MISSION
The mission of the Cedar Mountain athletic department is to encourage student participation and to allow students to experience the benefits of competitive interscholastic sports in which they have the opportunity to learn cooperation, mental and physical toughness, sportsmanship, personal sacrifice, discipline, and accomplishment, along with many other character-building assets which enhance the total development of students.
PHILOSOPHY
The major purpose is to provide wholesome opportunities for students to develop from their experiences, favorable habits and attitudes of social and group living in a democratic world. The secondary purpose of the activities program is to provide an opportunity for the community to participate, as a spectator, in these activities and develop positive school/community relationships.
The leadership should be of the highest quality so as to exemplify to the participants the desired type of individual to be developed from the athletic program. Measurement of success of the leadership should not be in terms of the tangible evidence of the victory and defeat record, but in the intangible personality development factors that are an outgrowth of the major objectives of the athletic program.
The athletic program shall always be in conformity with the general objective of the school and the athletic department shall be in line with the general policies of the institution. At no time, shall the program place the education curriculum secondary in emphasis; the program shall function as part of the whole curriculum and shall constantly strive for the development of a well-rounded individual, capable of taking her/his place in modern society.
CODE OF ETHICS
It is the duty of all concerned with school athletics:
1. To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct,
and fair play.
2. To encourage leadership, use initiative, and good judgment by the
players on the team.
3. To recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical,
mental, moral, social and emotional well-being of the individual players.
4. To remember that an athletic contest is only a game – not a matter of
life or death for the player, coach, school, fan or community.
GOALS FOR STUDENTS:
To fulfill the mission of the district, students will be provided with opportunities to identify non-academic areas of interest and opportunities to succeed where they have the potential to do so. To this end, students will be encouraged to do the following:
1). pursue special interests and develop wise use of leisure time;
2). improve their abilities to communicate and interact with other people and to develop a respect for the talents and interests of others;
3). develop an awareness of individual differences in ability, cultural values and other areas of individuality;
4). assume the responsibilities of citizenship, responsibility, loyalty, and respect;
5). develop sound physical and mental health;
6). develop an appreciation for and interest in fine arts activities;
7). develop attitudes of sportsmanship and fair play both in competition and recreation;
8). learn from their experiences with success and failure;
9). be part of an organization larger than themselves with common goals that can be achieved only by cooperation, dedication, and teamwork;
10). experience the self-confidence and positive self worth that can serve as cornerstones for future achievements.
ATHLETICS
All eligible students will be allowed to try out for activities. It will be a board policy that no students are “cut”, that is, not allowed to be on any team. This does not mean, however, that all members of any given team will be allowed to dress for game(s) this being the prerogative of the head coach.
Point of Emphasis – At the Junior High level the board expects a philosophy of success while using as many players as possible. The expectation will not be, nor should be, that just because a player is suited for a game that he/she will play or receive proportional playing time. The board recognizes that many of the lessons learned in athletics are taught in practice, not in games, and herein lie many of the benefits in athletics.
The expectations of the junior high coaches are:
* Teach good habits and stress fundamentals;
* Consistently praise good attitude and enthusiastic effort;
* Emphasize the team concept and de-emphasize the individual;
* Teach sportsmanship and self-control;
* Teach personal responsibility and proper work ethic;
* Encourage participation in varied extra-curricular activities;
* Assist the varsity head coach in matters regarding the program.
At the Varsity and “B” level it is expected that the dominant philosophy will be that of playing to win. At this level it is expected that the coach will use his/her best judgment to play players in a manner that will allow the team and program the greatest opportunities for success. The expectation will not be that just because a player is suited for a game that he/she will play or receive proportional playing time. The board, again, recognizes that many of the lessons that are learned in athletics are taught in practice, not in games and herein lie many of the benefits of athletics.
“C” Squad
“C” Squad is considered a transition from Junior High to “B” Squad and Varsity. Participation in practice and contests will continue to be emphasized and no squad members will be cut on the basis of ability. Coaches will make every effort to give playing time to all players, but teams will strive to be competitive.
The expectations of head coaches and assistants:
* Has teams that consistently play up to their ability;
* Has a demonstrated knowledge of the sport and its rules;
* Organizes and supervises the staff and program in an efficient manner;
* Shows concern for the athletes’ general welfare;
* Communicates effectively with players;
* Represents the school in a positive manner in the community;
* Motivates and inspires players to reach their potential;
* Works well with Athletic Director, other coaches, and school personnel;
* Encourages participation in varied activities;
* Responsible for all equipment for their team;
* Responsible to conduct a student/parent meeting before the start of the season;
* All coaches are to be familiar and responsible for the enforcement of the rules and regulations of the MSHSL;
* The head coach or designated assistant is responsible for submitting game reports to the proper media outlets, school websites, and MSHSL.
* The coaches are expected to work with any athlete who is interested and has a need to belong, not just work with the gifted and highly skilled athlete. Each athlete is entitled to our best effort.
ACCELERATION OF ATHLETES
In order for an athlete to be accelerated the following procedures must be followed:
1. Any coach who plans to accelerate an athlete in grades 7 & 8 must meet with the Activities Director before any suggestion to the athlete or their parent is made and any action is taken.
2. The Athletic Committee will be notified of any actions taken in this section with opportunity to clarify the situation with the AD.
3. Acceleration of an athlete on an emergency basis(ineligibilities or injuries) can take place if the parent of the athlete approves.
4. Once a student is accelerated to a higher level, the status of the player shall be reviewed to determine what the player’s appropriate competition level should be. This will be left to the discretion of the coaches.
DUTIES OF HEAD COACHES AND ASSISTANTS
Athletic Department Forms:
Eligibility:
1. All athletes in grades seven through twelve will be eligible unless they are failing one (1) class at the time of progress check.
2. Do not permit an athlete to participate in contests at any level if they are on the ineligible list.
PROCEDURES FOR ATHLETIC INJURY
1. Call the hospital or doctor and make arrangements before taking the injured athlete for medical treatment.
2. Call and inform the parents of the injury.
3. Send a coach along with the injured athlete to the doctor or the hospital. Do Not allow athletes to drive themselves.
4. Fill out accident report (forms are located in the district office).
IF AN INJURY OCCURS:
1. Minor to intermediate seriousness – ice and elevate the injured part or attend to the immediate needs of the injured.
2. Serious injury – move rest of team away from injured player; attend to the immediate needs of the injured – call the ambulance or take the injured player to the hospital.
NOTE: IF AN ATHLETE MUST GO TO A DOCTOR, THE ATHLETE SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PRACTICE OR PLAY UNTIL RELEASED BY A PHYSICIAN IN WRITING TO DO SO. Make sure you fill out injury reports for all injuries.
PRACTICE REGULATIONS FOR HOLIDAYS, VACATIONS AND WEDNESDAYS
a. Labor Day – may practice
b. Thanksgiving Day – may practice if there is a game the next day or two
c. Christmas Eve Day – may practice
d. Christmas Day – no practice
e. New Year’s Eve Day – may practice
f. New Year’s Day – no practice
g. Good Friday – may practice
h. Easter Monday – may practice
i. Memorial Day – may practice
Wednesday Practice Schedule – all teams must be out of the high school building by 5:45 p.m.
PRACTICE AND VOLUNTEER COACHES
3. Volunteer coaches may be used at the discretion of the head coach and must be cleared through the Activities Director, approved by the school board, and complete a background check. Further MSHSL procedures may be necessary to coach in contests as a volunteer. See the Activities Director for more information.
SCHEDULING AND OFFICIALS
1. Make recommendations to the Activities Director as to opponents.
2. Make recommendations to the Activities Director as to officials.
SCOUTING
1. Shall be done on an individual basis of need and level of competition.
TEAM TRANSPORTATION
1. The Activities Director will provide the bus times for each meet or game. Please check and let the office know if there needs to be an adjustment.
2. All keys must be returned to the office by 8:00 a.m. the morning after the use of a school vehicle.
3. When teams travel by bus, each coach is responsible to see that someone is in charge to see that the bus is clean after it has been used and to see that “spikes” or other inappropriate shoes are not worn on the bus.
4. The school district’s practice regarding the transportation of students to co-curricular activities is:
a. Students are transferred from the Cedar Mountain school site to the co-curricular activity and back to the school site. They are not to be dropped off at any other site.
b. Prior arrangements, by the parents, may be made through the Principal’s office for alternate transportation on a case by case basis.
LOCKER ROOM
Coaches
1. Keep locker rooms as neat as possible.
2. Dispense and collect towels.
3. Have players pick up after themselves.
4. Keep all doors locked – coaches’ room, equipment room, and towel room. When the coaches leave the area, they must see to it that the doors are locked.
5. Do not permit students and players to enter equipment and storage rooms
6. When practice is completed, the head coach or his/her designated assistants should be the last person to leave the building. Lock all doors and turn off lights before you leave. At least one coach must remain until the shuttle bus arrives and departs.
SEASON’S END REPORT
1. Each head coach is responsible for completing an end of the season summary form and inventory sheet from the Activities Director.
2. The head coach is responsible to see that all reports are turned in on time.
3. All reports from assistants should be turned in with the head coach’s reports.
4. Coaches will be paid when their season ending summary sheet and inventory sheets are turned in. They will be paid on the next scheduled pay period.
BUDGET PREPARATION
1. Submit all budgetary items to the Activities Director.
2. Confer with assistant coaches as to what is needed.
3. Confer with Activities Director when materials are purchased.
4. All ordering of materials for athletics shall be done by the Activities Director. In special cases where it becomes necessary for a coach to pick up needed materials, he/she must first contact the Activities Director and secure a purchase order and number. You may not purchase any item without a proper purchase order.
5. If you purchase anything for your personal needs, or if you are ordering items for the athletes on a personal basis, have the company bill you at your home address.
LEAGUE RULES AND ETHICS
1. Report all player violations of the MSHSL rules to the Activities Director.
2. Abide by the rules and regulations which pertain to your sport.
3. Be ethical in your dealings with opponents, players and the public.
4. Submit a copy of your special rules to the Activities Director at the beginning of your season.
5. Before dismissing a player from your program, check with the Activities Director and Principal. Also, the parents shall be informed before any action is taken.
USE OF OTHER SCHOOLS’ LOCKER ROOM FACILITIES
1. Check locker room as to its condition before your team enters.
2. Check locker room as to its condition after your team leaves.
3. Impress on your players the need for respect of property and facilities of other schools.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
1. If school is canceled or dismissed early, all activities for that day will be canceled. This includes all practices.
2. In the event of inclement weather prior to the start of an activity, the Activities Director will communicate with the opposing Activities Director to determine the status of the activity.
3. In the event of inclement weather during the activity, the Activities Director will conference with the officials and both the home and visiting coaches to determine the continuation of the activity.
STUDENT OR ATHLETE USE OF PHY-ED FACILITIES
DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
1. Students or athletes shall not be permitted the use of physical education facilities during the school day unless under the direct supervision of a coach.
2. Coaches and athletes are not to use the physical education equipment for athletic purposes. Sharing equipment can be done but only at the permission of the physical education department. Coaches are not to assume physical education equipment can be used in their programs. Physical education instructors can use athletic equipment during the instructional day as they see fit.
USE OF PRACTICE FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT (SAFETY)
1. Before using facilities or equipment, check to see that there are no safety hazards to the participants. If so, report them to the Activities Director.
2. After a practice session is over, make sure that all equipment is put away and that all lights are turned off and all doors are locked.
3. Coaches shall inform their players that use of facilities prior to the start of their first practice will not be permitted.
4. “Captain’s Practice” and “Open Gym”
See MSHSL handbook for policies related to open gym and captain’s practices.
OUTDOOR FACILITIES
1. Athletic fields are maintained by the custodial staff, Head Coach and the Activities Director. Observation of the fields by both the coaching staff and custodial staff result in repairs as needed.
2. Players are instructed to watch for vehicles when crossing the streets and walking to and from the field.
3. Players are instructed to wait for the coaches to open gates. They are instructed not to climb fences.
4. Players are instructed to walk on the street, not on personal property, to and from the athletic fields.
ABSENCES
See middle school/high school handbook for policies related to absences and grades.
UNIFORMS
1. Teams and individuals must wear the uniforms and warm-ups provided by the athletic department. Any special situations or additions to uniforms or warm-ups must be approved by the activities director.
2. Teams who wish to order from source items for the personal use by and purchased by the individual members can do so but can not be part of the team uniform unless provisions are made for those wishing to not purchase such items. i.e.–Team sweatshirts, jackets, shooter shirts, etc. Design for such items must be approved by the Activities Director.
SPECIAL RULES WHICH PERTAIN TO YOUR PARTICULAR SPORT
1. If you have special rules for your sport, make sure they are written and gone over with the team members.
a. Give a copy to the Activities Director so he/she also has a record of your rules.
b. Punishment should not be as harsh for a first offense, as for continuous violations.
1. In some cases, involvement of parents may be necessary before action is taken.
2. Never do or take any punitive action in the heat of disappointment or anger.
3. Punitive action for a violation of your rules shall be constructive. Never use a sport activity for punishment.
2. Cedar Mountain High School will abide by Minnesota State High School
League rules with the exception of those that have been changed and adopted by the school board.
SCHEDULING OF EVENTS
1. As soon as the Activities Director has finished scheduling athletic events, these shall be made available to the Principal and the Music Department.
2. The Music Department will give the Activities Director a list of event dates by October for the ensuing year.
3. Events scheduled after that date will have to clear the master schedule which is to be kept in the Principal’s office. Official sub-section, and state additions or corrections should take precedence over non-conference and locally scheduled events.
4. Both the Activities Director and the Music Department are to check the master schedule with the Principal on proposed dates for events that are scheduled after the initial schedule is drawn up.
5. The original schedule will take priority over all late schedule events.
6. When it becomes necessary to reschedule a sport or music activity that has been postponed due to weather conditions, each coach or director must check the existing school schedule before rescheduling the event. If there
is a possible conflict, the change must be approved by the Activities Director and Music Department.
7. All other departments and organizations that need to schedule events must check with the Activities Director and the master schedule for open dates. These departments and organizations must also abide by the guides that are set for the athletic and music departments.
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING POSSIBLE CONFLICTS IN THE SCHEDULE
1. School activities that have been scheduled and appear on the master schedule in the Activities Director’s office take priority over rescheduled inter-school activities, unless the normal progress for advancement may be affected. First consideration will be given to the activity that may have its advancement affected.
a. Where conflicts seem to be unavoidable, the following regulations will prevail. Every attempt should be made so that the students need not be asked to make a choice, nor be penalized to be outside of a decision stemming from these policies.
1. All performances (games, concerts, or meets ) take priority over a practice or rehearsal.
2. A concert will take priority over a JV or “B” squad game or meet.
3. A JV or “B” squad game or meet will take priority over a practice r rehearsal.
4. All Tomahawk Conference tournaments where a conference championship is determined, sub-sectional, sectional or state activities will take priority over and other scheduled activities or practices.
2. When a conflict appears, the following procedures should be followed:
a. Notify the Activities Director as to the possible conflict.
b. The Activities Director and Music Department will meet to see if the adopted rules can handle the alleged problem.
c. If the adopted rules do not apply or when an agreement on the interpretation cannot be reached, then the Activities Director and Music Department will call a meeting with the two coaches and/or directors to resolve the conflict. The Principal or Superintendent will be called in as a fifth party only if needed.
ATHLETIC AWARD POLICY
1. First award earned – Certificate and a letter (only one chenille letter will be given to cover all sports through high school).
2. Succeeding awards earned – Certificate every time a person letters in a sport.
3. Awards will be presented at an Athletic Banquet or other activity set-up by each individual activity. There will be no prayers at any awards presentations.
5. No special awards are given without first getting approval from the Activities Director. This includes MVP, Most Improved, etc.
PARTICIPATION REQUIRED TO QUALIFY FOR A HIGH SCHOOL LETTER
(During a complete sport season)
Football:
1. Actively participate in one-fourth of the total games played by the varsity squad during the regular season;
2. Or by the coaches’ and Activities Directors’ judgment in special cases.
Basketball:
1. Actively participate in one-fourth of the total halves played by the varsity squad during the regular season. Tournament games do not count as a season game, but tournament halves count toward winning a letter;
2. Or by the coaches’ and Activities Director’s judgment in special cases.
Softball:
1. Host school criteria
Baseball:
1. Host school criteria
Track:
1. Host school criteria
Golf:
1. Actively participate in 1/2 of normal season varsity matches
2. Conference and Subsection participation count double a normal season match.
3. Or by the coaches and Activities Director judgment in special cases
Cross Country:
1. Host school criteria
Volleyball:
1. Must play in ½ of the overall number of games during the season.
2. Any player with 4 years of participation(9-12th grade) who has not previously lettered.
3. Or by the coaches’ and Activities Director’s judgment in special cases.
Spirit Squad/Dance:
1. Must complete season and satisfy coaches’ criteria.
2. Or by the coaches’ and Activities Director’s judgment in special cases.
Manager:
1. Must act as manager for two sport seasons:
2. Or by the coaches’ and Activities Director’s judgment in special cases.
Speech**:
1. Member for 2 consecutive years
2. Compete in subsections 2 years
3. 3 tournaments per season (depending upon availability)
4. Mentor a junior high student in same category
5. Log time with coach
6. Participate in 1 fundraiser (butterbraid sales, concessions)
7. Practice weekly with coach
8. Or by the coaches’ and Activities Director’s judgment in special judgment.
All coaches and advisors must have a written criteria accessible to all concerned as to their criteria for earning a Cedar Mountain letter. The above are the requirements and any changes to these must be submitted to the Activities Director prior to the beginning of the season of the activity.
Clay Target
- Varsity shooting average of 18 or higher
- Senior participant with more than 1 year in the program.
COACHES CLINIC/STATE TOURNAMENT ATTENDANCE POLICY
1. Individual Participation in State Tournament or Meets – Only the head coach is permitted to attend the State Tournaments at school expense, whether one or several individuals are participating. All necessary expenses of the head coach, participants, and cheerleaders will be taken care of by the school.
2. Team Participation in State Tournaments or Meets – The head coach and all assistants of the varsity team may attend when a school team is participating in a state tournament. All necessary expenses of the coaches, team, and cheerleaders will be taken care of by the school. Cheerleaders must meet lettering criteria.
3. Head Coach (not involved in the tournament)- The head coach may be permitted one day of professional leave to attend their state tournament or coaches clinic. Approval must be granted by the Superintendent at least one week prior. For the state tournament, the district will only pay for the cost of a substitute teacher. The coach will incur all other expenses.
4. The head coach of each program will be granted up to $200 to be used for his/her program for professional development (clinic fees, hotel room, books, etc…).
PEP BAND
1. The Pep Band will play a predetermined scheduled number of events, balanced among those sports in season.
2. The Pep Band shall play at all tournament games. This will be based on tournament seeding as is the section policy.
COACH, PARENT AND STUDENT MEETINGS
All coaches of Cedar Mountain High School athletic teams are expected to have a parental information meeting which includes both parents and students. The following are the guidelines for these meetings:
1. Parents are to be given a handout with a brief explanation of the coaches’
guidelines for their activity. These guidelines should cover such items as:
a. Practice Schedules
b. Game Schedules
c. Coaches Rules and Penalties for:
1. Missing practices
2. Missing games
3. Participation policy
4. Any other team rules
5. Goals and expectations
6. Philosophy (esp. as to playing time)
7. Rule changes in your activity
8. Sportsmanship
9. School’s rule for attendance
DEALING WITH CONFLICT
Procedure for handling athletic complaints
In order to allow an expression of differences that often occur in athletics, a procedure has been developed for establishing a line of communication between school, parent/guardian, students and coaches. This procedure should follow an orderly process.
1. No conflict between a parent, student, official or coach should be addressed during or immediately following a game. The game site, practice field, lobby or locker room are not appropriate places to handle conflict. Coaches are not to meet or deal with conflict at these times or places. Most conflicts are better resolved with an appropriate cooling down period.
2. If you are upset, please call or arrange a meeting the following work day.
3. The following steps should be taken in order for conflict to be resolved.
Step 1. A meeting between the student, the coach, and/or parent should be called. This meeting can be initiated by either the student, the parent or the coach, but does not have to involve all three parties.
Step 2. If any of the three parties (coach, athlete, or parents) still feel that the conflict is not resolved, a meeting between the parent, the coach and the activities director may be called by any party. The athlete need not be present.
Step 3. If necessary, the Superintendent will act as a mediator and will be repeated to help come to a resolution or conclusion.
Step 4. Group conflict — No parent or booster group shall meet at Cedar Mountain School to discuss team problems without representatives from School which will include the athletic director, coach or both. Actions or concerns addressed by such groups at any other meetings where School representatives are not present will not be officially acted upon by officials and coaches are not required to attend unofficial meetings.
ENFORCING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE MSHSL
Guidelines for Compliance with MSHSL Rules and Regulations
1. Any and all reported violations of Minnesota State High School League Rules and Regulations must be reported to the Activities Director.
a. Coaches, directors, or advisors cannot declare a participant ineligible.
b. Coaches, directors, or advisors are directed to inform people who report violations to them to take their allegations to the Activities Director.
c. Coaches, directors, or advisors shall check with the Activities Director to ensure that the allegation has been reported.
d. Coaches, directors, or advisors will be informed of any violations by participants.
2. A coach, director or advisor who directly witnesses a violation or who has a confession of a violation given to him/her is directed to report such an incident to the Activities Director
3. Coaches, directors and advisors are expected to know the school policies regarding the evaluation and suspicion of chemical abuse problems.
4. Coaches, directors and advisors are expected to act according to their professional judgment at all times.
5. Coaches, directors and advisors will be informed by a list each Monday when a participant is academically ineligible. All dates in the letter are to be adhered to regardless of cancellations, etc. Any student who does not follow the guidelines stated in the letter will not have their eligibility restored until the guidelines are fulfilled. Coaches must know that in order for a student to serve the ineligibility, he or she must complete the season of the activity where the ineligibility was served. Please explain to students in your program who are ineligible for a period that if they do not come to practices or finish the season after they become eligible, they will again be declared ineligible.
6. Ejection of a player or coach from MSHSL events.
a. Ejections must be immediately reported to the Activities Director.
b. Coaches are required to know the procedure for dealing with an ejection as outlined in the MSHSL handbook.
c. The Cedar Mountain Athletic Department will not tolerate coaches getting ejected from a contest. A written explanation of an ejection must be filed with the Activities Director and a conference with the director must take place before such coach can resume any of his or her coaching activities.