These guidelines have been established for the purposes of providing a frame of reference under which the athletic program of the Canton Area School District can be organized, administered and properly supervised. All staff members of this program are expected to be thoroughly familiar with the provisions of this handbook and are expected to carry out their responsibilities. It is also hoped that policies and procedures set forth in this handbook will be continually evaluated so that constantly improving sports programs can be made available to the students of Canton Area School District.

This Coaches' Handbook is intended to guide and assist you in performing your duties as a coach more effectively and efficiently. It is expected that you will meet with the athletes you coach and reinforce those sections of the handbook that deal more specifically with the expectations we have of the Canton Area School District athletes. Please become familiar with the content of the handbook and refer to them whenever necessary. The policies and guidelines pertain to all coaches, advisors and students who are involved in interscholastic athletics and cheerleading in grades 7-12.

Our school district takes pride in fielding championship athletic teams. The appearance and behavior of our athletes are expected to be of championship quality. Athletes represent their team, their school and their community when competing in athletic contests. Many people have the opportunity to watch our athletes compete and are justly proud of our Warrior tradition.

The tradition is no mistake. It is being developed through hard work, good coaching and disciplined athletes. Remember that first impressions are lasting! It is essential that we look like champions. Personal pride starts with appearance and living habits. With these thoughts in mind, certain suggested guidelines have been drawn up as reminders to appearance and behavior on and off the athletic fields.

PHILOSOPHY OF INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

Everyone involved in the delivery of athletics possess a unique opportunity to teach positive life skills and values. Therefore, this educational experience demands highly qualified coaches. Desire, dedication, and self-discipline need to be developed in order to ensure the commitment and personal sacrifice required by athletes. Making such a commitment helps to nurture integrity, pride, and overall character.

It is the nature of athletic competition to strive for victory. However, the number of victories is only one criterion when determining a season's success.  Guiding the team to attain maximum potential is the ultimate goal to this end. The coaching staff must teach students/athletes to prepare their minds and bodies in order to reach maximum potential, and then to be modest in victory and steadfast in defeat.

Squad size at all levels is not limited; however, when team numbers exceed optimal levels, playing time will not be guaranteed. You will be afforded the opportunity to be a part of the PIAA sanctioned team. The coach will inform the team and the individual players in the beginning of each season of the possibility. Your commitment to the team supersedes individual preferences.

VARSITY PROGRAM PHILIOSOPHY

Varsity competition is the culmination of each Athletic program. Occasionally, a sophomore and infrequently a freshman may be included on the team providing that evidence of advanced levels of physical development, athletic skills and appropriate emotional development is demonstrated.

Squad size at the varsity level is limited. The number of participants on any given team is a function of those needed to conduct an effective and meaningful practice and to play the contest. It is vital that each team member has a role and be informed of its individual roles in pursuit of the team's goals. While contest participation over the course of a season is desirable, a specified amount of playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed.

Each coach will be able to cut athletes from their JV and varsity sports teams. This does not apply to junior high sports.

This should only be applied if numbers are excessive. When a coach determines that they are going to cut athletes, the following protocol should be followed:

• Commutation with parents at the parents meeting about the procedure for cutting.
• Notification of the AD and principal of the cuts.
• Cuts should be done by the end of the first full week of official practice.

A sound attitude and advanced level of skill are prerequisites for a position on a varsity team, as is the realization that a varsity sport requires a six day-a-week commitment. This commitment is often extending into vacation periods for all sport seasons. While contests and practices are rarely held on holidays and Sundays, the dedication and commitment needed to conduct successful varsity programs should be taken seriously.

The varsity coach is the leader of that sports' program and determines the system on instruction and strategy for that program. The communication among the junior high, junior varsity and varsity programs is the responsibility of the varsity coach. Preparing to win, striving for victory in each contest and working to reach the group's and individual's maximum potential are worthy goals of a varsity level team.

JUNIOR VARSITY PROGRAM

The junior varsity level is intended for those who display the potential of continued development into productive varsity level performers. Although team membership varies according to the structure of each program, sophomores and freshman occupy the majority of roster positions. In certain situations, juniors who are expected to make contributions at the varsity level will be considered for junior varsity participation. Juniors playing at the Junior Varsity level is not encouraged but may be used when coaches are trying to develop that player for the senior season. It is up to the coach for that determination. League rules will be followed when deciding to include a junior on the Junior Varsity team.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART RESPONSIBILITIES

PRINICPAL

Principals are responsible for all matters pertaining to the athletics program of the school. They may delegate some power, but such delegation does not relieve them of any responsibilities for any infraction by the school of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Pennsylvania interscholastic Athletic Association.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Athletic Directors are the coordinator of all athletic activities and the representative of the Principal at athletics involving the school. They have the delegated authority and responsibility in the following areas:

1. Observe the overall performance of the head coach of all sports.
2. Keep the Principal fully informed of all the information concerning the program.
3. Schedule all athletic contests subject to the approval of the Principal (may consult with a coach concerning all scheduling arrangement, but all scheduling, including changes, must be discussed with the Principal).
4. Arrange necessary transportation for all away contests (schedule trips and coordinate with the bus company to insure minimal loss of school time).
5. Oversee all contracts, permission forms, eligibility lists and any other documents required by the PIAA.
6. Work with the Athletic Secretary for the purchase of athletic materials, supplies and equipment (following Board Policy on solicitation of quotations of bids from responsible manufacturers and dealers).
7. Provide an end-of-season evaluation of the Head Coach of each season. Head coaches will evaluate assistant coaches with assistance of the Athletic Director.

HEAD COACH (Varsity and Junior High Level)

The major responsibilities of Head Coaches are listed below as a guide for carrying out assigned duties. The Head Coach may delegate these responsibilities among his/her assistant coaches. However, the delegation of these duties by the Head Coach does not relieve the head coach of the responsibilities. The Head Coach maintains overall responsibility for the effectiveness of his/her program. Additional responsibilities may be inherent in individual program for various coaches; these should be delegated by the Athletic Director.

The Head Coach shall:

1. Be responsible for the coordination of the total program from grades seven through twelve (all other coaches in that sport are directly responsible to the Head Coach).
2. Develop a disciplined, well-coordinated team to represent the school and community.
3. Ensure that all requirements by PIAA and the Board of School Directors are met for participation in all athletic contests.
4. Follows and enforces the School Board Policy on Code of School Conduct.  (May establish additional rules upon approval of the Athletic Director).
5. Demand the best in sportsmanship, conduct and appearance of the assistant coaches, managers, statistician and team at all practices and games.
6. Assist in the selection of assistant coaches and be responsible for selection of his/her assistant coaches.
7. Recruit and select competent student managers and statisticians.
8. Organize a program of practice sessions, systems of playing and training rules with the proper clearance of authorized personnel.
9. Institute practices, which assure the safety of players when under supervision.
10. Reports unsafe equipment and facilities to the proper superior.
11. Permit no practice or squad activity without proper supervision.
12. Coach individual participants in the skills necessary for achievement in the sport.
13. Supervise locker room activities and remain until all players have cleared the building after practice or game.
14. Make sure all lights are out after practice.
15. Make sure that all entranceways to buildings are properly secured.
16. Assume responsibility for care of all athletic equipment, supplies and materials assigned to each specific sport and collect and account for all equipment and uniforms at the end of the season.
17. Keep a list of needed equipment.
18. Prepare requisitions for needed equipment and supplies as directed by the Athletic Director for budgeting purposes.
19. Have the necessary game equipment packed before away games and ensure its proper storage upon return.
20. Report injuries to the Athletic Director.
21. Work with the Athletic Trainer to assure that each injured player receives proper medical attention.
22. Refer a student for proper professional staff counseling if a student presents a personal problem to the coach and the problem cannot be resolved at that level.
23. Be responsible for all game statistics.
24. Maintain necessary attendance forms, insurance forms and similar assigned paperwork.
25. Provide the Athletic Director with a complete up-to-date roster of all players, including all information necessary for the eligibility, insurance, printing of programs and publicity.
26. Submit a Season End Report within one month of the conclusion of the season with roster, lettermen, season record and results, highlights, special recognitions, self-evaluations (strong and weak points) and recommendations for the future.
27. Turn in an emergency bus roster to the Administrative Office prior to departing for an away event.
28. Perform other duties as may be assigned or delegated by the Athletic Director or Principal.

The above responsibilities may be delegated to assistant coaches "in house."

The Head Coach is primarily responsible for the effectiveness of the program. He/She can be held accountable for failure with any phase of his/her program unless he/she is relieved of this responsibility.

ASSISTANT COACHES

Assistant coaches are expected to perform assigned responsibilities and to fulfill all obligations as specified by the Head Coach. The Head Coach is responsible for evaluating his/her assistant coaches and delegating assignments to the staff.

ATHLETIC TRAINER

The Head Coach is ultimately responsible for reporting of injuries to the Athletic Trainer, however, he/she may delegate this responsibility to an Assistant Coach.

The duties of the Athletic Trainer include:

1. First aid and emergency care.
2. Taping and treatment before practice and games.
3. Providing the service of a doctor when needed.
4. Notify the parents of the injured player.
5. Supervision of Student Trainers.
6. Ordering, distribution and care of supplies.

The Athletic Trainer is medically responsible for the athletes. Following the injury the Athletic trainer will decide if and when the athlete is physically able to resume participation.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS INTRODUCTION

Many activities are offered in the high school. This school district divides out those activities as interscholastic athletics (sports) and co-curricular activities, but attempts to treat them similarly since both involve students. Participation in these activities (interscholastic athletics and co-curricular activities) is a privilege and not a right.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM

It is the policy of the Canton Jr.-Sr. High School to carry on as wide and diversified a program of athletics as facilities and funds will permit. The school regards cross country, football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, spirit squad, baseball, softball, and track as major sports. Full cheerleading squads for football and basketball are maintained. Intramural sports are to be developed to as great an extent as is possible.

Article 10, Section 1, of the Constitution and By-Laws of the PIAA places the Principal in charge of athletics. It is the duty and function of the Athletic Director, and the coaches to keep the Principal informed of all developments that involve athletics such as: schedules of games, selection of officials,
contracts, injuries to players, etc. A COACHES POLICY MANUAL is available which better defines athletic responsibilities. The COACHES POLICY MANUAL will act as an extension to this section.

In addition to PIAA regulations, Canton athletes will adhere to the additional Pass to Play Policy.

Eligibility Policy for Canton Area School District Athletics and Cheerleaders

Rationale

The purpose of this policy is to communicate to all student athletes, parents, teachers, coaches, and the community, that while athletics play a major role in the overall scholastic experience of many students, and are important, academics must always be the top priority of everyone. It is the district's goal for each student athlete to be successful in all academic classes. Student athletes not only need to be passing in order to graduate, but also in order for the high school and district to do well on state wide assessments as required by state and federal accountability standards and reach adequate yearly progress. Canton School District is proud to state that it is holding the Canton student athletes to higher academic standards than most other districts.

In order to maintain eligibility for participation student athletes and cheerleaders must be passing at least five of their academic classes, including special classes.

• Participating students, teachers and coaches will be notified by the athletic director by no later than 8:30 a.m. each Monday morning (or first day of the school week) which students are failing and in which specific classes.
• Students declared ineligible will then be able to immediately see teachers in order to make arrangements for whatever effort is required to restore eligible status, i.e. make up assignments, tests, extra credit, etc.
• Students will remain ineligible for competition or participation until they are passing five or more of their classes.
• Students could become eligible, based on teacher communication to the Athletic Director or Principal, that same day, Tuesday or however long it takes to attain a passing average for all classes.
• Once eligibility has been restored, only the Athletic Director or Principal may validate the fact. Coaches must receive confirmation from one of the above mentioned individuals and not the student before a student athlete can resume participation.
• In addition to these requirements, the regular PIAA standards (a student must be passing the equivalent of four credits or he or she will be ineligible until eligibility is run again the following week unless it’s at the end of a marking period in which it would be 15 school days starting when report cards are issued) will still remain in effect as well.
• Students who are failing a course at the end of a marking period will not be allowed to participate in contests or performances for a period of fifteen school days. This period of time will begin when report cards are issued.

Students who are failing a course at the end of a school year will not be eligible to participate in contests or performances (scrimmages or otherwise) prior to the first day of school and also for a period of fifteen school days commencing with the first student day of the following school year.

ATHLETICS/CO-CURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT

We, in the Canton Area School District, believe that a healthy mind and healthy body complement one another.

We also believe that learning is not to be limited to the classroom and that participation, athletics and competition, in their proper place and perspective, are other components of the learning process. Therefore, we believe that interscholastic athletics and co-curricular activities should be incorporated into our total educational offerings as integral parts.

GENERAL INFORMATION

I. General Objectives

Games and events should have as their chief purposes, friendly rivalries, creation of new friendships, playing skills, good sportsmanship, and improved community relations.

II. Specific Objectives

1. Interscholastic Athletics and Co-Curricular Activities at Canton High School
   1. Provide opportunities to develop skill and to experience the satisfaction of performing effectively in emotionally charged situations.
   2. Contribute to the development of a health and fitness attitude that will provide a carry-over interest, which will function during leisure time.
   3. Contribute to the development of a wholesome appreciation for a well-developed and properly conditioned body.
   4. Contribute to the development of desirable social and citizenship qualities such as: responsibility, respect for authority, leadership and fellowship abilities, respect for the rights and properties of others, harmonious and cooperative group action and respect for individual differences.
   5. Contribute to the satisfaction of certain psychological needs such as: self-understanding, self-expression, recognition and approval.
   6. Contribute to the development of desirable character traits including persistence, determination, unselfishness, will-to-win, alertness, maximum effort, resourcefulness and tenacity.
   7. Promote the development of the self-esteem and self-realization of each participant.
2. Objectives for School and Student body:
   1. Interscholastic athletics and co-curricular activities should occupy a position in the curriculum comparable to that of other subjects or activities.
   2. Interscholastic athletics and co-curricular activities should be educational.
   3. Interscholastic athletics and co-curricular activities should be a means of promoting fine school moral.
   4. Proper student interest should be created.
   5. All visiting schools should be treated as guests.
   6. The school policy should be definite, so that participants will not expect special privileges.
   7. Interscholastic athletic programs and co-curricular activities should be broad rather than narrow in scope.  This should include as many activities as possible in order to be of benefit to more students.
   8. Sportsmanship, fair play, and good school citizenship should be objectives of all participants.
3. Objectives for Community:
   1. The community should realize that direction and control of school athletes and participants in interscholastic athletics and co-curricular activities, respectively, rests with school authorities.
   2. Interscholastic athletic and co-curricular activities should furnish a recreational opportunity for the general public insofar as a community is willing to see that the program is conducted solely for benefit of student competition, student spectators, and/or student participation.
   3. The community should judge success of the season on the number of participants and spectators, new skills acquired, and good citizenship and sportsmanship taught rather than on the number of games won or lost.
   4. The community should constantly keep in mind the fact that an athletic contest and/or co-curricular activity is part of a school program.

III. Code of Conduct for Participants in Interscholastic Athletics and Co-Curricular Activities

1. Appreciate that coaches, advisors, sponsors, and administrators have the best interests of the participants in mind as they plan and conduct their programs.
2. Obey the specific training and practice rules of the coach, advisor, or sponsor.
3. Be present at practice sessions, rehearsals, games, and scheduled events unless excused by the coach, advisor, or sponsor.
4. Practice healthful habits of cleanliness and personal hygiene in all their daily activities.
5. Appreciate the importance of proper rest, diet, and exercise.
6. Understand that alcohol, tobacco, and illegal/illicit drugs are harmful to the body and mind, and hinder maximum effort and performance. As related to these issues, Student Handbook rules will be followed.
7. Participants should appear neat and well-groomed at all times.
8. Participants should not use profanity or other inappropriate language/gestures.
9. Directly represent the coaches, advisors, sponsors, school, community, and should conduct themselves properly at all time. Student/student athletic conduct reflects on the school's reputation.
10. Realize that officials do not lose a contest but are there for the purposes of ensuring that both teams/individuals receive a fair deal. For this, they deserve and will receive our courteous respect.
11. Do not employ illegal tactics to gain an undeserved advantage.
12. Work for the betterment of the school and what is right and good for their fellow students.
13. Express a concerted interest in the well-being of the opponent and the sportsmanship employed by the opposing participation.
14. Have a good attendance record and will not skip class(es) or be truant from school.
15. Plan their time so that they devote sufficient energy to their studies.
16. Care for all equipment as though it were their own personal property. Any loss of or damage to issued equipment (other than normal use/wear) is the participant's responsibility. All equipment must be personally returned to a coach or an assistant, advisor, or sponsor. Equipment left in classrooms, lockers, etc. is not considered to be returned, and students will be held financially responsible for all replacement costs.
17. Show sportsmanship at all times and express the importance of teamwork over personal recognition.
18. Comply with the standards of this code or be subject to dismissal from the sport/activity or to other disciplinary action(s), as may be determined by the coach, advisor, sponsor, or, administrator.

IV. Sanctions from the Code of Conduct

1. A student must be in good standing (academically eligible) in the school to participate in interscholastic athletics or co-curricular activities. Academic eligibility as defined by the PIAA is the standard the school subscribes to.
2. Coaches, advisors, sponsors, and school administrators have the authority to suspend a participant from his/her sport/activity(ies) on the spot, if the occasion warrants.
3. First infractions of a minor nature, continued minor infractions and major infractions should be punishable in a fair but stern manner, commensurate with the seriousness of the infraction. Suggested punishments include, but are not limited to, warnings, conferences, and /or review of the code, loss of assigned responsibilities, probationary status or ineligibility for one or more contests. Student handbook rules apply at all times.
4. A student may be declared ineligible to participate in any interscholastic, athletic, and/or co-curricular activity in which he/she represents the school in a public appearance if he/she:
   1. Has been found delinquent by the courts, found guilty (reached the age of majority) by the courts or has been put on probation by the courts.
   2. Conducts himself/herself in a manner that in the opinion of school authorities, would reflect unfavorably upon students.
   3. On a case-by-case basis, students declared ineligible through item number 1 may request to be evaluated for permission to participate by a decision committee team. A formal application process has been installed and a copy of this procedure may be obtained from the high school office upon request.
5. The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association dictates the ineligibility of any student who does not comply with the established regulations.
6. Incidents by students, which occur outside of school such as fighting or other actions, which may cause the student to be placed in the hand of civil authorities, should generally be punished by civil authorities. However, if this student's conduct is detrimental to others and that student's presence might adversely affect morale, disrupt the orderly operation of the school’s activities or interfere with the discipline and government of other students, the school administration is authorized to take appropriate action.
7. Use of tobacco – in any form – is prohibited. Students who use tobacco will be referred to the appropriate coach, advisor, or sponsor for disciplinary action.
8. Students found to be possessing, consuming or using illegal drugs, controlled substances or alcoholic beverages will immediately be turned over to law enforcement authorities and shall have the following options:
   1. Obtain a drug/alcohol assessment from a licensed facility at the expense of the parent/legal guardian. When the assessment is completed, a recommendation about future participation in the sport or activity will be made (favorable or unfavorable). During the time of assessment and until report is received and acted on, this student shall be suspended from all activities for the remainder of the sport season in which the infraction occurred AND the sport season that follows that season.
   2. Or, failing to undergo an assessment, the student will be banned from interscholastic athletics and/or co-curricular activities for one calendar year (defined as: from the date of the infraction to the anniversary date the following school year). A student may resume participation in a sport that begins a full season after the calendar year of absence has been served.
9. Attendance by a student at an event where alcoholic beverages are provided for or consumed
   by persons under the age of 21 in the absence or the presence and approval of the parents or guardians of those underage persons is a violation of training rules and is grounds for suspension from participation for a part or all of the sport or activity. Attendance by a student where illegal drugs or controlled substances are provided, used, or consumed is a violation of training rules and is grounds for suspension from participation for the duration of the athletic season during which the incident occurred. (See letter H above.).
10. The duration of each season (fall, winter, spring) shall extend until practice or participation starts for the next season.
11. The Canton Athletic/Co-Curricular Code of Conduct, along with a physical examination, will require parental/legal guardian's signatures before participation (in a practice or game/match/event/contest/activity).
12. "At school" is a term used throughout the Student Handbook. "At school" is defined as going to or coming from school, during school, or at a school-sponsored activity (nationally or internationally). It includes going to or coming from a sport or activity on school provided transportation.

V. Apply the sanctions to the Code

A STUDENT'S FAILURE TO ADHERE TO TRAINING RULES AND STANDARDS (CANTON ATHLETICS/CO-CURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK POLICIES) DESCRIBED HEREIN MAY AMOUNT TO SELF-DISQUALIFICATION FROM INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS AND/OR CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.

1. The head coach, coaching staff, advisee, sponsor, chaperones (when authorized) or school administration of necessity, have the right to exercise judgment in matters of enforcing the rules and must apply penalties impartially.
2. The principal will take action on matters requiring administrative attention. The athletic director will investigate, review options for sanctions and report, with recommendations to the principal.

HAZING

Hazing is not permitted in anyway. Our coaches have been given a copy of this new policy. Hazing policy #247 is posted on the district web site for you to refer for details.

STUDENT PARTICIPANT ETHICS CODE

This procedure will determine the athletes who qualify for special athletic awards in their respective sports throughout the school year. To be considered a candidate for these awards, the athlete must obey and conduct themselves in accordance with team rules, sport rules, and Student Handbooks rules while conforming to the Canton Athletic/Co-Curricular Code of Conducts.

Any infractions of team, sport, or Student Handbook rules or violations of the Canton Athletic/Co-Curricular Code of Conduct will be brought to the attention of the Athletic Director and administration. Violations may jeopardize an athlete’s chance for awards. Players must understand that their conduct reflects on the reputation of the school as well as themselves. Students should conduct themselves as true sportsmen and citizens at all times regardless of circumstances.

Before students engage in any practice for interscholastic athletics or co-curricular activity(ies) they must: (a) be authorized by a physician, when applicable, (b) meet PIAA eligibility requirements, (c) have school insurance or equivalent coverage provided by parents/legal guardians, when applicable, and (d) have a parent/legal guardian signature Canton Athletic/Co-Curricular Code of Conduct Card completed on file.

Other rules include:

1. Students are required to start practice at the beginning of each sport/activity season as announced unless prior permission is given by coach.
2. A player who starts a season and is a member of that team/activity until the first contest can be considered ineligible for any other sport/activity during that sport/activity season.
3. Eligibility for any sport/activity is not dependent on participation in any other sport/activity.
4. Participation in interscholastic athletics has no effect on participation in any other co-curricular activities.
5. A player can "quit" a team/activity only after a meeting with the coach, parent/legal guardian, player, athletic director and principal. The disposition (player eligibility) of each case is the responsibility of the High School Principal.
6. Players must appropriately address the coach as either "Coach, Mr., Mrs., Miss or Ms.".
7. Equipment issued to the student is the student's responsibility. It is checked out and must be checked in with the coach, advisor, or sponsor.  Bringing your equipment to school and leaving it in a locker room or high school office does not qualify as returning the equipment.
8. All students must be in school by 9:00am and may not leave before 2:39 of any given day in order to participate in any extra or co-curricular activity for that day. (Or weekend if the day is a Friday). ONLY if a student produces a legal excuse for a doctor/dentist/court/lawyer (non-parental) appointment prior to the extra or co-curricular activity is scheduled, they will be able to participate. These activities include the following, but are not limited to:
   1. Any sport practice or game
   2. Band and chorus related practice, concert, or activity
   3. School sponsored dances
   4. Drama practice or performance
9. All students are expected to attend school on a regular basis in order to have the privilege to attend school sponsored field trips. A student's attendance could be used to withhold participation on a field trip based on attendance. This will be determined on a case by case basis.

MOST VALUABLE ATHLETES

Each year awards are presented to athletes at the Athletic Awards Program. The Robert McWilliams Memorial Trophy is given to the most valuable senior boy athlete, and The Lettermen's Club Trophy is given to the most valuable girl athlete. The following guidelines are the criteria:

1. A senior athlete who is outstanding in at least one sport.
2. The athlete must be considered "coachable" by the coaching staff.
3. The athlete is one who leads by example.
4. The athlete is one who is a good representative for the school.
5. The athlete must maintain a mature attitude throughout his/her school years.

COACHING ETHICS

1. The first quality of every teacher/coach should be his/her professional ability as a teacher on the staff. He/she is a teacher first, then a coach.  Teaching is of primary importance, whether it is conducted in the classroom or on the playing field. It means that the school curriculum encompasses both academic learning in the classroom and athletic learning through extra-curricular activities. Each individual employed as a coach who is not on the faculty should model their behavior accordingly.
2. The coach should exemplify all that he/she is attempting to develop in those who are affiliated with the team. The coach should serve as the prime example of good sportsmanship and wholesome living.
3. There should be harmony among the entire coaching staff. Coaches should cooperate with each other, not compete against each other.
4. On the field, coaches must be the example of the good sportsmanship they are trying to teach. Defend the rights of the teams at all times, but do not overdo differences with officials.
5. No smoking or use of tobacco products (including snuff) will be permitted on the field or in the gymnasium at any time by members of the coaching staff.
6. Profanity by coaches will not be tolerated. It will in no way improve the teams’ performance. It will only lose respect for the coach and encourage the team members to use such language.
7. The coaches should endeavor to follow the assigned schedule. No arbitrary change in the schedule or rescheduling of contests will be made by coaches without the consent or approval of the Athletic Director and/or the Principal.
8. Abide by the rules of PIAA.
9. Do not interfere in the students' participation in any other extra-curricular activity.
10. A coach is a professional representative of his/her sport and his/her school in the community, maintaining the best in conduct and language.
11. Place the welfare of the student athlete and the reputation of the school above the outcome of the sports.

MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURE INFORMATION FOR COACHES

DISCIPLINE

Coaches are expected to maintain discipline on their squad and can expect full administrative support in this area. Use the philosophy of "firm but fair" as you discipline.

EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS

1. Issuing Equipment/Uniforms- (Coach or designee)
   1. Arrange for a date with the Athletic Director of issuing equipment or uniforms to all athletes.
   2. Notify athletes well in advance of this date so that they may plan their schedules.
   3. Record all equipment on a master form.
   4. Impress upon the athlete that all equipment issued must be returned whenever called for by the coach.
   5. Make it clear that practice gear should be cleaned frequently for health purposes and advise, in writing, the frequency and method of cleaning all practice gear.
   6. Have athlete check equipment form to see if all equipment listed and numbered correspond with what has been received.
   7. Have athlete sign form indicating that equipment has been received and will be returned when requested.
2. Returning Equipment/Uniforms- (Coach or designee)
   1. Let the athlete know when the date of collection will be (immediately after the end of the season). Each athlete must turn in his or her own equipment/uniform.
   2. Ensure that all returned equipment corresponds with the equipment listed on the equipment form.
   3. Ensure that the students pay for any missing equipment. If not paid, report to the Athletic Director and student's name will be placed on a list for the Principal's review.
   4. Ensure that all parts of uniforms are returned in a clean, well-kept condition.

LOCKER ROOM

The Head Coach will be responsible for:

1. Supervision of the locker room at the time it is being used.
2. Cleanliness of the locker room.
3. Equipment in the locker room.
4. Keeping players out of the First Aid and equipment rooms.

PERMANENT RECORD

Each coach must submit the following records:

1. Eligibility lists from the first week of practice. Updating the roster when a student is added/removed.
2. Individual game and season record (this includes letter winners and other outstanding performances). The following should be included in the season record:
   1. Team honors
   2. Individual honors
   3. Recommendations
   4. A completed evaluation of the season as requested by the Athletic Director.

PRACTICES

It is the responsibility of each coach to make certain that players do not enter any part of the building or use any facilities except those necessary for practice. To insure that this rule is in effect, the coach should:

1. Be there fifteen (15) minutes prior to practice and should be the last one to leave the building.
2. One coach must remain with students until the last bus departs.
3. Check the doors to see that they are properly secured.
4. Discipline any student disregarding these regulations.
5. Coordinate with the Athletic Director to schedule practices during vacation and other days in which school is not in session.

PRE-SEASON CHECKLIST

Prior to the first practice session, the coach working with the Athletic Director must ensure that the following have been accomplished:

1. Medical examination for all squad members given.
2. Insurance forms signed by parents and returned. (Student must have liability insurance either from home or school in order to participate).
3. Hold parental/student meeting and collect all signed documents. Keep all documents for the upcoming season.
4. Athletic Code of Conduct must be handed in with physical papers.
5. The Trainer and Coaches are responsible to collect the packet of physical papers, code of conduct, and copy of athlete’s insurance card.