Parent/Coach Communication Guide
Introduction
We are pleased that your son/daughter has chosen to participate in the interscholastic athletic
program of the Chardon Local School District. A goal of the athletic department is to provide
our student athletes with the best environment in which their sport experience may be as
rewarding as possible. We believe that this goal may not be realized without appropriate lines of
communication available to all parties involved. This “Communication Guide” has been
developed to help coaches, parents, administrators and student athletes communicate more
effectively.
Communication You Should Expect From The Coach
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Philosophy of the coach.
Expectations the coach may have for your child and the team.
Location and times of all practices and contests.
Team requirements i.e. fees, special equipment, eligibility, attendance, off-season
conditioning, etc.
Procedures to follow should your child become injured during participation.
Athletic Code of Behavior policy and any additional rules that may affect your child’s
participation.
Requirements to earn a letter.
Disposition of lost/outstanding equipment at the end of the season.
Communication The Coach Should Expect From Parents And Athletes
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Concerns expressed directly to the coach first.
Notification of schedule conflicts well in advance.
Special needs of the athlete i.e. physical limitations that may not be obvious to the coach.
Appropriate Concerns To Discuss With The Coach
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The treatment of your child mentally and physically.
Ways to help your child improve.
Concerns about your child’s behavior.
As your child becomes involved in the various athletic programs of the Chardon Local School
District, it is our hope that he/she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of
his/her life. It is important to understand that things may not always go as you or your child
wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach may be desirable (in fact is encouraged) to
clear up the issue and avoid any misunderstanding.
Areas Not Appropriate To Discuss With The Coach
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Playing Time/Position Assignment
Team Strategy/Play Calling
Matters concerning other student athletes
Many aspects of the highly emotional and dynamic setting of interscholastic athletics are often
questioned. These may include decisions made by coaches, administration, officials, athletes,
parents, and fans. As you have seen from the previous list, certain concerns can be and should
be discussed with your child’s coach. Other items must be left to the discretion of the coach.
Our coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be
best for all student athletes under the circumstances present.
Procedure To Follow If You Have A Concern To Discuss With The Coach
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and parent. Such a
meeting is encouraged when necessary. It is important that both parties have a clear
understanding of the other person’s position. Each should be willing to listen. The following
procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution of the issue.
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Contact the coach to set up an appointment.
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If the coach cannot be reached after a reasonable period of time, call the High School
Athletic Director or Middle School Athletic Director. An appointment with the coach will
be arranged for you.
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Important… Please do not confront a coach before or after a contest or practice session.
These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature
do not promote resolution and in fact often escalate the issue.
The Next Step
What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution?
Although total agreement may not always be reached, most often such a meeting does afford the
opportunity for productive discussion and better understanding. If the parent desires further
communication, please call the High School Athletic Director or the Middle School Athletic
Director to discuss the situation. The appropriate next step will be determined.
Chain of Command
The Chardon Local School District in conjunction with its’ Athletic Department follows the
chain of command listed below. We ask that you observe the order of this line if you elect to
pursue any concern you may have with regard to the Athletic Program.
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1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
Assistant Coach (if applicable)
Head Coach
High School Athletic Director or Middle School Athletic Director
Building Principal
Superintendent
Board of Education
We hope that the information provided in this “Communication Guide” will help you and your
child to have a rewarding athletic experience.
Athletic Boosters Association
Statement of Purpose:
The purpose of the Chardon High School Athletic Boosters Association is to assist the Chardon
Board of Education in supporting and sustaining a program of interscholastic athletics for both
boys and girls as a valuable and integral part of the total school experience for the students of the
district and as an appropriate focal point of interest for the people of the community.
The Association will undertake projects to raise funds for use by the Chardon High and Middle
School Athletic Departments for uniforms, equipment and supplies and by the Board of
Education for the improvement of athletic facilities.
The Association will also undertake projects designed to cultivate clean wholesome school spirit
and pride, good sportsmanship and high ideals of character.
The Association will act as a forum for ideas originating with the people of the community for
projects relating to Chardon Local Schools’ athletes. They will work cooperatively with the
Chardon High and Middle School Athletic Departments and the Board of Education in an
advisory capacity to bring about improvement in Chardon Local Schools athletics, athletic
facilities and related athletic matters.
The Association will not, however, seek in any way to direct or interfere with operational or
administrative policies of the school officials who have the responsibility of conducting the
athletic programs of the district. Nor will it ever do anything which violates the rules of the
Ohio High School Athletic Association or which in any way jeopardize the membership of the
school district in the OHSAA.
Membership in the Association is open to any person who is interested in the purposes listed
above.
The High School Athletic Director or Middle School Athletic Director shall act as the liaison
person between the Athletic Boosters Association and the school and shall serve as an interpreter
of school policy. The High School Athletic Director and Middle School Athletic Director should
be a permanent member of the Athletic Boosters Association governing body and should suggest
direction to the association's projects and for the expenditure of funds.
Student Athlete Guidelines
Expectations
Participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right. Since student athletes are in a highly
visible position, they are expected to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner at all times
which will positively reflect on them, their family, the team, the school, and the community.
Student athletes who participate in the Interscholastic Athletic Program in the Chardon Local
Schools are expected to adhere to the Basic School Policies and the Student Discipline Code as
listed in the Student Handbook and adopted by the Chardon Local School District Board of
Education. The Code of Student Conduct, including the Administrative Actions which result
from discipline infractions, applies to all student athletes. Moreover, a student athlete can be
denied participation in contests or removed from a team for a breach of the Student Discipline
Code or a violation of policies established by the OHSAA and the Athletic Department,
including a violation of the Training Rules and/or specific Team Rules established by the
coaching staffs of individual sports.
Student Athletes who are disciplined in school for a breach of the Student Discipline Code, must
understand that it may directly affect their ability to participate in athletics.
1. A student who serves a detention after school may be late for a practice or contest which may
result in further disciplinary actions from the coach.
2. A student who is suspended, in-school or out-of-school, would not be allowed to participate
in practices or contests during the length of his or her suspension. This may also result in
further disciplinary actions from the coach.
As a prospective student athlete, you are expected to accept seriously the responsibility and
privilege of representing your school and community while participating in interscholastic
athletics. School and Athletic Department personnel expect you to treat opponents with respect;
accept the judgment of contest officials; abide by contest rules; display no behavior that could
incite fans or other participants in the contest or which is intended to embarrass, ridicule or
demean others under any circumstances; cooperate with officials, your coaches and other
participants to ensure a fair contest; live up to the high standard of sportsmanship that has been
established by the Chardon Local School District.
Eligibility
The eligibility standard to be maintained, as set by the OHSAA and Chardon Local School
District, is determined by grades the student-athlete earned the preceding grading period.
Semester averages and yearly averages have no effect on eligibility. Students in grades 9-12
must be currently enrolled in school and receive passing grades in a minimum of five one-credit
courses, or the equivalent, in the immediately preceding grading period. In addition, students
must receive a minimum of a 1.5 G.P.A. and receive no failing grades (F’s) in the immediately
preceding grading period. Students on an Individualized Education Plan are exempt from the
G.P.A. requirement, but not the Failure requirement. Summer school grades cannot be used to
substitute for failing grades earned the final grading period of the regular school year.
There are other factors that pertain to eligibility. Please refer to the O.H.S.A.A. eligibility
pamphlet distributed at the beginning of each athletic season for full guidelines. It is the
responsibility of the student athlete and parent in conjunction with the Guidance Department to
make sure that the student athlete is scheduled into at least 5 credits per grading period. Any
concerns or doubts about eligibility should be brought to the attention of the Guidance
Department, the High School Athletic Director or Middle School Athletic Director, the Building
Principal, and the Coaches.
Training Rules
The Chardon Local School District expects certain standards from the student athletes who
participate in its Athletic Program. All student athletes who are participating in a sport are
expected to adhere to the following training rules established by the Athletic Department and
approved by the Chardon Local School District Board of Education.
In addition, all athletes are expected to adhere to their individual team rules established by the
coaching staff of a particular sport and approved by the High School Athletic Director or Middle
School Athletic Director, and/or the Building Principal.
Attendance Policy
Half Day Rule: A student athlete must arrive to school no later than 11:00am and must be in
attendance for the remainder of the day in order to be eligible to participate in an athletic practice
or contest scheduled that same day. Under certain circumstances this rule may be waived by the
High School Athletic Director or Middle School Athletic Director.
Cutting: Cutting a class will result in disciplinary action by the school administration. A
student athlete may be given further disciplinary action by the coaching staff of their sport as a
means of stressing academic importance.
“No-Use" Policy
Tobacco:
A student athlete is prohibited from the use or possession of any form.
Alcohol:
Drugs:
A student athlete is prohibited from the use or possession of any form.
A student athlete is prohibited from the use or possession of any form.
Steroids:
A student athlete is prohibited from the use or possession of any form.
Conduct Policy
Appearance: A student athlete is expected to comply with the school dress code and the
OHSAA uniform guidelines for a particular sport.
Unsportsmanlike: A student athlete is expected to abide by the decisions of coaches and
officials. The use of profanity, disrespectfully addressing a coach or an official, and the use of
obscene gestures are prohibited.
Assaults: A student athlete is expected to restrain from verbal or physical assaults on students or
adults.
Insubordination: A student athlete is expected to comply with reasonable directions given by
school personnel, coaches, and officials.
Hazing: Students shall not threaten, act or participate in any act that injures, degrades, disgraces
or tends to injure, degrade or disgrace any student or school employee. Nor shall a student
harass any other person. (see Student Handbook for further information)
Theft: Theft or attempted theft of public or private property is prohibited.
Gambling: Participating in any game of chance for money or any representation of money is
prohibited.
Curfew: A student athlete is expected to follow the curfew established by the coaching staff of
his/her sport.
The procedure for disciplinary action for any violation of training rules and/or team rules
will be as follows:
1. The disciplinary action taken will be at the discretion of the coaching staff of a particular
sport who will use sound and professional judgment in determining the severity of the
incident or occurrence.
2. The disciplinary action taken will be in accordance with the policies set forth by the Chardon
Local School District and the OHSAA and with consultation and approval from the High
School Athletic Director or Middle School Athletic Director, and/or the Building Principal.
3. The disciplinary action taken may be a conference between the coaching staff and the student
athlete and/or parent, High School Athletic Director or Middle School Athletic director
and/or Building Principal.
4. The disciplinary action taken, depending upon the severity of the incident, may result in a
student athletes' suspension for one or more contests, dismissal from the team, or removal
from athletics for one or more years.
5. During the athletic suspension of a student athlete, the coach may or may not require the
athlete to be in attendance at practices or contests.
Athletic Uniforms and Equipment Regulations
Uniforms and equipment issued to student athletes should be treated as though it were each
student athlete’s own personal property. It should not be abused.
The original uniforms and equipment issued to each student athlete must be returned at the end
of each season.
Each student athlete is financially responsible for the uniforms and equipment issued to him/her
by the Athletic Department. Failure to return or pay for lost or damaged uniforms or equipment
will result in his/her report card and school transcripts being held.
Student athletes may be required to purchase some parts of their uniforms. (i.e., shoes, spikes,
socks, stirrups, hats, headgear, undergarments, etc.)
Weight Room Regulations
Student athletes using the weight room will adhere to the following regulations:
1.
Shirts and shoes are required at all times.
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Nobody is to be in the weight room alone. Absolutely nobody is permitted in the weight
room if a supervisor is not present.
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All students are expected to follow the instructions of the supervisor.
4.
Lifters must work with a partner.
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Replace all weights on racks immediately following use.
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Know your limits! Work with the supervisor in determining your limits.
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Learn and perform the lifts correctly. Practice proper techniques for different lifts.
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Warm-up with proper stretching exercises.
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No chewing gum or eating candy while lifting.
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No food or drinks inside the weight room.
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No horseplay or profanity.
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Music should be appropriate and should not interfere with a practice session being held in
the gym.
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No abuse of equipment. Any equipment that is broken must be reported immediately to the
supervisor.
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Remember that strength training is not only a supplement to other athletic programs, but
also a highly skilled activity itself.
Transportation and School Bus Regulations
It is the responsibility of the Chardon Local School District to provide transportation to and from
all away athletic contests. In the event appropriate school transportation is not desired or not
necessary, private automobiles may be driven by school personnel providing they have fulfilled
all State of Ohio requirements. Under no circumstances will student athletes be permitted to
drive to away contests. In special cases, it may be necessary for a student to travel to or from
away contests with his/her parent. This may be done only if a direct request has been made by a
parent to the supervising coach of the sport and a Transportation Release Form (see Appendix A)
has been filled out and approved by a Building Administrator. This form must be submitted to
the supervising coach prior to the away contest.
For off-site home contests, students may drive their own vehicle. This may be done only if a
direct request has been made by a parent to the supervising coach of the sport and a
Transportation Release Form (see Appendix A) has been filled out and approved by a Building
Administrator. Under no circumstances will student athletes be permitted to drive other student
athletes.
Athletic teams using school buses will adhere to the following regulations:
Only participants, managers, statisticians, coaches and cheerleaders may ride a team bus. All
others must have permission by the Building Athletic Director or the Building Principal.
1.
The aisle must be clear at all times and equipment should not exceed the height of the seats.
2.
All student athletes riding the bus must remain in their seats while the bus is moving.
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The bus must be clean at the end of the trip. Weather conditions will be considered.
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No horseplay will be permitted.
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No eating or drinking will be permitted on the bus.
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Nothing is to be thrown out the windows or extended out the windows such as arms, legs,
etc.
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All students shall submit to the authority of the driver and conduct themselves in a
courteous manner.
Student Activities Fees Schedule
The Chardon Board of Education requires that all participants of extracurricular activities pay an
Activity Fee and School Fees before they are permitted to participate in the first regular contest.
Failure to pay will result in non-participation in the activity. If there are problems with payment,
a student athlete should notify their coach and/or the Building Clerk prior to the start of a
particular season.
Per Chardon Local School Board of Education policy, the athletics activity fee schedule for
Chardon High School sports during the 2014-15 school year will be as follows:
FIRST SPORT
SECOND SPORT.
THIRD SPORT
$350
$250
$100
The payment schedule for each sports season is listed below:
FALL SPORTS:
Payment 1
Payment 2
August 15
October 1
WINTER SPORTS
Payment 1
Payment 2
November 15
January 15
SPRING SPORTS
Payment 1
Payment 2
March 15
May 1
All payments generated from fundraisers will be applied to individual student-athlete accounts
before the second payment date for each sport season.
Student-athletes with unpaid activity fees after the second payment date will be ineligible to
participate until payment is made.
Required Forms Prior to Participation
Prior to participation in a particular sport, all student athletes are required to fully complete and
submit the following forms to their respective coaches:
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Updated Physical Examination/Parent Consent Form - signed and dated
Emergency Medical/Insurance Waiver Form - signed and dated
Athletic Department Training Rules Agreement - signed and dated
Individual Team Rules Agreement - signed and dated
Failure to properly fully complete or submit any of the above forms will result in nonparticipation.
Awards System
The following criteria will be used by the coaching staffs of each sport in a particular season
when determining awards for student athletes:
Fall
Cross Country:
Football:
Golf:
Soccer:
Tennis:
Volleyball:
Winter
Accumulation of meet points to be established by the coaching staff
Participated in 50% of all quarters during the regular season
Participated in 50% of all matches during the regular season
Participated in 50% of all halves during the regular season
Participated in 50% of all matches during the regular season
Participated in 50% of all games during the regular season
Basketball:
Gymnastics:
Wrestling:
Participated in 50% of all quarters during the regular season
Participated in 50% of all meets during the regular season
Participated in 50% of all matches during the regular season
Spring
Baseball:
Softball:
Tennis:
Track:
Participated in 50% of all games during the regular season
Participated in 50% of all games during the regular season
Participated in 50% of all matches during the regular season
Accumulation of meet points to be established by the coaching staff
Awards Night
Attendance at an Awards Night or an Awards Banquet arranged by the Building Athletic
Director or the coaching staff of that sport in which the student athlete participates is mandatory.
Failure to attend may result in the forfeiture of any award by the student athlete. If the student
athlete is unable to attend he/she must notify his/her coach at least one day in advance with a
legitimate reason.
Sports, Vacations and Attendance Policy
Being on a sports team in a privilege, not a right! After family emergencies, religion, and
education, student athletes should be willing to make the sport of their choice one of their top
priorities. Student athletes must earn a starting position, and playing time on any team.
Attendance by student athletes at scheduled practices and contests greatly enhances their chances
for success. Demanding a commitment from student athletes to attend scheduled practices and
contests is vital for the success of any team.
There are conflicts throughout the year when a vacation time recognized by the Chardon Local
School District overlaps with practices and contests scheduled during that time (ex. summer
vacations in August, winter break in December, and spring break in April). However, these are
crucial weeks of the season for any sport for numerous reasons: preparation and training, team
morale, safety factors, and scheduling.
Student athletes are under the control of their respective families and occasionally may face a
family commitment/vacation that causes a conflict with their sport. If a family vacation, during a
vacation time recognized by the Chardon Local School District, causes a student athlete to be
away from his/her sport, that student athlete can still participate on the team upon his/her return.
Prior to leaving a brief written note from a parent or guardian must be submitted to the head
coach indicating the details of the situation (Ex.- Dates student will miss, etc.). Upon returning,
the student athlete is expected to resume his/her full commitment to the sport with the complete
understanding that there are no guarantees of playing time. These guidelines apply only to a
situation where a student-athlete vacations with his/her family.
In all other cases, coaches will use sound and professional judgement in determining whether a
missed practice or contest is excused or unexcused. Penalties for unexcused absences are left to
the discretion of the coaches of each sport. These penalties may include a student athlete being
denied participation for one or more contests and/or dismissal from the team. Student athletes
should address all concerns with their respective coach. Parents should address all concerns with
the head coach of each sport according to the guidelines listed in the Parent/Coach
Communication Guide.
Revised 7/7/10