Thomas Jefferson Middle School



Thomas Jefferson Middle School

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Intramural and Interscholastic Athletics Handbook

Thomas Jefferson Middle School

3500 Sally Kirk Road

Winston-Salem, N. C. 27106

Athletic Department

Office: (336) 774-4630

Guidance: (336) 774-4632

Athletic Director: Mrs. Snider; mcsnider@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Intramural Director: Mrs. Francis; ldfrancis@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Philosophy and Goals of Intramurals and Interscholastic Athletics

Philosophy of the Intramural and Interscholastic Athletic Program

(AR 6145.5)

The athletic program of a school is a valuable asset to the total education process. Therefore, the program must operate within the aims, objectives, and goals of the overall educational program. The athletic programs offered by the WS/FCS, including both intramural and interscholastic sports, will be offered to meet the needs and interests of the students. The program will help students to develop mentally, socially, physically and emotionally. A comprehensive intramural program will be an outgrowth of the physical education program while the interscholastic program could be an outgrowth of the intramural program. Varied programs with different, appropriate emphasis for different age groups will be provided. In the middle school, athletic participation will involve a large number of students with more emphasis on participation than on winning. Therefore, a complete and varied intramural program will be offered throughout the school. In order to meet the needs and interest of those students who desire additional activities, a limited interscholastic sports program should be made available.

Goals of Intramural and Interscholastic Athletics

• To provide activities which teach the values of cooperation as well as the spirit of competition.

• To offer opportunities which enhance self-concept and optimum development as an individual.

• To provide opportunities that develop pride, and interest in, and appreciation for the school.

• To provide opportunities for individuals to develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

• To teach self-discipline and good sportsmanship through athletic participation.

• To teach good health habits and safety techniques in all activities.

• To provide an incentive for students to attend school regularly and to earn passing grades.

Eligibility Requirements for Intramural and Interscholastic Athletics

Interscholastic Sports

The responsibility of educating and guiding student athletes in the regulations governing interscholastic athletic eligibility shall rest with the administration of each school. Student athletes and parents share the responsibility to see that the interscholastic athletic regulations are followed. Seventh and eighth grade students who meet the eligibility requirements listed below can try out for a school team.

Athletic Participation Requirements

These are state requirements are non-negotiable.

Student Requirements for Interscholastic Participation:

1. Shall be properly assigned to a school by the local education agency.

2. Must be present for the day to participate in practices or games.

3. Shall not be absent more than 10 days of the previous semester at an approved school, unless granted a hardship waiver. (Must see Athletic Director for Waiver form).

4. Shall meet state and local promotion standards.

5. May not have more than one failing mark in the most current 2 quarters of school.

6. Shall not participate on a seventh or eighth grade team if he/she becomes 15 years of age on or before October 16 of said school year.

7. Have a medical examination by a physician licensed to practice medicine. Physicals are valid for one year. The physical must be turned in to the Athletic Director three days prior to the tryout period. (Physical Form can be downloaded from school’s website).

8. Shall be an amateur.

9. Should have proper insurance coverage. This coverage may be through a school plan, individual family plan, or family coverage through a company plan.

10. Shall not be guilty of misconduct.

** If a student does not qualify academically, (student cannot make more than one F in any course, and he/she must have a 1.75 grade point average) the student shall be placed on academic probation the next nine-week grading period. Academic probation means the student must attend a tutorial program offered at TJMS once a week for a minimum of one hour. The student on academic probation must attend a tutorial session once a week with a teacher on his/her team, and the teacher MUST SIGN the student’s agenda and date the attended session every week. More than one absence from tutorial sessions will cause the student to be ineligible to participate per nine weeks. A student is INELIGIBLE if he/she makes an F in two consecutive quarters, even if they have attended tutorial sessions. Examples are: If a student makes one F or more, or does not have a 1.75 GPA during second

quarter, he/she must attend tutorial during third quarter every week in order to be eligible to try out for winter/spring track and/or soccer. If a student makes an F second quarter and is on the basketball team, he/she will have to attend

tutorial third quarter to remain eligible for basketball. (Policy 6145). A student

shall not miss more than ten days in a semester, or they will be ineligible for the next quarter. A student can submit a waiver if they have missed more than ten days due to illness, injury, family problems, etc. Waivers must be turned in to the Athletic Director. (Must see Athletic Director for Waiver form.)

*** If tryouts are missed due to poor grades or an underachieved grade point average, you are INELIBLE to compete the next quarter, even if grades are acceptable for the following quarter. (No tryout, no participation!)

Student Requirements for Intramural Participation:

1. Must pass all courses and earn a 1.75 GPA.**

2. Shall not be absent more than 10 days in a semester, unless granted a hardship waiver. (Must see Athletic Director for Waiver form.)

3. Must turn in an intramural permission form signed by the parent/guardian. (See Appendix A)

** Any student that moves into our district from out of town, can still tryout for an interscholastic team at any time during the season, as long as they are eligible with their grades, attendance, have an updated physical, and have their insurance information. During track season, the athlete will have to participate in over half or the meets in order to be eligible for the City County meet.

Intramural Program

Thomas Jefferson Middle School has a wonderful after-school intramural program with a staff of energetic teachers who will be offering a variety of activities. In case you are not familiar with an “intramural program”, it is an after-school event offered to all students who return the parent/guardian permission form signed and have a 1.75 GPA and have passed all classes. A variety of activities will be offered for the students who choose to participate. Activities usually include such sports as volleyball, basketball, bowling, golf, flag football, soccer, and tennis. Some days may be limited to certain groups because of the number of participants, so be sure your child checks the intramural calendar before making arrangements to stay after school. Intramural calendars will be sent home monthly in teampacks.

We feel it is a privilege for students to be allowed to participate in the after-school intramural program. Teamwork and good sportsmanship are two principles that are heavily stressed in the program. Therefore, we do have expectations on students demonstrating the proper behavior.

PLEASE read the following guidelines carefully so that you and your child may understand the expectations set by the intramural staff.

Poor attitudes, arguing with staff, profanity and fighting will not be tolerated. We understand that as individuals get “caught up” in playing games, sometimes tempers will show. Participants will receive a warning if a staff member feels their behavior is unacceptable. Depending on the situation, the staff member may direct the student to take a “time-out” to cool off in hopes that the student may regain his/her control. If the student continues with unacceptable behavior, he/she will be suspended from participating in after-school Intramurals for an amount of time which will be decided by the intramural staff based on the incident, and a discipline referral will be submitted to the office. In the case of extreme misbehavior such as arguing with a staff member or fighting with another student, he/she will be referred to the office, he/she may be removed from intramurals for the entire year, which may prevent the student from participating on any interscholastic athletic team.

We feel that competition is a positive component as long as it is in a controlled environment. It is important for our children to learn how to participate in games and activities to benefit positively from them. We do not foresee having any of the above problems, however, if the event arises, action will be taken.

After reading the guidelines, please discuss the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship with your son or daughter. Then, sign and return the Intramural contract and permission form to the Intramural Director. Students will not be allowed to participate until this sheet has been signed by the parent/guardian and returned. Students must also meet the academic eligibility requirements of passing all classes and having a minimum of a 1.75 GPA. Students not meeting the academic requirement, may attend tutoring once a week to remain eligible. The student must meet the requirements to be eligible the following quarter. (See the Intramural Participation Requirements).

Interscholastic Athletics

Middle School Interscholastic Athletics currently offers four spots for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students who want to pursue a higher level of skill, ability, and competition. Cheerleading is an activity that Thomas Jefferson Middle School has decided to offer in addition to the county athletic offerings. All students trying out must meet the Athletic Participation Requirements to be eligible.

Fall Sports:

6th/7th/8th grade combined Boys Soccer

6th/7th/8th grade combined Boys Baseball

6th/7th/8th grade combined Girls Softball

Late Fall

6th/7th/8th grade Boys & Girls Golf

6th/7th/8th grade Boys & Girls Cross Country (Non Cut Team)

6th/7th/8th grade combined Girls Volleyball

6th/7th/8th grade combined Boys Volleyball

6th/ 7th/8th grade Cheerleading

Winter

Girls JV Basketball (6th & 7th)

Boys JV Basketball (6th & 7th)

Girls Varsity Basketball (7th & 8th)

Boys Varsity Basketball (7th & 8th)

Spring

6th/7th/8th grade combined Girls Track

6th/7th/8th grade combined Boys Track

6th/7th/8th grade combined Girls Soccer

6th/7th/8th grade combined Boys & Girls Tennis

The purpose of the interscholastic sports program is to offer a higher level of competition and skill to students interested in trying out. Ideally, the program seeks to provide opportunities for young people to display their athletic abilities and positive sportsmanship in a competitive setting. The athletic program helps students mature physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. We believe that a quality athletic program contributes to the entire educational experience a child receives while at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Students not making the interscholastic teams are encouraged to pursue participation in intramurals or recreationally.

Game dates and times will be sent home on the Intramural Calendars monthly. Cost of admission to Basketball and Volleyball games will be $3.00

Tryouts

All students eligible to tryout must have: a current physical and insurance information turned into the Athletic Director prior to the tryout period. Forms must be updated EACH SCHOOL YEAR and turned in one time per year. No faxed physical or insurance information will be accepted. Incomplete packets will not be accepted. Please only turn packets in to MRS. SNIDER. Students not meeting the academic requirement of a 1.75 GPA and a passing grade in all classes, must attend tutorial once a week to be eligible. The student must meet the requirements at the end of the quarter or be ineligible the following nine weeks.

• A minimum of two days will be allotted for all students to try out, unless weather or other conditions arise. These exceptions will be made only by the Athletic Director. Tryout dates will be posted in advance, and are subject to change. Students scheduled for in-school suspension or after-school detention are ineligible on that particular day, these assignments will not be rescheduled to accommodate students wanting to tryout.

• Students must be marked present at school (meaning the student must be in school at least half the school day) in order to participate in or attend tryouts. A student who is absent on a day of tryouts, will be allowed to tryout on an alternate date if they have a lawful absence. For a list of excused absences, refer to WS/FCS policy.

• Students who cannot attend their tryout days due to illness or traveling cannot make up tryouts unless this has been arranged with BOTH the coach and athletic director.

Coaches must use a checklist or another form of documentation on which he/she bases the decision of choosing players. The selection of players is based on fundamental skills and the application of these skills within game settings. Students trying out should be aware of how the coach is assessing skills during tryouts.

• No cuts will be made after one day. All students trying out will be afforded two scheduled days of tryouts. The only exception to this will be during basketball season, when it may be necessary to hold a longer tryout for each grade level, rather than combining grade levels, due to large numbers of students trying out. This allows each student to be evaluated fairly buy a group of trained coaches. Students who choose not to attend the second day of tryouts must understand they will be evaluated on the one day they chose to attend. At the coach’s discretion, a third day of tryouts may be used when a large number of students are trying out or for other reasons as approved by the Athletic Director. The third tryout day will fall on the first day of scheduled practice.

• The Head Coach of each sport along with a team of evaluators will assist in the selection of the team. There are a limited number of participants in each sport. The volleyball and basketball teams will select 12-15 participants to be on the team. Soccer will have 15-25 players. Track teams will have a maximum of 30 participants. Basketball will have no more than 12 per team. Tennis will have no more than 10 per team. Golf will only have 4 players per team. Coaches may choose to select alternate players who will practice with the team and move up to the main squad if a chosen player becomes ineligible. Practice players are not put on the court during competition.

• The athletic director will check eligibility and attendance each quarter.

• The team roster will be posted 24 hours after the second day of tryouts for interscholastic teams or practice sessions on the team website.

• Practices AND tryouts are closed to parents. Parents must wait in their cars and will not be allowed in the building or in sights view of the tryout.

Practice Sessions

• Practices will be held Tuesday – Friday from 2:15 – 3:30 p.m. During the volleyball and basketball seasons, an early/late schedule will be used to allow all teams the opportunity to practice. Early practices will be held

2:15 – 3:45 p.m. and late practices from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

• Coaches are expected to provide worth while practice sessions which involve all players. Players and managers must be supervised the entire time until they leave campus. On early/late practice sessions, the late practice must have a 45 minute study session in which students work on homework, receive tutoring, or read without interruption. The remainder of the time can be spent at the coach’s discretion, but must be supervised. The head coach will remain with the team during the early practice session if they have late practice, unless otherwise approved by the Athletic Director.

• Students must be marked present at school in order to attend practice sessions. Students scheduled in in-school suspension or after-school detention may not practice on their assigned days.

• When staying after school, the teacher’s lounge is off limits to students. Students may visit the concession stand for snacks if it is open.

• Practices must be called off 24 hours in advance or before 12 p.m. Players should be contacted at home the night before when applicable. The Athletic Director must be notified first if practice has to be canceled.

• Weather may affect the practice and game schedule. These decisions will be made by the Athletic Director and Administration.

• Practices and contests will be canceled when school closes early due to bad weather.

• Practices and contests will be canceled by 12:00 p.m. when the outside temperature reaches or exceeds 90 degrees, according to local weather forecasts.

• When practices or games are canceled, athletes must use the payphone during their lunch period or other non-instructional times. After school, the phone in the gym may be used with the coach’s supervision. Classes will not be interrupted. The phone in the main office should not be used.

Thomas Jefferson Middle School

Athletic Code of Ethics

At Thomas Jefferson Middle School, we believe that our players are students first and athletes second. We want our student-athletes to be representatives of our commitment to excellence both on and off the playing fields.

A student-athlete at Thomas Jefferson Middle School is held to a high set of standards with regard to academics and behavior. We expect our players to be successful in the classroom and to conduct themselves in a responsible manner.

In addition to the expectations of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, all student-athletes must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Student-athletes must also abide by the school rules and policies of Thomas Jefferson Middle School and the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System. The rules and policies of Thomas Jefferson Middle School and the school system are in effect as long as students are under the supervision of staff, during the school day, at practices and games, and on the bus.

Failure to abide by the above regulations may result in suspension or dismissal from the team. Decisions to suspend or remove players will involve coaches and possibly the athletic director and administrators.

We believe that participation in interscholastic sports can positively influence a young person’s life. Our Athletic Department is committed to providing a quality athletic program to be that influential factor.

_______________________ ______________________

Intramural Director Athletic Director

_____________________

Principal

11

Transportation

• Students who have their own transportation must be picked up in the front of the school within 15 minutes of last activity. Parents should plan on picking students up promptly at the end of practice.

• On game days, athletes and spectators must be picked up by 4:30 or within 15 minutes of the games end.

• The Activity Bus will run on game days and after early practice sessions Monday-Thursday. Refer to the Activity Bus Stop List.

• Spectators are not provided transportation by the school.

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Spectators

• Spectators will only be supervised at athletic and intramural events. Students who leave campus during these events will not be allowed to return.

• Students who are scheduled for after-school detention, in-school suspension, or out-of-school suspension, will not be allowed to participate in or attend intramural or athletic events.

• Candy, food, and drinks are not allowed in the gymnasium.

Expectations of Participants

Expectations of Student Participants

• Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing the school and community; display positive public actions at all times.

• Live up to high standards of sportsmanship established by coaches and directors.

• Treat teammates and opponents with respect.

• Respect the judgment of officials and abide by the rules of the contest.

• Cooperate with officials, coaches, directors, and participants to conduct a fair contest.

Expectations of Coaches:

• Always set a good example for participants and fans to follow, exemplifying the highest moral and ethical behavior.

• Instruct participants in proper sportsmanship responsibilities and demand that they make sportsmanship and ethics the number one priority.

• Respect the judgment of officials and abide by the rules of the event.

• Treat opposing players, coaches, directors, and fans with respect.

• Develop and endorse penalties for participants who do not abide by sportsmanship standards.

Expectations of Directors and Administrators:

• Provide appropriate personnel for each interscholastic event.

• Support participants, coaches, directors, fans, and spectators who teach and display good sportsmanship.

• Recognize exemplary behavior and actively discourage undesirable conduct by participants, coaches, and fans.

• Attend events whenever possible.

Expectations of students, parents and fans:

• Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every manner possible.

• Respect fans, coaches, directors, and participants.

• Know the rules and strategies of the contest in order to be a knowledgeable spectator.

Weather Considerations

&

Emergency Plans

MEMO

WINSTON-SALEM FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS

Po Box 2513, Winston-Salem, NC 27102-2513

Marty Stanley, Program Manger for Athletics

To: High School Principals

Middle School Principals

Athletic Directors

All Coaches and Trainers

From: Marty Stanley

Date: August 9, 2005

Re: Procedure for Special Days/Weather Conditions

1. Professional Days

All practices, games and/or student activities scheduled for protected professional days should not begin until 3:45 pm. These should be scheduled during the morning hours on those protected professional days which begin at 1:00 pm. All practices, games and/or student activities scheduled for all other professional days should not begin before the end of the workday.

2. Schools Closed During Regular Schedule Due to Weather Conditions.

HEAT CONDITIONS:All Outdoor Activities (practices and games) that day are postponed until 5:00 pm when the temperature is projected to be 90 or above. At that time, it will be the responsibility of each school to measure the temperature/humidity at their respective sites. They then may proceed following very closely the steps outlined for this situation. (See next page). Trainers should record the measurements for the day.

Note: An email will be sent from the City/County AD to all high school and middle school AD’s regarding postponement of activities.

If students are dismissed early due to cold weather conditions (ice and/or snow), all activities (practices, games, meeting, etc.) will be cancelled.

If schools are closed to students due to cold weather conditions before school begins, all practices, games and/or student activities will be cancelled. The Superintendent or his designee can authorize practice or games for special circumstances.

3. Pre-school opening practice/games will follow the same procedures as #2, including morning practices which must be completed by 12 Noon on Heat Restriction Days.

4. TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY CHART GUIDELINES ARE LOCATED ON THE NEXT PAGE.

TEMPERATURE / HUMIDITY CHART

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School

2005-06

Procedures to be followed when determining the need to cancel or limit practice sessions due to hot weather.

It will be the responsibility of each principal, or his/her designee, to measure the temperature/humidity at his/her respective site when the climate is questionable.

Temperature + Humidity

Combination

150. Observe those athletes susceptible to heat illness, especially those obese.

162. All athletes should be under constant and

careful supervision. Breaks every 25 minutes.

Fluid replacement is important.

169. A shortened program (max. 1 hour) conducted in

shorts and t-shirts (no helmets). Additional fluid

replacement breaks are necessary.

Combination of temperature and humidity 170 and over, no practice.

Revised July 2003

WS/FC Schools Lightning Guidelines

Lightning is the number one weather killer each year in the U.S. North Carolina ranks second behind Florida in lightning fatalities each year.

The National Weather Service states that lightning can strike up to a distance of 10 miles with the average storm traveling at a rate of 25 miles per hour. Thunder can be heard over a distance of 10 miles depending on the humidity, terrain, and other factors. Therefore, if you can hear thunder you are in immediate danger.

Guidelines for Follow:

1. When thunder and/or lightning can be heard or seen STOP ALL ACTIVITIES IMMEDIATELY and SEEK SAFE SHELTER. If no safe shelter is within a reasonable distance crouch in a thick grove of small trees surrounded by taller trees or a dry ditch. Assume a crouched position by placing our hands/arms around your knees and lower your head. Minimize your contact with the ground because lightning current often enters a victim through the ground rather than a direct overhead strike. Minimize our body’s surface and minimize contact with the ground! DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND!!!

2. In situations where thunder and/or lightning may or may not be present and you feel our hair stand on end and skin tingle, immediately assume the crouched position described above. DO NOT LIE FLAT!

3. Once it has been determined that lightning strike is impending, play should not be resumed for a minimum of 30 minutes. At 15 minutes intervals, assessment of the proximity of the storm should be made by radio/TV monitoring, assessing the sound of thunder to assure no storm is within six miles and new storms are approaching or have developed. CONTINUE THIS PROCESS UNTIL IT IS FELT SAFE TO RETURN TO THE ACTIVITY.

4. The safety of the spectator is also a concern of the administration. Once play has been discontinued as a result of severe weather the following announcement should be made for the spectators. “The game has been suspended due to severe weather. The administration here at (the host school) strongly urges you to seek shelter until the game is either cancelled or resumed.” The announcement should be made several times to ensure the safety of the spectators.

5. The Home School Administrator in charge will have the authority to discontinue play until a safe environment is restored. Athletic trainers and coaches when a situation arises where either of the above mentioned parties feels the athletes are in danger he/she shall call the officials, visiting team head coach, trainer, and visiting administrator in charge and express their concerns regarding the weather. The safe environment will not be compromised as a result of concerns for time or travel. The WS/FC School system feels the safety of student athletes is of the utmost importance.

Emergency Plan for Intramurals or Interscholastic Athletics

In case of any emergency, we will use the following procedures:

The School Resource Officer (SRO) will contact the Principal or Assistant Principal to notify them of the situation. The Principal or SRO will communicate with 911, depending on the situation. The Athletic Director or Intramural Director will assist in case of an administrator’s absence.

If indoors: In the event of a fire or fire alarm, the crowd and teams will

be instructed to exit the building. A tornado alarm will

require the use of the locker rooms and hallways.

In the event of a serious injury, emergency vehicles can pull up

to the front of the school or access the gym from the field

area. Contact parents immediately.

If outdoors: When lightning and/or thunder can be seen or heard, all

activities will stop immediately. Players and spectators will

be instructed to seek shelter. If there is no safe shelter,

individuals should assume a crouched position in a ditch or

in an area of small trees surrounded by taller trees. The

weather will be assessed by the school administration and

athletic director in 15 minute intervals, with the assistance

of radio/TV.

In the event of a tornado, seek shelter immediately. A

tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for a

tornado. A tornado warning means a tornado has been

spotted. In either case, play will stop. If you can get

inside, crouch in interior corridors away from windows. The

gym is not designated a safe shelter in tornadoes. If safe

shelter is not close by, lie flat in a ditch or another low-

lying area covering your head for protection.

In the event of a serious injury outdoors, emergency vehicle

can access the field area by the grass area next to the exit

driveway in front of the school. An alternate route is the

bus parking lot which leads out onto the track. Contact

parents immediately.

If a situation occurs involving a fight or weapon, the SRO and School Administration will handle the involved parties, coaches will escort their teams into the locker rooms, and the crowd will be escorted out of the building or off of the field, if necessary.

Appendixes

Appendix A

Intramural Permission Form

Thomas Jefferson Middle School

Intramural Contract

I, ________________________________________ realize the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork and I will demonstrate these qualities in the intramural program. I understand the guidelines and requirements I must meet in order to participate.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Permission Form

The written permission of a student’s parent/guardian is required for participation in intramural athletics. In addition, the school system requires that the parents assume financial responsibility for all medical and hospital bills incurred as a result of an accidental injury their child sustains while involved in the program because intramurals do involve some risk of physical injury to the child. Parents should be aware of these risks before granting a child permission to participate.

I grant my son/daughter, ______________________________________ permission to participate in intramural athletics at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, in grade __________ (Homeroom: ______________________).

I certify that my son/daughter has no known medical or physical condition which might make participation in intramural athletics detrimental or hazardous to his/her health with the possible exception of: (please list and describe)

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

If my son/daughter suffers an accidental injury while participating in intramural athletics, I agree to pay all his/her medical and hospital bills. I also grant permission for school officials to obtain necessary medical treatment for my son/daughter in an emergency when I cannot be contacted. I understand that reasonable efforts will be made to contact me prior to treatment.

__________________________ ___________________ _____________

Parent/Guardian Signature Home Telephone Date

___________________________________

___________________________________ ___________________

Address Work Telephone

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