session
• When other students are present
• When it may be apparent to others that a discussion is taking place
• When there is not sufficient time for a complete discussion

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH:

• The mental and physical treatment of your child
• How and what your child needs to improve
• Your child’s behavior

INAPPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSSIONS WITH YOUR CHILD’S COACH:

• Playing time an athlete is getting
• Team strategy
• Play calling
• Any situation concerning another student–athlete

*** A coach can not and will not discuss any issues concerning another student.

6

Equipment and Facilities

School Athletic Equipment Policy:

Students are responsible for and expected to maintain proper care of all equipment issued to them. Students are responsible for payment of any lost, stolen, or damaged items. Each item not returned will be assessed at a rate comparable to the current replacement cost. All equipment is to be returned at the completion of the season. Grades will be withheld for those who do not return or pay for lost/damaged equipment. Additionally, those student–athletes will not be able to participate in another sport. Student-athletes are not to wear uniforms, either practice or game, at any time other than those allowed by specified team regulations.

Dewey Public Schools will provide safe and effective equipment for our entire student–athletes. We will take pride in making sure our student–athletes look respectable during their activity. It is important that all players and coaches understand that we are a team. We do not want to wear anything that will bring negative attention to ourselves or our school.

Facilities:

DPS takes great pride in our facilities. It is very important that we work together to maintain the best facilities we can. Locker rooms should always be kept clean. Each coach should make sure all student–athletes are keeping their locker clean. Also the coaches need to keep the floors free of equipment and all other supplies.  It is the coaches’ responsibility to turn off all lights and lock all doors when they exit facility.

7

Transportation Policy

Dewey Public Schools will provide transportation to and from all athletic events for every participating student–athlete. The Dewey Athletic Department feels it is in the best interest of team unity that everyone travels together.  The coaching staff will serve as the “guardian” during these trips. It is their responsibility to account for the student–athletes whereabouts and insure their safety. It is expected that our student–athletes will conduct themselves appropriately while on the bus. Any misconduct will result in punishment from the Head Coach and / or the Athletic Director. Punishment may include dismissal if warranted. Student–athletes will be responsible for any damages to the bus property including cost of repair or replacement.

In the event that a head coach would allow a student–athlete to not ride the bus the coach must have a signed document from the PARENT / GUARDIAN. Student–athletes will not be permitted to ride home with anyone other than his or her parent/guardian unless prior approval is given by the Athletic Director or the student’s building principal.

8

Eligibility

Grade checks in all courses will be conducted weekly. A student is required to receive a minimum of two grades per week (any week at least 3 days in in length). Grades must be recorded in Infinite Campus by Thursday at 3:00 PM. Grades that count for eligibility status run from Thursday to Thursday. Participation status for students runs from Monday to Sunday following the last recorded grade check.

Coaches and sponsors are responsible for notifying those students who have eligibility issues on a weekly basis so that students are informed. Once a student is on the ineligible list they will be put on probation. While on probation the student may continue to participate for one week. If the student has not raised the grade to passing after a week they will be considered ineligible. During the time a student is ineligible they cannot participate in any games. This includes riding the bus, standing on the sidelines, dugouts, or benches.

The following conditions apply to scholastic eligibility:

• All organized competitive events fall under the guidelines of the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association. School boards have the right to adopt policies that exceed the minimum criteria set by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.
• A student in grades 9 – 12 must pass all subjects in which he/she is enrolled on the day eligibility is checked each week of the semester.
• At the end of the semester, students must pass 5 of 7 classes enrolled to be eligible to compete at the beginning of the next semester.

                                                9

• Students will be ineligible for competition for the first 6 weeks of a semester if they do not meet eligibility requirements in the preceding semester.
• Other school related activities that may occur at random times such as field trips, club activities, and civic or community activities require scholastic eligibility in order for a student to participate.
• All scholastic eligibility is based upon the cumulative semester grade. This grade would be awarded to the student if the semester would end on the day in which eligibility is checked.
• Students must be present in at least 3 classes during the day of the activity in order to be eligible to participate. Unavoidable circumstances may be considered.
• The first eligibility report will come out after the third full week of each semester.

10

Quitting a Sport

Quitting a sport is highly discouraged. Once a student–athlete makes a commitment to a team, that student–athlete is expected to finish the season. However, if a student–athlete does quit after a season has started, then the student–athlete will not be allowed to participate in another sport until the season of the first sport has ended. This includes playoff games. The student–athlete will also receive an “F” for that nine weeks.

If a student–athlete finds it necessary to quit a sport, the procedure for dropping a sport is the following:

1. Meet with the head coach of the particular sport and discuss the situation.
2. Meet with the athletic director and parents (if necessary).
3. Check in ALL equipment.

Non–School Sponsored Sports and/or Other Activities

School sport participation must take precedence over other non–school activities in which the student–athlete is involved. If the student–athlete misses practice, a game, or not able to perform up to their potential due to their participation in non–school activities, the coach of the school sport may decide to take action. Student–athletes are expected to be committed to the school sport first during season. A season extends from the first day of the activity until the last game is completed, unless the student–athlete is released by the head coach of the sport they are in.

11

Off-Season

“Off-Season” is defined as the time before a sport officially begins and / or the time after the sports ends during a semester.

Training in the months prior to the start of a sports season is critical to an athlete’s success, no matter how old or how advanced the athlete. In addition to the physical advantages a student–athlete will gain, a successful preseason strength and conditioning program prevents short and long term injuries. Student–athletes who neglect off-season training put a tremendous strain on their bodies once practices begin.

The Dewey Athletic Program requires all head coaches to develop an off–season program that will include strength, core, polymeric, cardiovascular, and flexibility training. These are very important to total development of the student–athlete.

Every student–athlete that is not “in season” is required to participate in an offseason program. If a student–athlete fails to dress out and/or participate they will be required to make up the missed day’s workout the following day.

12

Policies for Student Athletes

The basic principle of conduct under which DHS students will operate is to conduct themselves in such a manner that will bring credit to themselves, to their teammates, to their families, and to Dewey High School. Student–athletes will understand and follow these basic principles:

• Athletics is a privilege, not a right.
• Student–athletes will not engage in any activity that can be construed as inappropriate for a DHS athletic team member.
• Student–athletes will act in a manner that will bring pride as well as honor to Dewey Public Schools.
• While coaches and teachers will make every effort to promote their student–athletes to collegiate programs, participation in high school athletics does not ensure athletic scholarships.
•  The coaches, in the best interest of the team, will determine playing time.
• Communication is essential to the success of any team. The athletic department’s policy is as follows:

• If a student–athlete is going to miss practice they must contact their HEAD COACH prior to that practice or game to inform them of their absences.
• Failure to do so and/or repeat offenses may result in suspension or dismissal from the team.

• Missing practice due to school discipline may result in reduced playing time or suspension from the team.
• All clothes and equipment issued are property of Dewey Public Schools.
•  The DHS dress code will be strictly enforced. This includes going to and leaving games, practices, etc.
• Student–athletes will understand ACADEMICS COME FIRST.

13

Athlete and Parent Verification Form

To the Parents:

        In an effort to insure that every parent or guardian, as well as the student–athlete, have read and understand the policies of the Dewey Public Schools Athletic program, we ask you to sign and return this form.

My son/daughter and I have read the Athletic Handbook and are familiar with the rules/policies governing his or her participation.

        As a DHS athlete, I agree to follow the stated policies and rules of this athletic handbook.

        As a parent/guardian, I agree to work with the Athletic Department to reinforce the stated policies and rules of the athletic handbook with my son/daughter.

_______________________________

Print Athletes Name

_______________________________                _______________

Athlete’s Signature                                                         Date

_______________________________                _______________

Parent’s Signature                                                        Date

SPORT(S): _______________________

14