Student-Athlete Handbook
14.0 Athletic Department- “Building Champions Through Christ”
Welcome to Calvary Day School’s Athletic program. We are excited to offer many opportunities for student participation. Athletics certainly offers an arena for students to grow physically, emotionally, mentally, and of course spiritually. The following guidelines should be most informative and helpful in understanding the responsibilities for participating in athletics at CDS. As a Christian body we know that part of the success of our athletic program depends upon the effort of many individuals working together, including coaches, athletes, families, scorekeepers, managers and other volunteers. Thanks you for joining “our team.”
We count it a privilege to work with each athlete and their family, and our desire is to help facilitate growth in each young person. We want to equip our athletes with a vision to reach out to others both locally and beyond.
14.1 Calvary Day School Athletic Philosophy
One of the core beliefs in Calvary Day School’s athletic program is that each individual involved, whether it is the coach, athlete, director, parent, volunteer, would begin to put on the mind of Christ. From Philippians 2:1-5 we see that part of what his means is to be united in spirit, united in purpose, and united in love. In humility, we want to consider others above ourselves, and we want to show Christ-like attitudes and behaviors. Throughout this year we desire to work together as a “team” to glorify God, to encourage each other in growth, and to demonstrate Christ’s love to all with whom we come in contact.
14.2 League information
Calvary Day School is a member of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). The GHSA has established a code of ethics and a constitution/ by-laws for all participating schools to follow. If you have any questions concerning these guidelines, please contact the CDS athletic department or check the following website…ghsa.net. Please, in no way are parents allowed to contact the GHSA directly. It is in the best interest of the parent, student-athlete and Calvary Day School to go through the proper channels of communication.
Calvary Day School’s sports compete mostly in Region 3-A. Volleyball and Soccer both compete in an Area split between single (A) and double (AA) programs per GHSA.
14.3 Team Guidelines and Requirements
A. Team Goals: In order for the athletic teams at CDS to reach their highest potential, it is important that they understand and strive for common goals. These goals are that all our student-athletes be challenged and motivated to:
1. Draw closer in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. Be united in Spirit, Purpose and Love-Philippians 2:1-5
3. Get the most out of our God-given natural abilities.
4. Be an effective ambassador for our Lord.
5. Do our best to imitate Christ-like behavior in the classroom and on the fields/courts of play.
B. Sportsmanship Code:
1. Humble ourselves before the Lord, and we will be lifted up.
2. Treat our opponents, officials and spectators with respect.
3. We will respect the property and reputation our opponents as well of that of our own school.
4. In all cases, we will use good common sense, judgment, and courtesy.
5. The GHSA has adopted additional guidelines for sportsmanship.
C. Team Prayer and Devotions: Devotions are essential to team unity. We have to continue to grow spiritually before we grow academically or athletically. Devotions are to take place prior to, after or even during practice. Team members are encouraged to share in devotions.
D. Conduct and General Rules:
1. Respect for officials, coaches and players is expected at all times.
2. Each player is responsible to see that equipment is put away and that the locker room if left clean. Coaches are encouraged to assign specific duties to team members.
3. Game day dress code: is to follow the regular dress code of CDS unless it is a specific announced out of uniform day. The coach has the discretion to implement a dress code for his or her program at any time.
4. Athletes are responsible for the care of assigned uniforms and equipment. Lost or damaged uniforms or equipment are to be replaced at the cost of the athlete.
5. All injuries must be reported to the coach and or athletic trainer to ensure proper care.
6. As indicated in the student handbook, the use of drugs, alcohol, at any time is unacceptable. Both school and athletic discipline will be applied to violations.
7. Athletes who dismissed from or who quit a team may not be allowed to participate for another team that semester unless otherwise approved by the Athletic Director. All dismissal and other serious athletic discipline situations will be reviewed by the Athletic Director and Upper School Principal.
8. CDS sports teams are chosen on a try-out basis. It is necessary for students to be at these try-outs, in order to be fair to all involved. It is the family’s responsibility to notify the coach if it is absolutely necessary for an athlete to miss a try-out session. Each coach has his or her own set of standards for try-outs and for making a team.
E. Practice/Game Consequences for Tardiness and Absences:
1. Illness, death in family, etc.-these are automatically excused. Please notify the coach or the athletic department as soon as possible.
2. Doctor or dentist appointments-excused usually-if you can plan around practice or games please do so.
3. School parties, socials, etc.-unexcused, although the athletic department works closely with administration to ensure as few of conflicts as possible.
4. Advance awareness of conflicts with church activities should be provided as soon as possible to perspective coach/athletic department.
5. Family vacations-we will work with the athletes in these situations and evaluate the effect of the absence on the team as a whole. Advance notice of conflicting events should be provided as soon as possible.
6. Student-Athletes are responsible for all make up work missed because of early dismissal for a game. You are a student first, athlete second, no exceptions. Student-Athletes will be allowed to make up all work missed; it will be due the following day unless otherwise posted by the teacher.
7. Student-Athletes are expected to be on time to school the following day after a game. If excessive tardiness occurs it will be dealt with by that corresponding coach and or the athletic director.
F. Eligibility
1. Eligibility standards are set by Georgia High School Association and followed strictly.
2. If you have any questions concerning eligibility, please contact the athletic director or you may
Go online at GHSA.net and find the information under constitution and by-laws. Once again, by no means are you to contact GHSA directly.
3. An accumulation of detentions, absences, or tardiness to games/practices may make a player ineligible for participation in sports.
4. A student who participates on an athletic team must be present for three (3) classes during the school day. This allows full participation for practice or games. If this requirement is not met, then the athlete is ineligible for that day.
5. Athletic probation will result when students are unable to begin or continue play due to ineligibility.
6. Repeated ineligibility during the season may result in dismissal from the team after review by the athletic director, coach, and principal.
7. Hardship applications for eligibility will be determined by the athletic director on a case by case basis.
8. A general non-refundable fee that will not exceed $250.00 will be paid by the applicant to cover cost of a substitute teacher, mileage, and excess expenses by the school.
14.4 Internet/Public Information Policy
With the raised awareness that the internet is not private and that anyone can access and see it, the Athletic Department wants to make known that portrayal of negative photos or information posted on for example, but not limited to MySpace.com or Facebook.com can be a conduct code violation. As an Athletic Department we are concerned about the reputation of the team, school, and the safety the student-athlete and their credibility. In no way do we want our student-athletes to jeopardize today what might affect their ability to be successful in the future.
To ensure safety and accountability for our student-athletes and coaches, anyone that wishes to take pictures on the sideline during practice or game situations needs to gain clearance through the Athletic Director as soon as possible.
14.5 Transportation
A. CALVARY DAY SCHOOL ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT TRAVEL RELEASE (6-12 Only)
By signing the handbook, I state that my student-athlete has permission to ride with another student-athlete to (in town) sporting events, practices, or pre-game meals.
I certify that I am releasing for transportation the named student - athlete, or have arranged for transportation with another student of my choosing. I understand that Calvary Day School provides transportation to and from athletic events in approved transportation. By departure of this requirement I agree to release Calvary Day School and its employees from all liability for any adverse results that may occur.
Players will travel to and from away games in vehicles designated by the school. Parents or other adults designated by a parent may transport their students to in town games or practices, only after proper arrangements have been made with or by the coach.
Students driving or riding with someone else are to conduct themselves in a way that is in line with the code of conduct set by Calvary Day School.
While traveling on school assigned vehicles please act responsible at all times. Do not throw any object from or at the bus at any time. Please keep all body parts in the bus and respect other teammates while traveling. Riding in school vehicles is a privilege not a right. Teams and coaches are responsible to keep vehicles clean during and after athletic use.
14.6 Facilities
We have been richly blessed with quality facilities. A goal should be to always leave the area cleaner than when you found it. Destructiveness or misuse of property is not acceptable. Since we are visitors at many athletic complexes around Savannah, (Bethesda, County Complexes, etc.) our actions speak with direct responsibility to Calvary Day School and the Athletic Department. Do not take these privileges for granted.
Athletes are not to be in any area other than your practice area. For liability reasons, students are not to be involved in activities in the gymnasium or anywhere on school property without staff supervision and athletic department approval.
14.7 Lettering Guidelines
Athletes must meet minimum standards of participation to receive a varsity letter. Each coach will discuss these standards with team members prior to the beginning of each season. Qualifying athletes will receive an athletic letter at their completion of their first varsity year in a particular sport. In subsequent years, service bars will be given for their completion of varsity participation that meets the set requirements. Students not lettering will receive a certificate of participation. The head coach has the right to take special circumstances into consideration when determining who will receive letters. Extenuating circumstances such as injuries, value to team without having opportunity to play in full capacity, violations of codes of conduct and guidelines etc. will be taken into account. Coaches, however, must provide documentation of these circumstances to the Athletic Director. General criteria are as follows:
1. The athlete must have completed entire season. Injuries may occur, but the athlete who remains committed and supportive of the team may receive a letter.
2. Athletic ineligibility during the season may disqualify an athlete from receiving a letter.
3. All equipment/uniforms must be turned in before a letter is issued.
4. Athletes accumulating more than five (5) detentions, receiving any ISS or OSS during a sports season will disqualify an athlete from receiving a letter.
14.8 Hazing Policy
Calvary has a policy that prohibits hazing that applies to all school activities including athletic teams. Hazing refers to prohibited acts committed for the purpose of initiation to belong to an athletic team, student organization, or student group. It is not a Defense that the person or group against whom the hazing was directed consented to the behavior in question.
Students who are victims of hazing, who have not committed acts of hazing on others involved in the incident they are reporting, and who report the activities to one of the schools administration, will not be charged with a violation of the hazing rule.
Students accused of violating the hazing policy will be subject to the schools administration and its ruling which could include dismissal from the team. Hazing is a violation of Georgia State Law (See Georgia Code, section 16-5-61) and could require the school to report the incident to the local authorities.
14.9 Guidelines for Parents
Parents are what truly make Calvary Day School and Calvary Athletics so special. We first and foremost thank you for entrusting your student-athlete to our school and coaching staff. Our goal is that parents understand the philosophy of our coaching staff. We desire clean communication between coaching staff, athletes and parents. One of the greatest gifts parents can give their son or daughter is to “release” them to the coach. Calvary Day School works hard to hire coaches that have a love for the Lord, young people, and their sport.
We want to produce the highest quality athletic program possible. This will require a lot of self discipline on the part of our athletes. Parents can play a tremendous role in this by helping your athlete follow what we believe is the cornerstone of achieving athletic success. When these guidelines are adhered to, our athletes become much more responsible, this produces stronger teams.
1. Be Positive: (Eliminate excuses)
2. Communicate clearly: (The player needs to deliver their own message to the coach)
3. Be Team Centered: (We, not me)
Please be conscious of comments directed toward referees, coaches, players, and the other teams. Let Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” be your guide. If a problem occurs with a spectator, (home, away or neutral site) inform the school administrator and allow them to deal with the situation. A game official or administrator has the authority to remove anyone from the confines of an athletic event for unsportsmanlike behavior. The school may also deny the privilege of attending future contests.
The Athletic Department request that parents, friends, ect. not come into the locker room areas, sit on the bench, or distract players during practice or game competition. Please do not approach coaches before, during, or immediately following games to express frustrations. Also, please allow the coaches time after the game to speak with their team without coming onto the fields/courts of play. You may make an appointment with the coach/athletic director (if appropriate) to discuss the issue at a more convenient time for both. Remember “Matthew 5 and Matthew 18” principles when problems arise. Deal with offenses and differences in the proper order to achieve reconciliation and restoration as quickly as possible.
Calvary parents have always been praised for their support and involvement in volunteering in athletics; we continually encourage every parent to be involved with the Calvary Athletic Association. The CAA is the main outside source of financial support for Calvary Athletics and has set a great precedent for our athletes, and coaches with furnishing needs to all our athletic programs.
15.0 Sports Medicine/Athletic Training
The Role of the Athletic Trainer:
The athletic trainer at Calvary Day School is provided by Memorial University Health Center. The athletic trainer is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and licensed by the state of Georgia to practice athletic training. An athletic trainer (ATC) is the member of the allied health community whose role is to care for and help prevent athletic-related injuries. Because of limitations of one athletic trainer providing coverage for 24 varsity and junior varsity sports there may or may not be an athletic trainer available for all sports contests. In any case, all other athletes are welcome to utilize athletic training services at the school during posted training room hours. If any athlete is injured during athletic participation, he/she must be evaluated by the athletic trainer. Services in the training room are rendered on a first-come-first-serve basis.
15.1 Physical Forms and Medical Release Forms:
It is the policy of the Calvary Athletic Department that any student participating in athletics must have a current physical on file. The Georgia High School Association has mandated that all physicals are completed on its established form. Any student athlete who does not have completed file including physical form, medical release, and permission to treat will not be allowed to participate in practice, conditioning/drills, try-outs, and/or competitions.
Pre-season rosters are checked and returned to the coaches prior to the start of the season. Anyone who is not cleared will not be allowed to participate.
15.2 Reporting Injuries to the Athletic Trainer:
All injuries should be reported to the athletic trainer for evaluation and treatment. If injury occurs when the athletic trainer is not available the coach and/or athlete should call the athletic trainer to alert him/her of the injury. Any injuries/illnesses resulting in seeing a physician must have a clearance note and be turned into the athletic trainer prior to returning to play. The note should list any restrictions, limitations, and/or guidelines for the athletic staff to follow.
Injury Reports for Coaches:
The athletic trainer will provide a daily injury report for the head coach of each sport. The report will discuss limitations, restrictions, as well as practice possibilities for the injured athlete. Injured athletes are not excused for missing practice unless determined by the athletic trainer or coach. Injured athletes should report for practice at normal time unless different arrangements have been made by the coach or athletic trainer. Therapy may be done during practice times at the discretion of the coach and the athletic trainer.
The athletic trainer can not report injuries to coaches if he/she does not know about them.
15.3 Treatment Services Available:
The athletic trainer is trained and knowledgeable in treating and providing therapy for athletic injuries. The number one goal of the athletic trainer is to prevent injuries; however, we recognize that participation in athletics may result in injuries. Services provided include but are not limited to evaluation, wound care, cold therapy, thermotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound and electrical stimulation, electrotherapy and rehabilitation exercises. These services are based on need and availability.
Taping will only be done for those who are evaluated by the athletic trainer and have orthopedic issues. Preventative taping will be performed as long as the athlete comes everyday for therapy. Athletes will not be taped for game days only. Our feeling is that athletes don't - and shouldn't - play harder in games than they do in practice. Therefore taping just for games is not an option. If an athlete needs to be taped, it will be because the certified athletic trainer have first assessed the athlete and decided upon the need. Sore muscles and joints are not necessarily unstable.
Treatments Hours and Appointments:
Athletic training services are provided in the Calvary Athletic Training Room. The athletic training room is open for treatments after school each day. Appointments for morning or lunch treatments must be scheduled in advance. Athletes who do not show for treatment or do not call should expect disciplinary action. This will be arranged between the athletic training staff and the coaching staff.
Athletic Training Room Rules:
1. Thou shall not interrupt the athletic trainer during the school day and ask them to administer athletic training services unless that service has been pre-arranged.
2. Thou shall sign in before utilizing any training room service (including getting ice). Thou should be careful when signing in to be sure the correct treatment is checked.
3. Thou shall not ask to be taped for games when not taped regularly for practice.
4. Thou shall show up for morning, afternoon and weekend injury treatments when they are scheduled. If thou do not show up, thou will risk losing all future athletic training room services for that injury.
5. Thou shall not bring food into the athletic training room.
6. Thou shall not loiter in the athletic training room.
7. Thou shall practice good hygiene if thou want to be treated.
8. Thou shall wear appropriate and modest dress when in the athletic training room. Underwear shall not be seen and cleats shall not be worn when inside the building.
9. Thou shall not go anywhere near the athletic trainers’ desks nor disturb any of the athletic trainers’ belongings.
10. Thou shall not enter the athletic training room unless the Certified Athletic Trainer has first unlocked the room and is present or nearby.
11. Thou shall not render any treatments (whirlpool or ultrasound) unless the Certified Athletic Trainer is present in the athletic training room.
12. Thou shall not take anything from the athletic training room (medications, coolers, equipment, etc.) without the consent of the Certified Athletic Trainer.
13. Thou shall respect everyone at all times.
15.4 Over the Counter Medications:
Consent form must be on file the nurse’s office and/or athletic trainer for any type of medication is dispensed. The athletic department strongly discourages athletes from carrying their own medication as this may result in liability issues if athlete gives medication to another student or takes medication in an inappropriate dosage or manner.
15.5 Physician Referrals:
The athletic trainer is responsible for discussing injuries with parents and providing them with appropriate medical care. The athletic trainer can assist in the referral process should an injury or illness warrant additional treatment and care. The athletic trainer does not select physicians for the athlete to see. This is the decision made by the parents and usually is determined by prior relationships with physicians or insurance referrals. If the athlete has no prior history with a treating physician, the athletic trainer will recommend the team physician as a possibility. Again this is the sole decision of the parents and should not be influenced by Calvary staff.
Any athlete who sees a physician for an injury sustained while participating in a sport or activity at school must present a signed physician release form to the athletic trainer. Any athlete who does not present a physician release to the athletic trainer will not be allowed to resume practice or participate in games.
15.6 Injury Reports and Insurance Filing:
ATC will complete injury reports on athletes when incidence occurs. In the case of the ATC not being at practice/game coaches should complete injury report providing all relevant information as much as possible.
Calvary insurance is filed as a secondary policy once the athlete’s primary insurance has paid. The filing of the secondary insurance is done by the school nurse. Co-pays, out-of network fees, and second opinions are not the responsibility of Calvary Athletic Department, Calvary Day School, and/or Calvary In Savannah. Claim forms are completed by the school nurse and athletic trainer.
Parents and/or guardians should bring bills to the nurse’s office at the school as soon as they are received. Bills received six months after visit are at the discretion of Calvary Administration.
15.7 Lightning and Heat Guidelines:
The athletic trainer makes recommendation to the coaching staff regarding alternating, suspending, or terminating practice times during inclement weather.
Lightning Guidelines
The athletic trainer makes a decision regarding storms based on the Doppler weather radar, lightning detector, and NOAA weather alert system. If the athletic trainer is not around it is the coach’s responsibility to monitor any approaching lightning storms. Use the flash-to-bang method of counting, which begins when you see the lightning flash and ends when you hear the respective thunder. When the count reaches thirty (30) or less, your team needs to be inside or seeking a safe shelter. Do not return outside until thirty (30) minutes AFTER the LAST lightning strike is seen within a six (6) mile radius (flash-to-bang = 30).
Heat Policy Guidelines
Purpose: To establish written guidelines which are to be utilized by athletic trainers, coaches, and administrators when determining how to safeguard student-athletes during very hot and/or humid weather.
Policy Statement: It shall be the policy of Calvary Day School to monitor wet bulb globe temperature and/or heat index during times of excessive heat and humidity and to subsequently make appropriate adjustments to practices to reduce exertional heat illnesses/injuries.
Definition of Terms:
1. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT): Calculated using the wet-bulb (wb), dry-bulb (db), and black-globe (bg) temperature with the following equation:
WBGT = 0.7Twb + 0.2Tbg + 0.1Tdb
2. Heat Index (HI): A function of temperature and relative humidity, the combination of which results in what the hot and humid air feels like to the average person
1. All decisions regarding practice modification should be made by or in conjunction with a certified athletic trainer (ATC) whenever possible. In the absence of an ATC, the athletic director will assume responsibility for making decisions regarding practice modifications in conjunction with the head coach of each sport.
2. Use the following methods/devices, as available and in combination, to determine the presence of heat/humidity that presents an inherent danger and to initiate changes in practices:
a. NOAA Weather Radio
b. Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer
c. Digital Sling Psychrometer
d. Local news, radio, and Internet weather reports
3. WBGT will be utilized as the primary measure of environmental heat stress. When WBGT is unavailable, HI will serve as the secondary measure and can be estimated through the use of a digital sling psychrometer.
4. Consider altering practices when WBGT reaches 85°F or higher or HI reaches 100°F or higher. Possible changes may include:
a. Conducting practices outside of the 11 a.m.-4 p.m. window
b. Limiting practice times to two hours or less
c. Decreasing work-to-rest ratios
d. Altering equipment requirements
e. Reducing or eliminating outdoor conditioning
f. Moving practices indoors
5. When WBGT is below 80°F or HI is below 95°F the following conditions are recommended:
a. Student-athletes (SAs) will have access to cool water at least every twenty minutes.
b. Work-to-rest ratio will be 60:10 for all sports.
6. When WBGT reaches 80°F or HI reaches 95°F the following conditions are recommended:
a. SAs will have access to cool water at least every twenty minutes.
b. Work-to-rest ratio will be 40:10 for football and 60:10 or 30:5 for all other sports.
c. Breaks should occur in shaded areas.
7. When WBGT reaches 83°F or HI reaches 100°F the following conditions are recommended:
a. SAs will have access to cool water at least every twenty minutes and will be allowed free access to water as needed.
b. Work to rest ratio will become 20:10 for football and 30:10 or 20:5 for all other sports.
c. Breaks should occur in shaded areas.
d. SAs shall be permitted to remove equipment during breaks.
8. When WBGT reaches 86°F or HI reaches 105°F the following conditions are recommended:
a. SAs will have water breaks at least every twenty minutes and will be allowed free access to water as needed.
b. Work-to-rest ratio will become 20:10 for all sports.
c. Breaks should occur in shaded areas.
d. SAs shall be permitted to remove equipment during breaks and football will be required to remove helmets during breaks.
e. Football may choose to reduce work-to-rest ratio to 15:10 and remain in full pads or will dress in shells with work-to-rest ratio of 20:10.
9. When WBGT reaches 88°F or HI reaches 110°F the following conditions are recommended:
a. SAs will have water breaks at least every twenty minutes and will be allowed free access to water as needed.
b. Work-to-rest ratio will become 20:10 for all sports.
c. Breaks should occur in shaded areas.
d. SAs shall be permitted to remove equipment during breaks and football will be required to remove helmets during breaks.
e. Football may choose to reduce work-to-rest ratio to 10:10 and remain in shells or will dress in helmets only with work-to-rest ratio of 20:10.
f. Conditioning: Remove all equipment. Work-to-rest ratio will be 10:10 with free access to water at all times. Consider eliminating conditioning.
10. When WBGT reaches 90°F or HI reaches 115°F the following conditions are recommended:
a. All outdoor practices will be conducted as walk throughs only and will be limited to thirty minutes in
duration.
b. SAs will be dressed in shorts and t-shirts only.
11. Special considerations should be given to SAs meeting any of the below criteria as they are at increased risk for exertional heat illness/injury. These SAs should be monitored very closely, will be allowed to access water as needed, and will be allowed more frequent rest breaks as needed. These criteria include:
a. Current or recent general medical illness
b. Recent history of heat illness
c. High Body Mass Index
d. Poor physical condition/untrained individuals
e. Lack of acclimatization to heat
f. Use of certain medications
g. Sickle cell trait
