Spirit

Pride

Respect

Excellence

RULES & REGULATIONS  All WSHS athletics’ based policies and regulations are governed by the MIAA.  Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) – governing body for state’s high schools and student-athletes. More information is available at  WSHS is also a member of the Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Association, (PVIAC) at the local level. The PVIAC is known as District F, at the state level. For more information, log on to

Academic Eligibility  All students must be enrolled in and passing a minimum of (5) classes at the end of each marking period. (Exception: for fall eligibility, a student must have earned a minimum of 25 credits for the year.) All incoming grade 9 students are automatically eligible for the fall season.

Attendance in School  Athletes are required to be in school daily, and on time.  Students must be in attendance for the entire day in order to be eligible to participate in any practices or games. Special exceptions may be granted by the high school administration.  Students suspended from school cannot participate in any manner for the duration of the suspension. In-house detention is not considered to be a form of suspension.

Physical Exams  Proof of updated physical (within 13 months of opening day of the season) must be on file in the WSHS Nurses’ Office.  If not in compliance – student status = ineligible, even for “tryouts.”

Tryouts  Some teams require “cuts,” in order to form squads.  Every year brings a new season, and there are no guarantees concerning a student’s team status from previous years.  Tryouts are conducted as objectively as possible. Candidates are observed and judged in all aspects of each sport, and the coaches use rating systems with concrete, documented data.

 If an athlete sees a doctor or specialist for an injury sustained during his/her season that doctor needs to clear the student-athlete before returning to play.  Certain medical issues will require clearance as well.  The high school’s medical staff, including Athletic Trainer is the final arbiter in determining suitability to return to play (see MIAA rule #56.2)

Concussions What if my son/daughter sustains a concussion during the season?  Must be reported to the ATC or school nurse and coach immediately!  Proper medical evaluation and treatment is required.  Once symptom free and cleared by MD; gradual return to play protocol will be administered by ATC. This is a 5 step protocol.

MIAA Rule 62.1 CHEMICAL HEALTH RULE From the earliest fall practice date, to the conclusion of the academic year or final athletic event (whichever is latest), a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product; marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance. This policy includes products such as “NA or near beer”. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by his/her doctor. This MIAA statewide minimum standard is not intended to render “guilt by association”, e.g. many student athletes might be present at a party where only a few violate this standard. This rule represents only a minimum standard upon which schools may develop more stringent requirements.

MIAA Rule 48

 Each coaching staff draws up rules and expectations for their team members to abide by and follow. All fall under the MIAA, PVIAC, and WSPS guidelines, yet they are not required to be exactly the same.  “West Side Terrier” High School Playing Time Philosophies: All varsity coaches will attempt to play most if not all of their players during games Players can expect to receive more playing time at the sub-varsity levels. A WSHS Athletic Permit must be signed by a parent/guardian and the student. This allows for participation of the student and demonstrates understanding of the MIAA & WSHS rules of eligibility.

Bona Fide Team Rule A bona fide member of the school team is a student who is consistently present for, and actively participates in, all high school team sessions (e.g. practices, tryouts, competitions). Bona fide members of a school team are precluded from missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a non-school athletic activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA. First Offense: Student athlete is suspended for 25% of the season (see chart on Rule 62). Second Offense: Student athlete is suspended for an additional 25% of the season, and is ineligible for tournament play immediately upon confirmation of the violation.

Sports’ Fees WSHS athletics has a minimum, tiered sports’ fee This fee is due prior to participation in the first contest Free/reduced lunch = reduced athletics’ fees

Booster Clubs  Boosters are hard-working volunteers that make up a sport’s booster club.  Each club hopes to have enough volunteers to form a board. Boosters work for the students and are always looking for colleagues to assist them. Please check-in with them to help out, in any possible manner!  Booster Club Fees – separate from the school fees. Information is given to the teams by booster board members.  Fundraising is primarily run through the boosters. Both school and district administrators must approve all fundraisers. An official WSPS Fundraiser Form must be filled out & returned prior to the event being held.

Open Door Policy

WSHS Winter Sport Offerings and Coaches Boys’ Basketball Head Coach – Chris Gerber Asst. Coach – Joel Aponte J.V. Coach – Ben Ellis FR. Coach – Joe Lisella

WSHS Winter Sport Offerings and Coaches Girls’ Basketball Head Coach – Paul Taylor Asst. Coach – Deke Pillsbury J.V. Coach – Gerry Calvanese FR. Coach – Doug Hill

Winter Sports/Coaches Continued: Cheerleading Varsity – Nicole Palange & Merideth Ruffo J. V. – Joelle Drisdelle Ice Hockey Head Coach – Gilbert Doe Asst. Coach – Joe DeChristopher J.V. Coaches – David Lane & Nick Smith

Winter Sports/Coaches Continued: Boys’ Indoor Track Coach – Jackson Weber Girls’ Indoor Track Coach – Matt Griffin

Winter Sports/Coaches Continued: Boys’ & Girls’ SwimmingWrestling Head Coach – Peggy PettengillHead Coaches – Tom Svec & Alan Gates Asst. – Jillian KnappAsst. Coach – Garrett Kendziera Asst. – TBA

GAME INFORMATION & UPDATES