Onekama Consolidated Schools

Onekama Portagers

Student Athlete Handbook

 

   School Colors: Royal Blue & Gold

 

 School Song

P-O-R-T-A-G-E-R-S

Portagers, Portagers
Hats off to Thee
Fight, fight, fight,
For old O.H.S.

Shout to the skies
The Portagers war cries
The braves will defy
Rah, Rah, Rah

Get that ball
For old blue and gold
Loyal sons
Now show your might
To fight, fight
For old O.H.S. and Victory

 

 

ONEKAMA ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

A Message to Parents and Athletes

 

            We are sending this message to your home because your son or daughter is participating in interscholastic athletics, and you, the parents, have expressed your willingness to permit them to compete on one of our teams.  Your family interest in this phase of the school program is most gratifying to members of our staff.  We firmly believe that participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunities in our school program which are properly controlled and organized program of athletics meet the students’ needs for self-expression, mental alertness, and physical growth.  It is our hope to maintain a program of athletics that is sound in purpose and never loses sight of the fact that athletics are provided for students to further their educational maturity.

          A student who elects to participate in athletics is voluntarily making a choice of self-discipline and self-denial.  We know that you will agree that one of the finest lessons a student can learn in athletics is to care for himself/herself physically and develop a strong mind and body.  This is one reason why we place such stress on good training habits.  Failure to comply with the coaches’ rules of training may mean expulsion from the squad.

          There is no place in high school or middle school athletics for students who do not discipline their minds and bodies for rigorous competition.  We are striving for excellence and do not want our students to compromise with mediocrity.

 

Dear Parents,

          Congratulations. Your child has decided to participate in athletics at Onekama.  We welcome you to join us in trying to make this experience as rewarding as possible.  As a parent you can help in this endeavor in many ways.  The Athletic Department has developed a series of suggestions on the parents’ role in athletics.

 

1.       Be certain your child attends all practices and gives 100% at all times.

2.       Understand that playing time is earned during practice time-every coach wants to win and he/she will put forth the best possible team as he/she can.

3.      Encourage your child and or yourself to meet with the coach if you have any questions.

A.      Appropriate time and setting-not in front of the entire team.

B.       Appropriate language-do not speak in anger or frustration.

4.       Support your child and your child’s team:

In public, particularly in the stands, be supportive of the coaches, team and individual team members.  Do not be critical.

5.       Understand that officials attempt to call the game in as fair a manner as possible.  They call the game as they see it, maybe not as we wish they would see it.

6.      Sportsmanship-West Michigan “D” League is putting a strong emphasis on sportsmanship.  The rival coach, cheerleaders and officials will evaluate crowd, coach, team members, and cheerleaders on sportsmanship.  Onekama has always had a positive reputation in this area, so let’s maintain that positive image.

7.       Be on time to pick up your child after a game or practice.

8.      Work with your child and encourage him/her at home to practice on skills that are needed to be successful.

These suggestions are not comprehensive by any means, but we feel they are important considerations in making your child have successful experiences in athletics.

         Onekama Athletic Department

 

Statement of Philosophy:

The Onekama Schools’ Athletic Department, having the well being of the students in mind and recognizing the educational and physical advantages to our students, endorses a sound program of competitive athletics.  Furthermore, we believe the program should be based on principles that will foster and perpetuate high standards of sportsmanship, team play, and healthful living.

The Onekama Athletics Department believes that the following objectives should be aspired to for students through interscholastic athletics.

 

1.                 Development of mental and physical strength.

2.                 Development of courage and a respect for hard work.

3.                 Development of an appreciation for healthy living.

4.                 Development of skills and techniques that are necessary to be successful in interscholastic athletics.

5.                 Development of a sense of sportsmanship and team play.

6.                 Development of respect for the rights and opinions of others.

7.                 Development of respect for the people in a position of authority.

8.                 Development of humbleness in victory and graciousness in defeat.

 

We feel these objectives can best be realized through the following:

 

5th and 6th Grade:

 

1.        Sportsmanship-by far the most important element.

2.       Fundamentals-the basic skills and rules of the game.

3.       Team play-with emphasis on participation, everyone will play in each game.  The playing time of each team member will be as equal as possible.

 

7th and 8th Grade: 

1.       Sportsmanship

2.       Fundamentals-the continued development of individual and team skills and techniques.

3.       Successful involvement in the athletic program means accomplishment of the athletic objectives.

4.       Participation-the coach of each team will evaluate the ability of each athlete, the condition of the athlete and the team role of the athlete to determine the amount of contest playing time for each athlete.

 

Junior Varsity:

1.        Sportsmanship.

2.        Fundamentals-the continued development of individual and team skills.

3.        Successful involvement in the athletic program means accomplishment of the athletic objectives.

4.        Participation-the coach of each team will evaluate the ability of each athlete, the condition of the athlete and the team role of the athlete to determine the amount of contest playing time for each athlete.

Because sportsmanship is number one throughout, we feel it should be defined.

 

Sportsmanship:

The coach’s role: A coach’s exposure and influence makes this role the most important in forming positive attitudes about sportsmanship to students, spectators, and the community.

For good sportsmanship to become a reality, a coach should always strive to:

                 -set a positive example for athletes, fans and the community

-abide by the rules of the game in letter and in spirit-teach good 

 sportsmanship to athletes and parents, and reward those who abide by

 high standards

-treat opposing players and coaches with respect

-respect the officials and understand that their contribution to high

 school athletics is an admirable one

-exemplify the highest moral character, behavior and leadership

 

The athlete’s role:   An athlete is respected and admired by the student body, the spectators, and the children in the community.  It is a role filled with responsibility, and good sportsmanship can be shown by:

                   -living up to the standards of sportsmanship established by your coach

                   -learning the rules of the game and discussing them with parents, fans,

           and students of all ages, so all can have a better appreciation of the

           game

                   -remembering that you are representing yourself, your school, family

                    and community

                   -respecting your opponents-who better than yourself understands the

                    hard work that is put into sports and a team effort

                   -respecting the integrity and judgment of officials

                   -displaying positive actions in public at all times

 

REDUCTION OF TEAM SIZE

 Although it is not desirable to cut athletes from teams, it is understood that sometimes, for various reasons, reducing the team size becomes necessary.  The athletic department feels that the coach should make this decision with consideration given to the school, the team, and most importantly, to the individuals involved.  The decision should be announced in such a manner as to minimize the effect on each athlete.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Age:  Be under nineteen years of age at time of contest unless 19th birthday occurs on or after September 1 of a current school year, in which case, the student is eligible for the balance of the school year in all sports.

 

Previous Semester Record:  Have passed all courses during the previous semester of enrollment.

 

Current Semester Record:  Be carrying and doing passing work in all classes during present semester.

Transfers:  Generally, have had an accompanying change of residence by his/her parents or legal guardian into the district of the school he/she now attends to be eligible his/her first semester.

Awards:  Not have accepted any award (merchandise, memberships, etc.) for athletic performance, except medals or trophy awards which cost less than fifteen dollars.

Limited Team Membership:  Not have participated in any outside competition in a sport during the season after he/she has represented his/her school in that sport, not have participated in any charity, all star, or exhibition games.

Physical Examinations:  Have passed a current year physical examination.

Semesters of Enrollment:  Not have been enrolled for more than eight semesters in grades nine through twelve (9-12) inclusive.  Three weeks enrollment or participation in one or more athletic contests constitutes a semester enrollment.

 Training Rules & Regulations-Grades 7-12 Athletes:

It is the opinion of health educators that athletes perform best when they follow intelligent training rules which include restrictions in tobacco and alcohol.  Michigan law prohibits the use of/or possession of these material by students.

The following training rules have been established by the Onekama Board of Education.

Disciplinary action will be taken for, but not limited to, the following:

1.                 Possession and/or use of drugs

2.                 Possession and/or use of tobacco (Chewing or smoking) or alcohol.

3.                 Possession and/or use of “look-alike” drugs, over the counter substances and inhalants which may produce abnormal behavior when misused; require written parental and/or permission for specific individual possession or use.

MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADE 7-8) PENALTIES

First Offense-Suspended 1/9 of the season.  Athlete must also successfully complete a substance abuse program developed and administered by a qualified community mental health counselor.  Fractions of contests will be rounded up if .5 or above and rounded down if .49 or below.  The suspension will carry over to the next season of participation if necessary.

Second Offense-Suspended for ½ of the season.  Athlete must also successfully complete a substance abuse program developed and administered by a qualified community mental health counselor.  Fractions of contests will be rounded up if .5 or above and rounded down id .49 or below.  The suspension will carry over to the next season of participation if necessary.

 Third Offense-Suspended from all athletics for one calendar year.  Athlete must also successfully complete a substance abuse program developed and administered by a qualified community mental health counselor.

These penalties will only be in effect during the athlete’s middle school years.  Athletes will enter high school with a fresh start.

An athlete’s middle school career ends when he/she successfully completes the 8th Grade or on the last day of competition as a middle school student.

These penalties are in effect year round, including summer vacations.

The following penalties will be invoked for misdemeanors or felonies that are not traffic offenses.

Misdemeanor (convicted or admitted)-Penalties will be the same as training rule violations.

Felony (convicted or admitted)-Suspended for one calendar year.

 

High School Penalties

First Offense-Suspended 1/9 of the season.  Athlete must also successfully complete a substance abuse program developed and administered by a qualified community mental health counselor.  Fractions of contests will be rounded up if .5 or above and rounded down if .49 or below.  The suspension will carry over to the next season of participation if necessary.

Second Offense-Suspended for ½ of the season. Athlete must also successfully complete a substance abuse program developed and administered by a qualified community mental health counselor. Fractions of contests will be rounded up if .5 or above and rounded down if .49 or below.  The suspension will carry over to the next season of participation if necessary.

Third Offense-Suspended from all athletics for one calendar year.  Athlete must also successfully complete a substance abuse program developed and administered by a qualified community mental health counselor.

Fourth Offense-Suspended from all athletics for the reminder of their high school careers.

These penalties are in effect year round, including summer vacation.  Penalties may carry over year to year.

The following penalties will be invoked for misdemeanors or felonies that are not traffic offenses:

Misdemeanor (convicted or admitted)-Penalties will be the same as training rule violations.

Felony (convicted or admitted)-Suspended for one (1) calendar Year.

Any athlete suspended for a first offense must continue to practice with the team and sit on the bench in street clothes during their suspension.

Any student who is suspended on a second offense where the suspension carries over into another season must practice for the full season if they wish to participate in that sport.

All charges will be submitted to the athletic director and he/she will determine if any action is warranted.

The athlete has the right to appeal any action taken by the athletic director.  The appeal is to be presented to the Athletic Board within three (3) school days of the incident.  The athlete’s parents may be present at the appeals meeting.  The decision of the Athletic Board may be appealed to the superintendent.  This must be done with three (3) school days after the Athletic Board’s decision.

The athletic board shall consist of the coach of the sport involved, the athletic director, and the high school principal.  In the event that the athletic director and the principal are the same person, an at-large faculty member will serve on the board.

The decision of the superintendent may be appealed to the Board of Education in writing within three (3) school days of the superintendent’s decision.

The above policy is in effect year round, including summer vacation.

 Suspension can and will carry over from one (1) sport to another.

 

General Rules

All athletes will be required to go to and from contests in transportation provided by the school; however, deviation from this rule may be allowed for extenuating circumstances.  Extenuating circumstances will be determined by the principal, athletic director or coach.  Such deviation will require the parent or guardian to contact the coach,  principal, or athletic director in advance for permission-the school would prefer to have the request in written form. 

Any suspension will result in the athlete being eligible for only a letter award.  The athlete may not receive any trophies for that season or have their name placed in nomination for Athlete of the Year by any of their coaches for the reminder of the school year.  They will be allowed to receive all-conference honors and to participate in conference or state competitions so long as they do not occur during the time of suspension.  If the Athlete of the Year trophy has been given it will be rescinded and the runner-up will have their name placed on the trophy.

Any student suspended will not be allowed to attend the awards night for that season.  Any letter awards will be presented to the student by the principal or athletic director.

 

Student’s Attendance Policy-Extracurricular Activities

Students must be in attendance THE ENTIRE DAY in order to be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities that day.  This included practices, performances, and games.  Exceptions may be made to this rule if approval is obtained from the principal or athletic director prior to the absence, or if a student has an ortho/doctor’s appointment with a slip from the doctor’s office excusing their absence.

 

Academic Eligibility

All Students participating in extracurricular activities at Onekama Consolidated Schools must pass all of their classes to be eligible to participate in the activity.  Student’s grades will be checked every (3) three weeks.  If a student is not passing all classes at the end of a three (3) week probationary period, the student may still participate in the activity during the probationary period.  If at the end of the probationary period the student is still not passing all classes of course work the student becomes ineligible to participate in the activity for a minimum of one (1) week-until such time that the student bring his/her grades to the passing level.  The student must continue to practice during the time of their ineligibility.  To become eligible again a student must be passing all of their classes and will be required to supply a weekly progress report to their coach from all of their teachers stating their grade at that time.  The weekly progress report will continue until the next regular eligibility check.

It is hoped that this booklet will help you to understand our beliefs concerning athletes and our expectations of your sons and daughters if they choose to participate in athletics.

 

Uniforms and Equipment

Students are required to return their uniforms and any equipment within five (5) days of the completion of the sport’s season.  Any student who does not return their uniform or equipment will not be permitted to participate in any other sport until the uniform or equipment is returned or paid for.  The athletic department will determine the cost of the uniform or equipment.  Students are responsible for damaged uniforms.  If a student damages a uniform he/she is responsible for paying for a replacement uniform.

 

*PLEASE NOTE*

Insurance

Onekama Consolidated School does not provide insurance for athletes.  Insurance can be purchased through the school for athletes if you do not have insurance.  You may inquire about insurance in the Student Services Office (889-5521).

The form must be signed and returned prior to the first contest of the year.