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Athletics Handbook
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EVERETT HIGH SCHOOL

ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

Superintendent: William Hart

Principal: Dr. John Braga

Assistant Principals: James Murphy & Robert DiLoreto

Athletic Director: Tammy Turner

Assistant Athletic Director: Steve Gallagher

Athletic Trainers: Kimberly Firth & Chukwuma Onyejose

Dear Student-Athletes and Parents/Guardians:

Welcome to the Crimson Tide family! We're thrilled to have you as part of our team and we’re excited for the journey ahead. As you embark on this chapter of your academic and athletic careers, we want to provide you with all the necessary information and support to help you thrive.

In this handbook, you'll find valuable resources, guidelines, and expectations to guide you through your time as a student athlete. Whether it's balancing academics and athletics, understanding team policies, or accessing support services, this handbook is designed to be your go-to resource.

Remember, being a student athlete is a unique and rewarding experience, but it also requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. As you pursue excellence both on the field and in the classroom, know that you have a community of coaches, teammates, and staff here to support you every step of the way.

We're looking forward to seeing you excel academically and athletically, and we can't wait to witness the victories, both big and small, that you'll achieve as a valued member of our team.

Best wishes for a successful and fulfilling season!

ROLL TIDE,

Tammy Turner

Director of Athletics

The Crimson Tide Mission

The athletics department at Everett High School strives to produce student-athletes that excel both on and off of the field. By being a model program that focuses on integrity and hard work, student-athletes will develop the skills necessary to become dynamic leaders in the community. 

The department sponsors a growing catalog of sports and is composed of over 800 student-athletes and 60 qualified coaches. The Crimson Tide is rich in history and athletic success, producing many collegiate athletes and a number of professional athletes as well. More importantly, the athletic program provides student athletes with the tools they need to be successful in life after high school.

Athletics Philosophy

At Everett High School, we believe that athletics are a vital part of the educational experience. This being said, we are firm believers that athletic participation should never supersede academic responsibilities. Student athletes are required to maintain consistent levels of academic performance while also remaining in good-standing throughout the school. Athletic participation is a privilege that is secondary to academic and behavioral duties.

While winning is the inherent goal of athletic competition, there is also tremendous value in the process itself. The athletic department here at Everett High School places hardwork, sportsmanship and overall enjoyment of sports at the forefront of the athletic experience.

Governing Bodies

Everett High School is a member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Administration (MIAA). The mission of the MIAA is to serve member schools and the maximum number of their students by providing leadership and support for the conduct of interscholastic athletics which will enrich the educational experiences of all participants. The MIAA will promote activities that provide lifelong and life-quality learning experiences to students while enhancing their achievement of educational goals. As an MIAA school, EHS abides by the standards set by this organization.

Locally, Everett High School is also a member school of the Greater Boston League (GBL). The GBL is a high school athletic conference consisting of 8 local schools, including: Chelsea, Everett, Lynn Classical, Lynn English, Malden, Medford, Revere and Somerville.

Athletic Offerings

Fall Season

The Fall season typically spans from the third week in August until the end of October. The football team usually concludes its regular season on Thanksgiving. Teams that qualify for the state tournament will play into November. Our Fall offerings include:

Winter Season

The Winter season starts on the Monday after Thanksgiving and ends in Late February. Teams that qualify for the State Tournament may play into March. Our Winter offerings include:

Spring Season

The Spring season begins on the third Monday in March and continues until the end of May. Teams that qualify for the State Tournament may play into June. Our Spring offerings include:

Levels of Play

Each level of play offers its own unique challenges and opportunities for student-athletes to grow and develop their skills while representing their school in competitive sports.

Cooperative Teams

In some instances, Everett and surrounding communities have had to collaborate to create a single team in a particular sport. This tactic is known as cooperative teams, or co-ops for short. In these scenarios, our schools join forces to pool resources, including athletes, coaches, and facilities, to create a competitive team. This allows students from each participating school to have the opportunity to compete in the sport even if their individual school cannot field a team. In these cases, our athletes may have to travel to neighboring cities for practices and contests and/or wear uniforms that may not reflect the school they attend.

Crimson Tide Pride

Team expectations can sometimes vary depending on factors such as the sport being played and the standards set by coaches and teammates. However, when playing for the Crimson Tide, there are some common standards and expectations for our athletes.  

Eligibility

In order to participate on an athletic team, all student-athletes must:

https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/everett-high-school

https://nfhslearn.com/courses/concussion-for-students

Academic Eligibility

Students must carry and pass 20 credits for the marking period prior to the start of a season. If a new marking period takes place during the season, students must pass 20 credits at that time as well. Students may practice with their team if they are not academically eligible, based on the discretion of the athletic director, the coach and the student’s dean.

School Attendance Policy 

A student must be in attendance for at least two periods in order to participate in practice or contest that day. Student-athletes who are suspended in or out of school will not be allowed to participate in practice or contest until returning back to the regular classroom. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved in writing from the Director of Athletics/Vice Principal/Dean prior to the student-athlete being allowed to participate.

Students that accumulate 4 or more unexcused absences on their report card will receive an E and be given no credit for that class. This will still render the student ineligible if the minimum requirement of 20 credits is not met.

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Rules:

Eligibility Rules:

MIAA student eligibility requirements for participation in high school athletics are very detailed. MIAA regulations have been condensed here in an attempt to highlight the most important rules and regulations. As with all MIAA rules, there is a waiver process. The school principal must initiate a waiver of MIAA rules. If the information below does not answer specific questions, or there is a concern that a waiver might be necessary, please contact the Athletic Office. A complete copy of the MIAA Rules can be found on www.miaa.net.

MIAA Drug and Alcohol Policy:

From the earliest fall practice date (the 3rd Monday in August), to the conclusion of the academic year or final athletic event (whichever is latest), on and off school grounds, weekdays and weekends, twenty-four hours per day, regardless of the quantity, use or consume, possess, buy/sell or give away any beverage containing alcohol (including products such as NA or near beer); any tobacco product; marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance as defined in the Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 94-C, Sections 1-48). (NOTE: It is not, however, a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student's own use by his or her doctor.) It should be clearly understood that any gross violation of this rule, e.g., being drunk and/or disorderly, could result in immediate dismissal from the team.

NOTE: Possession of alcoholic beverages on school property will be referred to the Everett Police Department for prosecution for violation of Massachusetts State Statutes (Chapter 272, Sec. 4A). Possession of any controlled substances on school property will result in criminal prosecution for violation of Massachusetts State Laws.

The minimum PENALTIES per M.I.A.A. Rule 62.1 are:

POSSESSION OF, USE OF, OR BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WHILE REPRESENTING EVERETT PUBLIC SCHOOLS AT PRACTICES, GAMES, OVERNIGHT ATHLETIC TRIPS, ETC. MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM THE TEAM.

Loyalty to the High School Team 

MIAA Rule 45: Bona Fide Team Member A bona fide member of the school team is a student who is consistently present for, and who actively participates in, all high school team try-outs, practices and competitions. Bona fide members of a school team are precluded from missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a non-school activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA. Any student who violates this standard becomes ineligible for the next two contests or two weeks (whichever is greater) and is ineligible for MIAA tournament (s) for that season.

Massachusetts Hazing Laws

Chapter 269: Section 17 Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.

The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.

Chapter 269: Section 18. Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

Rule 49.3: Student-Athlete Disqualifications

Any student-athlete, who is disqualified from a competition, including a jamboree, scrimmage, etc., shall not participate in the next scheduled interscholastic competition that is part of their regular season schedule, or in tournament play.

Any student-athlete who is disqualified from any interscholastic contest must complete the online NFHS Sportsmanship course before reestablishing eligibility. The link to this course can be found here: https://nfhslearn.com/courses/sportsmanship-2

A student who is disqualified from a contest twice in the same season shall be suspended from further participation in that sport and in all sports during that season for a year from the date of the second disqualification.

Team Captains

Team captains are usually appointed by coaches and/or voted on by fellow team members. The selection of team captains is an important decision that aims to identify individuals who will serve as positive role models, leaders, and representatives of the team both on and off the field. This being said, student-athletes that are designated as captains should not take this responsibility lightly. Captains play a vital role in shaping the culture, performance, and success of a high school team. Through their leadership, communication, and support, they help create a positive and cohesive team environment where every player can thrive.

Student Athlete Leaders (S.A.L.s)

Before the start of the school year, each varsity coach will be asked to appoint student-athletes from their team to serve as Student Athlete Leaders, or SALs for short. Periodically, SALs will be asked to provide assistance and/or represent their team at different events throughout the school year.

Senior Banners

Senior banners are a privilege for seniors athletes in good standing that have been in their respective program for 2 years or more. There will be special consideration given to students that have transferred into EPS. Student athletes that have quit in prior seasons/sports, are not eligible for banners. The athletic department reserves the right to refuse delivery of banners to any athlete that quits or is otherwise dispelled from the team.

Social Media Policy

As a member of our athletic program, student-athletes are expected to maintain high standards of conduct, both on and off the field. This includes online behavior on social media platforms. When engaging on social media platforms, please:

1. Treat all individuals with respect and dignity in your online interactions. Avoid derogatory or offensive language, comments, or posts.

2. Be truthful and honest in your online activities. Do not engage in plagiarism, cyberbullying, or any form of dishonesty.

3. Respect the privacy of others. Do not share personal or confidential information about teammates, coaches, opponents, or school staff without their consent.

4. Uphold the values of sportsmanship and fair play in all online communication. Refrain from posting content that promotes violence, discrimination, or illegal activities.

5. Remember that you represent the Crimson Tide at all times, both on and off the field. Refrain from posting content that could reflect negatively on our school, teams, or athletic program.

6. Understand that your online actions can have consequences. Violation of this social media policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension from athletic participation.

7. If you encounter inappropriate behavior or content online, report it to a coach, teacher, or other trusted adult.

By participating in Everett athletics, you agree to abide by this social media policy. Your adherence to these guidelines is essential in maintaining the positive reputation and integrity of our athletic program.

Statement on Hate and Discrimination

Hate has no place in Everett athletics. Sports are meant to unite, inspire and celebrate achievement, not foster division or discrimination. Every student-athlete deserves the chance to participate and compete based on their skills and dedication, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other factor. Our student- athletes, coaches and fans should embody the values of respect, inclusivity and fair play for all. Accusations made by or against any of our constituents will be taken seriously and investigated fully.

Bullying Policy

The Everett Public Schools prohibits and refuses to tolerate bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment or intimidation of students by other students or by staff members or other adults in the school community. The Everett Public Schools also prohibits and will not tolerate retaliation against students who report such conduct, provide information during an investigation of bullying, witness bullying, or have reliable information about bullying. Bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, intimidation and retaliation violate the Code of Conduct for students. Such conduct also may constitute a crime. A student or staff member who engages in bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, intimidation or retaliation will be subject to discipline and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Concussion Policy 

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body, which results in the brain moving rapidly back and forth within the skull. This movement can cause chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging of brain cells.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion 

Signs and symptoms of a concussion do not always present right away. Some may not present until hours after the initial trauma. Due to this fact, you should be aware of possible signs and symptoms that may indicate a significant concussion.

Physical

Cognitive

Emotional

Sleep

Headache

Dizziness

Sensitivity to light Sensitivity to noise Nausea

Balance problems

Loss of consciousness

Difficulty remembering Difficulty concentrating Feeling slowed down Feeling in a fog

Slowed reaction times Altered attention Amnesia

Behavioral changes Irritability

Sadness

Feeling emotional Nervousness Anxiety

Sleep more than usual Sleep less than usual Trouble falling asleep Drowsiness

If any of the following occur, seek medical attention as soon as possible:

• Persistent or repeated vomiting

• Convulsions/seizure

• Difficulty seeing, any weird movements of the eyes, one pupil is larger than the other

• Restless, irritability, or drastic changes in emotional control

• Difficulty walking

• Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, repeating sentence or words

• Progressive or sudden impairment of consciousness

• Bleeding or drainage of fluid from the nose or ears

Individualized Return to Play Protocol

The student athlete’s individualized return to play protocol must be supervised by either the physician or ATC. Each student will have the Department of Public Health’s Post Sports Related Head Injury Medical Clearance and Authorization Form filled out by the ATC or physician.

The following steps will be followed:

• Completion of a full day of normal cognitive activities (school day, studying for tests, watching practice, interacting with peers) without any return of signs or symptoms. If no symptoms return, the next day advance to: Light aerobic exercise, which includes walking or stationary cycling, keeping the intensity less than 70% of maximum heart rate and no resistance training. The objective of this step is to slowly raise the heart rate without any return of signs or symptoms.

• If no signs or symptoms return, advance to:

  1. Sport-specific exercise including skating, and/or running, no head impact activities. This step is designed to add movement while continuing to increase heart rate. If no signs or symptoms return, advance to:
  2. Non-contact training drills and the student athlete may initiate progressive resistance training. If no signs or symptoms return, advance to:
  3. Following medical clearance by a physician, the student athlete may participate in normal training activities. Breaks must be given, for rest and for the ATC to monitor.
  4. The objective of this step is to assess the functional skills of the student athlete. If there is still no return of any symptoms, the next day advance to:
  5. Return to play involving normal exertion. The athlete must participate in one regular practice at this step before being allowed into a game or competition.

Note: if the student athlete experiences any signs or symptoms, he or she will be removed from further activities that cause exertion and must return to their physician. The student athlete will then return to step one of their individualized return to play protocol.

Injuries/Illness

Injuries are an inherent risk in athletics, therefore the athletic department is not responsible for injuries that occur during normal play. It is the responsibility of our student athletes and/or coaches to report all injuries to our athletic trainer. Appointments can be made with our athletic trainer to administer treatment and rehabilitation plans. Injured student-athletes must be cleared by our athletic trainer before they can return to play. If a student-athlete chooses to seek outside evaluation, a doctor’s note providing clearance must be obtained before returning to play.  

Athletic Trainer Policy

If a student athlete is injured and requires treatment or diagnosis from our Athletic Trainers, an appointment must be scheduled in advance. Appointments can be made via email or scheduled after school hours. Students are prohibited from leaving class to see the trainer without a scheduled appointment. Any student that enters the gym without an appointment will be returned to class immediately.

Conflict Resolution 

Periodically, issues arise throughout a season that need to be addressed. We ask that all student-athletes and their parents/guardians follow this resolution process.

While there can be no guarantee that all parties will be satisfied by the outcome of this conflict resolution strategy, the athletic department vows to provide a fair and thorough investigation into all issues that reach our desks.

Spectator Policy

The Everett Public Schools are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for contests. Individuals that attend events in our facilities are required to abide by the following rules and regulations:

1. Respect for All: Treat all participants, officials, coaches, and fellow spectators with respect, regardless of the outcome of the game. Refrain from disruptive behavior, including excessive yelling, use of profanity, or engaging in physical altercations.

2. Sportsmanship: Display good sportsmanship at all times by refraining from booing, taunting, or making derogatory remarks towards any individual, team or official..

3. Follow Instructions: Adhere to all venue-specific rules and regulations, including seating assignments and designated areas.

4. Report Concerns: If you witness behavior that violates the code of conduct or raises safety concerns, report it to event staff or venue officials immediately.

5. Enjoy the Game: Remember that high school sports are meant to be enjoyable and provide opportunities for student-athletes to showcase their talents. Let's create a supportive and positive atmosphere for everyone involved.

By adhering to this code of conduct, spectators contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment that enhances the high school sports experience for all.

Facility Policies 

Contact Information

617-394-2490

Tammy Turner, Director of Athletics

tturner@everett.k12.ma.us

Steve Gallagher, Assistant Athletic Director

sgallagher@everett.k12.ma.us

Kimberly Firth, Athletic Trainer

kfirth@everett.k12.ma.us

Chukwuma Onyejose, Athletic Trainer

conyejose@everett.k12.ma.us

Follow us on:

 @AthleticsEPS

 @Everetths_sports

 @Everett Public Schools Athletics

Student-Athlete Code of Conduct

1. Academic Commitment: As a student-athlete, I understand that my primary responsibility is academic excellence. I will prioritize my studies, attend classes regularly, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

2. Sportsmanship: I will demonstrate respect for all participants, including teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and spectators. I will uphold the values of fair play, integrity, and sportsmanship at all times.

3. Behavior and Conduct: I will conduct myself with dignity and integrity both on and off the field. I will refrain from engaging in any form of disrespectful, inappropriate, or unethical behavior, including bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

4. Team Commitment: I will fully commit to my team and its goals. I will attend all practices, games, meetings, and other team-related events unless excused by the coach or due to extenuating circumstances.

6. Drug and Alcohol Policy: I will abstain from the use of illegal drugs, performance-enhancing substances, and alcohol. I understand that such substances can negatively impact my performance, health, and reputation.

7. Respect for Facilities and Equipment: I will treat all facilities, equipment, and uniforms with care and respect. I will not engage in vandalism, theft, or any other destructive behavior.

8. Compliance with Rules and Regulations: I will adhere to all rules, regulations, and policies set forth by my school, athletic association, and governing bodies. This includes eligibility requirements, code of conduct policies, and any other applicable guidelines.

9. Representing the School: I understand that I am a representative of my school and community. I will strive to uphold the reputation and values of my school in a positive manner, both on and off the field.

10. Accountability: I accept responsibility for my actions and their consequences. If I violate this code of conduct, I understand that disciplinary action may be taken, including but not limited to suspension from participation in athletic activities.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the provisions outlined in this student-athlete handbook and code of conduct.

Student Name  _____________________________Sport __________________

Signature _________________________________         Date ____________

                    EVERETT ATHLETICS