TMS Athletic Parent Handbook 2018-2019

EST.

1961

TMS Parent Athletic Guide Lower School 2018-2019

TMS Lower School - Parent Athletic Guide Table of Contents Mission .................................................................................................................................................. 2 Vision..................................................................................................................................................... 2 Philosophy and Core Values.................................................................................................................. 2 Program Goals....................................................................................................................................... 2 Athletic Affiliation (SSAF) ...................................................................................................................... 3 Student Participation and Sports Offerings .......................................................................................... 3 SSAF Classification and Eligibility…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Student - Athlete Expectations…..…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Role of Coach ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Team Selection ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Playing Time .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Role of Parent ...................................................................................................................................... .8 Jerseys and Equipment ......................................................................................................................... 9 Safety and Medical................................................................................................................................ 9 Transportation ...................................................................................................................................... 9 Athletic Awards ................................................................................................................................... 10 Player Code of Conduct....................................................................................................................... 11 Appendix ............................................................................................................................................ 12

Mission TMS is committed to excellence in Athletics as a part of a larger commitment to excellence in Education. At TMS, athletics is an integral component of student life, and we strive to provide an innovative and successful program. We pride ourselves in providing an educational experience that is balanced amongst our 4 Pillars: Athletics, Arts, Citizenship and Academics. It is our belief that through participating in Athletics, student-athletes are further developing character traits of high value that not only enhance success in the classroom, but also make an impact later in life as they progress through university and adulthood.

Vision At TMS we strive to be a successful and competitive school within the Small Schools Athletic Federation (SSAF) through providing a balanced program that is based on a commitment to support athlete development appropriately across different ages and stages of growth.

Philosophy and Core Values At TMS, every student has the chance to participate in athletics while pursuing academic success. The focus of our athletic program is to provide opportunities for students to continue to develop and apply a variety of interpersonal skills while enhancing their physical fitness and sport specific movement skills.

Specific core values of the program include but are not limited to: • • • •

participating in a program that supports personal growth, development and overall pursuit of excellence; developing character values such as leadership, esteem, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, integrity, and respect; adopting a long term appreciation and commitment to leading a healthy and active lifestyle; and providing a vehicle to ignite school spirit and pride while building a greater sense of community.

Program Goals The primary focus of the TMS Athletic Program is to provide a venue for students to develop their fitness, physical literacy and sport specific skills through healthy competition and training. We closely align our specific program goals with the Long Term Athlete Development Framework designed by the Canadian Sport for Life Organization. We feel this is how we can best support our student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence. The learning process outweighs the outcome at TMS; we highly value that our student-athletes are provided ample opportunities to grow within their sport and achieve personal health, fitness and sport-related goals.

Character development through Athletics is of utmost importance; perseverance, accountability and sportsmanship are essential to the process.

Program goals and considerations include but are not limited to: • •

• • • •

providing a structured and appropriate periodization of training and competition to support various ages and stages of athlete development; further developing, refining and applying: o Overall physical literacy o Fundamental movement skills o Sport-specific movement skills (basic and complex), knowledge and strategies o Fitness-related skills such as speed, power, agility, coordination, reaction time and balance, etc. o Health-related components of fitness, including muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardio-respiratory capacity (aerobic and anaerobic) as well as joint flexibility; learning how to cope with the various physical and mental aspects of competition through positive self-talk, mental imagery and visualization; adopting strategies to manage emotions (anger, stress, anxiety, etc.) effectively, and build resiliency and self-discipline; developing positive team players, supportive leaders and effective communicators; and introducing time-management skills related to sport involvement.

Athletic Affiliation (SSAF) TMS is a member of the Small Schools Athletic Federation (SSAF) and participates in a range of competitive sport leagues with fellow SSAF member schools. The SSAF mandate is to provide the students with exciting athletic opportunities through challenging competitive experiences and to teach and demand positive attitudes and respect for others. The federation has a firm belief in the cultivation of a learning mindset for athletes as well as creating supportive and inclusive environments that are centered on athlete development.

To learn more, please visit their website (www.ssaf.ca).

Student Participation and Sports Offerings At TMS, all students are provided the opportunity to participate in Athletics. We hope students will be active throughout the school year whether it is through our SSAF interschool or intramural programs.

Intramural Program The intramural program at TMS runs all year and is open to all students. Intramurals is an excellent way for students to get involved with sport and be on a team. Intramurals include a variety of low-organized games and sport. Intramurals are scheduled at recess time on Tuesday (Grade3 and 4), Wednesday (Grade 1 and 2), and Thursday (Grade 5 and 6). The goal of the intramural program is to provide a fun, inclusive and supportive team environment where students of all abilities can participate in sport together in a non-competitive fashion. Students build self-esteem, self-discipline,

respect and confidence through participating on a team. The intramural program is a great way to build relationships with peers while getting in your daily physical activity time!

Interschool Athletics The TMS Interschool Athletic Program encompasses approximately 15-20 competitive sports teams within a variety of age groups. The Athletic year is divided into 3 seasons: fall (September – early November), winter (mid November – late February) and spring (late February – May). Tryouts for teams commence at the beginning of each season, and practices are scheduled 2 – 3 times weekly, either during recess (12:15pm – 1:00pm) or afterschool (3:30pm – 5:00pm) depending on the competition schedule and gym availability.

Sports Offerings Include: Additions/Revisions are subject to change annually based on participation and other contributing factors that will support appropriate growth of program.

Fall U10 Cross Country (Grade 3 and 4) U10 Indoor Soccer (Grade 3 and 4) U12 Cross Country U12 Indoor Soccer

Winter Spring U10 Basketball (Grade 3 U10 Ball Hockey (Grade 2-4) and 4) U12 Basketball U10 Track and Field (Grade 24) U12 Badminton (Grade 4, 5 U10 Outdoor Soccer (Grade and 6) 2-4) Elementary Bowling (Grade U12 Ball Hockey 5 and 6) U12 Track and Field U12 Outdoor Soccer

Students are only permitted to participate on 3 teams each season.

SSAF Classification and Eligibility Dependent on the individual make-up of our respective teams and SSAF league offerings, TMS may choose to play in either a Tier 1 (very competitive), Tier 2 (developmental team) or both Tiers. The greatest determining factor for these teams will be dependent on if the level of competition is age and stage appropriate and reflects the athletes’ abilities in the respective sport. Our philosophy at TMS is to have athletes play in the most appropriate league SSAF offers that supports the best growth and development for our players; it is not about winning Championships. We want to

ensure that all teams are playing within leagues that challenge them competitively and meet their athletic needs a safe and inclusive environment.

The SSAF defines the age groups for athletes as follows. These age classifications are based on year of birth.

SCHOOL YEAR 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022

U8

U10

U12

2011 2012 2013 2014

2009 2010 2011 2012

2007 2008 2009 2010

YEAR OF BIRTH ELEMENTARY JUNIOR (enrolled in (High Grade 8 & School under) U16) 2004 2003 2005 2004 2006 2005 2007 2006

SENIOR (High School U20) 1999 2000 2001 2002

Student - Athlete Expectations Student-athletes at TMS are not only participants within the program; they are rolemodels for their peers and ambassadors of their school. First and foremost, they are students, which implies that it essential they demonstrate to be accountable and responsible within their academic endeavours as well as their athletic endeavours.

It should be considered an earned privilege to represent TMS in an athletic competition.

Therefore, certain behavioural expectations come with this selection. Student-athletes who participate within the Athletic Program should recognize that they have an obligation to themselves, their teammates, their coaches and the school community to strive to develop excellence, respect the integrity of the game and to never accept mediocrity. It is hoped that participation in the program will enable students to value competition, instill self-discipline and self-control, exercise good sportsmanship and mature judgment at all times.

Prior to committing to a team, students must sign the “Informed Consent to Participate in Co-Curricular Athletics” (See Appendix) which outlines the student-athlete expectations all TMS athletes must adhere to throughout the season. This is a contractual agreement between Athlete and Coach and must be submitted prior to a student’s first competitive game. If athletes fail to uphold the expectations stipulated in the Athlete Code of Conduct, a meeting will be set-up with the Coach, Athletic Director and Head of Upper School to discuss future participation. A probationary contract may be created to help support the athlete’s success moving forward or, dependent on the severity of the situation, participation could be limited or withdrawn for the remainder of the season.

Expectations of student-athletes include but are not limited to:

• • •

• • •

making academic achievement their highest priority, and ensuring that they are accountable to their studies and prioritize their time to manage deadlines, while staying up- to- date with any missed work; notifying teachers ahead of time if they will be missing classes for games or tournaments and catching up on any missed tests or assignments; attending all scheduled practices and games, including tournaments and playoffs. ( In the event of an emergency situation which prohibits attendance, it is the student-athlete’s responsibility to communicate this information to the coach and to understand that failure to attend a practice may result in reduced playing time or removal from the team); displaying good sportsmanship, and exhibiting fair play and proper conduct on and off the playing surface; treating teammates, opponents, coaches and officials with respect both in victory and defeat, and encouraging other athletes to do the same; and respecting the integrity and judgment of other student-athletes, coaches or officials.

What do coaches expect from their players?

• • • • • • •

maintain academic success; be coachable; strive for personal best and accept constructive feedback to promote growth and development in the sport; be committed to the team for the entire season, ensuring attendance at all scheduled games, practices and team events; arrive on time for all scheduled practices and tournaments; self-respect and respect for their teammates, referees, coaches and spectators talk to the coach directly if there are any issues or concerns; be a self-advocate; trust the coaches decisions, knowledge and experience for the game

Role of Coach All coaches at TMS are employees of the school and appointed by the Athletic Director. A coach’s primary role is to provide skill development, offer guidance, and to create a positive learning environment that promotes enhancement of character traits and knowledge of the game. Coaches must demonstrate professionalism, conduct themselves as positive role models and adhere to the TMS ideals. They should make every effort to model good habits, desirable attitudes, display a strong sense of leadership while being enthusiastic. At times, Coaches may need to provide discipline if warranted; and only in the effort to enhance athlete growth, development and team morale.

What can players expect from their coaches?

• make it a fun, inclusive and challenging environment; • be fair and unprejudiced with players, considering individual needs and differences; • lead and motivate players to bring out the best in themselves; • self-respect and respect for the team, opponents, referees, spectators etc.;

• • • • •

teach appropriate age and stage sport-specific movement skills, strategies and build overall fitness; be approachable and willing to talk; care about the players beyond the sport; make the season rewarding and fulfilling regardless of the team’s record; and communicate clearly and provide constructive criticism

Team Selection Each coach is responsible for his or her team selection. Coaches are required to take the maximum number of participants which is realistically feasible for their respective sport and complies within the sport-technical guidelines governed by the SSAF. There will be scheduled tryouts for respective sport teams and participation is mandatory. The Head Coach establishes criteria for selection with input from his or her assistants and Athletic Director. This may involve a number of variables including coachability, skill, attitude and attendance. Participation on a community team does not guarantee any player a spot on a school team. The SSAF is highly competitive and coaches make their selections in order to ensure they have a well-rounded team of capable athletes who can fill a variety of positional roles. Students who do not make the official roster for their respective team may participate in other activities within the school such as intramurals.

Playing Time Team selection, practice design, and decisions regarding game situations are the responsibility of the coaching staff. Playing time is dependent on skill and judgment and is earned by players based on their commitment, performance and perseverance demonstrated at practice.

Players must display athletic competence, an understanding of the “game plan”, and have the required level of conditioning necessary to perform. It is the Head Coach’s right to make these decisions. Our program structure allows for growth of the athlete, and the opportunity to demonstrate that he or she has earned the right to play.

Starting positions and playing time are not guaranteed to anyone; each is earned.

Dependent on the level of play (Tier 1 or Tier 2) equitable playing time and positional roles will vary. Coaches will make every effort to provide game-time opportunities for all; however, it will not be an even distribution. As competition level increases, playing time will become more contingent on performance factors and competency. Each team member is valuable to the team’s overall progress regardless of minutes earned.

Athletes should set personal goals to achieve throughout the season. Players can learn many valuable lessons whether it is during practice, on the bench or game-time situations; it is important that players develop a sense of putting their team above themselves, learn how to accept instruction and criticism, and take responsibility for one’s own actions and growth in the sport.

Role of Parent Your family’s interest in and support of our athletic program is welcomed and appreciated. We firmly believe that all students should be involved with an athletic team and that it is an essential aspect of their educational experience at TMS. We are most interested and concerned with each student’s personal development through athletics.

Parents can expect the following from coaches: • • • • •

The coach will ensure a safe and inclusive environment.

The coach will promote good sportsmanship.

The coach will provide appropriate training that supports athletic development.

The coach will be a positive role model and help build confidence and character traits.

The coach will abide by the policies and principles of the TMS Athletics Guide.

Parents are expected to:

•

understand the importance of the student’s commitment and help facilitate mandatory attendance at all practices, games, tournaments and play-off competitions;

•

sign and return the “Informed Consent to Participate in Co-Curricular Athletics” (See Appendix) in a timely fashion; ensure the coach is notified of any scheduling conflicts well in advance; leave coaching decisions up to the coach (positions, strategy, playing time, roster, etc.) while being understanding that coaches sometimes make mistakes but are working hard for the success of the team and individuals on that team; encourage students to be self-advocators and to communicate directly with the coach if any issues arise; exercise good sportsmanship and communicate with the coach or any parties (referee, opponents, etc.) in a respectful and civil manner; and set up a meeting with the coach to discuss any ongoing issues or concerns that the athlete is having trouble dealing with. If further support is needed, parents may then contact the Athletic Director to help provide a positive solution for all.

• •

• • •

The Athletic Director will regularly update tryouts, schedules, photos and results. This memo can be found on the Athletic Portal.

How do I access the TMS Athletic Portal?

• • • •

Go to the TMS website – www.tmsschool.ca Access the “My TMS” section Log-in to Parent Portal Access Lower School Athletic Portal

Jerseys and Equipment All athletes participating on a team will be supplied a team jersey by their coach prior to competition. Please note that athletes are responsible for their jersey; and all given items (shorts, shirt etc.). These items should be handled with care and returned to the coach at end of the season/tournament.

Unreturned or damaged items will be charged and billed to the student’s account.

Safety and Medical Please be aware that with all sports, there are inherent risks such as, sprains, strains, abrasions, bruises, concussions etc. By volunteering to participate in a school-sponsored athletic activity, a student and his/her parents acknowledge the potential risk for physical injury to occur. In the event of serious injury, parents will be informed immediately. Coaches must complete the appropriate Accident Report Forms and submit it to the Athletic Director for review and then it will be filed at the Main Office.

In the event that a sport-specific injury occurs during a practice or game situation, appropriate first aid response will be provided, and dependent on the severity of the injury an ambulance may be called for support. If an athlete requires hospital care, a coach will provide support and supervision until a parent arrives onsite.

In the event of a suspected head or neck injury, athletes must seek medical attention and be assessed by a doctor before they return to learn or play. With any suspected head or neck injury, athletes must follow our TMS Return to Learn protocol which is overseen by our Learning Strategist. Athletes must have detailed supporting medical documentation to provide evidence that they are able to Return to Play on their respective TMS teams.

As a school, TMS, adheres to Rowan’s Law (Bill 193) in regards to provincial regulations pertaining to any head/neck injuries. TMS will follow in accordance to the law and our school policies align with such. Athletes and parents must be aware, agree to and recognize this prior to commencing any physical activity associated with TMS. In order to participate in TMS sport, it is required that each student completes the following: - Receives appropriate Concussion Education and Awareness annually; as provided by TMS at the beginning of each School Year - Concussion 101 video (6 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCCD52Pty4A - Acknowledges the sport-specific risks pertaining to Concussions, if they choose to participate on TMS school teams. They must be willing to receive this information from their Coaches prior to competition. Afterwards, they must sign the Player Code of Conduct outlining they understand the risks associated; if the Athlete is under 18 years of age, their Parent/Guardian must sign off as well.

Transportation In most cases, bussing is provided for all students to and from competition sites. When venues are in close proximity to the school, a cab may be used instead. If for any reason, a parent chooses to transport his or her child to or from the game, the coach must be informed well in advance.

Athletic Awards At the culmination of the school year, one “Tiger” Award will be given out for each team along with the Major Athletic Awards. Each will be acknowledged during the TMS Awards Ceremony. The Major Athletic Awards include Athlete of the Year, 3D and Jordana Fiorini Spirit Award. These major awards are earned by athletes who show outstanding commitment to the TMS Athletic Program and who participated on a team regularly throughout the year. They also must fit the qualifiers below to be considered as a nominee.

Award

Description

Major – This award encompasses the whole Athletic Program. Recipients must be heavily involved in a range of sport commitments across the entire school year (each season).

1 male and 1 female recipient will be recognized in each age category: U10 (grades 2/3/4) and U12 (Grades 5/6). These are determined by the Athletic Department and are presented at the TMS Awards Ceremony in June.

Athlete of the Year

This award recognizes an athlete who demonstrates extraordinary performance and contributes significantly to the overall success of the team.

3D

This award recognizes an athlete who demonstrates stellar dedication to athletics while consistently performing with desire and determination within their team.

Jordana Award

Fiorini

Spirit This award recognizes an athlete who consistently acts as an ambassador for the school and best exemplifies the attributes of character, integrity and sportsmanship.

Individual Team – Each coach will nominate 1 athlete per team that best meets the criteria stated for each award. These awards are presented at the end of each respective season during our Athletic Assembly.

Tiger Award

This award recognizes a player that is extremely coachable and an excellent team player. They demonstrate exemplary attitude, commitment and perseverance.

APPENDIX Informed Consent to Participate in Co-Curricular Athletics Your child has expressed an interest in playing for a TMS athletic team.

THIS FORM MUST BE READ AND SIGNED BY EACH STUDENT WHO WISHES TO PARTICIPATE AND BY HIS/HER PARENT OR GUARDIAN. ELEMENTS OF RISK Participation in co-curricular athletics involves certain elements of risk. Accidents may occur while participating in these activities. These accidents may cause injury which may be severe, permanently disabling, or even fatal. Examples of the type of accident of which one is at risk while participating in these activities include (but are not limited to): 1. Injury due to usual risk of traveling by either school-provided or private transportation to and from the activity.

2. Injury due to a student athlete falling, colliding with objects or other participants, or otherwise becoming hurt while engaged in the activity.

3. Injury due to the inherent nature of the activity.

These accidents may result from the nature of the activity and can occur without any fault on either part of the student, or the School or its employees or agents, or the facility where the event is taking place. By choosing to participate in the activity, you are assuming the risk of an accident occurring. The chance of an accident occurring can be reduced by carefully following instructions at all times while engaged in the activity. If you choose to participate, you must understand that you will bear the risk for any accident that might occur.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We have read the above; we understand that in participating in the co- curricular athletics, we are assuming the risks associated with doing so. We agree that the School or its employees, servants or agents shall not be liable for any injury to my child or loss or damage to personal property arising from, or in any way resulting from participation in school athletic events. We have read and understand the TMS Athletics Guide and agree to conduct ourselves in a manner that demonstrates the established standards outlined in the TMS Athletics Guide.

Signature of Student: _______________________________

Date: ______________

Signature of Parent/Guardian: ______________________

Date: ______________

04/2018