This handbook has been compiled from existing rules that are a part of the
S.H.S. Student Handbook, and the S.H.S. Coach’s Handbook.

Scituate High School Athletic Mission Statement

Athletics are an integral part of the educational program and a means to accomplish the goals of education. The athletic program exists for the welfare of students and the contributions it makes to their educational experience.  The interaction between individuals on the fields of sport teaches students the value of teamwork, while developing the proper competitive spirit, combined with a sense of fairness.  Sportsmanship and fair play, in an atmosphere of mutual respect, are developed.

Athletics are an American way of life, “the other half of education,” and an “extension of the classroom.” Participation in the interscholastic program is a privilege available to all students whose greatest rewards are the satisfactions of attainment derived by participants.

1. TO PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS, THE STUDENT-ATHLETE MUST:

A. Attain a grade of C- or better in at least 5 classes during the last marking period preceding the contest. A student cannot at any time represent a school unless that student is taking at least 5 classes.

B. Meet MIAA academic, age, transfer, and consecutive semester eligibility criteria as well as regulations established by leagues in which we participate.

C. Submit parental permission.

D. Submit proof of a physical examination within the last 365 days.

E. Settle all school accounts of previously issued clothing, books and supplies, which must either be returned or paid for.

F. Failure to have all the above criteria accomplished by the first day of practice will preclude any student-athlete from participation in any practice or game.

2. CONDUCT IN SCHOOL:

While athletics take place, for the most part, after school hours, it is still imperative that a student-athlete remember that his/her main priority is to be the best student they can possibly be. Student-athletes are seen as leaders in the school community and should act in a way that represents not only themselves, but also the team and school, which they represent. It is imperative that both student-athletes and their parents are aware of the following rules:

A. Student-athletes must be in school by 7:45 a.m. to participate in practice or a game that day. If the game is held over the weekend, then that student must be in by 7:45 a.m. on Friday morning. If a student is absent on Friday they will not be allowed to play over the weekend.

B. Student-athletes will not be allowed to participate in practice or a game that day if he/she is dismissed from school.

C. Only the Athletic Director or Administrator can consider any exceptions to the above rules.

D. If a student is suspended from school for any reason, he/she will be ineligible to participate in sports from the end of school on the day the suspension is given until the day he/she returns to school from their suspension.

E. If a teacher or the main office issues a detention to a student-athlete, serving that detention takes precedence over any practice or game.

F. Students are excused for being late to practice if they have been receiving extra help from a teacher or are making up work. Each student should bring a note from the teacher to his/her coach.

G. No student-athlete will be required to attend practice on Sundays or religious holy days.

3. ALCOHOL/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE/TOBACCO:

All athletes are governed by the Scituate High School and MIAA controlled substance rule. The use, possession, or sale/distribution of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or controlled substances are forbidden by school policy, the MIAA, and state law. Students in the presence of others who are using, selling, distributing, or in open possession of these substances will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including the full application of this policy. Consequences for violating the alcohol/controlled substance policy are listed in the S.H.S. Handbook.

4. PHYSICAL WELL BEING OF ATHLETES:

Scituate High School does not want to have any athlete who is injured or impaired participating in practice or games. If a student-athlete has been referred to a doctor or has gone to see one on his own, they will not be allowed to participate until the doctor clears that person in writing.

If during the course of a game or practice, the athletic trainer, EMT, or physician deems an athlete unfit to continue, then that player will not be allowed to continue. Coaches or players cannot overrule a decision made by any of the aforementioned people.  Student-athletes visiting the training room prior to practice or a game should only stay as long as is needed to treat his/her injury. The training room is not a hangout, or place to fool around with your friends.

5. EXPECTATIONS FOR AWAY CONTESTS:

All team members are expected to ride to and from a sporting event on the bus provided for them. Exceptions must be approved by the administration during school hours prior to the game. A note from the parent(s) must state the reason for the request. Notes will only be approved for extenuating circumstances such as injuries requiring medical attention, funerals, family emergencies and other circumstances deemed appropriate by the administration.

Our intent is to make it clear that time on the bus to and from games is often an important part of our coaching time with students. Coaches will make announcements, review strategy, energize students for continued dedication, etc. We feel strongly that our students must be part of those experiences.

There will be no stops on the trips back from contests, unless permission has been granted by the school administration.

When at another school or athletic venue, each member of a Scituate High School team will act in a way that represents the character, maturity and discipline that is at the core of our athletic mission statement.

6.  CAPTAIN SELECTION PROCESS

The selection of a team captain is not an easy task. There are many criteria that go into defining a captain of a high school sports team. Captains must be student athletes that the rest of their team, the adults in the school community and the community at large will respect and support. On the same hand, captains in turn must respect and support their teammates at all times. Captains or leaders must never put themselves above the team. Captains must understand that they are subject to the same rules and consequences as every other member of the team.