Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Dr. Bruce Boyles Superintendent Jim Taylor County Athletic Director
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Cleveland County Schools
Athletic Handbook
Dr. Bruce Boyles
Superintendent
Jim Taylor
County Athletic DirectorTable of Contents Purpose and Philosophy 3 Cleveland County Schools Athletic Directors 4 Duties and Responsibilities of Athletic Directors 5 Starting Up Your Sport Season 7 Duties and Responsibilities of Coaches 9 Duties and Responsibilities of Athletic Trainers 11 Communication 14 Safety 15 Bloodborne Pathogen Compliance Guidelines 17 Concussions 18 Helmet Fitting/Recertification 19 Shoulder Pad Fitting 20 Crowd Control 22 Sportsmanship 28 Eligibility 29 Transportation 34 Cheerleading 35 Summer Camps 36 Athletic Forms and Fact Sheets 37 Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 2
Purpose
This handbook is designed to be a ready reference to assist the athletic director and the coach
in the administration of his/her sport in the most efficient manner. It also provides information
necessary to manage an extensive athletic program. Through the use of this manual, athletic
directors and coaches will become acquainted with their duties, responsibilities and
expectations.
Philosophy
Interscholastic athletics is an integral part of the total education process and thus plays a major
role in the philosophy of Cleveland County Schools. Athletics provide an opportunity for
students to utilize critical thinking skills, as well as, put into practice those basic tenets of
cooperation and personal responsibilities.
Cleveland County Schools adheres to the rules and regulations of the North Carolina High
School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) supplemented by state and county policies that create an
environment that promotes sportsmanship and strong educational priorities.
Cleveland County Schools promotes attitudes and practices that keep winning in perspective
and will look unfavorably upon any activities that would compromise the efforts of good
sportsmanship and ethical athletic practices. It is the belief of Cleveland County Schools that
full participation be allowed to all students when competitive conditions exist, thus endorsing a
wide participation policy.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 3Cleveland County Schools
Athletic Directors
Jim Taylor
Cleveland County Schools
Office: 704
Home: 704‐482‐9498
Cell: 704‐472‐1974
Lance Ware Eddy Taylor
Shelby High School Burns High School
School: 704‐482‐3404 School: 704‐538‐0109
Cell: 704‐473‐6841
Guy Suttle Dustin Morehead
Crest High School Kings Mountain High School
School: 704‐482‐5354 School: 704‐734‐5647 Ext 35
Tommy Wease David Smith
Shelby Middle School Burns Middle School
School: 704‐482‐6331 School: 704‐538‐3126
Donnie Hastings Tim Gunn
Crest Middle School Kings Mountain Middle School
School: 704‐482‐0343 School: 704‐734‐5667
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 4Duties and Responsibilities of the School Athletic Director
Cleveland County School System
The principal of each senior high school in the Cleveland County School System is responsible
for all activities of the school, including athletics. The following athletic policies will not lessen
responsibilities but will delegate areas of responsibility to the Athletic Director and to members
of the athletic staff. The Athletic Director represents the school administration in matters
pertaining to athletics and may need to vote at meetings of local, conference and state levels.
When representing the school, the Athletic Director’s vote should represent the thinking of the
majority of athletic staff if possible. By working and planning together with the administration,
athletic director, and athletic staff, we can continue to have an outstanding athletic program.
The Role of the High School Athletic Director:
1. To coordinate the coaching staff and the overall athletic program.
2. To coordinate the expenditures of all athletic funds.
3. To manage and direct all home athletic events.
4. To make arrangements for all athletic events away from home.
5. To pay all athletic debts, registration, memberships, booking fees, and game expenses to
proper persons at proper time.
6. To coordinate all athletic scheduling, send schedules to proper sources, and to approve
athletic publicity for the school; and also changes of any athletic rescheduling.
7. To request and maintain a file of athletic reports such as inventories, financial records,
eligibility list, team rosters, evaluations, correspondence, records and blue prints of
facilities, and to supply the principal with the same upon request.
8. To coordinate the preparation of copies of the State Eligibility Forms for each sport to meet
any deadlines. These forms to be completed by the person appointed by the Principal .
9. To approve purchases and orders for equipment and supplies.
10. To coordinate the preparations, maintenance, and improvements of all areas used in
athletic practice and contest. To work closely and with the System’s Maintenance
Department cooperatively.
11. To coordinate all areas of athletic concessions.
12. To see that all staff members perform their duties in such a manner that it will be a credit to
the Athletic Department.
13. To act as a faculty consultant to outside organizations, such as Booster’s Club and other
groups on matters pertaining to athletics.
14. To work closely with the schools custodial staff.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 515. To coordinate school sponsored athletic banquet or banquets, and coordinate the awards
program for athletics.
16. To act, decide, and handle matters in such a way that will improve, strengthen, enlarge and
foster the Department of Athletics at each school. “Keep the principal informed” and
“communicate daily”.
17. To attend as many of the school’s scheduled athletic events as possible.
18. Assist the principal in securing competent personnel for athletic coaches.
19. Assign facilities for all school athletic practices, activities, and community usage.
20. Transmit all pertinent information for state association and conferences to principal and
coaches.
21. Arrange school board‐approved transportation for all athletic events.
22. Coordinate the organization and operation of the press box.
23. Develop an Athletic Policy Handbook.
24. Provide information to County Athletic Director, such as schedules of games.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 6Starting Up Your Sport Season The beginning of each new season places heavy demands on the Athletic Director or department head as well as the coaching staff for that season. There are innumerable tasks to be accomplished and at times there does not seem to be enough days in the week to cover everything that has to be done. Good planning, however, always lessens the chance that something will be overlooked. The following checklist should assist administrators and directors in meeting their professional obligation to the students trying out for teams and participating in the program. Have all local and state policies and regulations been updated for current conditions and reviewed with all appropriate personnel before the start of practice? Have all physicals been completed prior to participation and any question of eligibility completely cleared up before the student dresses for the sport? Have all parental permission forms been received prior to student participation? Have all students trying out for a sport been warned of the most serious consequences of injury possible and are you sure they and their parents appreciate and understand the warning? Confirmation of receipt of such warning should be a part of the parent authorization. Are all coaching staff members properly certified and current in all other requirements? Have you arranged for extra supervision and evaluation of those coaches who may be new to your staff or who may be coaching a different sport for the first time? Are your first aid kits fully stocked and readily available to all activities? Are all staff members supplied with reference cards they carry or are placed in first aid kits which outline emergency procedures, phone numbers, and other important related information? Is all personal protective equipment in good condition and up to standard before being distributed? Do you have enough of the right kind and size to equip each participant properly? Are all fields and stationary equipment inspected and ready for use? Are all fields free of depressions, ruts, rocks, glass and other hazards that will contribute to accidents? In sports having physical contact, are coaches warned not to over‐match one player with another in terms of size, strength and skill? Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 7
Are conditioning exercises progressive and designed to promote flexibility and injury prevention as well as strength and agility? Are athletes checked for excessive weight loss and possible dehydration especially during hot weather and after returning from an injury and illness? Are staff members instructed to obtain professional medical assistance as quickly as possible for serious problems or injuries that cannot be easily diagnosed? Are phones readily accessible? Maintain proper records of all activities and report all injuries to the appropriate persons fully and in as much detail as possible. Review last year’s accident record and take corrective action where indicated. Is there a policy regarding the return of an athlete to participation after an injury or illness? Does it include the requirement of a physician’s approval and clearance? Are all team candidates instructed in the safe practice of the sport they are engaged in and taught the basic elements of self‐protection before scrimmages or first contact? Do they understand and appreciate what they are being taught? Do all coaches have a copy of the hot weather guidelines? Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 8
Duties and Responsibilities of Coaches
Cleveland County School System
The Fourteen Legal Duties of a Coach
Over the past 20 years, through thousands of lawsuits, the courts have defined and continue to
define the legal duties as a coach. These duties may vary from state to state and may change as
sport litigation continues unabatedly over the years. The NIAAA, National Federation of High
School Associations, The Coalition of Americans to Protect Sports and the National Association
for Sport and Physical Education all recognized these legal duties. Your fourteen legal duties as
a coach are:
1. Properly plan the activity.
2. Supervise the activity closely.
3. Provide a safe physical environment.
4. Evaluate athletes for injury or incapacity.
5. Provide adequate and proper equipment.
6. Provide proper instruction.
7. Condition properly.
8. Warn of inherent risks.
9. Provide Emergency Care
10. Design an Emergency Response Plan
11. Select, Train, and Supervise Coaches
12. Match/Equate Athletes
13. Provide safe transportation
14. Provide insurance disclosure
Each Coach should watch the Risk Management DVD relative to these 14 legal duties.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 9Code of Conduct for Coaches
(Adopted from NCHSAA and the NC Coaches Association)
When entering the coaching profession, a coach accepts certain obligations and responsibilities
to the players, fellow coaches, and to the game each coach directs. If we are to keep the
coaching profession on a high level, we must assume all the responsibilities in such a way that
we will give our profession honor and dignity.
The coach in contact with each player should by principle and example be of the highest ethical
and moral conduct with the student‐athlete, officials, athletic directors, school administrators,
the conference president, the media, and the public, for he/she influences those more than any
other person. Parents put their dearest possessions under your guidance, and you should be
sure to see that they are better for having played under you.
Coaches shall actively promote good sportsmanship of spectators by working closely with
administrators, cheerleaders, pep club sponsors, and boosters.
The coach shall see that every injured athlete is given immediate medical attention.
The coach shall remember the first function is to educate a student through participation in
athletics.
The coach shall know the game rules and be responsible for their interpretation to team
members. Additionally, the coach shall not try to seek an advantage by circumvention of the
spirit or letter of the rules.
The coach shall be sure that every participant fulfills all the rules and regulations for eligibility.
The coach shall inspire every student to achieve the highest academic success possible.
The coach shall work in harmony with the entire interscholastic program of the school.
Every coach shall advise players as to the proper conduct in meetings with the press, radio, and
how to conduct themselves in player interviews, both for their protection and to avoid
embarrassment.
The coach shall take an active role in the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse
while stressing the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
The coach shall discipline athletes who display unacceptable behavior.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 10Cleveland County Schools
Athletic Trainer
Job Description
Qualifications:
1. State Licensure by NC Board of Athletic Trainer Examiners required
2. Must obtain continuing education units to maintain NATA certification
3. Special knowledge/skill
a. Ability to provide injury prevention and rehabilitation services
b. Ability to provide emergency care
c. Knowledge of therapeutic modalities and ability to apply appropriate treatment
to treat athletic injuries.
d. Ability to instruct and supervise student athletes and assistants.
Special Working Conditions:
1. Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria and communicable diseases.
2. Frequent prolonged and irregular hours (which would include weekend treatment of
athletic injuries).
3. Requires judgment/action which could result in the death of a student athlete.
Reports to:
Principal and Athletic Director
Supervises:
Student athletic trainers
Job Goal and Purpose:
1. Provide athletic training services to high school and middle school athletes.
2. Plan, coordinate, supervise all components of athletic training program for student
athletics. Also work under the direction of team physician to carry out activities in the
following areas: prevention, evaluation, emergency treatment, physical reconditioning
and rehabilitation of injuries.
Evaluation of Job Performance:
Principal and Athletic Director (annually)
Terms of Employment
11 months of employment
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 11Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Illness/injury Prevention and Treatment
1. Develop a sport and site specific Emergency Action Plan. (Mandate from NCHSAA)
2. Make sure that at a minimum, the Trainer, Athletic Director, and Assistant Principal at
each high school and middle school are CPR/AED certified.
3. Attend practice sessions and athletic contests as assigned by Principal or Athletic
Director.
a. Should be present at all school sponsored home athletic events
b. Represent or have a student trainer at practice sessions and games
c. Attend away tournaments and athletic contests at the direction of the Principal or
Athletic Director.
4. Provide and coordinate home and away athletic event coverage. If possible assign a
student trainer to home middle school football games.
5. Maintain effective communication with athletes, parents, medical personnel, and
coaches.
6. Assist and advise coaches regarding conditioning and the selection, care, and fitting of
protective equipment.
7. Determine if a player is capable of continued participation in a game or practice if the
player is injured.
8. Cancel or alter practice activities if weather conditions are dangerous. In a game setting
advise your administrator that the game needs to be canceled or postponed due to
dangerous weather conditions.
B. Rehabilitation/Reconditioning
1. Responsible for referring athletes to proper outside medical help when the injury is
beyond the scope of the trainer’s capabilities.
2. Responsible for a comprehensive rehabilitation and reconditioning program for injuries
and illnesses sustained by athletes
3. Carry out appropriate instructions and treatment as directed by the athlete’s physician.
4. Responsible for the treatment and supervision of treatment for all athletic injuries.
5. Evaluate and record rehabilitation progress of athletes and keep coaches informed of
their progress.
6. Follow ethical and legal parameters regarding use of drugs and therapeutic agents for
treatment and rehabilitation of athletes.
C. Administration
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 121. Athletic director and trainer coordinate scheduling of athletic physical examinations.
2. Train, supervise, and schedule student trainers.
3. Responsible for the maintenance of student athletic files, which may include physicals,
injury reports, treatment logs, etc.
4. Order and maintain training room supplies (coordinate with athletic director)
5. Keep a safe, orderly, and sanitary training room.
6. Communicate with school nurse regarding treatment of athletes.
7. Inform coaches on a daily basis about injuries and about the status of their injured
athlete.
8. Administrate athletic insurance claims.
9. Establish communication with the middle school to allow for treatment and
rehabilitation of middle school athletes.
10. Provide accessibility to water and an athletic training kit at all practices.
11. Provide support for all sports equitably.
12. Complete all safety inspections of all equipment associated with the training room.
Additional Month of Employment for Athletic Trainers
Beginning with the 2006‐2007 school year, Athletic Trainers have been compensated for 11
months of employment.
Trainers report to the job on July 30, 2012
1. The first two weeks (80 hours) of the additional employment will be from 7‐30‐12
through 8‐12‐12.
2. Trainers are being paid for working 8 hours per day. Principals and Athletic Directors
please monitor and ensure these work hours.
3. Remaining 2 weeks (80 hours) of the 11th month of employment will be worked off in
the following manner:
a. Sports Camps.
b. Summer football practice sessions and summer league games.
c. Summer basketball practice sessions and summer league games.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 13Communication
Parent, Coach, and Player communication is expected with a special emphasis on respective
expectations.
1. Beginning of year coaches meeting (or by sport season)
a. Emphasize safety and supervision of athletes
b. Stress sportsmanship on the part of all—coaches, players and parents. View the DVD
on sportsmanship.
c. Discuss with coaches and explain appropriate relationships with athletes.
d. Review Emergency Action Plan. Mandated by NCHSAA. Required by our middle
schools as well. Must be posted.
2. Pre‐season Player and Parent meeting: A mandatory meeting of players, parents or legal
guardian, Head Coach, Athletic Director and/or an assigned school administrator.
a. Provide verbal and written communication of rules, guidelines, practice time, etc.
b. Stress sportsmanship on the part of all—coaches, players and parents. View the DVD
on spontsmanship.
c. Review CCS Athletic insurance. The parents insurance is primary, CCS insurance is
secondary. Explain that parents may still have to pay some hospital and medical
care costs out of pocket.
d. Encourage all athletes who have no insurance to purchase school insurance.
3. Tryouts: Sport team that has tryouts.
a. Tryouts to be conducted fairly, with proper prior communication with players and
parents.
b. Provide information regarding the length of tryouts (4 days) after the first official
day of practice.
4. School athletic rules: All coaching staff must be informed, approved by principal.
5. Team athletic rules: approved by Athletic Director and Principal.
6. Communicate with your coaches to teach their athletes to be role models in the school and
display good behavior.
7. Have rules in place for off‐campus discipline issues.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 14Safety
1. All student athletes must have a physical examination before taking part in any school
sponsored practice. Physicals must be done by a licensed medical doctor, nurse
practitioner, or physician’s assistant.
2. Supervision of our athletes by our coaches is the vital link to help us ensure that our
athletes behave as we would like and to ensure that they remain safe.
a. Supervision is required at open gym sessions, weight lifting during and after school
hours, off season skill development sessions and organized practice sessions, batting
cages, locker room and bus, or any other area in which there is increased risk of
injury.
b. Coach must stay with students until they secure a ride home from practice or a
contest.
c. Administrators remain on campus until the visiting team has left the school grounds.
d. At least one administrator should be present at all home athletic events. Football
and basketball require additional administrative presence.
3. Hazing is a violation of state law and a safety issue. Athletic Directors must communicate
with coaches at the beginning of each sport season emphasizing that it is vital that our
coaches provide supervision at all time to help prevent hazing.
a. Each head coach must have their team watch the hazing DVD.
b. Coaches not to allow initiation activities.
c. Each head coach to discuss with their team that hazing is illegal and a safety issue.
4. Each head coach should develop a sport specific and site specific Emergency Action Plan to
deal with emergencies.
a. This plan includes team rosters with emergency numbers and outlines specific duties
done by staff members during an emergency.
b. The Athletic trainer can assist in developing this plan.
c. The coach should retain a copy of page 1 and 4 of the athletic participation form and
keep with them at all times. These 2 pages provide emergency contact numbers and
consent to treat form.
5. Coaches / Athletic trainers schedule regular safety inspections of equipment and facilities.
6. Water and ice available at all practices for fluid replacement and injury care.
7. If practicing outside, always monitor the weather. Not only the temperature, but also
severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and high winds which are
all potentially dangerous.
8. Heat related issues: (See attached form re heat index calculation and chart.)
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 15a. The building athletic director must distribute to each coach a fact sheet on heat
issues. Each coach is encouraged to view the free course on heat related issues
offered online by NFHSlearn.com.
b. In hot weather, schedule practices in early morning or late evening hours to avoid
the hottest part of the day. Follow hot weather guidelines to eliminate heat illness.
c. Each athletic trainer must have a heat index indicator on campus.
d. The athletic trainer is responsible for monitoring the heat index ratio and will alter,
postpone or cancel practice at his/her high school or feeder middle school as
indicated. These guidelines also apply to band practice.
e. In the absence of the Athletic Trainer the High School Athletic Director is responsible
for heat related issues at his high school and feeder middle school.
9. Lightning (see CCS Athletic Event Lightning Protocol in Forms/Fact Sheets section of
Handbook)
a. The athletic trainer is responsible for monitoring weather conditions using the CCS
lightning protocol and a thunderbolt Pro‐lightning detector at his/her high school. In
the event the athletic trainer is not present, this becomes the responsibility of the
high school athletic director.
b. The middle school athletic director is responsible for lightning issues at his/her
middle school athletic events.
c. The authority to remove teams from the field of play in an athletic contest lies with
the home team game administrator and the game officials.
10. Transportation: All athletes must be transported to athletic events on CCS activity buses.
11. Reduce the risk of contracting bloodborne infections by following the Guidelines.
12. Each team should watch the DVD on MRSA to create awareness and learn precautions.
13. Rescue Squad attendance at football games:
CCS Policy: Cleveland County Schools require that an ambulance or EMS be present at
football games. Games are allowed to continue if the ambulance or EMS has to leave
the site.
NCHSAA Policy: The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has no requirement
for ambulance or EMS to be present on site at football games.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 16Reducing the Risk of Contracting Bloodborne Infections (HIV and Hepatitis B Virus)
Universal Hygienic Precautions for the Athletic Setting
1. Before competing, cover any open wounds you might have to reduce the transfer of blood from one
open wound to another.
2. Athletes should render first‐aid to themselves and cover their own wounds, whenever possible. This
reduces the risk of transmitting a bloodborne virus from one person to another.
3. When rendering first‐aid to others, wear protective gloves anytime blood or other body fluids
containing visible blood, open wound, or mucous membranes are involved. Clean gloves should be
worn for each athlete or the recurrence of an injury with the same athlete which has occurred
following treatment.
4. If you get someone else’s blood or other body fluid containing visible blood on yourself, wear
protective gloves and wipe it off with a disposable towel using a solution known to inactivate
bloodborne pathogens. Soap and water or antiseptic hand cleaner, in conjunction with clean
cloths/paper towels or antiseptic towelettes are recommended by OSHA. Cloth towels should be
used only once before laundering and disposable towels/towelettes should be discarded properly.
Proper disposal would be the use of a plastic‐lined container with a lid, labeled with biohazards
waste label.
5. If blood or other body fluids containing visible blood are present during practice or competition, play
should be stopped, the injured athlete removed from the activity and given proper attention, and
any contaminated surface should be cleaned. A uniform saturated with blood should be changed.
Any open wounds should be cleaned, the bleeding should be stopped, and the wounds should be
covered before the athlete is allowed to continue participation.
6. Do not use common towels to clean surfaces contaminated with blood or other body fluids
containing visible blood. The use of common towels any time during athletics is a very poor health
habit. Personalize towels, cups, and water bottles with the individual’s name or number.
7. When cleaning contaminated surfaces, use a solution of household bleach and water or a
commercially‐prepared, EPA‐approved solution. The household bleach solution should be mixed
fresh daily and should be a dilution of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach.
8. All blood contaminated linens such as uniforms and towels should be pre‐soaked and then washed
in hot, soapy water.
9. Wash all soiled uniforms, towels, and other dirty linen in warm or hot soapy water. Use a normal
laundry cycle and follow the washer and detergent manufacturer’s recommendations.
10. In general, use good hygienic practices. Shower after each practice or competition, using a liberal
amount of soap and water. Avoid sharing towels, cups, and water bottles.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 17Concussions The NCHSAA mandates that each parent, athlete and coach attend a pre‐season meeting where the causes and symptoms of concussion are discussed by the trainer, DVD presentation, or by a licensed physician. Each parent and athlete must sign a document (found on the NCHSAA website) that signifies that they have been informed of the dangers of a concussion. The building Athletic Director will distribute to each coach a fact sheet on concussions. If there is a suspected concussion, the athlete must get approval from a licensed physician before they can return to practice or play. Middle school coaches are instructed to refer athletics with suspected concussions to their high school trainer or to a medical professional. Refer to the Gfeller‐Waller Concussion Awareness Act for additional information located in the Forms and Fact Sheets Section of the Handbook. Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 18
Helmet Fitting/Recertification
Helmet Recertification: Cleveland County Schools are required to send football helmets off
every other year to be recertified or reconditioned.
Helmet Fitting check list (static helmet)
Face Mask
Proper face mask for position
3 finger rule nose to inside of face mask
Ear Holes
Place one finger in each ear hole, should line up with the ear of the athlete
Side of Helmet
3‐4 fingers from the side of the helmet to the top of the shoulder
Back of Helmet
3‐4 fingers from the back of the helmet to the neck
Cheek Pads
Fit at the Zygomatic arch (cheek bones)
Helmet Fitting check list with Shoulder Pads on (dynamic helmet fitting)
Checking for binding points
Helmet hits the sides of the pads within a normal range of motion. Push down
slightly on top of helmet, put athlete through neck range‐of‐motion.
o Neck lateral flexion
o Neck forward flexion
o Neck extension
o Shoulder Shrugs
Make sure that neck collars are properly fitted and don’t restrict to much range of
motion.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 19Shoulder Pad Fitting Check List
Type of Shoulder Pads
Proper type of pad for position athlete plays
Level Fit
Have athlete put pads on with helmet do not strap yet
Compress pads on anterior and posterior side, looking for a level fit across top of
shoulders.
Snug Fit
Strap the pads up
T‐bar rotates
Check posterior side for rotation
Strap is securely attached
Place hands between pads and chest of athlete, feeling for equal pressure
Place hands between pads and back of athlete, feeling for equal pressure
Choke Points
Have athlete flex and extend neck checking for choking
Chin should go in to the “V” of the front of the pads
Pads don’t ride up with movement
Deltoid Area
Life up deltoid pads, slide hand in, checking for one hand depth
Tip of pad covers the shoulder
Back Plate
No lower than rib line
Chest Plate
No lower than xyphoid process on the sternum
Eplite Plate
Deltoid pad is overlapped by a third
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 20Deltoid Plate When compressed covers the deltoid muscle Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 21
Athletic Activity
Crowd Control
Any school having an interscholastic athletic program, before the start of the school year,
should have a well‐planned crowd control program. Personnel who should be included in
developing the plan are administration, athletic directors, coaches, cheerleading coaches, band
director, security personnel and the game announcer.
Printed copies of the final statement of the crowd control procedure should be distributed to all
personnel involved in any way with the conduct of the game. The program should be developed
to regulate three stages:
1. Before the contest
2. During the contest
3. After the contest
Specific responsibilities should be outlined for all involved.
Before the Contest:
If the athletic program is to be successfully administered, the athletic director must be
concerned with the welfare of the fans and the student body. Since most high schools are in
need of the additional revenue from gate receipts for financing the athletic program, all efforts
must be put forth to make attendance an enjoyable experience, thus ensuring a return to other
contests.
Important pre‐planning steps:
Make sure that all facilities are clean and comfortable.
Staff adequate concession stands; if possible, provide one for home and one for visitors.
Provide separate entrances and ticket booths for home and visitors with admission
prices plainly posted.
Make available to visiting schools necessary game information; include directions for
game parking, location of ticket booths, seating arrangement chart, ticket prices, game
time, directions for reaching the site.
Provide supervised parking.
Designate specific seating areas for students, bands, adults and visitors. If possible,
opposing student bodies should be separated. If a reserved seating section is used,
make sure that seats are clearly designated and that an usher is present.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 22 Discuss with the student body the need for showing good sportsmanship to visitors. An
informative presentation of game rules and their interpretations might be helpful.
Inform cheerleaders of the importance of proper timing of yells, display of good
sportsmanship to visitors and cooperation with team, band, and other activities.
Arrange for adequate police supervision.
Post in plain sight at the entrance to the stadium or gym a copy of the reasons for
expulsion from the contest, e.g. use of alcohol, drugs, throwing objects, unruly behavior.
Assign officials to dressing facilities separated from both teams. Provide escorts for the
officials when it appears that disturbances may develop.
During the Contest:
Provide for adequate supervision of students and facilities by the home school.
Be sure that visiting schools assume responsibility for supervising their students.
Plan an interesting half‐time program.
To prevent long lines, obtain extra help at concession stands during half time and at
breaks.
Arrange for security facilities to prevent fans from getting on the field, around the
players’ bench area or directly into areas of competition.
Have the P.A. announcer give the location of rest rooms, concession stands and lost and
found station.
After the Contest:
Planning for after the contest is probably the most important of the three stages in crowd
control. Most incidents and encounters occur after the game when the fans are on their way
home. Some of the most important considerations are:
Develop a procedural plan for the exit of teams, officials, and fans
Direct the route for movement of all visiting school buses and all home team buses.
(Include band, pep club buses, etc.)
Use the P.A. system to 1) caution spectators about not walking on the floor or field and
2) give directions for leaving the area.
To facilitate orderly movement of traffic lines, provide directive (local police) supervision
for cars leaving the parking area.
Responsibilities
Administrators:
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 23 Assign and delegate to the proper school official the authority for crowd control
responsibility, e.g. the Athletic Director.
Convey to the delegated authority the seriousness of crowd control.
Review with the Athletic Director the responsibilities of the police before, during, and
after the game.
Stress good sportsmanship. Work with the student body to better their attitude through
assemblies and the school public address system.
Insist that the coaches conduct themselves in a manner conducive to good
sportsmanship and clean athletics.
Athletic Director:
Prepare a plan for the safety of guest school athletes and fans.
o Inform visiting school as to where they are to park their buses and see that the
guests are greeted and escorted to the game site. As the fans leave the game
site, have security visible to ensure traffic flow is organized and moving quickly.
o Provide separate, clearly marked seating areas for the adults, students, and
visiting bands. It is strongly recommended that the fans from the two schools
remain in the area designated as “their” stands. Problems occur whenever there
is a crossover of fans and dialogue takes place, e.g. name calling, teasing, and
derogatory cheering.
o Guest cheerleaders should be greeted and escorted to their accommodations by
the host school cheerleaders. Conversation can include greeting, telling where
dressing or restroom facilities are located, which group will cheer first and the
procedure for half time.
Courtesy and protection of game officials
o Provide for parking and have a host greet the officials and escort them to their
dressing facilities. These facilities should be private and include a shower. The
officials’ dressing room is off limits to players, coaches, fans and news media
personnel.
o Acknowledge payment of officials prior to the game. As a courtesy to the official
provide soap, towel and refreshments.
o After the game if over, see that security personnel go on to the playing area and
escort the officials directly to their dressing room.
Both the Athletic Director and the building principal must insist that coaches conduct
themselves in a manner conducive to good sportsmanship and clean athletics. The
coach is the leader. His actions play a big part in maintaining good crowd control. The
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 24coach must insist that the players are courteous to the officials. In doing so, his own
conduct should reflect the same.
Provide for basic crowd control.
o Remember, it takes very little to incite an already “up tight” crowd.
o Provide visible police protection. This security force should have radio
equipment that permits communications at all times. Security personnel need to
know what you expect of the before, during, and after the contest. They should
have the philosophy of being there to provide a service – not just to look for a
problem. A gentle but firm attitude is very helpful.
o Use booster and service club members (with arm bands) to act as ushers,
program sellers, etc.
o Make arrangements to prohibit fans from going on to the playing area after a
contest.
Cheerleading Coach
Cheerleaders, coaches, advisors and band directors should set an example by being
cooperative and helpful to each other.
Instruct the cheerleaders to:
o Have positive – non antagonistic – cheers at all times
o Divert the crowds’ attention from booing by starting a positive cheer.
o Lead the crowd in a round of applause when an injured player leaves the playing
area.
o Be on hand when the visiting them arrives and escort them to their section.
o Remain at the game site after the contest and only go to the buses with an
escort.
o Travel in pairs or small groups when going to the restroom, drinking fountain or
concession stand.
Each school should set up a policy for entering and leaving an athletic event—possibly
going as a unit with band – especially in game situations of high rivalry.
During basketball games, instruct cheerleaders to
o Set up a scheduled rotation of floor cheers
o Remain silent when the opponent’s squad is on the floor for a cheer.
o Remain silent when the opponent is shooting a free throw.
Band Director
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 25 Help in crowd control with music at the appropriate times.
Encourage band members to stay in small groups of at least 3 to 5 when they are not
performing at football games.
During the football season, the guest band director should make a courtesy call to the
host band director and exchange information consisting of:
o Whether or not the guests are planning to attend
o The length of the half‐time performances
o Number and location of seating required. Number of band parents or helpers
attending.
o Whether or not there are any special events planned.
Host band director seeks out and meets with the guest band director sometime during
the contest for the purpose of promoting good will.
Provide faculty supervision for all pep or marching bands at all athletic contests.
Coaches
Coaches influence not only the conduct or the players under their directions, but also
that of the student spectators, parents of squad members and interested citizens who
attend athletic contests. Since the coach is influential in setting the tone of conduct, he
must visibly show that the values self‐restraint, fair play and sportsmanlike behavior.
The behavior of the coach must at all times be marked by dignity and self‐control. He
should not, at any time, use provocative language or engage in any unsportsmanlike
actions or tactics. He must avoid any actions or remarks that would tend to incite the
displeasure of the spectators or provoke disorderly conduct.
If the coach, as a professional educator, cannot exercise emotional control under stress,
then such behavior cannot be expected from the young people on the team nor the
diverse combinations of spectators in the stands.
The coach will immediately discipline a player who intimidates an official.
Deliberate attempts to humiliate an opponent should not be tolerated.
Coaches must control their emotions by eliminating any show of outraged discontent
over an official’s call.
Never seek out an official during half time or at the conclusion of the contest.
Security Personnel
Must have adequate, uniformed police officers visible at the site.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 26 Must have written instructions for security personnel. (Have a plan, number of officers
needed, locations to be stationed, etc.)
Summary Statements
Non‐high school students should be encouraged to attend high school athletic contests
with a responsible adult.
Encourage as many faculty members as possible to attend the athletic contests.
Insist that unruly spectators be removed from the premises.
Outline to students what is acceptable behavior at athletic events.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 27Sportsmanship
Coaches should encourage good sportsmanship by their athletes.
Monitor the PA system
o Listen to CD before you allow it to be played
o Create an environment that promotes sportsmanship behavior by team and fans.
Ejections: Coach, Athletic Director, and Principal meet with the Superintendent. Report
ejections to Countywide Athletic Director.
Correct athletes if they use curse or vulgar words.
Promote, encourage, and commend productive emotions by your athletes.
Body paint (middle school and high school) is not allowed during regular season and play‐off
games.
Do not allow things that would be offensive to another person or school. Put controls in
place to insure that athletes behave as we have instructed.
Ejected or disqualified student athletes or coaches must complete the Star Sportsmanship
Program before returning to play.
Parents, athletes, coaches view the DVD on sportsmanship at the Pre‐Season Meetings.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 28Eligibility
Check List for What we do:
Middle School High School
Physical Exam Physical Exam
Age 15 on or before August 31 not Age 19 on or before August 31 not
eligible eligible
Attendance (previous semester) Attendance (previous semester)
Grades (previous semester) Grades (previous semester)
Statement of Residence Statement of Residence
Athletic Participation Form Athletic Participation Form
Proof of residence (one) Proof of residence (each sport season)
Approved transfer (out of district Cheerleaders (1 proof of reference
student) only)
Meet local promotion standards Student Athlete Checklist
(as needed NCHSAA mandate)
Team eligibility checklist (NCHSAA
Mandate)
Approved transfer (out of district
student)
Meet local promotion standards
A. High School (based on previous semester)
Must be a properly enrolled student at the time you participate, must be enrolled no
later than the 15th day of the present semester, and must be in regular attendance at
that school.
Must not be convicted of a felony in this or any other state, or adjudicated as a
delinquent for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult in this or any
other state.
Must not have more than 13 total absences (85% attendance requirement) in the
semester prior to athletic participation.
Must not have exceeded eight (8) consecutive semesters of attendance or have
participated in more than four (4) seasons in any sport (one season per year) since first
entering grade nine (9).
Must be under 19 years of age on or before August 31.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 29 Must be present 50% of the student day on the day of an athletic contest in order to
participate in the event. This includes games and practices.
Students serving an out‐of school suspension or assigned to in‐school suspension or
participating in an alternative program (Turning Point Academy) shall not participate in
interscholastic activities or practices during the assigned time and may regain eligibility
after completion of the suspension (Policy 4500).
Must meet promotion requirements at their school to be eligible for fall semester.
Must have passed a minimum of five (5) courses during the previous semester in a
traditional schedule or three (3) in a block schedule.
Must have received a medical examination by a licensed physician within the past 365
days. If athlete misses five (5) or more days of school must receive a medical release
from a licensed physician before practicing or playing.
Must not accept prizes, merchandise, money, or anything that can be exchanged for
money as a result of athletic participation. This includes being on a free list or loan list
for equipment, etc.
Must not have signed a professional contract, have played on a junior college team or
be enrolled and attending a class in college. This does not affect a regularly enrolled
high school student who it taking a college course (s) for advanced credit.
Must not participate in unsanctioned all‐star or bowl games.
May not participate at a second school in CCS in the same sport.
May not receive team instructions from your school’s coaching staff during the school
year outside your sports season. Instruction is limited to the coach and one or multiple
participants in small group settings.
May not, as an individual or a team, practice or play during the school day.
May not play, practice, or assemble as a team with your coach on Sunday.
May not dress for a contest, sit on the bench, or practice if you are not eligible to
participate.
Must not play more than three (3) games in one sport per week (exceptions: Baseball,
Softball, Cheerleading and Volleyball); and not more than one (1) contest per day in the
same sport (exceptions: Baseball, Softball, Cheerleading and Volleyball).
B. Middle School
Must meet all eligibility requirements prior to the first tryout/practice date.
Must complete a CCS Middle School Athletic Participation Form and turn in to the
school’s Athletic Director. The physical portion of the form is valid only for 365 days
from the date of the examination.
Middle School athletic eligibility is based on previous semester.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 30 Must meet local promotion requirements for the previous school year in order to be
eligible for the fall semester. Students must advance from one grade to another.
Must pass at least one less course than the number of required core courses to be
eligible for participation during the succeeding semester. In addition to the core course
requirements, at least fifty percent (50%) of all elective courses must be passed.
Must be in attendance 85% of previous semester to be eligible.
Must not turn 15 on or before August 31 of that school year.
No student may be eligible to participate at the Middle School level for a period lasting
longer than four (4) consecutive semesters beginning with the student’s first entry into
7th grade.
Must, if athlete misses five (5) or more days of practice due to illness or injury, received
a medical release from a licensed physician before practicing or playing.
Must not practice or play if ineligible. Do not have to be eligible for summer practice and
open gym sessions.
Must practice a total of six (6) days before playing in a game in all sports except football,
where a player must practice eight (8) days.
Must not, as an individual or a team, practice or play during the school day.
Must not play, practice, or assemble as a team with your coach on Sunday.
Must be present 50% of the student day on the day of an athletic team practice or
contest.
Must not participate (practice or play) in any athletic event if assigned to In‐School (ISS)
or Out‐of‐School suspension (OSS) during that assigned time.
Out of state athletic events must be approved by the Superintendent.
C. General Eligibility
Each Coach (faculty and non‐faculty) must view the PowerPoint Presentation
regarding eligibility as mandated by NCHSAA.
Middle school students cannot participate if convicted of a felony.
Middle school and High school athletes must live in their school attendance zone or
have an approved BOE transfer request on file.
Sixth (6th) grade students cannot be on an athletic team in any capacity.
Managers, Trainers, etc., must be eligible in all respects to be a member of the team.
This also applies to skill development. Do not need physical examination.
When student athletes change from middle school to high school, they must re‐apply
and obtain an approved BOE transfer request.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 31 A school coach (certified, classified, or volunteer) who coaches an AAU or outside team
must abide by NCHSAA and DPI rules. Example: Dead periods, skill development,
numbers, etc.
Cannot play the same sport in the same season at two different schools. Applies to
middle school and high school.
Second semester eligibility: Students must take enough courses to meet requirements
to be eligible.
Senior Eligibility: Seniors, in order to be eligible second semester, must take a full load
during first semester and meet all other requirements.
Student athletes who reside out of the county must pay the out of county tuition before
allowed to practice.
Off‐Season skill development
o Refer to NCHSAA and DPI handbooks
o Check with building Athletic Director
o Must be eligible in all respects to participate.
Residence:
o Athlete must live in their school attendance zone or have an approved BOE
transfer quest on file.
o Each MS and HS athlete must complete and give to their coach the Athletic
Participation Statement of Residence Form and provide their coach one proof of
residence (Duke Power bill, etc.).
o NCHSAA student athlete eligibility checklist for High School ONLY to be used
when questions arise about athlete’s eligibility. Reasons to use this form:
When parents of an athlete reside with their parents or a relative
When student athlete does not live in their assigned district
When student athlete is not domiciled with one or both of their parents
D. Foreign Exchange Students
Eligible only during 1st year of resident in the U.S.
May not have graduated from high school in another country.
Must meet same eligibility requirements as other student athletes.
Residence is where the host parent lives.
Must be part of a certified foreign exchange program.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 32E. Transfers
Employee’s children must have an approved transfer on file if not attending their school
of residence.
When students change schools they must obtain an approved BOE Transfer.
If your student athlete lives out of your school zone, make sure they have an approved
transfer on file at the Central Office.
Out‐of‐county students must pay the tuition fee before they can begin practice
Out‐of‐county employee’s children must apply each year for an approved BOE transfer.
Out‐of‐state student athlete cannot attain athletic eligibility by the release and
acceptance method and still live out‐of‐state.
For Out‐of‐state athletes, check 8 semester rule closely.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 33Transportation
A. Coaches must transport athletes on activity buses. Private vehicles cannot be used. This
includes Christmas and Easter Tournaments.
B. Athletes must be supervised while being transported on activity buses.
C. Driver of the activity bus cannot use the cell phone while driving.
D. Athletes will not be allowed to exit out of the back door.
E. Athletes will not be allowed to stand up while the bus is moving.
F. The aisle at the back of the bus near the exit door cannot be obstructed.
G. Can use suburban and cars from motor pool at bus garage to transport athletes.
H. Athletes may ride home from away athletic events with their parent or legal guardian
only.
I. Summer athletic trips require that the coach turn in a Field Trip Request Form to his/her
principal which will be approved through the central office.
J. For out of state athletic trips, the Coach/Driver needs a DOT medical Card. For
assistance, contact the Director of Transportation.
K. The use of rented vehicles for transporting students should only be used when all other
methods of transportation have been exhausted. See CCS policy in Athletic Forms and
Fact Sheets section of Handbook.
L. Guidelines concerning non‐school people riding on buses:
At the discretion of the principal or program director, parents are welcome to
attend various field trips; however, the parents are responsible for their personal
transportation. At the insistence of the insurance agent for Cleveland County
School, the only people covered while traveling on CCS activity buses are the
assigned students, faculty and staff members of Cleveland County Schools.
When a recommended and approved charter/motor coach service is utilized for
a field trip, parents would be allowed to accompany the trip on the bus, if
approved by the principal and all motor coach rules and regulations are
followed.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 34Cheerleading
1. New cheerleading coaches must take the AACCA spirit safety certification (online at
AACCA.org)
2. Cheerleaders must live in their school attendance zone or have an approved BOE
transfer request on file before they are allowed to try out.
3. Cheerleading coaches need to check the website NFHSlearn.com at the beginning of
each year to learn of new rule changes affecting the sport of cheerleading.
4. The cheerleading tryout process should be clearly communicated to students and
parents before the tryouts begin.
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 35Summer Camps
1. Summer camps that use Cleveland County Schools’ facilities must be approved by the
Principal.
2. School sponsored or non‐school sponsored groups must have liability insurance before
CCS will lease facilities to host an athletic camp.
3. To secure liability insurance call the following:
Ken Nichols 800‐849‐0293
Carolyn Smith 800‐232‐9601
Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 36Athletic Forms and Fact Sheets 1. CCS Volunteer Application Form 2. CCS Beginning Teachers‐end of Career Teachers Extra‐Curricular Duties Agreement 3. Staph and MRSA Fact Sheet 4. Heat index calculation and chart 5. Sample Public Address Statements 6. Student/Athletic Insurance Questions 7. Athletic Participation Forms 8. CCS Athletic Emergency Action Plan 9. Athletic Director’s Cheerleading Checklist 10. Concussion Awareness Form 11. Procedure to Hire 12. Summer Camps 13. Supplement Scale 14. Nominal Coaching Fees 15. Volunteer Coaching Contract 16. Student and Team Eligibility Checklist 17. Sport Pre‐participation Form 18. New NCAA eligibility standards 19. Athletic Event Lightning Protocol 20. Using Rented Vehicles to Transport Athletic Teams 21. Statement of Residence Cleveland County Schools Athletic Handbook Page 37
You can also read
