King’s Ely Sports Parent Handbook
King’s Ely Sport:
King’s Ely encourages a sport for all policy, and it is the goal of the Games Department to have as many students representing the school as possible whilst balancing the need for recreational sporting activity. It is one of the stated aims of the department that we will endeavour to allow all children to represent the school in sport. Whilst having the representative side of the school we also run a number of CoCurricular clubs throughout the school day in an attempt to give all students the opportunity to explore their sporting and physical prowess.
Vision:
Our vision at King’s is to provide an inclusive and immersive sporting experience that inspires our pupils to develop a lifelong passion for Sport, Health, and Exercise. This is achieved through our Games and Co-Curricular programme that offers a diverse range of opportunities that cater for all abilities.
What makes us different?
The different opportunities to participate in a range of sports at the level suitable for the pupil. In KES the introduction of Performance, Participation and Recreational sports into both the Games and CoCurricular programme highlights the inclusive nature of the sports programme and is designed to develop lifelong passion for Sport, Health, and Exercise.
Another factor is the diverse nature of sporting opportunities within our games programme is unique with over 40 different sporting option for Yr 11-13. This is designed to allow pupils to immersive themselves into sports that can challenge, engage, or provide opportunities to take with them beyond their time at King’s.
What are the King’s Pathways:
• Performance sports- Pupils to compete for the school in external fixtures both midweek and within the extensive weekend programme. This is predominately for the ‘Major Game’ of the term.
• Participation sports- Less emphasise on performance and more on enjoyment and lifelong participation. Elements of the sport will require fixtures/competition internally and also externally against local schools. There are some Saturday commitments.
• Recreational sports-This is to be focused around being active as part of a healthy lifestyle It is a chance to try new sports without the pressure of competing. Commitment is required within Games and attendance at Co-Curricular clubs.
Role of Parents:
The role of the parent supporting Sport and Games at King’s is important to us as a Games Department. It is crucial that we have the support of parents and for them to understand what pupils want from their parents when watching sport. As a Games Department we value your support and encouragement to all players, praise players effort, be interested and present when watching and realistic on ability, scoreline or what constitutes success.
Games Overview:
Sport at King’s is a major part of School life and encompasses both team and individual sports. All pupils are expected to participate fully in the comprehensive sporting programme that is on offer and represent the school when required. Sport and exercise play a vital role in a healthy active lifestyle and positive mental and social health. The choice of sports and exercise available increases in Year 11 and the Sixth Form, as pupils find the sport or form of exercise they most enjoy. A full list is available on the school website.
King’s Ely has excelled in several sports over recent years with success being recognised through selection at district, county, regional and national level in a number of sports. Sports tours are also organised to expose pupils to new cultures and global competition.
Year 9 and Year 10 pupils must choose from one of the following options:
Girls
Michaelmas Term Hockey, Rowing, Sport Carousel, Dance, Stretch and Relax and Swimming
Lent Term Netball, Girl’s Football, Rowing, Sport Carousel, Dance and Stretch and Relax
Summer Term Cricket, Tennis, Athletics, Swimming and Sport Carousel
Boys
Rugby, Rowing, Hockey, Rowing, Sport Carousel, Dance, Stretch and Relax and Swimming
Football, Boy’s Hockey, Rowing, Sport Carousel, Dance and Stretch and Relax
Cricket, Tennis, Athletics, Swimming and Sport Carousel
*On top of this we have Athletic Development invite session which are for pupils that are returning from injury or need assistance with elements of physical, mental or social development within sport. This is run by our Head of Athletic Development (Miss Bird)
From Year 11 onwards, pupils can opt from a wide range of sports and activities in addition to the major sports. There is a wide range of choices such as Basketball, Badminton, Clay pigeon shooting, Dance, golf, hockey (boys), football (girls) table tennis, squash, strength and conditioning, yoga, Pilates and Zumba.
Sport Fixtures:
Alongside the major sports of the term, the PE department also participate in both intra and inter school fixtures in the following sports:
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Squash School Sport login:
Throughout each term, King’s Ely will share updates and information about sport via the King’s Ely Sports Portal alongside social media including King’s Ely Sport twitter account.
The King’s Ely sport portal can be accessed here: www.kingselysport.org.
The website will allow you to navigate to our Sports Calendar via the main menu, where you can select the date and all fixtures being played will be shown and then click the details link. This link will show the time, team, opposition, venue, details including return time and the team selected via the blue person item. From September 2024 the password for this will be kings2024.
If you want to see fixtures or results for a particular team then you can navigate from the side bar to team’s fixtures and results, then select the particular sport and team name e.g., ‘Girls U15A’. From any team’s Fixtures & Results listings you can also download the entire fixture list to your personal calendar on your PC or mobile device (such as an iPhone or iPad) by following the changes we make to our fixtures will be synchronised with your personal calendar whenever you connect your PC or mobile device to the Internet.
All team sheets for matches should be uploaded onto the website 48hrs before the fixture. There are occasions when this cannot happen, but all pupils are emailed in advanced that they are playing. If a pupil is not selected there is a chance that due to injury or illness that they may be called up.
Requested absence from Games:
If a pupil is ill, injured or expecting to miss part of a schedule Games session then it is the responsibility of the parents to use the ‘My School Portal’ to request for the pupil to be Off Games. This can be accessed via the King’s Ely website > Menu (top left) > School Portals > My School Portal This is to replace emailing tutors as this system automatically informs tutor, HsM, Director of Sport and Deputy Head Co-Curricular who will grant permission for the absence.
Illness:
If a pupil is ill for PE or Games then please use the parent portal to register then absence. If they are absent from school then continue to use normal method of alerting absentees, HsMs and tutors. If a pupil is unavailable for a fixture midweek or weekends, please make sure to email the coach of the team and the Head of Sport as soon as possible. If the illness is short notice then the pupil must inform the captain of the team.
Exams and sport:
The sports department recognises and understands the importance of exams especially for GCSE and Alevels. However, like other independent schools we promote physical activity for better mental, physical, and social health during these exam periods. As a department we look to schedule fixtures around exam periods to allow pupils to maximise their revision efforts but also have some fixtures which we expect pupils to play in.
Fixtures and Matches:
Students selected for teams are expected to play in all scheduled home and away fixtures, including those played at weekends. If they are unavailable, then they should let Miss Mortimer (Deputy Head Co-Curricular) and Mr Alex Meddle (Director of Sport) know at least 36 hours before the match All information can be found on the Sports Portal, this includes venues, timings, directions and cancellations (kingselysport.org). Any pupils that fail to inform the Head, Director of Sport or Head of Sport of their absence with advanced notice will be sanctioned.
As a member of the school community and to continue to drive our sport forward it is important to note that school commitments should be prioritised over club commitments unless there are exceptional circumstances. If a pupil plays representative sport (e.g. county/regional/national level) then they will discuss with the Director of Sport. If they are participating in a school event that clashes with a school fixture, then they must communicate with the Director of Sport.
Fixture lists:
Fixtures lists will be compiled by the Head of each Sport for each sport and once a fixture is finalised it will be published on the School Sports Website (www.kingselysport.org) and the online at SOCS sport and calendar for pupils and parents. Heads of Sport will send out the previous term the fixtures so suitable arrangements can be arranged by parents and pupils to be available for matches.
Selection for Fixtures:
Our selection policy is transparent and is based on merit. Our selection policy is based upon three values which all pupils must uphold to represent the school. These are commitment, high standards of behaviour (both within school and at sport fixtures) and talent. If a pupil does not demonstrate the core qualities of these values, then they will not be rewarded with selection for matches. All our teams are not fixed but fluid and pupils can move up or down during the season.
Team selection will also be based upon:
• Behaviour and attitude towards lessons, training, and matches.
• Commitment to lessons, training, and matches.
• Demonstration of skills and understanding of the game.
• Presentation and manner towards kits, sportsmanship, jewellery and helpfulness.
• Enthusiasm to learn, develop and improve performance.
• Conduct during home and away fixtures.
• Performance and effort in lessons and practice.
Fixture attire:
It is the expectation that pupils travel to fixture in the correct kit. For Boys and Girls this will be the Navy Fitness T-Shirts and Mid-Layer top. For the boy’s they must wear Tracksuit Trousers and bring with them playing shorts. For the Girl’s they may travel in either a skort or tracksuit trousers. Footwear must be trainers or appropriate shoes with sliders not allowed. Any pupil who does not adhere to this will be given a detention.
Fixture Cancellation:
In the event of inclement weather there may be the need to cancel sporting fixtures at short notice both at home or away. The Head of Sport will endeavour to communicate to pupils through school email and all up to date fixture status will be put on SOCS. Where possible and practical, alternative arrangements will be made in order to ensure a meaningful practice session takes place. In the event of pupils or parents not picking up the announcement, a member of sports staff will meet parents/pupils to relay the fixture cancellation.
Photo consent at fixtures:
Under King’s Ely Terms & Conditions, parents who accept a place for their child, agree to the school using anonymous photographs of their child for promotional, display or communication purposes, unless they express, in writing, to the contrary. If you have any issues with this then please contact Charlie Fisher (Deputy Head KES, Designated Safeguarding Lead for King's Ely).
Sports Fixture Conduct:
Having high expectations and standards are important to us at King’s to continue to develop a sporting culture. If a pupil falls short of these expectations and our sporting code of conduct, then pupils will be sanctioned in accordance with the school Behaviour policy. The coach or the Director of Sport will inform parents/guardians of any sanctions given to a pupil. Consideration will be given to extenuating circumstances involving any violation. The Director of Sport will make final judgments regarding violations after reviewing all information and speaking with all involved.
Pupils who are sent off from a club or school fixture will automatically be suspended from representing the school for a minimum of one match and the Director of Sport will determine if this should be extended. If a pupil is suspended from school, they will not be allowed to practice or participate in any scheduled matches whilst serving the suspension. The Director of Sport will make the decision alongside the pupil as to when they will be integrated back into school sport.
Code of conduct for pupils
Pupils are expected to uphold the core values and standards that we hold at King’s Ely whether they are training or representing the school in matches. These values are imperative to create a positive culture of sport. If pupils fall short of these values, then they will be expected to not be selected for matches, sanctions given, and parents informed.
• To uphold the core values of sport where pupils play to have fun, improve skills, learn the rules, and abide by them.
• In games lessons, co-curricular practices and school fixtures, the correct King’s school kit should be worn, and you should be punctual
• Co-operate with your coach, team-mates, and opponents. Players should accept all decisions from coaches and captains.
• The use of bad language, whether directed at umpire/referee, another player, spectator or oneself is unacceptable and will be sanctioned accordingly.
• Accept without question all referees’ decisions. Any negative response towards an official’s ruling is unacceptable. without them there would be no game!
• Be dignified in victory and defeat. Have gracious conduct whatever the result
• Never use unfair or illegal tactics to gain an advantage, observe the laws, rules and regulations of the various sports.
• Play in a sportsmanlike manner and extend courtesy to opposition teams. This should include shaking hands with the opposition at the end of the match and extending thanks to the referee/umpire.
• - Communicate with your coach and parents; tell them if you have a problem, worry or concern.
Parental Code of Conduct:
All parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to support school sport at King’s. The spirit in which the game is played should be the fundamental reason for pupils to participate in sport over the pursuit of victory. Parents are advised that we have parents code of conduct that we wish them to follow when supporting King’s Sport. With that in mind the following specific points should be adhered to.
• Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend fixtures and support school sport.
• School commitments should be prioritised over club commitments unless there are exceptional circumstances.
• See that sport is for everyone and should be enjoyed by all.
• Respect players, officials, and spectators to create a positive experience for all.
• Discourage unsporting behaviour within the field of play and on the sidelines.
• Respect the decision of all the professional coaches that take teams, accept that selections and decisions are fair and are without prejudice for individuals.
• Appreciate both sides and the effort they put into the match whilst avoiding criticism.
• Recognise that success is measured by the quality of learning, not just the result.
• Parents should never seek, during or immediately after a match, to give advice, or question decisions made by coaches, referees/umpires or players.
School Kit:
Pupils are expected to adhere to PE and Games kit for all training, matches and when representing the school on travel. Pupils will be initially warned or asked to change and will then be sanctioned if a breach of the kit is not adhered too. If there are issues with kit then pupils and parents are expected to email the Director of Sport or Head of Sport.
Boys
Sports Kit
Essential
- Mid-layer top and training pants (tracksuit)
- Navy fitness t-shirt
- Navy PE shorts
- Navy and duck egg games socks
- Sports trainers
- Navy swimwear (shorts)
- House shirts (compulsory for Year 9s)
Optional
- Navy hoodies
- Long sleeve navy games shirt
- Reversible rugby shirt
- Navy crested rugby shorts
- Navy base layer top & base layer shorts
- Soft shell jacket
Girls
Sports Kit
Essential
- Mid-layer top and training pants (tracksuit)
- Navy fitness t-shirt
- Navy PE shorts or skort (Skorts are needed for school matches)
- Navy and duck egg games socks
- Sports trainers
- Navy or black, one-piece swimwear
- House shirts (compulsory for Year 9s)
Optional
- Navy hoodies
- Long sleeve navy games shirt
- Full length black plain fitness leggings (only a discreet logo allowed, no mesh)
- Navy base layer top & base layer shorts
- Soft shell jacket
- Shin pads (if opting for football or hockey)
- Football/rugby boots (if opting for these sports)
- Gum guard (for hockey and rugby)
Match transport:
- Shin pads (if opting for hockey)
- Gum guard (if opting for hockey)
Match fixtures are provided with transport and all pupils are expected to communicate if they are not to travel on the coach either on the way to the fixture or on the return back to Ely.
If a pupil is of driving age then they must have permission from parents to drive to fixture and must not without parental permission take any passengers.
Bus return times:
As matches finish at different times, as a sports department we provide approximate return times which are posted on our sports portal. If a pupil’s intention to make alterative arrangements after matches, they must inform the team coach.
Catering:
For the majority of midweek and weekend fixtures we do provide match tea within the Monastic Barn or packed take away lunches. We do expect that if we are hosting opposition in the Monastic Barn that all members of the team are attend match tea. If for some reason this is not possible, please can this be communicated in advance to the Head of Sport and the coach of the team. We do welcome parents and guardians to join us in the Monastic Barn for refreshments after matches. We do when available offer the Tuck Truck for tea and coffee during matches for all parents, guardian, and visitors.
Jewellery:
Pupils should not be wearing jewellery for Games, Co-curricular or matches. Sport staff will request for this to be taken out/off and if it becomes a repeat offense then sport staff will be instructed to sanction pupils.
Sports protective equipment:
Students are required to wear appropriate protective items when engaging in contact sports. The wearing of protective items for all contact sports is now mandatory for all students under the age of 18. This includes shin pads in Hockey/Football, mouthguards in Hockey/Rugby and helmet/protective box (boys only) in cricket.
Teachers and coaches are not qualified to make a judgement on the quality of protective items; that remains the responsibility of the parents. The school’s responsibility is to see that the protective item is being worn. If you have any queries, then do speak with the Head of Sport.
Colours:
To obtain Full Senior Colours, pupils must have made an outstanding contribution to their sport over two years. To be awarded Senior Half Colours this will be over a minimum of a year. For Junior Full
Colours this will be commitment and outstanding achievement over two years. Only in exceptional cases will colours be awarded to Yr 9 pupils.
In addition, a pupil must fulfil the following to be awarded colours:
• Pupils must have full commitment to training and matches.
• Perform to a high level of ability.
• Excellent role model.
• Assist with the development of their sport
• Have exemplary behaviour towards teammates, staff and opposition.
Sport Scholarships:
Sport Scholarships are available at 13+ and in the Sixth Form.
All details on how to apply are available on the school website
Pre-season:
At the start of each term the Head of Sport will run a pre-season for the upcoming sport for pupils to have the opportunity to develop skills and fitness for the upcoming season. Pupils are advised to make themselves available for this but will not be seen as a trial for the season’s teams. At the start of each term there will be a trial for each year group team in their first games session.
There are pre-season opportunities within the Co-Curricular programme with the next terms sport taking place on a Monday after school (Yr 11-13) and Friday after school (Yr 9-10). There are occasions where other sports pre-seasons are on other days and this will be communicated to pupils.
Trips and tours:
The Sports Department are looking at producing a 3–5-year tour plan which will encompass opportunities to tour both domestically and internationally. As with the re-opening of travel post Covid we look to offer greater opportunities for our pupil to experience different fixtures and cultures around the world.
Communication in sport:
It is important for parents to know who to discuss sporting matters with. For all sport specific matters please direct emails to the Head of Sport (please see list of contacts below). If there are any general queries on sport, please email KES Director of Sport (AlexMeddle@kingsely.org).
Sports Contacts:
Director of Sport- Alex Meddle (alexmeddle@kingsely.org)
Boys Cricket: Harrison Palmer (harrisonpalmer@kingsely.org)
Girls Cricket: Josh Jordan (joshuajordan@kingsely.org)
Football: Kevin Daniel (kevindaniel@kingsely.org)
Hockey: Chanre Bond (chanrebond@kingsely.org)
Netball: Rebecca Bradshaw (rebeccaBradshaw@kingsely.org)
Rowing: Craig Ward (craigward@kingsely.org)
Rugby: Michael Batty (michaelbatty@kingsely.org)
Sports: (Sport@kingsely.org)