Chaminade Student Athlete Handbook

CHAMINADE ATHLETICS

PHILOSOPHY

CHAMINADE ATHLETICS play an integral role in the overall education and development of our students by helping them to grow physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. The athletic program at Chaminade is designed to support and promote the characteristics of Marianist Education:

Educate for formation in faith

Provide an integral, quality education

Educate in family spirit

Educate for service, justice and peace

Educate for adaptation and change

By following these characteristics, Chaminade strives to develop a well-rounded student-athlete with a competitive spirit guided by the principles of respect and good sportsmanship.

CHAMINADE COMPETES IN THE FOLLOWING SPORTS:

FALL WINTER

Cross Country *

Football *

Soccer *

Swimming*

Basketball *

Bowling

Hockey

Racquetball

Wrestling*

SPRING

Baseball *

Golf *

Lacrosse

Rugby

Tennis *

Track *

Volleyball *

Water Polo

Chaminade is a member of the Metro Catholic Conference along with CBC, DeSmet, SLUH, and Vianney. The sports marked by an (*) are those in which the schools compete for a conference championship. Those in bold print are sponsored by the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

HIGH SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility to represent Chaminade in interscholastic activities is a privilege that students may attain by meeting the essential eligibility requirements established by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) as well as those requirements established by Chaminade. The following is a summary of MSHSAA rules presented for general information. These do not replace the requirements as they are set forth in the annual MSHSAA Handbook.

1. CITIZENSHIP

* You must be a creditable citizen. Creditable citizens are those students whose conduct - both in school and out of school - will not reflect discredit upon themselves or their school.

* Hazing and Harassment: Hazing or harassment have no place in schoolsponsored activity programs and pose a significant risk to the physical and mental welfare of students. Hazing is defined by MSHSAA as willful conduct directed at a student that is intended to physically or emotionally intimidate, punish, embarrass, humiliate, ridicule, or place any student in a disconcerting position for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, inclusion or membership in any team or organization. Harassment is defined by MSHSAA as unwelcome conduct by a person that is sufficiently serious, persistent, or pervasive, so that it affects another person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school program or activity by creating an intimidating, threatening or abusive environment.

2. ACADEMICS

* The semester prior to participation, the student shall have earned a minimum of 3.0 units of credit or have earned credit in 80% of the maximum allowable classes in which a student can be enrolled in the semester, whichever is greater. For our eight-block schedule, a student must pass 7 of 8 classes.

* Currently, you must be enrolled in, and regularly attending, courses that offer a minimum of 3.0 units of credit.

* Summer school courses for academic eligibility may count provided the course is necessary for graduation or promotion. Summer school course work and credit must be posted on student’s transcript. No more than one credit in summer school shall be counted toward eligibility.

* If you are a beginning ninth grade student, you must have been promoted at the close of the previous school year.

* You must be making satisfactory progress toward graduation as determined by the school’s policies. If at any point during the school year it is determined that a student is not performing at a satisfactory level in the classroom, the student may be required to take an academic leave of absence from the activity until it is determined that the student has made satisfactory progress. If the student is not able to make any significant progress, the student may be removed from the activity

* Do not drop courses without first consulting with your school principal or athletic administrator to determine whether it will affect your eligibility.

3. TRANSFERRING SCHOOLS

* If you transfer schools and your parents do not move into the district of your new school, you will be ineligible for 365 days - unless you meet one of the exceptions listed in the MSHSAA Residence and Transfer Rules.

* If you move with your parents to your new school district, you will be eligible at your new school provided you were eligible in all other respects at your former school. A student shall not be eligible to represent two different schools in the MSHSAA state tournament series in the same sport during the same season.

* Always check with your school principal before you transfer to determine whether it will affect your eligibility

4. PARTICIPATION LIMITS

* You are eligible to participate in any sport for a maximum of four seasons. Any part of a contest played during a season counts as a season of participation.

* Your eligibility to participate in high school activities begins when you first enter the ninth grade and lasts for the next succeeding four consecutive years (eight consecutive semesters).

5. ENTERING SCHOOL

* You must enter school within the first 11 days of the semester in order to be eligible.

6. AMATEUR AND AWARDS STANDARDS

* After entering a member school, you will become ineligible in the sport concerned if you receive cash, merchandise or services for participating in an athletic contest. This restriction applies to all sports in which MSHSAA

member schools conduct interscholastic programs. (Note: Merchandise shall not exceed $25 suggested retail price.)

* You may accept awards which are symbolic in nature, such as medals, ribbons, trophies, plaques, etc., for participating in a school athletic program.

* You may accept awards which are merchandise and such award shall not exceed $25 in the suggested manufacturer’s retail price.

* Awards as described above presented by a person or group other than your school, must be approved in advance by your school principal and the suggested manufacturer’s retail price of a merchandise award shall not exceed $25.

* You may accept awards for participating in non-school sponsored athletic competition only if the awards are symbolic in nature or the merchandise item does not exceed $25 in suggested retail value. (See items above!)

7. AGE LIMITS

* If you reach nineteen (19) years of age prior to July 1, you will be ineligible the next school year.

8. NON-SCHOOL COMPETITION

* You may not practice for, or participate with, a non-school team or in any organized non-school athletic competition and for your school team in the same sport during the same season. Swimming and Diving has a special exception.

* You may participate on a school team and a non-school team in different sports during the same season; however, you may not practice for the nonschool team or participate in organized non-school athletic competition on the same day that you practice with or participate for the school team without prior approval of your school administrator.

* You must receive approval in advance from your school principal in order to miss school time to practice for, travel or compete in organized non-school athletic competition.

* You will become ineligible in any sport in which you play as a member of a junior college, college or university team.

* You may participate in international competition during the school year; however, the competition must meet the established criteria published in the MSHSAA Official Handbook and must be approved in advance by the MSHSAA Board of Directors.

* Before you join a non-school team or enter any non-school competitive athletic event, your school principal or athletic administrator should be consulted to make certain these standards are met.

9. COLLEGE AUDITIONS/TRYOUTS

* You may participate in a college tryout, audition or evaluation event for a specific sport outside the school season of the sport concerned (MSHSAA By-Law 242).

* You may not miss school time to travel or participate in the event unless your absence is approved in advance by the school administrator.

* You may not miss an MSHSAA-sponsored postseason athletic event to participate in or travel to and from the event.

* You may only attend one evaluation event by invitation per sport per year. You may attend any number of “open” evaluations (anyone may register) with no limit on college-sponsored tryouts.

10. ALL-STAR GAMES

* You may not compete in an all-star game or contest before you complete your eligibility in each high school sport. Participation in an all-star game or contest before ending your high school eligibility will result in you becoming ineligible to participate in any high school sport.

* A senior with no high school eligibility remaining for a specific sport may participate in one All-Star game for that sport during the school year. See your administrator before agreeing to play.

11. RECRUITING OF ATHLETES

* You will be ineligible for your career at a school if you are influenced by a person or persons to attend upon promotion or transfer schools for athletic or activities purposes. You may, however, return to your original school and be ineligible for no more than 365 days.

12. TRANSFER FOR ATHLETIC REASONS

* You shall become ineligible for 365 days if you transfer to another school for athletic reasons, as defined in MSHSAA By-Law 238.

13. SPORTS CAMPS/CLINICS

* You may attend a specialized summer athletic camp (s) / clinic (s) where you receive instruction or coaching from a member of your school’s coaching staff for a maximum of two calendar weeks in any one sport. A calendar week for any sports camp is defined as any seven consecutive days and any consecutive grouping of days shall be counted as one calendar week.

* You may attend a non-school sponsored summer specialized sports camp (s) or group instruction for as long as you wish where you do not receive instruction or coaching from a member of your school’s coaching staff.

* You may attend a non-school sponsored specialized sports camp (s) or group instruction during the school year provided it does not result in any loss of school time; attendance does not occur within 14 days of the start of the school sport season for the sport concerned; it is not a team camp; and no member of the coaching staff of the school you attend or will attend the following year is involved in any way.

* You or your parents must pay all camp/clinic fees, tuition and other related expenses. A scholarship, waiver of fees or a payment of travel expenses shall result in the loss of your eligibility.

* You may attend one sport camp per sport per year by special invitation. You may attend any number of “open” sport camps where anyone may register.

* Before attending any specialized athletic camp (s) / clinic (s) or group sport instruction you should consult with your school principal or athletic administrator to make sure it meets the criteria published in the MSHSAA Official Handbook.

14. SPORTSMANSHIP

* If you should commit an unsportsmanlike act while participating in a high school event, you could become ineligible.

* If your conduct as a spectator is found to be unsportsmanlike, you could be barred from attending any further high school athletic contests.

* The unsportsmanlike conduct of any spectator - regardless of age - could cause that spectator to be barred from attending school athletic contests.

15. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

* Every athlete must complete a physical examination before participating in the athletic program. One physical exam will cover every season for the current school year. An exam taken on or after February 15 of the previous school year will be accepted.

* In addition to the completed physical examination form, the athlete and his parents must provide verification of accident insurance, parent permission and authorization for treatment, emergency information and personal information. The athlete and his parents must also read and sign the MSHSAA materials on concussions.

GENERAL ATHLETIC POLICY

The Chaminade Athlete should be an individual who is proud to play for Chaminade as well as someone that Chaminade can be proud to have as a representative. The athlete must remember that he is representing the team and the school in everything he does and everywhere he goes. He must keep in mind the following policies:

1. Each athlete is responsible for maintaining good grades and proper school behavior throughout the year, always showing respect for his fellow students as well as the teachers and staff at Chaminade.

2. Each athlete will honor the game by showing respect for all coaches, teammates, officials, opponents and fans, and will never taunt, ridicule or attempt to demean or embarrass anyone.

3. Each athlete must attend school in order to participate in practice or an athletic contest that day, unless he has received an excused absence from the administration. If an athlete is not in attendance during the morning due to illness, he must attend the final 3 blocks of the day in order to be eligible to participate in practice or an athletic contest on that date.

4. Each athlete is responsible for the uniform and all equipment which is issued to him and must maintain these items in good condition. The athlete will be financially responsible for any loss or damage.

5. Each athlete will wear the entire uniform and wear it properly when participating in an athletic contest.

6. All athletes will work together to keep our locker room, sideline and dugouts neat and clean at all times. The same rules apply when we visit another locker room, court or field, or use a bus for transportation. (Leave it cleaner than you found it.)

7. Hazing and harassment, as defined by MSHSAA (page 3), by any Chaminade student or team is strictly forbidden. Students directly or indirectly involved in hazing incidents, on or off school grounds, could be considered ineligible by the administration under the MSHSAA citizenship standard, By-Law 2.2. The nature and seriousness of a particular situation or incident may result in disciplinary action which is less than or which exceeds the guideline stated above.

TRAINING POLICY

At Chaminade, each student-athlete has the responsibility to exercise leadership at all times in matters of conduct. Representing Chaminade in interscholastic competition is a privilege and must be recognized as such by the student athlete. Along with this privilege, the student-athlete must make a commitment to his teammates and accept the responsibility of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the use, possession or attempt to purchase tobacco products, alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substances is strictly prohibited for all student-athletes. E – cigarettes and the like are considered tobacco related products (anything containing nicotine, etc.). This policy is enforced twelve months a year, whether in season or out of season, whether on campus or off campus. The nature and seriousness of a particular situation or incident may result in disciplinary action by the administration which is less than or which exceeds the following guidelines.

ALCOHOL / TOBACCO PRODUCTS

FIRST OFFENSE

IN SEASON

(1) Suspended for 30% of season contests to begin from the date it is determined that the student-athlete was in violation of the policy.

(2) Student-athlete, parents and Athletic Director (or an Associate Principal) will meet to discuss the violation and subsequent consequences.

(3) If violation is alcohol related, student must complete chemical evaluation before returning to competition.

OUT OF SEASON

(1) Student-athlete is placed on probation.

(2) Student-athlete, parents and Athletic Director (or an Associate Principal) will meet to discuss the violation and subsequent consequences.

(3) If violation is alcohol related, student must complete chemical assessment before returning to competition.

SECOND OFFENSE IN OR OUT OF SEASON

(1) Suspended for 50% of season contests to begin from the date it is determined that the student-athlete was in violation of the policy.

(2) Student-athlete, parents and Athletic Director (or an Associate Principal) will meet to discuss the violation and subsequent consequences.

(3) If violation is alcohol related, student must complete chemical evaluation before returning to competition.

(4) If the violation occurs out of season, the suspension will be applied to the next full sports season in which the student-athlete participates.

THIRD OFFENSE IN OR OUT OF SEASON

The student-athlete will be suspended from the athletic program for 365 days from the date of the violation. He must complete a chemical evaluation before returning to the athletic program.

Invitationals and Tournaments count as one contest for purposes of determining total number of season contests.

During the period of suspension, the student-athlete shall continue to practice with the team and attend all contests. Whether or not the athlete is allowed to appear at games in uniform will be decided by the athletic director and the coach.

A student-athlete who is a team captain may be required to relinquish this position upon violation of the policy.

If the suspension is not fully served due to the number of games remaining in the season, the remaining portion of the suspension will be served at the beginning of the next full sports season in which the student-athlete participates.

When a student-athlete is in violation of the training policy, the violation and the surrounding circumstances may be of such a nature as to result in his removal from the team. The athletic director and coach will make such a determination.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

The student-athlete will be suspended from the athletic program for 365 days from the date of the violation. He must complete a chemical evaluation before returning to the athletic program.

STUDENT-ATHLETE SELF-REFERRAL

A student-athlete who seeks assistance for a substance abuse problem by coming forward to a teacher, coach, administrator or guidance counselor, before a reported incident, will not be penalized for violation of the policy.

STUDENT-ATHLETE APPEAL PROCESS

A student-athlete may appeal his suspension by submitting, in writing, a request for an appeal hearing to the Athletic Director within 5 days of the suspension. The request should contain specific reasons why the athlete is appealing and must be signed by the student-athlete and his parent or guardian. The Athletic Director will meet with the Principal with regard to the appeal, at which time the student-athlete and parents will have an opportunity to state their positions.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION GUIDE

Parents and coaches are important role models for students. They both provide necessary guidance to young adults in their development and their understanding of the world in which they will live and work as adults. When parents and coaches understand and respect each other, they can work together to benefit children. You have a right as a parent to understand the commitment, expectations and responsibilities that accompany participation in the Chaminade athletic program. Clear communication between parents and coaches facilitates this understanding. Listed below are a number of steps to enhance parent/coach communication. It is important also to remember that the first link in the communication network is the one established between coach and student. Encourage your child to exercise the opportunity to speak directly with his coach about any topic.

Communication you should expect from your child’s coach:

a) Philosophy of the coach

b) Locations and times of all practices

c) Explanation of athletic department training rules

d) Team requirements (i.e., special equipment, fees, off-season conditioning recommendations)

e) Procedures if your child is injured during participation

f) Explanation of excused and unexcused absences from practices/games beyond what is provided in this document

g) Discipline which results in denying your child a participation opportunity

Communication coaches expect from parents:

a) Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance

b) Specific questions regarding a coach’s philosophy and or expectations

As your child continues his participation in the Chaminade athletic program, he will experience some very rewarding moments. It is also important to remember there are times when adversity and disappointment will inevitably occur. At these times, a discussion with the coach may be an appropriate step following the initial student/coach conversation.

Appropriate issues for parents to discuss with coaches:

a. The mental and physical treatment of your child

b. Ways to help your child improve

c. Concerns about your child’s behavior

It is very difficult to accept that your child may not play as much as you, or perhaps he, had hoped. Coaches are professionals. They are charged to make judgment based on what they believe is equitable and best for all students involved. As you have read in the list above, certain items are open for discussion with your child’s coach. Other decisionmaking must be left in the hands of the coach assigned the responsibility of coaching your child’s team.

Issues not appropriate for parents to discuss with coaches:

a) Playing time (this topic should only be discussed between the athlete and the coach)

b) Team strategy

c) Play calling

d) Other student-athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parents or guardians. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When conferences are necessary, the following procedures should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

Procedures to follow when you discuss a concern with a coach:

a) Call the coach’s school number (314-993-4400 ext. 1265) to set an appointment

b) If the coach cannot be reached using the step above, call the Chaminade Athletic Department (314-692-6649) and the athletic director will assist you with setting up the appointment.

d) Please do not confront a coach before or after a contest or practice without setting up an appointment. These can be emotional moments. Meetings of this nature are not likely to promote resolution.

What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution?

1. Call and set up an appointment with the athletic director (Tom Fernandez) to discuss the situation 314-692-6649)

2. At this meeting the appropriate next steps can be determined.

SENIOR CLASS DAY

SENIOR AWARDS

The following awards are presented on Senior Class Day. The recipients of these awards are chosen by the coaching staff.

SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD - This award is presented to the senior who has distinguished himself by excelling in the classroom as well as in athletic competition. He will represent Chaminade at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar-Athlete Reception. * * * * * *

ATHLETE OF THE CLASS - This award is presented to the senior who has made the most significant contribution to the overall athletic program on the varsity level.

WAYNE McKIM SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD - This award is presented to the senior(s) who has demonstrated, throughout his high school athletic career, the true characteristics of sportsmanship as exemplified by Coach McKim. * * * * * *

LESTER WALL AWARD - This award is presented to the senior who has overcome a serious injury or setback during his high school athletic career, and has returned to make a significant contribution to the athletic program. * * * * * *

DONALD J. OHLMS AWARD - This award is presented to the senior (s) who has made a major contribution to the athletic program and has shown dedication to that program. Participation on the athletic field is not generally the basis for this award, but rather the award recognizes the individual who, like Coach Ohlms, placed the team first without concern for personal recognition.

NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE INFORMATION

Any student-athlete hoping to participate in college athletics MUST register with the NCAA Clearinghouse in order to be eligible. Be aware of the fact that the NCAA will NOT count ALL of your Chaminade courses in calculating what they call a "CORE GPA". The cumulative GPA reported on your CCP grade report will often be somewhat lower when recalculated into the NCAA's Core GPA. If you would like a preliminary evaluation of your eligibility status, see your College Counselor. Don't wait till your senior year to get this evaluation. Do it as soon as possible so you have time to make needed improvement.

For a description of Core Courses visit this website: https://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

Registering with the NCAA Clearinghouse is a MUST!!!

Here's how to register:

Anytime after the junior year is completed, visit the Clearinghouse website below (to register online *) or obtain the Clearinghouse registration form from your College Counselor.

Complete the online form and pay the appropriate fee by credit card or, if using the paper application, send in the white copy with the fee to the indicated address and bring the yellow and pink copies to the Counseling Center. We will send in your current transcript with the yellow copy.

*IMPORTANT: If you register online you still MUST print out two (2) copies of the form and bring them to the Counseling Center so we can send your required transcripts at the appropriate times. THIS IS A MUST! After graduation, we will send in a final transcript and notification of graduation with the pink copy.

*For further information on the Clearinghouse visit this website: https://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

For extensive information on the NCAA visit this website: http://www2.ncaa.org/