AthleticHandbook
2023–2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 3 Philosophy 4 Core Principles 5 Expectations for Parents & Student Athletes 7 Expectations for Coaches 8 Parent/Athletic Dept. Relationship 9 Code of Conduct 10 Goals & Objectives 11 Information, Policies & Procedures 12 Sports Offered Team Levels 12 Team Selection 13 Eligibility 14 Attendance Policy 16 Suspension or Dismissal from a Team 17 Disqualifications 18 Uniforms 18 Travel 19 Inclement Weather 19 Athletic Schedules 19 Student Athlete Conduct 20 Parents Athletic Association 20 Awards 21 Sports Medicine Policies / Trainer 22 Weight Room / Fitness Center 23 NCAA Information 23 Policy on Tobacco, Drugs & Alcohol 23 NJSIAA Steroid Testing Policy 24 NJSIAA – Recruiting Policy 33 Hazing Policy 34 Out-Of-Season Period 34 Summer Workouts & Captain’s Practices 35 Information for Coaches 35 Athletic Staff E-Mail Addresses 37 Forms 38 2
Thishandbookisbeingpresentedtoyoubecauseyourdaughterwishesto participateininterscholasticathleticsattheAcademyoftheHolyAngels.Youhavealso expressedyourwillingnesstopermithertocompete.Yourfamily’sinterestinthisphase ofourschoolprogramisgratifying.Webelievethatparticipationinsportsprovidesa wealthofopportunitiesandexperiencesthatassiststudentsinpersonalgrowthand development.
TheAcademyoftheHolyAngelsencouragesthedevelopmentofyoungwomen throughathletics.Wefeelthataproperlycontrolled,well-organizedsportsprogrammeets students’needsforself-expression,mentalalertnessandphysicalgrowth.Itisourhope tomaintainaprogramthatissoundinpurposeandwillfurthereachstudent’seducational maturity
Likewise,webelievethatyouhavecommittedyourselvestocertain responsibilitiesandobligationsasaparentorguardianofanathlete.Wewouldliketo takethisopportunitytoacquaintyouwithspecificpoliciesthatarenecessaryfora well-organizedprogramofathletics.
ItistheroleoftheAthleticDepartmenttomakerulesgoverninginterscholastic competition.Theserulesneedbroadbasedcommunitysupporttobefullyeffective.This isachievedonlythroughcommunicationbetweentheAthleticDepartmentandthe parentsorguardiansofourathletes.Itisourhopetoaccomplishthisobjectivethrough thisathletichandbookforstudents,parentsandcoaches.
The purpose of the Athletic Handbook is to acquaint the student-athlete and parents of the student-athlete with the athletic program of The Academy of the Holy Angels.
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The handbook should be used as a guide to aid and orientate the student-athlete and to provide for a successful athletic experience.
PHILOSOPHY
Theprogramofinterscholasticathleticsisjustifiedbythecontributionsitmakesto educationalobjectives.Theprogramofinterscholasticathleticsmustnotexistforthe amusementorentertainmentofthepublic;itmustnotexisttoadvertiseaschoolor community,normustitexistforvestedinterests.Theprogrammustexisttoprovide educationalexperiencesfortheparticipantsaspartoftheschool'stotaleducational curriculum.
TheAthleticProgramatTheAcademyoftheHolyAngelsisanintegralpartofthetotal educationalstructureandmustnotbeconsideredasanendinitself.Theprogramwill provideeachparticipantwithaneducationalexperienceinwhichshecandevelop emotionally,intellectually,physicallyandsocially.Emphasiswillbeplacedonpositive learningexperiencesforeachathlete.Developmentofself-disciplineandemotional maturitywillbegainedthroughrespectforrulesandregulationsandthoseinauthority. Participationintheprogramwillencouragetheathletetouseherabilitytothinkasan individualandtoactasamemberofagroup.Theprogramwillhelpdevelopinthe athletesuchattributesasloyalty,determination,honestyanddedication,whileatthe sametimedevelopphysicalcoordination,muscularstrength,andincreasedathleticskill.
Whilewinningisanimportantgoalinathleticcompetition,ittooisnotanendinitself. “Winningatanycost"isanattitudethatmustbediscouraged,andwillnotbetolerated. Attemptstobeatrules,totakeunfairadvantageofanopponent,ortoshow unsportsmanlikeconducthavenoplaceinathletics.Winningwithoutboastingandlosing withoutbitterness,alongwithadesiretosucceedandexcelasanindividualandasa memberofateam,willbeconsideredmoreimportant.
Itisthebeliefoftheathleticdepartmentthateverystudent,eitherthroughactive participationorspectatorinterest,willbenefitfromtheinterscholasticprogram.
-Olympic
“The most important thing in sports is not to win but to make the effort to be a part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”
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Creed
CorePrinciple-VALUESANDSPORTSMANSHIP
Athletic participation must be healthful, positive and safe for everyone involved, conducted in an environment that teaches values and ethics, strengthens the community, promotes competition without conflict and enriches the lives of the athletes.
Attheirbest,schoolsportsprovideanopportunitytoteachgoodsportsmanshipandother values.Aspublicactivitywithclearrules,immediateaccountabilityandarealoutcome, this philosophy createsanenvironmentwhichpromotesandinstillscorevaluessuchas discipline,respect,responsibility,fairness,trustworthinessandgoodcitizenship.Positive competitionandaspiritofexcellencearedefiningvaluespromotedthroughsports.Given theirentrenchedpopularityandcapacityforshapingcharacter,effectivelyimplemented sportsprogramsareapositivesocialforceinourschool’sculture.
CorePrinciple–SPORTSANDLEARNING
Learning and personal growth form the foundation for interscholastic sports.
Theintrinsicqualitiesofsportscreateastronglearningdynamicthatcomplementsthe academicprogram.Ontheplayingfield,student-athleteslearnskills,strategies, relationships,leadershipandresponsibility Theyalsolearntheimportanceofplanning, ofsettinggoals–forone’sselfandfortheteam.Theylearntomakeplansforachieving thosegoals.Youngpeoplewhoplaysportsmakeavoluntary—andoftenpassionate— commitmenttotheiractivity,enhancingtheirlearningopportunities.Sportsprovidea performance-based,real-lifeexperience,notanabstractconcept.Sportsalsoprovide studentswithanopportunitytoshineinadifferentsetting,andtoincreasetheir engagementwithschool.Athleticeventsimprovethelearningpotentialandoffer opportunitiesforthepersonalgrowthoftheindividualathlete.
CorePrinciple–PARENTSANDLEARNING
Parents are actively involved in creating and supporting an environment that fosters positive athletic experiences for student-athletes.
Regardlessofthesizeofthefieldorgym,themagnitudeofthegameorthevolumeof thecheers,itistheattitudedisplayedbytheathletes,theirparentsandtheirstudentpeers thatconstitutetherealarenasinwhichyoungpeopleplay.
Theinvolvementofparentsinschoolsportsenhancestheexperienceforyoungpeople whentheengagementispositiveandwhenitreflectsanunderstandingofthe developmentallevelsoftheathletes.Alsocriticaltoawell-runprogramisrespect exhibitedbyadultsforcoaches,forofficialsandforstudent-athletes.Thesportsprograms thatthrivearecharacterizedbystrongmutualsupportofferedinapositivespiritby parents,coachesandthestudentcommunity.
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CorePrinciple–THEQUALITYOFCOACHING
The coach is the key to making the student-athlete experience appropriate, positive and educational.
Themostimportantfactorinasuccessful,educationallysoundathleticprogramisa well-qualifiedcoach.Theautocraticcoachingmodelofthepastwillnolongersuffice. Today’scoachmusthavemultipleskills—inorganization,communication,motivation andespeciallyinteaching.Thecoachmustunderstandtheholisticneedsofyoungpeople andknowhowtobalancetheneedsofindividualstudent-athleteswiththepromotionof continuousimprovement,competitivespiritandthepursuitofexcellence.The21st centurycoachingenvironmentiscomplexandstressful.Coachesassumemorerolesand dealwithmoreissuesthaneverbefore.Youngpeopleareparticipatinginsportsinrecord numbersandtheroleofthecoachhasneverbeenmoreimportant.
CorePrinciple–OPPORTUNITYTOPLAY
Each student who meets the eligibility standards has the opportunity to participate and learn through sports. Thisdoesnotnecessarilytranslateintoplayingtimeingamesat theVarsityLevelorguaranteeapositiononaninterscholasticteam.
Opportunitiesandparticipationinsportshaveexpandedgreatlyduringthepasttwo decades.Morestudentsareparticipatinginmoresports.Thelessonsofsportsmustnotbe deniedtoanystudentwhosegradesandbehaviormerittheprivilegeofparticipation. Athletics—andotherco-curricularactivities—areanimportantcomponentofeducation. Effectiveinterscholasticsportsprogramsprovidestudentswithathleticandpersonal skillswhilebuildingpositivelifetimevalues.
CorePrinciple–HEALTHANDFITNESS
"IfIhadonewishtoguaranteethefuturegoodhealthandwell-beingofourcountry,I wouldhopetoinstillinouryouththevalueofcommitmenttoone’sself,one’sfamilyand one’steam.Thatcommitmenttoahealthymentalandphysicallifestyleisenhancedby participationinathleticsatanylevel.Thelifetimelegacyofsuchearlydecisionsmakes notonlytheindividual,butallthosewhoselivesaretouchedbysports,enjoyhealthier, moreproductivelives."-
RobertMcAfee,MD,RetiredSurgeon;formerPresidentofthe AmericanMedicalAssociation
Participation in sports builds self-confidence while teaching good health and fitness habits to last a lifetime.
Doneappropriately,athleticsprovidetheinstruction,incentive,andsettingfordeveloping andmaintainingsound,activemindsandbodies.Participationinsportscanbuildasense ofpersonalresponsibilityformakinghealthylifestylechoicesandcanhelptocombatthe deterioratingfitnessofAmericanyouth,adeteriorationthat,inadulthood,contributesto increasedlevelsofchronicdiseaseandprematuredeathanddisability.Beingpartofa
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teamalsocreatesasenseofbelongingandoffersasupportivenetworkthatcontributesto emotionalwell-beingandpositiveinteractionsinsociety
CorePrinciple–LEADERSHIP,POLICYANDORGANIZATION
High-quality athletic programs are built upon a foundation of strong leadership, clear policy, adequate resources and effective organization.
Athleticprogramqualityandeffectivenessarecontingentuponstrongleadership, adequateresourcesandeffectivepolicyanddecision-makingproceduresthatcombineto createarobustorganizationalstructure.
Leadershipattheschoolandteamlevelsassuresthatthevalues,beliefs,expectationsand goalsoftheathleticprogramaredevelopedandmaintained.Structuresandprocedures areclearlywrittenandeasilyavailable,enablingallplayers,coaches,andparentsto understandhowtheprogramisorganized.
Adequateresourcesmustbeavailableinordertoprovideeverystudentwithan “opportunity”(tryout)toearnaplaceonateam,andeverycoachandathletic administratorwiththetrainingandequipmenttodeliverasafe,healthyand developmentallyappropriateexperienceforeachstudent-athlete.
Policyanddecision-makingstructurescreateexpectationsandprocedurestodirectthe athleticprogram,assuringcompatibilitywiththephilosophyandgoalsoftheschool.To providecontinuousimprovement,periodicevaluationofthesportsprogramandthe adequacyofitssupportmustbeongoing.
ExpectationsforParentsandStudent-Athletes
Werecognizethathealthysportsexperiencestakecommitmentfromstudent-athletesand theirparents WehaveagreeduponthefollowingCorePracticestosupportqualitysports experiencesinourschoolcommunity:
● Student-athletesandparentsexhibitgoodsportsmanshipandshowrespectfor everyoneassociatedwiththeprogram,includingteammates,coaches,support staff,opponentsandofficials.
● Student-athletesandparentsunderstandthevalueofcompetition-without-conflict andhowtohandlesuccesswithgraceandfailurewithdignity.Thespiritof excellencereplacesa"winatallcosts"mentality.
● Student-athletesandparentsrecognizethatopportunitiesforcollegescholarships andprofessionalplayarepossiblebutseverelylimited.
● Student-athletesandparentscommittoupholdingsubstanceabusepolicies endorsedandenforcedbytheschool.
● Student-athletesandparentscommittoafocusonlifetimehealthandfitness, includinghabitsoffitnessandgoodnutrition.
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● Student-athletesandparentsappreciatesportsopportunitiesregardlessofthe degreeofsuccess,thelevelofskillortimeonthefield.
● Student-athletesandparentsrespectcoachesandappreciatetheimportanceof contributingtotheteamanditssuccess,evenwhentheremaybedifferencesof opinion.
● Student-athletesandparentsattendrelevantschoolmeetingstobuildrelationships andsupportwithcoachesandadministrators,andtolearnfirst-handaboutthe expectationsforparticipationininterscholasticathletics.
● Parentsserveasrolemodels,seethe"bigpicture,"supportallprogramsand athletesandhelptheirstudent-athletestodothesame.
● Student-athletesseek,andparentsencourage,participationinmultiplesportsand activities,withacademicsplacedfirstandforemost.Weknowthatschoolsports experiencescancontributegreatlytothevaluesandethicsofeachplayer,andthat positivesportsexperiencesteachimportantlifeskills,encourageteamwork,help shapecharacterandcitizenshipandencourageanactivelifestyle.
● Parentsleavecoachingtocoachesanddonotcriticizethecoaches,thestrategies ortheteamperformance.Theyavoidputtingpressureontheirchildrenabout playingtimeandperformance.
ExpectationsforCoaches
● Werecognizethatschoolsportsexperiencescancontributegreatlytothevalues andethicsofeachplayer Positivesportsexperiencesteachimportantlifeskills, encourageteamwork,helpshapecharacterandcitizenship,encourageanactive lifestyleandoftencontributetosuccessinacademics.
● Wearededicatedtomakinghealthyandpositivesportsprogrammingaccessible toeveryeligiblestudentinourschoolcommunity.Weknowthatcoachesare pivotaltoqualitysportsexperiences.
● Thecoachpromotestheconnectionbetweensportsandacademiclearning,sports andcharacterdevelopment,andsportsandlife-longlearning.
● Thecoachoffersmotivationandpositivecommunicationandassists student-athletestomakegooddecisions.
● Thecoachisarolemodelatalltimes,recognizinghis/herprofoundinfluenceon student-athletes.
● Acoachmaintainstheflexibilityrequiredtoworksuccessfullywithadiverse groupofstudents.Eachcoachsupportsthecomplexneedsofmaturing adolescents,assistingstudent-athletestodevelopphysically,mentally,socially andemotionally.
● Acoachissensitivetothefactthatdifferentapproacheswillbeneededfor differentindividuals,accordingtotheirneedsandbackgrounds,includingtheir age,gender,sizeandculture.
● Acoachmustmasterthefundamentalsofthegameandcontinuetolearn,using professionaldevelopmentandmentorrelationships.Thelearninggoesbeyond
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techniquesandstrategiestoincludetheteachingofethicsandsportsmanshipand effectivecommunicationwithparentsandthepublic.
● Coachesrecognizetheneedforbalanceinthelivesofstudent-athletes,abalance thatrespectstheneedsofthefamily.
● Thepromiseofparticipationinsportshelpstoshapeouryoungpeople.Wepledge toprovideexceptionalopportunitiesforourstudentstoexperiencetheverybest ofinterscholasticathleticsinasettingwhere"sportsaredoneright."
● Weareactivelyandpositivelycontributingtowhatourstudent-athletesknowand thecharacterofwhotheyare–helpingtofulfillthevisionof graduating smart students who are good people.
Parent/AthleticDepartmentRelationship
Bothparentingandcoachingareextremelydifficultvocations.Byestablishingan understandingofeachposition,parentsandcoachesarebetterabletoaccepttheactionsof theothersandprovidegreaterbenefittochildren.Parents,whohavedaughtersintheHoly Angelsathleticprogram,mustunderstandtheexpectationsoftheirathletesinthese programs.Thisbeginswithclearcommunicationfromthecoach.
Communicationyoushouldexpectfromyourchild’scoach:
● Expectationsthecoachhasforyourchildaswellasalltheplayersonthe squad
● Locationsandtimesofallpracticesandcontests
● Teamrequirements-schoolandteamrules,specialequipment,off-season expectations
● Proceduretobefollowedshouldyourchildbeinjuredduringparticipation
● Disciplinethatresultsinthedenialofyourchild’sparticipation
Communicationcoachesexpectfromplayers:
● Notificationofanyscheduleconflictswellinadvance.
● Specificconcernsinregardtoacoach’sphilosophyand/orexpectations.
● AsyourdaughterbecomesinvolvedintheprogramsatHolyAngels,she willexperiencesomeofthemostrewardingmomentsofherlife.Itis importanttounderstandthattherealsomaybetimeswhenthingsdonotgo thewayyouoryourchildwishes.Atthesetimes,discussionwiththecoach isencouraged.
Appropriateconcernstodiscusswithcoaches:
● Thetreatmentofyourchild,mentallyandphysically.
● Waystohelpyourchildimprove.
● Concernsaboutyourchild’sbehavior.
Issuesnotappropriatetodiscusswithcoaches:Itisverydifficulttoacceptyour child’snotplayingasmuchasyoumayhope.Coachesareprofessionals.They makejudgmentdecisionsbasedonwhattheybelievetobebestforallstudents
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involved.Asyouhaveseenfromthelistabove,certainthingscanandshouldbe discussedwithyourchild’scoach.Otherthings,suchasthosefollowingmustbe lefttothediscretionofthecoach.
● Playingtime
● Teamstrategy
● Playcalling
● Otherstudent-athletes
● Therearesituationsthatmayrequireaconferencebetweenthecoachand theparent.Itisimportantthatbothpartiesinvolvedhaveaclear understandingoftheother’sposition.Whentheseconferencesare necessaryanappropriateprocedureshouldtakeplace. Pleasedonot attempttoconfrontacoachbeforeorafteracontestorpractice.Thesecan beemotionaltimesforboththeparentandthecoach.Meetingsofthis naturedonotpromoteresolution.
Complaintprocedure
● Student-athleteandcoachshoulddiscusstheconcern
● Parentshouldcalltosetupanappointmentwithcoach
● Parent,student-athleteandcoachmeet
● Parent,student-athlete,coachandAthleticDirectormeet
● Parent,student-athlete,coach,AthleticDirectorandDeanofStudentsmeet
InformationalMeetings
TherewillbeateamparentmeetingwiththecoachingstaffandtheAthleticDirectorat thebeginningofeachseason.Eachcoachwillinformtheirteamofthedateandtimeof themeeting.
CodeofConduct
1.Student-athletesthatrepresentTheAcademyoftheHolyAngelsonanathleticteam areexpectedtoconductthemselvesinsuchamannerastoreflectcreditonschool.
2.Allparticipantsintheathleticprogrammustunderstandthattheyarestudents’firstand athletessecond.Participationinathleticsisaprivilegetoastudent,notarightguaranteed tothem.Studentshaverightsregardingathletics.Theyhavetherighttoparticipateata levelcommensuratewiththeirmaturityandability.Theyhavearighttoqualifiedand adultleadership.Theyhavearighttoshareintheleadershipanddecision-makingoftheir sportsparticipation.Theyhavearighttoparticipateinasafeandhealthyenvironment. Theyhavearighttoproperpreparationforparticipationinsports.Theyhavearighttoan equalopportunitytostriveforsuccess.Theyhavearighttobetreatedwithdignityanda righttohavefuninsports.Participation,however,stillremainsaprivilege.
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3.Beingamemberofanathleticteamdoesnotentitleanystudenttoanyspecial privilegeinschool.Rather,itmaybeaburdeninthefaceofpeerpressurewhenaskedto beinvolvedinsomeactionthatmightviolateschoolrules.TheathletesatTheAcademy oftheHolyAngelsareexpectedtobeexamplesofgoodcitizenshipandcooperation, involvedinactionsthatwillreflectpositivelyuponthemselvesasindividualsandupon allourathletesingeneral.
GoalsandObjectives
ItisthedesireoftheAthleticDepartmenttoachievethefollowinggoalsandobjectives:
● Todevelopthestudent-athletephysically,socially,mentallyandemotionally.
● Todevelopineachstudent-athletetheconceptsofloyalty,cooperation,fairplay, dedication,determinationandself-disciplinethroughindividualandteam participation.
● Todevelopapositivesenseofself-respectandself-confidenceineachindividual.
● Todeveloppositiveattitudesthatwillenablestudentstofunctionasresponsible citizens.
● Todevelopineachstudent-athletehealthyandconstructiveattitudestowards winningandlosing.
● Todevelopineachstudent-athletethedesiretodevelophisorhertalentstothebest ofhisorherability;tostrivetobethebestthattheycanbe.
● Todevelopahighdegreeofsportsmanshipandrespectforfellowathletes,coaches andofficials.
● Todevelopineachstudent-athletepositivehabitsofgoodhealth,personalhygiene andsafety.
● Todevelopineachstudent-athleteasenseofprideinoneself,theteam,theschool andthecommunity
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INFORMATION,POLICIESANDPROCEDURES
TheAcademyoftheHolyAngelsisamemberoftheNewJerseyInterscholasticAthletic Association(NJSIAA)andtheBIGNORTHConferenceandthereforeadherestothe rulesandregulationsofthesegoverningbodies.Theathleticprogramisunderthe supervisionoftheAthleticDirector.
SportsOffered
Fall
Winter
Spring
Spring
Thevariouslevelsofourprogramshavedifferingfunctions
JuniorVarsity: Byleaguepolicy,seniorsarenotpermittedtocompeteonthejunior varsitylevel. Students capable of making the JV will all be given the opportunity to play in every contest.
Varsity:Thisistheprogramdesignedtocompeteagainstthebestteamsfromother schools. Itispossibleforstudentsfromgrades9through12tocompeteatthislevel. The varsityprogramshouldbetheschool'sshowcase,anditshouldalwaysrepresentthebest wecanputforwardatanygiventime.Theexcellenceweseekfromcoachesandathletes inourathleticprogramsarenolessthantheexcellenceweseekfromstudentsand teachersintheclassroom.
Season Sport Levels StartDates Fall Soccer V,JV August21,2023
Tennis V,JV August16,2023
Fall
Volleyball V,JV August21,2023
CrossCountry V,JV August21,2023
Gymnastics V August21,2023
Basketball V,JV November20,2023
IndoorTrack V,JV November27,2023
Fencing V,JV November27,2023
Fall
Fall
Winter
Winter
Winter
Bowling V,JV November20,2023
Softball V March14,2024
Spring
OutdoorTrack V,JV March14,2024
Lacrosse V March14,2024
Golf V,JV March14,2024
Spring
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TeamSelection
1. Ineachprogram,acoachand/orcoacheswhoarequalifiedindividualsare responsibleforteamselections.Theheadcoachestablishescriteriaforselection possiblywithinputfromtheentirecoachingstaff.Thismaybeahighlysubjective process.
2. Insomesituations,wearenotabletoplaceeverystudentonateamwhowishesto participate. Whilethisisnotourdesire,itisreality. Thehardestthingourcoaches havetodoistotellyoungpeopletheywillnotbeonateam.
a. Pleasebesurewhenyourchildtriesoutforateam,bothyouandyour childunderstandsthereisaveryrealpossibilitytheymaynotbeselected. Ifselected,bothyouandyourchildshouldbepreparedtoaccept placementatanyteamlevel,i.e.,Freshman,JuniorVarsityorVarsity Itis disturbingtohavestudentstryoutforateamandthenquitbecausethey werenotplacedwheretheythinktheyshouldbe. Bydoingthis,theyhave takenawaysomeoneelse’sopportunitytobeonateam.
b. Normally,coacheshaveaveryshortamountoftimetomaketeam selections. Theytrytodotheverybesttheycaninkeepingthemost talentedathletes,fillingpositionsforplayandappropriatelyplacingthem ontheproperteam. Theyareunderagooddealofpressuretoassemble themostcompetitiveteampossible. Anyoneofusmightselectdifferent athletesfortheteam.Webelieveitisthecoaches’responsibilityandright toselecttheteamwithwhomtheywillworkfortheentireseason.
3. Inordertomakeavarsityteamasasenior,aplayermustbeoutstandingandalso playapositiontheteamneeds. Underclassstudent-athletespossessingthese qualitieshavethesameopportunitytomakeateamasdoesasenior. Ourteam structure(JuniorVarsity,andVarsity)dictatestherewillalwaysbemoreunderclass playersthanupperclassinthetotalprogram. Atselectiontime,itwillbethe coaches’decisionastowhatteamthestudent-athleteisplaced.
4. Amaingoalofourcompetitiveathleticprogramistoputthemosttalented memberoftheteamincompetitiontowinthecontest. Startingpositionsand playingtimearenotguaranteedtoseniorsmakingtheteamoranyoneelseforthat matter Eachmemberofateamisveryvaluabletotheteam’soverallprogress. Somestudent-athletesmayplayagreatdealoftimeinacontest,whileothersmay notseeanyplayingtimeorwhataparentwouldconsider“significant”playing time. Eachstudent-athleteshouldhavepersonalimprovementasoneofhisorher goals.
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ELIGIBILITY
Academic:AnyathletewhoreceivesaProgressReportindicatingsheisfailingasubject willbeputonprobation. Duringthistimesheisencouragedtoseekacademichelp. She willremainonprobationuntilhergradesimprovetoapassingaverageinthatcourse. Duringthatprobationtheathletewillnotbeallowedtoattendanypracticesorgames untilreinstated. AnyathletewhoreceivesanFonaReportCardwillbesuspendedfor theremainderoftheseason
TheNJSIAAalsohasaneligibilityrequirementtoparticipate.Itstatesthatstudentsmust passthreesubjectspersemester. Thisisinterpretedas13.75creditspersemesterorat least27.5creditsperyear Allincomingfreshmenhavenocreditrequirementsforthe firstsemesterand,therefore,canparticipate.Nostudentshallbeeligibleforhighschool athleticsaftertheexpirationofeightconsecutivesemestersfollowinghis/herentrance intothe9thgrade.Astudentbecomesineligibleforhighschoolathleticswhentheclass inwhichhe/shewasoriginallyenrolledhasgraduated.
Age:Anathletebecomesineligibleforhighschoolathleticsifhe/sheattainstheageof nineteenpriortoSeptember1.However,anyathleteattainingagenineteenonorafter September1shallbeeligiblefortheensuingschoolyear.Abirthcertificate,issuedatthe timeofbirth,isthenormalproofofage;intheabsenceofthis,otherproofsmaybeused. Therecordsusedwillbebaptismalrecordsortheearliestschoolrecords.
TransferRule:
TheNJSIAAhasamendedtheTransferRuleeffectiveJune1,2023.Thenewrulewould allowonefreetransferundercertaincircumstances.Existingrulesaddressingbonafide changeofresidence,thethirty-dayperiodofineligibility,andtransfersforathletic advantagehavebeendeleted.
Transfers
(1)Purpose.TheNJSIAA’smissionistoadministereducation-basedinterscholastic athletics,whichsupportacademicachievement,goodcitizenship,andfairandequitable opportunities.Transfersforathleticreasonsunderminethestabilityofsportsprograms, elevateathleticsoveracademics,leadtodisparitiesincompetitiveness,anderodethe levelplayingfieldthattheNJSIAAseekstofoster Multipletransferswithinahigh schoolcareerdisruptastudent’seducation.Transfersafterasportsseasonhasstartednot onlydisruptstheteam,butalsothecompetitivebalanceamongschools.Thisruleis designedtodiscouragetransfersforathleticreasons,multipletransfers,andtransfersafter asportsseasonhasbegun,byimposingshortbutpredictableperiodsofineligibilityfor thosetransferswhileprovidingonepenalty-freetransferundercertainconditions.
Becausetheperiodsofineligibilitysetforthinthisruleareamongtheshortestinthe nation,andthepurposeoftheruleisdesignedtodeterinappropriatetransfers,thereshall benowaiversofthisrule.
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(2)Definitions.Transfer:A“transfer”occurswhenastudentwhohaspreviouslyenrolled inasecondaryschoolleavesthatschoolandenrollsinanewone.Thedateoftransfer shallbetheearlierofthefirstdayofclassorthefirstdayofsportsparticipationatthe newschool.
SeniorTransfer:A“SeniorTransfer”isastudent-athletewhosefirsttransferoccurs duringoraftertheirthirdseasonofeligibilityinaparticularsportinwhichthey participatedinduringthe12monthsprecedingthetransfer.
StartofPracticeDate:“TheStartofPracticeDate”isthefirstdayofpracticeforeach sportassetforthannuallyintheProgramRegulations.
CompetitionStartDate:The“CompetitionStartDate”isthefirstdayofcompetitionfor eachsportassetforthannuallyintheProgramRegulations.
HIBTransfer:UndertheAnti-BullyingBillofRightsAct,astatelawthatpublicschools arerequiredtofollowandnon-publicschoolsareencouragedtofollow,harassment, intimidationandbullying(HIB)aremattersthatareinvestigatedandaddressedbythe school.TheNJSIAAdoesnotholdhearingstodeterminewhetherastudentwasbullied.
A“HIBtransfer”willexistwhenaschool,afterinvestigatingaHIBcomplaint, determinesthattheproperactiontoremediatethecomplaintisanalternativeplacement oraschooltransfer.
MaximumNumberofContests:The“MaximumNumberofContests”foreachsportare assetforthintheProgramRegulations..Forsportswithoutamaximumnumberof contestslistedintheProgramRegulations,theperiodofineligibilityshallbethenumber ofdaysspecifiedineachsectionbelow.
(3)Astudent’sfirsttransfer.Studentsareentitledtoonepenalty-freetransferduringthe firstsixsemestersaftertheirinitialhighschoolenrollment,providedthatthetransfer occursonorbeforetheStartofPracticeDateofthesportsseasoninwhichthetransfer occurs.
(4)TransfersoccurringaftertheStartofPractice.StudentswhotransferaftertheStartof PracticeDatewillbesubjecttoa30-dayperiodofineligibility(or½theMaximum NumberofContestsinthatsport,whicheverisless).
(5)TransfersoccurringaftertheCompetitionStartDate.Inadditiontotheperiodof ineligibilitysetforthinSection4above,anystudentwhotransfersaftertheCompetition StartDatewillnotbeeligibleforNJSIAApostseasoncompetitioninthatsport.
(6)Astudent’ssecondorsubsequenttransfer Studentswhotransferasecondor subsequenttimewillbesubjecttoa30-dayperiodofineligibility(or½theMaximum NumberofContests,whicheverisless)forallNJSIAAsanctionedsportsinwhichthe studentparticipatedduringthe12monthsprecedingthetransfer.
(7)Seniortransfers.Seniortransfers,asdefinedabove,aresubjecttoa22-dayperiodof ineligibility(or1/3theMaximumNumberofContests,whicheverisless)ineachsportin
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whichtheyparticipatedduringoraftertheirthirdseasonofeligibility,duringthe12 monthsprecedingthetransfer.
(8)Generalapplication.a.ThisTransferRuleappliestoallathletesatalllevelsof participation(notjustvarsityathletes)andisapplicabletoallNJSIAA-sanctionedsports inwhichthestudentparticipatedduringthe12monthsprecedingthetransfer. Transferringstudentsmayparticipateinanewsportwithoutpenalty.b.Theperiodof ineligibilitywillbeginontheCompetitionStartDateofeachsport.Forstudentswho transferaftertheCompetitionStartDate,theperiodofineligibilitywillbeginonthedate ofenrollment.c.WhencalculatingtheperiodofineligibilityusingtheMaximumNumber ofContests,NJSIAAwillrounddowntothenearestwholenumberifthenumberof contestsisnotdividedevenly.Forexample,iftheMaximumNumberofContestswere 14,thenthecalculationforaSeniorTransfer(14dividedby3)wouldbe5.67and roundeddowntoa5contestsit.
(9)Exceptions.Immediateeligibility,withoutpenalty,willbegrantedfortransfers resultingfromDCP&Pplacement,courtplacement,HIBtransfers,andmilitarytransfers.
(10)Enforcement.TheNJSIAAmonitorstransferswiththecooperationofthemember schools.Tothatend,theNJSIAAmaintainsanonlineTransferPortal.Foreach transferringstudent,thesendingschoolandthereceivingschoolmustentertherequired informationintotheTransferPortal.
Physicals:Nostudentwillbepermittedtoparticipatewithoutanup-to-datephysical evaluationbyaphysician. Physicalsmustbeconductedyearlytoensurestudent wellnessandsafetywhileparticipatinginathleticsatTheAcademyoftheHolyAngels. ItismandatorythattheathletehaveherphysicalafterJune1st . Physicalevaluation paperworkmustbepresentedtotheschoolnursepriortothebeginningofeachseasonin whichtheathleteintendstoparticipatein. Anupdatedclearanceformmustalsobe presented priortothestartofeachandeveryseason.
Parentalconsent:Allstudentathletesandparentsmustsignarequiredcontractthat establishesguidelinesforexpectedbehaviorandthepromotionofgoodsportsmanshipat alltimes,areleaseformandasteroidtestingformthatismandatedbytheNJSIAA. A copyoftheseformscanbefoundinthebackofthishandbook.
AttendancePolicyforAthletics
School:Nostudentwillbepermittedtoparticipateinanyextracurricularactivityunless sheisinschoolby8:30am. Nostudentwillbepermittedtoparticipateinany extracurricularactivityifnotpresentfortheentiredayfrom8:30amuntiltheendof school.
Conflictswithotherschoolfunctions:Activitiesrequirestudents’fullcommitmentand participation. Enrollinginactivitieswithoverlappingcommitmentscompromisesthe integrityofbothprograms. Studentswhoaretalentedinboththeartsandathleticsface
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particularchallenges. Studentsmustbeabletoworkoutaschedulethatmaintainsthe integrityofeachprogram,andisacceptabletothemoderatorsinvolved. Intheeventitis notpossibletocompromiseschedules,studentswillbeaskedtochoosebetweenthetwo activities. Thereismandatoryattendanceatanypractice,game,meet,ormatchbefore anypromordance. Onthedaybeforeorafteranypromordance,theathletemustattend thegame,meet,ormatchorshewillberemovedfromtheteam. Theonlyexcusesthat willbeacceptedarereligiousobligations,officialcollegevisits,ordeathinthefamily Ifanathleteparticipatesinanotherschoolactivityorevent,andmissesthestartofthe game,meet,ormatch,thatathletemaynotparticipateinanypartofthealreadystarted athleticcontest.
Guidelinesforpractices/games:teamexpectationsmayvary,howeverthefollowing AthleticDepartmentexpectationsandguidelineswillexistforallathleticteams:
1. Student-athletesareexpectedtobeatallpracticesessions, scrimmages,team meetingsandscheduledcontests,throughouttheseason.
2. Student-athletesareexpectedtobeontime.
3. Injuredstudent-athletesareexpectedtoattendallpractices,teammeetingsand athleticeventsunlessphysicallyunableorsufferingfromaconcussion..
4. Student-athleteswillNOTbeexcusedforfamilyvacationsduring theseason.Itisthestudent-athletes’responsibilityandcommitment totheteamtobeatallpracticesessionsandgames.Failuretocomply willresultindismissalfromtheteam.
5. Theuseofalcohol,tobacco,anddrugsarenotpermitted.
6. Student-athletesareexpectedtomaintainhighidealsofcitizenship andsportsmanship.Improperconductandanyviolationoffederal, state,localorschoollawsmayresultinsuspensionfromtheteam.
7. Thefollowingareconsideredexcusedabsencesfrompracticeorgames. Anyothertypeof absenceisconsideredunexcused:MedicalEmergencies,FamilyEmergencies,Academic Reasons(afterallotheravenuesof extra-help,etc.havebeenexhausted)
8. AbsencesorlatenesstoPRACTICEwillbeexcusedorunexcusedby theHeadCoach.PenaltieswillbemadeatthediscretionoftheCoach. Athletesshouldnotethatunexcusedabsencesorlatenessmightresult indecreasedplayingtime.Continuedunexcusedlatenessmayresultin adismissalfromtheteam.
9. Allstudent-athletesareencouragedtoattendacademicextrahelp ifneeded.Ifastudent-athleteattendsacademichelpandwill belatetopractice,thestudent-athleteshouldbringanotefromthe teacher
SuspensionorDismissalfromanAthleticteam
SuspensionordismissalfromanathleticteamisatthediscretionoftheHeadCoach. Violationsforsuspensionordismissalfromanathleticteamshallinclude,butnothe
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limitedto,insubordination,profanity,fighting,unsportsmanlikeconduct,unexcused absencefrompractice,unsatisfactoryattitudeorfailuretofollowanyadditionalrulesand regulationsthattheHeadCoachdeemsnecessarytomaintaindisciplineandtofacilitate theefficientexecutionofdailyprocedures.
Ifanathleteissuspendedordismissedfromateam,theHeadCoachwillnotifythe AthleticDirector. TheHeadCoachandtheAthleticDirectorwillcounseltheathleteand theathlete’sparentswillbeinformedofthesuspensionordismissal.
Disqualifications
NJSIAARules: Anathletewhodisplaysunsportsmanlikeflagrantmisconduct,physicalor verbal,willbedisqualifiedbytheNJSIAAfromthenexttworegularlyscheduled games/meets.Disqualificationisajudgmentcallbytheofficial.Thedecisionisfinaland maynotbeappealed.Adisqualifiedplayermaynotbepresentatanycontestinthatsport duringtheperiodofthedisqualification(nottobepresentinthelockerroom,onthebus, onthesidelinesorinthestands/bleachersbefore,duringorafterthegame).Anyplayer disqualifiedasecondtimeduringa365dayperiodfromthefirstdisqualificationwillhave thepenaltydoubled.InadditiontoNJSIAApenaltiestheremaybeadditionaldisciplinary actiontakenbytheadministration.PoorSportsmanshipwillnotbetolerated. Anysecond disqualificationbyanathletewillresultinpermanentremovalfromtheHolyAngels athleticprogram.
CareandCollectionofUniforms
Allstudent-athletesareresponsibleforthecareandmaintenanceoftheiruniformsfrom thetimetheyareissueduntilthetimethattheyarecollected. Checkwithyourcoach regardingthepropercareandmaintenanceofyouruniformswhentheyareissued.The followingguidelinesshouldbeusedwhencaringforyouruniforms:
1. Whenuniformsareissued,checkforanydamageandnotifythecoach immediatelyifanydamageexists.
2. Athleticuniformsshouldbewornduringpractices,scrimmagesandgamesonly
3. Whenastudent-athleteleavesateam,heorsheshouldinformtheHeadCoach andturninallequipmentimmediately
4. Attheconclusionoftheseason,student-athletesshouldturninallequipmentand uniformstotheHeadCoachimmediatelyafterthelastathleticcontestoronan announceddatebytheHeadCoach.
5. IfuniformsarenotreturnedontimetotheHeadCoachatthe conclusionof theseason,detentionswillbeissued.Ifuniformsarelost,thestudentwillbe responsibleforthecostoftheuniform.
6. Gameuniformsandwarm-upsmustbeworntoandfromgames. Theymustbe wornproperlyatalltimes.Whentheteamexitsthebus,allplayersmustbe properlyattired. Noplayerwillremoveheruniformuntilsheleavesthevicinity ofthecourt,gym,field,track,etc.
7. Teamwarm-upsandteamsweatswillbeavailabletoorderatthestartofevery season.Inmostcases,coachesmaketheseclothingitemsmandatory The
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warm-upsmaybeusedforeverysport,sothereisnoneedtobuymultipleitems foreverysport.
8. TeamT-ShirtsmaybeorderedwiththeapprovaloftheAthleticDirector.
Travel
Transportation to and from most away contests is provided. Students must ride the bus provided forallawaycontestsunlesspriorauthorizationhasbeenobtained.Acopyofthe HolyAngelsTransportationformcanbelocatedinthebackofthishandbook.
EarlyDismissalforAthleticEvents
Every effort will be made to avoid early dismissal for athletic events so that student-athletes miss as little classroom time as possible. There are certain times however, because of tournaments, or excessive travel time, when it will be necessary to dismiss student-athletes early. When an early dismissal does becomenecessary,itisthe student-athlete’sresponsibilitytomakeupanyandallworkorassignmentsmissed.
InclementWeather
Ifthereisanearlydismissalfromschoolbecauseofweatherconditions,practiceand athleticeventsscheduledforthatdaywillbecancelled. Whenschoolisclosedbecause ofweatherconditions,practiceandgamesareoftencancelled,butmaybeheld. The DirectorofAthleticswillmakethefinaldecisionregardingpracticesandathleticevents onsnowdays.NotificationwillbepostedontheAthleticSectionoftheSchoolWeb-Site. Thisdecisionwillbebasedentirelyonthesafetyandwell-beingofthe student-athlete.
AthleticSchedules
AthleticSchedulesareavailableontheinternet.Youcanlogonto http://www.bignorthconferencenj.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?G5genie=242(andclickthelink ofAHAontherightside)toseeschedules,rostersandsignupforthenotificationservice. Ifaneventiscancelledinthesportyouchoose,youwillinstantlyreceiveanemailwith thecancellation/postponement.Dailyathleticschedulesandinformationoncancellations mayalsobeobtainedbycallingtheAthleticDirector@201-768-7822ext.222.
Student-AthleteConduct
Student-athletesthatdonotmeetthestandardsofconductof
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TheAcademyoftheHolyAngelsshallforfeittheprivilegeofparticipatingintheir practicesorgames.Studentdetentionstakeprecedentoverallotherschoolactivities, includingsports.
SportsOutsidetheRealmoftheHighSchoolAthleticSeason
Ifastudent-athletechoosestoparticipateinasportoutsideofthehighschoolin-season sport(thiscanevenmeanAAUBasketballduringHighSchoolBasketballSeason,etc), orattendoutsideinstructionfromprivatecoaches,andifthereisaschedulingconflict, thestudent-athletemustattendthehighschoolevent(thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto practices,games,oranyotherteam-relatedevent). Notdoingsomayresultindismissal fromtheteamandcouldresultinthewithholdingofaVarsityorJVletter.
ParentsAthleticAssociation
Purpose: ThePAAisavolunteerorganizationofparentsthatsupportsHolyAngels’ athleticprogrambysponsoringfundraisingeventsthatgeneraterevenuewhichitutilizesto enhancetheathleticprogramthroughthepurchaseofvariousequipmentand/orfacility upgrades. ThePAAworkscollaborativelywiththeschool’sadministrationandathletic directortodetermineappropriateneeds.
Fundraiser:
GolfOuting(September25,2023)
Eachfundraisermusthaveacommitteewhichplans,organizesandrunstheevent.The committeeshouldconsistofachairperson(s)andanappropriatenumberofparent volunteersfromallsportsteams.ThechairpersonneednotbeamemberofthePAAboard oftrustees.Howeverthechairperson(s)isresponsibleforreportingtothePAAboardof trusteesastothestatusoftheeventandworkingwithparentteamliaisonstosolicit volunteers.
ParentTeamLiaisons:Asavolunteerorganization,thePAArequiresparental involvement.ItisimperativethatparentstakeanactiveroleinthePAAeventswhich benefitthestudentathletes.Theroleofaliaisonistocreateaformallinkbetweensports parents,coachesandtheathleticdepartment.Eachsportsteammusthaveaminimumof oneparentliaisonappointedbyeithertherespectivecoach,athleticdirectororself appointed.Theliaisonwillorganize/coordinatesportsparentsontheirrespectiveteamto participateinand/orcontributetoeachPAAsponsoredevent.Liaisonsshouldattendthe monthlyPAAmeetinginordertoaddresstheneedsofvariousPAAfundraisingeventsand initiatives.
Scholarships:ThePAAawardsannualscholarshipstoseniorstudentathletesthatmeetthe scholarshipcriteria.Theschooladministrationselectsthescholarshipwinnersfromthe groupofstudentathletesthatsubmitthescholarshipapplicationbythedeadlinedatesetby
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theschooladministrationeachyear.ThePAAalsofundsascholarshipfortheAngel Award,asselectedbytheadministration.
Awards
Athletes,whoexcelinaparticularsport,mayreceiveAllLeague,AllCounty,andAllState Honors.Thecoachesofeachrespectivesportwillpresentstatisticsandinformation regardingtheirathletesduringtheselectionprocessoftheLeagueawards.Thecoachesin BergenCountyvoteforAllCountyHonors.AllStateHonorsarechosenbyNJ.com.
NoathletewillbenominatedforAllLeague,AllCounty,orAllStatehonorsifshehas becomeineligibleandhasnotreturnedtoeligiblestatusbytheendoftheseason,orifshe portrayspoorsportsmanship,orexhibitsanegativeattitude.
SeniorAwards
RetiringofaJersey
Thishonorwillbebestowedontheexceptionalathletewhohasachievedanextremelyhigh levelofrecognitionintheirparticularsport.Withoutquestion,theselectioncriteriaforthis honorshallinclude,butisnotlimitedto:All-League,CountyorStatestatus;School, CountyorStaterecordsbrokenorheld;“AthleteoftheWeek”recognition;orother prestigiousawardsgarnered.Thekeywordhereis“exceptional”.
TheAngelAward
ThisisthemostprestigiousawardgiventoanyathleteatHolyAngels. Astudent,whoisa varsityathleteandhasdemonstratedexceptionaldedication,spiritandleadership throughoutherfouryearsofparticipation,willbeselectedbytheadministration.The recipientisawardedascholarship,fundedbythePAA.
NationalGirlsandWomeninSportsLuncheon
TheNJSIAAhasaluncheoninFebruaryhonoringgirlsandwomeninsports.Astudent willbenominatedbytheAthleticDirectorand/orcoacheachyear.
NJSIAAStudent/AthleteAward
Theawardisgiventoaseniorfromeachschoolinthestatethathasplayedavarsitysport andhasthehighestGPAamongstudentathletesintheirgraduatingclass.Thestudentwill behonoredataluncheoninMay
BCWCAScholarship
ThismonetaryscholarshipisgivenbytheBergenCountyWomenCoachesAssociationtoa femaleseniorathlete.ThestudentwillbenominatedbytheAthleticDirector.
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TheBCWCAMulti-SportAward
ThisawardisgivenbytheBergenCountyWomenCoachesAssociationtoafemalesenior athlete.ThestudentwillbenominatedbytheAthleticDirector.
SPORTSMEDICINEPOLICIES
1. AllinjuriesmustbereportedtotheHeadCoachandtheAthleticTraineras soonaspossible. ItisthejoboftheAthleticTrainertodeterminetheextentof theinjuryandpropertreatmentoftheinjury. ReportingtheinjurytotheHead CoachandtheAthleticTrainerwillgreatlyimprovecommunicationbetweenboth andallowtheAthleticTrainertobemoresuccessfulinthetreatmentprocess.
2. Followinganevaluationbyaphysician,anotefromthephysicianisrequiredto documenttheinjury. Aphysiciansreleasewillbenecessarytoresume participationinanactivityunderthesecircumstances.
3. TheAthleticTrainerwillnotifythecoachesonadailybasisofthoseathleteswho areinjuredandtheirinjurystatus.
AthleticTrainer:
● Willapplystandardfirstaidandbasiclifesupporttechniquesforthemanagementof athleticinjuries.
● Willperformtreatmentsincludingexercisetherapyandtheuseofavailable modalitiesasindicated,underthedirectionofaphysician.
● Willmakemedicalreferralsforinjuredathletesasindicated.
● Willcommunicateifnecessarywiththeinjuredathlete’sphysician.
● Willcommunicatewiththeschoolnurseregardingathleticinjuries.
● Willimplementpreventativetechniques,i.e.taping,bracing,padding,equipmentas indicated. Informathletesofpropertrainingprotocolstofollow Assistcoacheswith stretching,conditioningandstrengtheningprograms.
● WillbeavailabletotreatathletesafterschoolandduringSaturdayand/orSunday regularandtournamentgames.
● Anyotheradditionalrequestsmustbemadethroughtheathleticdirector.
● Parents/guardianswillbenotifiedwhennecessaryaccordingtotheinjuryand individualsituationtodiscussthewell-beingoftheirstudentathlete. Ifa parent/guardianchoosestodeclinetreatmentfortheirchildfromtheCertified AthleticTrainerorchoosestodeclinetheadvicegivenbytheCertifiedAthletic Trainertofollowtheirownproceduretheymustsignawaivercreatedbythe AcademyoftheHolyAngelsindemnifyingtheCertifiedAthleticTrainerandthe AcademyoftheHolyAngelsfromanyconsequencesarisingfromthatdecision. This isespeciallyimportantifaparent/guardiandeclinestheadvisementoftransportation viaambulanceoftheirchild.
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WeightRoom/FitnessCenter
Thefitnesscenteratthehighschoolislocatedabovethegymnexttothelockerroom. Variousteamsutilizetheroomduringtheseason,atthediscretionofthecoaches.Also, duringtheschoolyear,theroomwillbeopentothoseathletesnotinvolvedinasport.No studentispermittedtousetheroomwithoutsupervision.Allparticipantsaregiven programsofinstructionandsafetyprocedurestodevelopthehealthandfitnessofour studentathletes.
NCAAInformation
TheNCAAClearinghouseisanagencyestablishedin1993tocertifyastudent-athlete’s eligibilityforcollegeathleticparticipation. TheClearinghousemustcertifya student-athleteplanningtoparticipateinaDivisionIorDivisionIIcollegeathletic program.Pleaserefertothewww.ncaaclearinghouse.netwebsiteformoredetailed information. FormsandinformationarealsoavailableintheGuidanceOffice. Itisbest forpotentialcollegeathletestoregisterthroughtheClearinghouseduringthejunioryear aftergradeshavebeenpostedontranscriptsbytheGuidanceDepartment.
PolicyonTobacco,DrugsandAlcohol
Theselling,distribution,possessionanduseofdrugs,includingmarijuanaandalcohol, ontheschoolgroundsoratanyschool-sponsoredfunctionareseriousoffenseswhich willresultinexpulsion.
IfanyathleteisfoundinviolationofthepolicysetforthbytheAcademyoftheHoly Angels,thesituationwillbehandledaccordingtothepredeterminedprotocolwhichcan befoundonpages69-71intheAHAStudentHandbook.
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NJSIAA’sAnabolicSteroidTestingProtocols2023-2024
I.Organization
1 The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Executive Committee has selected Drug Free Sport International (Drug Free Sport), Kansas City, MO, to be the official administrator of the NJSIAA Anabolic Steroid Testing Policy
2. The NJSIAA Executive Committee has selected the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory in Los Angeles, CA, to be the official accredited laboratory of the NJSIAA Anabolic Steroid Testing Policy. The administrator may utilize another laboratory if required, so long as the laboratory is accredited by the World Anti-DopingAgency (WADA).
II.ChampionshipandStudent-AthleteSelection
1.Selectionofspecificchampionshipteamsandeventsforanabolicsteroidtestingwill berecommendedbyDrug FreeSportandapprovedbytheNJSIAA.
2 Selectionofsportsforanabolicsteroidtestingwilloccurpriortothecommencement ofthechampionship seasonsforthosesports
3.Allstudent-athletescompetinginstatechampionshipcompetitionsaresubjectto testing.
4 Student-athletes may be tested before, during, or after any phase of the state championship competition If testing occurs after the competition is held and the selected student-athlete did not advance to the next round in the championship,the selected student-athlete is still required to test If testing occursafterthefinalround of the state championship competition, the selected student-athlete is still required totest,eveniftheyare graduating/havegraduated.
III.ChampionshipandStudent-AthleteNotification
1. Upon notification that their school has been selected for drug testing, schools participating in NJSIAA championship competition will be required to submit an accurate and current roster of the student-athletes on the varsityteamthatqualified for the championship competition totheemailmentionedinthenotificationas soon aspossible.
2 Student-athletesselectedfortestingwillbenotifiedoftheirselectionbytheschool representativeorDrugFree Sport Thestudent-athlete’scoachoranadministrator fromthestudent-athlete’sschoolwillbenotifiedaswell
3 The student-athlete will be instructed to read and sign the NJSIAA Anabolic Steroid TestingStudent-Athlete NotificationForm(notificationform) Thenotificationform will instruct thestudent-athletetoreporttothe collectionstation(locationwherethe drug test will occur) at the appointed time with an official representative of the school(e.g.,administrator,coach,athletictrainer).
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4.Thestudent-athletemayselectawitness(e.g.,parentorguardian)toaccompanythem tothecollectionstation. Anywitnessmustremaininthecollectionstationthrough theentirecollectionprocess.
IV.SpecimenCollectionProcedures
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1 TheDopingControlOfficer(DCO)overseesthedrugtest,thedrug-testingcollection crew,andcollectionstation underthedirectionofDrugFreeSport
2.OnlythosepersonsauthorizedbytheDCOorschoolrepresentative/sitecoordinator willbeallowedinthe collectionstation.
3 Uponenteringthecollectionstation,thestudent-athletewillprovidephoto identification,and/ortheschool representativewillidentifythestudent-athlete
4 The DCO and/or the school representative/site coordinator may release a student-athlete from the collection station if they are sick or injured, to return to competition, or to meet academic obligations, and this will only occur after appropriate arrangements to have the student-athlete tested have been made and documented.
5. A member of the drug-testing collection crew will retrieve the student-athlete’s notification form and complete the check-in process by confirming their name, grade, sport/activity, and gender on the iPad. The student-athlete willselectasetof beaker barcodes that will be assigned to them for the testing process. One of the beaker barcodes will be placed on the student-athletes notification form in the designated location. After check-in is completed, the student-athlete will be instructed to wait in a designated area of the collection station before continuing withthespecimencollectionprocess.
6 A member of the drug-testing collection crew servingasamonitorwilldeterminethe student-athlete’s readiness to provide a specimen Monitors must be of the same gender as the student-athlete providing the specimen When ready,themonitorwill instruct the student-athlete to select a sealed beaker from a supply of such Beakers must be adequately secured in the collection station and closely observed by the collectioncrewatalltimes.
7.Themonitorwilltakethenotificationformfromthestudent-athleteandthenescort themtotherestroom,having thestudent-athletekeepthebeakerinthemonitor’s viewatalltimes.
8 Student-athletes may not carry any items other than their beaker into the restroom when providing a specimen The student-athlete must remove all outer clothing (eg, jackets, sweaters, etc) before proceeding to the restroom Any problems or concerns should be brought to the attention of the DCO or schoolrepresentativefor documentation
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9. The monitor must secure the restroom being usedforthemonitoredcollectionsothat noonecanenteruntilafter thecollectionhasbeencompleted.Dyeingagentswillbe added to toilet bowls to prevent specimen substitution andanyunsupervisedaccess towaterwillbeeliminatedduringthecollectionprocess.
10 Afterenteringtherestroom,thestudent-athleteisrequiredtoemptyallcontentsfrom their pockets, turning the pockets inside out, and place any contents removed in a container The container will be left in a location where it can be observed by the student-athlete and the monitor The monitor must request that the student-athlete raise their shirt high enough to observe the mid-sectionareatoruleoutanyattempt tomanipulateorsubstitutea specimen
11.Themonitorwillinstructthestudent-athletetorinseanddrytheirhandswithout usingsoap.
12 Thestudent-athletewillthenremovetheselectedbeakerfromtheplasticwrapand placetheremainingbeaker barcodeontop Themonitorwillinstructthestudent-athlete nottoflushthetoiletoncetheyhavefinished
13. The monitor will allow the student-athlete to enter the stall and close the door for privacy during the voiding process. If the monitor hears sounds or makes other observations, indicating any attempt to tamper with a specimen, an additional collectionmustbeperformed.
14 Thestudent-athleteshouldprovideaspecimenvolumeofatleast90mL
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15. Once a specimen is provided, the student-athlete is responsible for keeping the beaker closed and controlled. The student-athleteisencouragedtowashtheirhands with soap. Before returning to the collection station, the monitor will inspect the volume and temperature of the urine in the beaker. If the volume is inadequate, the monitor will place a line with a marker at the urine volume level on the outside of the beaker while not touching the beaker with their hands. If the temperature is outside of 90.5-99.8 degrees Fahrenheit, the monitor will notify the DCO, the specimen will be discarded, and the student-athlete will start the process over from thebeginning.
16 Thestudent-athletecanplacethecontentsfromthecontainerbackintotheirpockets ifapplicable
17. The monitor must then escort the student-athlete back to the collection station keepingthestudent-athleteand theirbeakerinfullviewtheentiretime.Themonitor will provide the student-athlete with their notification form and must instruct them wheretosit,howtomaintaintheintegrityofthespecimen,andthenotificationform. Themonitorshouldalsoadvisethestudent-athleteonfluidsand/orfood.
18 Fluids and food, approved by the DCO and given to student-athletes who have difficulty voiding, must be from sealed containersthatareopenedandconsumedin thecollectionstation Theseitemsmustbefreeofanybanned substances
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19.Ifthespecimenvolumeisincomplete,thestudent-athletemustremaininthe collectionstationuntilthespecimen iscompleted.Duringthisperiod,the student-athleteisresponsibleforkeepingthebeakerclosedandcontrolled.
20.Ifthestudent-athletemustleavethecollectionstation,anyincompletespecimenwill bediscarded.TheDCO willdocumentthereasonforthestudent-athlete’sdepartureas wellasthetimeatwhichtheywillreturn.
21 Uponreturntothecollectionstation,thestudent-athletewillstartthecollectionprocess fromthebeginning
22 Once adequate specimen volume is provided, the monitor will initial in the space provided on the notification form and confirm the temperature iswithinrange The monitorwillescortthestudent-athletetothespecimen processingtable
23.Amemberofthedrug-testingcollectioncrewservingasspecimenprocessorwill verify,withthestudent-athlete verbally,thatthebeakerbarcodenumberontopof thebeakerandonthenotificationformmatchandassures thestudent-athlete’sname onthenotificationformiscorrect.Thespecimenprocessorwillinstructthestudent athletetocloselyobservethespecimenprocessingsteps.
24 Thespecimenprocessorwillpourlessthan5mLofurinefromthebeakerintoa smallcupandmeasurethe specificgravityusingarefractometer
25 If the urine has a specific gravity below 1005, the value will be recorded on the notification form, and the specimen will be discarded in the restroom by the student-athlete with the monitorobserving Thestudent-athlete shouldremaininthe collection station until another specimen is provided The student-athlete will start the collectionprocessfromthebeginning
26.Iftheurinehasaspecificgravityof1.005orhigher,thespecimenprocessorwill recordthevalueonthe notificationform.
27 Oncethespecimenprocessorhasdeterminedtheurinespecimenmeetstherequired measurements,thespecimen willbeprocessedandsenttothelaboratory
28. The laboratoryultimatelymakesthefinaldeterminationofspecimenadequacy.Ifthe laboratory determines that a student-athlete’s specimen is inadequate for analysis, anotherspecimenmaybecollectedattheNJSIAA’s discretion.
29 Ifastudent-athleteissuspectedofmanipulatingaspecimen(eg,viadilution),the schoolwillhavetheauthority toperformadditionaltestsonthestudent-athlete
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30 Once an adequate specimen has been provided, the student-athlete will select a specimen collection kit and a uniquely numbered set of specimen seals from a supply ofsuch Thestudent-athletewillneedtoconfirmthat thenumbersoneachof thespecimensealsmatchbeforeproceeding
31. The specimen processor will open the specimen collection kit, demonstrate to the
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student-athlete that the vials are securely sealed, remove theplasticseals,andopen the lids on the A and B vials. The specimen processor should pour a minimum of approximately 60 mL of urine into the A vial and a minimum of approximately 25 mLofurineintotheBvialandclosethelids.
32 The specimen processor will verify the lids onthevialsaresecurelyclosedandthen seal each vial using specimen seals the student-athlete has selected The specimen processor will ensure that the specimen seals have tightly adhered to thevialswith notearsorlooseareas
33. The specimen processor will placethesealedvialsintotheplastictransportbag,seal the bag, place the bag in the specimen collection kit and then seal the kit with a specimen seal. The specimen processor will place a specimen seal on the student-athletes notification form and have the student-athlete verify the numberon the specimen seals placed on the specimen collection kit and the notification form match.
34 Oncethisiscomplete,thespecimenprocessorwillretainthesealedspecimen collectionkit,givethestudentathletethenotificationformandsendthemtothe drug-testingcollectioncrewmemberinchargeofcheckout
35 At check-out, a drug-testing collection crew member will record information from the notification form (specific gravity, temperature, andspecimennumber)andwill collect all necessary signatures (student-athlete, monitor, andcollector)ontheiPad. Any deviations from the procedures must be described and recorded. If deviations arealleged,thestudent-athletewillberequiredtoprovideanotherspecimen.
36.Thestudent-athletecanbereleasedfromthecollectionstationbyamemberofthe drug-testingcollectioncrew.
37. After the collection has been completed, the DCO will secure all samples into a shipping case and forward them tothelaboratory.TheDCOwillprovidetheschool representative/site coordinator with the completed notification forms for each student-athletetested.
38 Ifthestudent-athletedoesnotcomplywiththecollectionprocess,theDCOwill notifytheschool representative/sitecoordinatorandDrugFreeSport
39 AllspecimensbecomethepropertyoftheNJSIAA
V.ChainofCustody
1.TheDCOortheirdesigneewilldelivertheshippingcasetothecarrier.
2 Uponreceiptatthelaboratory,alaboratoryemployeewillrecordthatthespecimens havebeenreceivedand whetherthespecimensealsoneachvialarrivedintact.
3.Ifthevialsarriveatthelaboratorywithspecimensealsnotintact,theNJSIAAmay collectanotherspecimen fromthestudent-athlete.
4 Thelaboratorywilldocumentthehandlingofthevialsthroughouttheanalytical
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process.
5 Ifthechainofcustodyisbrokenatanypointintheprocess,NJSIAAand/orDrug FreeSportmaycollectanother specimen
VI.NotificationofResults
1.ThevialsreceivedatthelaboratorywillbereferencedassampleAandsampleB.The laboratorywilluseaportionofsampleAforitsinitialanalysis.
2 Thedesignatedlaboratorycertifyingscientistwillreviewallresultsshowingabanned substanceand/or metaboliteinsampleA
3.ThelaboratorywillinformDrugFreeSportoftheresultsbyeach respectivespecimennumber
4 DrugFreeSportwillnotifytheschoolofallnegativetestresults
5 IfsampleAispositive,DrugFreeSportwillcontacttheNJSIAAMedicalReview Officer(MRO)assoonas possible TheMROwillprovideafinalreviewofsample Aresults
6. The MRO will contact the parent/guardian of the student-athlete with a positive finding on sample A to discuss theresultanddetermineifamedicalexceptionshall be granted to the student-athlete. The MRO will decide whether to grant amedical exception within nine(9)businessdaysofreceivingtheresultfromDrugFreeSport, unless good cause is shown for extending that time. The MRO will forward the decision to Drug Free Sport who will contact the school, the parent/guardian, and theNJSIAAregardingtheMRO’sdecision.
7. Drug Free Sport will further notify the parent/guardian that they may request that sample B be tested, and may request to be present or represented at the openingof sample B. The parent/guardian mustinformDrugFree Sportwithin72hoursifthey requesttohavesampleBtested.
8 Iftheparent/guardiandoesnotrequestthatsampleBbetested,thefindings ofsampleAwillbefinal.
9.Iftheparent/guardianrequeststhatsampleBbetested,theresultsofsample Bwillbefinal.
10 Resultsofalltestsshallbeconsideredconfidentialandshallonlybedisclosedby theNJSIAA,thestudentathleteandtheirparents/guardian,theschool,andthe MRO
11. The NJSIAA Steroid Testing Policy treats a student-athlete who fails to provide a
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urine specimen the same asa student-athletewhotestspositive.Forthatreason,any student-athlete who refuses to sign the notification form, fails to arrive at the collection station at the designated time without justification, fails or refuses to provide a urine specimen according to protocol, leaves thecollectionstationbefore providing a urine specimen according to the protocol or attempts to alter the integrity or validity of the urine specimen and/or collection process will be treated asiftherewasapositivetestresultforabannedsubstance.
VII.Appeal
1. If the student-athlete desires to appeal the results of a positiveanabolicsteroidtest,a written request for an appealmustbereceivedbytheNJSIAAnolaterthan20days after the student-athlete receives the notification of the positive result from the NJSIAA A written statement indicating the grounds for appeal, and any related documentation supporting the appeal, must be submitted to NJSIAA no later than7 calendardayspriortothe hearingdate
2.AppealsshallbeconductedaccordingtotheprovisionsofNJSIAA’sAnabolicSteroid TestingPolicyas approvedbytheNJSIAAExecutiveCommittee.
3.Astudent-athletewhotestspositivewillnotbeeligibletoparticipateinsportspending theirappeal.
A Consent to the Random Testing form can be found in the back of this handbook.
InformationontheNJSIAA’sbannedsubstancelistcanbefoundhere:
BannedSubstances2023-2024
Itisthestudentathlete’sresponsibilitytocheckwiththeappropriateordesignatedathleticstaff beforeusingany substance
TheNJSIAAbansthefollowingdrugclasses:
Note: Any substance chemically/pharmacologically related to any of theclasseslistedaboveand with no current approval by any governmental regulatoryhealthauthorityforhumantherapeutic use (eg drugs under pre-clinical or clinical development or discontinued, designer drugs, substances approved only for veterinary use) is also banned All drugs within the banned-drug
Stimulants
Anabolicagents
Beta-blockers 4 Diureticsandothermaskingagents 5 Narcotics 6 Cannabinoids
Peptidehormones,growthfactors,relatedsubstancesandmimetics
Hormoneandmetabolicmodulators 9 Beta-2agonists
1
2
3
7
8
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class shall be considered to be banned regardless of whether they have been specifically identified Thereisnocompletelistofbannedsubstances
SubstancesandMethodsSubjecttoRestrictions:
1.Bloodandgenedoping.
2.Localanesthetics(permittedundersomeconditions).
3.Manipulationofurinesamples.
4.Beta-2agonists(permittedonlybyinhalationwithprescription).
5.Tamperingofurinesamples.
NJSIAANutritional/DietarySupplements:
Beforeconsuminganynutritional/dietarysupplementproduct,reviewtheproductanditslabel withyourschool’s athleticsdepartmentstaff.
1.Manynutritional/dietarysupplementsarecontaminatedwithbannedsubstancesnotlistedon thelabel.
2 Nutritional/dietarysupplements,includingvitaminsandminerals,arenotwellregulatedand maycausea positivedrugtest.
3 Student-athleteshavetestedpositiveandlosttheireligibilityusing nutritional/dietarysupplements.
4 Anyproductcontaininganutritional/dietarysupplementingredientistakenatyour ownrisk.
Athletics department staff should consider providing information to student-athletes about supplement use and the importance of having nutritional/dietary productsevaluatedbyqualified staff members before consumption. TheNJSIAAhasidentifiedDrugFreeSportAXISTM(AXIS) as the service designated to facilitate student-athletes and schools review of label ingredients in medicationsandnutritional/dietarysupplements.ContactAXISat816-4747321oraxis.drugfreesport.com(password:njsports).
May 1, 2023 Page 1 of 3
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Thereisnocompletelistofbannedsubstances.Thefollowingaresomeexamplesofsubstancesin each of the banned drug classes Do not rely on this list to rule out any labeled ingredient Any substance that is chemically/pharmacologically related to one of the below classes, even if it is notlistedasanexample,isalso banned
1 Stimulants
Amphetamine(Adderall)
Caffeine(Guarana)
Cocaine
Dimethylbutylamine(DMBA;AMP)
Dimethylhexylamine(DMHA;Octodrine)
Ephedrine
Heptaminol
Hordenine
Methamphetamine
Methylhexanamine(DMAA;Forthane)
Methylphenidate(Ritalin)
Mephedrone(bathsalts)
Modafinil
Octopamine
Phenethylamines(PEAs)
Phentermine
Synephrine(bitterorange)
Exceptions:PhenylephrineandPseudoephedrinearenotbanned.
2.AnabolicAgents
Androstenedione
Boldenone
Clenbuterol
DHCMT(OralTurinabol)
DHEA(7-Keto)
Drostanolone
Epitrenbolone
Etiocholanolone
Methandienone
3.BetaBlockers
Atenolol
Metoprolol
Nadolol
4.DiureticsandMaskingAgents
Bumetanide
Chlorothiazide
Furosemide
Hydrochlorothiazide
Exceptions:Finasterideisnotbanned
Methasterone
Nandrolone
Norandrostenedione
Oxandrolone
SARMS[Ligandrol(LGD-4033);Ostarine;RAD140; S-23] Stanozolol
Stenbolone
Testosterone
Trenbolone
Pindolol
Propranolol
Timolol
Probenecid
Spironolactone(canrenone)
Triamterene
Trichlormethiazide
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5 Narcotics
Buprenorphine
Dextromoramide
Diamorphine(heroin)
Fentanyl,anditsderivatives
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Methadone
6.Cannabinoids
Marijuana
May1,2023Page2of3
Syntheticcannabinoids(Spice;K2;JWH-018; JWH-073)
Morphine
Nicomorphine
Oxycodone
Oxymorphone
Pentazocine
Pethidine
Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC,Delta-8)
7 PeptideHormones,growthfactors,relatedsubstances,andmimetics
Growthhormone(hGH)
HumanChorionicGonadotropin(hCG)
Erythropoietin(EPO)
Exceptions:Insulin,Synthroid,andForteoarenotbanned.
8 HormoneandMetabolicModulators
Anti-Estrogen(Fulvestrant)
IGF-1(colostrum;deerantlervelvet) Ibutamoren(MK-677)
AromataseInhibitors[Anastrozole(Arimidex);ATD(androstatrienedione);Formestane; Letrozole] PPAR-d[GW1516(Cardarine);GW0742]
SERMS[Clomiphene(Clomid);Raloxifene(Evista);Tamoxifen(Nolvadex)]
9.Beta-2Agonists
Bambuterol
Formoterol
Higenamine
Norcoclaurine
Salbutamol
Salmeterol
Recruitment-NJSIAARules:Thegrantingof“athleticscholarships,”freetuition, orotherassistanceofmonetaryvalueatanylevelisforbiddenwhenthereisevidencethat suchgrantwasofferedtoinduceastudenttoattendaschoolforathleticreason.
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● Thetotalvalueanddignityoftheindividualshouldnotonlyguaranteeto allanequalopportunitytoparticipateinathletics,butshouldalsopreclude anyexcessiveemphasisontheimportanceofathletics.
● Theproselytizingandrecruitingofgrammarschoolstudentsforathletic reasonsisstrictlyforbidden.
● Suchproselytizingand/orrecruitingshallbeunderstoodasattemptingto induceastudenttoattendaparticularschoolforathleticreasonbymeans of:
o Mail,intheformoflettersandbrochures,newsmedia,comparing highschoolsandcontrivedtopointouttheassetsofthesenderand sendingdistrict;
o Proselytizinginterviews,initiatedbyschoolpersonnelor associates,andoftenfurtheraggravatedbytheofferingofan “athleticscholarship”eitherfromtheschooldirectlyorindirectly throughsomeaffiliatedbodyindividual;
o RecruitmentbyStudent-Athletestoattendaschoolforathletic reasons,withtheknowledgeofthatschool’sadministration.
Hazing:HolyAngelsrequiresthemutualrespectofallstudents,staffandvisitors.To thisend,theAthleticDepartmentrequiresyourcomplianceagainsthazingorteam initiationsofanykind.Anycoerciveinteractionsamongstudents,especiallywhensuch interactionsmakeevenonestudentuncomfortableisconsideredhazingandwillbe subjecttodisciplinaryaction.Inparticular,initiationsrequiringstudentstoparticipatein anydisagreeableorunpleasantactivities-areconsideredhazing. Nohazingorinitiation willbetolerated,eitheronoroffcampusandwillbedealtwithseverely
Out-of-SeasonPeriod: Out-of-seasonpracticeisnotpermittedunderthedirection ofaninstructororcoach,orstudentleaders.Theobjectofthisexplanationistomake clearthepointthatthereshallbeabsolutelynopracticeduringtheout-of-seasonperiod foraparticularsport. Anysubterfugeshallbeconstruedasaviolationofthisrule.
● Coaches/StudentAthletes:Coachesmaynotinstructtheir Student-Athletesduringtheout-of-seasonperiod;neithermaytheyhold meetingsnoranyotherwaybeinvolvedwiththeStudent-Athlete, includingOpen-GymPrograms. Forseniors,allrulesapplythroughthe lastdateoraninterscholasticeventforthatschoolduringtheSpring SportsSeason. Coachesmaynotexchangesupervisoryand/orcoaching dutiesintheirsporttocircumventtheout-of-seasonrule.
● Coaches’meetings:Coachesmayholdone,non-instructionalmeetingfor thepurposeofdistributingtry-outschedules,medicalforms,parent permissionslips,etc.toreturninglettermenandprospectiveteam candidates. Strategyortechniquesmaynotbediscussedandneithermay anyphysicalactivitytakeplace.
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● SummerRecess:
o Practice:ThatperiodfromthelastNJSIAAscheduled championshiptothefirstdayofthenextschooltermall restrictionsarerescindedforpracticeforallsports.
o Games/Scrimmages:Interscholasticcompetitionisnotpermitted outsideofthedatesprovidedforRule2,Sections7,8,and10of theNJSIAAhandbook;therefore,aschoolmaynotsponsora team/individual,payentryfees,providetransportation,orinany wayhaveateam/individualrepresenttheirschooloutsidethe seasonaldatelinesforthatsportincompetitionagainstother schools. Schoolequipmentmaybeprovided. Acoach/teamor Student-Athletemaynotbesponsoredorsupportedbyaschoolor school-relatedgroupwhenteam-interscholasticorindividual competitiontakespartoftheactivityincamps,clinics,recreation programs,independentplay,ortournaments. Scrimmages consistentwiththeEarlySeasonOpeningorRegularSeason Openingprovisionsarepermitted.
o Non-SchoolTeams:Amemberofahighschool’scoachingstaff maynotbeinvolvedinanywaywithanon-schoolteamonwhich thereareteammemberswhoparticipatedonthefreshman,junior varsity,orvarsityteamofthecoach’shighschoolteam(s)inthat sportuntilthedayafterthedateofthelatestscheduleddatefor NJSIAAchampionshipsintheSpringSportsSeason.
SummerWorkouts&Captain’sPractices: allactivitiesduringthesummer monthsarecompletelynon-mandatoryandattendancewillNOTinfluenceoraffect selectionofteammembers.
InformationforCoaches
● Allathletesmusthavecompletedsignedphysicalsbeforeclearancewillbeissued bytheschoolnurse. Allathletesmustbeclearedbythescheduleddatesetbythe AthleticDirectorortheycannottryout.
● Rosterswithuniformnumbersaredueassoonasyouarereadytoannouncethem. PleasediscusstherosterswiththeAthleticDirectorbeforepostingthem.
● AnychangestorostersduringtheseasonmustbecommunicatedtotheAthletic Director.
● SchoolcomplianceformswillbeintheAthleticofficeandreadyfordistribution. Theymustbecompleted.
● Distribution,collectionandinventoryofalluniformsisyourresponsibility.
● InventoryofallequipmentmustbehandedtotheAthleticDirectoratthecloseof eachseason.
● Equipmentneedsforeachseasonmustbecommunicatedinatimelymannerso thedepartmentcanorderandacquirewhatyouneed.
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● ParentsmeetingsMUSTbescheduledassoonaspossibleeachseason. Tryto pickadateandtimethatisconvenientforyouandtheparents.
● CommunicationwithstudentsshouldbedonethroughtheschoolE-Mailaddress thatyouhavebeenassigned. Phonecallsshouldbekepttoaminimum…and absolutelynobe-friendingstudentsonFacebook.
● Allcoachesmustattendpre-seasonandpost-seasonleaguemeetings.
● Allcoachesmustsupplytheathleticdirectorwithalistoftheirletter-winners priortotheSportsDinners.
● AllVarsitycoacheswillsubmitrostersandpre-seasonevaluationformstothe BergenRecord.
● Allcoachesmustkeepgoodstatisticsandrecords. Theresultsofeachgameor matchmustbecommunicatedtotheAthleticdirectoreitherbyE-Mailorphone aftereachandeverycontest.
● ScoresandStatsMUSTbecalledintotheRECORD.Traditionally,thewinner callsinthescore,howeverifyouareindoubt,oriftheschoolisnotinBergen County,itisyourresponsibilitytocall.Thenumberis:201-646-4700.
● Scores,StatsandrostersmustbereportedtotheStateweb-site www.njschoolsports.com
● Aseasonsummaryandwrapupmustbesubmittedattheendofeachseason.
● Onweekendsorschoolholidays,wewillnotbesupplyingbusesfor events…unlesstherearespecialcircumstances.
● Allcoacheswillbeissuedkeystotheschool. Itisyourresponsibilityto safe-guardthesekeysandreturnthemafteryourseasonisover.
● Uponreturnfromanightcontest,noathleteistobeleft,waitingforaride, unsupervised. Ifyouareplacedinacontinualsituationofwaitingan unreasonableamountoftimebythesameathlete,pleasefollow-upwiththe AthleticDirector.
● Haveathletescleanuptrackandfieldattheendofgamesandpractices
● Filetimelyaccidentreports
● Onlycoachesandauthorizedsupportivepersonnelwillbeallowedonthesideline orbench. Therewillbenoexceptionstothisrule.
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Staff
JessicaHogan AthleticDirector 201-768-7822ext 222 athletics@holyangelsorg
JuliaMoschetti AthleticTrainer 201-768-7822ext 264 jmoschetti@holyangelsorg
BillPotkulski Coach VarsitySoccer,LAX bpotkulski@holyangels.org
SeanLiddy AssistantCoach VarsityBasketball,Soccer sliddy1@holyangelsorg
MeaghanWilliams Coach VarsityTennis mwiliams@holyangels.org
SueLiddy Coach VarsityBasketball& Softball,JVTennis sliddy@holyangelsorg
StaceyShapiro Coach VarsityGymnastics sshapiro@holyangelsorg
RosieSpano Lambert AssistantCoach VarsityGymnastics rspano@holyangels.org
HowardSchuman Coach VarsityWinter,Spring Track,XC hschuman@holyangels.org
Stacey Price-Munson AssistantCoach Winter,SpringTrack,XC spricemunson@holyangels.org
StephenMunson AssistantCoach SpringTrack smunson@holyangels.org
PatrickDunne Coach VarsityBowling&Golf pdunne@holyangels.org
DanielleHolmes AssistantCoach Winter,SpringTrack, dholmes@holyangelsorg
MeganDelasandro JVCoach Soccer,Basketball mdelasandro@holyangelwsorg
PatrickCurran Coach VarsityFencing pcurran@holyangelsorg
AlyssaLane AssistantCoach VarsitySoftball,JV Basketball alane@holyangelsorg
BrynnBuonanno Coach VarsityVolleyball bbuonanno@holyangelsorg
HunterDebellis Coach JVVolleyball hdebellis@holyangels.org
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NJSIAAComplianceForm
To: Student-AthletesandParents
From: JessicaHogan,AthleticDirector
TocomplywithNewJerseyStateInterscholasticAssociation (NJSIAA),thefollowingrequirementmustbemet:
Goodphysicalcondition,freedomfrominjuryandfullrecoveryfromillnessshallbeprerequisites toparticipationinathletics,whetherinpracticeorincompetition. Eachcandidateforaplaceonaschool athleticsquadorteamshallbegivena(complete)comprehensivephysicalexaminationbythemedical doctorpriortothefirstpracticesession. Ifapupilparticipatesinmorethanonesport,theinitialphysical examinationmustbecomprehensive Ifthepupilhasnotsustainedanyseriousinjuriesorillnessespriorto participationinanothersport,thesucceedingphysicalassessmentmaybeofamoregeneralnature Each candidatemustundergoatleastonecomprehensivephysicalexaminationperyear Theparent orlegalguardianshallreceiveacertificateorrecordcardsignedbythemedicaldoctortestifyingthe candidate’sphysicalfitnessorlackofphysicalfitnessforthesportshehasselected Thereasonsforthe medicaldoctor’sapprovalordisapprovalforthecandidate’sparticipationshallberegisteredthereon The healthfindingsofthemedicalexaminationforparticipationinathleticsshallbe madepartofthegeneralmedicalexaminationrecord
TheNJSIAAstronglyrecommendsthat(1)studentsmakeapplicationforparticipationin interscholasticathletics,and(2)foraffixingthesignaturesoftheparent/guardiantotheparentpermission form,thefollowingshouldbeconsideredforinclusionontheformstocomplywithrequirementsof N.J.A.C.6:29-6.4.
Realizingthatsuchactivityinvolvesthepotentialforinjurywhichisinherentinallsports,I/we acknowledgethateventhebestcoaching,useofprotectiveequipmentandstrictobservanceoftherules, injuriesarestillapossibility. Onrareoccasions,theseinjuriescanbesosevereastoresultintotal disability,paralysis, orevendeath. I/weacknowledgethatI/wehavereadandunderstandthewarning.
StudentSignature
ParentorGuardian Coach Date
38
ELIGIBILITYQUESTIONSFORM
● Didyouattendgrammarschool/middleschoolinanystateotherthan NewJersey?
yes/no
● Ifthepreviousanswerisyes,didyouparticipateonahighschool teamasa7th or8th grader?
yes/no
Name:
Sport:
39
EMERGENCYFORM
Student/AthleteName
Parent(s)Name(s)
Address
Parent’sTelephoneNumber
Home
Work Cell
Homeroom
NameandTelephoneNumberofPersontocontactincaseofemergency.
Name TelephoneNumber
Pleaselistanyallergies,includingmedicineorinserts. Ifnone,pleasewritenone.
Thankyouforyourcooperation
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TRANSPORTATIONRELEASEFORM TEAM
STUDENTNAME
IcertifythatmydaughterhasmypermissionnottoreturntoHolyAngelsontheteambus aftertheathleticevent.
Iwillberesponsibleforhertransportationatthatathleticevent.
Parent’sSignature TelephoneNumber Date
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GENERALRELEASEFORM
ThisReleasedated 200 isgiven
BY: Eachpersonwhosignsthisrelease(Referredtoas“I”)
TO:
TheAcademyoftheHolyAngelsandanyparent,subsidiary,relatedorcommonlyowned company,aswellasanyteacher,instructor,coach,driverorotherpersonactingonbehalfoftheAcademy oftheHolyAngels,(collectivelyreferredtoas“AHA) IfmorethanonepersonsignsthisRelease,“I”shallmeaneachpersonwhosignsthisRelease.
1 Release IreleaseandgiveupanyandallclaimsandrightswhichImayhaveagainst AHA Thisreleasesallclaims,includingthosenotmentionedinthisRelease ThisReleaseappliesto claimsresultingfrom anythingwhichhashappeneduptonowandanythingthatmayhappeninthe future(together,referredtoas“Claims”) Ispecificallyreleasethe followingClaims:
Thoserelatedtotheparticipationof (referredtoasthe“Student”)in (referredtoasthe“Activity”)includingtransportationtoandfromthe Activity.
2. WhoisBound. Iamboundbythisrelease. Anyonewhosucceedstomyrightsand responsibilities,suchasmyheirsortheexecutorofmy estate,isalsobound ThisReleaseis madeforAHA’sbenefitandallwho succeedtoAHA’srightsandresponsibilities
3 Insurance IunderstandthatAHAhasmadeavailabletous,forthe paymentofa premium,certaininsurancecoveragewithregardtoinjuries thatmightbesustainedbytheStudentwhile participatingintheActivity
4 PermissiontoParticipate Thisreleaseisgiveninconsiderationof AHApermitting theStudenttoparticipateintheActivity.
5. Agreement. IunderstandandagreetothetermsofthisRelease.
Parent
Parent Student
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GeneralRulesandRegulationsForm
1
Eachstudent-athletemusthaveaphysicalbeforethefirstdayofpractice Thephysicalmustbe datedafterJune1anduploadedontotheMagnusplatform. Ifthestudent-athletehasnophysical, shemaynottryoutorparticipateinanyway
2 Tobeeligibletoparticipateinathletics,eachstudent-athletemustmaintainapassinggrade Ifa playerreceivesaProgressReportatanytimeduringthequarterthatsheisfailing,the student-athleteissuspendedfrompracticeandgamesuntilthegradeisbroughtuptopassing Anystudent-athletewhoreceivesanFonaReportCardissuspendedfortheremainderofthe season
3 Eachplayerwillattendandbeontimeforallgamesandpracticesunlessthecoachisnotifiedand giveshis/herpermission Theremustbesufficientcauseforastudent-athletetobeexcused (Proms,vacation,Big/LittleSisterDay,doctorappointment,etc areNOTexcuses)Generalrule: missagameorpractice youwillsitthenextgame
4 Nobasketballstudent-athletewillbeallowedtoskiduringtheseason,fromthedayafter Thanksgivingthroughthelastgameoftheseason.
5. Eachstudent-athleteisencouragedtoattendalllevelsofeverygame,meet,ormatchinher particularsport Allstudent-athletesmustattendallgamesaftertheregularseasoniscompleted (CountyandStateTournamentgames,meets,andmatches.
6.
Eachstudent-athletewillobeytheCodeofConductatalltimes. Shemustportraygood sportsmanshipandapositiveattitudetowardhercoachesasallastootherteams,officials,and teammates.
7.
Ifastudent-athletehasbeeninvitedtoattendaProm,holidaydance,semi-formal,oranyother dance,orHolyAngelsfunction,thestudent-athletewillattendthegame,meet,ormatch,or practicefirstandthenthefunction.
8. Nostudent-athletewillreceiveaJVorVarsityletterorbenominatedforAllLeagueorAllCounty teamstatusifshehasbecomeineligibleandhasnotreturnedtoeligiblestatusbeforetheendofthe season,portrayspoorsportsmanship,exhibitsnegativeattitude,continuallybreakstherulesofher sport
9
Eachstudent-athletewillhavea10:30pmcurfewthenightbeforeallgames,meets,andmatches Ifasocialengagementininvolved(ie Prom),thestudent-athleteistobehomeimmediately followingthefunction
10
Astudent-athletemayNOTdrivetoanyawaycompetition Theonlyexceptionisforseniorswho liveinthetownwherethecompetitionistakingplace Permissiontodrivemustbeobtained24 hourspriortotheeventintheformofaletterfromthestudent-athlete’sparentstothe Administration TheapprovednotewillbegiventotheAthleticDirector
11
Nostudent-athletewillbeabletogoawayduringtheseason (ie LaborDayweekend,Columbus Dayweekend,Christmasbreak,Februarybreak,Easterbreak,MemorialDayweekend,etc.)
Failuretocomplywiththisrulewillresultinremovalfromtheteam
12
Eachstudent-athleteisrequiredtobepresentinherparticularsportuntilaftertheStatefinals ThisincludesSENIORSONSPRINGSPORTS. Failuretocomplywiththisrulewillresultin removalfromtheteam
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13
Student-athleteswhoreceiveinstructionfromaprofessionalintheirsportaretoseetheproon theirowntime,notduringpractice Latenessorleavingearlybecauseofaprivatelessonwillnot betolerated
14
Allgameuniformswillbeonandproperlyworntoandduringwarm-ups Atawaygames,when theteamexitsfromthebus,allplayerswillbeproperlyattired Astudent-athletewillnotremove hergameuniformuntilthegame,meet,ormatchisfinished
15. Allstudent-athletesmustabidebytherulesintheHandbook
16. Ifastudent-athleteisinvolvedinaRulesViolation: FirstOffense–suspensionfornextgame,meet,ormatch
SecondOffense–suspensionfortwogames,meets,ormatches
ThirdOffense–removalfromteam
DRUGS,ALCOHOL,AND/ORSMOKINGWILLNOTBETOLERATEDATANYSCHOOL RELATEDACTIVITIESANDWILLRESULTINTHEIMMEDIATEREMOVALFROMTHE TEAM.
IwillabidebyalltheaboveRulesandregulations.
Student’sSignature Parent’sSignature Date Date 44
NJSIAASTEROIDTESTINGPOLICY CONSENTTORANDOMTESTING
In Executive Order 72, issued December 20,2005,GovernorRichardCodeydirectedthe New Jersey Department of Education to work in conjunction with the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) to develop and implement a program of randomtestingforsteroids,ofteamsandindividualsqualifyingforchampionshipgames. Beginning in the Fall, 2006 sports season,anystudent-athletewhopossesses,distributes, ingests or otherwise uses any of the banned substances on the attached page, without written prescription by a fully-licensed physician, as recognized by the American Medical Association, to treat a medical condition, violates the NJSIAA’s sportsmanship rule, and is subject to NJSIAA penalties, including ineligibility from competition. The NJSIAA will test certain randomly selected individuals and teams thatqualifyforastate championship tournament or state championship competition forbannedsubstances.The results of all tests shall be considered confidential and shall only be disclosed to the student, his or her parents and his or her school. No student may participate in NJSIAA competition unless the student and the student’s parent/guardian consent to random testing.
By signing below, we consent to random testing in accordance with the NJSIAA steroid testing policy. We understand that,ifthestudentorthestudent’steamqualifiesforastate championship tournament or state championship competition, thestudentmaybesubject totestingforbannedsubstances.
SignatureofStudent-Athlete PrintStudent-Athlete’sName Date SignatureofParent/Guardian PrintParent/Guardian’sName Date 45
NJSIAASports-RelatedConcussionandHeadInjuryFactSheetand Parent/GuardianAcknowledgementForm
A concussion is a brain injury that can be caused by a blow to the head or body that disrupts normal functioning of the brain. Concussions are a type of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), which can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally functions. Concussions can cause significant and sustained neuropsychological impairment affecting problem solving, planning, memory, attention, concentration, and behavior.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 300,000 concussions are sustained during sports related activities nationwide, and more than 62,000 concussions are sustained each year in high school contact sports. Second-impact syndrome occurs when a person sustains a second concussion while still experiencing symptoms of a previousconcussion.Itcanleadtosevereimpairmentandevendeathofthevictim.
Legislation (P.L. 2010, Chapter 94) signed on December 7, 2010, mandated measures to be taken in order to ensure the safety ofK-12student-athletesinvolvedininterscholastic sports in New Jersey. It is imperative that athletes, coaches, and parent/guardians are educated about the nature and treatment of sports related concussions and other head injuries.Thelegislationstatesthat:
• All Coaches, Athletic Trainers, School Nurses, and School/Team Physicians shall complete an Interscholastic Head Injury Safety Training Program by the 2011-2012 schoolyear
• All school districts, charter, and non-public schools that participate in interscholastic sports will distribute annually this educational facttoallstudentathletesandobtaina signedacknowledgementfromeachparent/guardianandstudent-athlete.
• Each school district, charter, and non-public school shall develop a written policy describing the prevention and treatment of sports-related concussion and other head injuriessustainedbyinterscholasticstudent-athletes.
• Any student-athlete who participates in an interscholastic sports program and is suspected of sustaining a concussion will be immediately removed fromcompetition or practice. The student-athlete will not be allowed to return to competition or practice until he/she has written clearance from a physician trained in concussion treatmentandhascompletedhis/herdistrict’sgraduatedreturn-to-playprotocol.
QuickFacts
•Mostconcussionsdonotinvolvelossofconsciousness
•Youcansustainaconcussionevenifyoudonothityourhead
• A blow elsewhere on the body cantransmitan“impulsive”forcetothebrainandcause aconcussion
SignsofConcussions(ObservedbyCoach,AthleticTrainer,Parent/Guardian)
•Appearsdazedorstunned
• Forgets plays or demonstrates short term memory difficulties (e.g. unsure of game, opponent)
•Exhibitsdifficultieswithbalance,coordination,concentration,andattention
•Answersquestionsslowlyorinaccurately
•Demonstratesbehaviororpersonalitychanges
•Isunabletorecalleventspriortoorafterthehitorfall
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SymptomsofConcussion(ReportedbyStudent-Athlete)
•Headache
•Nausea/vomiting
•Balanceproblemsordizziness
•Doublevisionorchangesinvision
•Sensitivitytolight/sound
•Feelingofsluggishnessorfogginess
•Difficultywithconcentration,shorttermmemory,and/orconfusion
WhatShouldaStudent-Athletedoiftheythinktheyhaveaconcussion?
•Don’thideit TellyourAthleticTrainer,Coach,SchoolNurse,orParent/Guardian.
• Report it. Don’t return to competition or practice with symptoms of a concussion or headinjury Thesooneryoureportit,thesooneryoumayreturn-to-play
• Take time to recover. If you have a concussion your brain needs time to heal. While your brain is healing you are much more likely to sustain a second concussion. Repeatconcussionscancausepermanentbraininjury.
What can happen if a student-athlete continuestoplaywithaconcussionorreturns toplaytosoon?
• Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the student-athletevulnerabletosecondimpactsyndrome.
• Second impact syndrome is when a student-athlete sustains a second concussion while stillhavingsymptomsfromapreviousconcussionorheadinjury.
• Second impact syndrome can lead to severe impairment and even death in extreme cases.
Should there be any temporary academic accommodations made for Student-Athleteswhohavesufferedaconcussion?
• To recover cognitive rest is just as important as physical rest. Reading, texting, testing-evenwatchingmoviescanslowdownastudent-athletesrecovery.
• Stay home from school with minimal mental and social stimulation until allsymptoms haveresolved.
• Students may need to take rest breaks,spendfewerhoursatschool,begivenextratime to complete assignments, as well as being offered other instructional strategies and classroomaccommodations.
Student-Athletes who have sustained a concussion should complete a graduated return-to-play before they may resume competition or practice, according to the followingprotocol:
• Step 1: Completionofafulldayofnormalcognitiveactivities(schoolday,studyingfor tests, watching practice, interacting with peers) without reemergence of any signs or symptoms.Ifnoreturnofsymptoms,nextdayadvance.
• Step 2: Light Aerobic exercise, which includes walking, swimming, and stationary cycling, keepingtheintensitybelow70%maximumheartrate.Noresistancetraining. Theobjectiveofthisstepisincreasedheartrate.
• Step 3: Sport-specific exercise including skating, and/or running: no head impact activities.Theobjectiveofthisstepistoaddmovement.
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• Step 4: Non contact training drills (e.g. passing drills). Student-athlete may initiate resistancetraining.
• Step5:Followingmedicalclearance(consultationbetweenschoolhealthcarepersonnel and student-athlete’s physician), participation in normal training activities. The objective of this step is to restore confidenceandassessfunctionalskillsbycoaching andmedicalstaff.
•Step6:Returntoplayinvolvingnormalexertionorgameactivity
For further information on Sports-Related Concussions and other Head Injuries, please visit:
www.cdc.gov/concussion/sports/index.htmlwww.nfhs.com
www.ncaa.org/health-safetywww.bianj.orgwww.atsnj.org
SignatureofStudent-Athlete PrintStudent-Athlete’sName Date SignatureofParent/Guardian PrintParent/Guardian’sName Date 48
AcademyoftheHolyAngels
PolicyonConcussionAssessment,Management, AndReturn-to-PlayGuidelines
Thefollowingpolicyandproceduresonneurocognitivebaselinetestingandsubsequent assessmentandmanagementofconcussions,aswellas,return-to-playguidelineshas beendevelopedinaccordancewiththeAcademyoftheHolyAngelsDepartmentof Athletics’MissionStatementtoprovidequalityhealthcareservicesandassurethe well-beingofeachstudent-athleteatAHA.
Purpose:
TheAHADepartmentofAthleticsrecognizesthatsport-inducedconcussionsposea significanthealthriskforthosestudent-athletesparticipatinginathleticsatAHA.With thisinmind,theDepartmentofAthleticshasimplementedpoliciesandproceduresto assessandidentifythosestudent-athleteswhohavesufferedaconcussion.The Departmentalsorecognizesthatbaselineneurocognitivetesting(ImPACTtesting)on student-athleteswhoparticipateinthosesportswhichhavebeenidentifiedascollision and/orcontactsportsand/orwhohavehadahistoryofconcussionspriortoenteringAHA willprovidesignificantdataforreturntocompetitiondecisions.Thisbaselinedataalong withphysicalexamination,and/orfurtherdiagnostictestingwillbeusedinconjunctionin determiningwhenitissafeforastudent-athletetoreturntocompetition.
ConcussionDefinition:
Aviolentshakingorjarringactiontothebrainusuallyasaresultofadirectblowtothe head,face,neck,orelsewhereonthebodywithanimpulsiveforcetransmittedtothe head.Thisresultsinimmediatepartialorcompleteimpairmentofneurologicalfunction.
SignsandSymptomsofConcussion:
AthleticTrainers,coaches,andparents/guardiansneedtobeawareofthesignsand symptomsofconcussiontoproperlyrecognizeandinterveneonbehalfofthe student-athlete.Signsandsymptomscaninclude,butarenotnecessarilylimitedto:
PhysicalSymptoms
Headache
VisionDifficulty
Nausea
Dizziness
BalanceDifficulties
LightSensitivity
NoiseSensitivity
Fatigue
BaselineAssessment
CognitiveSymptomsBehavioralSymptoms
MemoryLoss
AttentionDisorders
ReasoningDifficulty
Irritability
Sadness
Nervousness
SleepDisturbance
ExcessSleep
Allstudent-athletesparticipatinginthosesportswhichhavebeenidentifiedascontactor collisionsportsand/orwhohavehadaprevioushistoryofconcussionsasidentifiedby 49
theirhealthhistorywillhaveabaselinecomputerneurocognitivetestperformed (ImPACT).
ConcussionManagementandReturn-to-PlayGuidelines
Inanycircumstancewherethereisaheadtraumatheathleteisremovedfromfurther competitionorpractice.NewJerseyStateLawrequiresanyhighschoolathletewitha suspectedconcussionbeevaluatedandclearedbyalicensedphysicianpriortoreturnto practiceorcompetition.Werecommendthatinjuredstudent-athletesvisitaspecialist trainedinconcussionmanagement.(i.e.neurologist)
Injuredstudent-athleteswillbesenthomewiththeAcademyoftheHolyAngels
ConcussionFormwhichasksthattheexaminingphysicianmarkanyP.E./Athletic Limitations,aswellas,AcademicLimitations(i.e.delayedtesttaking,additionaltimefor work).Withouttheexaminingphysicianrequestingthatthestudent-athletehave AcademicLimitations,shemaynotbegrantedextensions.IfthereareAcademic Limitationsputonthestudent,shewillbeaskedtodropoffhercomputerandcellphone totheDeanofStudentsatthebeginningofeachdaytoensurethatsheisallowingher brainthepropertimetorest.Atthattime,shemayattendclassesasapassivelearnerand obtainnotesfromanotherstudentintheclass.
ConcussionGuidelinesandReturntoPlayGuidelinesContinued
A.Thestudent-athletemustadheretothefollowingtoreturntocompetitionandpractice;
1.Inanycircumstancewherethereisaheadtrauma,theathleteisremovedfromfurther competitionorpracticeandmaynotreturntoplaythatday NewJerseyStateLaw requiresanyhighschoolathletewithasuspectedconcussionbeevaluatedandclearedby alicensedphysicianpriortoreturntopracticeorcompetition.
2.Schoolpersonnel(AthleticTrainer,SchoolNurse,Coach,etc.)shouldmakecontact withthestudent-athletesparent/guardianandinformthemofthesuspectedsportsrelated concussionorheadinjury
3.Theathletictrainershallprovidethestudent-athletewithlocalschooldistrict information/medicalchecklisttoprovidetheirparent/guardianandphysicianorother licensedhealthcareprofessional.
4.Thestudent-athletemustmeetwithanexaminingphysiciantrainedintheevaluation andmanagementofconcussionsandreceivewrittenmedicalclearancestatingthestudent isasymptomaticandmaybeginanindividualizedgraduatedreturn-to-playprotocol.
B.Itisexpresslystatedandmustbeunderstoodbyallpartiesinvolvedthatconcussive symptomsandsignscanbevariableintheirpresentationduringthecourseofrecovery Assuch,eventhoughastudent-athletemayhavea“clearance”notefromtheexamining physician,ifthestudent-athletedemonstratesanysignsorsymptomsthatsuggest possiblerecurrentorpersistentconcussivesymptoms,theAHA’sATCis required to withholdthestudent-athletefromreturnorfurtherparticipationuntilallsignsand symptomsareresolvedandthestudent-athleteisclearedbyanexaminingphysician.
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C.Anystudent-athletesuspectedtohaveapossibleconcussionandhaswrittenmedical clearancefromaphysiciantrainedintheevaluationandmanagementofconcussionsto beginagraduatedreturn-to-playprotocol,willberequiredtotaketheImPACTcomputer basedtest. ImPACTscoreswillbereviewedbyaphysicianwhohasbeencertifiedby ImPACTInc.asa“CertifiedImPACTConsultant(CIC)”.Theexaminingphysicianis required,bythestate,tocompleteandsigntheNJSIAAReturntoPlayform.Ifthe examiningphysicianisnotaCICprovider,thescoreswillbereviewedbytheAHA’s TeamPhysician,orotherCICproviderasapprovedbytheschool.Thepost-injuryscores mustbecomparableto,orbetterthan,baselinescorespriortoreturntoplay.Inthe absenceofavailablebaselinescoresforcomparison,thestudentathletewillhaverepeat post-injurytestsatoneweekintervalsuntilresultsareconsideredtobestableand appropriateaswouldbeexpectedforthestudent-athleteinquestion.
D.Ifthestudentathleteexhibitsare-emergenceofanypost-concussionsignsor symptomsonceheorshereturns-to-play,theywillberemovedfromexertionalactivities andreturnedtotheirschool/teamphysicianorprimarycarephysician;
E.Ifconcussionsymptomsreoccurduringthegraduatedreturn-to-playprotocol,the student-athletewillreturntothepreviouslevelofactivitythatcausednosymptoms.
F AstudentathletewhoisprogressingthroughthestandardReturntoPlayProtocolwith NOCURRENTsymptomswillbepermittedtoattendpractices/games.However,inthe eventthestudentathleteisstillexhibitingsymptomsbutispermittedtouselowgrade aerobicexercisesaspartofthetreatmentprogramprescribedbythetreatingphysician, thetreatingphysicianwilldeterminewhethertheathleteispermittedtoattend games/practicesonanindividualbasis.
Intheunlikelycircumstancewhereanyuncertaintyordisagreementastothepresenceof a“concussion,”ortheresolution(orlackofresolution)ofpossibleconcussivesignsor symptomsremains,AHA’sATC,consultingTeamPhysician,andschooladministration maintainsthefinalauthoritytopermitorwithholdareturntoplaydecision.Specifically, AHA’sATCand/ortheschool’sTeamPhysiciancanwithholdastudent-athletefrom participationdespitea“clearance”notefromanexaminingphysician.
Furthermore,inthecircumstanceofmultipleorconflictingnotesfrommultiple examiningphysicians,AHAagainmaintainstherightoffinaldeterminationofclearance toplaystatus.
Summary:
TheAHADepartmentofAthleticsiscommittedtoprovidingqualityhealthcare servicesforallstudent-athletes.Assuch,theathletictrainingdepartmentisvery proactiveintheassessmentandmanagementofconcussions.Bydoingso,westriveto limittherisksofconcussionsassociatedwithathletics,andthepotentialcatastrophicand long-termcomplicationsfromconcussions.
Ihavereadtheaboveandagreetothe AHA Return to Play Guidelines.
Parent/GuardianSignature:
Date:
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TheAcademyoftheHolyAngelsiscurrentlyimplementinganinnovativeprogramforour student-athletesthatparticipateinthefollowingsports:volleyball,soccer,basketball,lacrosse, softballandgymnastics. Thisprogramwillassistourteamphysicianandathletictrainerin evaluatingandtreatingheadinjuries(e.g.,concussion). Inordertobettermanageconcussions sustainedbyourstudent-athletes,wehaveacquiredasoftwaretoolcalledImPACT(Immediate PostConcussionAssessmentandCognitiveTesting). ImPACTisacomputerizedexamutilized inmanyprofessional,collegiate,andhighschoolsportsprogramsacrossthecountryto successfullydiagnoseandmanageconcussions Ifanathleteisbelievedtohavesufferedahead injuryduringcompetition,ImPACTisusedtohelpdeterminetheseverityofheadinjuryand whentheinjuryhasfullyhealed
Thecomputerizedexamisgiventoathletesbeforebeginningcontactsportpracticeor competition Thisnon-invasivetestissetupin“video-game”typeformatandtakesabout15-20 minutestocomplete Itissimple,andactuallymanyathletesenjoythechallengeoftakingthe test Essentially,theImPACTtestisapreseasonphysicalofthebrain Ittracksinformationsuch asmemory,reactiontime,speed,andconcentration
Theinitialtestresultsaregoodfor2years Assuch,yourchildwillonlytaketheexamevery otheryear
Ifaconcussionissuspected,theathletewillberequiredtoretakethetest Boththepreseasonand post-injurytestdataisgiventoalocaldoctor,neuropsychologistoraneuropsychologistatthe UniversityofPittsburghMedicalCenter(UPMC)tohelpevaluatetheinjury (TheUPMCSports ConcussionProgramisthefoundinggroupoftheImPACTsoftware) Theinformationgathered canalsobesharedwithyourfamilydoctor. Thetestdatawillenablethesehealthprofessionalsto determinewhenreturn-to-playisappropriateandsafefortheinjuredathlete. Ifaninjuryofthis natureoccurstoyourchild,youwillbepromptlycontactedwithallthedetails.
TheinformationgatheredfromtheImPACTprogrammayalsobeutilizedinstudiescurrently beingconductedbyboththisschoolandUPMC. Inordertoensureandguaranteeyourchild’s anonymity,wehaveset-upananonymousdatasubmissionsystem. Thisdatamayanonymously besubmittedtoUPMCfortheirresearchpurposes.
IwishtostressthattheImPACTtestingproceduresarenon-invasive,andtheyposenorisksto yourstudent-athlete. Weareexcitedtoimplementthisprogramgiventhatitprovidesusthebest availableinformationformanagingconcussionsandpreventingpotentialbraindamagethatcan occurwithmultipleconcussions.TheHolyAngelsadministration,coaching,andathletictraining staffarestrivingtokeepyourchild’shealthandsafetyattheforefrontofthestudentathletic experience. Pleasereturntheattachedpagewiththeappropriatesignatures. Thebase-linetest resultsaregoodfor2years. Assuch,yourchildwillonlytaketheexameveryotheryear.If youhaveanyfurtherquestionsregardingthisprogrampleasefeelfreetocontactmeat 201-768-7822ext.222.
Sincerely,
JessicaHogan
DearParent/Guardian,
It,however,isnotanIQtest
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ConsentForm
ForuseoftheImmediatePost-ConcussionAssessmentandCognitive Testing(ImPACT)
Ihavereadtheattachedinformation. Iunderstanditscontents. Ihavebeen givenanopportunitytoaskquestionsandallquestionshavebeenanswered tomysatisfaction. IagreetoparticipateintheImPACTConcussion ManagementProgram.
PrintedNameofAthlete Sport SignatureofAthlete Date SignatureofParent Date 53
DearParent, TheAcademyoftheHolyAngelsisrequestingpermissiontohaveyourdaughter’sphoto tobeplacedinourAHApublications,websiteandmarketingmaterials.
❑ Igivepermissionformydaughter’simagetobeused.
❑Idonotgivemypermission.
Thankyouforyourconsideration.IfyouhaveanyquestionspleasecallMrs.Stephanie Dowling,DirectorofAdmission,at2017687822ex.216oremail admissions@holyangels.org.
Daughter’sName:
Grade:
Parent’sSignature: Date: 315HillsideAvenue,Demarest,NJ07627 www.holyangels.org
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