Athletics
Warren County Athletics
Athletic Handbook
The Warren County School District offers a wide variety of athletic opportunities for high school students. Those activities range from freshman, junior varsity to varsity level competition in both TSSAA sanctioned sports and club sports.
Multiple Sports
The Warren County High School Athletic Department strongly encourages our student-athletes to participate in a variety of sports. Meaningful participation with the goal to create highly competitive teams to have success is the ultimate goal of Warren County High School Athletics.
Introduction
Dear Parents,
Your son/daughter has indicated a desire to voluntarily participate in the athletic program at Warren County High School, and we truly appreciate their interest. Warren County High School administration and faculty believe that participation in athletics provides many opportunities to enhance a student’s character and instill values such as good sportsmanship, integrity, the importance of character education, a winning attitude and the development of the student-athlete in team and individual settings. We believe that athletics are truly a major part of a well-rounded educational experience. We are intentionally making efforts to foster a “family” atmosphere in our athletic programs. The development of responsibility and accountability in our programs will require all those involved, our student-athletes, parents, coaches, faculty/staff and administration to work together. Our goal is to develop an athletic program that will ensure a meaningful educational experience for our student-athletes.
The Athletic Department sets policies and procedures that uphold the mission and standards for Warren County High School. These policies need parental support that can be achieved through positive, proactive communications. The information in this handbook is designed as a set of guidelines, rules and responsibilities for Warren County High School student-athletes.
Being a member of any Warren County High School athletic team is a privilege; with that privilege comes responsibility on and off the field. We are very proud of our young men and women who have worked hard to help build a winning tradition and ask that you be a part of that tradition by helping us develop a positive environment that will last for generations.
We look forward to a successful year in athletics.
Warren County High School Athletic Department Overview
Athletic Mission and Philosophy:
Athletics play an integral part in the life of student-athletes at Warren County High School and provide all students, regardless of age, size, or ability, the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics and learn life-lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, self-discipline, self-confidence, and winning and losing gracefully. Athletic competition adds to our school spirit and helps all our students, staff, and faculty develop pride in our school. It is our goal through participation in athletics that Warren County High School will prepare our student-athletes for a lifetime of service to others.
1. We will ensure and promote a high quality, comprehensive program founded on uncompromised integrity.
A. We will meet and exceed the spirit of the Warren County School District and Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association.
B. We will encourage honesty and ethical standards in interactions with all persons.
C. We will insist on high moral standards for athletes, including fairness, character, and respect for others.
D. We will consistently emphasize the importance of the high standards set for all student-athletes.
2. We will strive to achieve the total development of the student-athlete.
A. We will emphasize positive interaction and relationship-building with fellow students and educators.
B. We will emphasize intellectual growth leading to graduation and a productive life thereafter.
C. We will emphasize athletic development in interscholastic competition.
D. We will emphasize service to our community.
3. We will promote and enhance the academic mission of the school district.
A. We will make every effort to complement the classroom experience.
B. We will provide an opportunity of positive statewide exposure for the district through athletic accomplishments that contribute to the overall success of our school.
The following are a set of rules and guidelines established for the conduct of our student-athletes. Student-athletes, parents, and coaches are responsible for knowing the contents of this handbook and for following the guidelines set forth herein. A student participates in athletics by choice, and it should be considered a privilege to represent your school. As a result, the student also chooses to adhere to the athletic participation rules and guidelines. A Warren County student-athlete will not do anything that will jeopardize his or her team’s chances for success. These rules and procedures apply during the entire sport season, on and off school grounds, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Failure to comply with these rules and procedures may result in a suspension from participation in Warren County High School athletics. In addition to these guidelines, each coach or sponsor will develop specific rules which will apply to his or her respective sport or activity. Student-athletes may also be suspended from a sport or activity for a violation of general school rules as set forth in the student handbook.
Student-athletes are representatives of their school and community. As ambassadors of the Warren County community, it is incumbent upon them to represent their school with class, respect, dignity, integrity, good sportsmanship, and compassion for their fellow competitors and their communities.
Communication Guidelines
What parents should expect from coaches:
1. Philosophy of the coach.
2. Location, times of practices, and game schedule.
3. The expectations the coach has of the players and team.
4. Team requirements regarding equipment and off-season activities.
5. Team rules and disciplinary action for violation of team rules.
6. The role parents could play in helping the coach or team (i.e., team meals).
What student-athletes should expect from coaches:
1. To be led by example.
2. To always place emotional and physical well-being ahead of personal desire to win.
3. To be treated fairly and receive encouragement regardless of the athlete’s level of ability.
4. To recognize the contribution that each student-athlete has made to the team.
5. To never give up on the players or team.
6. To teach the athletes self-discipline and to develop mental toughness.
7. To demonstrate enthusiasm, communicate clearly, and motivate positively.
8. To provide fair, firm, and consistent discipline that works toward team goals.
What coaches should expect from student-athletes:
1. To be respectful at all times.
2. To always be a team player and remain loyal to teammates, coaches, and school.
3. To be in the best possible physical condition.
4. To never complain to others until a concern has been discussed with the coach.
5. To keep emotions under control without losing enthusiasm.
6. To adhere to all school and team rules.
7. To never react to officials’ ruling or calls in an unsportsmanlike manner.
8. To make a commitment to win or lose with honor and integrity.
9. To never give negative criticism or blame teammates.
10. To make all practices or games. If unable to do so, the student-athlete must communicate with the coach 24 hours before the practice or game that will be missed.
Communication coaches should expect from parents:
1. Specific information about their student-athlete that the coach might need to know.
2. Notification of any scheduling conflicts well in advance.
3. Any appropriate concerns they may have.
A. Concerns to be discussed with a coach:
1. The treatment of their student-athlete mentally and physically.
2. Ways to help their student-athlete improve.
3. Concerns about their student-athlete’s behavior.
4. Academic support and high school opportunities.
B. Concerns not to be discussed with a coach:
1. Playing time.
2. Team strategy.
3. Other student-athletes.
Procedure for addressing a concern:
1. If the concern starts with your child, have your child talk with the coach first.
2. Call the coach and request a meeting.
3. If there is no resolution, contact the Athletic Director and request a meeting.
4. If there is no resolution, contact the Executive Principal.
5. It is important not to confront a coach before or after a practice or game.
Schedule Updates:
All schedules remain dynamic and therefore, subject to change. This is often due to weather, cancellation by the opposing team, or unforeseen conflicts. If students are released from school early due to weather, it is our school district’s policy to cancel all after school activities (i.e., practices). However, if there is a scheduled event the following day or days, sporting events or other activities may be played as scheduled, subject to driving conditions. Practices, activities, or games will not be mandatory if such an occasion arises, and we ask that parents and student-athletes err on the side of caution when determining if roads are passable. Team schedules are listed on the school’s website under the athletics’ tab.
Game & Practice Guidelines:
Student-Athlete Eligibility:
It is required that no student-athlete be permitted to participate in practice sessions or in athletic contests until there is on file with the school trainer, Principal or Athletic Director a pre-participation medical evaluation from signed by a doctor of medicine, osteopathic physician, physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner stating that the student-athlete is physically fit to participate in interscholastic athletics. In lieu of the form, the athletic department will accept a signed statement from the health care provider certifying that the student-athlete has passed a physical examination that encompasses all elements on the pre-participation medical evaluation form and attesting that in their opinion the student-athlete is physically fit to participate in interscholastic athletics.
Student-athletes are also required to have on file a parental consent certificate signed by a parent or legal guardian stating the student-athlete has the consent of his/her parent(s) or legal guardian to participate in practice or in athletic contests. In addition, a student-athlete may be required to sign a Team Contract (if applicable) in order to play or practice.
Academic Rules:
A student-athlete must earn five credits the preceding school year if less than 24 credits are required for graduation or six credits the preceding school year if 24 or more credits are required for graduation to be eligible to participate in athletic contests during any school year per TSSAA guidelines.
Student-athletes who are ineligible the first semester may gain eligibility the second semester by passing five subjects (1/2 credit for each subject).
For athletic purposes the scholastic record filed in the office of the Principal or Director of Schools at the end of the semester shall be final. Credits earned in a summer school accredited by the State Department of Education shall be recognized for eligibility purposes provided the student was enrolled during the spring semester immediately preceding the summer session and attended at least 40 days of that spring semester.
Independent-Game Participation:
Once a student-athlete’s name has been filed with TSSAA on the school eligibility report, the student-athlete should not participate in an independent game in that sport before the season has closed or his/her name has been removed from the eligibility report at the request of the Principal with TSSAA.
The student-athlete may be ineligible as explained. Any organized game in which players not registered with TSSAA participate, regardless of whether admission is charged, is considered as an independent game. Examples include but are not limited to Church/Industrial League Basketball games and AAU/Select team scrimmages/games. Violation of this rule will render the student-athlete ineligible for 25% of the number of contests allowed in that sport by the TSSAA sports calendar or for the remainder of the season in that sport, whichever number is the least. Violation of this rule a second time in the same sport in the same season will render the student-athlete ineligible in that sport for the remainder of the season.
Team Requirements:
Every effort must be made by our student-athletes to commit to all practices and games. In the event that a conflict arises, the coach and/or Athletic Director will decide if any discipline is appropriate to the situation. Our goal is to be consistent with discipline, and we understand that each situation differs, and, therefore, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis after all the facts have been evaluated.
Communication is critical to this policy. During
preseason, coaches must review the schedule of practices
and games before the start of the season. All attendance
conflicts should be resolved using this policy.
Game Guidelines:
1. Student-athletes must wear the issued uniform for all games.
2. Student-athletes must follow team rules and guidelines established by the Head Coach.
3. Student-athletes must make every effort to display good sportsmanship and respect for competitors, officials, fans, etc.
4. Warren County High School will not tolerate profanity, inappropriate behavior, or poor sportsmanship from players, fans, or coaches. Players and coaches are subject to suspension from the game(s) or team. Fans may be asked to leave the game and/or be suspended for future events.
5. There will be occasions when student-athletes will have an early dismissal in order to get to an event on time. Is such cases, it will be the student-athlete’s responsibility prior to leaving, to make arrangements with his/her teacher(s) for all academic responsibilities.
Practice Guidelines:
1. Student-athletes are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and overall upkeep of designated locker rooms/bathrooms and facilities.
2. Student-athletes are not allowed access to any facility without proper supervision. Practices may not start without a coach present.
3. Only appropriate shoes are to be used in the main and auxiliary gym. All muddy shoes or cleats must be removed before entering the main school building.
4. There should be no unsupervised play in the main or auxiliary gym at ANY time.
5. There should be no unsupervised weight training in any of the weight rooms at ANY time.
6. No loitering is allowed in designed practice areas during practice time.
Travel:
Most, but not all, teams will travel to away games by bus. There will be occasions when parents, coaches or other school personnel will transport student-athletes to sporting events or activities. In such cases, the coach and/or Athletic Director will need written approval from the parent or legal guardian of student-athletes to be transported by another parent. Parent drivers must provide a copy of his/her valid drivers’ license and proof of insurance. Student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times and be respectful to those individuals transporting student-athletes. At the completion of an extracurricular activity or athletic event, a student-athlete will be excused to go home with a parent/guardian or any adult the parent/guardian designates in a written request to the coach. Typically, a parent/guardian or designee will be required to sign a travel roster for the coach, which would enable the student-athlete(s) to travel home with the parent/guardian or designee.
Uniforms:
All student-athletes are expected to adhere to the practice uniform and game uniform requirements set forth by each coach.
Game Uniforms & Dress Code:
Athletic uniforms are distributed prior to each game or season. Each student-athlete is expected to return the game uniform at the conclusion of the game or season, whatever the policy for that respective team. A few teams have their student-athletes purchase game uniforms, and, therefore, these athletes would not be subject to this policy. If a student-athlete fails to return his/her uniform in a prompt manner, grades or even a diploma may be withheld or a fine sanctioned.
Any item worn on the body which serves no purpose or function will not be allowed. Examples may include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Leg bands or “UnderArmour” bands are not allowed
2. Wristbands are not to be worn above the wrist area.
3. “Eye Black” should be worn modestly, directly below the eyes. Face painting is not allowed.
4. All sweatbands are to be royal blue, black, or white. Exceptions may include events such as “Pink Out” Night.
5. All socks should match and be royal blue, black, or white.
6. Shoe color may vary but should be appropriate for the sport or uniform.
General:
Teams are encouraged to have managers to assist with practices and games. The manager is expected to follow the same practice and game commitment as a student-athlete. Managers will receive the same recognition as a student-athlete for that particular team.
Attendance:
Student-athletes are expected to attend all practices and games unless an illness, death in the family, or another significant event precludes their presence. If a student-athlete must miss a practice or game, the coach must be notified in advance-a 24 hour notice is recommended. If no prior notification occurs, the coach will notify the Athletic Director. Should excessive absences occur, a student-athlete may be dismissed from the team. All absences will be documented, prior to any dismissal; parents will be notified that their athlete’s position on the team is in jeopardy.
Practice times will vary from sport to sport, but typically, they will begin at the completion of the regular school day. However, teams are not limited to this time period (i.e. gym availability may have a second team practice later in the day).
It will be the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to ensure the student-athlete is at practice and picked up from practice. At no time will a student be allowed to stay on campus unsupervised. Therefore, since everyone’s time is valuable, please make arrangements for your student-athlete to be picked up promptly at the completion of practice.
Student-Athlete Conduct:
As mentioned earlier, student-athletes are representatives of our school and act as ambassadors for not only our school but also our community. Therefore, it is imperative that our student-athletes represent us with class and good sportsmanship.
Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct include but may not be limited to
1. Excessive scoring
2. Taunting
3. Showboating
4. Retaliation
5. Intentional physical harm
6. Disrespectful behavior
7. Lack of civility
Parents, Fans, and Spectators:
Any parent, fan, or spectator who acts in a disruptive manner will cause the game to be suspended until the situation is resolved or the spectator is removed by the game official or the athletic director. As a result of such a removal, this individual may NOT attend any of Warren County High School’s athletic events for the remainder of that season at the discretion of the Athletic Director and Executive Principal.
Any unsportsmanlike violation by a student-athlete, parent, fan, or spectator will be reported to the Executive Principal by the Athletic Director within 24 hours of the incident.
Discipline Procedures:
The following individuals have the authority to impose discipline: Principal(s), Athletic Director, and Coach. They shall notify the student-athlete of his/her proposed suspension from an extracurricular activity and the reason(s) for the suspension. They shall also notify the student’s parent, guardian, or custodian.
A coach shall have the right to remove any student-athlete from immediate participation in any extracurricular activity under that coach’s supervision if the student’s presence poses a continued danger to persons or property or an on-going threat of disrupting school, travel, or any school-provided transportation or any school-sponsored activity held on or off school property. In addition, routine disciplinary procedures related to the student-athletes’ participation in any activity or competition will be the discretion of the coach or assistant coach. For example, a coach may determine that a student-athlete may attend a practice or contest, but may determine that the student-athlete will not participate in the event as the result of a disciplinary action administered during the regular school day (i.e., In School Suspension, Lunch Detention, and After School Learning).
Student-athletes participating in extracurricular activities are expected to obey all pertinent laws. Participating in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right. The school may exclude students from participating when they become involved in behaviors that may jeopardize their safety. This will be made at the discretion of the Executive Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach. Disciplinary action will be consistent across the board for all athletic teams and student-athletes. However, each situation has a unique set of facts and circumstances, and, therefore, each will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If a student-athlete is suspended from his/her team, the student-athlete would be expected to participate in any and all activities of the team to remain a member in good standing, subject to the discretion of the coach.
Student-athletes should not possess or use tobacco products or legal over-the-counter drugs to enhance performance. Violations of this policy will result in the suspension from participation in all extracurricular activities and athletic events.
If student-athletes are caught, or determined through a school investigation of using, abusing or being in possession of alcohol, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia, the following procedures, and penalties shall apply to extracurricular activities.
FIRST OFFENSE:
The student-athlete will be immediately suspended from 50% of games or competitions. If there are less than 50% of the games remaining in the season, the suspension may be carried into the following season and/or another sport in which the student-athlete may participate (i.e., A student-athlete who participates in football and basketball is caught with alcohol during the 7th week of the football season, the student-athlete would be suspended for the remainder of football season and a percentage of the basketball competitions/games to account for total of 50%). At the discretion of the coach, the student-athlete may be required to attend and/or participate in all practices to remain a member of the team. Failure to comply, will result in the student-athletes’ removal from the team.
SECOND OFFENSE:
The student-athlete will be removed from participation in any and all extracurricular activities and/or athletic teams for one calendar year. The student-athlete will be unable to attend or participate in any practice and/or competition as a member of the team. The student-athlete may be reinstated the following school year, at the discretion of the Executive Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach, provided the student-athlete completes a drug/alcohol assessment by an agency or professional that is licensed by the state for drug and alcohol assessment. The student-athlete must be enrolled in any treatment program recommended by the approved agency or professional and sign a release of records for the treatment so that administration can confirm cooperation with treatment. All costs for the assessment and treatment will be the responsibility of the student-athlete and his /her parents or guardians.
THIRD OFFENSE:
The student-athlete will be excluded from ALL extracurricular activities for the remainder of his/her Warren County High School career.
Student-Athlete Obligation during a Period of Suspension
Student-athletes serving a suspension (First Offense), will be required to participate in all practices, travel with his/her team to away contests, and be present at all contests involving his/her team to fulfill the requirements of the suspension. The coach or administration may alter this policy, subject to the circumstances of the suspension.
Infractions not Specifically Listed in this Handbook
As mentioned earlier, Warren County High School student-athletes will be held accountable for the acts and actions 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, on and off school grounds. Suspensions may occur after the coach and/or administration investigates and considers all circumstances/facts of specific acts or actions of the student-athlete.
Grievance Procedures
While it is hoped that all student-athletes, parents, and staff members work for the common good of the individual and the school, disagreements are a part of high school athletics. For the purpose of improving relations between all parties involved, the following guidelines shall be followed
1. If a parent/guardian has a complaint about a coach he/she shall refrain from confronting the coach in public, before or after a contest or practice. A parent/guardian may contact the coach to establish a meeting to discuss the complaint. If there is no resolution to the complaint or concern, the parent/guardian should contact the Athletic Director to establish a meeting. If the Athletic Director and parent/guardian are unable to resolve the matter, the parent/guardian shall contact the Executive Principal. The Executive Principal may convene a meeting with the parent/guardian, coach, and Athletic Director. The student-athlete shall not be involved in this meeting unless requested by the Principal. Should the matter still not be resolved, the parent/guardian shall contact the Director of Schools and arrange a meeting. Coaches are evaluated each year and are subject to the terms of employment as set forth by the Board of Education. Included in these terms is an annual evaluation that is conducted by the Athletic Director.
2. Parents/guardians, coaches, and the administration shall not discuss other student-athletes or family members. Conferences shall focus on the complaint/concern and a remedy to the problem that is most agreeable to all parties involved. It shall be the established policy of coaches that they are not obligated to play all players equally. The determination of who plays and who does not is determined by the coach at his or her discretion based on criteria including, but not limited to ability level, experience, work ethic, attitude, and past performance.
3. When a meeting is called, the coach shall be told who will be in attendance prior to the meeting. The coach shall also have the right to request anyone he or she believes necessary to be present at any meeting called by the parent/guardian or Athletic Director. If the Athletic Director, Executive Principal, or Director of Schools orders any coach to be present at a meeting, it is part of the coach’s contractual obligation to follow the reasonable request of his/her superiors and be present at the meeting.
4. Coaches will establish their own rules and schedules (supported by the Athletic Director) within guidelines that have been established by the Warren County Board of Education and TSSAA. It shall be up to the coach when to have practice, how long to practice, and what to practice. Decisions regarding strategy, personnel and scheduling shall be made by the coach. Both student-athletes and their parents/guardians should be given important information at the beginning of the season pertaining to team guidelines, policies, and procedures. These preseason meetings are an opportunity for parents/guardians to discuss questions regarding team rules with his or her coach. All policies that govern the High School Athletic Program shall supersede any rules set forth by the coach, it is the responsibility of the coach to know these rules and abide by them.
5. Any written correspondence concerning an issue with athletics at Warren County High School should provide appropriate information in order for the school or athletic department to respond. Anonymous notes, letters, emails, phone calls, texts, etc., will not typically receive the attention of official action unless school officials believe that the safety or well-being of a student-athlete(s) is in jeopardy.