Upper School Athletic Handbook

Athletics Offered

Sports Levels Head Coach

Baseball Varsity / JV/ Freshman Ryan Mahoney

Basketball Varsity / Var. B/ JV/ Freshman SteveAlvarado

Bowling Varsity / JV

Rapillo

Crew Varsity / Novice Tom O’Grady

Cross Country Varsity / Freshman

Football Varsity/ JV/ Freshman

Golf Varsity

Hockey Varsity / JV

Indoor Track Varsity / Freshman

Mitchell

Spagnolo

Herman

Collins

Mitchell

Lacrosse Varsity / JVA/ JVB Rick Trizano

Outdoor Track Varsity / Freshman Jan Mitchell

Soccer Varsity / JV

Swimming Varsity

Tennis Varsity / JV

Aceto

O’Rourke

Volleyball Varsity James Fitzpatrick

Wrestling Varsity / JV Tom Straehle

Philosophy and Goals

The Iona Preparatory School InterscholasticAthletic Program is a natural extension of the high-school curriculum that provides activities for the growth and development of our students. Athletics are a broadening experience in which harmony of the mind and body functions to create physical and mental excellence. We view the InterscholasticAthletic Program as the other half of education.

At Iona Prep, we believe that the Interscholastic Athletic Program contributes significantly to preparing our students for becoming productive, contributing citizens of our community and society. A comprehensive program of athletic activities expresses our commitment to ensure the development of physical fitness andpersonalhealth,theacquisitionofcompetentperformances,andthe achievement of excellence in a student’s chosen sport(s).

In addition, our aim is to develop a student with an improved self-image, the ability to learn a new skill, and an intrinsic motivation for growth and development. We want to see a student who will demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibility for his actions, measure himself against standards of quality, express ideas and solutions to problems, and value fair play, honesty, and cooperation.

Objectives of the InterscholasticAthletic Program

Our goals are:

1. To develop and maintain the highest level of sportsmanship.

2. To develop proper attitudes toward winning and losing, success and failure.

3. To encourage and develop respect for fellow athletes, whether they are teammates, members of other Iona Prep teams, or members of opposing teams.

4. To assure that the amount of time required for athletic participation does not interfere with academic success.

5. To develop proper attitudes toward individual health habits, appearance on and off the field, and citizenship in and out of school.

6. To encourage competition not only for the tangible rewards but also for the development of positive attitudes that make athletic competition valuable and worthwhile.

7. Toorientallathleticstaffandteammembersto abidebytherules,regulations, and official’s decisions that govern each sport.

8. To maintain the highest standard of ethics; recognize each participant as an individual who will conduct himself in a manner befitting his responsibility, and develop the kind of rapport with the broader school community that will improve the total educational program.

Sportsmanship

We have a constant challenge that a high-school sports program serves an educational purpose in the lives of our young men.

The challenge is sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship and bad sportsmanship determine whether interscholastic athletics will live or die.

The administrator holds the key to the issue of sportsmanship. If he/she appreciates the importance of it byinsisting that sportsmanship be good at anycost, then the school cannot go wrong. If he/she realizes the value of sportsmanship but fails to implement its good practice, then the school cannot help but run into problems.

The coach is the standard-bearer of sportsmanship. His/her role is a crucial one. He/she has the challenge of either making a contest a real showcase for education or turning it into a meaningless exercise in winning or losing. He/she can help players and spectators do the right thing through self-control and dignity or can incite either or both to act contrary to the aims and objectives of school athletics.

The players generally mirror the coach in exhibiting sportsmanship. Many, of course, do not need the coach’s direction; they know that how you play the game is the number one priority. The players are neither puppets nor mature individuals and are, therefore, susceptible to inconsistent sportsmanship. But the coach – the good coach – knows how to handle difficult situations even in front of spectators.

And what about the spectators? Most of them know what high school sports are all about. But an irritating minority will always be with us. The influence of the “bad guys,” we hope, will be minimized by the “good guys” in the audience. But if they aren’t, then there is all the more reason for the players to present themselves well, for the coach to be above reproach at all times, and for the administrator to prepare and enforce procedures to keep fans in line.

As long as there exists within all of us that human drive to win, we will have to be concerned about sportsmanship. The desire to win is not bad by itself; on the contrary, it is good. It is the proper attitude with which to approach any endeavor. To do otherwise would be to opt for failure instead of success. But while the quest to win must not be stifled, it must be honorable. In athletics, the quest must carry with it the realization that somebody is not going to win. In high school sports, winning cannot be the “only thing.” Handling loss is equally as educational, and therefore equally as important, as winning. Remember, high school sports will live or die not by contests won or lost, but by sportsmanship

good or bad.

Failure Policy

Students are considered to have failed a subject if a grade less than 65% is received for the year as a final average in a course. A student who fails one subject must attendanaccreditedsummerschoolapprovedby thePrincipal. Ifhefails again in summer school, the student may be dismissed, pending a review of his academic record by the Principal. A student may not graduate until he has made up any failures he has incurred regardless of credits he may have. If a student has several failures in January, he may be dismissed pending an administrative review. Failure of two subjects for the year may result in dismissal from Iona Prep. A student who fails three or more courses for the year will be dismissed from Iona Prep.

Academic Eligibility

When the report card is issued, any student who has two or more failures is automaticallysuspendedfromparticipationinallextracurricularactivities,including athletics. At the end of a suitable period, the Dean of Academics will review the student’s academic progress with his teachers and determine whether reinstatement is appropriate.

Honesty Policy

Iona Prep’s policy on honesty is simple: cheating, in any guise whether giving or receiving information, is morally wrong and will not be tolerated. As a Catholic community, it is vital that each member appreciates and practices a strong code of ethics.

The student has the responsibility of conducting himself in a manner that is above suspicion. It is also to be understood that this same responsibility applies to all classroomperformance, dailyand weekly quizzes and tests,homework assignments, outsidereadings,papers,andfinalexaminations. Should ateacherfindthat astudent has cheated on an exam, test, quiz, homework assignment, or plagiarized a paper, the following will occur:

 The teacher will contact the student’s parents.

 The student will be assigned a “zero” on the assignment, paper, quiz or test.

 The teacher will inform the Dean of Students.

Co-CurricularAttendance Policy

The following policy applies to all students who participate in any co-curricular student activity or athletic event. Athletic coaches and activity moderators work with the school Deans in carrying out this policy.

 If a student is absent on a Friday, he is ineligible to participate in cocurricular activities on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 If a student is absent following a weekend co-curricular event, in the absence of a doctor’s note, he is ineligible for the next game, match or contest.

 If a studentisabsent on thedayfollowing aweekdayco-curricular event, intheabsenceofadoctor’snote,heisineligible forthenextgame, match or contest.

 If a student is absent from school on the day prior to a vacation, he is ineligible from practicing, playing or scrimmaging until school resumes.

 If a student is absent on the day of a game, contest, scrimmage or practice, he is ineligible to participate that day.

 If a student is late to school (after 11am) he will not be eligible to participate in the next co-curricular event.

Athletic Lockers

Athletic lockers are assigned to athletes in season. Students wishing to use an athletic locker, who are athletes in season should approach the Equipment Manager after school.

Students assigned to an athletic locker must be certain to use a lock (supplied by the Equipment Manager) to secure their personal items. Laptops, calculators, wallets, and other expensive personal items should always be kept in the student’s school locker.Any non-school issued lock will be removed.

Coaching

Athletics and athletic competitions are learning environments for social and cultural understanding, assimilation of cultures and the integration of races. Team membership and athletic competitions cross those artificial lines caused by personal finances, religious beliefs, and family background.

At Iona Prep, coaching is defined as a teaching situation. This implies that teacher responsibility for supervision, preparation, and training is as essential in coaching as it is in the classroom, especially if we are to justify our interscholastic program on a sound educational philosophy. Therefore, we must expect that the individual coach will apply him/herself to athletic assignments in the same professional manner displayed in a formal classroom situation.

Of all educators, we feel that a coach has the greatest opportunity to influence young people. A coach, in a three hour block of time, concentrated after classroom instruction has been concluded, continues to teach until the end of the school day. The ‘classroom’becomes the soccer field, the lacrosse field, the basketball court, or the yellow school bus carrying kid’s home after they’ve just suffered a heartrending loss. These are teaching opportunities that a coach can use to help young people become better citizens and better human beings.

Code of Ethics for Coaches

The coach must constantly uphold the honor and dignity of the teaching profession. In all personal contact with student athletes, parents, officials, athletic directors, school administrators, the state high school athletic association, the media and the public, the coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.

Thecoachshallsupportandenforceschoolrulesforthepreventionofdrugs,alcohol, and tobacco use and abuse, and under no circumstances shall allow the use of these substances.

The coach shall promote the entire interscholastic program of the school and direct his/her program in harmony with the total school program.

The coach shall be thoroughly acquitted with contest, state, league, and local rules, and is responsible for their interpretation to team members. The coach shall abide by the letter and spirit of these rules at all times.

Coaches shall actively use their influence to promote sportsmanship by working closely with parents, athletes and administrators.

Contest officials shall have the respect and support of the coach. The coach shall not indulge in conduct, which will incite players or spectators against the officials, or against each other. Public criticism of officials or players is unethical.

Before and after contests, rival coaches should meet and exchange friendlygreetings to set the correct tone for the event.

ALLCOACHES MUST HAVE VALIDAND CURRENT FIRSTAIDAND CPR CERTIFICATION.

Iona’s Expectations of Parents

1. Be positive with your son; let them know that they are accomplishing something by being part of the team.

2. Do not offer excuses for themif they are not playing; encourage themto work hard and do their best.

3. Encourage athletes to follow the rules. Whether they are a first stringer or a seventh stringer, players must follow rules pertaining to curfew, drinking, smoking, promptness, and school.

4. As a fan, you are entitled to cheer your head off, but don’t become belligerent. Coaches work with athletes and know their talents. Respect that!

5. Insist that the athletes respect team rules, school rules, game officials, and sportsmanship. Self-respect begins with self-control.

6. Encourage the athletes to improve their self-image by believing in themselves.

7. Encourage the athletes to play for the love of the game.

8. Remember that the coach is involved as a coach because he/she is sincerely fond of children and is an experienced professional. Coaches have different ways of dealing with people and situations. Athletes’ lives are enriched by interaction with different types of leaders.

9. Remember that at a competition you, the parent, represent your school, your son’s team and your son. Please be a positive role model.

Parent/Coach Communication

As your son becomes involved in the sports programat Iona Prep, he will experience some of the most rewarding moments of his life. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way your son wishes. This is an opportunity for your son to talk with his coach and discuss the situation. When your son handles the problem, it becomes part of the learning and maturation process. There may also be situations that require a conversation between the coach and the parent – these are encouraged. It’s important that both parties have a clear understandingoftheother’sposition. Pleasefollowthefollowingprocedurestohelp promote a resolution.

 Parent/guardian speaks directly to the coach to discuss the concern.

 If the concern is not resolved, call the Athletic Director to arrange a conference. A meeting will be arranged with the coach, parent, on occasion the student, and the Athletic Director. At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.

LINES OF COMMUNICATION

COMMUNICATION PARENTS SHOULD EXPECT FROM THEIR SONS COACH:

 The philosophy and expectations of the coach.

 Locations and times of practices and contests.

 Team/organization requirements (i.e., fees, special equipment needed, school and team rules etc.).

 Procedures to be followed if the student becomes injured or ill during participation.

COMMUNICATION COACHES SHOULD EXPECT FROM PARENTS:

 Concerns about the student should be expressed directly to the coach at an appropriate time and place.

 Specific concerns regarding the coach’s philosophy and / or expectations should be expressed directly to that person.

 Notification of any schedule conflicts should be communicated well in advance.

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH ACOACH:

 The mental and physical treatment of the student.

 What the student needs to do to improve.

 Concerns about the student’s behavior.

ISSUES NOTAPPROPRIATE FORAPARENT’S DISCUSSION WITHACOACH:

 Playing time.

 Conversations concerning students other than the parent’s own child.

 Strategy of the coach.

 Example: Conversations between a parent and a coach should center around the common goal of collaborating to help the child reach his potential. Quite often, there can be a major difference in simply the spirit and/or wording of a question. For example, while complaining about playing time on a varsity team is discouraged, asking a coach for feedback on what areas the student needs to improve upon to reach his potential is strongly encouraged.

WHEN CONFERENCESARE NECESSARY:

 There are situations that may require a conference between a parent and the coach. These are not discouraged, as it is important for each party to have a clear understanding of each other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedures are suggested in order to help promote resolution to the issue.

 Call or email the coach to set up an appointment.

 The parent is encouraged to think about what he/she expects to accomplish as a result of the meeting.

 The parent is encouraged to stick to the facts as he/she understands them.

 The parent is encouraged NOT to confront the coach before, during, or after a practice or contest. These can be emotional times for everyone. Confrontations during these times do not promote resolution of the problem and often escalate it. We have a 24 hour rule in place.

 The parent is encouraged to get all sides of the story and situation. The parent is encouraged to use wisdom in what is said to others, especially before meeting with the student’s coach. If not, then the issue can often escalate unnecessarily and make resolution much more difficult. These are simply some tips and suggestions about how important it is to develop a well-thought-out chain of command, policies and procedures when dealing with complaints within the athletic department.

24 Hour Rule

At the conclusion of any game or contest we ask that you respect this 24 rule: when gamesendparentsoftentimes looktospeaktothecoachregardingtheirsonsplaying time, this can be an emotional time for the parent and for the coach. As a result no discussion is permitted with the coach on the subject of playing time for 24 hours following the completion of the game. Topics not including playing time may of course be discussed.

Code of Conduct

Standards for Interscholastic Participation

All students at Iona Prep are expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with the provisions in the Parent-Student handbook. This document provides extensive descriptions of expectations, as well as prohibited conduct on school property. Rules of conduct should provide a reference for proper student behavior. Representing Iona Prep in interscholastic athletics is a privilege. The extension of that privilege depends on the adherence to standards of behavior that reflect positively on the individual, as well as the school. These expectations include, but are not limited to the following:

In formulating the following rules and regulations, the Iona PrepAdministration has tried to anticipate as many areas as possible in which students need to demonstrate responsible behavior. In the event of new and unusual circumstances, the Dean of Students and theAthletic Director will have the authority to use discretion.

In order to protect its standards of scholarship, discipline, and character, Iona Prep reserves the right to requirethe withdrawal of anystudent at any time, for anyreason deemed sufficient at the sole discretion of the school and its administration. By the parent/guardian’s signing of the Parent-Student handbook letter, the student and parent/guardian acknowledge the important obligations and restrictions contained within and agree to be bound by the terns of this handbook.

When a student submits an application for entrance to Iona Prep, he thereby understands and agrees that the school reserves the right to exclude him at any time if his conduct, attitude, or academic standing is regarded by the Administration as undesirable.

It is understood and agreed that Iona Prep, or any of its administrators or faculty, shall not be liable in anyway whatsoever for such exclusion. Students and parents give signed agreement to this contract before official acceptance by Iona Prep. Furthermore, parents should support the mission, goals and policies of the school. Nevertheless, a situation could occur in which the uncooperative or disruptive attitude and/or actions of parents might so diminish the effectiveness of the school that continuation of the student in the school could be impossible. In such cases, the school reserves the right to require the withdrawal of the student.

1. Students should realize that their conduct, in and out of school, should reflect their home and school training. Any conduct that is detrimental to the good reputation of Iona Prep, endangers the safety of students, or demonstrates disrespect to a person or property will result in suspension or expulsion.

2. Students are expected to manifest the highest degree of sportsmanship at all athletic events (see Spectator Conduct).

3. Use of the internet (see Internet Policy): Students should realize that online communication between students, whether at school or at home, must be appropriate. Iona Prep maintains that any type of online harassment, abuse, or threat between students demonstrates a serious violation of the Iona Prep Code of Conduct. Students violating this policy will be subject to suspension or expulsion.

4. Character Assassination: This involves any spoken or electronic language or behavior that intentionally and negatively influences the portrayal and reputation of a particular student, teacher or staff member through the use of deliberate exaggeration or manipulation of facts to present an untrue picture of the targeted person. Any such behavior will be referred to the Deans and could result in suspension or expulsion.

5. Inappropriate language is never acceptable.

6. Students are expected to be courteous and respectful when entering, riding in or leaving public vehicles. Disciplinary referrals received by Iona Prep from bus companies will result in disciplinary action against the student. The Deans can revoke any student’s privilege to ride a bus to school. Furthermore, any conduct on a public vehicle (bus or train) that is detrimental to the good reputation of Iona Prep, endangers the safety of students, or demonstrates disrespect to a person or property will result in suspension or expulsion.

7. The use of illegal drugs, including alcohol, is unlawful and dangerous, and will result in disciplinary action.

8. Gambling of any sort is strictly prohibited.

9. Smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco is not permitted.

10. Fighting will result in immediate suspension or expulsion.

11. Students are not permitted to use headphones and or personal stereo or television equipment during the school day in the academic wings of the building.

12. Chewing gum is not appropriate.

13. Once a student arrives on campus, he is not permitted to leave the building (this includes the parking lot). Seniors are not permitted to loiter in the parking lot when dismissed.

14. Students who drive to school should make everyeffort to drive with caution in the parking lot and keep the volume of car radios at the respectable level.

15. All students must enter and exit the building through the front lobby doors (under the portico). Students are not permitted to enter or exit the building through the Main Office entrance.

16. During the homeroomperiod students arenot permitted to use their laptops, nor are the permitted to do any written work. Students are encouraged to read after the pledge and prayers.

17. Food and drink is not permitted in the academic wings of the school or in the classrooms.

18. Verbal, physical or emotional bullying will not be tolerated. Cases of bullying are referred to the Deans.

19. Visible tattoos are not acceptable.

20. Theft (the taking of another person’s property without consent) and the possession of stolen property are serious disciplinary infractions that are detrimental to the good reputation of Iona Preparatory School and a violation of the rights of students and staff.

Please note: Either theft or possession of stolen property will result in the following:

A. A three day suspension from classes, the assigning of 75 hours of community service above the regular Iona Prep commitment, mandatory counseling, a contract with the Iona Prep administration regarding future behavior and a possible referral to the New Rochelle Police OR

B. Dismissal from Iona Preparatory School

Iona Prep is the co-tenant of all lockers and desks and reserves the right to search them at anytime without notice.

After School Practice

1. Student athletes and coaches may begin practice directly after school. It is the responsibility of the student athlete to inform the coach at least a day in advance if he plans to miss or be late to a practice.

2. Practice sessions should be well planned, well structured, and should not exceed three hours, excluding time for dressing and showering.

3. Coaches and managers should be the first to arrive and the last to leave practice sessions. A coach should be in attendance if a student athlete wants to remain after practice to improve his skill level.

4. Astudent athlete may not practice if he is absent from school unless he:

a) Arrives at school by 11:00am

b) Provides an acceptable parent’s or doctor’s excuse to the Athletic Director.

c) Is granted permission by the Principal orAthletic Director.

5. If practice is going to be canceled by the coach, notification must be given to theAthletic Director by 2:00p.m.

Practice Sessions on Weekend

1. Practices are permitted on Saturday.

2. Sunday practices are strongly discouraged, but under specific circumstances, they will be permitted. Permission is granted only by the President or in his absence, the Principal.

Practice Sessions & Games on Holidays and Vacations

Both games and practices scheduled during holidays and vacations are mandatory. Failure to attend these events will result in the athlete’s removal from the team. Exceptions to this rule will include, illness, injury and a family emergency.

Practice Sessions When School is Closed for Other Reasons

1. When school is canceled because of inclement weather, practices or contests will not be scheduled unless permission is granted by the Athletic Director and/or Principal.

2. If school is cancelled for reasons that are not weather related, practices or contests are cancelled unless permission is granted by theAthletic Director.

Early Dismissal

It is the policy of Iona Prep and the Athletic Department to schedule all athletic contests so that students miss a minimum of class time for travel to away games or home contests.

1. Head coaches should make arrangements with the Athletic Director to have students excused from class when ABSOLUTELY necessary because of travel or contest.

2. It is the responsibility of the student athlete to meet with his teacher the day before the class he is to miss because of an athletic contest.

Physicals/Health Care Office

The goal of the health office is to promote the health and well-being of each student. To this end, we abide by the following regulations mandated by New York State:

 All entering freshmen must have a current physical examination by their private physician and be completely immunized. Freshmen may not start classes until these health requirements are met.

 All junior students are required to have a physical examination bytheir private physician.

 All students are required to have up to date immunizations. Students not in compliance may be suspended until the Health Office clears the student to return. Please refer to the NYS Immunization Schedules in Appendix A or contact the school nurse for more information.

Iona Prep will accept all private physical forms or you may use the NYS School Health Examination Form*

SPORT PARTICIPATION:

 Students who wish to participate in an interscholastic sport, including try-outs, must be registered thru www.FamilyID.com and have a current annual physical examination either on file in the health office or properly uploaded into FamilyID.

Be advised that NO STUDENT can participate in our sports program, including try-outs or practice, without a physical exam and on-line registration completed thru FamilyID as directed above.

 Any injuries requiring more than a one day gym excuse must have a doctor's note brought to the Health Office, and if the injury requires crutches, the doctor’s note must document the need to use crutches in school.

 Aone-dayonlygym excuserequiresaparentalnotetobebrought tothePhysicalEducation instructor.

 For students to receive medication in school please have your physician complete the Medication Administration Form*. Medications may not be administered in school unless thereiswrittenparentalconsentandamedicalprescriptionnoteonfileintheHealthOffice. This procedure is also necessary for “over the counter” medications which must be in the pharmaceutical container.

 Working paper application forms are available on the school website in the Health link underStudent Lifetab,orthestudentmaystopinthehealthofficetopickupanapplication. A current physical will be required to get working papers at the City Hall in New Rochelle.

*Allformscanbedownloadedfromthe IonawebsiteintheHEALTHlinkfoundundertheStudent Life tab.

Athletic Injury andAccident Reports

It is the student athlete’s responsibility to immediately report any injury to his coach or the athletic trainer. The coach or athletic trainer will then complete a Student Incident Report. The school nurse should be notified on the day the student returns to school.

TheAthletic Director will review and sign the formwhich will be filed in the nurse’s office. The coach/trainer who completes the Incident Report will inform the parent/guardian that if they are interested in utilizing the Christian Brother Student Accident Excess Plan, they must contact the Business Office at extension 217 within five (5) days of the incident. That office will provide the necessary form to submit a claim.

Parents must use their primary insurance first – this is an Excess plan. This plan will pay in excess of other valid coverage available to or on behalf of the student, such as accident, health, prepaid for service, or HMO individual or group basis. Plans containing a non-duplication or excess provision similar to this will be paid on a 50% basis.

Treatment must commence within 30 days by a licensed physician and medical/dental expenses are only reimbursable if incurred within one hundred and four (104) weeks from the date of the injury.

Bills must be submitted within one hundred eighty (180) days of treatment. (This is a partial description of the coverage provided by the Student Accident Plan. Complete terms and conditions are contained in the Plan Document on file with Iona Prep).

Athletic Trainer

Athletic Training Room Information

A certified athletic trainer offers professional attention to health care and rehabilitation needs to student athletes in the training room

Trainer: Max Spielman Email: athletictrainer@ionaprep.org

Medical services available to student athletes are: assessment, care, prevention and rehabilitation of injuries, as well as strengthening and flexibility programs.

Our athletic trainer will act as a liaison between the athlete, family physicians and specialists, the school and their parents. Iona has a number of physicians who have become invaluable resources for Iona Athletics and accommodate our athletes in a timely manner. You are under no obligation to see any particular doctor and should always check with your insurance company regarding coverage. For injuries due to accidents please refer to the Parent Student Handbook page 38

Hoursareflexibleand mayvaryduetoseasonchangesand game times. Thetraining room is located in the Locker Room.

The Doty Fitness Center

The Doty Fitness Center is open after school from 2:45p.m. until 3:45p.m. for any student not currently on an interscholastic team. After 3:45p.m., teams and their coaches are scheduled to use this facility. Students are permitted to train in the fitness center under the supervision of a moderator or coach. For reasons of safety and liability no one may use the fitness center unsupervised.

Practice and Participation Requirements

New York State law requires a minimum number of team and individual practices prior to entering into competition with another school. Each coach will take attendanceeverydayuntilallathleteshaveattainedtherequirednumberofpractices.

Athletic Team Selection

Out of Season/Outside Competition

Asthefocusonparticipationinyouth sports continues togrowinoursociety,student athletes are faced with difficult decisions as to what they will commit to and what takespriorityintheirlives. Acommitmenttoateamis acommitment to thecoaches, teammates and the school. Your first commitment and allegiance should be to the team. Special consideration will not be afforded to athletes that must leave early, or miss practice or games due to outside participation in athletic events. An Iona Prep student athlete’s first commitment must be to the school program.

Philosophy

In accordancewith ourphilosophyofathletics and ourdesireto seeas manystudents as possible participate in the athletic program at Iona Prep, we encourage coaches to selectasmanystudentsastheycan withoutcompromisingtheintegrityoftheirsport. Obviously, time, space, facilities, equipment, athletic ability and other factors will place limitations on the most effective squad size for any particular sport. However, when developing procedure in this regard, coaches should strive to maximize the opportunities for student athletes without diluting the quality of the program.

Team Selection – Coach’s Responsibility

Choosing the members of athletic teams is the sole responsibility of the coach. Junior Varsity and Freshmen coaches must take into consideration the policies established by the head coach in each particular program when selecting team members.

Prior to trying out, the coach shall provide the following information to all candidates for the team;

a. Extent of the tryout period

b. Criteria used to select the team

c. Number of students to be selected

d. Practice commitment for those who make the team

e. Game commitments

Team Selection Procedure

Each candidate shall have a minimum of two and in some cases three practice sessions. Illness and injury to a student athlete during a tryout period must not be held against the student athlete, but the coach must make fair judgment about time restrictions for tryouts.

Playing Time

Freshman Teams

At this level, students become accustomed to interscholastic practice and play. For many, it is their first introduction to competitive sports, different from recreation in its demands and philosophy.

Gaining experience through training and play should be paramount, not the win/loss record. At this level of play the focus is on learning athletic skills and game rules, fundamentals of team play, social-emotional growth, and the appropriate demands on the adolescent body, and healthy competition.

All players will receive playing time, in so far as safety and positive participation in practice allow.

Junior Varsity Teams

This level of competition has an increased emphasis upon team play, physical conditioning, and refinement of basic skill. Although being successful on the J.V. level is important, winning is not the sole objective. This is the level at which the athlete displays his readiness for the execution of skills at game speed. Athletic abilities, commitments, and positive attitudes will be regarded and tested in competitive game situations.

An attempt will be made to allow as many participants as possible to play but not all will play equally.At the J.V. level, playing time will be based on the degree of effort, skill improvement, ability to compete and execution of skills at game speed demonstrated by the student athlete in practice and during games.

Varsity Teams

Varsity competition is the culmination of each sport program. Normally, juniors and seniors make up the majority of the roster. Occasionally, a sophomore and, infrequently a freshman may be included on the team, provided that evidence of advanced levels of physical development, athletic skill, and appropriate socialemotional development are demonstrated.

Squad size at the varsity level is limited. The number of participants on any given team is a function of the number needed to conduct an effective and meaningful practice and to play the contest. It is vital that each team member have a role and be informedofitsimportance. Thenumber ofrosterpositionsisrelativetothestudents’ acceptance of their individual roles in pursuit of the team’s goals. While contest participation over the course of a season is desirable, a specified amount of playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed. It is the coach’s responsibility to make clear to the student athlete what his role is on the team.

A sound attitude and advanced level of skill are prerequisites for a position on a varsity team, as is the realization that a varsity sport requires a six-day-a-week commitment. This commitment often extends into vacation periods for all sport seasons. As contests and practices are occasionally held on holidays or Sundays, the dedication and commitment needed to conduct a successful varsity program should be taken seriously.

Team Captain

The decision to have a team captain or co-captains, as well as the selection process of captains, is at the discretion of the coach.

Athlete of the Week

Each week during the season a coach may recommend a player from his team for consideration as theAthlete of the week. An athletic committee will select a student athlete per week to have his photo displayed outside the Athletic Director’s office. This photo will be presented to the student at theAwards Dinner.

Transportation

Iona Prep will provide transportation for all student athletes, support, and coaching personnel of athletic teams in authorized school vehicles or charter buses when the contest or practice has been scheduled away from Iona Prep.

1. Team members are strictly forbidden to drive an automobile transporting members of an athletic team or to be driven by another student to an athletic contest or practice.

2. Under certain circumstances or in exceptional situations where it creates an inconvenience for the family, student athletes may be excused from riding to or from an athletic event in school – authorized transportation. This privilege is to be kept to a minimum since our philosophy is that a student athlete is a part of a team in all phases of team activity.

3. Should a parent need to have their son travel to or from a contest rather than with the team, they must contact the coach. The coach may grant the request only if the Travel Release form*, which is available to all students, is on file in theAthletic Director’s office.

4. Athletic shoes with metal cleats are NOT to be worn on the bus.

5. Food and beverage are permitted on the bus, but leftovers and empty containers must be discarded and the bus cleaned.

*Link to form: https://ionaprep.org/apps/publications/index.jsp?parentREC_ID=1465

Awards

The Athletic Department hosts three award dinners annually. They are held at the completion of the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Coaches shall recommend the members of his/her sport who have met the sport requirements for an award at the dinner.

Types of awards:

Freshman and Junior Varsity

Team members shall receive anAthleticAward Certificate

Varsity

Team members shall receive a Varsity Plaque. In addition, a Coach’s Award, Best Competitor Award, and Trophy for Excellence are presented at the Varsity level to individual team members.

Brother GaffneyAward – This award will be presented at each of the three dinners to the team with the highest grade point average.

Changing Sports

A student athlete may not change from one sport to another once a team has been selected. Should he resign from or be removed from a team in season, he may not try out for or play for another team until his original team’s season, including playoffs, has been completed. On a rare occasion however, with the permission of the Athletic Director and the agreement of the coaches of both teams, he would be permitted to participate to change sports. A student is also not permitted to participate in any athletic clubs, organizations or programs that take place on our campus until his original season has ended.

If a student athlete is cut fromone team, withthe permission of theAthletic Director, he may try out for another team, provided that teamhas not made its final selections.

Multiple Sports

It is our expectation that a student be allowed to participate in only one sport per season. Exceptions have been made but they are rare and must be approved by the Athletic Director. An example would be a member of the soccer team being the kicker for the football team. One sport and its demands of time and energy is appropriate.

Equipment and Uniforms

Equipment and uniforms are essential components of interscholastic athletics. They protect you and identify you as a team member. The coach and athletic equipment manager will issue uniforms and equipment to all student athletes. Uniforms must be returned to be laundered by the equipment manager after each contest. They may not be taken home. You must provide any additional equipment required for your sport that is not provided by the school.

Failure to return your uniform after a game will result in detention.

At the conclusion of the season, should you not return the uniform or equipment assigned, you will jeopardize your participation in future sports, taking exams, and attending events such as the Prom and Graduation. In addition, full restitution for the item or items not returned is required.

College Selection & Recruiting

Student athletes who are interested in playing sports at the collegiate level should consult with their respective coaches and/or guidance counselors. Your coach can assist with contacting the coaches of the schools you are interested in, while a guidance counselor can help you find a school that is right for you. But, the student athlete must make the initial effort and communication with their coach and counselor.

Collegiate sports are divided into three divisions - I, II and III. Students wishing to participate at the Division I or II level must meet the minimum requirements of the NCAA Clearinghouse. Those desiring to compete at the Division III level do not have to meet the minimum requirements of the Clearinghouse.

Note: Athletic scholarships are wonderful opportunities to supplement the increasing cost of higher education, but student athletes and parents must realize that these scholarships are very selective. Other options such as financial aid, school-to-work programs, etc. are also available and can assist families in their selection of schools. Always strive to be the best, but please don’t get discouraged if you do not receive an athletic scholarship.

NCAAClearinghouse

The Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse is an organization that has been established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for the benefit of those students wishing to participate in intercollegiate athletics while attending a college or university in the United States. The Clearinghouse is designed to certify an individual’s athletic eligibility before they enter a college or university. The focus of the organization is with Division I and Division II schools, but it also acts as an advisory model for Division III schools.

If you would like more detailed information, please contact the NCAA directly and ask for the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound/Athlete. This publication is a wealth of knowledge for parents and students alike, covering topics such as frequentlyaskedquestions,financialaid,Initial-EligibilityClearinghouse,necessary forms and the recruiting process. It is a must for those student-athletes moving on to the next level of competition.

Contacting the NCAA

National Collegiate Athletic Association

You may contact the NCAA using the information listed here:

Document mailing address: NCAAEligibility Center

Certification Processing

P.O. BOX 7136 Indianapolis, Indiana 46207

Overnight/Express mailing address: NCAAEligibility Center

Certification Processing 1802Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive Indianapolis, IN 46202

Toll-free phone number: 877-262-1492

Fax: 317-968-5100

Website: www.eligibilitycenter.org