Introduction:
The Oak Farm Montessori School School Athletic Handbook is a reference guide for coaches, all 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 intercoach relationships.
Interscholastic athletics is a voluntary program. Competition in school athletics is a privilege and not a right. Accompanying this privilege is the responsibility to conform to standards established for the 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 Leadership Global Citizen Emotional Literate
Engage and curious Self-motivated Civic-minded
Self-confident Critical thinker Self-disciplined Social activist
Self-understanding Problem-solver
Compassionate Optimistic
Empathetic
Coaches:
Self-respect
Striving for self-development Collaborative
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:
All student-athletes who participate in the Oak Farm Montessori athletic programs, 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
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
Oak Farm Montessori Athletics uses Final Forms for registration and parent/student-athlete information and communication. A student can become a participating member of the Oak Farm Montessori athletic team only after registering through the Final Forms format This will include:
1 A current IHSAA Sport Physical dated for the upcoming school year
2. All forms signed by both parent and athlete on Final Forms format
3 Sport registration fee
Oak Farm Montessori Athletic Teams
Oak Farm Montessori athletics will be offered to students (boys and girls) who are currently enrolled 5th – 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. In athletic teams where the number of participants is limited, Oak Farm Montessori remains committed to creating an opportunity for athletes to be their best. In order to do so, tryouts might be needed. However, those who do not make the team as a player can still contribute and be part of the team in other important roles. Here are some alternative positions that can be discussed:
1. Team Manager
2. Statistician
3. Media/Communication
4. Equipment Manager
5. Filming
These roles allow individuals to stay connected to the team, contribute to its success, and develop valuable skills and experiences. In addition, athletes that do not make the team as a player, will be given the opportunity to continue to build their skill set with other opportunities in that sport provided by the athletic department.
The teams offered are listed below and are subject to change depending on student interest and coach availability.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
Grades: 5th -8th
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
Grades: 9th-12th
Cross Country Basketball Golf Cross Country Basketball Golf Soccer Cheerleading Track & Field Soccer Bowling Track & Field Swimming Tennis Tennis Cheerleading Bowling Swimming
Athlete Code of Conduct and Discipline
The Oak Farm Montessori School Athletic Program is dedicated to fostering the development of self-discipline, teamwork, and respect for both rules and authority Athletics aim to teach students the importance of fairness, justice, and good sportsmanship, while encouraging a positive and enjoyable experience in every sport Above all, our goal is for students to have fun and grow through their participation, gaining valuable life skills along the way
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.
All student athletes shall adhere to the Athletic Code of Conduct and Athlete Expectations. Any violation or misconduct shall be subject to the disciplinary measures contained herein, above and beyond those rendered by the appropriate authority. It should be noted that the athletic code of conduct both includes and is in addition to the Oak Farm Montessori School Code of Conduct
The conduct of participants in athletics at Oak Farm Montessori, in or out of school, year round, are expected to:
1.) Be Positive: Acknowledge the efforts and strengths of your school, teammates, and coaches.
2 ) Be Specific: Focus on issues or areas for improvement
3.) Be Constructive: Offer suggestions or solutions to problems you identify.
4 ) Be Respectful: Use a respectful tone and language to ensure your feedback is received well
5 ) Focus on Growth: Frame your feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement
It is expected that all student-athletes will conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on themselves, their school and community Failure to adhere to Student Code of Conduct and behavior expectations will result in consequences that may lead to dismissal from the team
Any such misconduct violating these principles shall be subject to disciplinary measures above and beyond the school code of conduct
Coaches will adhere to the following guidelines if offense occurs during practices and/or games:
● 1st Offense - written warning
● 2nd Offense - benched status determined by coach and approved by athletic director
● 3rd Offense - 2-week suspension* from team, practice mandatory, games(s) coaches discretion
● 4th Offense - dismissal from current team, no certificate/award received
*Team suspensions will include non-student days (holiday/vacations) for times that the team continues to practice
Consequences of Misbehavior: Student-athletes who violate the Oak Farm Falcon Code of Conduct may, at the discretion of the athletic director, incur penalties that affect further athletic participation
The Athletic Director shall enforce all rules and regulations as described in the Code of Conduct for athletes The Code of Conduct will be enforced by each coach of all athletics during the year
Student-Athlete and Parent Expectations:
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 Montessori 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 the Oak Farm Montessori Athletic expectations to their guests attending when warranted
● Parents are expected to pick up their student-athletes promptly following the dismissal of practices and/or games Continuous late pickups could result in the removal of the student-athlete from the team
● 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 teams
● 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.
Conduct, Character, Discipline
● Any parent or fan who is ejected from a contest for an unsportsmanlike act, the first time during a sports season shall be suspended from the next two (2) inter-school contests (home contests for parent/fan) at that level of competition and all other inter-school contests (home contests for parent/fan) at any level in the interim If the suspension occurs with no remaining interschool contests for the year, the suspension will carry over to the next sport the student-athlete participates in or to the following year for that sport if the student-athlete participates in only one sport per year.
● Any parent or fan who is ejected from a contest for an unsportsmanlike act, the second time during a sports season shall be suspended from the next four (4) inter-school contests (home contests for parent/fan) at that level of competition and all other inter-school contests (home contests for parent/fan) at any level in the interim If the suspension occurs with no remaining interschool contests for the year, the suspension will carry over to the next sport the studentathlete participates in or to the following year for that sport if the student-athlete participates in only one sport per year The parent/fan must meet with the Athletic Director before returning to any inter-school contest
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
Conduct, Character, Discipline
● Any coach who is ejected from a contest for an unsportsmanlike act during a sports season, will be required to meet with the team prior to the next practice. The coach must address the team to explain that their actions were unacceptable and not in line with Oak Farm Montessori's expectations The coach should also make amends with the team, acknowledging how their behavior reflects negatively on the team, the school, and the community
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 Keep attendance records of daily practices and contests
4
5
Direct comments of criticism at the performance rather than the athlete
Consistently display high personal standards and project a favorable image of their sport and coaching
6 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
7 Refrain from public criticism of fellow coaches, athletes, officials and volunteers especially when speaking to the media or recruiting athletes.
8 Abstain from the use of tobacco products while in the presence of his/her athletes
9. Abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages when working with athletes.
10 Refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language in the conduct of his/her duties.
11 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.
12 Recognize and accept when to refer athletes to other coaches or sport specialists Allow athletes’ goals to take precedence over them.
13 Regularly seek ways of increasing professional development and self-awareness
14. Treat opponents and officials with due respect in both 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
15. 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
16 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 to allow optimum success
Policies
DUAL PARTICIPATION
Participation of student-athletes in two sports during the same season is strongly discouraged However, a student-athlete may participate in Dual-Sports during the same season if he/she meets the following requirements AS AGREED UPON IN THE DUAL PARTICIPATION FORM TO BE COMPLETED:
1. Both Coaches involved must approve of the Dual Sport Participation.
2 A schedule must be developed prior to the beginning of the contest season that specifically identifies practice and contest attendance and resolves conflicts.
3 The Schedule must be approved by Coaches, Student-Athlete, and the Parent/Guardian
4. The student-athlete must not quit one sport in favor of the other. If he/she quits one sport he/she must quit both sports
5. If the student-athlete commits a code violation, the consequences will be served in both sports.
6 The student-athlete must be established already in one sport having The established sport will serve as the primary sport and will be favored when conflicts arise.
QUITTING / BEING REMOVED FROM A TEAM
Athletes quitting or being removed from a team before the official end of the season will not be able to start conditioning for another sport until he/she is released by the head coach or the season is complete. Should a coach believe it necessary to remove a participant from an athletic team, he or she should have a conference with the athletic director before such action is finalized
ADORNMENTS, UNIFORMS, WARM-UP CLOTHING
Uniforms, warm-ups, and any adornments to such worn for contests or practices will only include school-approved items and must not reflect political statements, personal opinions, or any other methods of attracting individual attention
Sport Enhancement & Energy Drinks
The policy at Oak Farm Montessori School prohibits student-athletes from using sport enhancement drugs and/or energy drinks This measure aims to prioritize the health and well-being of student athletes by avoiding substances that may pose risks to their physical and mental condition Oak Farm Montessori wants to ensure that student athletes compete in a safe and fair environment This policy aligns with the schools commitment to fostering healthy habits and responsible decision-making among student athletes
Informational articles: Performance-Enhancing Supplements: Information for Parents, Nationwide Children New Guidelines for Sports and Energy Drinks
Drugs, Alcohol, Vaping or Tobacco
An athlete realizes the use of tobacco, alcohol, vaping or drugs are detrimental to his/her health and performance and agrees not to use these substances. Athletes while in/out of season, who use, are under the influence of, or are in possession of tobacco, alcohol, vaping products, or drugs while in or out of school or during a school activity will be suspended from sports.
First Offense: Suspended from all sports, practices, and athletic activities for the remainder of that season or 30 school and/or practice days whichever is longer The student-athlete will be drug tested at his/her own expense before beginning the next season for which he/she is eligible If the test is positive it will be a second offense
Second Offense: (during high school career) Suspended from all sports, practices, and athletic activities for the remainder of that season and the next season The student-athlete will be retested at his/her own expense before beginning the next season for which he/she is eligible If the retest is positive it will be a third offense
Third Offense: (during high school career) Suspended from all sports, practices, and athletic activities for the remainder of that season and will not be eligible for any more high school sports
NOTE:
● If the school year should end before the suspension is completed, the suspension will continue into the next school year
● Loss of all awards, honors, and recognition for the seasons affected will result from any of the above offenses
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
Bullying is defined as intentionally aggressive behavior, repeated over time, that involves an imbalance of power. Experts agree that bullying entails three key elements: an intent to harm, a power imbalance and repeated acts or threats of aggressive behavior ie: verbal, physical, relational, cyber If it threatens the safety and mental or physical well-being of student-athletes, students, teachers, and coaches and/or officials, or the safety of the school disciplinary actions will occur at the discretion of the head of school and athletic director
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
Pre-Participation Practice
Prior to the date of the student’s participation in the student’s first contest of the season in a sport, the student must attend and actively participate in eight (8) pre-participation practice sessions under the direct supervision of the coaching staff in that sport
● Only one (1) pre-participation practice session may be counted on any one (1) day.
● Pre-participation practice sessions may only occur on Monday through Saturday
Season to Season Pre-Participation Practice
● A student moving directly (within one (1) week) from one (1) sport season to the next sport season is eligible to participate in a contest in a sport during the next sports season after completing, prior to the date of the student’s first contest of the next season, five (5) pre-participation practice sessions under the direct supervision of the coaching staff in that sport
. 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
Unexcused absence – 1st Offense
Unexcused absence – 2nd Offense
Unexcused absence – 3rd Offense
ABSENCE FROM ATHLETIC CONTEST
Excused absence
Unexcused absence – 1st Offense
Unexcused absence – 2nd Offense
No action
Conference with coach and discipline of athlete
Suspension from the next athletic contest
Dismissal from team (Athlete forfeits all awards)
No action
Suspension from the next two athletic contests
Dismissal from team (Athlete forfeits all awards)
Student-Athlete Eligibility
An absence is excused if an athlete is sent home by the school due to an illness or an athlete obtains a note from a physician
Student athletes will be ineligible if any of the following occur:
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 from a licensed physician stating that you may participate again.
Conduct/Character: If your 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
Academic and Behavioral Guidelines
Upper Elementary Expectation Guidelines:
1. 5th - 6th year student athletes:
a Student-Athletes must show and demonstrate proper classroom behavior at all times
b Student-Athletes will be evaluated by classroom teachers regarding classroom etiquette for themselves and others four times a year. This includes:
● Puts effort into their daily work
● Pays attention during community discussions
● Follows instructions
● Respect others
● Sustains a positive attitude
● Supports and encourages peers
● Respectful of material and environment
● Use feedback to reflect & improve work
● Models positive behavior
c. Quarterly behavioral reports will be conducted at the following times:
● October Progress Report
● January Semester
● Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences
● End of school year (this report carries over t fall of the following school year)
Middle School Academic Guidelines:
1. 7th - 8th year student-athlete:
a Student-Athletes must have at least 80% of assignments completed at time of grade checks
b. If a noticeable drop in academics occur, a plan will be set up to help get back on track
c Academics will be checked four times per school year to assure academic is on schedule
▪ October Progress Report
▪ January Semester
▪ Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences
▪ End of school year (this report carries over to fall of the following school year)
▪ Additional grade checks may also be announced by the coach at appropriate times during their season
d If below 80%, student-athletes will be expected to attend after school study tables until assignments are at or above 80%
e Student-Athletes will be required to attend practice/games but will not be able to participate until assignments return to 80% or better
High School Academic Guidelines:
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
d. End of School year (these grades will follow the fall athletic season.
e Additional grade checks may also be announced by the coach at appropriate times during their season
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
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
Non Oak Farm student participation
A student-athlete must do the following to be eligible to participate on an Oak Farm Montessori School athletic team:
1. Register for athletics through the Oak Farm Montessori athletic department.
2 Show proof of homeschool/private school registration
3. Pay participation fees.
4 Submit grades upon request
5. Sign and submit all requested athletic forms (physical, code of conduct, handbook etc).
6 Abide by Oak Farm Montessori Athletic handbook
Communication
General Information
The best resource for game information is through Eventlink (wwweventlink com) Eventlink is the athletic scheduling link that is used by Oak Farm Montessori Athletics Parents can create an account and select what sports 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
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
Medication
If an athlete needs prescribed medication during a practice or game, a medication form must be completed The medication should be in the original container and provided to the coach along with the medication form. All medication will be locked up in a medicine lock box in the Athletic Director office, with exception to travel games where the coach will carry in a first aid bag.
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 Unless arrangements are made by the coach to use the Oak Farm Montessori school van prior to athletic competitions
