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Participation in interscholastic athletics is an important part of the educational experience. The primary goal of such activities is to teach students character, and self-discipline skills that will enable student-athletes to develop to their fullest potential.

Students who participate in athletics are held accountable for their actions at a higher standard than other students. Because of the public nature of the athletic programs, participating students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will reflect the high standards and ideals of their school and community.

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Vision

Craven County Schools Athletic program will be recognized a program of excellence throughout the region and state. We will be guided by education-based decision making that promotes academic and athletic excellence for all student-athletes from all backgrounds and cultures.

Athletes will set the standard in the classroom, in the community, and on the playing field/court, further enhancing our reputation and providing a worthwhile experience for all of our student-athletes.

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NCDPI/SBE Handbook

Within this handbook, you will find essential information on eligibility requirements, practice schedules, game day protocols, travel policies, academic expectations, code of conduct, health & safety and conference tournament information.

NCDPI/SBE Middle School Website

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/documents/files/middle-junior-high-school-athletic-manual/open

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CCS Athletic Handbook

The District Athletic Handbook can be found on the District Website at https://www.cravenk12.org under Student Life/Athletics

The purpose of this handbook is to communicate to athletes, parents, coaches, and administrators the philosophies, standards, guidelines and expectations applicable to participants in the CCS Interscholastic athletic program.

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Participation

Athletics is privilege for all students who choose to participate. It is not a right.

Athletes are to uphold the standards of conduct established by the district, school, and team.

Athletes should represent the sport, the school, and the community in the highest manner of sportsmanship and conduct.

If an athlete quits a sport, he/she will be withheld from trying out/practicing for another sports team until that current season is over.

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Dragonfly Registration

(Starting in 2025-26 all schools will use this platform for registration)

Step #1 - Parents, please visit http://dragonflymax.com to set up a parent account.

Step #2 - Create a student-athlete account/profile for each CCS student in your family.

Step #3 - Begin the process of completing requirements, including uploading pages 3 & 4 of the NCHSAA physical form and insurance card.

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CCS Student Insurance Requirement

Any student who participates in any interscholastic athletic program is required to be covered by student accident insurance and provide a photocopy of their insurance card.

Student Insurance Coverage can be purchased through The Young Group. You can find this information at www.cravenk12.org under Student Life/Insurance for Students.

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Eligibility Requirements

Student is eligible to participate at the school he/she is assigned by the local board of education.

Student must live with parent(s) or guardian.

Student must pass at least (70%) percent of the courses taken in the preceding semester

Student must be in a attendance at least (85%) percent of the previous semester. All excused and unexcused absences count for attendance eligibility)

Students must be on track to be promoted to the next grade level by meeting district promotion requirements.

6th graders cannot participate in football.

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In-School & Out-of-School Suspension

A student that is assigned to ISS or OSS will not be allowed to practice or participate in a game/team activity on the day suspension is assigned. If there is not a game during the suspension period, the student will not be be permitted to play in the next game. Schools/Teams may impose stricter penalties, including removal from the team after the first offense.

OSS Penalties -

First Offense: The student will not be allowed to practice or play during the suspension period.

Second Offense: The student will be removed from the team for the remainder of that season.

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Game Day/Practice Attendance

Athletes must be in attendance at least ½ the school day to be eligible to practice with their team, take part in any team activity, or participate in an athletic contest.

An athlete placed in In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension will not be permitted to participate in practice or athletic contest during the days of suspension. If there is no game during your suspension you will miss the next contest when you return.

There shall be no Sunday practice or assembling of athletic teams.

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Parent Communication

Communication Parents Should Expect from Coaches:

Expectations the coach has for your child and other players on the team
Locations and times of all practices and games/contests
Any additional team requirements (fees, special equipment, overnight trips, off-season workouts)
Procedure for dealing with injuries should they occur during practice or at away contests
List of team rules and consequences including discipline that results in denial of student participation
Changes in practice or game schedule

Appropriate Communication Between Parents & Coaches:

Concerns expressed directly to the coach
Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance.
Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible

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Parent Communication (Cont.)

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches:

The treatment of your child
Ways to help your child improve
Concerns about your child’s behavior

Issues Not Appropriate for Parents to Discuss with Coaches:

1. Playing time, positioning, and event entry

2. Team Strategies, game tactics, play calling

3. Any discussion about other student-athletes

Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature usually do not promote positive resolutions. Best practice is to wait 24-hours before contacting the coach.

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Positive Athletic Parenting

When your child comes home from practice or games, do your best to talk about their day. Be a good listener. When it comes to being a positive athletic parent, keep in mind the following goals:

Attend games. Be supportive. Be a positive motivator.
Play the sport for the enjoyment of the experience.
Do not degrade the coach or his/her staff - use opportunities to reinforce the life lesson that everyone makes mistakes, including coaches.
Be realistic about your child’s ability.
Avoid putting pressure on your child to start, to score, or be the star of the team.
Emphasize commitment to the team, being the hardest worker, best teammate and having the best attitude on the team.
Encourage academic success good decision making.
Encourage your child to be a leader. All team members have leadership responsibilities.

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Sportsmanship

Quality athletic programs embody all the characteristics of good sportsmanship. Sportsmanship is defined as “following the rules of the game, respecting the judgment of referees and officials, treating opponents with respect, and graciousness in winning or losing.”

Parents - Let your good sportsmanship show at all times supporting your son or daughter and team!

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Ejection Policy

If a student-athlete is ejected or disqualified from a contest, the student-athlete will meet with the AD the next school day. They will have to complete the NFHS “Sportsmanship” course available at https://www.nfhslearn.com before being eligible to return to completion.

There are different levels of penalties for an ejection(s) from a contest -
First Ejection: reprimanded and suspended for the next game
Second Ejection: probation and suspended for the next 2 games
Third Ejection: suspension for 365 days

The school reserves the right to enforce a strict suspension base on severity of the ejection.

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Playing Time Expectations

At the middle school level, playing time is not guaranteed. Playing time is determined by a variety of factors including attitude, skill, work ethic, academics, behavior, teamwork, and much more.

You may not agree with his/her assessment, but the coach’s opinion is final. It is not a discussion that coaches will entertain with a parent.

Athletes that have a concern about playing time should ask the coach for a meeting to discuss what they can improve upon to earn more playing time.

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Transportation

Student-athletes are to ride the bus to and from an away event. After the contest, parents can only sign out their child to take home from away games. Parents must sign out their child with the head coach or designee.

Golf requires practice and contest at off-campus facilities. This requires student-athletes to provide their own transportation to and from practice and home contest.

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Concussions

Participation in any sport exposes the participant to the risk of concussion. A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head. All concussions are potentially serious and my result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly.

Any student removed from practice or competition due to a suspected concussion will be unable to return to participation that day. After that day, written authorization from a physician (M.D. or D.O) on the required NCHSAA Return to Play form will be required for the student to return to competition.

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Sports Offered

Fall Sports - Cheerleading, Football, Co-Ed Golf, Women’s Soccer, Volleyball

Winter Sports - Cheerleading, Basketball, Wrestling

Spring Sports - Baseball, Men’s Soccer, Softball, Track & Field

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Game Tickets

Admission for all athletic events is $6.00 and tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Conference Tournament games cost is $8.00 - $10.00

Age 6 & under are admitted free to CCS athletic home events

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Concerns

If you have a problem or concern, please follow the procedure below. This will you get an answer quickly. Always start at the top and work down by emailing the next person on the chain if you are not satisfied with the answer. There should be a 24 hour cooling off period before the parent should contact the coach.

Student-Coach (Open door policy)
Parent-Coach
Parent-Athletic Director
Parent-Principal
Parent-District Coordinator