Interscholastic

Athletic Handbook 

BLIND BROOK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

When a student is selected to participate on a Blind Brook interscholastic athletic team it is with the understanding that participation on a team is a privilege and not an entitlement. All student-athletes and their families are required to abide by the contents of the Blind Brook Interscholastic Athletic Handbook. 

Table of Contents

Educational Frameworks for Interscholastic Athletic Programs 

Blind Brook Interscholastic Athletic Program Philosophy Statements

Requirements for Participation 

Athletic Department Procedures 

Pre-Season, Practice, and Game Procedures 

Start Dates, Vacations, and Mergers 

Chemical Health Guidelines 

Parent/Coach Communication 

Student-Athlete Behavior Expectations 

Parent Behavior Expectations 

Coach Behavior Expectations 

Spectator Behavior Expectations 

College Competition NCAA Clearinghouse and Student-Athletes 

Varsity Awards 

Approval and Acknowledgment 

Educational Frameworks for Interscholastic Athletic Programs

Competence

A student-athlete in a quality program is competent in terms of:

• Skill development
• Knowledge of the game and strategies
• Fitness, conditioning, and healthy behavior

Character

A student-athlete in a quality program demonstrates:

• Responsibility
• Accountability
• Dedication
• Trustworthiness and fair play
• Self-control

Civility

A student-athlete in a quality program demonstrates civility towards others, showing:

• Respect
• Fairness
• Caring

Citizenship

A student-athlete in a quality program demonstrates citizenship through actions showing evidence of:

• Loyalty and commitment
• Teamwork
• Role modeling

Educational Frameworks for Interscholastic Athletic Programs

Dignity for All Students Act

The Blind Brook Interscholastic Athletic Program follows the Blind Brook-Rye School District Code of Conduct in all matters related to the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). 

Blind Brook Interscholastic Athletic Program
Philosophy Statements

Varsity Program Philosophy: 

Varsity competition is the culmination of each athletic program. The varsity team is the showcase for each athletic program. The varsity team will be composed of the most skilled, dedicated members of the program, regardless of grade level. Seniors are not guaranteed a position on the varsity team. Participation on a varsity program one year does not guarantee a spot the following year. It is possible, but rare for a middle school student to be included on a varsity roster. 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 is informed of its importance. The number of roster positions is relative to the students’ acceptance of their 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. 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 extended into vacation periods for all sport seasons. The varsity coach is the leader of that sport’s program and determines the system of instruction and strategy for that program. The communication among the modified, junior varsity and varsity programs is the responsibility of the head 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 Philosophy:

The junior varsity level is intended for those who display the potential for continued development into productive varsity level performers. In certain situations, juniors who are expected to make future contributions at the varsity level will be considered for junior varsity participation. The junior varsity team is mostly composed of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. It is possible, but rare, for a middle school student to be included on a junior varsity roster.  Seniors cannot play on a junior varsity team. At this level, student-athletes are expected to have visibly committed themselves to the program. To this end, increased emphasis is placed on physical conditioning, refinement of fundamental skills, elements and strategies of team play, in addition to social and emotional development. Junior varsity programs work towards achieving a balance between continued team and player development and striving for victory. The outcome of the contest becomes a consideration at this level. The realization that practice sessions are important is a premise that is vital to a successful junior varsity team and player. For all team members, meaningful contest participation will exist over the course of a season, however, a specified amount of playing time is never guaranteed. Participants at this level are preparing themselves for the six-day-a-week commitment that is expected at the varsity level. Practice sessions are sometimes scheduled during school vacation periods. With the goal of becoming a varsity athlete clearly in sight, a high level of dedication and commitment is expected at the junior varsity level.

Freshmen Program Philosophy:

Freshmen programs help students make the transition from modified to high school athletics. It is possible, but rare, for a middle school student to be included on a freshmen roster.  At this level student-athletes are expected to make a five-day a week commitment. Although it is not common, games and practices can occur on a weekend or holiday.

 Modified Program Philosophy:

All 7th and 8th grade students are eligible to participate in the modified interscholastic athletic program. At this level, the focus is on learning athletic skills and game rules, fundamentals of team play, socio-emotional growth, healthy competition, while placing appropriate physiological demands upon the adolescent body. Emphasis is placed on participation of student-athletes. The amount of contest participation is based on attendance, commitment, attitude, skill level and effort. Participation is not necessarily equal at this level. However, opportunities for meaningful contest participation for each team member will exist over the course of the season.

Requirements for Participation

Academics:

The athletic department recognizes that the primary responsibility of student-athletes is education. All student-athletes should work to their potential in the classroom and be committed to achieving maximum academic success. This includes proper attendance and adhering to school behavior standards. While scholastic achievement is determined on an individual basis, the administration and the athletic department reserve the right to determine a student-athlete's eligibility to participate in athletic contests and practices.  

Specifically, when a student is identified as failing a class or being at risk for failing a class (e.g., poor performance on unit tests, quizzes, or homework assignments), based upon teacher/counselor recommendation or biweekly report, s/he may be placed on immediate academic probation.  Similarly, any student earning a failing grade on a progress report or quarterly report card will be placed on immediate academic probation.

 Students on academic probation may continue to participate with their team provided they complete weekly eligibility cards. These cards will be signed by the teacher of the subject(s) in question and will indicate that the student is completing work and meeting expectations for each week.  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain and complete the weekly eligibility card until a passing grade is earned on the next academic report (progress report or quarterly report card). Student-athletes may be withheld from practices and game contests if s/he fails to comply with the above requirements.

Physical Examination:

A prospective student-athlete must pass the medical examination administered by the school physician/nurse practitioner or the student's personal physician. The school physician retains final approval on all physicals performed by the students' personal physician. Student medical forms will be kept on file in the nurse's office.

In addition, the 30-day health history update/parental consent form must be completed prior to the start of each sport season. The online form is submitted to the school nurse upon completion of registration in order to be cleared to participate in interscholastic athletic activities. If after review, a student has not been cleared for participation due to a medical concern, they will be referred to the District Physician for further evaluation.

When a student has been injured during the season and has received medical treatment they will not participate again until they have submitted a doctor's' note to the nurse that verifies they are cleared for competition. However, the District’s chief medical officer must clear all students who have sustained a concussion for return to play.

Attendance in School:

Students must attend school all day and attend all classes to be eligible for participation in games or practices on that day.  Exceptions can be made for extenuating circumstances with the approval of the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics and building administrator.

Students who do not participate in Physical Education class may not participate in interscholastic games or practices on that day, or during their absence from Physical Education.  Seniors receiving credit for participation on interscholastic athletic teams must fulfill the requirements of the New York State Department of Education and the Blind Brook-Rye School District.

New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA, Inc.) regulations state that all participants on interscholastic athletic teams must be bona fide students and enrolled in physical education.  

 The building administrator will notify the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics of students who are administratively removed from athletic participation.

NYSPHSAA Bylaws & Eligibility Standards:

The link below will take you to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association handbook. This handbook will help you understand the rules and regulations that govern public school athletics in New York State. However, some Section 1, Conference and League rules might be more restrictive than the regulations outlined by NYSPHSAA, Inc.  Check with the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics for clarification on these regulations.

http://www.nysphsaa.org/Resources/Handbook 

Athletic Department Procedures

Uniforms and Equipment:

At the beginning of every season, all student-athletes are given uniforms and equipment necessary for their sport. It is the responsibility of every student-athlete to take care of the equipment. If there are problems, and equipment needs to be repaired or is lost, it should be brought to the attention of the coach immediately.

The student-athlete is ultimately responsible for all issued equipment. At the end of the season, all equipment/uniforms that were provided must be returned. If there are any items missing, the student will be required to pay to replace them. A student-athlete will not be permitted to start the next athletic season until their obligation to uniform and equipment return are finalized.

Team Gear Purchase:

Coaches and team members might wish to purchase separate team gear which is purchased by the student-athlete.  This will occur on a team by team basis. Purchase of team gear such as warm-up suits, sneakers, hats, athletic bags, etc. is a voluntary decision by the student-athlete and their family.  Purchase of team gear will not be a requirement of team membership and will not be worn as an official team uniform during competition.

All merchandise and vendors must be approved by the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics prior to purchase.  Coaches cannot collect money. The coach will select a parent who will be responsible for taking orders, placing the order and distribution of merchandise to team members.  Teams can create an online “team store” with the approval of the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics.

If a student-athlete is unable to purchase merchandise for financial reasons, they should discuss this with the coach and Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics.

Transportation:

Student-athletes may not drive to an away contest or practice. Parents may transport their own child but must obtain prior approval from the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics.

Student-athletes can always leave with their parent(s). However, if a student-athlete is traveling from a game with another student-athletes' parent, a travel release form must be signed by the transported student-athlete's parent and must be submitted to the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics. An email submission to the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics by the transported student-athlete's parents will also be accepted. All forms and email requests for transportation waivers must be received by the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics by 2:00 PM on the day of the request.

When a student-athlete will be leaving an away or home contest with their parent or another student­-athlete's parent, they are required to stay until the completion of the contest unless the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics has given prior approval.  Upon leaving, the student-athlete must notify the coach that they are leaving.

Religious Obligations:

Every effort will be made by the coach and athletic department to avoid conflicts with the religious obligations of the student-athlete. The student-athlete must notify coaches well in advance of potential conflicts. Coaches will continue to be sensitive to these special circumstances.  A student-athlete will not be penalized if they miss a practice or game for religious observance.

Conflict with Other School Activities:

Student-athletes must assess their time commitment to school, outside and family obligations, and other co-curricular activities to determine if they can commit to the time requirements of the interscholastic athletic team.  An individual student who attempts to participate in several co-curricular activities may encounter a conflict of obligations. The athletic department recognizes that each student should have the opportunity for a broad range of experiences.  Attempts to schedule events will be made to minimize conflicts, whenever possible. Students have a responsibility to do everything they can do to avoid conflicts. This includes being cautious about belonging to too many activities where conflicts are bound to happen.  It also means notifying the faculty sponsors/coaches involved immediately when a conflict does arise.

The Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics, club/activity advisor, and coaches will attempt to work out a solution with the student. If a decision cannot be agreed upon, the Principal will decide based on the relative importance of each event to the individual, the team, and the school. Once a decision has been made, and the student abides by the decision, they will not be penalized.

Conflict with Out-of-School Athletic Activities:

The student-athlete's priority must be to the in-season sport. Special arrangements or exemption from practices or games will not be accommodated for the student-athlete that is participating in a non-school club sport team or other athletic related event.

Students should be encouraged to participate in a variety of athletic programs. Students should never feel pressured into participating in an out-of-season practice or program that prohibits participation on any other sport team.

Participation:

 A student may participate in one sport per season.

If a Student is not Selected for a Team:

 If a student-athlete is not selected for the team of their choice due to a selection process, they may request to the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics the opportunity to join another team, provided it does not compromise the integrity of the team. This decision by the student-athlete and request must be made within 24 hours of the selection process decision.  The Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics will make this determination on a case-by-case basis.

Changing Sports During the Season:

 If a student-athlete wishes to change sports during the season they must consult and get the approval of both coaches and the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics. If the student-athlete is granted permission to change sports, they must return all equipment and their uniform before being eligible to participate in the other sport.  In accordance with the NYSPHSAA, Inc. Handbook, the student-athlete will need to fulfill the same practice requirements set forth by the State before they become eligible for participation in contests.

Team Selection Guidelines:

 As a general guideline, the number of participants on a team is twice the number of starters in a sport where a selection process is made.  However, the number of participants that are ultimately selected for a team is at the sole discretion of the coach.

For teams with a selection process, prior to the start of the season, the coach will explain the criteria for team selection and establish a rubric that will be used to evaluate student-athletes during the try-out period.  All student-athletes must attend all sessions during the try-out period. In cases regarding absences due to unforeseen circumstances, the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics should be notified by the student-athlete’s parent as soon as possible, and a determination will be made on a case-by-case basis.  At the conclusion of the tryout period, coaches will notify student-athletes about team selection via school email. Coaches will be available, as requested, to meet with student-athletes to discuss the team selection evaluation.

Athletic Placement Process (APP):

 There is a New York State Education Department (NYSED) program that permits physically and emotionally appropriate students to try out for an interscholastic athletic team that is outside of their grade placement. It is called the Athletic Placement Process (APP).  The number of students who are allowed to compete outside of their grade levels should be few and far between. The program is intended only for the student-athlete who has the physical maturity, physical fitness, and sport skills to be placed with other student-athletes outside of his/her grade level.

For more information please consult with the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics and visit the athletics department webpage.

End of Season Banquet and Team Celebrations:

 Each team concludes their season with a banquet or team celebration.  The end of season banquet or team celebration is a team by team function.  Coaches work with team members and possibly parents to plan an appropriate event.  All end of season banquets and celebrations must be communicated to and approved by the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics.

Senior Athlete Banquet:

 The Senior Athlete Banquet is a formal event planned and operated by the Blind Brook Athletic Department.  All student-athletes participating on an interscholastic athletic team during their senior year are eligible to attend the Senior Athlete Banquet.  Notification of event details will be released during the spring season to all eligible student-athletes and their families via email and in-school announcements.

Team Leadership Selection and Training:

 Team leadership positions (captains) will be a function of varsity teams only.  At the JV level coaches have an option to select game day or weekly captains based on demonstrated leadership qualities. Team captain selection will occur through a combination of coach and student-athlete input, recommendation, and vote.  Seniors are not guaranteed leadership positions.

Once appointed, all captains must adhere to higher expectations and responsibilities as set forth by the team coach and Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics. As such, captains must attend a seasonal leadership training meeting.  This training will use multiple teaching strategies to give participants opportunities to practice and develop the skills of leadership. Students not able to meet these expectations may lose the privilege of holding a team captain position.

 All captains must be approved by the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics. 

Pre-Season, Practice, and Game Procedures

Pre-Season Procedures:

Team coaches will conduct pre-season interest meetings where student-athletes will sign-up and receive general information pertaining to the upcoming season.  At these meetings, coaches will discuss practice and game schedules, address program expectations, and tryout procedures.

Players should inform coaches of any conflicts which will make it impossible to attend any practices or games. These communications should occur before the tryout phase is completed.

Practice and Game Procedures: 

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association and Section 1 set start dates for team practices.  These dates are shared with the Blind Brook Athletic Advisory Committee to provide input to the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics for final approval.  New York State regulation requires a minimum number of individual and team practices prior to inter-school scrimmages or games.

Student-athletes are required to attend all practice sessions.  When a student-athlete accepts a position on a team, they are making the commitment to attend all practice sessions and games and to invest energy toward the development of skill and team building goals.

Please refer to www.blindbrookathletics.org for game schedules. 

Start Dates, Vacations, and Mergers

Start Dates:

The start dates for the fall, winter, and spring seasons are set by the NYSPHSAA and Section 1.     The start dates are usually voted on in January of that calendar year. When the start dates are made available, an email blast will be sent to the community so families will have an opportunity to plan accordingly. In addition, the start dates will be posted on the athletics department page of the Blind Brook District website.   Below is a general timeline for start dates:

High School:

Fall: Varsity and JV will usually begin during the third week of August

Winter: Varsity and JV will usually begin in the first or second week of November

Freshmen will usually begin one week after Varsity and JV

Spring: Varsity and JV will usually begin in the first or second week of March

Middle School / Modified:

Fall: Will usually begin on the first day of school

Winter: Will usually begin in the last week of November

Spring: Will usually begin in the last week of March

Vacations:

All prospective student-athletes who intend to compete during the fall season are required to attend the first official start date in August and all subsequent days during the selection phase (tryout). If a student-athlete intends to compete on a team that does not have a selection process (no cuts) they must attend all the practice sessions in August, otherwise they will be ineligible to compete in the fall season.

The athletic department recognizes that unexpected circumstances may arise that will prohibit a student-athlete to attend practice/tryout sessions in August. If there is a conflict, please contact the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics and all conflicts will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Please note that family vacations are not viable excuses for missing sessions in August.

Varsity and JV winter sport teams may practice during Thanksgiving break and December vacation.  Varsity games may be scheduled during these breaks and team members and their families should plan accordingly.  JV games are not usually scheduled during these breaks.

As a guideline, most winter high school teams will finish their seasons before the February break.  However, if a student-athlete or team on the Varsity level has qualified for sectional play, they may have to compete during the February break.

Varsity and JV spring sport teams may practice during spring break.  Varsity games may be scheduled during spring break and team members and their families should plan accordingly.  JV games are not usually scheduled during spring break.

In the estimation of the coach, if another student-athlete has earned more playing time due to their performance in games and/or practices during the absence of the vacationing student-athlete, they may receive diminished playing time upon return to the team from vacation.

Modified teams do not practice or play games during vacations.

Mergers:

A merger is when two or more school districts combine to form a team for interscholastic athletic competition.  In a merger there is the lead (host) school and the trail school(s) (invitee). The Blind Brook athletic department will work closely with all school districts that are participating in the merger to make the experience beneficial for all stakeholders.

When Blind Brook student-athletes are participating on a merged team as the trail school, they are considered members of the lead school's team. Since they are guests of the lead school, the student-athletes and their families must adhere to the policies and procedures of the lead school and Blind Brook.

If a student-athlete decides to participate on a merged team, they must find their own means of transportation to the host school’s sites for practices and games.

Chemical Health Guidelines

Philosophy and Purpose:

Participants in interscholastic athletic activities must adhere to these Chemical Health Guidelines in recognition of the District’s responsibility to send a clear message of concern about the abuse of chemical substances and tobacco, coupled with practical steps toward education, prevention, and -- where necessary – discipline. While these issues are addressed in the Blind Brook-Rye School District Code of Conduct, interscholastic athletic activities constitute a distinct area where the privilege of participation offers an important opportunity for another level of education.

The Blind Brook-Rye School District recognizes the use of chemical substances or tobacco as a significant health risk, resulting in negative effects on behavior, learning, and the total development of the individual. The abuse of chemical substances or tobacco negatively affects interscholastic athletic participation.  These Chemical Health Guidelines are another component of the District’s drug and alcohol prevention program.

Essential Partners:

Parents have the primary role, working both within their own families and with the school for education, role modeling, prevention, and discipline. School officials, from coaches and staff members to principals and other administrators, have daily responsibilities in the same areas. Most important of all, by their conduct and example, students who wish to exercise the privilege of participation on interscholastic athletic teams, and those who wish to hold positions of leadership on those teams, are essential partners in the effort to prevent substance abuse as well.

Education and Prevention:

Since the best discipline is self-imposed, the goal of all education and prevention steps is to help students reach levels of conduct where disciplinary consequences imposed by the school are rarely needed. When the school must invoke disciplinary consequences, those consequences are to be educational as opposed to punitive.

Prohibited Student Conduct: Chemical Substances

Regardless of the quantity, a student shall not use or consume, have in his or her possession, buy, sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol, any steroid product, any recreational drug or substance, or any substance defined by law as a controlled substance. This can include any over-the-counter drug, prescription medication, vaping of illegal substances or food supplement in a way not prescribed by the manufacturer.

It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally-defined drug which is specifically prescribed for the student-athlete’s own use by a personal physician.

Incidents such as those described above are prohibited on school property or school buses and at school functions, whether at home or away, and constitute direct violation of the Blind Brook-Rye School District Code of Conduct. The District recognizes that it has the highest level of responsibility for monitoring student behavior and for enforcing these guidelines when students are on school property or at school functions and will exercise that responsibility accordingly.  It is also recognized that parents and students have primary responsibility for behavior that occurs off campus, at home, or in the community.

Disciplinary Procedures:

Administrators weighing disciplinary action will consider the same factors outlined in the Blind Brook-Rye School District Code of Conduct as measures of potential consequences. As a rule, discipline will be progressive; repeated violations will result in more serious penalties.  Students are encouraged to be responsible for their own behavior and the resulting consequences. In instances where a student-athlete self-reports a guideline infraction, it will be taken into consideration in determining and limiting the consequences.  

Referrals:

Students who are found to have violated these Chemical Health Guidelines may also be subject to referrals separate from disciplinary action, which are aimed to provide further education, counseling, or support. In each case of violation, the student will be required to meet, a minimum of one time, with the Student Assistance Counselor. For subsequent violations, the number of required meetings may be increased.

Evaluation of these Chemical Health Guidelines:

In order to provide for periodic evaluation of these Chemical Health Guidelines, all violations, together with the penalties invoked, will be logged by the administrators in charge through the course of each school year and reported annually to the Board of Education. This data, when reviewed for evaluation purposes, shall withhold as confidential the names of any individual students.

Parent/Coach Communication

Parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations.  By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefits to our children.  As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child's program.  Coaches are expected to share information with team member parents as soon as possible via email, letter, meeting, etc. once the team has been selected.

Communication parents should expect from your child's coach:

• Philosophy of the coach.
• Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players of the squad.
• Locations and times of all practices and contests.
• Team requirements.
• Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
• Discipline that results in the denial of your child's participation.

Communication coaches expect from parents:

• Concerns expressed directly to coach.
• Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
• Specific concern in regard to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations.

As your children become involved in programs at Blind Brook, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches:

• The treatment of your child, mentally or physically.
• Ways to help your child improve.
• Concerns about your child's behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you may want. However, playing time is earned in the estimation of the coaches and is not an entitlement. Coaches are professionals and they make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have read from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with the coach.

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:

• Playing time.
• Team strategy.
• Play calling.
• Other student-athletes.
• The direction of the team/program.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the others' position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

Procedures to follow to discuss a concern with a coach:

• Wait 24 hours before you make initial contact with the coach.
• Please do not attempt to confront a coach before, during, or after a contest or practice.  These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.
• Therefore waiting 24 hours before the initial contact with the coach is such a crucial step in the resolution process.
• After you have waited 24 hours call or email the coach to set-up an appointment.
• If the coach cannot be reached, schedule the meeting through the Athletic Department.

If the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution, call the Athletic Department to set up an appointment. The parent/guardian, student-athlete, coach and Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics will meet to discuss the concern. At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.

Student-Athlete Behavior Expectations

The Blind Brook student-athletes participating in the interscholastic athletic program will be committed to representing the Blind Brook Athletic Department and the Blind Brook community by displaying and acknowledging the following expectations.  Student-athletes are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations as outlined in the Blind Brook-Rye School District Code of Conduct. 

1. Recognizing that participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege and not an entitlement.
2. The team goals and achievements take precedence over individual recognition.
3. Take pride in your success and do not blame others for your failures.
4. Set high academic standards.
5. Be a positive role model for other students.
6. Support all Blind Brook interscholastic athletic teams.
7. Win with dignity and lose graciously.
8. Play by the rules and exhibit proper sportsmanship.

Parent Behavior Expectations

The parents of Blind Brook student-athletes participating in the interscholastic athletic program will be committed to representing the Blind Brook Athletic Department and the Blind Brook community by acknowledging the following expectations:

1. Parents will display positive support for the student-athletes and coaches of Blind Brook.  Nothing erodes team morale faster than parents doubting the capabilities of student-athletes and their coaches.
2. Parents will be good role models and demonstrate positive behavior and sportsmanship as fans.
3. Parents will work with the coaching staff to maintain positive open lines of communication.
4. Parents will partner with school officials in promoting, understanding and monitoring the Interscholastic Athletic Handbook.
5. Parents will have realistic expectations of their student-athletes in the classroom as well as on the field and encourage their son or daughter to give his or her best effort   physically, mentally and emotionally.
6. Parents will make an effort to understand the rules and nuances of the game.
7. Our parents will make every effort to support their student-athlete through attendance at interscholastic athletic contests and awards nights.

Coach Behavior Expectations

The coaches of the Blind Brook interscholastic athletic program will be committed to representing the Blind Brook Athletic Department and the Blind Brook community by acknowledging the following expectations.  All Blind Brook coaches will abide by the National Federation of High Schools Coaches Code of Ethics as defined by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

1. Exemplify the highest moral character for their players and the community.
2. Strive to develop qualities of leadership, initiative, and good judgment for each team member.
3. Communicate and interpret program goals and objectives to the parents and community.
4. Provide a safe environment for practices and games.
5. Build and maintain ethical relationships with the community.
6. Keep it positive and fun.
7. Have respect for the athletic program and its place in the student-athletes' overall education.
8. Encourage the student-athletes to do their best every day and play a variety of sports.
9. All coaches, both professional and volunteer at all levels will fulfill all NYS coach certification requirements as outlined by the State Education Department.

Spectator Behavior Expectations

The Blind Brook Athletic Department asks that you model and enforce the following rules at all Blind Brook sporting events:

1. Respect officials, student-athletes, coaches, and guests to our school.
2. Avoid objectionable cheers and inappropriate behavior.
3. Direct all energy towards encouraging your team.
4. Avoid actions that offend visiting teams or individual players.
5. Show appreciation of good play by both teams.
6. Learn the rules of the game to be a more informed spectator.
7. Treat all visiting teams in a way you would expect to be treated.
8. Accept the judgment of coaches and officials.
9. Encourage other spectators to participate in the spirit of good sportsmanship.
10. Be positive.

College Competition NCAA Clearinghouse and Student-Athletes

If a student-athlete plans to compete at the Division I or II collegiate level, they should make their school counselor aware of these intentions, so they can begin the NCAA Eligibility process, and register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, and be certain they are fulfilling course requirements of the NCAA. Student-athletes who have intentions of competing at the Division III collegiate level are not required to go through the NCAA Eligibility Center. However, the athletic department strongly recommends that any student-athlete who has any intentions of competing at the collegiate level go through the process.

Student-athletes should find out if they will meet the academic eligibility and core-course requirements for the college they may be attending. The school counselors will assist student-athletes with the NCAA Eligibility Center.  It is recommended that you start the process early and not wait until junior year.

Once a student-athlete has decided that they would like to play at the collegiate level, it is suggested that the student-athlete contact their coaches about these intentions. The Blind Brook athletic department and the coaches will assist all prospective collegiate student-athletes with the college recruitment process.

Varsity Awards

Blind Brook Varsity Awards:

Varsity student-athletes that complete the season with their team will be awarded a certificate and a chenille letter or team specific pin.  Coaches may honor student-athletes with individual awards such as MVP, offensive player of the year, defensive player of the year, etc. Awards of this nature are up to the discretion of the coach.

Section 1 Varsity Awards:

The governing body of Section 1 and Coaches Associations provide individual awards at the following levels:

• All-League and All-League Honorable Mention
• Coaches in the teams' league vote on All-League and All-League Honorable Mention awards collectively. Preference is given to individuals on teams that have finished higher in the league standings.
• All-Section and All-Section Honorable Mention
• Coaches in the teams' conference vote on All-Section and All-Section Honorable Mention awards collectively.  Preference is given to individuals on teams that have won league championships, finished high in their league standings or have played on teams that advanced numerous rounds in sectional play. Student-athletes who attain All-Section honors are generally recognized as one of the top 5% of all players in Section I for their sport.

• Players must be named All-League to be eligible for All-Section designation.

All-State Awards:

Various media outlets will name student-athletes to various All­-State teams.  In some individual sports All-State is determined by place or finish in State level competition.

Blind Brook Senior Scholarships and Awards:

Senior student-athletes are eligible to win a variety of awards and scholarships determined by the athletic department.  Award recipients for the male and female “Athlete of the Year” are determined using a rubric scoring system based on end-of-season awards received.  Blind Brook coaches and members of the Athletic Department are consulted to select student-athletes for the various other awards and scholarships.

Approval and Acknowledgment

Approval:

This Interscholastic Athletic Handbook has been approved by the Blind Brook Athletic Advisory Committee and the Blind Brook-Rye UFSD Board of Education on January 7, 2019.

Athletic Advisory Committee:

The Athletic Advisory Committee comprises the District’s Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics, coaches, and parents. The purpose of the committee is to give community feedback to the athletic department. In these difficult economic times, it becomes increasingly important to seek the community’s recommendations on how resources should be managed from both a financial and programmatic perspective. The committee should have broad representation from all constituents to guarantee a wide range of community involvement in its role as an advisory council.

Acknowledgment:

The Blind Brook Athletic Department would like to thank all individuals involved in the review and development of this Interscholastic Athletic Handbook.  Throughout the 2017-2018 school year an outside consultant and the Director of Physical Education, Health Education, and Interscholastic Athletics met with various focus groups to understand community readiness and receive feedback on the handbook’s continuous development.  These groups consisted of community stakeholders including parents, students, teachers, coaches, and school administrators.

Ms. Kimberly Saxton
Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics & Nursing
Email: ksaxton@blindbrook.org
Phone: (914) 937-3600 ext. 4500
Website: www.blindbrook.org/domain/61