BSD Athletic Coaches Handbook

BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETIC COACHES HANDBOOK

2021-2022 ATHLETIC COACHES HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS: Athletic Philosophy.................................................................................................3 BSD Annual EPER Position Description (High School Head Coach)..............4 BSD Annual EPER Positon Description (High School Assistant Coach)........5 BSD Annual EPER Positon Description (Middle School Head Coach)...........6 BSD Annual EPER Positon Description (Middle Assistant Coach).................9 Coaches Code of Ethics............................................................................................... 10 Coaches Pre-Season Checklist................................................................................... 11 Ineligible Until Proven Eligible.................................................................................. 11 End of the Season Checklist....................................................................................... 12 Responsibilities of the Athletic Director................................................................13 Responsibilities of Administrators..........................................................................14 Eligibility Guidelines................................................................................................... 15 Team Expectations, Rules, and Regulations..........................................................16 Training Rules for Student Athletes........................................................................17 Student Attendance...................................................................................................... 18 Medical and Insurance Information......................................................................... 18 Athletic Injuries............................................................................................................. 19 Transportation............................................................................................................... 21 Procedures for Transportation Procurement.........................................................21 Bus Guidelines.............................................................................................................. 22 Trip Cancellation.......................................................................................................... 23 Travel Releases.............................................................................................................. 23 Blue Hen Conference - Game Regulation..............................................................24 Blue Hen Conference – Official Groups..................................................................27 Blue Hen Conference – Red-Lining Procedures...................................................28 Protests and Report of Athletic Rule Violations..................................................29 2|Page

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ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY The Interscholastic Athletic Programs in the Brandywine School District are viewed as an integral part of the educational process. The development of wellrounded athletes is a challenging and often serious commitment. Every practice session and competition is a teaching/learning opportunity.

Athletics is a vehicle that can promote adolescent development: 

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athletics foster student development by promoting mental and physical growth by building confidence and self-image athletics teach students to manage time, school, sports, and social events athletics show students the reality of life through disappointments and accomplishments athletics help to develop confidence in students and teaches them the values of team work athletics develop strong healthy habits to enable their bodies to perform the necessary skills for their sport athletics instill a sense of responsibility for their actions and a commitment of being counted on when needed

The Brandywine School District desires to promote student-athletes mental, physical, emotional, and social development through well supervised sports as a component of the overall educational program of the District. The athletic program shall be operated in a manner which encourages students to participate, treats students with respect, and provides all team participants with fair opportunity to compete.

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BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNUAL EPER POSITION DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE:

Head ______________ Coach – High School

SALARY:

Based on established EPER Schedule

REPORTS TO:

Athletic Director and/or Building Principal

TERM:

1 Season/Year (Continued appointment beyond 1 year will be at the discretion of the Athletic Director and/or Building Principal.)

NOTE:

Athletic positions shall be filled according to the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) regulations.

JOB GOAL:

To instruct athletes in the fundamental skills, strategy and physical training necessary for them to realize a degree of individual and team success. At the same time, the student shall receive instruction that will lead to the formulation of moral values, pride of accomplishment, acceptable social behavior, self-discipline and self-confidence.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 1.

Valid Delaware teacher certification.

2.

Employed as a teacher in the Brandywine School District.

3.

The ability to organize and supervise a total sports program.

4.

Previous successful coaching experience in __________.

5.

Must have substantial knowledge of the technical aspects of _________ and be willing to continue to examine new theories and procedures pertinent to _____________.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Full responsibility for the overall supervision of his/her programs (Varsity, JV, and Freshmen).

2.

Must maintain CPR certification.

3.

Must take NFHS Online Concussion course every 2 years.

4.

Must attend DIAA Rules Clinic every year or complete online version of the course. Responsible for knowing, understanding and implementing the DIAA rules and regulations.

5.

Responsible for verifying each athlete’s academic and medical eligibility.

6.

Supervise and conduct practices and contests in a safe manner.

7.

Maintain a professional appearance.

8.

Manage uniforms, equipment and facilities in a responsible manner.

9.

Notify the Athletic Director of annual budgetary needs.

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10. Work toward building and teaching good sportsmanship, cooperative work ethic and responsibility.

11. Work toward developing good public relations with the parents, school, booster club and community.

12. Communicate with the Athletic Director, administrators, assistant coaches, players and parents.

13.

Direct injured athletes to the trainer and report injuries to the nurse.

14.

Administrative Duties: a. Provide team rules and practice schedules to athletes, parents and Athletic Director. b. Submit an eligibility report and keep emergency cards on athletes with you at all times. c. Have accurate rosters available for the Athletic Director, newspaper, school and parents. d. Adhere to the DIAA state tournament manual deadlines. e. Submit an end of the year report to include:  Team records, standings and individual awards.  Uniform and equipment inventory.  Obligations for lost or missing uniforms and equipment.

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BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNUAL EPER POSITION DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE:

Assistant/JV/Freshmen _____________Coach – High School

SALARY:

Based on established EPER Schedule

REPORTS TO:

Head Coach, Athletic Director and/or Building Principal

TERM:

1 Season/Year (Continued appointment beyond 1 year will be at the discretion of the Athletic Director and/or Building Principal.)

NOTE:

Athletic positions shall be filled according to the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) regulations.

JOB GOAL:

To carry out the objectives of the __________ program as outlined by the Head Coach and school administration. To instruct athletes in individual and team fundamentals, strategy and physical training necessary to realize a degree of individual and team success.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 1.

Valid Delaware teacher certification.

2.

Employed as a teacher in the Brandywine School District.

3.

Previous coaching experience in _____________.

4.

Knowledge and background in _____________.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1.

Assist the Head Coach in carrying out his/her duties.

2.

Must maintain CPR certification.

3.

Must take NFHS Online Concussion course every 2 years.

4.

Must attend DIAA Rules Clinic every year or complete online version of the course. Responsible for knowing, understanding and implementing the DIAA rules and regulations.

5. Help with supervision and conduct practices and contests in a safe manner.

6.

Maintain a professional appearance.

7. Accountable to the Head Coach for all equipment and uniforms used in their program.

8. Work toward building and teaching good sportsmanship, cooperative work ethic and responsibility.

9.

Teaches fundamentals of the sport as outlined by the Head Coach.

10. Work towards developing good public relations with the parents, school, booster club and community.

11. Communicate any player or parent concerns to the Head Coach and/or Athletic Director.

12. Direct injured players to the Athletic Trainer and report injuries to the nurse.

Keep emergency cards on athletes with you at all times.

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13. Submit team records, awards and obligations for lost or missing uniforms and equipment at the end of the season.

BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNUAL EPER POSITION DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE:

Head ______________ Coach – Middle School

SALARY:

Based on established EPER Schedule

REPORTS TO: Athletic Director and/or Building Principal TERM:

1 Season/Year (Continued appointment beyond 1 year will be at the discretion of the Athletic Director and/or Building Principal.)

NOTE:

Athletic positions shall be filled according to the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) regulations.

JOB GOAL:

To instruct athletes in the fundamental skills, strategy and physical training necessary for them to realize a degree of individual and team success. At the same time, the student shall receive instruction that will lead to the formulation of moral values, pride of accomplishment, acceptable social behavior, self-discipline and self-confidence.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Valid Delaware teacher certification.

2. Employed as a teacher in the Brandywine School District.

3. The ability to organize and supervise a total sports program.

4. Previous successful coaching experience in __________.

5. Must have substantial knowledge of the technical aspects of _________ and be willing to continue to examine new theories and procedures pertinent to _____________.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Full responsibility for the overall supervision of his/her program.

2. Responsible for knowing, understanding and implementing the DIAA rules and any supplementary rules imposed by the school and attending the mandatory rules clinic and coaches meetings. Must be certified in CPR. 3. Must take NFHS Online Concussion course every 2 years.

4. Responsible for verifying each athlete’s academic and medical eligibility.

5. Supervise and conduct practices and contests in a safe manner.

6. Supervise all athletes after practice and games until they leave the school grounds.

7. Maintain a professional appearance.

8. Manage uniforms, equipment and facilities in a responsible manner— return them in good condition minus normal wear and tear and notify the Athletic Director immediately of any defective or damaged equipment.

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9. Notify the Athletic Director of annual budgetary needs.

10. Work toward building and teaching good sportsmanship, cooperative work ethic and responsibility.

11. Work toward developing good public relations with the parents, school, booster club and community.

12. Communicate with the Athletic Director, administrators, assistant coaches, players and parents.

13. Direct injured athletes to the trainer and report injuries to the nurse.

14. Administrative Duties: a. Provide team rules and practice schedules to athletes, parents and Athletic Director. b. Submit an eligibility report and keep emergency cards on athletes with you at all times. c. Have accurate rosters available for the Athletic Director, newspaper, school and parents. d. Adhere to the DIAA state tournament manual deadlines. e. Submit an end of the year report to include:  Team records, standings and individual awards.  Uniform and equipment inventory.  Obligations for lost or missing uniforms and equipment.

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BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNUAL EPER POSITION DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE:

Assistant _____________Coach – Middle School

SALARY:

Based on established EPER Schedule

REPORTS TO: Head Coach, Athletic Director and/or Building Principal TERM:

1 Season/Year (Continued appointment beyond 1 year will be at the discretion of the Athletic Director and/or Building Principal.)

NOTE:

Athletic positions shall be filled according to the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) regulations.

JOB GOAL:

To carry out the objectives of the __________ program as outlined by the Head Coach and school administration. To instruct athletes in individual and team fundamentals, strategy and physical training necessary to realize a degree of individual and team success.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Valid Delaware teacher certification.

2. Employed as a teacher in the Brandywine School District.

3. Previous coaching experience in _____________.

4. Knowledge and background in _____________.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Assist the Head Coach in carrying out his/her duties.

2. Knowledge of the school district, state and league rules. Must be certified in CPR. 3. Must take NFHS Online Concussion course every 2 years.

4. Help with supervision and conduct practices and contests in a safe manner.

5. Maintain a professional appearance.

6. Accountable to the Head Coach for all equipment and uniforms used in their program.

7. Work toward building and teaching good sportsmanship, cooperative work ethic and responsibility.

8. Teaches fundamentals of the sport as outlined by the Head Coach.

9. Work towards developing good public relations with the parents, school, booster club and community.

10. Communicate any player or parent concerns to the Head Coach and/or Athletic Director.

11. Direct injured players to the Athletic Trainer and report injuries to the nurse.

Keep emergency cards on athletes with you at all times.

12. Submit team records, awards and obligations for lost or missing uniforms and equipment at the end of the season.

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COACHES CODE OF ETHICS In addition to stated regulations, our coaches should: 1.

Assume the responsibility for the actions of their players and be in control of their players at all times to prevent any unsportsmanlike acts towards opponents, officials or spectators.

2.

Refrain from any public criticism of officials and opposing coaches, except during a game when a rule infraction is in question. The official can then be questioned quietly and courteously.

3.

Maintain professional conduct at all times with officials, parents, students, spectators, and fellow coaches.

4.

Be loyal to his/her administration and the policies of his/her school conference and the State Association (DIAA).

5.

Comply wholeheartedly with the intent and spirit of the rules. deliberate teaching of players to violate the rules is indefensible.

6.

Teach their players to respect the dignity of the game, officials, opponents, and the institutions which they represent.

7.

Confine their discussion with the game officials to the interpretations of the rules and not challenge their decisions involving judgment.

8.

Refrain from any personal action that might arouse players or spectators to unsportsmanlike behavior.

9.

Seek help from school administrators in controlling unruly students and spectators.

10.

Teach and practice GOOD sportsmanship.

11.

Act with dignity and dress in a manner suitable to their profession.

The

12. Coaches may communicate w/their respective teams via mass (TEAM) texting. One on one texting of players in prohibited.

13. Coaches are permitted to make phone calls to players.

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COACHES PRE-SEASON CHECKLIST  Receive keys from AD or his/her designee.  Must attend DIAA Rules Meeting or complete course online.  Verify Eligibility List with Athletic Director at least 10 days prior to the first contest.  Verify the following items before any athlete may begin practice:  current physical exam  parent or guardian permission form  establish academic eligibility by checking grades with guidance office or Athletic Director  a signed and completed emergency card  Athletes have been Impact tested

ALL ATHLETES ARE INELIGIBLE UNTIL PROVEN ELIGIBLE  Issue equipment, keeping records of each athlete’s uniform and equipment numbers.  Review bus, practice, scrimmage, and contest schedules for accuracy.

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BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO:

Head Coaches

FROM:

Athletic Director

RE:

END OF SEASON CHECKLIST

Several important tasks must be accomplished to close out the athletic season in an orderly manner. Listed below are tasks which should be completed as quickly as possible.

1. END OF SEASON REPORT: Season record and scores Athletic awards (individual, conference, state, etc.)

2.

EQUIPMENT INVENTORY:

3. MISSING EQUIPMENT: Submit a list of players who did not return equipment 4. EQUIPMENT NEEDS: Submit a list, ranked in priority order, and indicate make, model number, and cost.

5. EQUIPMENT STORAGE: Prepare for storage and contact for a time and place.

6. TEAM/COACHES LOCKERS: Vacate so that others may use.

7.

COACHING EQUIPMENT: Return to athletic director items like watches, tapes, timers, etc., issued to you for your season.

8. FACILITY NEEDS: Submit a list of repairs or construction needed.

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR General Responsibilities: The school Athletic Director, working under the administrative rules of the Superintendent of Schools, is responsible to the Building Principal for the conduct and supervision of all inter-scholastic athletic programs. The Building Principal may delegate the school Athletic Director the responsibility to assign the duties and supervise the work of the Assistant Athletic Director(s) if any, and of all coaches.

Specific Responsibilities: 1. Serve, in the absence of the Principal, as the delegated authority to the Blue Hen Conference, DIAA, and other meetings pertaining to athletics.

2. Participate in interviews of candidates for coaching positions and make recommendations for staff selection.

3. Provide an evaluation of coaching personnel following each sports season.

4. Prepare an annual budget for all sports programs.

5. Provide for the purchase, distribution, and repair of all athletic equipment.

6. Responsible for the implementation of district cash management procedures as they relate to athletic gate receipts. These responsibilities include ticketing, receipt documentation, count verification, timely deposits, and reconciliation procedures.

7. Prepare an annual inventory of all equipment.

8. Supervise all athletic contests, officials, and athletic department personnel.

9. Contract and schedule games, officials, and transportation. The Athletic Director will not schedule athletic contests on a day before mid-term or final exams.

10. Prepare and maintain eligibility listings of all athletes, cheerleaders, and other participants in the athletic program.

11. Schedule use of athletic facilities.

12. Maintain records of contests, events, and letter winners.

13. Supervise the awarding of trophies, letters, and other commendations to athletes, coaches and school officials.

14. Arrange for purchase, sale and distribution of admission tickets and passes to athletic contests.

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF ADMINISTRATORS The Principal and/or Athletic Director of each school is responsible for the overall administration and management of the athletics program including: 

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Oversight of the operation of each team, its coaches, and its athletes to ensure compliance with District, Blue Hen Conference, and Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) policies and regulations.

Establish guidelines and procedures that aid in achieving athletic goals and maintaining academic standards. The District will not schedule athletic contests on a day before a mid-term or final exam.

Provide leadership to coaches for implementing the athletic procedures and guidelines, and communicate expectations for the athletic program to parents, booster groups, and other friends of athletics.

Provide opportunities and clear channels for “feedback” from studentathletes and their parents relating to the conduct of the program and the performance of coaches in meeting the District’s Guidelines and Procedures on athletics.

The Principal shall establish acceptable practice times for all sports which enable student-athletes an opportunity to obtain additional help in academic subjects after school until the end of the teacher day.

The Principal shall establish guidelines for excused absences for students from athletic practices and events, for reasons which would include conflicting academic activities. These excused absence guideline(s) and the athletic philosophy shall be communicated to parents on a regular basis.

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ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS

The Brandywine School District follows all eligibility guidelines according to the D.I.A.A. www.doe.k12.de.us

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TEAM EXPECTATIONS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS

School Name

___________________________________________________

School Team

___________________________________________________

Head Coach

___________________________________________________

A.

Coach’s Expectation of Team Members

B.

Training Rules – Penalties for violation of rules

C.

Team Regulations – Penalties for violation of rules

D.

General Conduct During the Season

E.

State and District Policies Regarding Athletic Participation

Approved by:

Date: _____________ Athletic Director

Approved by:

Date: _____________ Principal (Tear Off and Return To Coach)

Team:

I, _____________________________________ have read the attached expectations, rules and regulations and understand my obligation to the Team.

Signature of Player

__________________ Date

I have read the attached expectations, rules and regulations and understand my student’s obligations to the Team.

Signature of Parent/Guardian

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TRAINING RULES FOR STUDENT ATHLETES The Brandywine School District believes that athletics are an integral part of the educational program. The District’s objective is to fairly and consistently administer the rules and regulations for team membership in all secondary schools as they pertain to illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. These rules shall apply to a student athlete during the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association sports year, regardless of the location or time of day of student involvement. If the forty-five day penalty is not completed during the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association sports year, it must be completed with the start of the Fall sports season. The following criteria and procedures have been developed to implement this philosophy: Use of Tobacco 1. The first offense penalty for use of tobacco by an athlete shall be counseling by the coach and probation.

2. The second offense penalty for use of tobacco by an athlete shall be disqualification for the remainder of the season.

Possession of Use of Alcohol 1. The first offense penalty for possession or use of alcohol shall be counseling, probation, and suspension from contests for 21 calendar days.

2. The second offense penalty for possession or use of alcohol shall be disqualification from all forms of athletic participation for 45 calendar days or season qualification, whichever is greater.

Transfer of Alcohol 1.

The penalty for each offense for an athlete who obtains or distributes alcohol for consumption shall be disqualification from all forms of athletic participation for 180 calendar days.

Possession or Use of Illegal Drugs 1. The first offense penalty for possession or use of illegal drugs shall be disqualification from all forms of athletic participation for 45 calendar days or season disqualification, whichever is greater.

2. The second offense penalty for possession or use of illegal drugs shall be disqualification from all forms of athletic participation for 180 calendar days.

Transfer of Illegal Drugs 1. The first offense penalty for an athlete who possesses illegal drugs for distribution shall be disqualification from all forms of athletic participation for one calendar year (365 days).

2. The second offense penalty for anyone who possesses illegal drugs for distribution shall be permanent disqualification from all forms of athletic participation.

Note: Any penalty for violation of these training rules shall be imposed from the date upon which the Principal determines that a preponderance of the evidence supports the charge, even though such a determination may occur after the date of the offense. If such a determination is not made within 90 days of the alleged occurrence, the charge shall be dropped.

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STUDENT ATTENDANCE A Student may not participate in a practice, scrimmage, or contest during the time a suspension, either in-school or out-of-school, is in effect or during the time he/she is assigned to an alternative school for disciplinary reasons.

A student who is legally absent from school due to illness or a personal family crisis determined by the Principal shall not be required to attend a practice or competition.

A student must be legally in attendance at school by 10:30 a.m. high school/ 11:15 a.m. middle school in order to participate in a practice, scrimmage or contest except when excused by proper school authorities or for the following reasons:    

weather causing impassable road conditions attendance at a funeral legal obligations in court or with a lawyer college visit

MEDICAL AND INSURANCE INFORMATION Medical Information 1. Each athlete must have a current DIAA physical examination form and a parent permission form before beginning any sport. This is the Head Coach’s responsibility to verify eligibility with the school nurse.

2. Major illness or injury will void any sports physical examination. The attending physician must clear the athlete in writing before they resume play in games or practice.

3. Any injury must be reported to the school nurse on a Brandywine School District Accident Report form as soon as possible.

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ATHLETIC INJURIES The Coach needs to make a judgment relative to the seriousness of the injury.

If you judge that there is need for immediate medical attention, and, if the coach has any doubts: 1.

Call an ambulance – 911 2.

Call parents and make them aware of the situation and ask them to meet you at the medical facility.

3.

A coach or adult designee should accompany the injured player when he/she is transported from the playing site to a medical facility. The coach or designee should remain at this facility until such time that the medical authorities make a determination to confine the athlete for further evaluation, discharge the athlete or the parent arrives at the medical facility.

4.

Call Principal/designee to inform him/her of the situation.

5.

Record the injury on the Student Accident Report form and give to the school nurse on the next school day.

If you judge that the injury does not require immediate medical attention: 1. Administer first aid.

2. Keep player under constant observation 3. Contact parent, if at all possible, and make them aware of the injury before the player leaves school.

4. Record the injury on the Student Accident Report form and give to the school nurse on the next school day.

If you do not have an assistant coach and a player needs to go to a medical facility: 1. Call an ambulance – 911 2. The coach or an adult designee must accompany a player to the medical facility and remain with him/her until the athlete is discharged or the parents arrive at the medical facility.

3. Assign an official from your school to supervise the rest of the contest.

4. Call the Principal/designee and parents of the injured athlete to inform them of the situation.

5. Record the injury on the Student Accident Report form and give to the nurse on the next school day.

If the coach is at an away contest and you have no assistant coach: 1. Call an ambulance – 911 2. The coach or an adult designee must accompany a player to the medical facility and remain with him/her until the athlete is discharged or the parents arrive at the medical facility.

3. Assign an official from your school or ask a coach/representative from the home team to supervise the rest of the contest.

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4. Call the Principal/designee and parents of the injured athlete to inform them of the situation.

5. Ask school official or coach/representative from home team to collect players after the contest and escort them to the bus for the trip back to their school (only in extreme situations).

6. Record the injury on the Student Accident Report form and give to the school nurse on the next school day.

You should not transport an injured player in your own vehicle nor should you allow any one (other than the parent of the player) to do the transporting unless there is no other available transportation and you judge the situation to be serious. If the injury is serious you need to call for an ambulance.

The information on the player’s emergency card is necessary in case of a serious injury. It is required that you have one emergency card for each player with you at all times during practices, scrimmages and games. Please make sure the parent has signed the emergency card.

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TRANSPORTATION 1. The Brandywine School District shall provide transportation for all players, personnel, and coaches of athletic teams in authorized buses when the contest has been scheduled away from the school site.

2. Team members are strictly forbidden from driving an auto or transporting members of an athletic squad to a contest. Athletes driving their own cars to a contest must have received prior approval from the PRINCIPAL, AD or Coach.

3. In special cases, the coach may authorize the use of volunteer adults/parents to drive private autos provided the athletes being transported have a signed Permission form from their parents on file.

PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORATION PROCUREMENT The Athletic Director shall be responsible for making transportation arrangements for all athletic teams.

1. The Head Coach shall submit to the Athletic Director, two weeks prior to a scrimmage, a schedule listing the departure and estimated time for all away scrimmages.

2. Any changes in the departure time or circumstances of the trip are to be made through the office of the Athletic Director.

3. All subsequent trip requests are to be made to the Athletic Director seven (7) days prior to the date of the trip or the following morning following a contest cancellation/postponement or tournament advancement.

4. All team members should be informed of the estimated time of return one-day prior to the trip. This convenience will help parents to schedule a school pick-up.

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BUS GUIDELINES 1. A first aid kit must accompany all athletic trips and contain the EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARDS for each athlete and manager.

2. The coach will assume all responsibility for conduct and discipline on the bus in conjunction with the driver who is ultimately in charge.

3. Athletes who miss the bus and arrive at the contest later shall not be permitted to participate without administrative approval.

4. The coach is responsible to see that the bus is left in a clean condition.

5. All participants are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times on activity trips.

6. Only assigned personnel may ride on school transportation. NO spectators or coaches’ family members are permitted without prior administrative approval.

7. Coaches are to instruct their athletes NOT TO WEAR SPIKES OR CLEATS inside school transportation without the drivers permission.

8. The emergency door shall only be used in case of emergency or unless authorized by the driver.

9. The coach will check to be sure that students have everything off the bus upon return to school.

10. The coach shall see to it that the locker room of the host school is left in a clean, orderly condition with no damage. Report any incidents involving team members to the Athletic Director as soon as possible.

11. The coach will be prepared to pay tolls as needed and will be reimbursed by the district.

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TRIP CANCELLATION When it is necessary to cancel a trip due to weather or road conditions, the decision will be made by Transportation, in consultation with the Principal and Athletic Director. All parties concerned should be notified immediately if the decision is made to cancel.

TRAVEL RELEASES Under certain circumstances or exceptional situations where it creates an inconvenience to the family, athletes may be excused from riding either to or from an athletic event on school authorized transportation. This privilege is to be kept to a minimum since our philosophy continues to be that an athlete is a part of a team in all phases of team activity.

1. Parents must make prior arrangements with the student’s Coach in advance of the trip.

2. The athlete will be released to the parent(s) or designated adult by the coach.

3. Should a parent approach a coach at an away contest and request their son/daughter ride home with them, the coach shall agree, but inform them of District policy.

4. In no cases will an athlete be allowed to ride home with another student.

5. Use your discretion in emergency situations.

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BLUE HEN CONFERENCE BLUE HEN CONFERENCE GAME REGULATIONS General Regulations 1. Each visiting school must send an administrator or designee who is responsible for students from that school. He will identify himself/herself to the home school’s administrators on duty. This shall include football, basketball, and wrestling, or when admission is charged. If a school does not follow general regulations they should be reported to the Conference Secretary.

2. Home team shall provide a locker room or enclosed area with toilet facilities for use by the visiting team. However, valuables are the responsibility of the visiting Head Coach.

Visiting team will leave areas in good order.

Reasonable steps should be taken by the home team to secure their locker facilities for athletic contests.

3. Home team is responsible for keeping spectators at a safe and reasonable distance from the playing areas. However, the officials and/or the game manager have authority to stop a game to position any violators.

4. Home team is responsible for reporting the game results to the newspapers, radio stations, and Conference Vice President. One person from the other team shall be available after the game to supply any names needed for the report.

5. Home team shall admit representatives of other teams who are serving as scouts upon proper identification.

6. Games should not be postponed or cancelled unless:  Players health is in jeopardy because of playing or weather conditions  The field or facilities are not available  Both “a” and “b” will be the decision of the Athletic Director or Principals designee.

7. Postponed contests will be made up on the first mutually available play date, except that no school will be forced to play more than one contest beyond the number of games DIAA would permit to be regularly scheduled in a calendar week.

8. Fields, floors, or other playing facilities must be properly marked according to the National Federation rulebook for that sport.

9. Games will start promptly at the scheduled times as agreed upon by the conference or individual schools. Visiting team’s late arrival could result in a modification or cancellation of the J.V. contest’s playing time. This decision will be rendered by the home team Athletic Director or Principal’s designee.

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Any sport conducted on a weekday afternoon will begin at 3:30 p.m. Indoor night contests will begin at 5:00 p.m. for J.V., and Varsity will begin 15 minutes after the J.V. contest ends.

10. Scouting an opponent’s practice or scrimmage is unethical and not allowed.

Film exchange and/or scouting reports are at the discretion of the coaches.

11. The home team shall provide approved balls for the contest.

12. Players and coaches not affiliated with the game will not be admitted free to any game for which admission is charged.

13. Senior high school faculty members of the participating schools may be admitted free upon proper identification.

14. No derogatory signs mentioning the opposing school or team will be displayed. Every effort is to be made to eliminate derogatory remarks to or about opponents and officials. Cheerleaders conduct will be closely supervised by the advisor or attending administrator and they will encourage and ensure good sportsmanship.

15. Administrators will be responsible to see that overcrowding does not occur in gymnasiums and that, wherever possible, spectators are limited to the seats available.

16. Whistles, horns, radios, recorders, or any other noisemakers are prohibited at indoor contests. Pep bands will be ruled as noisemakers.

17. Administrators are responsible for police protection by city, county, local and/or state at varsity boy’s basketball and football contests.

18. Action must be taken to control unruly spectators by removing them from the contest. Appropriate legal action is encouraged.

19. Extreme caution is to be practiced in preventing attendance at games by spectators who are or have been drinking.

20. Property damage is intolerable and needs to be rigidly controlled. Restitution is to be made to the host school by persons responsible when responsibility can be established.

21. Any coach who is ejected for the second time during the regular season will be dealt with according to DIAA policy.

22. Maximum of three scrimmages play dates for each team. Scrimmages are permitted any time during a sports season. Scheduled scrimmages do not take precedence over the next available date rule.

23. The team forfeiting a contest without sufficient notice or time to notify all personnel, will assume all expenses incurred. Schools finding it necessary to 26 | P a g e

cancel a sport after the start of pre-season practices, will forfeit all contests.

Opponents may elect to accept the forfeit or schedule another opponent, thereby, declining forfeiture.

Any extenuating circumstances can be petitioned to the Conference.

24. If any school schedules additional games with a Conference school, the originally scheduled game or games shall be official for the Conference standings.

25. The Conference will follow game rules in all sports as approved by DIAA. 26. Bus drivers transporting teams, cheerleaders, or bands shall be admitted to any contest where admission is charged upon submission of proper identification.

27. When, for some reason, an official or officials do not show up for an athletic event, the official or officials at the game site will determine whether the contest can be played safely and officiated properly with the official or officials present.

28. No senior will be permitted to play in any J.V. contest.

29. All Blue Hen Conference Tournament and play-off personnel are to be paid.

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BLUE HEN CONFERENCE OFFICIAL GROUPS 1. Officials: Officials approved by DIAA shall be used.

2. Officials are to be given private quarters, if available, and no one is to enter the room except for administrative functioning of the school.

3. An official shall approach the administrator or representative in charge of the game for help before he expels any spectator from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct.

4. The Principal of any school in the Conference, at any time during the season, has the right to call the Assignor to make a change of any official from any subsequent game in which that team is involved.

5. All schools will have the opportunity to red-line an official following each of the three sports season.

6. Reasons for the red-line must be justified and all listings submitted to the Conference must show the signature of the Principal, Athletic Director and Coach.

7. It is not recommended that an official be red-lined for consecutive years; however, action of this nature will be accepted upon approval of the Blue Hen Conference Red-line Committee. A full explanation of this type must accompany the red-line listing. Any official red-lined will not work the home or away contests.

8. The Blue Hen Conference reserves the right to bar any official from games involving a Conference school.

9. Coaches of all sports wanting officials for scrimmages must make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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BLUE HEN CONFERENCE RED-LINING PROCEDURES 1. All schools will have the opportunity to red-line an official following each of the three sport seasons.

2. Reasons for the red-line must be listed and completely justified.

3. It is not recommended that an official be red-lined for consecutive years; however, action of this nature will be accepted upon approval of the Blue Hen Conference Red-line Committee. A full explanation of this type must accompany the red-line listing.

4. Any official red-lined will not work the home or away contests.

5. The Blue Hen Conference reserves the right to bar any official from games involving conference schools.

6. All listings submitted to the conference must show the signatures of the Principal, Athletic Director and the Coach.

School: _______________________________

Sport: ________________________

Name of Official: _________________________________________________________ Reason for Red-lining: _____________________________________________________

Principal’s Signature: ______________________________________________________ Athletic Director’s Signature: _______________________________________________ Coach’s Signature: ________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________________________________

PROTESTS AND REPORTS OF ATHLETIC RULE VIOLATIONS

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1. Protest reports regarding alleged game violations or DIAA rules violations should be made in writing to the Principal of the building within 2 days of the violation or as soon as the violation is identified.

2. The Principal will report the alleged violation to the Superintendent within 3 days of the alleged violation.

3. The Superintendent will determine if the alleged violation should be investigated and report the decision to the building Principal and Superintendent.

4. If the alleged violation is investigated, the building Principal will report the incident to the appropriate athletic governing body. Copies of all reports must be sent to the Superintendent prior to their filing with the outside organization.

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