Dear Track Star,
 
Congratulations!!  You have chosen to be involved with one of the most respected athletic programs: Track and Field!!  Your decision to participate on the track and field team will be a major factor in your life and will greatly benefit you for years to come.  In order to achieve great success, you must be totally committed to the program.  Meaning, you must be committed in academics, athletics, and personal decisions that will affect yourself, the image of the team, and the reputation of Roy Jr. High.  The greatness of any organization can be measured by the character of those who constitute the organization.
Being a member of any team is an honor and a privilege, not a right.  As a member of the track team, you are expected to be a leader in both the classroom and on the field.  In the classroom, be on time, complete all your assignments, and be respectful of your teachers and peers.  On the track and field, be early to practice, complete your workouts with a positive attitude knowing that your hard work will ultimately help you be successful, and most of all, support your teammates in their endeavors to be champions.  
In order to participate at the track meets, you must be at every practice and work hard.  You also must maintain a 2.0 grade point average.  Swearing, foul language, complaining, and/or put-downs will never be tolerated.  You are expected to treat all equipment with respect, especially the equipment at Roy High School!  It is a privilege that Roy High allows us to use their track and equipment, and they are very kind to let us use their facilities- we want to make sure this tradition continues in the future- thus your cooperation and respect is not just asked, but required.  
  Let's make this year a fun and exciting year filled with much improvement, hard work, and success.  And remember, get loud and be proud!!

Don’t just chase your dreams… Run them down!!!
Faster, stronger, farther

BEFORE YOU MAY COMPETE AT A MEET, YOU MUST DO THE FOLLOWING:
Have a current physical on file at the school.
Pay your player participation fees in the office.
Read and turn in the signed documents on Google Classroom.
Turn in a signed “athletic emergency card”.
Show your 3rd Term Report Card to your coach.  (Must have a minimum 2.0 gpa.)

Weber School District            
          Code of Conduct Contract (53A-11-908)
Students
            The Utah State Legislature recognizes that participation in student government and extracurricular activities may confer important education and lifetime benefits upon students.  Weber School District encourages a variety of opportunities for all students to participate in such activities in meaningful ways; there is no constitutional right to participate in these types of activities and does not create such a right.  The Legislature and District further note that those who participate in student government and extracurricular activities including coaches and advisors, become role models for others in the school and community.  These individuals play major roles in establishing standards of acceptable behavior in the school and community, and in establishing and maintaining the reputation of the school and the level of community confidence and support afforded the school.  When a student agrees to participate in an extracurricular activity sponsored by the school, he/she is agreeing to abide by the reasonable and rigorous standards the school chooses to promote and impose.
            It is of the utmost importance that those involved in student government, whether as officers or advisors, and those involved in competitive athletics and related activities, whether students or staff, comply with all state laws and school rules of behavior and conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting their positions and responsibilities. Extracurricular participants who do not abide by established community and school rules, laws and standards may lose their opportunity to represent their school in extracurricular activities.
            With the ever-increasing use of social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram), it is imperative that students participating in any extracurricular activities, clubs, groups and leadership organizations understand that they will be expected to adhere to appropriate standards regarding any posts (including photos), tweets, snapchats, etc.  Any use of social media platforms by students, on or off campus, may be monitored by the administration and disciplinary action may be taken, including removing a student from the team, group, activity, and/or organization, if use is deemed inappropriate.  Standards related to appropriate use of social media platforms include, but are not limited to:  zero tolerance for cyber-bullying; harassment (all forms); lewd, suggestive, or sexually explicit posts/photos; discriminatory remarks/posts; posts/photos depicting or promoting illegal activities (alcohol, drugs, e-cigs), re-tweeting any/all of the above, etc.
 In addition, the State Legislation, State Board of Education, and Weber School Board prohibit the following:
1.                   The use of foul, abusive or profane language;
2.                   The use, possession or distribution of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia, and the use, possession of distribution of nicotine products or alcoholic beverages contrary to law; and
3.                   Hazing, demeaning or assaultive behavior.
This piece of legislation (53A-11-908) makes clear that its prohibitions relate not only to students and District employees, but also all adult coaches, advisors and assistants.  It also requires all school employees who reasonably believe that there has been a violation of the above prohibitions to report the violation to the principal or District Athletic Director.  Failure to report by a person who holds a professional certificate constitutes an unprofessional practice under the statute.
Please take time to review with all of your advisors and coaches the requirements of the statute and pay particular attention to make sure the requirements are communicated to students and any volunteers or para-professionals who are not regular employees of the District.  The District will vigorously enforce the provisions of statute and Board policies adopted to enforce the statute.

PARENT/SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

Be informed of the playing rules of the sport.

Appreciate good play regardless of the player or team.

Cooperate with the cheerleaders and do not interfere with their cheers.

Show concern for an injured athlete regardless of team affiliation.

Avoid taunting, jeering or attempting to distract members of the opposing team.

Respect school property and the authority of school officials.  Remember you are a guest of the home school.

Avoid the use of profanity and derogatory or disrespectful yells, chants, songs or gestures.

Stand attentively during the playing or singing of the National Anthem.

Refrain from offensive and unruly behavior, which reflects poorly on the school you are supporting.

Respect contest officials and accept their decisions without public protest.  Recognize that we do not have a game without them.

Avoid publicly criticizing coaches or athletes for the loss of a contest.

Do not confront a coach or contest an official at any time, including before or after the game.

Sportsmanship Is Everyone’s Concern

Weber School District reserves the right to review all violations and take further disciplinary action if deemed necessary.

Management of Sports-Related Concussions
Model Local Education Agency Concussion and Head Injury Policy
 
Medical management of sports-related concussion continues to evolve. Recently, there has been a significant amount of new research regarding sports-related concussions in high school athletes. Model Local Education Agency (hereafter “LEA”) has established this protocol to provide education about concussion for coaches, school personnel, parents, and students. LEAs include local boards of education, local charter boards, as well as miscellaneous special programs. This protocol outlines procedures for staff to follow in managing concussions, and outlines school policy as it pertains to return to play issues following a concussion.
 
LEA seeks to provide a safe return to activity for all students following any injury, but particularly after a concussion. In order to effectively and consistently manage these injuries, procedures have been developed to aid in insuring that concussed students are identified, treated and referred appropriately, receive appropriate follow-up medical care during the school day and are fully recovered prior to returning to activity.
 
County or State Health Department employees and Physical Education specialists shall review this protocol annually. Any changes or modifications will be reviewed and given to athletic department staff, including coaches and other appropriate school personnel in writing.
 
All appropriate staff shall attend a yearly in-service meeting in which procedures for managing sporting event-related concussions are discussed.
 
Local education agencies should note that the Utah State Board of Education passed R277-614 on August 6, 2011.  The Rule directs LEAs to develop a policy using this, the USOE/Risk Management’s model policy, to provide training to appropriate personnel, to provide notice to parents of the LEA’s policy, to post a copy of the LEA’s policy,  and to use model parent  acknowledgement and permission forms.
 
 
Recognition of Concussion
 
What is a concussion?  A concussion is type of traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal function of the brain. It occurs when the brain is rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. What may appear to be only a mild jolt or blow to the head or body can result in a concussion.  A concussion can occur even if a player or student in an activity is not knocked out or loses consciousness.  (NFHS “Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports.”)
 
Common signs and symptoms of sports-related concussion
 
Signs (observed by others):
 
Student appears dazed or stunned
Confusion
Forgets plays
Unsure about game, score, opponent
Moves clumsily (altered coordination)
Balance problems
Personality change
Responds slowly to questions
Forgets events prior to hit
Forgets events after the hit
Loss of consciousness (any duration)
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Symptoms (reported by student):
 
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Double vision, blurry vision
Sensitive to light or noise
Feels sluggish
Feels “foggy”
Problems concentrating
Problems remembering
 
These signs and symptoms following a witnessed or suspected blow to the head or body are indicative of probable concussion. Any student who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest, game, or practice and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional.
 
Management and Referral Guidelines for All Staff
 
1.    The following situations indicate a medical emergency and require activation of the Emergency Medical System:
 
v  Any student with a witnessed loss of consciousness (LOC) of any duration should be spine boarded and transported immediately to nearest emergency department via emergency vehicle.
v  Any student who has symptoms of a concussion, and who is not stable (i.e., condition is worsening), is to be transported immediately to the nearest emergency department via emergency vehicle.
v  A student who exhibits any of the following symptoms should be transported immediately to the nearest emergency department, via emergency vehicle.
Ø  Deterioration of neurological function
Ø  Decreasing level of consciousness
Ø  Decrease or irregularity in respirations
Ø  Any signs or symptoms of associated injuries, spine or skull fracture, or bleeding
Ø  Mental status changes: lethargy, difficulty maintaining arousal, confusion or agitation
Ø  Seizure activity
 
2.    A student who is symptomatic but stable, may be transported by his or her parents. The parents should be advised to contact the student’s primary care provider, or seek care at the nearest emergency department, on the day of the injury.
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Guidelines and Procedures for Coaches and Teachers Supervising Contests and Games:
 
RECOGNIZE ▪ REMOVE ▪ REFER
RECOGNIZE • REMOVE • REFER
Recognize concussion
 
1.    All educators and agents of the LEA should become familiar with the signs and symptoms of concussion that are described above.
2.    Educators and agents of  LEAs shall have appropriate training about recognizing and responding to traumatic head injuries, consistent with the employees’ responsibilities for supervising students and athletes.
 
Remove from activity
 
Any student who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the sporting event and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional.
 
When in doubt, sit ‘em out
 
Refer the athlete/student for medical evaluation
 
1.    The agent of the LEA is responsible for notifying the student’s parent(s) of the injury.
a.    Contact the parent(s) to inform a parent of the injury. Depending on the injury, either an emergency vehicle will transport or parent(s) will pick the student up at the event for transport. (see Section II).
b.    A medical evaluation is required before returning to play.
2.    In the event that a student’s parent(s) cannot be reached, and the student is able to be sent home (rather than directly to MD):
·         The LEA’s agent should insure that the student will be with a responsible individual, who is capable of monitoring the student and understanding the home care instructions, before allowing the student to go home.
·         The LEA agent should continue efforts to reach a parent.
·         If there is any question about the status of the student, or if the student cannot be monitored appropriately, the student should be referred to an Emergency Department for evaluation. An LEA’s agent should accompany the student and remain with the student until a parent arrives.
·         The LEA’s agent shall provide for supervision of other students for whom he or she is responsible when accompanying the injured student.
 
Students with suspected head injuries should not be permitted to drive home.
 
3.    LEA agents should seek assistance from the host site certified athletic trainer (ATC) or team physician, if available, at an away contest if the injury occurs at a formal athletic contest.
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Return to Play (RTP) Procedures After Concussion
 
1.    Return to activity and play is a medical decision. The student must meet all of the following criteria in order to progress to activity:
a.    Asymptomatic at rest and with exertion (including mental exertion in school) AND
b.    have written clearance from the student’s primary care provider or concussion specialist (student must be cleared for progression to activity by a physician other than an Emergency Room physician, if diagnosed with a concussion).
2.    Once the above criteria are met, the student will be progressed back to full activity following the step-wise process detailed below. (This progression must be closely supervised by an LEA agent. If your school does not have an athletic trainer, then the coach must have a very specific plan to follow as directed by the athlete’s physician).
3.    Progression is individualized, and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors that may affect the rate of progression include: previous history of concussion, duration and type of symptoms, age of the student, and sport/activity in which the student participates. An athlete/student with a prior history of concussion, one who has had an extended duration of symptoms, or one who is participating in a collision or contact sport may be progressed more slowly.
4.    Stepwise progression as described below:
 
Step 1. Complete cognitive rest. This may include staying home from school or limiting school hours (and studying) for several days. Activities requiring concentration and attention may worsen symptoms and delay recovery.
Step 2. Return to school full-time.
Step 3. Light exercise. This step cannot begin until the student is no longer having concussion symptoms and is cleared by a physician for further activity. At this point the athlete may begin walking or riding an exercise bike. No weight lifting.
Step 4. Running in the gym or on the field. No helmet or other equipment.
Step 5. Non-contact training drills in full equipment. Weight training can begin.
Step 6. Full contact practice or training.
Step 7. Play in game. Must be cleared by physician before returning to play.
 
The student should spend 1 to 2 days at each step before advancing to the next. If post concussion symptoms occur at any step, student must stop the activity and the treating physician must be contacted. Depending upon the specific type and severity of the symptoms, the student may be told to rest for 24 hours and then resume activity at a level one step below where he or she was at when the symptoms occurred. This resumption of activity could be considerably simplified for a student injured during recess compared to a student injured at a game or formal practice.
 
Potential Problem Areas
 
While current Utah law designates that a student may be returned to play by “an appropriate health care provider” it is the prerogative of each LEA to designate the credentials of the providers from whom they will accept clearance. This is a very important decision and should be made after careful consideration by the athletic director, principal, superintendent, teacher (elementary), and parent(s). The school district’s liability carrier may also be consulted.
 
For students injured during formal competitions, serious consideration must also be given as to what the school will do in the case where an athlete is clearly still having concussion symptoms, yet given return to play clearance by a health care provider. A formal policy should be developed which designates a specific individual (preferably an expert in the field of concussion management- typically a physician or neuropsychologist) who shall evaluate the athlete and make the final decision regarding return to play.

Definitions:
1. "Sporting event" means "a game, practice, sports camp, physical education
class, competition or tryout." It does not include a lift ticket or a pass issued
by a ski resort unless the specific activity is organized, managed, or sponsored
by the ski resort.
2. " Local education agency (LEA)" means a public school, a school district or a
charter school.