The Source
The Comprehensive Guide to Greens Farms Academy for Students and Their Families
2012-2013
no discussion with his/her coach, the consequence will be sitting out the next game or other suitable consequence at the discretion of the coach. Note: If a student misses two or more academic classes on any given day, he/she may not participate in a practice or game that day without first receiving the permission of the Assistant Head of School. Scheduling conflicts: Parents are urged to check their child’s practice and game schedule before scheduling doctor’s appointments or other activities so that scheduling conflicts can be avoided. However, we recognize that from time to time unavoidable scheduling conflicts will arise. It is very important that these conflicts be discussed with the coach as soon as they are known. Clear, advance communication between you and the coach allows the coach the opportunity to discuss the absence with you, adjust practice and game plans in ample time, and minimize the amount you will miss. Being excused: The time may arise when you, as a student, will need to be excused from a practice or game. The procedures to follow depend on the circumstances, and are clearly listed below. To avoid any problems, be sure to follow these carefully: • Only your coach can excuse you from attending a practice or game, with the exception of the circumstances described below. Normally, such permission will require a NOTE beforehand from your parent or, in the case of a serious illness or injury, a physician. If a conflict suddenly arises and you cannot locate your coach, speak with a member of the Athletic Department. • If you do not come to school on a given day, the Assistant Head of School will determine whether the absence is “excused,” “allowed” or “unexcused,” and the coach will rely on that determination. • If you are at school and need to leave school prior to completing all your classes due to illness, you must get written approval (a note) from the school nurse or the Assistant Head of School. When possible, you should make every reasonable effort to talk with your coach or a member of the Athletic Department before leaving and to give them the note. • If you complete all your classes but feel too ill to attend your practice or game, you must bring a note from the school nurse to your coach before the practice/game begins. If you cannot locate the school nurse, go directly to your coach. Returning to play after an illness/injury: If you have been removed from play by a physician, the Athletic Director, your coach or GFA’s athletic trainer must receive written permission from a physician for you to resume participation before being allowed to return to play.
Guidelines for “Excused” and “Unexcused” Absences Satisfying the non-team athletic “program participation” requirement is based on determining whether absences are “excused” or “unexcused.” To assist in planning, and to provide predictability and consistency in the determinations, these are the guidelines coaches will use in determining whether an absence is “excused” or “unexcused.”
UPPER SCHOOL
An “excused absence” is any absence for which the coach has given specific permission directly to a student before the practice or game, or for which the school has excused a student. An “unexcused absence” is any other absence (including an “allowed absence” - see page 46). Students will normally be excused for: • serious illness or injury (with a note from school nurse, trainer, parent, or doctor) Note: The coach, after talking with you, may require or request that you attend part or all of a practice or game • serious family situation (religious observance, family emergency, etc.) • school-related required activities, i.e., activities that are required and that only meet at certain specified times, such as a class trip, ERB testing, etc. • other justifiable reasons at the discretion of the coach after full discussion with you, and your parent if necessary, well in advance of the practice/game • one doctor’s appointment and one college visit in a season
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Students will normally not be excused for: • minor illness or injury that does not prevent attending a practice/game (in judgment of the school nurse, trainer or coach) • not having the required clothing/equipment at school • non-GFA-required activities (such as town team games, musical instrument lessons, karate classes, etc.) • GFA non-required extra-curricular activities (yearbook work, QUEST, etc.) • other GFA-related activities (such as individual discretionary community service projects, etc.) • non-emergency family situations (attending sibling’s homecoming, leaving early/returning late for/from vacation, etc.)
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