Malden Catholic High School
Student-Athlete Handbook
Department Of Athletics
WELCOME...
to the Malden Catholic Athletic Program. The material presented in this
booklet has been compiled to better acquaint you and your family with some of
the policies, practices and regulations that govern the athletic program at
Malden Catholic High School. Please keep this booklet handy and refer to it
when questions and/or concerns about your son’s athletic experience at the
school arise. If your questions or concerns are not answered within this booklet,
please feel free to contact me. DO NOT let your questions or concerns go
unanswered or unresolved.
Mr. Patrick Driscoll
Director of Athletics
PHILOSOPHY
The Interscholastic Athletic Program at Malden Catholic is committed to the
Mission Statement of School.
Our goals are to help all of our students to achieve academic excellence to the
level of their ability; to foster a community of lifelong learners; to equip students
to meet the challenges of a changing world; and to encourage our students to
develop responsibility to themselves and their community. Athletics provide an
opportunity to extend the values and ideals developed in the classroom, and
constantly strive towards the development of a well-rounded individual.
Tryouts for programs are open to all students providing they meet the standards
of academic eligibility, school citizenship, completed permission and liability
packet and basic physical/health qualifications. Participation in the program,
therefore, is a privilege earned by students who meet and maintain these
standards.
As a member of the Malden Catholic Athletic Program, students are expected to
demonstrate proper respect for all coaches, teammates, officials, spectators and
equipment. Student-athletes are expected to exhibit the highest level of conduct,
both on and off the playing field, as they are, at all times, representatives of their
team, school and community.
MALDEN CATHOLIC
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT
The Malden Catholic Athletic Department provides student-athletes The
Mission of Athletics at Malden Catholic High School is to provide an athletic
program that helps develop the whole person. Through education and
competition, the athletic department will encourage an attitude of discipline,
sportsmanship, integrity, leadership and responsibility. In this way we strive to
develop athletic abilities consistent with our high standards of academic
excellence.
The student-athlete experience must complement the educational mission of
Malden Catholic High School. Our intention is that interscholastic team
membership and competition are extensions of the classroom where positive
learning opportunities arise.
A positive educational environment provides students with opportunities to
grow intellectually, physically and emotionally. Coaches are role models and
teachers who strive to enhance the educational growth of our students through
interscholastic athletics. Parents, fans and students should be partners with
coaches and student athletes in the pursuit of appropriate learning goals.
Our coaches are expected to teach the proper techniques of their sport, while
also building character and preparing our young men to utilize the values they
learn well into their adult life.
The teaching of sportsmanship, respect and class should be an important part of
each practice plan.
Finally, Malden Catholic realizes that a student’s participation in interscholastic
athletics could very well influence the overall quality of a young man’s life. For
this reason, Malden Catholic is committed to excellence in all phases of the
athletic program.
CORE VALUES
GOVERNING BODIES
Accountability - We all have to be accountable for our actions, but we also have
to hold the students accountable as well. As educators we have to push them to
follow through with our expectations, and make sure there are consequences for
inappropriate or disrespectful behavior. Our student-athletes want to be held
accountable; they want to know you care about their well-being and their future.
Malden Catholic High School is a member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic
Athletic Association (MIAA) and is therefore governed by association rules and
regulations with enriching life experiences that complement the education
students receive in the classroom: teaching the values of self-discipline, respect,
and teamwork. The athletic department and coaches create a safe and healthy
opportunity for competition within the framework and guidelines of the
Responsibility - to self, school, program, team...student-athletes have a Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), and the Catholic
responsibility to be leaders amongst their peers. They have to behave Conference League. Malden Catholic student-athletes will learn invaluable
appropriately. We have to encourage them to excel in school and they have to lifelong lessons that will prepare them for life beyond the court, track, field, or
make the right decisions in social settings and in peer groups.
ice rink.
Sportsmanship - represent ourselves, our schools, our families and our city the
very best we can. Unsportsmanlike behavior by students must have consequences
from the coach. We have to be more concerned with our students than officials or
opponents.
Furthermore Malden Catholic High School is a member of the Catholic
Conference and adheres to the policies, rules and regulations set by the CC.
Additional policies, regulations and rules are set by Malden Catholic High
School. Under MIAA and CC guidelines, Malden Catholic is allowed to set their
own policy, rules and/or regulations as long as they are more stringent than
Commitment - in order to make our teams the best they can be, coaches and stipulated by the MIAA. Rules governing individual sports vary depending on
students athletes have to be fully committed. Family, faith and academics should the sport. Copies of the complete set of MIAA Rules and Regulations are
be the only priorities that come before athletics. We have to make sure we available online at www.miaa.net
communicate this to our student-athletes regularly.
One of the primary functions of the MIAA is to sponsor and conduct post-season
Excellence - every task, drill, practice, game, and homework assignment should tournaments leading to the determine State Champions. When our varsity
be done with the idea that we want to excel at it. We, coaches and student-athletes teams qualify for and enter such tournaments, we are completely subject to
have to want to be excellent.
specific rules and regulations that govern each tournament, as set by the MIAA.
The MIAA is a member of the National Federation of State High School
If we can successfully instill these core values in our student-athletes all of our
Associations and is bound by its set of rules, policies and regulations.
programs will be successful. Our students will leave our programs prepared for
SELECTED RULES, REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND PRACTICE
college, work, and most importantly life.
Each and every one of our teams will be recognized by our opponents as having
programs filled with hard working student-athletes who always give 100%, and
are leaders in sportsmanship. If our opponents perceive us in this light then win
or lose, we have earned their respect.
The following is a list of important policies, rules and regulations that govern
our athletic department. Take the time to read and understand them. If any
questions and/or concerns arise during your athletic experience in the Malden
Catholic handbook that are not addressed or answered in this booklet, please
contact the appropriate coach or the Athletic Director.
COMMITMENT
STANDARDS FOR PARTICIPATION
Tryouts
Participation in athletics is a privilege; students try out voluntarily and, for some
of our teams, risk being cut. During the tryout period the coach will provide an
explanation of his expectations. It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate
to the coach that he can meet those expectations. Students cut from one team
may find opportunity with a non-cut sport providing there is space on that team.
Students cut from a team may request an explanation from the coach as to the
reasons for the cut.
In addition to being willing to make the aforementioned commitment, a student
must be declared eligible for participation by the Principal or his/her designee
according to the standards listed in this section to be a candidate for a team.
Daily Team Attendance
It is extremely important that a coach be notified if a student is not going to be
present at a practice or game, particularly if the student is not absent from
school. The coaches in our program expect athletes to be present at all teamrelated activities and may suspend a team member from contests for absences.
Students are excused from team activities for illness, injury, academic, family or
religious reasons but prior notification and approval whenever possible is
strongly recommended.
School/Family Vacations, Extended Absences
Every team member is expected to be present for all team practices and contests.
Because of scheduling demands set by the MIAA and Division I schools, many
of our teams practice and/or play during scheduled vacations.
Student-athletes must understand that time away from practice and games will
impact one’s ability to return to competition. Student-athletes will be evaluated
upon their return, if participation in a game or practice may be considered a
health or safety concern, the Head Coach will not allow them to compete. This
is to make certain they are not putting the student-athlete at risk for injury or
that they are a detriment to the team.
If the student-athlete takes any other type of vacation, the student-athlete
will be suspended for the number of contests he missed while on vacation.
Any issues or problems arising from this policy should be addressed to the
appropriate Coach or the Athletic Director.
Athletic Pre-Participation Form
All students interested in playing a fall sport MUST sign-up directly with the head
coach. Each student NEEDS to have an up-to-date Physical Exam, Concussion
Test Certificate and Pre-Participation Form on file with the Nurse’s office
Potential student-athletes and their parents must complete the Pre-Participation
Form packet which includes parental permission form. Furthermore, studentathletes must sign-up directly with the Head Coach of the sport they want to
play.
Physical Examination
A current yearly physical is a requirement of every student at Malden Catholic
High School. A school physical is good for 13 months and must be renewed
immediately upon expiration. In July 2012 the Massachusetts Interscholastic
Athletic Association ruled that a current physical must be renewed
immediately upon expiration or the student will be deemed ineligible to
participate in a sport. It was determined that a physical maybe deemed
current for 13 months from the date of the exam.
No student will be allowed to try-out for any team without a current
physical. Physicals must be turned into the Nurse’s office before try-outs. If
a student’s physical expires mid-season and is not renewed promptly, he
will be removed from the team.
MIAA Athletic Eligibility Rules
MIAA student eligibility requirements for participation in high school athletics
are quite involved. The MIAA regulations have been condensed considerably
here in an attempt to highlight the most important rules and regulations. If the
following information does not answer specific questions, or if there is a concern,
please contact the Malden Catholic Athletic Department Office.
Academic Eligibility
A student who fails two subjects in a marking period may not participate in
any extracurricular activity in the next Quarter of that academic year until he is
declared eligible by the Principal. He is ineligible pending a review of his
grades at mid-quarter and may become eligible at that time. The student must
initiate the review of his marks by contacting the Vice-Principal. A student
who fails three or more subjects in a marking period is ineligible for the entire
next quarter. Participation in athletics at Malden Catholic is a privilege, not a
right. Student-athletes join a long, proud athletic tradition when they put on
the Blue and Gold. Considerable time, expense, and trust are invested in the
varsity athlete. Therefore, each varsity athlete must recognize his
responsibility to his team, his athletic program, and his school.
Age
A student must be less than 19 years of age prior to September 1 of the current
school year.
Time Allowed for Participation
A student shall be eligible for interscholastic high school competition for no
more than eight consecutive semesters beyond the eighth grade.
Transfer Students
The rules governing transfer students entering Malden Catholic from another
school are governed by the MIAA. Students who transfer into Malden Catholic
must be declared eligible prior to participating in a contest. Information
regarding the athletic eligibility of all students transferring to Malden Catholic
should be requested from the Athletic Department Office.
Academic Achievement
Malden Catholic student-athletes are expected and encouraged to maintain the
highest level of scholastic achievement possible. They are also expected to
maintain the highest level of citizenship. The Principal, Athletic Director or
Assistant Principal reserves the right to remove a student from a team for poor
academic performance or inappropriate behavior and may reinstate the student
upon sufficient evidence of improvement.
Varsity Letters
Student-athletes must complete an entire season to be recognized with a varsity
letter. Criteria for earning a varsity letter are determined by the Head Coach
and vary depending on the sport.
School Discipline Obligations
A student-athlete with a school disciplinary obligation is expected to fulfill the
disciplinary obligation before reporting to an athletic practice and/or game.
Students cannot expect, and should not request, disciplinary action to be
postponed or canceled for any athletic reason. The Athletic Department reserves
the right to remove a student from a team for excessive disciplinary problems
and may reinstate the student upon sufficient evidence of improvement. It is
expected that our athletes be model citizens both in and out of school; they
should set an example for all students.
Sportsmanship for Student-Athletes
Respect for the sport in which a Malden Catholic student-athlete participates
also demands respect for the opponents. Student-athletes participating in MIAA
sponsored events are expected to treat opponents with respect. There can be
absolutely no tolerance for trash-talking, taunting, or baiting of opponents.
Malden Catholic student-athletes must appreciate and understand that they are
perhaps the most visible representatives of their school. In addition, their
behavior is observed and emulated by many who are younger. Malden Catholic
student-athletes must honor the responsibility that accompanies the privilege of
representing their school by behaving with dignity and class on and off the field.
If any student in any sport, willfully, flagrantly, or maliciously attempts to
injure an opponent, he may be withheld from participation in athletics in the
future.
The MIAA suspends any student from participation in a sport if ejected from
athletic contests for unsportsmanlike behavior or what may be considered a
dangerous play.
The Malden Catholic in turn, reserves the right to impose the same penalties on
spectators displaying poor sportsmanship at any of our contests, both home and
away.
Daily Attendance
All students must be in attendance for the entire school day in order to
participate in practice or play in a game that day. Exceptions may be made, such
as field trip or school event, college visits, family emergencies, funerals, religious
holidays and scheduled appointments. These all require a note and must be
cleared by the Assistant Principal who will notify the Athletic Director in
advance, whenever possible. If a student-athlete is dismissed by the School
Nurse due to illness; he/she is ineligible to participate in athletics that day. If a
contest is scheduled on a weekend day or over a school vacation, the student
must be in attendance the preceding Friday in order to participate. Unique or
extenuating circumstances not listed above may be excused through the
discretion of the Athletic Director or Assistant Principal.
Athletic Trainers are trained and certified to provide the very best care for our
student-athletes. All high school student-athletes who suffer an injury or who
feel discomfort must be evaluated by the Athletic Trainer prior to returning to
their sport. Any time a student-athlete visits the emergency room or a doctor
due to potential injury, that student must provide documentation from the
doctor they visited, or their primary care physician stating they are safe to return
to said sport or activity.
The Malden Catholic Athletic Department also will suspend students athletes
from their daily activity after a student has reached their third unexcused tardy
of the marking period. If you are late arriving to school it is your responsibility
to inform your parent/guardian to follow up with the Main office to have your
tardy marked as excused. Once daily attendance reports are published at 11:30,
your attendance as it reads in the Malden Catholic student database will stand.
Treatment for Head Injuries
Malden Catholic and Athletic Department are keenly aware of the nature and
concern regarding the topic of head injuries. Significant progress has been made
the last several years to ensure that students to do not return to participate in
athletic endeavors prior to reaching a full recovery. In recent history research
has shown that participating in athletics while suffering from a concussion can
result in lifelong injuries and complicated health issues. The Athletic
Department and Hallmark Health, Inc. provide the opportunity at the family’s
expense to use the ImPACT Program to evaluate head injuries. Student-Athletes
can take an online ImPACT Baseline Test prior to the start of their athletic
season(s). The Athletic Trainer will administer the test.
Physical Education
All students taking physical education are required to participate in their
regularly scheduled physical education classes. Students being medically
excused from physical education may not participate in their team practice or
game for that day.
Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behavior consistent with a
concussion (such as loss of consciousness, nausea, headache, dizziness,
confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the
contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care
professional.
Transportation To and From Contests
When the school provides bus transportation all team members are expected to
travel to these contests using the school provided transportation for student
safety reasons. Exceptions to this policy must be requested in writing, to the
Athletic Director or his/her designee, by a student’s parent prior to the contest.
Reasonable requests will be honored. A coach may allow students to ride home
from a contest with their parents provided permission has been granted at the
game site.
When an athlete is cleared to return to play by a physician with documentation
after they have sustained a concussion, a gradual return to play plan will be
administered by the Athletic Trainer to monitor the athlete and insure they are
symptom free during sports specific activities, before allowing them to
participate in live athletic participation. Any prior concussion history for an
athlete before attending Malden Catholic High School should be noted in the
mandatory Pre-Participation Head Injury Concussion Reporting Form that is
due before each sports season for record keeping purposes.
INJURIES
Return to Play from Injury
Malden Catholic contracts the services of Hallmark Health services. to provide
Athletic Trainer services for each of the high school athletic programs. The
The Athletic Director or School Nurse in consultation with the Athletic Trainer
reserves the right to withhold any student from participating in any school
sponsored practices and/or contests; if it is determined that student is not in full
health.
MIAA BY-LAWS
Sect. 7: Non-School Competition
A. A member of a school team is a student-athlete who is regularly present for,
and actively participates in, all team tryouts, practices and competitions. Bona
fide members, as of the first date to practice in that sport as listed in the MIAA
Handbook, of a school team are prevented from missing a high school practice
or competition to compete with an out-of-school team, practice or competition
to include tournaments, showcases, combines or other athletic events.
Whenever a conflict arises between the high school team practice/competition
and an out-of-school practice/competition on the same day, the high school
team practice/competition must be honored by the student-athlete. Priority
must be given at all times to the high school team, its practices, and its contests
unless a waiver has been granted by the principal and athletic director. It is
expressly understood that waivers shall not be granted on a regular basis and
shall only be granted in extraordinary circumstances.
Penalties: Any student-athlete who violates this rule, unless a waiver has been
granted as stated above, for the first time shall be declared ineligible for the next
five (5) consecutive interscholastic events. This Penalty is effective from the date
of his or her last participation in a high school sport. Any student-athlete who
violates this rule a second time or subsequent time shall be declared ineligible
for participation in any high school sport for the balance of the school year.
B. International Competition:
Students and/or teams desiring this kind of competition must have the
approval of the MIAA. No requests for approval will be considered unless
received in writing and signed by the principal six (6) weeks prior to the date
of participation. Requests are to be submitted to the MIAA Executive Director
for action.
ATHLETIC CODES OF CONDUCT:
Athletics at Malden Catholic is an extension of our educational mission. We
expect our student-athletes to play hard, but fair and clean; to learn selfdiscipline, sportsmanship, teamwork, persistence, and responsibility. The
MIAA Rule 63 is called the Good Citizen Rule. It states “Student-athletes may
not represent their school if they are on in-house or out-of-house disciplinary
suspension. A suspended student is ineligible for practice or competition for at
least the number of days (or partial days) equal to the number of days of the
suspension.” At Malden Catholic, we go one step further and believe that it is a
privilege to wear the “Blue and Gold.” Students who are not conducting
themselves as good citizens in accordance with the rules laid down in this
handbook may be asked to leave an athletic team regardless of whether a
suspension has been issued. We expect our coaches to be teachers of life’s lessons
and role models ready to demonstrate how to win with grace and to accept
defeat with class. We expect our fans to offer positive support for the action on
the field and to be respectful to all participants, officials, and one another. We
expect parents to follow the channels of communication outlined in our cutpolicy. In addition, parents of athletes are encouraged to attend any available
informational meetings. (See Appendix) We join the MIAA in discouraging
unacceptable behaviors at athletic events. These include the following: yelling
or negative chanting or gestures toward an opponent; booing or heckling an
official’s decision; displays of temper with an official’s call; taunting or trash
talk; blaming loss of game on officials, coaches, or participants; loud fancoaching from the sidelines; using profanity, displays of anger, or negative
cheers that draw attention away from the game. We want fans to know that
attendance at high school games is a privilege and not license to assault others
verbally or to be obnoxious; and the improper behavior of others is not an
invitation for us to act improperly too. All fans should promptly and politely
follow direction from our game supervisor or from any MC faculty member or
staff. Seniors participating in spring sports are subject to school regulations
through the end of the season and tournaments. Transcripts will be withheld
for discipline issues.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS:
Malden Catholic believes that part of our responsibility to help provide and
maintain a safe and caring learning environment for our students is that it be
drug free. As a proactive step to help insure that Malden Catholic remains as
safe as possible an environment for every student, the school in conjunction with
the Assistant District Attorney’s Office may occasionally conduct drug scans.
Such scans can include the building (lockers, public areas, classrooms) as well
as the premises (parking lot, vehicles, grounds). We wish to reinforce a positive
message that illegal drugs are not welcome at our school and that we take
seriously our responsibility to do our best to provide a secure and drug-free
environment conducive to learning and to the development of healthful habits.
We hope that all these actions bespeak a caring presence, and, of course, we
steadily rely on the powerful influence of parents to communicate daily
messages to their children to shape healthful living.
The abuse of alcohol and other drugs hinders personal growth and well-being,
and damages the learning atmosphere of the school. The possession or use of
alcohol or drugs of any other type on school property or prior to any schoolrelated activity will result in either indefinite suspension or expulsion.
Distribution includes the selling, providing, sharing, and giving away of illegal
substances to students. The distribution of alcohol or drugs of any type will
result in expulsion with no appeal. Additionally, whenever the Administration
learns that a student has or is using drugs, if the student is not expelled:
1. The student will be required to undergo drug assessment from an
agent outside the school, for which the school will help with referrals.
2. The findings of an assessment will be reported to the school.
3. In the event that parents fail to cooperate in these requirements, their
son may be asked to withdraw from Malden Catholic and the
information will be filed with the Division of Youth Services via the
Form 51A.
4. SELF REFERRAL PROGRAM: Malden Catholic’s “Self-Referral
Program” is designed to allow students who are using illegal drugs,
alcohol, and other controlled substances to refer themselves to the
Administration for treatment without disciplinary action, and in
confidence. The only exception to the above “without disciplinary
action” clause will be for athletes subject to the MIAA rules. In order to
protect the athlete and the program, the student would suffer the
mandatory suspension from the sport. In order to be a self-referral, the
student must voluntarily identify himself as a user prior to being
identified through other means (direct observation, drug testing, police
report etc.). Once the student identifies himself, the parents will be
notified and he will be referred to an agency for drug testing,
counseling, and treatment at the parent’s expense. The Guidance
Department will monitor the student’s progress throughout the
program and communicate with the parents as necessary. The program
will be up to six months in duration depending on the severity of the
problem. During this time and after completion the student will be
subject to random drug testing. A return to using during or after the
rehabilitation program, or non-compliance with the program will result
in disciplinary action in accordance with the school’s current policy, and
may result in dismissal.
SCHOOL ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT
Students have an obligation and responsibility for all equipment issued to them
and for proper care and retention of all equipment from the date of issue to the
date of return. Students failing to turn in all issued equipment, uniforms, or
returning equipment damaged through misuse, are responsible to meet the
current replacement cost for such equipment or uniforms. Payment is required
at the time of the loss, prior to the next season of athletic involvement, or
graduation, whichever comes first. In the event that the equipment or uniform
is found and/or returned after payment, a refund will be made.
adult. This time spent should be enjoyable, educational, positive and
worthwhile; the influence that a coach may have with each individual team
member is enormous. As recommended by the MIAA, we encourage
participation in varied activities under different teacher/coach role models.
Athletes and their families can expect the following from members of the
Malden Catholic Athletic Department coaching staff:
Time Commitment
Practice and game schedules and other time commitments, consistent with the
guidelines mentioned previously in this booklet, will be made known to all team
members.
LOCKER ROOMS AND FACILITIES
Student Lockers
Once team rosters are set, if not before, each team member will be issued an
athletic locker. If a locker is not issued, students should request one from the
coach or Director of Athletics. Students are expected to lock all personal items
and team equipment in their own locker at all times. Students should never give
their locker combination to anyone else. Experience has shown that most losses
are due to lockers left open or unlocked. On road trips, when lockers are not
available, it is highly recommended that students leave valuables at home or
give them to parents for safekeeping at the game site. Cash should never be
carried or left at the school.
Building and Facility Access
At the conclusion of each school day, student-athletes should bring all items that
they need until the next school day to the locker room area. For safety reasons
students are not allowed access to other areas of the building after practice,
games, or on non-school days. No students will be allowed access to any of our
athletic facilities without proper supervision by a school staff member.
COACHING EXPECTATIONS
Here at Malden Catholic, relationships are built on mutual respect. The coaches
are professionals who are aware of and committed to upholding the
responsibilities, policies and regulations of the MIAA and the Catholic
Conference. Each student must be treated as an individual, yet as a part of the
team. Rules and regulations must be uniformly and fairly enforced at all times.
In most instances, during the season of play a student-athlete spends more time
daily under the direct supervision and guidance of his coach than any other
Team Rules
Team rules and regulations, in addition to the ones stated in this booklet, will be
well-defined, discussed and enforced with all team members. Self-discipline of
all student-athletes will be encouraged. Penalties for rule violations will also be
well defined and applied fairly and consistently.
Individual Success
The coach will provide an opportunity for each athlete to succeed to the best of
his abilities.
Social and Emotional Growth
The coach will attempt to assist each athlete to grow socially and emotionally.
Team Spirit
The coach will attempt to instill and promote team spirit and cohesiveness.
Athletic Performance
Individual performance by an athlete will be critiqued by a coach at the
appropriate time. Each athlete will be encouraged to work towards his full
potential and to develop a positive self-image.
Skill Development
Each athlete will be taught the rules and the skills of the game with the goal of
developing maximum proficiency in the specific sport area.
Approachability
The coach will be available to all of his/her athletes. Team members are
encouraged to approach the coach about any topic that they wish. Students
should make every attempt, if a matter is of a personal nature, to approach the
coach privately and when there is sufficient time for meaningful discussion.
Competitiveness
Interscholastic sports are and should be a competitive. All those who compete,
do so with the ultimate goal to win the contest the game, race, match, event.
However, Malden Catholic Athletic Department staff knows that “preparing
students to succeed rather than merely to win games” is more important. “Win
or lose, students should learn lessons of a lasting and positive nature.”
Evaluations of Coaches
Each coach employed by Malden Catholic is evaluated on his/her performance
at the conclusion of the athletic season. The head coach evaluates each of his/her
assistant coaches and the Director of Athletics and Principal evaluates each head
coach.
“PLAYING TIME”
There are many benefits to be gained by participation in athletics at the high
school level. Student-athletes learn the values associated with discipline,
performing under stress, teamwork, sacrifice, commitment, effort,
accountability,
citizenship,
sportsmanship,
confidence,
leadership,
organizational skills, participating within the rules, physical well-being and
striving towards excellence. Although there are many measures of success in
the minds of each participant, perhaps the most emotional is “playing time”
during contests. If a student has questions as to his/her “playing time” he/she
is encouraged to discuss it with the coach. In the Nashua Athletic Department,
being a member of a team does not guarantee an equitable amount of “playing
time.” However, there are guidelines for this all important topic.
Sub-Varsity Teams
At the sub-varsity level (junior varsity and freshman), members of the coaching
staff will make a strong effort to play all team members for as much time as is
practical. There are many factors that govern an individual’s playing time, but
overall students must be “positive contributing team members” attending
practices, showing effort, having a positive attitude, and exhibiting full
commitment. Another factor that must always be considered is athletic skill. If
these factors are present at the sub-varsity levels, students may expect to enjoy
their share of “playing time.”
Varsity Teams
At the varsity level, the guidelines for the coaching staff are similar with one
other additional major factor. The varsity teams want to compete against
opponents at the highest possible level. Players, coaches, parents and staff
members all want Malden Catholic varsity teams to be successful on the field,
court, pool or rink, etc. To reach that goal, teams must compete to win as many
contests as possible. In order to do this, there are many instances when the major
burden of the contest will be carried by the most competitive and most skilled
team members; however, teams cannot be successful without committed
substitutes. These athletes have to be ready at all times to step forward and
shoulder the burden when needed. They have to practice as hard as they can to
help make the teams as competitive as they can be. They also have to constantly
strive to move up to a “starting” role.
As stated before, athletic involvement is highly emotional and very time
consuming. Because of this, conflicts and issues between a student and his coach
may arise. It is imperative that any conflict and/or issue be addressed
immediately and as directly as possible with the coach so that it can be resolved
promptly. .
In order for the contact to be as productive as possible, times that athletes or
parents should avoid are:
- either prior to or immediately following a contest.
- during an active practice session.
- during a time when other students are present or when it would be
readily visible to others that a discussion is taking place.
- a time when it is apparent that there is not sufficient time for a complete
discussion.
The best solution is to ask the coach, either over the phone or in person, to
schedule an appointment to discuss the issue.
TEAM CAPTAINS
The coach decides how many team captains are selected. They may be elected
by the team or appointed by the coach prior to the first regularly scheduled
contest. Captains may also be elected or appointed on a game-by-game basis.
Team captains are leaders of their team and should be ready to assume duties as
outlined by their coach. They are expected to be more aware of team rules and
student responsibilities. Captains are expected to communicate with the coach
and team in the event of any problems that may affect the team or its members.
Captains may be asked to meet with the Director of Athletics during the school
year to discuss the athletic program. Captains of teams may be relieved of their
position for violation of team, department or school rules.
COLLEGE/CAREER GUIDANCE
One of the most important decisions facing high school students is what to do
with their lives after high school. Malden Catholic Athletic Department and
coaching staff are willing and eager to assist all students with this extremely
important decision... Staff members fully understand the importance of this
assistance. They may be able to answer questions, contact schools and/or
coaches, send videos tapes, if available, and write letters of recommendation. As
appropriate they will guide students to more knowledgeable staff members who
can help with post-high school decisions. If a student’s goal is to compete
athletically at the collegiate level it is very important to be aware of the everchanging NCAA regulations. Copies of the latest regulations are available in
the Guidance Office and online at www.ncaa.org. Please be familiar with these
regulations and seek assistance if clarification is needed.