ROBINSON RAMS GIRLS BASKETBALL 2013-2014
Parent/Player Contract and Team Participation Policy
PHILOSOPHY:
Representing James W. Robinson Secondary School as a student-athlete is a privilege that demands a tremendous
amount of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. This privilege is reserved for the few who possess the courage to
set high athletic and academic goals and the drive to relentlessly pursue those goals.
Our goal is to build and maintain a disciplined and highly competitive basketball program while having fun in the
process. These goals will be accomplished by unifying unselfish athletes who are in excellent physical condition,
fundamentally sound, and who have a love for the game. We trust that team work, commitment, respect,
responsibility, integrity, and sportsmanship will be learned, supported and valued.
Accordingly, your conduct and character must be exemplary at all times, on and off the court. As student-athletes,
you will be held to higher standards and we expect you to respect the privilege of team membership. You will be
expected to adhere to the “B” FACTORS (attached). These tenets outline the philosophy of our program.
STUDENT-ATHLETE CONDUCT - SPORTSMANSHIP:
1.
Athletes shall be gracious in defeat and humble in victory.
2.
Athletes shall not lose their temper or use profanity.
3.
If an athlete is suspended from school for misconduct, she is ineligible to practice or play during that
suspension period. When she returns to school, she may also return to practice. However, she may
return to play only when the coach is satisfied that her conduct merits the privilege.
4.
If an athlete’s behavior is deemed unacceptable, she may practice, but may not play until that behavior
improves.
5.
Sportsmanship is a priority. We cheer positively. We do not talk to or at spectators, officials, or our
opponents. We take care of the things we have control over. Any inappropriate remark or gesture to a
game official during or after a contest will result in suspension or dismissal.
6.
An athlete may be suspended or dismissed from the team for conduct detrimental to the team or
program.
7.
Athletes ejected from a game for misconduct will be suspended for at least one game. A second ejection
will result in suspension for at least 2 games. Fighting is a 2 game suspension for the first offense, and a
4 game suspension for the second offense, as per VHSL regulations.
8.
We understand that tradition is important. However, the “initiation” tradition of HAZING will not be
tolerated! Hazing includes but is not limited to acts committed against a student or when a student is
coerced into committing an act that creates an unreasonable risk of harm or an unreasonable level of
embarrassment to the student in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a team.
PARENT CONDUCT - SPORTSMANSHIP:
1.
Parental support is a critical component of our program. You can greatly influence “team unity” by the
examples you set, good or bad. Lead by setting a good example in sportsmanship.
2.
Look for positives; avoid ridicule or sarcasm.
3.
Cheer loudly and often at all times in a positive manner.
4.
GET INVOLVED! Join the boosters. Volunteers are needed for concessions, timers, scorers, video
technicians, etc.
5.
Resist the temptation to coach from the bleachers.
6.
Parents must entrust all basketball decisions to the coaches.
7.
Coaches will confer with parents about (a) any mental and/or physical mistreatment of your daughter,
(b) ways to help your daughter improve and (c) the behavior of your daughter.
8.
Coaches will not confer with parents about (a) playing time, (b) coaching style or strategies and (c)
other players; unless physical or mental abuse is an issue involving that player.
ACADEMICS:
To remain eligible you must:
1.
have passed 5 credit subjects the preceding semester.
2.
be enrolled in at least 5 new credit subjects. Improvement of grade classes do not count in the total.
TIME MANAGEMENT:
Academics and Athletics will consume the majority of your time during the season. There are no excuses for not
doing your best in the classroom as well as on the court. Homework is not an excuse for missing practice.
Planning for homework assignments or school projects is critical. You must manage your time carefully. We
understand that social life is important to teenagers, but it must be a lesser priority than academics and your team.
Missing a game or practice for a social event is not acceptable, and severe consequences will result.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
The following documents must be completed and submitted no later than Oct. 25, 2013. You may not
participate in preseason workouts or tryouts without a completed physical on file.
1.
VHSL Athletic Participation/Parent Consent/Physical Exam signed by physician May 1, 2013 or later
2.
Current Emergency Medical Authorization Form
3.
Signature Sheet from FCPS Participation Policy
4.
Parent/Player Contract and Team Participation Policy
5.
Parents and player must complete online Concussion Education Course
http://www.fcps.edu/supt/activities/atp/health/concussion/ceov_program.shtml
TRYOUTS (CLOSED TO SPECTATORS):
1.
Tryouts will begin Monday, Nov. 11, tentatively from 2:45 – 5:00 for JV and Varsity, 4:45 – 7:00 for
Freshmen, and may continue through Friday, Nov. 15. All freshmen will tryout together the first day.
Selected freshmen may be moved on subsequent days for evaluation with the JV and Varsity candidates.
2.
All athletes are expected to attend all tryouts. Absences for any reason are counter-productive.
However, legitimate excuses will be evaluated on an individual basis.
3.
Athletes should wear basketball shoes, athletic shorts, and a white or blue T-shirt. No jewelry, including
jewelry covered with tape or bandages.
4.
Athletes will be evaluated on athletic abilities such as conditioning, speed, agility, basketball skills such
as ball handling, defense, shooting, and rebounding, as well as intangibles such as attitude, potential,
hustle, court presence, coachability, etc.
5.
We will select a freshman, junior varsity and varsity team. Each team usually rosters between 12 - 13
players. Team selection may be made after a minimum of three tryouts sessions. First cuts may be made
as early as the end of the third tryout day. Player decisions will be handled personally and privately.
ATTENDANCE:
1.
Attendance at practices and games are mandatory. Unless sick, athletes are expected to attend all
practices and games. Other than unexpected emergencies, exceptions must be prearranged and cleared
with the coach.
2.
Excessive absences may result in suspension from the team for a number of games, or after warning,
expulsion from the team.
PRACTICES (CLOSED TO SPECTATORS):
1.
All teams will normally practice and/or play Monday through Saturday, including over the Winter
Holidays. Varsity players are expected to attend all practices and tournaments during school
holidays.
2.
Athletes should be dressed and ready to go at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of practice.
Athletes who are habitually late for practice will not be eligible to play.
3.
Tentative practice schedule: Weekdays: 3:00 – 5:00 or 5:00 – 7:00
Saturdays: 8:00 – 10:00 or 10:00 – 12:00
GAMES:
1.
There is no guaranteed or minimum amount of playing time at any level. Playing time is left to the
coach’s discretion.
2.
Normally, regular season games are played on Tuesday and Friday nights.
Games will normally start at 4:00, 5:45 and 7:30 p.m., Freshman, JV and Varsity respectively.
3.
The varsity team will compete in the Pohanka Holiday Classic at Chantilly High School during the
December Holiday break.
4.
Home games - athletes must be in the team room dressed and ready to play at least one hour prior to the
game’s start time.
5.
Away games – buses will normally leave Robinson at the following times:
Freshman & Junior Varsity
2:30 p.m. (Both teams will ride to and from games together)
Varsity
5:30 p.m.
6.
Away games - All athletes must ride the team bus to and from the games. Any athlete missing the bus to
the game will not be allowed to play in that game.
7.
Uniforms and warm-ups are to be worn for games only.
8.
After the game, go directly to the locker room. Do not stop and hang around with fans/spectators. Never
return to the gym area before changing out of your uniform, unless it’s for a media interview.
DRUG/ALCOHOL/TOBACCO POLICY:
Athletes must abstain from the use, possession, consumption or smoking of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages
and illegal drugs or other controlled substances at all times…while on and off school grounds…at school and nonschool activities…during, before and after school hours. Violation of this expectation will result in the immediate
suspension of the offending athlete from the team. This vital issue is a top priority in our program. We are
promoting a healthy lifestyle.
PRE-SEASON CONDITIONING:
Athletes are responsible for being physically fit for the strenuous activity required during tryouts. Preseason
conditioning and skill workouts will begin Aug. 27, and continue 2 to 3 times a week. from 2:30 – 4:00 unless
notified otherwise. The last session will conclude on Thursday, October 31, 2013.
UNIFORMS, PRACTICE AND TRAVEL GEAR:
1.
Game uniforms and warm-ups are purchased by the school and issued to all players. These items will be
turned in at the end of the season. DO NOT DRY CLEAN UNIFORMS. WASH IN COLD WATER INSIDE OUT! HANG DRY; DO NOT USE THE DRYER!
2.
Excessive damage to or loss of uniforms will require reimbursement to the athletic department.
Replacement cost is determined at one and a half times the original cost per item.
3.
Athletes will purchase individual practice and travel gear and retain it as their own personal property.
The wearing of approved practice gear is mandatory at every practice and scrimmage.
4.
The wearing of jewelry during tryouts, practices and games is prohibited. This includes jewelry covered
by tape or bandages.
5.
Purchased items will consist of practice shorts and reversible jersey. Spirit packs are optional and may
include a travel warm-up, travel bag, t-shirt, etc. The approximate cost will be $150.
6.
Athletes will be expected to have one pair of basketball shoes to be used only during practice and
games. Athletes should never wear their basketball shoes outdoors. Basketball shoes should be primarily
white or royal in color with royal, gold or white trim or highlights. This year the varsity team is
exploring the possibility of a team shoe.
INSURANCE:
1.
Students must possess family insurance or purchase school insurance to participate in athletics.
HEALTH MANAGEMENT:
1.
Whenever an athlete is in need of medical treatment, she should see the athletic trainer. The decision as to
whether an athlete participates in practice or a game is a medical decision and will be made by a trainer or
doctor. Their decision is final.
2.
If an athlete sees a doctor who withholds her from participation, that athlete may only return to normal
status upon receipt of written permission from the doctor.
3.
DO NOT SHARE DRINKING BOTTLES! This is one of the easiest ways to transmit germs. We
have experienced several cases of Mono in the past.
LETTERING/AWARDS:
1.
Varsity members who complete the season in good standing are eligible to receive a Letter. Good
standing standards include but are not limited to; having demonstrated a positive attitude in all practice
and game situations, satisfactory attendance, and adhering to school and team rules.
2.
Junior varsity, freshmen team players, and managers are subject to the above standards and are eligible
to receive a Certificate of Participation.
CONCLUSION:
James W. Robinson Secondary School, Fairfax County, Concorde District, Northern Region, and Virginia High
School League rules shall apply in all cases to issues and events which arise and are not covered in this policy
statement. The coaches and administration reserve the right to make decisions regarding any situations that arise
which are not covered in this policy statement.
TJ Dade
Head Coach
ROBINSON RAMS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
2013-2014 SEASON
PARENT/PLAYER CONTRACT and TEAM PARTICIPATION POLICY
I AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OUTLINED IN THE
ROBINSON RAMS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PARENT/PLAYER CONTRACT and TEAM
PARTICIPATION POLICY.
(Keep the contract and return this page only to Coach Dade no
later than October 25, 2013)
Parent
Signature
Date
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Parent
Signature
Date
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Athlete
Signature
Date
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