Vermont Principals’ Association Middle School Athletics/Activities Standards and Policies Adopted by the Executive Council May 3, 2013

Why Sport? Promote life-long health and fitness Socialization Participation Improves self-esteem When the best interests of adolescents are secondary, these goals are compromised.

VPA Beliefs Every MS student provided an opportunity to participate Member schools are to be creative in finding the means to enhance the educational experience beyond the regular school day

VPA Standards for MS Athletics Integral part of the educational experience Teaching, maximum participation, progress with limited pressure on competition Sportsmanship is essential Coaching staff knowledgeable and trained in MS best practices Trained officials are employed whenever possible Programs are limited in: Missed class time Publicity Awards

Participants must… Possess current health insurance Physical examination within two years, unless district policy is less Be selected, equipped, instructed, and supervised according to school district policies

Principal’s Responsibilities Ultimately responsible for all aspects of the athletic program Compete with VPA members schools If not VPA member, abide by VPA policies Home schooled students (Title 16, Section 166(b)) may participate within district of legal residence. A letter from the Vt State Agency of Education verifying enrollment required prior to commencing activity Eighth graders can participate in Varsity athletics if school is under 50 boys or 50 girls. Must be a member school to participate in VPA events Spelling Bee Geo Bee Etc…

Cooperative Sponsorship Same geographic area Reviewed on an annual basis Application via each school’s principal to VPA Form of written letter to Bob Johnson or David Cobb

Regulations Participants are enrolled and eligible as per school policy Minimum 7 practices prior to competing Practices limited to 90 minutes No more than 5 meetings (games/practices) a week (7 day period) No more than 3 games within a week (7 day period) Limited to 2, back-to-back game days

Scrimmages Intended for learning Non competitive Treated as a practice No admission can be charged Unlimited timeouts Total scrimmage time not limited, but no player shall exceed playing time of regular season game Score erased each quarter/half/period/inning Only one scrimmage per season

Season dates (table 1 in document) Fall Season Cross country, field hockey, soccer, football First “student day” Not to exceed 9 weeks Winter Season Basketball, cheerleading, nordic skiing, dance, gymnastics, and wrestling May commence two weeks after fall sports season Not to exceed 13 weeks Does not count vacation weeks where no games/scrimmages/practices occur Spring Season Baseball, golf, softball, lacrosse, tennis, and track May commence two weeks after winter sports season Not to exceed 10 weeks

Coaching Requirements Approved through local school district Minimum 18 years of age Signed statement acknowledging compliance with VPA bylaws and policies Successful completion of NFHS Concussion Education course Must be completed prior to first practice and every two years beyond that May be substituted with approved course (by VPA) Paid or volunteer

Highly Recommended Coaches’ Education Available at NFHSlearn.com Fundamentals of Coaching Sport First Aid Health and Safety for Coaches Coaching Sport in the Middle School