Introduction:
The Oak Farm Montessori School High School Athletic Handbook is a reference guide for coaches, student-athletes and parents concerning the policies that govern interscholastic athletics at Oak Farm Montessori School
The coach of an athletic team reports to the Athletic Director and is primarily responsible for the compliance by his/her team members to the rules, regulations, and policies governing athletics at Oak Farm Montessori High School The Athletic Director will administer these rules and regulations as they relate to inter team and inter coach relationships.
Interscholastic athletics is a voluntary program. Competition in high school athletics is a privilege and not a right Accompanying this privilege is the responsibility to conform to standards established for the high school athletic program. This privilege may be revoked if the athlete fails or refuses to comply with the rules.
It should be carefully noted that the policies and procedures detailed in this handbook are reflective of official action by the Oak Farm Montessori Board of Directors and Administration As such, all policies will be followed as written
Thank you for your participation in our athletic program
Purpose of Oak Farm Montessori Athletics
With the Portrait of a Graduate as a guide, the purpose of OFMS athletics is to provide an enjoyable environment that challenges students to develop self-discipline, personal responsibility, tolerance, a spirit of cooperation, good citizenship, and a respect for rules and authority; and to instill in our students the principles of justice, fair play, and good sportsmanship while they gain an understanding of sport and its needed skills
Portrait of a Graduate
Life Long Learner
Engage and curious
Critical thinker
Problem-solver
Leadership
Self-motivated
Self-disciplined
Compassionate
Empathetic
Collaborative
Global Citizen
Civic-minded
Social activist
Optimistic
Coaches:
Emotionally Literate
Self-confident
Self-understanding
Self-respect
Always striving for self-development
Optimistic and joyful
The coach is the “living curriculum” for the student athlete. Coaches at Oak Farm Montessori School are the most significant components of the athletic program They are both teachers and active participants at the same time. They have the responsibility to model behaviors and attitudes at all times.
Parents:
Parents of student athletes have a responsibility to both their child and to the team Without strong parental support the student athlete will not be able to achieve his/her greatest potential and/or the team may suffer. It is important that parents provide positive reinforcement and understand their role as being part of the team Parents, as well as players, should be supportive and encourage coaches and teammates at all times.
Parents are not coaches and learning to trust coaches is a key step to learning the value of the life lesson experiences athletics provide
Athletes:
Oak Farm Montessori athletes should be diligent in preparation, giving 100% at all times, demonstrate personal discipline, be respectful in all situations, maintain self-control, show humility, and aggressively pursue excellence regardless of the score, opponent, time, referee, or situation The ultimate and final responsibility rests upon the shoulders of the student athlete, for it is the student-athlete who is accountable to his/her parent(s) and coach
Team:
The teams should in all things strive to:
1 Play Hard
2 Have Fun
3. Show Good Sportsmanship at all times
Philosophy
The philosophy of Oak Farm Montessori athletics is to provide an opportunity for a safe and rewarding participation in a variety of sports for students with an athletic interest Participation on a team is a privilege With this privilege comes the responsibility in the areas of academics, preparation, attitude, and sportsmanship These responsibilities exist both in and out of school, both in athletic and non-athletic settings.
Objectives
● To provide a competitive athletic program
● Instill good habits, sound morals, exemplary citizenship, and a high standard of sportsmanship in the students of the Oak Farm student athletics programs
● Encourage students to grow, physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially
● Build respect commitment and responsibility in each student athlete
● Develop athletic talent and skills
● Gain an appreciation for lifelong fitness and activity
● Provide leadership opportunities
● Instill in all student athletes the desire and pride to represent their school and community in a manner that upholds the Oak Farm mission Goals:
● Inclusion of the school mission in all athletic activities
● Promoting academic excellence as an essential component in the development of the student athlete
● Committing to effective communication with administration, teachers, parents, and student athletes
● Supporting the development of the student athlete as a leader and role model in the school community
● Display mutual respect for an opposing team’s players, coaches and spectators
● Instill a mutual respect for referees and other figures of authority
Registration Information
A student can become a participating member of the Oak Farm Montessori athletic team only when the following documents are current and on file each school year:
1 A current IHSAA Sport Physical dated on or after April 1 of the coming school year
2 A signed Student Athlete-Parent Contract for current school year which includes:
a. Student Athlete Code of Conduct
b Student Athlete Information Concussion Fact Sheet
3 Sport registration fee
Oak Farm Montessori Athletic Teams
Oak Farm athletics will be offered to students (boys and girls) who are currently enrolled 9th – 12th grade All teams will be co-ed until registration numbers warrant the opportunity to provide gender specific teams. Athletes will only be allowed to participate in one sport per season. The teams offered are listed below and are subject to change depending on student interest and coach availability
FALL: WINTER: SPRING: Cross Country Basketball Golf Soccer Bowling Tennis (Girls only) Tennis
Athlete Code of Conduct
The Athletic program at Oak Farm Montessori School has as its primary objective the development of self-discipline, a spirit of cooperation, good citizenship and respect for rules and authority We seek to instill in our students principles of justice, fair play and good sportsmanship Above all we want our players to have fun playing the sport
In order to accomplish these objectives, it is necessary to develop and maintain a team and school spirit that is based on ethical principles, discipline and uniformity of goals. Certain regulations are necessary to prevent the disruption of team spirit The benefits to be gained in the formation of personal character, initiative and teamwork will far outweigh any possible impairment of student rights.
Athletic Conduct and Discipline
All student athletes shall adhere to the Athletic Code of Conduct. Any violation or misconduct shall be subject to the disciplinary measures contained herein, above and beyond those rendered by the appropriate High School authority. It should be noted that the athletic code of conduct both includes and is in addition to the High School Code of Conduct
The conduct of participants in athletics at Oak Farm Montessori, in or out of school, year round, shall be as follows:
1
) Not to discredit our school, teammates or coaches
2.) Not to create a disruptive influence on the discipline, moral or educational environment in our school Any such misconduct violating these principals shall be subject to disciplinary measures above and beyond the high school code of conduct
The Athletic Director shall enforce all rules and regulations as described in the Code of Conduct for athletes
The Code will be enforced by the coach of each sport during the year Please see the complete Athletic Code of Conduct for (Addendum I) detailed information regarding enforcement, and procedure
Student-Athlete and Parent Characteristics
Student-Athletes behaviors and characteristics:
● Integrity in the keeping of one’s word, speaking the truth, carrying out responsibility and respecting authority
● Respect for self, Oak Farm Montessori School, coaches, officials, fans and the property of others.
● Courtesy extended in all relationships – athlete to athlete or athlete to coach, stewardship of the property, supplies, and equipment of Oak Farm Montessori School, as well as wise stewardship of personal items
Student-Athletes Expectations:
● If you choose to participate, you have made a commitment and will be expected to fulfill this obligation
● Report to practices and games that are set by the coach
● Take care of academic commitments in a timely manner and as a priority These should be taken care of around practice and game times Your coach should be advised of all academic concerns and make-up work
● You are expected to demonstrate positive leadership and character on and off the playing surface whether you are in or out of season As a student athlete, there are high expectations for you Proper language and good sportsmanship are a must
● All rules and guidelines of Oak Farm are expected to be followed
● You are expected to attend all practices unless absent from school
● You are required to be in school for 75% of the day in order to or attend practices or games.
● Report all injuries and/or illnesses to your coach directly and immediately
● Injury does not excuse you from practice or games. If not in rehabilitation, attendance is still mandatory.
● Practice and game time missed will result in diminished playing time
● You are expected to be fully engaged in all team activities.
● You are expected to meet all eligibility guidelines set by the Oak Farm Montessori Athletic Department and Oak Farm Montessori Board of Directors. You are required to follow all guidelines and bylaws set by these governing bodies
● You are expected to return all equipment and/or uniforms at the end of the season or pay fines to cover the replacement
● For certain sports, the student may be expected to provide their own personal equipment. For example, a student on the golf team will be required to provide their own golf clubs and other supplies (golf balls, tees, & gloves).
● Understand that if you break a school's rule that there will also be consequences from the athletic department.
● Respect for opposing teams, parents, officials and coaches at all times
Parent of Student-Athlete Expectations:
● Parents play an essential role in helping your child learn the value of winning and losing Parents and spectators are encouraged to cheer for our athletes and not against the other team Allow the coaches to coach; let the players play; and let the officials officiate.
● Parents are responsible to communicate Oak Farm Montessori Athletic expectations to their guests attending when warranted
● If a parent has an issue with any of the coaching staff, please reach out to that coach to set up an appointment to discuss the matter Do not contact or approach a coach directly after a contest. If the matter is not resolved or lingers after meeting with the coach, reach out to the athletic director for a meeting. In the case, it is still unresolved; a meeting with the head of school will be set up.
● Below are some suggested topics you can discuss with your child in these situations:
● Values of Winning -- help your child learn the values of winning by:
● Offering congratulations for winning and identifying and discussing the efforts made by individuals and the team.
● Recognizing the improvement and growth of both individuals and the team
● Emphasizing competitiveness and doing one’s best.
● Values of Losing -- help your child learn from losing experiences by:
● Providing a period of quiet time for your child to “decompress” after a loss before you discuss the game
● Crediting the other team.
● Crediting the play of his/her opponent
● Focusing on improvement by individuals and team
● Discussing what was successful
● Discussing what, if anything, individuals or the team could have done differently
● Accept the loss, set individual goals, and move forward
Coaches Code of Conduct and Responsibility
The athlete/coach relationship is a privileged one Coaches play a critical role in the personal as well as athletic development of their athletes They must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it Coaches must also recognize that they are conduits through which the values and goals of a sport organization are channeled Thus how an athlete regards his/her sport is often dependent on the behavior of the coach The following Code of Conduct has been developed to aid coaches in achieving a level of behavior, which will allow their athletes in becoming well-rounded, self-confident and productive human beings
Although this code is directed toward coaching conduct it equally applies to other members of the “Team Leadership Staff” i e volunteers and assistants It is assumed that these people act in cooperation with one another to construct a suitable environment for the athlete
Coaches Responsibilities
1 As a coach of an Oak Farm Montessori team you will be the major influence in installing the values and beliefs of the school in the sport you are coaching All athletes and coaches are expected to reflect the values stated in the school’s mission, philosophy and code of conduct
2 Treat everyone fairly within the context of their activity, regardless of gender, place of origin, color, sexual orientation, religion, political belief or economic status
3 Direct comments of criticism at the performance rather than the athlete
4 Consistently display high personal standards and project a favorable image of their sport and coaching
5 Ensure that the activity being undertaken is suitable for the age, experience, and ability and fitness level of the athlete and educate athletes as to their responsibilities in contributing to a safe environment
6 Refrain from public criticism of fellow coaches, athletes, officials and volunteers especially when speaking to the media or recruiting athletes
7. Abstain from the use of tobacco products while in the presence of his/her athletes.
8 Abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages when working with athletes
9. Refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language in the conduct of his/her duties
10. Communicate and cooperate with registered medical practitioners in the diagnoses, treatment and management of their athletes’ medical and psychological problems Consider the athletes’ future health and well-being as foremost when making decisions regarding injured athletes and their ability to continue playing or training
11. Recognize and accept when to refer athletes to other coaches or sport specialists. Allow athletes’ goals to take precedence over them
12. Regularly seek ways of increasing professional development and self-awareness.
13 Treat opponents and officials with due respect both in victory and defeat and encourage athletes to act accordingly. Actively encourage athletes to uphold the rules of their sport and the spirit of such rules.
14 In the case of minors, communicate and cooperate with the athletes’ parents or legal guardians, involving them in management decisions pertaining to their child’s development
15 Be aware of the many pressures placed on athletes as they strive to balance the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of their lives and conduct practices and games in a manner so as to allow optimum success
Policies
Cell Phone
The usage of cell phones during practices and contests will not be allowed Keep cell phones in bags/lockers during these times In case of an emergency, the coach may approve cell phone usage
Anti-Hazing Policy
Hazing in any form is neither tolerated nor consistent with any educational or athletic goal at Oak Farm Montessori School
“Hazing” refers to any activity expected of someone joining a student organization that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Hazing activities generally considered: physical abuse, hazardous, and/or sexually violating The specific behaviors or activities within these categories vary widely among participants, groups and settings
Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism that subjects a student to extreme mental stress, embarrassment, shame or humiliation that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages the student from remaining in school is considered Hazing
Hazing in any form will not be tolerated at Oak Farm Montessori School and will result in disciplinary actions There may be other disciplinary consequences as well administered by the Coach, Athletic Department, Head of School , and/or Board of Directors
Anti-Bullying Policy
Bullying in any form is neither tolerated nor consistent with any educational or athletic goal at Oak Farm Montessori School Bullying in any form will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary actions (see Addendum II for complete policy)
Playing Time Policy
While it is true that our coaches and administrative personnel believe it to be important to broaden the experience of Oak Farm Montessori athletes, and that broadening is enhanced by playing time, it is also an important goal of the Oak Farm Montessori School athletic program to strive toward excellence Therefore, there is no minimum per game playing time provisions for the athletes. Playing time decisions are left up to the individual coaches
Attendance at Practices and Games
Each member of an Oak Farm Montessori School Athletic team must assume the responsibilities associated with such a position The athlete has an ethical obligation to the team and the school This obligation includes regular attendance at practices and athletic contests Commitment to Oak Farm Montessori teams should come before any club or outside team If a practice or competition is missed due to outside commitments, there will be consequences for missing the Oak Farm Montessori practice or competition
It is possible, of course, that emergency situations may arise (e g , illness, death in a family etc ) that render it impossible for an athlete to attend a practice session or an athletic contest Absences should be few and far between and arranged with the coach as early as possible
If a student athlete misses five (5) to ten (10) consecutive days of practice/contest, he/she is required to participate in four (4) practices before returning to contest play If a student-athlete misses more than ten (10) consecutive days of practice/contests, he/she is required to participate in six (6) practices before returning to contest play.
Absences from practice sessions or athletic contests will be handled in the following manner:
ABSENCE FROM PRACTICE
Excused absence
No action
Unexcused absence – 1st Offense Conference with coach and discipline of athlete
Unexcused absence – 2nd Offense Suspension from the next athletic contest
Unexcused absence – 3rd Offense Dismissal from team (Athlete forfeits all awards)
ABSENCE FROM ATHLETIC CONTEST
Excused absence
No action
Unexcused absence – 1st Offense Suspension from the next two athletic contests
Unexcused absence – 2nd Offense Dismissal from team (Athlete forfeits all awards)
Student-Athlete Eligibility
Student athletes will be Ineligibility if any of the following occur:
Grades and Course Work:
1 Passing at OFMHS is 70% or above
2. Athletes are ineligible if not passing all subjects. There will be grade checks throughout the semester, and students will be able to regain eligibility once passing all subjects
3 Grade checks will be at the following times:
a. October progress report
b January semester report
c Spring Parent Teacher Conferences
4. Student athletes will be given 3 week advance notice of grade checks. If the student cannot bring grades up to 70% in this time, they will become ineligible from participating in practices and games Once the grade returns to 70% or above, the student will be allowed to rejoin the team
5. Student athletes will still be expected to come to practices and be part of the team for games, however they will be at a study table during practice and will not dress for games but will be required to sit behind their team
Illness/Injury:
1 If you are absent for 5 or more consecutive school days or practices due to illness or injury and do not present written verification to your athletic director for a licensed physician stating that you may participate again
Conduct/Character: If you conduct in or out of school:
1 Reflects discredit upon Oak Farm Montessori School
2 Creates a disruptive influence on the discipline, good order, moral, or educational environment in the school
Attendance at School
A student-athlete must attend school on the days of an athletic practice and contest in order to participate in that practice or contest. Some specific circumstances are as follows:
1. Students who are absent from part of the school day and are granted a non-illness related excused absence (e g , a dental appointment) will be allowed to participate in the practice or contest that day
2. Student-athletes must attend school at least 75% of the school day. A student may not participate in practices or games if they did not attend 75% of the school day
3. Any unexcused absence from school, regardless if it is only for a partial day, will render an athlete unable to participate in the day’s events
Communication
General Information
The best resource for information is through Eventlink (wwweventlink com) Eventlink is the athletic scheduling link that is used Parents can create an account and select what sport calendar they would like to follow There is optional sign up for text alerts and emails through Eventlink
Cancellations
It is necessary at times to cancel games and practices at the last minute due to inclement weather We will update cancellations on our Eventlink calendar If it is a home event that we have scheduled, the Athletic Director will try to make the cancellation call by 1:30 pm if at all possible. If it is an away event, the opposing school Athletic Director makes the cancellation call As soon as we receive that call Eventlink will be updated 9
The cancellation will be announced immediately from the respective school office and students will be notified and will be allowed to call parents at that time to make arrangements for pick up
Pre-Season Parent Meetings
All parents of student athletes are required to attend a pre-season meeting with the coaching staff of that sport The meeting shall be held before the first contest Parents will be informed of all rules for their sport as well as the rules of Oak Farm Montessori School
Volunteers and Transportation
Volunteer Hours
If your son/daughter is participating in an Oak Farm Montessori athletic program, there will be times that volunteers will be needed to host an event All parents are encouraged to volunteer where volunteering is needed Sign-up sheets will be available according to the needs of the event
Transportation
Transportation to/from practices and games is the sole responsibility of the parents Please ensure that your student athlete is picked up promptly at the end of each practice/game
