TMS Upper School - Parent Athletics Guide 2017-18

EST.

1961

TMS Upper School - Parent Athletic Guide 2017 - 2018

TMS Upper School - Parent Athletic Guide

Table of Contents Mission .................................................................................................................................................. 2 Vision..................................................................................................................................................... 2 Philosophy and Core Values.................................................................................................................. 2 Program Goals....................................................................................................................................... 2 Athletic Affiliation (CISAA) .................................................................................................................... 3 Student Participation and Sports Offerings .......................................................................................... 3 CISAA Classification and Eligibility…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Athlete Code of Conduct....................................................................................................................... 7 Team Selection ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Playing Time .......................................................................................................................................... 8 Role of Parent ....................................................................................................................................... 8 Team Communications ......................................................................................................................... 9 Jerseys and Equipment ....................................................................................................................... 10 Safety and Medical.............................................................................................................................. 10 Transportation .................................................................................................................................... 11 Athletic Awards ................................................................................................................................... 11 Appendix 1 .......................................................................................................................................... 13

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 Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) 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 value most 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:  

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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 (CISAA) TMS is a member of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) and participates in a range of competitive sport leagues with fellow CIS Ontario member schools. The CISAA 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. A benefit of participating in the CISAA is that we can provide the opportunity for our students to have the chance to reach the pinnacle of athletic success in Ontario; it allows them to qualify for provincial competitions such as OFSAA in their respective sports. The association has a firm belief in the cultivation of a learning mindset for athletes as well as creating supportive and inclusive environments that are centred on athlete development. To learn more, please visit their website (www.cisaa.ca).

Student Participation and Sports Offerings At TMS, all students are provided the opportunity to participate in Athletics. Students are expected to be active throughout the school year whether it is through our CISAA interschool, intra-mural or fitness 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 runs all three seasons, similarly to our interschool athletic program and includes a variety of low-organized games and sport. Intramurals is scheduled at lunch time on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday dependent on the level of play (U14, JR, SR). 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 student-led and is a great way to build relationships with peers while getting in your daily physical activity time!

Students can sign up on ManageBAC or at clubfest. There is no fee or equipment (other than gym shoes) required. Only a positive attitude and willingness to work with others on a team!

Fitness Program Our Fitness Program is an extension of our Physical and Health Education Program at TMS. If students wish to stay active outside the classroom and continue to work towards personal fitness goals, they should look at joining the Fitness Program at TMS. Fitness classes will run regularly all year, once week in the morning from 7:15 – 8:00AM. They include a variety of activities such as yoga, HIIT, zumba, strength training, fitness circuits, cardio etc. Students of all ages and abilities participate together in a safe and fun environment.

Students can sign up on ManageBAC or at clubfest. There is no fee or equipment (other than gym shoes and clothes) required. Only a positive attitude and willingness to work towards personal goals is necessary!

Interschool Athletics The TMS Interschool Athletic Program encompasses approximately 25 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 (April – May). Tryouts for teams commence at the beginning of each season, and practices are scheduled 2 – 3 times weekly, either in the morning (7:15am – 8:00am) or afterschool (3:30pm – 4:30pm) 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 SR, JR, U14 Boys Volleyball SR, U14 Girls Basketball SR, JR Girls Field Hockey OPEN Cross Country

Winter SR, JR, U14 Boys Basketball SR, JR, U14 Girls Volleyball SR, U14 Curling

Spring SR, U14 Badminton SR, U14 Coed Ultimate Frisbee OPEN Track and Field

Students are only permitted to participate on one team each season. Through narrowing their focus in terms of athletic participation, students can ensure they have a balance of co-curricular involvement and meet their Pillar expectations in all areas of student life while yielding high academic success. Through being selective in their athletic involvement, students minimize amount of class-time missed and work within a more balanced and manageable schedule, all while maximizing their athletic development within their respective sports teams.

CISAA Classification and Eligibility Due to our population size, TMS has been approved to play within the Division III Classification. Dependent on the individual make-up of our respective teams and CISAA league offerings, TMS may choose to play up in a higher classification. The greatest determining factor for moving teams up 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 CISAA 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 CISAA defines the age groups for athletes as follows. These age classifications are based on year and date of birth.    

Senior: is a student who is under 19 as of midnight December 31 of the school year (so 18 and under).

Junior: is a student under 16 years of age as of midnight Dec 31 of the school year (this means each athlete must be 15 or younger) Under 14: Contact Sports o is a student who is under 14 years or age as of midnight Dec 31 of the school year Under 14: Non-Contact Sports o is a Grade 8 student or any student who is under 14 years of age as of Dec. 31st of the school year.

Athlete Code of Conduct 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 a “Student-Athlete Commitment Letter” (See Appendix) which outlines the Athlete Code of Conduct that 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:    

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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; taking responsibility for being informed and checking the school website/ManageBAC for practice and game schedules; 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;

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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 games, practices and team events; 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. Each team at TMS is equipped with a staff of coaches (Head, Assistant, etc.) to ensure proper care and support is provided for athletes. A coaches 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 CISAA. There will be 3 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. The CISAA 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, or other co-curriculars within the Pillars Program.

In cases where the number of athletes available to field a team is questionable, the highest ranking team takes priority. Athletes are selected by the coaches in question in conjunction with the Athletic Director. Decisions will be based on ability, age, maturity, and physical safety of the athlete. Similarly, athletes may be selected to “play-up” an age category if they demonstrate an exceptional level of physical competency and space on the team(s) dictates a favourable move.

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 (U14, JR or SR), equitable playing time and positional roles will vary. Coaches will make every effort at lower age groups to provide gametime 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.

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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:

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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” in a timely fashion; regularly check the school website for current team schedules. Parents are encouraged to sign up for email notifications or the icalender for their child’s sports teams. Steps for these can be found below under the “Communication” section; 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.

Team Communications In order to stay informed with team schedules, including transportation, practice and competitions, parents should visit the school website and log-in to the Athletic Portal regularly for their child’s respective teams.

Athletes are also encouraged to check the Athletic Portal regularly for current team schedules. Athletes may also check ManageBAC for coach messages, pertinent forms, sport guidelines and schedule notifications.

The Athletic Director will regularly update schedules online and will also send a weekly memo to inform the community of results, highlights and notifications. This memo can be found on the Athletic Portal.

How do I access the TMS Athletic Portal?

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Go to the TMS website – www.tmsschool.ca Access the “My TMS” section Log-in to Parent Portal Access Upper School Athletic Portal Click on Schedules and Log in (User Name – TMS and Password – TMS) You can also use the direct link to access http://www.dciphercomputing.com/TMSSchool/ShowPage.dcam?LiveWebRep orts It is highly advised that all parents and athletes sign up for specific team email notifications as practice and game schedules will change as the season progresses.

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

Equipment will be provided for athletes; however, for sports such as Badminton it is strongly encouraged that players have their own goggles and appropriate racquet.

For Volleyball, it is encouraged that all athletes purchase and wear knee pads during both practice and games.

Safety and Medical Participation in athletics does involve some risks. 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 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/play. With any suspected head or neck injuries, athletes must follow our Return to Learn/ Play protocol which is overseen by our Dean of Student Services.

In the event of serious injury, parents will be informed immediately. Coaches must complete an Accident Report Form and submit it to both the Athletic Director and Head of Upper School for review and then it will be filed at the Main Office.

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. If an athlete chooses to drive to a game, consent must be provided by a parent in advance. It is not encouraged for athletes to drive to games as they should be travelling with the team in order to build team culture and solidarity amongst players and to be present for any game prep/debrief.

Athletic Awards At the end of each Athletic Season (fall, winter and spring) an Athletic Award Assembly will be held to celebrate all athletes and teams. During these seasonal assemblies, coaches will reflect on their respective seasons and honour recipients of team awards.

One “MVP” Award and one “Titans” Award will be given out for each team.

At the culmination of the school year, recipients of the Major Athletic Awards will be acknowledged during the TMS Awards Ceremony. The Major Athletic Awards include Athlete of the Year, 3D and Sportsmanship. 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. Coaches nominate and vote on the recipients for each Major Award at the end of the year during our annual coaches meeting.

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: U14 (Grades 7/8); Junior (Grades 9/10); and Senior (Grades 11/12). 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.

Sportsmanship

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.

MVP Award

This award recognizes the most valuable player for each team.

They demonstrate outstanding physical performance and are highly competent and consistent when executing sportspecific and fitness skills in competitive events.

Titan Award

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

Appendix 1

TMS School – Elgin Mills Campus Student-Athlete Commitment Letter The Athletic Program at TMS allows students to concentrate on their academic success while at the same time explore a variety of intra-mural and inter-school athletic activities. Studentathletes who participate in co-curricular athletics should recognize that they have an obligation to themselves, their teammates and the school community to strive to develop excellence and not accept mediocrity. It is a privilege to be a member of an athletic team at TMS, this privilege can be revoked if a student is not managing their academic demands and behavioural expectations at TMS. It is hoped that participation in the program will enable students to value competition, build team work skills, instill self-discipline and self-control, and to exercise sportsmanship and mature judgment at all times.

Name: Grade: Advisor:

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

Team/Sport: Age Division: Coach:

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

Through signing this commitment letter, I _________________________ agree to uphold the standards expectations listed below for the duration of the season.

Student-athletes have the responsibility to:  o o

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Make academic achievement their highest priority.

Students that are deemed to be “not in good standing” will have their participation in athletics limited or revoked.

Similarly, if their respective subject teachers identify them to be “struggling” in regards to their academics (meeting deadlines, failed assignments, etc.) participation may be limited or revoked for the season.

Notify subject teachers ahead of time, if they will be missing classes for games or tournaments and catch up on any missed tests or assignments. If they are absent for sport on the day of an assignment due date, they are still responsible to submit their assignment prior to leaving for the competition.

Mandatory attendance at all scheduled practices and games.

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/s may result in reduced playing time or removal from the team if pro-active attention to this is not Maintain and care for their athletic jersey provided by school, which includes all items (shorts, socks, shirt etc.) All items must be returned to the coach at end of the season. Unreturned or damaged items will be charged and billed to the student’s account.

Display good sportsmanship, and exhibit fair play and proper conduct on and off the playing surface.

Treat teammates, opponents, coaches and officials with respect both in victory and defeat, and encourage other athletes to do the same.

Respect the integrity and judgment of other student-athletes, coaches or officials.