Athletic Code of Conduct
2015-16
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Cuba-Rushford Athletics
2015-16 Interscholastic Sports Timeline
Thursday
August 13, 2015
Fall Sports Meeting – 6pm – CRCS MSHS Auditorium
For All Parents and Student-Athletes
Monday
August 17, 2015
Junior Varsity and Varsity Sports Begin
Monday
August 24, 2015
Modified Sports Begin
Friday
September 25, 2015
Homecoming
Wednesday
October 28, 2015
Winter Athletes Meeting – 3pm - CRCS MSHS Gymnasium
Thursday
October 29, 2015
Winter Sports Meeting – 6pm – CRCS MSHS Auditorium
For Parents and Student-Athletes who did not play a fall sport
Monday
November 9, 2015
Junior Varsity and Varsity Winter Sports Begin
TBD
Modified Winter Sports Begin
TBD
Winter Weekend
Wednesday
March 2, 2016
Spring Athletes Meeting – 3pm – CRCS MSHS Gymnasium
Thursday
March 3, 2016
Spring Sports Meeting – 6pm – CRCS MSHS Auditorium
For Parents and Student-Athletes who did not play a sport this
year
Monday
March 7, 2016
Junior Varsity and Varsity Spring Sports Begin
Wednesday
March 18, 2016
Modified Spring Sports Begin
Friday
Auditorium
June 10, 2016
Cuba-Rushford Athletic Banquet – 6pm – CRCS MSHS
*Dates may be subject to change due to NYSPHSAA
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Dear Parents/Guardians and Student-Athletes;
The CRCS Athletic Code of Conduct has been prepared to use as a reference for the studentathletes and their parents/guardians during the student-athletes’ Cuba-Rushford interscholastic athletic
career. It has been developed in an effort to define the responsibilities necessary to conduct an
educational and safe interscholastic athletic program.
We, the coaching staff at Cuba-Rushford Central School District, are very happy that you have
shown an interest in participating in athletics. We feel very strongly that students involved in extracurricular programs, such as interscholastic athletics, achieve better grades, manage their time more
effectively, have less discipline problems, and stay in school.
When a student chooses to participate in any athletic program, he/she has committed
him/herself to certain obligations and responsibilities that are outlined in this booklet. You are
encouraged to read this handbook very carefully and keep it for future references as it contains
information that will be important throughout the school year and for every sports season.
If you have any questions or concerns about this handbook or interscholastic athletics in
general, please contact me at 585-968-2650.
Sincerely,
Joshua P. Tompkins
Athletic Director
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Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
The mission of the Cuba-Rushford Central School Athletic Program is to foster the quest for
excellence by creating an educational and competitive experience within an atmosphere of
sportsmanship. We strive to realize and develop individual and team potential by promoting high
standards of competence, character, civility, and citizenship.
Statement of Philosophy
Interscholastic athletics are a significant part of the educational process. The combination of
academics and athletics enhances the quality of students’ lives and expands their options for learning
and personal growth. Athletics provide an educational opportunity in which students can learn essential
life lessons beyond those that can be learned in an academic classroom.
Overall CRCS Athletic Program Goals
The primary goals of the CRCS Athletic Program are to:
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Offer students an enjoyable experience
Provide the greatest opportunity possible for athletes to participate in both practices and
competitions
Promote personal improvement in skills, physical condition, and knowledge of the sport
Promote programs of excellence which will accomplish the above and lead to success in and
out of the playing arena
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Cuba-Rushford Athletics
New York State Educational Goals
Cuba-Rushford Central School is a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic
Association (NYSPHSAA ) and adheres to the following objectives, goals, and ethics established by the
NYSPHSAA.
General Objectives
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Encourage as many pupils as possible to participate in athletic games.
Promote sportsmanlike conduct in all athletic contests.
Maintain essential standards of eligibility.
Provide means to settle disputed athletic contests amicably and authoritatively.
Conduct appropriate athletic meets and tournaments.
Cooperate with the State Education Department in fostering educationally sound athletic
programs.
Adapt rules governing sports contests to the particular conditions for high school
competition.
Continually seek data to support rule changes leading to greater safety for high school
athletes.
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Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Educational Goals
Educational Goals
Competence
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A student-athlete in a quality program is competent in terms of:
o Skill development
o Knowledge of the game/strategies
o Fitness/conditioning/healthy behavior
Character
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A student-athlete in a quality program demonstrates:
o Responsibility
o Accountability
o Dedication
o Trustworthiness/fair play
o Self-control
Civility
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A student-athlete in a quality program demonstrates civility toward others showing:
o Respect
o Fairness
o Caring
Citizenship
-
A student-athlete in a quality program demonstrates citizenship through actions showing
evidence of:
o Loyalty/commitment
o Teamwork
o Role modeling
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Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics
IT IS THE DUTY OF ALL CONCERNED WITH CUBA-RUSHFORD ATHLETICS TO:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.
Eliminate all possibilities which tend to destroy the best values of the game.
Stress the values derived from playing the game fairly.
Show cordial courtesy to visiting teams and officials.
Respect the integrity and judgment of the sports officials.
Achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and the standards of
eligibility.
7. Encourage leadership, use of initiative, and good judgment by players on the team.
8. Recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and
emotional well-being of the individual players.
9. Remember the athletic contest is only a game… not a matter of life or death for the player,
coach, school, fan, community, state, or nation!
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Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Program Goals and Philosophies
Individual Program Goals
Modified Program
This level of interscholastic sports is primarily for seventh and eighth grade students. Ninth
graders are often placed at the modified level when no Junior Varsity Program is offered. Sports
conducted at this level focus on acquiring basic skills, learning game rules, the fundamentals of team
play, appropriate behavior patterns, and healthy competition. An attempt will be made to give all team
members meaningful contest participation over the course of a season. This does not equate to
everyone getting equal playing time.
It is not our policy to cut students at the modified level. However, if the number of students
trying out for a team creates a situation that is difficult to manage, poses a safety problem, or is
problematic because of facilities, reducing team size may be necessary.
Junior Varsity Program
This level of interscholastic sports is primarily for ninth and tenth grade students. Occasionally,
seventh and eighth grade students who have satisfied all selective classification requirements are placed
at this level. Junior Varsity programs work towards achieving a balance between continued team and
player development. In addition to social and emotional development, emphasis is placed on physical
conditioning, refinement of fundamental skills, and elements of strategies of team play. The outcome of
each contest is important, however, striving for victory while attempting to give team members
adequate playing time during the season is important. Members are expected to exhibit a high level of
dedication and commitment with the goal of becoming a varsity athlete.
Varsity Program
This level of interscholastic sports is the culmination of all other levels. Normally, juniors and
seniors combine for the majority of the roster positions, along with any sophomores and freshmen that
have developed at an advanced rate. It is also possible for a seventh or and eighth grade student, who
has satisfied all the selective classification requirements, to be included on a varsity roster. Although
cutting is not encouraged, the number of participants is determined by the need to conduct an effective
and meaningful practice, and to play a contest. A sound attitude coupled with an advanced level of skills
are prerequisites for a position on a varsity roster. Preparing to win and striving for victory in each
contest are worthy goals of a varsity, but it is not the only measure of success. Through participation,
students acquire important qualities necessary for becoming responsible adults and productive citizens.
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NYSPHSAA Athletic Placement Program
The State Education Department has worked collaboratively with the New York State Athletic
Administrators Association, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, and the
directors of Physical Education/Athletics to develop the Athletic Placement process. By satisfying the
requirements of the Selection/Classification, a student may receive extended eligibility to permit:
a. Participation during five consecutive seasons in the approved sport after entry into the
eighth grade.
b. Participation during six consecutive seasons in the approved sport after entry into the
seventh grade.
The intent of Selection/Classification is to provide for students in grades seven through twelve a
mechanism allowing them to participate safely at an appropriate level of competition based upon
readiness rather than age or grade. The program is aimed at the few select students who can benefit
from such placement because of their level of readiness.
Procedure
a. Teachers, coaches, or parents/guardians may request the Director of Athletics to
b.
c.
d.
e.
process a student through the Selection/Classification screening procedure.
A parental/guardian consent form must be signed –available from the Director of
Athletics
A Health and Developmental Rating form must be approved by the school
physician
The Athletic Performance Testing will be administered by the Director of Athletics
a.
The testing will consist of the Presidential Fitness Test
b. The student-athlete must achieve the 85% for their age in each of the
areas of the test
A skills evaluation will be performed by the coach
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Fall Sports at CRCS
Varsity Level
JV Level
Varsity Football
Varsity Girls Volleyball
Modified Level
Modified Football
JV Girls Volleyball
Modified Girls Volleyball
Varsity Boys Soccer
Modified Boys Soccer
Varsity Girls Soccer
Modified Girls Soccer
Varsity Boys Cross Country
Modified Boys Cross Country
Varsity Girls Cross Country
Modified Girls Cross Country
Football Cheerleading
Winter Sports at CRCS
Varsity Level
JV Level
Modified Level
Varsity Boys Basketball
JV Boys Basketball
Modified Boys Basketball
Varsity Girls Basketball
JV Girls Basketball
Modified Girls Basketball
Varsity Swimming
Modified Swimming
Varsity Boys Volleyball
Winter Cheerleading
Bowling
Spring Sports at CRCS
Varsity Level
JV Level
Modified Level
Varsity Baseball
Modified Baseball
Varsity Softball
Modified Softball
Varsity Boys Track
Modified Boys Track
Varsity Girls Track
Modified Girls Track
Varsity Golf
Varsity Boys Tennis
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Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship
Proper conduct by all in attendance at CRCS athletic events is expected. Respecting and striving
to uphold Sportsmanship Guidelines will provide an atmosphere of behavior that is consistent with the
goals and purposes of the total education program.
Guidelines
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Know the current rules of the activity
Set an example in controlling unsportsmanlike behavior
Create a friendly atmosphere for competition among players, coaches, spectators, and
officials
Treat everyone with respect – including opposing players and coaches
Exercise self-control in accepting decisions of officials
Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials
Recognize outstanding performances by all athletes
Parent Guidelines
The athletic department encourages parents to share their child’s education by attending games
and showing positive, constructive support. If a parent has a question, the athletic staff welcomes the
opportunity to talk at an appropriate time. Discussions should occur at least 12-24 hours after the
game/practice in question. Discussions on the field/court are often fragmentary, incomplete, and
public. Conversations deserve both privacy and time. Parents are encouraged to establish a meeting
time with the coach in an appropriate setting.
Failure to follow the guidelines will result in the parent/guardian receiving a letter from CRCS
regarding his/her actions. If the parent/guardian continues such behavior he/she will not be allowed to
attend the next contest.
Ejections
CRCS athletes and coaches are required to follow the guidelines established by the NYSPHSAA.
Coaches and players ejected from an athletic contest for any reason will be required to sit out the rest of
that particular contest and the next scheduled contest.
Parents/guardians ejected from athletic contests will be required to leave the field/court
immediately, as well as the premises, and he/she may not attend the next scheduled contest. Also,
parents/guardians ejected from events will be required to meet with the AD and/or an administrator
prior to attending another contest.
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Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Rules and Regulations
Participation in interscholastic athletics is a PRIVILEGE. Students who demonstrate
unacceptable behavior or who are continuously being reported academically deficient may lose the
privilege to participate in athletics.
Participation
No student-athlete may participate in any interscholastic sports activity, including tryouts and
practices:
1. Until a parent/guardian’s consent form has been filed with the Athletic Director
2. Without a sports physical examination approved by the school doctor
3. After an injury without a doctor’s release when a doctor’s care was required
A student-athlete may leave a sport within the first five practice days of the sport season
without consequence. The student-athlete will have the ability to choose another sport if
he/she desires but, he/she may only do so only with the approval of the coach of the team that
they are joining.
Attendance
A. Student-athletes must be in homeroom by 8:12 AM every day.
a. Failure to do so three times will result in a one game suspension.
B. Student-athletes must be in attendance every day.
a. Student-athletes excused for part of the day with a legal excuse must submit written
verification from the doctor’s office visited to Cuba Rushford Nurse’s Office in order to
be eligible for participation that day.
b. If a student/athlete is illegally absent or suspended in or out of school he/she may not
participate in a sport activity that day, whether practice or game. Disciplinary action will
occur for habitual offenders.
c. Each student-athlete must make every effort to be in school for the entire school day
following athletic events. If a poor attendance pattern develops, the coach will take
disciplinary action.
d. The Athletic Director or School Nurse must preapprove any excusals.
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Behavior
A. Good behavior and conduct are required of all student-athletes at all times.
B. Good school citizenship involves regular attendance and good conduct while in school
a. Student-athletes referred to the office for poor conduct may be subject to disciplinary
action from the coach.
b. Any student-athlete caught stealing or in possession of stolen items may be suspended
or dismissed from the team.
c. Any student-athlete who vandalizes school property may be suspended or dismissed
from the team.
d. Any violation of b or c will result in: First offense: suspension of 25% of season/Second
offense: 50% of season/Third offense: suspension of 1 calendar year from athletics.
e. Any arrest that reflects poorly on Cuba-Rushford Athletics may result in suspension.
Game and Practice Sessions
A. Team members must be present and on time for all scheduled practice sessions and games.
B. If a student-athlete cannot attend practice for any reason, it is his/her responsibility to notify
the Coach, failure to do so may result in disciplinary action as determined by the coach.
C. Any student-athlete who is present in school but absent or late to an athletic event (practice or
game) without prior permission from the coach will be subject to disciplinary action.
D. All student-athletes will sit with their own team during the entire athletic event.
E. Any student-athlete leaving the site of an athletic activity early, without permission from the
coach, will be suspended for 10% of that season, starting immediately following the incident.
Any further discipline will be at discretion of the coach; the coach’s action may range from a
suspension to dismissal from the team.
F. Any student-athlete who is absent from practice for a period of five or more consecutive days
must have a minimum of three days practice for reconditioning purposes prior to participation
in a game. If a student-athlete misses three or four consecutive days of practice, two days of
reconditioning must take place.
G. Quitting a team after the first 5 days of practice is not acceptable. The student-athlete will not
be allowed to use the weight room or gym facility for the remainder of the season.
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Transportation
A. All student-athletes must ride to and from all athletic contests in transportation provided by the
school district, except under certain circumstances pre-approved by the Athletic Director.
B. A student-athlete who misses a scheduled bus for an away athletic even will not be permitted to
participate in that event. It should be noted that school time will be used, and coaches will not
leave the school building until the scheduled departure time.
C. A student-athlete may ride home with his/her own parent(s) after a parent signs a release form
at the game site.
D. Under no circumstances will student-athletes be allowed to ride home with other students.
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Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Substance Abuse Policy
Substance Abuse
A. Student-athlete will not:
a. Smoke, chew, have in their possession, use or be in the presence of any tobacco
products
b. Use, be in the possession of, or be in the presence of any alcoholic beverages
c. Use, be in possession of, or be in the presence of illegal drugs (This refers to the use
and/or possession of controlled substances or the misuse of non-controlled
substances)
i. All infractions of Items a, b, or c above will result in the immediate suspension
of the student-athlete for 25% of the season. A minimum of two sessions with a
substance abuse counselor will also be required prior to the student-athlete’s
return to competition.
ii. A second infraction of items a, b, or c above will result in the immediate
suspension of the student-athlete for 50% of the season. A minimum of ten
sessions with a substance abuse counselor will also be required prior to the
student-athlete’s return to competition.
iii. A third infraction of items a, b, or c above will result in the immediate
suspension of the student-athlete for one calendar year.
d. Be in attendance at any gathering where alcohol and/or drugs are evident. It is
recommended that any student-athlete attending such a gathering leave immediately.
B.
The substance abuse policy will be in effect from the date of the preseason Athletic Code of
Conduct meeting and run through the end of the sport’s season. Participation will be at the
discretion of the coach.
Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Academic Policy
Academic Eligibility
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A. A student-athlete failing three subjects will be ineligible to participate in athletics until the next
five week grade report is available from guidance.
B. A student-athlete failing two subjects will be suspended from games and required to attend the
study center for two weeks. At the end of those two weeks the student-athlete’s progress will
be reviewed. If he/she has shown sufficient progress and has attended the study center every
day the suspension will end. If he/she does not show progress or does not attend the study
center every day the student-athlete will be suspended for another two weeks or until the next
progress report/report card.
C. A student-athlete’s final grade in June, not the fourth quarter grades will be used in determining
eligibility for the fall season.
a. If a student-athlete attends summer school and passes failed subjects, the studentathlete will be eligible for participation in the fall.
b. Student-athletes failing two subjects will begin attending study center immediately in
the school year.
D. Modified student-athletes failing two or more subjects will be ineligible to compete until the
next five week grade report is available from guidance. Attendance at the study center will be
required to remain on the team.
Study Center Rules
A. Student-athletes will attend after-school study center each day for a minimum of one hour.
B. Student-athletes must abide by all of the rules of the study center.
C. Any student-athlete removed from the study center for any reason will not be able to return to
game play at the end of their two week suspension.
Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Physical Education
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A. NYSPHSAA regulations state that a student must be enrolled in Physical Education to participate
in athletics.
B. Student-athletes are expected to participate in each and every Physical Education class. If a
student does not participate in Physical Education class, he/she will not be eligible to participate
in practice or a game on that day. Parents will be notified if a pattern of non-participation in
Physical Education develops.
C. A student-athlete failing Physical Education will be ineligible to compete in games until the next
progress report or marking period.
Due Process Hearing
A. Student-athletes are entitled to a Due Process Hearing. The hearing panel shall be composed of
a school administrator, the Athletic Director or appointed representative, and a representative
chosen by the student-athlete.
B. As a result of this hearing, penalties may be reduced and/or eliminated, but may not be
increased.
C. It is understood the decisions by the panel will be final and binding for all parties.
Chain of Communication
In order for Cuba-Rushford Athletics to be successful, it is important that open communication is
held between all parties involved. Communicating different issues or concerns is essential. Therefore if
an issue or problem arises and needs to be addressed, the following chain of communication must be
followed:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Player to Coach
Parent to Coach
Parent/Player to Athletic Director
Parent/Player to Administration
Parent/Player to the Board of Education
Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Sports Awards
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The Cuba-Rushford Athletic Department will be hosting an End of the Year Athletic Banquet to
honor the student-athletes. This banquet will be held in the middle/high school and will include an
awards ceremony followed by a buffet dinner. The goal of the banquet is to honor the achievements of
our student-athletes and programs. The banquet will also serve as an opportunity to fellowship and
socialize with family, friends, coaches, student-athletes and other community members. Please make
every effort to attend.
Modified Sports
Each participant in Modified Sports will receive a Certificate of Participation
Junior Varsity Sports
Each participant in Junior Varsity Sports will receive a Certificate of Participation
Each participant is eligible for the Sportsmanship Award given for their respective sport
Varsity Sports
Each participant in Varsity Sports will receive a Certificate of Participation
Each participant in Varsity Sports is eligible for the following awards:
Rebel Award (2 per sport)
Sportsmanship Award
NYS Scholar Athlete Awards (individual pins for each sport)
C-R NYS Scholar Athlete Award – Kayleigh Wilday Scholar Athlete Award
Senior Awards
Most Outstanding Athlete Award (Male and Female)
Lewis Holden Most Dedicated Male Senior Award
Sally Jordan Most Dedicated Female Senior Award
Olean Times Herald Foy/Davies Award
Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Concussion Protocol
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The Cuba-Rushford Athletic Department is now using the ImPACT Concussion Management
Model. Every student from grades 6-12 will be taking part in this program. All athletes will be required
to take a pre-season baseline test that will be completed before their first official practice. The protocol
that will be followed will consist of the following:
1. Pre-Season Baseline Test
2. Head Trauma
1. Removal from activity until post-test is completed
3. Concussion
1. Athlete will be removed from activity and will not be allow to return
that day
4. Return to Play
Information about ImPACT can be found at www.impacttest.com
Cuba-Rushford Athletics
Return to Play Protocol
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Day one of the Return to Play Protocol will follow the first symptom-free day.
Day One:
No activity, complete rest
Day Two:
Light aerobic exercise (ex: walking or stationary biking)
Day Three:
Sport specific exercise (ex: running and ball skills in soccer)
Day Four:
Non-contact training drills (ex: walk through pass blocking)
Day Five:
Full contact after receiving medical clearance
Day Six:
Game
If any post-concussion symptoms develop at any stage, drop back to Day 1 and try to progress again
only after 24 hours symptom free. No medication may be taken at any step of the progression to
prevent masking a more serious underlying condition. You must check in with your coach every day
PRIOR to practice.
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