Athletic Handbook

Athletic Mission Statement

A sound interscholastic athletic program must be based on sound educational principles. Interscholastic athletics is an extension of the education process provided during the classroom day. Every athletic activity sponsored and supported by Columbus Catholic High School should be considered a phase of the Christian educational process for each student. Interscholastic athletics shall provide opportunities to students for personal growth, skill development, physical fitness, socialization, development of moral qualities, and growth in emotional maturity, development of a strong character, creativity and competition. Columbus Catholic High School also upholds the concept that an athletic program is a cooperative effort involving students, parents, coaches, staff and administration.

Conferences and Schools Included

Cloverbelt Conference

Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, **Football, **Wrestling, Track & Field, Volleyball, Softball, Golf

The Cloverbelt Conference is split into as East & West division for Basketball & Volleyball. For Basketball & Volleyball, CCHS will be in the East division. Crossover games will be played in both sports at the end of the season.

**Columbus Catholic High School is involved in a membership with Spencer High School for football and wrestling. The WIAA has acknowledged our cooperative teams to be named the Spencer-Columbus Rockets.

Cloverbelt Conference East Division

Augusta High School (Beavers)

Colby High School (Hornets)

Columbus Catholic High School (Dons)

Granton High School (Bulldogs)

Greenwood High School (Indians)

Loyal High School (Greyhounds)

Neillsville High School (Warriors)

Owen-Withee High School (Blackhawks)

Spencer High School (Rockets)

Cloverbelt Conference West Division

Altoona High School (Railroaders)

Cadott High School (Hornets)

Eau Claire Regis High School (Ramblers)

Fall Creek High School (Crickets)

Gilman High School (Pirates)

McDonell Central High School (Macks)

Osseo-Fairchild High School (Chieftains)

Stanley-Boyd High School (Orioles)

Thorp High School (Cardinals)

Mid-State Soccer Conference (MSSC)

Soccer

Columbus Catholic (Marshfield) High School (Dons)

McDonell (Chippewa Falls) High School (Macks)

Newman (Wausau) High School (Fighting Cardinals)

Northland Lutheran (Mosinee) High School (Wildcats)

Pacelli (St. Point) High School (Cardinals)

Wisconsin Valley Lutheran High School (Wolves)

Great Northern Conference

Girls’ Tennis, Boys’ Tennis, Hockey**

Antigo High School (Red Robins)

Lakeland High School (T-Birds)

Medford High School (Red Raiders)

Merrill High School (Bluejays)

Mosinee High School (Indians)

Tomahawk High School (Hatchets)

Northland Pines (Eagles)

**Columbus Catholic High School has joined into a cooperative membership for Hockey with Mosinee High School and Newman Catholic High School. The W.I.A.A. has acknowledged our cooperative team to be named Mosinee.

SPORT OFFERINGS

Sport Offerings by Season (Gender)
FALL WINTER SPRING

Football (B) Basketball (B & G) Baseball (B)

Tennis (G) Wrestling (B) Golf (B & G)

Cross Country (B & G) Hockey (B) Tennis (B)

Soccer(B & G) Track (B & G)

Volleyball (G) Softball (G)

JV/Freshman Sports Only:

The number of students interested and participating in the program will determine team formation. All students who wish to participate in a sport and who meet the eligibility requirements will have the opportunity to be on a team. Note: If participation numbers are down, or there are not enough students to field a team for any sport listed above, as recommended by the coach or athletic director, that particular sport may not be offered that particular season.

PROCEDURE FOR JOINING INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

Procedure for joining any of the CCHS athletic squads requires procuring the following items from the school office or athletic office and returning them to the school when completed:

· Athletic and Physical Permit Card determined by a licensed physician (no less than every other school year with April 1st the earliest date of examination).

· Student-Athlete Code of Conductsigned by student-athlete

· Insurance Waiver Formcompleted and signed once a year by parent/guardian.

· Athletic Fee – $60.00 per student per sport. The third sport in one school year is free.

No student may start practice or receive any equipment until the above items are properly processed.

GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION

Participation in the Columbus Catholic High School interscholastic athletic program is a privilege. Students participating must abide by specific Rules of Eligibility established by the WIAA and Diocese of La Crosse.

In addition to the Rules of Eligibility as published by the WIAA and the Diocese of La Crosse, CCHS has developed its own Guidelines for Participation to supplement these rules.

Academics – Academics is a student’s primary responsibility. Therefore, continued participation in athletics is dependent upon maintaining passing grades which are tracked on a weekly basis. There are three criteria steps that determine the academic eligibility of student-athletes:

· WARNING – occurs when any teacher, at any time, notifies the student and parent about a drop in academic achievement. The administration and the athletic director are also to be notified. There is no penalty involved in a warning. Once a student-athlete has received a warning in a quarter, no second warning is required. With any subsequent drop in grades, the student-athlete immediately progresses to the next step in the process (Probation).

· PROBATION – occurs when the student-athlete has a D in any class at any time. Prior to being put on probation, the student must have been warned that athletic ineligibility was possible. The student may continue to attend practices but may not participate in any competitions for a period of two (2) weeks (10 school days or 10 practice dates if this occurs over a school break), or until the D has been raised to a C- or better. After the tenth school day, if the grade has not been raised to C- or better, the student-athlete immediately progresses to the next step in the process (Ineligibility).

· INELIGIBILITY– occurs when the student-athlete has an F in any class at any time, or after the two week (10 school days) Probation period has expired and the D has not been raised to a C- or better. Prior to being declared ineligible, the student must have received at least a warning that athletic ineligibility was possible. The student-athlete may not attend practices, nor may he/she participate in any competitions until the grade has been raised to a C- or better.

NOTE: These three criteria that determine the academic eligibility of student-athletes will carry over through academic quarter changes (i.e.: the academic second quarter to the academic third quarter during the basketball season). A letter or email will be sent home by the athletic office notifying the parents about steps “A”, “B”, and “C” above. This communication will only serve the purpose of letting the parents know how the child is doing academically and where he/she stands athletically. The Probationary or Ineligibility period will begin on the day after the athletic office and coach have been notified.

CLARIFICATION: Grades are due on Monday of each week. If the athletic office is notified about academic deficiencies on Monday (and the student has already been Warned) then the student will be put on Probation the following day.

WIAA Academic Ineligibility(p. 35, Section 2, No. 1 & No. 7) –2 or more “F’s”

A student will immediately be declared academically Ineligible if he/she fails two (2) or more courses at the time of report card issuance (4th Quarter of previous school year will carry over). The student may not participate in any scheduled practices or athletic contests for a period of fifteen (15) scheduled school days and nights. The student may return to athletic competition the school day after the fifteenth school day has concluded. If the sport is in session when the report card is issued, the fifteen days will begin at that time.

Fall Sports (where 4th Quarter of previous school year carries over) – The minimum ineligibility period shall be the lesser of (1) 21 consecutive calendar days beginning with the date of earliest allowed competition in a sport or (2) one-third of the maximum number of games/meets allowed in a sport (rounded up if one-third results in a fraction).

1. Absent – A student must be present at all classes on the day of a practice or contest to be eligible to compete, excluding excused absences.

a. State Statute– Section 118.16 – 2 (a). The school attendance officer shall determine daily which pupils enrolled in the school district are absent from school and whether that absence is excused.

b. Absence due to illness will eliminate the student-athlete from participating in practice or games on that school day.

2. Training rules – are established by the coach for the best interest of the student-athletes and the team. The student-athlete who complies with the rules demonstrates a desire to dedicate himself/herself to self-improvement as well as to enhance the best interests of fellow teammates, coaches and school. Participation in interscholastic athletics is not necessarily for the most talented athletes, rather an opportunity for all who abide by the rules.

3. Disqualification – A student disqualified from a contest for flagrant or unsportsman-like conduct will be suspended from interscholastic competition at least the next competitive event (but not less than one complete game or meet).

4. Injuries – Any student-athlete who is injured during practice or a contest must report the injury to the coach at once. The assistance of an on-site athletic trainer will occasionally be available for assistance. If a physician’s care is required, the physician must sign a statement that the student-athlete is physically fit to resume participation.

5. Equipment – If a student-athlete is issued equipment, he/she will be responsible for equipment issued to him/her. This equipment must be returned at the end of the season. Failure to return such equipment will result in one or several of the following:

a. The student-athlete will be excluded from any continued involvement in interscholastic athletics.

b. Awards earned by the individual will not be presented until such equipment is returned.

c. The student’s report card(s) will not be issued until such equipment is returned.

d. The individual to whom it was issued must pay for lost equipment.

e. Any equipment (even though paid for as a lost item) still belongs to the school and will be repossessed upon discovery.

f. An individual who knowingly continues to retain equipment will be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.

6. Attendance @ Practice – A student-athlete, when he or she joins a squad, is expected to dedicate the time specified for practice by the coach of that activity. Regular attendance at practice is required. If a student-athlete has an unexcused absence from practice or contest, he/she will not be permitted to participate in the next regularly scheduled game, meet or match. At the discretion of each coach, several such unexcused absences will result in not being able to participate in a corresponding number of scheduled contests.

7. Commitment – A student-athlete is expected to commit oneself to the team and to represent the team, school and community in a positive manner. It is also expected that each student-athlete will appear for competition dressed in the uniform provided by CCHS and in compliance with those standards established by the coach and the WIAA.

CODE OF CONDUCT

A student is required to follow the Code of Conduct on a year round (12-month) basis. Any infraction(s) to the Code of Conduct need to be reported in person to the Athletic Office to be considered. The Code of Conduct consists of the following:

MINOR RULE VIOLATIONS –Offenses are cumulative within themselves only

  1. Criminal offense or violation of a city ordinance having a statutory counterpart. The significance of the violation will be evaluated and the suspension will be determined based on the severity of the offense.
  1. Profanity or obscene gestures during athletic involvement.Suspensions from one game, meet, or match. The student-athlete may continue to practice at the discretion of the school administration after consultation with the coach. Second offense means suspension for one-half season. Third offense means suspension for one season or equivalent of one season.
  1. Insubordination during athletic involvement. Suspensions from one game, meet, or match. The student-athlete may continue to practice at the discretion of the school administration after consultation with the coach. Second offense means suspension for one-half season.
  1. Acts of harassment, including hazing. The significance of the violation will be evaluated and the penalty, which may involve game suspensions, will be determined based on the severity of the offense.
  1. Unexcused Absence. Students participating in interscholastic sports will not be permitted to participate in the next scheduled contest whenever the student has had an unexcused absence from any one (1) class period/hour. Each unexcused absence from any one (1) class period/hour on any given day will result in not being able to participate in a corresponding number of scheduled contests. (i.e.: unexcused absence from 1st & 2nd hours of classes means the student sits out two (2) scheduled contests). Student-athletes may continue to practice at the discretion of school administration after consultation with the coach.
  1. Violation of school rules and/or violation of school rules leading to a detention(s). The significance of the violation will be evaluated and the suspension will be determined based on the severity of the offense.Note: All detentions must be served by the student-athlete’s next scheduled athletic contest to be eligible to compete. The only exception is if a student-athlete receives detention(s) the day of a scheduled contest, the student-athlete will be eligible to participate that day and/or evening but must serve the detention(s) to be eligible for the next scheduled competition.
  1. Conduct unbecoming of a student-athlete. The significance of the violation will be evaluated and the suspension will be determined based on the severity of the offense.

MAJOR RULE VIOLATIONS

1. Sale, possession or illegal use of drugs. No student may be under the influence of, or knowingly be in the presence of illegal drugs.

2. Use or possession of tobacco. No student may be under the influence of tobacco.

3. Alcohol. No student may be under the influence of, or knowingly remain in the continued presence of alcohol.

4. Criminal Actas defined by WI State Statute 939.12.

SANCTIONS FOR MAJOR RULE VIOLATIONS

First Violation – suspension for one-quarter (¼) of the entire regular season or the equivalent to one-quarter (rounded up if ¼ results in a fraction) of the entire regular season; the student-athlete may continue to practice at the discretion of the school administration.

Second Violation – suspension for an entire season or the equivalent of an entire season.

Third Violation – suspension will be for one full school year or the equivalent of one full school year.

  • Any subsequent violations beyond the third will cause for an additional school year suspension for each violation.

DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES

“Due Process” is a procedure which the courts of law recognize as a necessary part of any rules and regulations. “Due Process” furthermore, and of primary importance, recognizes the rights of the individual since it outlines his/her recourse in the event he/she feels a wrong decision has been made. The “Due Process” steps outlined hereafter are the procedure for a student and his/her parent/guardian(s) to follow in appealing decisions relating to eligibility. It should be understood that the student and parent/guardian(s) will be expected to follow the “Due Process” steps in the event legal action should be initiated at some later date.

  1. After a ruling of ineligibility resulting in suspension from extracurricular participation has been made, a student and/or parent/guardian(s) may formally appeal the decision in writing to the principal provided an appeal is received within fourteen (14) days from the day such ineligibility was established.
  1. The Principal, within five (5) days of receipt of such written appeal, shall formalize the ineligibility decision in writing and send a letter to the parent/guardian(s) outlining the specific details relating to:
    1. violation or infraction
    2. date of violation or infraction
    3. period of suspension
    4. any other pertinent information
    5. established date for a hearing in front of the Extracurricular Committee

(Principal, Athletic Director, Guidance Counselor, and Involved Teachers)

  1. The Extracurricular Committee will hear the appeal.
  1. The student will be provided with an opportunity to testify and present other evidence on his/her behalf at the hearing.
  1. Proceedings of the hearing, including the decision, will be put in writing, and a copy of these proceedings will be mailed to the student and his/her parent/guardian(s).

If there is an event/competition scheduled to take place prior to the time a determination is made by the aforementioned bodies, the decision of the school administration will remain in effect until a determination is made by the Extracurricular Committee.

  1. If the student and his/her parent/guarding(s) are not satisfied with the findings of the hearing, a review by the Executive Office of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) may be requested through the school. The principal must receive a request in writing from the parent/guardian(s) for such a review by the Executive Office of the WIAA within fourteen (14) days of the mailing of the outcome of the first hearing. The principal, in forwarding the appeal letter of the student and his/her parent/guarding(s) to the Executive Office of the WIAA shall also enclose a copy of:
    1. Original appeal letter from the student and parent/guardian(s).
    2. The school’s formal reply outlining violation or infraction(s) leading to ineligibility status proceedings of the first hearing.
  1. The Executive Office of the WIAA will inform the principal of the school submitting the written appeal on behalf of the student and his/her parent/guardian(s) the outcome of its review within fourteen (14) days after their receipt of that appeal. The principal will mail the review findings to the student and his/her parent/guardian(s) within five (5) days of the outcome notification from the WIAA.
  1. If the student and his/her parent/guardian(s) remain dissatisfied with the findings of the review by the Executive Office of the WIAA, they may appeal in writing through the school for either a review by or a hearing before the Board of Control of the WIAA through the Executive Office of the WIAA. The principal must receive the written request for such a review of hearing within fourteen (14) days of the mailing for the review by the Executive Office of the WIAA.
  1. The Board of Control will act on a request for a hearing not later than its first regularly scheduled meeting after receiving the written appeal through the school.
    1. If requested by the student, his/her parent/guardian(s), or the principal of the school, the Board of Control will convene via conference telephone call to review an appeal with the understanding that the expenses for this conference telephone call are the responsibility of the parent/guardian(s) of the student.
    2. In the event of a hearing, the student and his/her parent/guarding(s) will be given the opportunity to testify and present other evidence, and the school will be represented by any individual deemed appropriate by the principal.
    3. Proceedings of the hearing, including the decision will be put in writing, and a copy of these proceedings, including the decision, will be provided for the student and his/her parent/guardian(s).
  1. The provisions as outlined above shall be the sole and exclusive remedy for appeal from the rulings referred to in paragraph 1.

CODE OF CONDUCT MISC.

· The minimum penalty for code violations which occur, or are first known to have occurred, after a team or individual begins WIAA tournament competition, is immediate disqualification of the student for the remainder of the total tournament series in that sport.

  • Code of Conduct violations are cumulative during a student’s high school career and tracked by the athletic office.
  • When an athletic code violation occurs, it is quite likely that awards will be affected.
  • When a violation occurs, the suspension must be served by the student-athlete in a sport in which the student-athlete was previously involved. The student-athlete may serve the suspension in another sport only if the season is completed. Student-Athletes are not permitted to go out for a sport for the sole purpose of serving a suspension. For example, if a student-athlete violates the code of conduct during the summer, and participated in only basketball the previous season, the student-athlete may use football to serve the suspension to gain full eligibility in basketball only if they complete the football season.
  • When a second violation occurs prior to a first violation penalty being served, the two penalties must be served cumulatively. They are not to be served concurrently.

EXPECTATION OF COACHES

The primary responsibilities of each coach are to develop the skill level of each student-athlete and to be a Christian role model for the student-athletes. There is also the expectation by CCHS that the responsibility of all coaches is to also adhere to the principles defined in the philosophy for our interscholastic athletic program. In addition, it is also the responsibility of all coaches to:

  • Expect student-athletes to comply with the athletic code of conduct as described in this manual.
  • Comply with the policies and procedures described in the Columbus Catholic High School Coaches Manual.
  • Comply with the policies and procedures described in the WIAA and the Diocese of La Crosse official handbooks (usually high school rulings).

**Coaches are responsible for the physical well being of the student-athletes during all-athletic events and practices. At no time are students to be unsupervised in a gym, playing field, or in the weight room.

**Coaches are responsible for paying a deposit on all keys and for returning all keys at the completion of the season

TRANSPORTATION

In cases in which a bus has been scheduled for the transportation of the student-athletes, a student-athlete who travels to a contest (i.e.: out-of-town) with a school team must return with the team. The only exception to this rule is if a student-athlete’s parent/guardian is present at the out-of-town site, he/she may request that the student-athlete returns with the parent. This request must be made in person by the parent to the coach in charge.

When a bus is not provided by the school, it will be the coach’s responsibility to compile a list of volunteer drivers. It will be the responsibility of each student-athlete to arrive and depart to the contest in the same vehicle with the same “Driver”. Exceptions to this should be excused ahead of time by the head coach after being personally contacted by a parent of the involved student-athlete.

Should coaches or parents volunteer to transport student-athletes to a practice or a game, the athletic office will need four (4) forms from the driver. These forms consist of:

  1. Driver Volunteer Form with Proof of Insurance
  2. Copy of Drivers License
  3. Copy of DMV report
  4. Copy of Vehicle Inspection Report.

Diocesan transportation policy DDSP5410 must be followed.

MISC. PRACTICE AND GAME GUIDELINES

  • When school is canceled due to weather, practices must also be canceled.
  • DSR policy 6615 regarding athletic activity during the Easter Triduum will be enforced. On Holy Thursday, all activities must end at least one hour before the earliest service; there are no activities on Good Friday; Holy Saturday activities will end no later than 5:00 P.M.
  • The coach in conjunction with the athletic director will establish practice schedules. Any schedule revisions made by the athletic office or by the coach are to be communicated to the student-athletes by the coaches.
  • Game schedules will be prepared by the athletic-office and distributed to the coaches. Coaches are to ensure that all their players have a schedule.

AWARDS BANQUET

Awards are presented at the awards banquet at the conclusion of the school year. Student-athletes, as a part of their season schedule, are expected to attend the awards ceremony in order to receive any award they may have earned. Student-athletes not able to attend due to an excused reason must contact the coach for their award.

COLUMBUS CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL

ATHLETIC MISSION STATEMENT AND PHILOSOPHY

A sound interscholastic athletic program must be based on sound educational principles. Interscholastic athletics is an extension of the education process provided during the classroom day. Every athletic activity sponsored and supported by Columbus Catholic Middle School should be considered a phase of the Christian educational process for each student. Middle level athletics shall provide opportunities to students for personal growth, skill development, physical fitness, and socialization, development of moral qualities, and growth in emotional maturity, development of a strong character, creativity and competition. Columbus Catholic Middle School also upholds the concept that an athletic program is a cooperative effort involving students, parents, coaches, other staff and administration.

Participation in athletics is considered an integral part of the educational program. To insure this, the program is based on the following objectives:

1. A safe environment will be provided.

Safety -An important objective of our interscholastic athletic program is to provide equipment, facilities and coaches so that each student-athlete is assured the safest environment possible.

2. Each student-athlete will be provided a good educational experience.

Good Educational Experience – Each sport program at every level should teach motivation, self-discipline, self-confidence, loyalty, leadership, and commitment to team, sacrifice, extra effort, and a positive attitude. It is important for everyone, including staff, students and parents to realize that participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege of all students. But this right is afforded to those students who possess the ability, attitude, disposition, cooperative spirit, and desire to represent their school and community. For this reason, student-athletes are required to abide by special standards and expectations in the area of academics, Christianity, citizenship, training, rules and sports-like conduct.

3. High quality sportsmanship conduct and Christianity will be taught and displayed.

Sports-like Conduct and Christianity- The ideals of good sports-like conduct, Christianity, ethical behavior, and integrity permeate our school. The values of good citizenship and high behavioral standards apply equally to all sports at all levels. In perception and practice, good sports-like conduct shall be defined as those qualities of behavior which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Further, awareness is expected of the impact of an individual’s influence on the behavior of others. Good sports-like conduct is viewed as a concrete measure of the understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity.

4. Opportunities will be provided for broad participation.

Broad Participation – Itis the desire of the Columbus Catholic Middle School, through its interscholastic athletic program, to have as many students as possible participate in the program. Because of this, the CCMS policy is not to cut any student who wants to participate as athletics at this level provides a good educational experience.

5. Student-athletes will be taught the importance of having fun through the opportunity and excitement of competition.

Fun and Excitement – It is important to keep winning in its proper perspective. That is why at the middle school level, we encourage our coaches and staff to emphasize having fun, improving skills and creating healthy life-styles through the excitement and challenge of competition.

SPORT OFFERINGS AND GUIDELINES

Sport Offerings by Season:

FALL WINTER SPRING

Football (B) Basketball (B) Baseball (G)

Cross Country (B & G) Basketball (G) Track (B & G)

Soccer (B & G) Wrestling (B) Softball (G)

Volleyball (G)

Sport Guidelines:

The number of students interested and participating in the program will determine team formation. All students who wish to participate in a sport and who meet the eligibility requirements will have the opportunity to be on a team. Note: If participation numbers are down, or there are not enough students to field a team for any sport listed above, as recommended by the coach or athletic director, that particular sport may not be offered that particular season.

PROCEDURE FOR JOINING ATHLETICS

1. Procedure for joining any of the CCMS athletic squads requires procuring the following items from the school office, coach or athletic office and returning them to the school when completed:

a. Athletic and Physical Permit Card determined by a licensed physician (no less than every other school year with April 1 the earliest date of examination).

b. Student-athlete Code of Conduct Form signed once a year.

c. Insurance Waiver Formsigned once a year.

d. Athletic Fee – $45.00 per student per sport. The third sport in one school year is free.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Students participating in the CCMS athletic program must abide by specific Rules of Eligibility. The WIAA and the Diocese of La Crosse, where applicable, establish these Rules of Eligibility. In addition to the Rules of Eligibility, CCMS has developed its own Code of Conduct to supplement these rules. A student is required to follow the CCMS Code of Conduct on a year round (academic school year) basis. Violations of this code will result in immediate suspension of the student from practice and/or competition based on the severity of the action. They consist of the following:

Academics – Academics is a student’s primary responsibility. Therefore, continued participation in athletics is dependent upon maintaining passing grades which are tracked on a weekly basis. There are three criteria steps that determine the academic eligibility of student-athletes:

· WARNING – occurs when any teacher, at any time, notifies the student and parent about a drop in academic achievement. The administration and the athletic director are also to be notified. There is no penalty involved in a warning. Once a student-athlete has received a warning in a quarter, no second warning is required. With any subsequent drop in grades, the student-athlete immediately progresses to the next step in the process (Probation).

· PROBATION – occurs when the student-athlete has a D in any class at any time. Prior to being put on probation, the student must have been warned that athletic ineligibility was possible. The student may continue to attend practices but may not participate in any competitions for a period of two (2) weeks (10 school days or 10 practice dates if this occurs over a school break), or until the D has been raised to a C- or better. After the tenth school day, if the grade has not been raised to C- or better, the student-athlete immediately progresses to the next step in the process (Ineligibility).

· INELIGIBILITY– occurs when the student-athlete has an F in any class at any time, or after the two week (10 school days) Probation period has expired and the D has not been raised to a C- or better. Prior to being declared ineligible, the student must have received at least a warning that athletic ineligibility was possible. The student-athlete may not attend practices, nor may he/she participate in any competitions until the grade has been raised to a C- or better.

NOTE: These three criteria that determine the academic eligibility of student-athletes will carry over through academic quarter changes (i.e.: the academic second quarter to the academic third quarter during the basketball season). A letter and/or e-mail will be sent home by the athletic office notifying the parents about steps “A”, “B”, and “C” above. This communication will only serve the purpose of letting the parents know how the child is doing academically and where he/she stands athletically. The Probationary or Ineligibility period will begin on the day after the athletic office and coach have been notified.

CLARIFICATION: Grades are due on Monday of each week. If the athletic office is notified about academic deficiencies on Monday (and the student has already been Warned) then the student will be put on Probation the following day.

1. A student must be present at all classes, excluding excused absences, on the day of a practice or contest to be eligible to compete. Absence due to illness will not be considered an excuse to participate that day in an athletic event or practice.

a. State Statute– Section 118.16 – 2 (a). The school attendance officer shall determine daily which pupils enrolled in the school district are absent from school and whether that absence is excused.

b. Absence due to illness will eliminate the student-athlete from participating in practice or games on that school day.

2. Any student-athlete who is injured during practice or a contest must report the injury to the coach at once. The occasional assistance of an on-site athletic trainer is also available and can be located in the CHS training room. If a physician’s care is required, the physician must sign a statement that the student-athlete is physically fit to resume participation.

3. If a student-athlete is issued equipment, he/she will be responsible for the equipment issued to him/her. This equipment must be returned at the end of the season. Failure to return such equipment will result in one or several of the following:

a. The student-athlete will be excluded from any continued involvement in athletics.

b. Lost equipment must be paid for by the individual to whom it was issued.

c. Any equipment (even though paid for as a lost item) still belongs to the school and will be repossessed upon discovery.

d. Report cards will be held until the item(s) is/are returned.

4. A student, disqualified from a contest for flagrant or unsports-like conduct will be suspended from interscholastic competition for no less than the next competitive event (but not less than one complete game or meet).

5. A student-athlete is expected to commit oneself to the team and to represent the team, CCMS and community in a positive manner. It is expected that each student-athlete will appear for competition dressed in the appropriate uniform and in compliance with those standards established by the coach and/or athletic office.

GUIDELINES FOR MINIMUM PENALTIES

Participation in interscholastic athletics at CCMS is a privilege. Failure to abide by established rules will result in withdrawal of the opportunity to participate.

  1. The primary drug and alcohol regulations and penalties are found in the Columbus Catholic Middle School Parent and Student Handbook.
  2. Code of Conduct violations are cumulative during a student’s middle school career and tracked by the athletic office.
  3. When a second violation occurs prior to a first violation penalty being served, the two penalties must be served cumulatively, they are not to be served concurrently.

The following violations and sanctions are in effect for situations not included in the CCMS Parent and Student Handbook.

The violations are as follows:

  1. Sale, possession or illegal use of drugs. Also student-athletes will not knowingly be in the presence of illegal drugs (also can be cumulative within itself).
  2. Use or possession of tobacco.
  3. No student may be under the influence of, or knowingly remain in the continued presence of alcohol (except at school sanctioned adult functions).
  4. Acts of vandalism.

ITEMS NUMBERED 5 THROUGH 9 ARE OFFENSES CUMULATIVE WITHIN THEMSELVES ONLY.

  1. Criminal offense or violation of a city ordinance having a statutory counterpart. The significance of the violation will be evaluated and the suspension will be determined based on the severity of the offense.
  2. Profanity or obscene gestures. The significance of the violation will be evaluated and the suspension will be determined based on the severity of the offense.
  3. Insubordination during athletic involvement. The significance of the violation will be evaluated and the suspension will be determined based on the severity of the offense.
  4. A student, disqualified from a contest for flagrant or unsports-like conduct, is suspended from interscholastic competition for no less than the next competitive event (but not less than one complete game or meet).
  5. Acts of harassment, including hazing. The significance of the violation will be evaluated and the suspension will be determined based on the severity of the offense.
  6. Acts of truancy. Students participating in interscholastic sports will not be permitted to participate in the next scheduled contest whenever the student has had an unexcused absence from school.
  7. Violation of school rules and violation of school rules leading to detentions. The significance of the violation will be evaluated by the Principal or Teacher-in-charge and the Athletic Director with recommendation of suspension, if necessary, from participation in a scheduled contest(s) based on the severity of the offense.
  8. Conduct unbecoming a student-athlete. The significance of the violation will be evaluated and the suspension will be determined based on the severity of the offense.

The Sanctions for Violations are as follows:

First Violation – suspension for one-quarter (1/4) of the entire regular season or the equivalent to one-quarter of the entire regular season; the student-athlete may continue to practice at the discretion of the school administration.

Second Violation – suspension for an entire season or the equivalent of an entire season.

Third Violation – suspension will be for one full school year or the equivalent of one full school year. Any subsequent violations beyond the third will cause for an additional school year suspension for each violation.

EXPECTATION OF COACHES

The primary responsibilities of each coach are to develop the skill level of each student-athlete and to be a Christian role model for the student-athletes. There is also the expectation by CCMS that the responsibility of all coaches is to also adhere to the principles defined in the philosophy for our interscholastic athletic program. In addition, it is also the responsibility of all coaches to:

  • Expect student-athletes to comply with the athletic code of conduct as described in this manual.
  • Comply with the policies and procedures described in the Columbus Catholic Middle School Coaches Manual.
  • Comply with the policies and procedures described in the WIAA and the Diocese of La Crosse official handbooks (usually high school rulings).

**Coaches are responsible for the physical well being of the student-athletes during all-athletic events and practices. At no time are students to be unsupervised in a gym, playing field, or in the weight room.

**Coaches are responsible for paying a deposit on all keys and for returning all keys at the completion of the season.

EXPECTATION OF PARENTS AND SPECTATORS

The success of our athletic program is dependent upon the positive support of the parents and spectators. Because of the Catholic Christian basis of the CCMS athletic program, support of the CCMS coaches and athletes is appreciated. Good sports-like conduct by all parents and spectators is reflective of the beliefs held by both the teams and by Columbus Catholic Middle School.

Parents are highly encouraged to work with the coaches and staff members in a positive manner for the improvement of the student-athlete. This does not justify nor warrant interference with a coach’s style or policies. Parents who have a grievance should first approach the coach to try to achieve a mutual understanding.

Performing the duties of a referee or umpire is a difficult task. Parents should set a Christian example by respecting the authority of all athletic officials.

At times, parents may be asked to assist with supervision during games. This assistance should be conducted in a manner that reflects the beliefs and philosophy of CCMS.

TRANSPORTATION

In cases in which a bus has been scheduled for the transportation of the student-athletes, a student-athlete who travels to a contest (i.e.: out-of-town) with a school team must return with the team. The only exception to this rule is if a student-athlete’s parent/guardian is present at the out-of-town site, he/she may request that the student-athlete returns with the parent. This request must be made in person by the parent to the coach in charge.

When a bus is not provided by the school, it will be the coach’s responsibility to compile a list of volunteer drivers. It will be the responsibility of each student-athlete to arrive and depart to the contest in the same vehicle with the same “Driver”. Exceptions to this should be excused ahead of time by the head coach after being personally contacted by a parent of the involved student-athlete.

Should coaches or parents volunteer to transport student-athletes to a practice or a game, the athletic office will need four (4) forms from the driver. These forms consist of:

  1. Driver Volunteer Form with Proof of Insurance
  2. Copy of Drivers License
  3. Copy of DMV report
  4. Copy of Vehicle Inspection Report.

Diocesan transportation policy DDSP5410 must be followed.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE AND GAME GUIDELINES

  1. Coaches, parents, student-athletes, the athletic office and administrators need to be flexible in terms of practice schedules and games to allow for student conflicts, family schedules and facility availability.
  2. When school is canceled due to weather, practices must also be canceled unless approved by the athletic office.
  3. DSR policy 6615 regarding athletic activity during the Easter Triduum will be enforced. On Holy Thursday, all activities must end at least one hour before the earliest service; there are no activities on Good Friday; Holy Saturday activities will end no later than 5:00 P.M.
  4. The coach and/or the athletic director will establish practice schedules, but they are always subject to approval by the athletic office. Any schedule revisions are to be communicated to the students, coaches and the athletic office.
  5. Game schedules will be prepared by the athletic office and distributed to the coaches. Coaches are to ensure that all their players have a schedule.

COMMUNICATION

Columbus Catholic Middle School and the athletic department encourage student-athletes, parents and coaches to open the line of communication using the following understandings:

  1. Coaches are required to operate under an open door policy where they will candidly respond to questions and concerns from either the athlete or the parent.
  2. If the student-athlete or parent has a question or concern about the program, the question or concern should be brought directly to the coach.
  3. Contact with the coach should be conducted at a time convenient for both.
  4. Coaches should schedule any meeting with the student-athlete and/or parents in a private setting.
  5. Communication by all parties will be carried out in a rational, calm, mature discussion with respect shown to all.
  6. Coaches are not required to respond to pressure groups.
  7. In the majority of cases, the athlete, parent and coach should be able to communicate and reach an amiable solution to concerns and/or questions.
  8. If the student-athlete, parent and coach cannot mutually resolve the concern or questions are not answered the subject should then be brought to the athletic director.
  9. Parents can assist the coach and sport program by encouraging, supporting, and being positive role models at home and as spectators.
  10. Coaches will attend a pre-season meeting with the students and the parents to encourage and enhance communication. The athletic office will organize these meetings and dates.
  11. Any serious grievance by a parent/guardian against the enforcement of the Code of Conduct shall be resolved through the CCMS administration, athletic office, and coach.

A negative approach to problem solving does nothing but make the environment for all more destructive. Student-athlete’s parents, coaches and school administrators must work together in an atmosphere of mutual trust fostered by open communication.