Socorro Independent School District Department of Athletics Athletic Parent Meeting 2016-2017 Socorro Independent School District Department of Athletics

Purpose of Athletics The UIL & Campus Athletic programs are based on the premise that athletes are students first and that athletic participation is a privilege rather than a right. Students learn teamwork and group responsibility. They also learn to deal with success and to overcome adversity. With this in mind, it is important to focus on your student’s academic career in addition to their success on the playing field or court.

Benefits of Extracurricular Activities Support the Academic Mission of School An extension of a good educational program. Students who participate tend to: Have a higher GPA Better attendance Lower dropout rates Fewer discipline problems Form valuable relationships

Sportsmanship is a character displayed through athletic competition. Universal values of sportsmanship: Trustworthiness-Always pursue victory with honor. Respect-Win with grace and lose with dignity. Responsibility-Be positive role model. Fairness-Adhere to high standards of fair play. Caring- Ensure that the well being of athletes is always first. Citizenship-Honor the rules & goals of the sport.

High School Eligibility for 1st 6-Weeks Incoming 9th grade students must have been promoted to participate during the first 6 weeks of school. Sophomores must have earned 5 credits which count toward state graduation credit. Juniors- 10 credits Seniors – 15 credits

Middle School Eligibility Must have been promoted, not placed, from previous grade level. Students placed or retained become eligible after 1st six weeks if they meet all academic requirements. 7th graders- Not 14 on, or before, September 1. 8th graders- Not 15 on, or before, September 1.

Varsity Eligibility & PAPF As per district policy, attendance zone is what determines whether an athlete is eligible for varsity competition. (You are eligible in the zone where you reside). An athlete not living in the high school attendance zone, must fill out a Previous Athletic Participation Form (PAPF). The form will then be submitted to the District Executive Committee (DEC) for approval. An athlete not living in the high school attendance zone with parents or legal guardians will not participate in varsity athletics for 365 days from date of enrollment unless approved.

No Pass, No Play An incoming 9th grade student must be promoted, in order to participate during the first 6 weeks of school. A student who receives a grade below 70 at the end of any grading period in any class may not participate in competition for 3 weeks plus a 7 calendar day waiting period. To regain eligibility, make up work cannot be completed after a Grading Period has ended, unless the student has received an incomplete. Ineligible athletes may practice, but may not compete, travel, suit out or be on the sidelines or bench during a competition. All athletes that are academically ineligible during a grading period, become eligible during a vacation/Intersession of a week or longer.

UIL Student-Athlete Requirements The UIL requires that all athletes must have the following requirements on file prior to participation: Physical Examination-this must be done prior to ANY practice. Safety Training-must be done prior to ANY practice. Steroid Form Parent/Guardian Permission Acknowledgement of Rules NEW—Freshmen/New Student Form

Mandated Safety Training Senate Bill 82 As mandated by the state, students shall be trained in recognizing symptoms of head and neck injuries, concussions, asthma attacks, heat stroke, heart attacks, injuries requiring the use of an AED and risks of nutritional supplements. Coaches must download Safety Training PowerPoint Presentation and show to athletes. Safety Training PowerPoint Presentation is available on the SISD Athletic Website or UIL Website for parents to view.

Parent-Coach Meetings Appropriate concerns to discuss with a coach: The mental and physical treatment of your child. What your child needs to do to improve. Concerns about your child’s behavior.

Parent-Coach Meetings Issues NOT appropriate for discussion with your child’s coach: How much playing time each athlete is getting. Team strategy. Play calling. Any situation that deals with other student-athletes.

Code of Conduct & Behavior Expectations Be a positive role model. Parents & spectators should be aware that the school can (and should) remove them from the premises and can prohibit them from attending future contests due to undesirable behaviors. Game officials can ask that school administrators have unruly fans removed from a contest facility. There is no such thing as a “right” to attend interscholastic athletics. Interscholastic athletics is a “privilege” and the spectators are expected to conduct themselves accordingly.

Continued…. Keep in mind that YOU are the guest of the school, and that while winning is certainly an admirable goal, it is hollow if it comes at the expense of morals, ethics, and common sense. The school is responsible for the behavior of their spectators. Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their athletes on the court and/or field. The school district can be and will be disciplined for actions of patrons in violation of UIL standards and rules. Respect the coaches and their athletic program. Always respect the decisions and calls made by officials.

UIL & Officials The UIL Constitution & Contest Rules states that schools, coaches, parents, spectators and players must accept the official’s decision throughout the contest without any protest. A contest cannot be protested after the officials have declared a winner.

Steroids What are Steroids? Synthetic substances related to male sex hormones. Are illegal and most are smuggled from outside the United States. Are used illegally to quickly enhance athletic performance. Can cause cancer, severe acne, liver damage, mood swings, stunt growth & drastic physical changes. Athletes can excel in sports without steroids through proper diet, rest and dedication and commitment to athletic program.

Hazing Hazing is any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation resulting in harm to students for the purpose of pledging initiation into or maintaining membership in an organization. It is the coach’s responsibility to supervise athletes at all times during practice, traveling time or competition. In regards to hazing, a coach needs to address it, put a stop to it and report it. There is no place for Hazing in any athletic program.

Campus Team Procedures Introduction of coaches & contact information Team Rules Team Procedures (include Travel Release Form information) Practice Times Chain of command in regards to athletics: -Coach of team -Head coach of sport -Campus athletic coordinator -Principal -Athletic Director

This PowerPoint will be posted on the SISD Athletic Website. Valuable Resources www.sisd.net/athletics- Socorro ISD Website www.uil.utexas.edu- UIL Website Athletic Department would like to thank you for your support and commitment to our programs. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to coach and teach your child. This PowerPoint will be posted on the SISD Athletic Website.