POMPERAUG ATHLETICS Joseph M. Velardi, Director of Athletics Sherry Morgan, Administrative Assistant Phone 203 262-3294 Fax 203 262-0528 jvelardi@region15.org Process for registering for Fall Sports at Pomperaug High School (Due by August 15) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Read the rules and regulations on pages 2 and 3 of this document. Read the concussion information and consent form on pages 4 & 5. Read the cardiac arrest information and consent form on page 6. Write in the Name, Address and Phone number of the student on page 7 of this packet. Both a parent and the student must sign on page 7. The fee is $150.00. Checks only please, made out to “Region 15”. You must send a different form and a different check for each child for each sport that they play throughout the school year. (There is a $600.00 family limit.) Check the box next to the sport that the student is playing. Check the box next to the payment option. Attach the check to the bottom of page 7. Only return page 7 with the attached check to: Athletics Office Pomperaug High School 234 Judd Rd. Southbury, CT 06488 You may need to submit a sports physical form to our nurses office. A yearly updated physical is required. It is also available at www.region15.org. (click the link to Pomperaug High School, then click “Athletics”, then click “Forms”. You can view the most up to date game and practice schedule for Pomperaug sports at www.region15.org. (click the link to Pomperaug High School, then click “Athletics”, then click “Athletic Schedule. Follow Pomperaug Athletics on Twitter @Pompathletics POMPERAUG ATHLETIC RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS Sports at Pomperaug High School are an extracurricular activity. It is a privilege not a right to participate in interscholastic athletics at Pomperaug High School. That privilege may be revoked at the discretion of the school. Parents have the right to set academic and behavioral standards above and beyond the school standards for their children. Parents have the right to revoke their child’s privilege to participate on an interscholastic team. Working together to develop responsible young people is a team effort, and we need you on our team. 1 Pomperaug High School coaches have the sole responsibility for the selection of all team members. The team selection is based on the subjective opinion of the coach who will consider the students’ athletic ability, sportsmanship and citizenship when making choices. 2 The amount of playing time, the position the athlete plays and the level that they play (Varsity, JV, and Freshman) is the sole decision of the coach. At the varsity level in particular the emphasis will be on developing the most competitive team possible given the talent of the athletes. Younger students may play over older students. There is no guarantee of playing time particularly at the Varsity level. It is possible that students may not play at all. Payment of a participation fee is not a guarantee of any playing time. 3 Spectators, including students, parents and others attending contests shall refrain from criticizing officials, coaches, opponents or players. Inappropriate spectator behavior can result in banishment from contests. 4 Students must take at least 4 units of work. A unit is defined as a course that meets each day for full credit. 5 Students must pass at least 4 units or the equivalent at the end of the last marking period. Incomplete grades do not count. For fall participation a student must have received credit toward graduation at the close of the school year preceding the contest in at least four units. 5 Students can not be 19 years old before July 1st and participate in a sport. 6 Students can not have transferred into Pomperaug from another school district without changing their address. 7 A student has 4 consecutive years of eligibility from the date of entry into the ninth grade to be eligible for interscholastic competition. 4 years from their entry into high school, students may no longer participate in sports even though they may not have participated in each year. 8 Students cannot take lessons, play, practice or participate in any way with other coaches, instructors or teams in the same sport while a member of the school team while the school team is in season. 9 Students cannot receive personal economic gain for participation in any sport. Students cannot receive gifts for participating in their sport. 10 Attendance at all practices and games is mandatory, including vacation periods. Athletes and parents must realize that missed practice time may affect the playing time of the athlete. Students who will be absent from or late to practice should speak directly to the coach in advance. Do not pass a message via another person. 11 An injured athlete who has had medical treatment cannot participate until a release from the doctor is given to the nurse and the coach. 12 Uniforms or parts of uniforms may be worn only at the coaches’ discretion. 13 Possession, use or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs (including steroids or other performance enhancing drugs) on school grounds, at school functions off school grounds, en route to, during, or driving from a contest is strictly forbidden. As a result of this infraction an athletic penalty will be imposed ranging from a three week suspension up to removal from the team for the remainder of the season. The CIAC may institute stricter rules which would supersede this school policy. Coaches may institute stricter rules which would supersede this policy. 14 Athletes are expected to maintain the highest order of sportsmanship at all times. 15 Pomperaug High School and the CIAC do not, in any way, sanction, encourage or condone “Captain’s Practice”. Students should not feel pressured or compelled to participate in off-season practices. Off-season practices are not sanctioned or supervised by Pomperaug High School coaches or the athletic department. Students do not have permission to practice or play on school grounds on their own. Athletic insurance will not cover students that are injured during unauthorized practice. Teams may hold voluntary out of season, physical conditioning workouts with a coach. 16 Teams will follow the process for selection of captains as established by the athletic department. 17 No student at Pomperaug High School may take part in bullying, initiations or hazings. Students do not have the right to impose their will on other students, nor should they feel compelled to be initiated by others. Sport teams at Pomperaug High School should be welcoming, comfortable and inclusive. There will be a penalty imposed on those who participate in bullying, initiations or hazings. 18 Supervision by a coach or teacher is required to use the weight room. Athletes must wear appropriate clothing and follow all safety guidelines posted. 19 Athletes must travel to and from contests in school provided transportation with the following exceptions. With prior permission from the coach, a student may go to and/or from a contest with his/her parent. With prior permission from the coach and a written note from his/her parent, a student may go to and/or return from a contest with another adult. With written permission of the parent and the prior permission of the coach, students can drive themselves to and/or from an event. No student may drive to and/or from an athletic contest with another student. No student may be driven to and/or from an athletic contest by the coach unless the coach has the proper licensing. Families are responsible for travel to practices that occur on weekends and for practices that do not occur immediately after school. In addition, families may be required to provide transportation to specific contests as identified in advance by the coach. 20 Occasionally students will be dismissed early from school to travel to contests. 21 Students are financially responsible for uniforms issued to them. All uniforms must be returned to the coach at the conclusion of the season. 22 Every Pomperaug High School athlete will undergo concussion screening. Parents can obtain more information by calling the athletic office. 23 All athletes are expected to fully participate in Physical Education class. No athlete is excused from Physical Education for athletic reasons. 24 Students are responsible for their personal property. Students should never leave property unlocked. If a lock or locker is not available students should keep the property with them at the practice area. 25 An athlete who is on suspension from school is not eligible to practice or take part in a contest until he/she is allowed to return to school. 26 Student-athletes must follow all school rules. 27 Coaches reserve the right to close practices to parents and other members of the public. 28 Parents must pick up students within 1/2 hour of the conclusion of practices or games. 29 In instances where issues or conflicts arise, parents and students shall comply with the following chain of command: Athlete/parent or guardian should try to resolve situation directly with the coach. If the concern is not resolved, it should be addressed to the Athletic Director. If the concern remains unresolved it should be brought to the attention of the Principal, as well as the Athletic Director. 30 In order to maintain the safest possible conditions for our students all Region 15 students are required to wear a reflective vest if they are running or jogging on public roads that are off school campuses. This includes sports practices, out of season work outs or any other activity connected with Region 15. 31 The school may print and publish a students’ picture and name in various publications including but not limited to newspapers, newsletters, CIAC and Region 15 Web Sites and other forms of print and electronic media. 32 Games may be cancelled with out any advanced notice for a variety of reasons. Make-up games may be rescheduled for any day, including Saturdays, Sundays, school vacation days and holidays. Players need to keep their schedules free even on days when games are not originally scheduled to in order to play possible make-up games. Changes will not be made to accommodate individual students’ personal commitments. Rev. 5/20/15 Pomperaug High School Concussion and Head Injury Student/Parent Awareness & Consent Form NOTE: This document was developed to provide coaches with an annual review of current and relevant information regarding concussions and head injuries. A new form is required to be read, signed, dated and kept on file by their associated school district annually to comply with Public Act No. 14—66 AN ACT CONCERNING STUDENT ATHLETES AND CONCUSSIONS. A concussion is the immediate and transient alteration of neurological function in the brain caused by mechanical acceleration and deceleration forces. Part I – SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION - A concussion should be suspected if any one or more of the following signs or symptoms are present, OR if the coach/evaluator is unsure. 1. Signs of a concussion may include (what the athlete looks like): Confusion/disorientation/irritability Act silly/combative/aggressive Trouble resting/getting comfortable Repeatedly ask same questions Lack of concentration Dazed appearance Slow response/drowsiness Restless/irritable Incoherent/ slurred speech Constant attempts to return to play Slow/clumsy movements Constant motion Loss of consciousness Disproportionate/inappropriate reactions Amnesia/memory problems Balance problems 2. Symptoms of a concussion may include (what the athlete reports): Headache or dizziness Oversensitivity to sound/light/touch Nausea or vomiting Ringing in ears Blurred or double vision Feeling foggy or groggy Note: Public Act No. 14-66 requires that a coach MUST immediately remove a student- athlete from participating in any intramural or interscholastic athletic activity who (A) is observed to exhibit signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion following a suspected blow to the head or body, or (B) is diagnosed with a concussion, regardless of when such concussion or head injury may have occurred. Upon removal of the athlete a qualified school employee must notify the parent or legal guardian within 24 hours that the student athletes has exhibited the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Part II – RETURN TO PARTICIPATION (RTP) Currently, it is impossible to accurately predict how long concussions will last. There must be full recovery before someone is allowed to return to participation. Connecticut Law now requires that no athlete may resume participation until they have received written medical clearance from a licensed health care professional (Physician, Physician Assistant, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Athletic Trainer) trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. Concussion management requirements: 1. No athlete SHALL return to participation (RTP) on the same day of concussion. 2. Any loss of consciousness, vomiting or seizures the athlete MUST be immediately transported to the hospital. 3. Close observation of an athlete MUST continue following a concussion. This should be monitored for an appropriate amount of time following the injury to ensure that there is no escalation of symptoms. 4. Any athlete with signs or symptoms related to a concussion MUST be evaluated from a licensed health care professional (Physician, Physicians Assistant, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Athletic Trainer) trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. 5. The athlete MUST obtain an initial written clearance from one of the licensed health care professionals mentioned above directing them into a well defined RTP stepped protocol similar to one outlined below. If at any time signs or symptoms should return during the RTP progression the athlete should cease activity *. 6. After the RTP protocol has been successfully administered (no longer exhibits any signs or symptoms or behaviors consistent with concussions) , final written medical clearance is required by one of the licensed health care professionals mentioned above for them to fully return to unrestricted participation in practices and competitions. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Medical Clearance RTP protocol (Recommended one full day between steps)2 Rehabilitation stage Functional exercise at each stage of rehabilitation Objective of each stage No activity Complete physical and cognitive rest until asymptomatic. SchoolRecovery may need to be modified. Light aerobic activity Walking, swimming or stationary cycling keeping Increase Heart Rate intensity ,<70% of maximal exertion; no resistance training Sport Specific Exercise Skating drills in ice hockey, running drills in soccer; no head impact Add Movement activities Non-contact Training drillsProgression to more complex training drills, ie. passing drills in Exercise, coordination and cognitive load football and ice hockey; may start progressive resistance training Full Contact Practice Following final medical clearance, participate in normal training Restore confidence and assess functional activities skills by coaching staff * If at any time signs or symptoms should worsen during the RTP progression the athlete should stop activity that day. If the athlete’s symptoms are gone the next day, s/he may resume the RTP progression at the last step completed in which no symptoms were present. If symptoms return and don’t resolve, the athlete should be referred back to their medical provider Part III - HEAD INJURIES – Injuries to the head includes: Concussions: (See above information). There are several head injuries associated with concussions which can be severe in nature including: a) Second impact Syndrome - Athletes who sustain a concussion, and return to play prior to being recovered from the concussion, are also at risk for Second Impact Syndrome (SIS), a rare but life-altering condition that can result in rapid brain swelling, permanent brain damage or death; and b) Post Concussion Syndrome - A group of physical, cognitive, and emotional problems that can persist for weeks, months, or indefinitely after a concussion. Scalp Injury: Most head injuries only damage the scalp (a cut, scrape, bruise or swelling)… Big lumps (bruises) can occur with minor injuries because there is a large blood supply to the scalp. For the same reason, small cuts on the head may bleed a lot. Bruises on the forehead sometimes cause black eyes 1 to 3 days later because the blood spreads downward by gravity; Skull Fracture: Only 1% to 2% of children with head injuries will get a skull fracture. Usually there are no other symptoms except for a headache at the site where the head was hit. Most skull fractures occur without any injury to the brain and they heal easily; Brain Injuries are rare but are recognized by the presence of the following symptoms: (1)difficult to awaken, or keep awake or (2) confused thinking and talking, or (3) slurred speech, or (4) weakness of arms or legs or (5) unsteady walking”(American Academy of Pediatrics – Healthychildren, 2010) References: 1. NFHS. Concussions. 2008 NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook (Third Edition). 2008: 77-82. http://www.nfhs.org. 2. McCrory, Paul MBBS, PhD; Meeuwisse, Willem MD, PhD; Johnston, Karen MD, PhD; Dvorak, Jiri MD; Aubry, Mark MD; Molloy, Mick MB; Cantu, Robert MA, MD. Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport Held in Zurich, November 2008. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine: May 2009 - Volume 19 - Issue 3 - pp 185-200 http://journals.lww.com/cjsportsmed/Fulltext/2009/05000/Consensus_Statement_on_Concussion_in_Sport_3rd.1.aspx. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heads Up: Concussion in High School Sports. http://www.cdc.gov/NCIPC/tbi/Coaches_Tool_Kit.htm. 4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. A Fact Sheet for Coaches.(2009). Retrieved on June 16, 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/coaches_Engl.pdf 5. American Academy of Pediatrics - Healthychildren. Symptom check: Head Injury. Retrieved on June 16, 2010. http://www.healthychildren.org/english/tips-tools/symptom-checker/pages/Head-Injury.aspx Resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Injury Prevention & Control: Traumatic Brain Injury. Retrieved on June 16, 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/index.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heads Up: Concussion in High School Sports Guide for Coaches. Retrieved on June 16, 2010. 5 Student & Parent – Sudden Cardiac Arrest Plan & Consent Form NOTE: This document was developed to provide Parents with an annual review of current and relevant information regarding sudden cardiac arrest. A new form is required to be read, signed, dated and kept on file by their associated school district annually to comply with Public Act No. 14—93 AN ACT CONCERNING SUDDEN CADIAC PREVENTION. PART I – SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST - What is sudden cardiac arrest? Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is when the heart stops beating, suddenly and unexpectedly. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA doesn’t just happen to adults; it takes the lives of students, too. However, the causes of sudden cardiac arrest in students and adults can be different. A student’s SCA will likely result from an inherited condition, while an adult’s SCA may be caused by either inherited or lifestyle issues. SCA is NOT a heart attack. A heart attack may cause SCA, but they are not the same. A heart attack is caused by a blockage that stops the flow of blood to the heart. SCA is a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system, causing the heart to suddenly stop beating. PART II - HOW COMMON IS SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST IN THE UNITED STATES? SCA is the #1 cause of death for adults in this country. There are about 300,000 cardiac arrests outside hospitals each year. It is the #1 cause of death for student athletes. PART III - WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS? Although SCA happens unexpectedly, some people may have signs or symptoms, such as: fainting or seizures during exercise; unexplained shortness of breath; dizziness; extreme fatigue; chest pains; or racing heart. These symptoms can be unclear in athletes, since people often confuse these warning signs with physical exhaustion. SCA can be prevented if the underlying causes can be diagnosed and treated. PART IV - WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF PRACTICING OR PLAYING AFTER EXPERIENCING THESE SYMPTOMS? There are risks associated with continuing to practice or play after experiencing these symptoms. When the heart stops, so does the blood that flows to the brain and other vital organs. Death or permanent brain damage can occur in just a few minutes. Most people who experience SCA die from it. PART V - REMOVAL FROM PLAY Any student-athlete who shows signs or symptoms of SCA must be removed from athletic activity and referred to a licensed health care profession trained specifically in the treatment of cardiac care. The symptoms can happen before, during or after activity. PART VI - RETURN TO PLAY Before returning to play, the athlete must be evaluated. Clearance to return to play must be in writing. The evaluation must be performed by a licensed medical provider. PART VII – SUMMARY OF LOCAL/REGIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY (insert) I have read and understand this document and understand the law requires me to annually review this Connecticut State Department of Education Approved Sudden Cardiac Arrest Educational Plan. I have read and understand this document the “Student & Parent – Sudden Cardiac Arrest Plan & Consent Form” and understand the severities associated with sudden cardiac arrest and the need for immediate treatment of any suspected condition. Parent name: Simons Fund - http://www.simonsfund.org/ Pennsylvania Department of Health http://www.simonsfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Parent-Handout-SCA.pdf 6 Pomperaug High School Fall Sports Registration Form (You only need to return this page. Due by August 15) Print Student’s Name: ________________________________ Grade ______ Phone: _____________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ By my signature, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the rules, policies and procedures as printed in “The Pomperaug Athletic Rules and Regulations For Parents and Students”. I agree to comply with these rules and regulations. And… By my signature, I understand that participation in athletics at Pomperaug High School and in Region 15 Interscholastic Athletics involves the potential for injury, which is inherent in all sports. I agree to hold Regional School District 15 and any person connected therewith, harmless from any and all claims from bodily injury and property damage arising from the use of facilities or during the course of an activity sponsored by the above organizations. I give my permission for my child, named above to participate and understand that such activity involves the potential for injury, which is inherent in all sports. Injuries are always a possibility. On rare occasions, these injuries can be so serious as to result in total disability, paralysis or even death. And.. By my signature I have read and understand this document the “Pomperaug High School Concussion and Head Injury Student/Parent Awareness & Consent Form” and understand the severities associated with concussions and the need for immediate treatment of such injuries. And, By my signature I have read and understand this document the “Student and parent sudden cardiac arrest plan and consent form” and understand the severities associated with concussions and the need for immediate treatment of such injuries. Signed_________________________________________Date__________________ Signed________________________________________ Date__________________ (parent) (student) Check one: Boys’ Soccer Football Cheerleading Cross Country Field Hockey Girls’ Soccer Girls’ Swimming Volleyball Check One: I have attached a check for $150.00. We would like to be considered for exemption from this fee due to financial hardship. We have reached the family limit of $600.00 Attach check here. You must send a different form and attach a different check for each child, for each sport, that they play throughout the school year. Do not attach a check if you are applying for an exemption or have reached the family limit. 7