2016 2017 coaching handbook

Athletic Department Handbook Coaching at Riverdale Country School Anything Highlighted in Pink can be found on the Coaching Website Anything highlighted in Green has been changed.

July 2016

ü Read the entire handbook.

Highlights

ü Communicate – Make sure you relay problems, issues, or concerns to Director of Athletics. When in doubt, call John Pizzi (cell: 646-469-5444).

ü Mission – Provide a positive athletic experience for each student-athlete. o While maximizing student participation, promoting sportsmanship, representing the school with integrity, while understanding the importance of balancing the commitments of being a student-athlete. ü JV and Middle School Philosophy – Develop players and make sure everyone plays. ü Varsity and JV Selection Process – Tryouts at least three days and one intra-squad competition. Review team selections with Director of Athletics before announcing. Post a list. Anyone that is cut will have an individual meeting with Director of Athletics and the coach. Juniors can be on JV; a meeting with the Director of Athletics, the coach and the specific junior will be coordinated. ü Middle School Teams – No cuts. No Captains. ü Rules and Regulations – NYSAIS High School Sports Standards for scrimmages and competitions and NYSAIS Middle School Sports Standards for scrimmages and competitions. (Can be found under Important Documents – Coaching Handbook) ü Reporting Scores – After each competition, inclusive of a short write up to scores@riverdale.edu. ü Attendance Policy – First “skipped” practice will have some consequence, email the student, and review consequence. Second “skipped” practice, report to Director of Athletics for an appropriate punishment. ü Grading at End of Season – Grades must be submitted on the forwarded Google Form from Peter Haley.

ü Budget Process – Get approval before buying anything. ü Equipment – Communicate needs and any damaged equipment to Peter Haley, Assistant Director of Athletics. Peter will issue equipment and uniforms to coaches and student-athletes. Peter will also give you the process for uniform collection, which may vary by team and season. Make sure you return all of your equipment.

ü Student-Athlete Paperwork – No student-athlete should participate, in any

athletic related activity, unless cleared by Lori Gill, Director of Athletic Training and Safety. ü Concussions and Injuries – Report all injuries, even minor ones to an athletic trainer at your game/practice. Or by calling Lori Gill on her cell phone 631-338-3306. For any head trauma, student-athlete should be removed from competition immediately and be evaluated by an Athletic Trainer. ü Varsity and Junior Varsity Captains – You must use the voting process; review

your selection with Director of Athletics before announcing.

ü Varsity Awards Night – At conclusion of season. ü Social Media Policy – Coaches cannot be “friends” with student-athletes in any form of social media. No text messages with students. ü Cell Phone – Have it with you, ringer on, in a place that you can hear it ring at all times.

ü Transportation and Team Travel – Coordinate all travel with Katie Boushie. After a competition, one or multiple buses or vans, will be reserved for trips to Manhattan’s East and/or West side and/or back to Riverdale. No student should drive to

practice/competition with a personal vehicle. Coaches should not drive students in their personal cars, no matter the circumstance. ü Checklist for Practices and Competitions – Make sure that you have everything each day. ü Officials – Make sure you get officials payment vouchers for home competitions from Katie Boushie. ü End of Season Assessment – Work with Peter Haley, Director of Coaching. ü Email - All correspondence to and from students, parents, faculty and

administrators at Riverdale Country School should be done via your Riverdale Country School e-mail Account.

Athletic Department Handbook Coaching at Riverdale Country School Riverdale Country School’s Department of Athletics has developed the Coaching at Riverdale Handbook, to help answer many of your questions; and provide consistency between our teams at each level. Our goal is to provide the highest quality program possible; you are a vital part of this process.

This handbook should be used as a reference during your time at Riverdale, although it is not, by any means, a comprehensive book. It may be amended at any time at the discretion of the Riverdale Country School.

I cannot stress enough the importance of open communication between the Department of Athletics and each of you. Should problems or questions arise, I am always available. I would always prefer you to ask too many questions, than to assume. I look forward to working alongside of your this season. Good luck!

GO FALCONS! John Pizzi, Jr. Director of Athletics Office: 718-519-2752 Cell: 646-469-5444 jpizzi@riverdale.edu

Mission – Provide a positive athletic experience for each student-athlete. o While maximizing student participation, promoting sportsmanship, representing the school with integrity, while understanding the importance of balancing the commitments of being a studentathlete.

Important Forms/Courses to Complete •

Coaches should complete, sign and return (to Peter Haley) the following forms and certifications, prior to the start of their season.

1. Riverdale Coaching Handbook Acknowledgement Form.

2. NYSAIS Athletics, Principles of Best Practices Form.

3. American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification. This course can be completed with Lori Gill, Director of Athletic Training and Safety.

4. CDC, Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports Course (print certificate).

5. Swim Coaches Only – American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or equivalent.

6. NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Certification, NY. There is a $35 fee for this course, please submit receipt for reimbursement. The NFHS Certification needs to be completed before the END OF YOUR SEASON. Not completing this course will preclude you from being considered for rehire. This course certification needs to be completed once, every 4 years.

7. Football Coaches Only – USA Football Level 1 Tackle Certification Course.

8. Football Coaches Only – USA Football High School Course Certification Course. § § § § §

Recommended – NFHS, Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment Recommended – NFHS, Heat Illness Prevention Recommended – NFHS, Teaching and Modeling Behavior Recommended – NFHS, Sportsmanship Recommended – NFHS, Sport Specific Courses

Coaching At Riverdale Job Description • •

The Coach is an official “front-line” representative of the school at Interscholastic Athletic Activities.

Coaches should be viewed first as teachers who utilize effective teaching strategies, striving towards having expert knowledge in their discipline. Effective planning, instructional skills, and the ability to set expectations, motivate, and discipline studentathletes are essential components.

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Coaches are responsible for planning and delivering daily practices that include sport specific fundamental technique, strategies, rules, conditioning, safety, and when applicable, positional play with the intention of maximizing performance.

Stay current with changes, trends and rule changes in your sport, working with the Director of Coaching, Peter Haley and through professional development, clinics, and interaction with fellow Riverdale coaches.

The relationship between the coach and each student-athlete is powerful and challenging. Coaches must set high expectations and expect high levels of effort and commitment, but must understand the physical and emotional stress of competitive sport, in conjunction with the Riverdale Country School academic expectations.

Coaches are responsible for their personal conduct and player conduct during all practices and competitions. Coaches must strive to be selfless even though their work is constantly on display and open to public criticism. Enforce the standards of sportsmanship and conduct. Any student‐athlete who shows any signs of temper, disgust, etc. should be removed and talked to. Any student-athlete who is assessed a penalty by a game official for unsportsmanlike conduct should be removed from that contest and may not be permitted to participate in the next succeeding contest if the violation is flagrant. Athletes should understand that intentionally striking an opponent, etc., will result in their not being permitted to play in the following contest/s. They must also understand that their actions cast a reflection on the coach, entire team, and the school community.

Empathy/Relationship - genuinely care about, respect, show concern for, and have the ability to motivate their athletes. Respond positively to individual studentathletes' issues and concerns and help them seek effective solutions.

Purpose - have a vision of how a “quality” program can best be achieved, working to promote the best interests of all student-athletes at all times.

Character Habits - have a solid work ethic, exhibiting responsibility, honesty, integrity, and dedication. These habits foster virtue in student-athletes. Set a good example with regard to personal appearance (clean and professional dress), conduct, language, and sportsmanship; immediately report any acts of un-sportsmanlike behavior by spectators, team, officials, or opposing team and coaches to the Director of Athletics.

Demonstrate and instill in players a respect for and courtesy toward opposing players, coaches, and officials. Always encourage qualities of self-discipline, cooperation, selfconfidence, leadership, courtesy, initiative, and fair play.

Maintain all applicable safety standards and report all unsafe environments to the Director of Athletics or Lori Gill, Director of Athletic Training and Safety. Conforming to departmental injury procedures, emergency medical procedures, and the care of student-athletes with concussions.

Actively assist student-athletes in achieving their college acceptance goals, in conjunction with the College Office. Make sure to update the Director of Athletics with any correspondence with college coaches.

Day to day operations of their program and the expectation to work collaboratively with administrative and support staff as well as peer coaches.

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Establish positive and effective communication with departmental staff and peer coaches, following appropriate departmental chain of command.

Coaches are responsible for completing and submitting all paperwork, in accordance with established timelines and procedures.

Coaches are responsible for the supervision of all team members beginning with their arrival in the locker room prior to the start of practices or competitions, and ending when the last student-athlete has met with transportation home.

Use discretion when providing constructive criticism and when reprimanding athletes.

Avoid suggesting, providing, or encouraging any student-athlete to use non-prescriptive drugs, anabolic steroids, or any substance to increase physical development or performance that is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, Surgeon General of the United States or American Medical Association.

Varsity coaches are responsible for attending all “League” pre- and post- season meetings.

Junior Varsity and Middle School Coaches may be asked to “help” with the varsity team; and may or may not be compensated for extra time spent coaching.

Maintain a professional attitude toward other colleagues, opponents, opposing coaches and contest officials. Complaints or disrespectful actions should be filed through the Director of Athletics.

Utilize the strategies from Coaching Partnerships, a comprehensive outline on how to successfully work together as a head coach and assistant coach.

Understand Risk Management – Plan and act properly to satisfy a strong duty of care, ensuring all reasonable steps are taken to overcome foreseeable risks and enforcing safety. o Safe as possible means that efforts are made to: § Make field/court checks prior to the sport activity to identify and remove hazards from the environment in which the activity takes place. § Educate participants to undertake the activity safely as possible (this includes ensuring that participants know and understand the rules of the game and wearing protective clothing/equipment). § Supervise participants as they undertake sport activities particularly if they are children or have an infirmity. § Ensure that there are persons on hand who can respond appropriately to emergencies. This usually involves the provision training and the development of procedure. o Duty – coach owes specific duty to the injured player o Breach – proof that the coach failed to fulfill duty o Causation – proof that failure to properly perform a particular duty or duties was the actual and likely cause of players injuries o Damages – proof of actual damage or loss

Varsity Philosophy - Varsity teams constitute the highest level of achievement and

commitment for a student-athlete at Riverdale Country School. In an effort to maintain a

competitive program, tryouts occur each year for all varsity teams. Selection will be based on talent, regardless of grade level. All returning varsity members are automatically on the varsity team. While participation in contests throughout the season is desirable, playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed. Varsity teams may require a 6-day per week commitment, and may also require practices or contests during vacation periods. The varsity coach is the leader of each program. Being prepared to win, compete and reach one’s potential are all important varsity team goals.

Junior Varsity Philosophy - The junior varsity program is intended for student-athletes

who have the potential to develop their skills, preparing them to play at the varsity level.

Junior Varsity teams will place a strong emphasis on skill development, physical conditioning, and learning the detailed elements of team strategies. Junior varsity teams compete at a high level and will balance winning and player development. When numbers warrant, selection of teams will take place. No seniors will be allowed to participate on junior varsity teams.

Middle School Sports Philosophy (7th and 8th Grade Teams) - Middle school

sports are open to all 7th and 8th grade student-athletes who wish to compete. The goal of middle school teams is to build knowledge and develop an understanding of the expectations of a team philosophy. Other goals include: social growth, physical development, and working within a group. The main focus is not on winning; student-athletes should be exposed to a competitive balance, which includes student-athletes having the opportunity to compete in every contest. Practice sessions and competitions are four days per week, Monday to Thursday.

Practices and competitions follow the academic calendar; no practices or competitions will take place on weekends, holidays, or vacation periods.

8th grade students may participate on Upper School teams, only when that sport is not offered at the Middle School level. 8th grade students need to pass the NY State Athletic Placement Process, to be eligible for high school athletics. No 8th grade student may participate on an Upper School team if a Middle School team is offered for that sport. No 7th grade student is eligible for Upper School team participation.

Volunteer Coaches - Please keep in mind that Riverdale does not utilize volunteer assistant coaches. All coaches must be background checked and cleared by the Human Resources Office, prior to attending any practice or games. Alumni can “help� at practices (NOT GAMES), as long as the head coach gets prior approval from the Director of Athletics.

Riverdale E-mail Account - All correspondence to and from students, parents, faculty and administrators at Riverdale Country School should be done via your Riverdale Country School e-mail Account.

Employing the following best practices in maintaining your Riverdale e-mail accounts can help in increasing efficiency and avoiding potential risks: 1. To login in, go to: mail.riverdale.edu 2. For username and login information, please see John Pizzi, Director of Athletics.

3. Never share your password.

4. Keep a separate e-mail account for personal communications. It is important that personal information such as communications with family or friends, financial institutions, merchants, or service providers be directed to personal email accounts to avoid potential risks.

5. Delete unneeded messages and attachments.

6. Unsubscribe from mailing lists that are no longer needed. Users often subscribe to mailing lists that initially appear to be useful.

7. Use care when sending messages to large groups.

8. Observe Riverdale Country School policies pertaining to Electronic Mail and Appropriate Use, in the Riverdale Country School Employment Handbook.

9. For information on how to use your Riverdale e-mail account, use this link: https://knowledge.riverdale.edu/index.php?title=Google_Mail:_Basics 10. For information on using a mobile device wit your Riverdale e-mail account, use this link: https://knowledge.riverdale.edu/index.php?title=Get_your_Google_Apps_Email_(Gmail),_Contacts,_and_Calendars_on_your_mobile_device_with_Google_Syn c

11. Wi-Fi for non-full time RCS employees • •

Network: RCS-Guest Password: gofalcons!

Selection Process/Rosters Upper School Athletics The primary goals for the Department of Athletics is to have as many Riverdale students participate in sports, having a positive experience, and fielding the most competitive teams possible, without diluting the quality of our sports programs.

For certain sports and levels tryouts may be conducted. Cuts will be made when time limitations, facility constraints, and team size limit the size of a team squad. Coaches, with the assistance from the Director of Athletics, strive to maximize the opportunities for all of the student-athletes at Riverdale, without jeopardizing the quality of the experience.

Prior to the start of each season, students will sign-up for a sport. The Director of Athletics will review the sports sign-ups and when necessary for a given sport, a selection period will be determined. The selection period will last for at least three days. In addition, students will get at least one opportunity to participate in an intrasquad competition during the three-day selection period. It is strongly encouraged that coaches have detailed practice lesson plans, with specified opportunity for evaluation and assessment.

If a student-athlete does not sign-up for a sports team during the sign-up period, they may forfeit their ability to play that season. Students wishing to compete on athletic teams need to attend their first practice, within the first week of the season. Any student, who signs up for a sport after the first week of the season, must submit a letter to the Director of Athletics, requesting a waiver of this rule, including why the student did not attend practice during the first week of the season. No student can join a team after 10 official practices have been completed for that season.

Prior to announcing the students who have “made the team,” coaches must submit a roster form (including the projected varsity roster the next four years), which will be reviewed with the Head of the Upper School, Director of Athletics, and the Deans.

Students who make a team will be notified using a list, which will be posted at the end of the tryout period in a spot designated by the Director of Athletics.

Each student who is cut from a team will have the opportunity for a meeting with the coach and/or Director of Athletics. Any student that is cut from a sport will be encouraged to try a different “no-cut” sport during that sports season.

Juniors may be selected to be on junior varsity teams. Any junior who is selected for a junior varsity team must have a meeting with the coach and Director of Athletics.

There is no limit to the number of student-athletes per roster, except when facility restraints are an issue. Upper School students who compete on an athletic team will be exempt from Physical Education classes for that season.

Middle School Athletics All middle school students who wish to participate in a sport at the middle school level will be given the opportunity to do so. There are no cuts at the middle school level.

Middle School student-athletes are required to take Physical Education classes even if they participate on athletics teams. A final roster should be emailed to Director of Athletics, once the squads have been finalized.

Dropping Sports/Quitting Sports - If there is a strong reason for the student-athlete to drop a sport, they should consult with their coach and submit a letter of explanation to the Director of Athletics. All student-athletes who drop out of a sport must attend Physical Education classes.

Coaches should notify the Director of Athletics immediately for any roster changes.

Rules and Regulations - There are several documents that explain the NYS pre-

determined Rules and Regulations for seasonal play. Please pay particular attention to the required number of practices a student-athlete must complete to be eligible to compete in practices and competitions. (NYSAIS Sports Standard Grid – on coaching website) Student-athletes are eligible for formal scrimmages or competition, only after they have completed the required number of days of practice based on NYSAIS Standards for Upper School Sports and the NYSAIS Standards for Middle School Sports. Please be reminded that this is practice days, not number of practices. Students can complete a practice on the day of a formal scrimmage or competition, please review this regulation with John Pizzi. Once a student-athlete has met the requirement to play in a formal scrimmage, each formal scrimmage will count as a practice day, computed towards the NYSAIS competition requirement. Failing to meet this standard can both disqualify the student-athlete and potentially forfeit the competition.

NYSAIS has set forth certain safety protocols (rules modifications) for Middle School Sports.

These protocols can be and in many cases are different than High School Sports protocols.

Please consult the NYSAIS Middle School Handbook for the specific rule changes for your sport.

High School teams should follow the rules set forth by the Association and their governing board. In most cases, NFHS rules will be used. Coaches will be given a rulebook at the start of their season for their sport.

Football Coaches – please pay particular attention to the Football Contact Policy.

End of Season Assessments/Reviews - At the conclusion of the season, Coaches must complete the End of Season Coach's Program Review that is forwarded by the Director of Coaching. In some cases, coaches will be required to have an end of season meeting with the Director of Athletics and the Director of Coaching.

Within in two weeks prior to the conclusion of the season, the Director of Coaching will schedule a mutually agreed block of practice with the student-athletes to administer the End of Season Student Athlete Program Review.

At the end of the season each coach will receive and summarized coaching performance review that includes information gathered from the; student-athlete, Director’s of Athletics, Assistant Director of Athletics for Operations, Director of Coaches, Athletic Health Care Team and any other parties that can aid in providing a complete and thorough assessment.

Reporting Competition Scores - After each competition (for middle school and upper school), an email should be sent to scores@riverdale.edu, with the competition result.

Include the score of the competition and a brief synopsis of any highlights for the competition, which will be posted on the website and used for selection of Athlete of the Week (high school).

Varsity Letters - In all circumstances, student-athlete uniforms must be “turned in” for an athlete to receive their letter. *This also applies to receiving their yearbook (spring).

• Prior to the end of the season (and especially prior to the sports awards night), coaches should communicate with those students that are not receiving a varsity letter.

Automatic Letters 1. Students, who make a varsity team for those sports with a junior varsity.

2. Students, who make a varsity team, when there is no junior varsity team, but cuts are made.

Conditional Letters Students on a varsity team, when there is no junior varsity team, will earn a varsity letter if they compete in one more than half of the varsity contests.

Exhibition matches or non-varsity competitions should not be used in this computation.

Attendance Policy - When an emergency occurs and you (the coach) cannot attend

practice/competition, please call the Director of Athletics, 718-519-2752 (office) or 646-469-5444 (cell). Changes to practice times and locations are highly discouraged. If you need to change a practice time or location, please alert the Department of Athletics, as soon as you can.

Middle School Attendance Policy - Middle School practices are limited to Monday to Thursday only. No middle school practices will take place on weekends or days when school is not in session.

Students are excused from practice for "religious" or "school sponsored events." No student should miss Riverdale team practices to attend "outside" team practices or other appointments and activities.

Any special circumstances, requiring students to miss practice on a regular basis, should be communicated to the Director of Athletics.

Students should communicate at the beginning of the season with the coach, any specific “missed practice” days that may take place during the season.

Any student who misses Physical Education due to a medical issue will not be allowed to practice or compete later that same day.

Upper School

Varsity teams may require a six-day per week commitment (Monday to Saturday), and may also include practices or contests during vacation periods, with the approval of the Director of Athletics and the Head of the Upper School. All practice and competition schedules will be posted on the Riverdale website at least one season in advance. Junior Varsity teams will practice from Monday to Friday, only. Attendance at practice for all teams should be considered mandatory. Exceptions will be given for school sponsored events, college visits, or extenuating circumstances.

If there is an unexcused absence and it is before a competition the student-athlete may not start in the next competition (if they are a starter) or their playing time may be limited in the next competition (if they are a non starter). Either way coaches should communicate this decision to players, prior to the competition in question. Recurring incidence of missed practices will require a meeting with the coach and the Director of Athletics.

No varsity practices will take place on Sunday, unless there are extenuating circumstances: day before a playoff competition, several practices in a row canceled due to weather, or at the discretion of the Director of Athletics and Head of the Upper School, when requested by a coach. Practice sessions may take place on days when school is not in session (teacher in service days, spring break, winter break, Federal Holidays), if approved by the Director of Athletics and the Head of the Upper School.

On rare and necessary occasions (not convenience), practices can take place before school. These practices are considered optional and students should not be punished for missing a morning practice.

Fall practices (preseason) will begin prior to the start of academic classes. Students wishing to participate on varsity teams should be at all preseason practices. Injured student-athletes will not be penalized, but should still attend practices, when physically possible.

Any student who is absent from school cannot participate in practice or competitions.

Students must be in school for at least four periods during the day to be eligible for athletics (practices or competitions). The Head of the Upper School can grant exceptions, when students present a valid excuse for missing school.

If practice is missed for after school testing, the student should not be penalized and should be allowed to play in a competition the following day.

Coaches will take attendance at each practice. Any student “skipping” practice should be emailed that day to explain the absence. A second “skipped” practice, will require a meeting with the Director of Athletics, their Dean, the head coach, and the student and may result in dismissal from the team and a lower academic grade for that sport.

Parents will be notified, in consultation with the Director of Athletics and the Dean, for any punishments, beyond the first “skipped” practice.

Any special circumstances, requiring students to miss practice on a regular basis, should be communicated to the Director of Athletics. Students should communicate at the beginning of the season, any specific “missed practice” days that may take place during the season.

No practices can take place unless a certified athletic trainer is available; this includes “captains practices.”

Grading Students for Sports - At the end of each season, coaches need to complete

grading/comments for each member of (student-athletes as well as managers) their respective teams. Two weeks prior to the conclusion of the season the Director of Coaching will forward each coach a Grading Form that must be completed three days prior to the final practice.

Coaches should use the documents, Guidelines for Grading Student Athletes as well Grading Percentages for Athletics to assist them in the grading process.

Domains

% Of Grade

Attendance

40

Effort

20

Attitude

20

Improvement

10

Skill Performance

10

Participation on Non-School Teams - Riverdale Country School athletic teams should

take priority over outside teams. Students should not miss Riverdale practices or competitions to attend non-school team events. Student-athletes are expected to make a 100% commitment to Riverdale teams.

School-Sponsored Program Conflicts and Early Dismissals - Every effort is made

to schedule athletic events outside of the school day to avoid disruption to the academic program. However, conflicts can occur and students are required to make up any missed work.

Student-athletes are expected to be in class until the designated dismissal time.

If a student-athlete has a conflict with two school-sponsored events, a discussion takes place between the Director of Athletics and moderator of the other school activity, to resolve the conflict.

Participation on Two Sports during the Same Season - Student-athletes are not

allowed to participate on two Riverdale Country School teams during the same athletic season.

Professional Development for Coaches/Professional Memberships - Coaches who

have coached at Riverdale for more than three years are eligible to request professional development funds from the Department of Athletics. All requests (including a detailed budget) should be submitted in writing, at least 30 days in advance of the professional development opportunity. Funds may cover: hotels, travel, meals, and registration fees.

The Department of Athletics will pay for all memberships to sport specific professional coaching associations. It is an expectation that coaches maintain current membership from their professional coaching associations, or the like. All requests should be submitted in writing.

Coaches are encouraged to join the National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS).

Please note that no expenses will be paid without prior written approval.

Video Policy (videoing of competitions and video software usage) - Coaches

wishing to have their competitions videotaped can request a camera from Peter Haley and/or manager to video games. Priority will be given to varsity teams.

Coaches can use any of the large screen televisions (located in Team Room C, Team Room AB, Fitness Center, or the Athletic Office) to show video to their teams, via Apple TV. Coaches should request use of the televisions for scheduling purposes. Coaches can also request the service of a video analysis program; Huddl or Krossover.

Riverdale Country School owns all video; all video equipment should be returned to the Athletic Office after each use.

Budget Process - All expenditures being charged to the athletic budgets must be "preapproved" by the Director of Athletics. Calling in orders, using personal credit cards, and having vendors take orders without a purchase order will not be accepted or reimbursed.

No personal expenses will be reimbursed, including parking, meals, travel expenses, coach’s clinics, hotels, etc., without prior pre-approval. These policies are not only inclusive of the athletic budget, but also spend down accounts, and team gear.

No coach should accept money from a student, for any reason. If a team is ordering, “team gear,” Peter Haley, Assistant Director of Athletics or Katie Boushie, should collect all monies. All monies collected should be “deposited” at the Business Office within 24 hours of receipt. In all cases, students should receive a receipt for all exchanges of money.

For all team trips, a detailed budget must be submitted, prior to any communication with students or parents. All expenditures for team trips must be proposed on a budget sheet and will still require the use of purchase orders and pre-approval.

Students, who are paying for trips, should give their money directly to Peter Haley or Katie Boushie. No coach should receive cash or checks from students.

Coaches, who have access to spend down accounts or an account with monies collected from students, must keep a detailed ledger of projected and actual revenue and projected and actual expenditures. All spend down accounts and accounts with collected money, must end the year with a zero or positive balance.

Team Events, Dinners, Gatherings – Coaches can help parents organize team events

(dinners or gatherings). Team events should take place on Friday when possible. No more than 2 team events can take place per month. In all cases, a start time and end time should be established. At the end of the event, the coach should make sure that all students have left, being the last person to leave. If a coach is uncomfortable with anything that happens at a team dinner, they should contact the Director of Athletics, immediately.

Restricted Giving to Specific Athletic Team • • • • • •

Restricted gifts specific to teams will continue to be accepted and appreciated.

To foster equity amongst and within teams, 1/3 of each gift will be appropriated to a general athletic restricted fund, held by the Director of Athletics.

2/3 of the restricted gift will be given directly to the team.

The general athletic restricted fund will be used in a Title IX way, providing resources to those teams without direct funding.

Coaches from such teams can petition the department of athletics for funding for additional requests.

Monies will be awarded on a rotational basis, and based on real need.

League Affiliations

Riverdale Country School is a member of the Ivy Preparatory School League: Dalton School, Hackley School, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Horace Mann School, Poly Prep Country School, Trinity School, and the Collegiate School (boys only). The Ivy League sponsors the following sports: field hockey, soccer (boys and girls), volleyball, cross country (boys and girls), basketball (boys and girls), swimming (boys and girls), indoor track (boys and girls), squash (boys), tennis (boys and girls), baseball, softball, golf (boys), track and field (boys and girls), and lacrosse (boys and girls).

Riverdale Country School follows the guidelines for athletics as governed by the New York State Association of Independent Schools Athletics Association (NYSAISAA). Riverdale Country School also competes against several public high schools as a member of the Federation of Secondary Schools of New York. Riverdale is also a member of the IFSL (Independent Schools Fencing League), the DiscNY High School League (Ultimate Frisbee), and the MISFL (Metropolitan Independent School Football League).

Weather - Riverdale follows the NYS and NATA guidelines for heat acclimatization and cold weather. The Riverdale Country School Weather Safety Policy can be found on the coaching website.

On days where weather is inclement the Director of Athletics will consult with each coach for cancellation. Contest and practice cancellations, vary from sport to sport, and student-athletes are advised of any cancellations or practice changes during the day. Days when school is closed due to inclement weather, all competitions and practices are also cancelled.

Website - Coaches should not provide student-athletes paper copies of schedules, rather advise student-athletes to check the website for schedules.

Equipment and Uniforms Coaches should inspect their equipment at the beginning and end of each practice, to ensure proper functioning and safety.

Peter Haley, Assistant Director of Athletics, is in charge of all departmental equipment and uniforms. All requests for equipment, uniforms, coaches’ gear, team gear, etc., should go through Peter. If something that you were issued is broken, please discontinue use of that item and report it to Peter immediately for a replacement. Coaches will be issued the appropriate equipment for their season. The expectation is that all equipment is returned at the end of the season. Any equipment in need of repair, should not be used, and returned to the Department of Athletics’ for a replacement item.

Coaches needing additional equipment for their season, beyond what is issued, should make a request to the Peter Haley, Assistant Director.

Uniforms are issued to student-athletes prior to a team’s first competition and are expected to be returned cleaned one week after the conclusion of the season to only the following individuals; their coach, Katie Boushie, Peter Haley or John Pizzi. Student-athletes are expected to wash and clean their uniforms after each contest. Students-athletes who plan to compete in the next upcoming season will not be issued a uniform for their next season until the uniform is returned. Failure to return any uniform prior to June 30th will; loose their one “PE Free” privilege for the future, not be issued a yearbook and be held financially responsible for the uniform replacement.

Under no circumstances should coaches give equipment to students, access the equipment rooms, or take returned uniforms from students. Peter Haley will handle the return process for all equipment issued to coaches and students.

For safety reasons, student-athletes are not permitted to use their own protective equipment (i.e.: helmet, catcher’s equipment, goal keeper equipment, etc.), unless it has received inspection and certification from a recognized NAERA certified supplier. Student-athletes can also bring all personal safety equipment to the Department of Athletics for certification.

Personal safety equipment includes: catchers’ gear, goalkeeper gear, softball/baseball helmets, football shoulder pads, football helmets, lacrosse helmets, etc. Student-athletes are expected to use the protective equipment provided by Riverdale.

All other personal equipment that a student-athlete may use for their sport (i.e.: stick, glove, goggles, bat, etc.) must meet the requirements as set forth by the sport governing body.

Certain sports require student-athletes to wear certified safety equipment. For questions about personal safety equipment, please consult Lori Gill, Director of Athletic Training and Safety. The following is a list of student safety equipment that requires certification.

Soccer: shin guards Field Hockey: goggles, shin guards, mouth guard, stick Football: mouth guards, RIVERDALE will provide helmets, shoulder pads and girdles Boys Lacrosse – sticks, mouth guards, pads, RIVERDALE will provide gloves and helmets Girls Lacrosse – stick, mouth guards, goggles Squash: goggles Baseball: bats, gloves Softball: bats, gloves, mouth guards Student-athletes, coaches, or parents, without the written permission from the Director of Athletics cannot use the Riverdale Country School logo or name.

Student-athletes may purchase additional team items, outside of the required athletics uniforms. All additional apparel must be approved by the Assistant Director of Athletics and ordered through the Department of Athletics. Coaches should see the Budget Process above for details on ordering additional apparel (jackets, sweatshirts, etc.). All additional team items must be scheduled to arrive to campus by the mid-point of the season. No Junior Varsity or Middle School Teams can order additional team items.

Dietary Supplements - All student-athletes and their parents/guardians should consult

their physicians before taking any supplement products. In addition, coaches and staff should not recommend or supply any supplement product to student-athletes.

Assumption of Risk - Even though all precautions and preventative measures are taken,

injuries can occur. Severe injury is rare at school-sponsored and supervised events. Coaches, parents, and student-athletes need to be clear on all of the possibilities that exist. Riverdale Country School is committed to providing a safe environment that fosters the physical well being of all student-athletes.

Coaches Duties for Keeping Athletes Safe • Physically condition the player for the activity.

• Properly supervise the players.

• Properly instruct the players.

• • •

Include cautions and warning information in instruction.

Practices should always meet a high standard of care.

When an accident or significant injury occurs, coaches must respond in the prescribed manner. Record their observations, attempting to answer questions of what, where, when, why, and how. They can also note the names of any witnesses, secure equipment that might be part of the incident, and take photos and measurements of the area.

Clearance and Paperwork

Before any student-athlete is able participate in a sport at Riverdale they must complete all of the required forms. Each student-athlete must have an up-to-date physical examination (Health form), Interval Health History, and Student Medical Information form on file.

At the beginning of each season coaches will be given a daily list of clearances until each student-athlete trying out for that particular sport is cleared. No student-athlete should participate, in any sport related activities until the coach has received clearance directly from the Director of Athletic Training and Safety. Failure to do so is a major liability issue.

Concussion Management Return to Play Protocol

Return to play following a concussion involves a stepwise progression once the individual is symptom free. There are many risks to premature return to play including a greater risk for a second concussion because of a lower concussion threshold, second impact syndrome (abnormal brain blood flow that can result in death), exacerbation of any current symptoms, and possibly increased risk for additional injury due to alteration in balance.

Before the start of each season (or as needed), student-athletes will be given the ImPACT test, a neurological baseline test, which helps determine when a student-athlete is able to “return to play,” after a student-athlete sustains a head injury. For more information about the ImPACT test, go to: www.impacttest.com.

If a student-athlete incurs a head injury, one of the staff athletic trainers will evaluate the severity of the injury. No student-athlete should return to play while symptomatic. Students are prohibited to return to play or physical education class the day the concussion is sustained.

If there is any doubt as to whether a student has sustained a concussion, it should be treated as a concussion.

In all cases, the Director of Athletic Training and Safety or school nurse will contact the parents and request that a physician evaluate the student-athlete. The Director of Athletic Training and Safety will follow up that night with the student-athlete and their parents/guardians. The student-athlete will not be allowed to drive a vehicle after head injury and alternate transportation should be provided by a parent, or by the School. The Director of Athletic Training and Safety will re-administer the ImPACT test, only when the student-athlete receives written clearance from a doctor. The Director of Athletic Training and Safety and ImPACT Neuropsychologist contracted through Riverdale will interpret the ImPACT results. If a “passing

score” on the ImPACT test is not achieved by the student-athlete (based on the guidelines provided by the ImPACT test), the student-athlete will be held out of sports and physical education. In such cases, the Director of Athletic Training and Safety or school nurse will call the student-athlete’s parents and explain the discrepancy between with pre and post ImPACT tests.

In addition to the ImPACT test, the student-athlete will be taken through a physical exertion test administered by the Director of Athletic Training and Safety. This test will entail some light jogging, sprinting, pushups and sit-ups. If any signs or symptoms of a concussion return after the exertion the student-athlete will be held out of play.

Once the student-athlete is symptom free at rest for 24 hours, has a signed clearance by their physician, and has been cleared by the Director of Athletic Training and Safety, she/he may begin the return to play progression below (provided there are no other mitigating circumstances).

Phase 1 – Includes low impact, non-strenuous, light aerobic activity such as walking or riding a stationary bike. If tolerated without return of symptoms over a 24-hour period proceed to; Phase 2 – Includes higher impact, higher exertion, and moderate aerobic activity such as running or jumping rope. No resistance training. If tolerated without return of symptoms over a 24-hour period proceed to; Phase 3 - Sport specific non-contact activity and low resistance weight training with a spotter. If tolerated without return of symptoms over a 24-hour period proceed to; Phase 4 - Sport specific activity, non-contact drills. Higher resistance weight training with a spotter. If tolerated without return of symptoms over a 24-hour period proceed to; Phase 5 - Full contact training drills and intense aerobic activity. If tolerated without return of symptoms over a 24-hour period proceed to; Phase 6 - Return to full activities without restrictions.

Each step should take 24 hours so that a student-athlete would take approximately one week to proceed through the full rehabilitation protocol once they are asymptomatic at rest and with progressive exercise. If any post-concussion symptoms occur while in the stepwise program, the student-athlete will drop back to the previous asymptomatic level and try to progress again after a further 24-hour period of rest has passed.

Individual Team Rules - Coaches may establish team rules, which, if different from those discussed in this handbook, must be approved by the Director of Athletics and distributed to

all team members. These rules will be on file with the Director of Athletics; failure to adhere to these rules is considered athletic code violations.

Ivy Preparatory School League Code of Conduct

The Ivy Preparatory School League promotes good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches and fans. We ask all spectators to respect the efforts of players, coaches and officials by cheering in a positive manner for their respective teams. At no time should spectators speak to participants, coaches or officials in an athletic event. Profanity, racial or ethnic slurs, personal insults, fighting or other inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the site of competition. In addition, the use of noisemakers is not permitted.

Competitions should be competitive, but, above all, fun and friendly for everyone.

Hazing/Bullying - Hazing is defined as any form or type of physical, verbal, and/or emotional mistreatment, abuse, illegal activity (drinking or taking drugs), or harassment/embarrassment of a student-athlete in connection with a student-athlete’s participation (or lack of participation) or membership on an athletic team, regardless of the person's willingness to participate.

Bullying is defined as the intimidation of others by acts such as, but not limited to: threatened or actual physical harm, unwelcomed physical contact, threatening or taunting, unwanted verbal, written, or electronic communications, taking or extorting money or property, damaging or destroying property, and blocking or impeding student movement.

Riverdale Country School does not allow any intimidating or inappropriate behavior, which can be construed as or considered hazing or bullying. Participation in illegal or inappropriate activities, forced or otherwise, in connection with team membership is also considered hazing.

Any activity or behavior considered hazing or bullying should be reported to the Director of Athletics. Both the Director of Athletics and the appropriate Division Head will review each case. Any student-athlete found to be hazing might face disciplinary action. In addition, any incident of hazing can constitute a criminal violation and may be punishable by state or federal law.

Captains Varsity Teams Near the end of the season, each varsity team member (including seniors) will get two votes for captains; the final decision for captain rests between the coach, the Director of Athletics, the Head of the Upper School, and the Deans. Seniors should be selected whenever possible, at times a deserving underclassman may hold the position of captain.

Coaches should review their choices for captains, including the final votes, with the Director of Athletics prior to announcing their captains. Freshman cannot hold the position of captain on a varsity team. Captains will be announced at the end of the sport

season in an appropriate team meeting. Captains should not be announced at the end of season awards ceremony or team gatherings.

Junior Varsity Teams After tryouts have been completed, each team member will get two votes for captains; the final decision for captain rests between the coach, the Director of Athletics, the Head of the Upper School, and the Deans. Upperclassmen should be selected whenever possible, at times a deserving underclassman may hold the position of captain. Coaches should review their choices for captains, including the final votes, with the Director of Athletics prior to announcing their captains.

Team captains are expected to: • Be a dedicated student-athlete.

• Be a positive influence; leading by example.

• Act as an appropriate role model; uphold value of sportsmanship, encouraging teammates, and the program.

• Be an effective communicator able to represent the teams concerns or issues.

• Support the coaches and the program.

• Be a member of the Captains Council.

Captains Leadership Council - The Captains Leadership Council includes all captains of

varsity teams, the Director of Athletics, and the Director of Coaching. The Captains Leadership Council will meet at least three times per season, to discuss important issues within the department of athletics.

Social Media Policy

The School respects the rights of students, faculty, and staff to engage in free and open communication of their personal information through the individual use of weblogs, Internet diaries, social websites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Vimeo, and other forms of online discourse (“Personal Online Activities”). Riverdale Country School reserves the right to monitor publicly posted material for compliance with this Social Media Policy. Students, faculty, and staff who violate this policy are subject to administrative disciplinary action leading up to and including expulsion or job termination. This Social Media Policy does not prohibit lawfully protected communications regarding an employee’s off‐duty political, recreational, or other legally protected activities.

Middle School coaches should never engage in texting with students. Middle School students are not allowed to carry their cell phones with them during the day.

Varsity and Junior Varsity coaches can only text students in an emergency situation, as long as the text message is informational in nature (practice times, dismissal times, changes to schedules, etc.). Each text should include more than one student (including captains or the team/group). If coaches receive text messages from student-athletes of a more serious nature

(upset about playing time, struggling with the team, hazing, etc.), the coach should not respond.

Rather, communicate with the student-athlete in person. Coaches should also avoid personal text exchanges like "you were awesome today,’ which may be misconstrued.

Varsity Awards Nights

At the conclusion of each season, an athletic awards ceremony will take place in the Student Center. Each varsity team will present ONE MVP and ONE COACHES AWARD. MVP – is the player that your team could not do without during the season. Without this player, your results, wins, or accomplishments could not have happened.

Coaches Award – Presented to the varsity team member that each coach wishes that they could duplicate. The recipient is a student-athlete that honors competition, puts the team first, and makes being part of the team enjoyable for their coaches and teammates.

Junior Varsity student-athletes and Middle School student-athletes will be recognized during the school day.

Important Contact Information

John Pizzi, Jr., Director of Athletics Peter Haley, Asst. Director of Athletics Lori Gill, Dir. ATC/Safety Mike Powers, Assistant Athletic Trainer Katie Boushie, Admin. Asst., Asst. ATC Roberta MacIvor, Head Strength Coach Riverdale Country School Supertrans Bus Company

cell: 646-469-5444 cell: 413-478-9648 cell: 631-338-3306 cell: 914-438-6737 cell: 802-233-4125 cell: 917-623-7283 main: 718-549-8810 office: 914-968-3300

email: jpizzi@riverdale.edu email: phaley@riverdale.edu email: lgill@riverdale.edu email: mpowers@riverdale.edu email: kboushie@riverdale.edu email: rmacivor@riverdale.edu

Transportation and Team Travel

Coaches are expected to arrive at Riverdale Country School, 20 minutes prior to the start of their practice or bus departure time. Home competitions will require coaches to be at Riverdale, at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the competition.

Student-athletes will be transported to and from practices and/or contests by Riverdale Country School authorized vehicles only. Students are not permitted to drive their personal vehicles to practices or competitions. Coaches are expected to travel with their team on the Riverdale Country School authorized vehicles to and from practices and/or contests. Under no circumstances, should a coach drive a student in their personal vehicle. Under extraordinary circumstances, student-athletes may be excused from utilizing the Riverdale Country School authorized vehicles. For any such an event, parents must request in writing, permission from the Director of Athletics. When permission is granted, that student-athlete can only transport him or herself.

After competitions and/or practices, coaches are expected to stay with all of their student-athletes until each student-athletes has been picked up.

Only “roster” student-athletes, managers and coaches are allowed to be transported by the Riverdale Country School authorized vehicles.

When traveling to an away match, if a bus is delayed for any reason, please call the Director of Athletics (646-469-5444), so that we can alert the host team.

Coordination of Team Transportation - A bus, vans, or multiple buses will be reserved for team travel TO each competition or practice.

At the start of the season, coaches will complete the roster form, which includes home town/drop off location. In addition, coaches should query their student-athletes, about when parents will be in attendance at competitions, on a given day. Based on the parents feedback, hometown/drop off location, and the location of the competition, a bus(es) or van(s), will be reserved for RETURN trips back to Riverdale, Manhattan’s East and/or West side. Coaches should work with Katie Boushie, each week, for proper coordination of team travel. At the start of each week (or daily), coaches should check the transportation log, detailing the number of buses/vans TO a competition and the number of buses/van FROM the competition.

Coaches, in coordination with the Department of Athletics, MAY drive their personal cars to away contests, depending on the location of the contest an the hometown of the coach. In such cases, the coach should not leave the competition location until each student has been transported home.

At 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, a set of buses (THE LATE BUS) will depart the Hill Campus to take students to all parts of NYC, NJ, and Westchester County. It is important that all practices are finished in time for students to get to the late bus.

When students arrive back to campus, from an away contest, and it is past 6:00 p.m., we will use a service to help students get home. Our Athletic Trainers, Lori Gill, Mike Powers, and Katie Boushie will coordinate the service; coaches should find them when they get to campus.

There is no transportation for student-athletes after HOME contests. This is inclusive of HOME contests that are played at Van Cortlandt Park, at the Lower School, or on the Hill Campus. Please note that some HOME contest end after 6:00, in which case there would be no transportation.

Student Managers - The coach in conjunction with the Department of Athletics will

determine student manager tasks. Student managers are exempted from PE class for the trimester that they are a team manager. If there are any issues with your student managers,

including attendance, please alert the Director of Coaching immediately. Coaches can request additional managers, showing a definitive need.

Managers by Season Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer – 1 manager each (2 if games are being filmed) Boys and Girls Junior Varsity Soccer – 1 manager each Varsity Field Hockey – 1 manager Junior Varsity Field Hockey – 1 manager Varsity Volleyball – 2 managers Junior Varsity Volleyball – 2 managers Varsity Football – 2 managers Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball – 3 managers each Boys and Girls Junior Varsity Basketball – 3 managers each Boys and Girls Middle School Basketball – 1 manager each Boys and Girls Varsity Swimming – 3 managers Boys and Girls Varsity Lacrosse – 2 managers each Boys and Girls Junior Varsity Lacrosse – 2 managers each Varsity Baseball – 2 managers Junior Varsity Baseball – 1 manager Varsity Softball – 1 manager Junior Varsity Softball – 1 manager

Cell Phone - Coaches should carry their cell phone with them at all times, while coaching.

The ringer on your cell phone should be turned on and the phone should be located in a place where each coach can hear the phone ring.

Payments/Stipends - Coach’s that are non-Riverdale full time employees will be paid bimonthly, during employment. All checks will be mailed to the coach’s residential address unless an alternative option was agree upon with Katie Boushie or Peter Haley. All questions regarding the distribution and timing of checks should be directed to Sonny Callado (scollado@riverdale.edu) in Human Resources. Coaches may not receive extra pay, salary, gifts or trips from parents. Modest end of season gifts are permitted.

Competition/Practice Checklist • • • • • • • •

AED – make sure this is with you each day (practices, home and away competitions) Cell Phone Officials Vouchers Transportation Plan – bus number Medical Kit Emergency Contact Forms Pinnies Cones

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Whistle Training Equipment (ladders, hurdles, portable goals) Water Jug Water Bottles Ice cooler Team Equipment (balls, goal keeper gear, etc.)

Blood Uniform – varsity teams Scorebook Line Up Cards/Roster, stickers (for track) Bases, hammer (softball/baseball) On the Field Timer Post Game – CLEAN THE BENCH AREA

College Guidance Riverdale Country School is committed to assisting student-athletes in their search to find a college/university to further their desire to participate in college athletics, when appropriate.

Student-athletes who wish to participate in college athletics should meet with the Director of Athletics and the sport specific coach during the student’s sophomore year. Based on this meeting, with the input from the College Placement Office, a specific recruiting program is set up for each individual, based on several factors (athletic skill level, academic interests, standardized test scores, etc.).

It is important that Riverdale coaches provide realistic expectations for students who wish to participate in college athletics. Riverdale coaches should follow the program set up by the College Office and the Director of Athletics, and should keep the Director of Athletics apprised of all conversations and correspondence with each potential college student-athlete.

Riverdale Country School cannot predict the results, gauge the accuracy, or assess the knowledge regarding guidance for student-athletes that follow a program from an outside coach or consultant.

Competition Officials

The Department of Athletics will schedule officials for all competitions and matches. Each competition official needs to complete a voucher at each competition that they officiate.

Vouches can be obtained from Katie Boushie, on the day of each competition.

If an official is not at the home competition site, within 15-20 of the start of the competition, please call Director of Athletics (646-469-5444), Katie Boushie (802-2334125) or Peter Haley (413-478-9648).

Dealing with Parents, Student-Athletes, Opponents, and Officials

Participation in athletics provides student-athletes and their coaches with some of the most satisfying, rewarding and memorable experiences of their lives. It is our hope that each student-athlete has an enjoyable athletic experience. However, due to the competitive nature of sports and the necessity of putting team needs ahead of individual desires, student-athletes and parents sometimes find that things are not working as they envisioned. It is not uncommon for the majority of concerns to be revolved around playing time. There should be no issues with playing time at the middle school or junior varsity levels; all student-athletes should play at these levels.

Playing time at the varsity level is not guaranteed. It is not something that should be discussed; especially on the field or after a competition. Factors that affect playing time at the varsity level include, but not limited to talent level, fitness level, performance level, practice attendance/tardiness, attitude, match-ups, tactical decisions and behavior that is detrimental to the team of reputation of Riverdale Country School.

To help deal with parents, coaches should keep this with you at all times (on your clipboard, in scorebook, next to office/home phone, in your car), you never know when you might get a call from a parent or need to refer to this.

1. Would I be dissatisfied by the outcome if I were on the receiving end of this action?

2. Would I say or do this if my mom or dad were right here with me?

3. Would I be happy if someone said or did this to me?

4. Do my words or actions reflect positively on Riverdale Country School, my team, or me?

5. Does this action attempt to deceive anyone or allow anyone to be deceived?

6. Does this action gain or allow the gain of privilege or advantage to which I, or someone else, would not otherwise be entitled?

7. Be fair. Fair does not have to be equal. Trust and consistency are hard to argue.

8. Be approachable.

9. Don’t make it personal.

When dealing with parents, answer in an honest, concise manner. A complaining parent may just be looking for an inadvertent word or comment to open another possible avenue to argue.

Using openings or tangents is a common approach taken by misguided parents to build their case.

Try not to speak with parents about a problem immediately after a practice, or especially after a contest. Instead ask for the parent to meet with you at a later time when you can focus on their concern. Use a 24-hour cooling off period. This timeframe is also good for you to compose yourself and to gather all of the pertinent, supportive materials to illustrate your policies or procedures. Highlight the points covering the specific concerns. This step makes the actual meeting much more efficient. Step 1: Meet/phone call with parents. Step 2: Write out specific talking points to help you stay on topic. Step 3: Write a summary of the interaction with parents for later reference and copy the Director of Athletics.

"I'll take your concerns into consideration." This comment does not promise any specific action, but indicates you have listened. This goes a long way in calming emotions and bringing a contentious session with parents to a conclusion.

Avoid communicating through voice or e-mail messages as much as possible. This just prolongs the issue and frustrates all parties. Allowing a parental concern to simmer is not good for either party.

If a meeting with the parent is necessary, please make sure that the Director of Athletics is present and available for the meeting. When appropriate, a Division Head may be asked to be part of the meeting process. The Director of Athletics will always provide post-meeting notes, summarizing the meeting for parents and coaches. Keep in mind that parents often just want to get things off their chest. Offering an empathetic ear is important, do not expect a battle.

Unless you go in with an open mind, little will be accomplished.

When there is an issue with a parent, please notify the Director of Athletics, immediately (cell: 646-469-5444).

The Director of Athletics will always support you, as long as you make solid decisions and act appropriately when dealing with parents. When a parent emails you with a complaint, in all cases, you should copy the Director of Athletics on the email.

Preventing Sexual Harassment

1. Coaches should never use sexually explicit language or tell sexually explicit/off color jokes in the presence of student-athletes.

2. Coaches should never display sexually explicit or pornographic pictures/materials on school property and should never show such materials to student-athletes under any circumstances.

3. Coaches should avoid engaging in excessively personal conversations, both in person, on the phone, or via social media, with students or student-athletes.

4. Coaches should avoid sending excessively personal letters, cards, e-mails, or gifts to student-athletes.

5. Coaches should avoid commenting on the physical appearance, including manner of dress and specific physical attributes, of student-athletes.

6. Coaches should avoid to the greatest extent possible physical contact with or touching of student-athletes.

7. Coaches should never give student-athletes rides in their car, alone or even in groups.

8. Coaches should avoid off school property, one-on-one meetings alone with studentathletes.

9. Coaches should never plan or take un-chaperoned overnight school or athletics trips with student-athletes and, on properly chaperoned trips, should exercise the highest degree of caution and propriety regarding interaction with student-athletes.

10. Coaches should never date students or student-athletes under any circumstances.

Policy on traveling to/from Van Cortlandt Park - Please adhere to the following procedures when traveling off-campus for practice or contest when transportation is not provided to VCP.

Depart for Practice/Contest (to VCP) 1. Establish a set meeting place on-campus as the daily departure site.

2. Take attendance before you depart, get a firm head count.

3. Establish a set-walking route to practice.

4. Depart as a group. If there is only one coach, that should walk behind the group. If two coaches are available, one coach will lead the group, the other will walk behind the group.

5. Maintain group structure until destination is reached.

6. Establish procedures for crossing streets. a. Cross only at cross walks and adhere to street crossing signals. b. The coach(s) will assist by walking out to middle of street to ensure studentathletes cross safely c. In the case where there is a large group, the coach will divide team in a manner where student-athletes may cross street safely in multiple shifts.

7. Take attendance upon reaching destination Bathroom breaks or minor injury a. Buddy System - Never send a student-athlete alone back to campus. b. Call ahead to inform someone of student-athletes return to campus (e.g. Trainer, Athletic Office, etc.). c. Request a return call to confirm arrival. d. Request a return call to confirm student-athlete’s departure from campus back to practice/contest. e. Student-athletes should not use the bathrooms at restaurants or businesses adjacent to practice location, they should always return to campus.

Return to campus, at end of practice (from VCP) 1. Take attendance. Make sure head count matches the head count when you first left campus.

2. Depart as a group. If there is only one coach, that should walk behind the group. If two coaches are available, one coach will lead the group, the other will walk behind the group.

3. Use the same route to come back to campus.

4. Establish a set meeting place on-campus as the daily dismissal site.

5. Take attendance. Make sure that head count matches.

Other Important Notes No student-athlete is permitted to make an attempt to join practice/contest after team has departed campus, unless accompanied by another person (student or coach).

Policy on Coaches Running – Summer Camps, Clinics, and Renting Riverdale Facilities Riverdale Coaches should not “profit” from Riverdale students with camps, clinics, or any outside programming and coaches should not solicit Riverdale students for personal gain.

Coaches cannot request use of Riverdale facilities for non-sanctioned Riverdale Athletic events.

Athletic Health Care Team

The Athletic Health Care Team’s primary responsibility is to ensure that student athlete safety and appropriate medical care is provided for all student-athletes. The Riverdale Health Care Team includes: Lori Gill (Director of Athletic Training and Safety, Riverdale), Pat Lide (School Nurse, Riverdale), Dr. Charles Jobin (Team Physician, Columbia University Orthopedics), John Pizzi, Jr. (Director of Athletics, Riverdale), Carol Pouliot (PE Teacher/Coach, Riverdale).

Keys/Access to Buildings

• • • • •

Coaches are issued “building” key cards in rare instances.

Coaches will be issued keys to locker/storage units, where applicable.

Coaches should return the keys at the end of their season.

Coaches are not to give student-athletes their keys at any time.

If keys are lost, coaches must report this immediately.

Team Dinners/Team Events

The following guidelines must be followed if a coach is present at any team event/dinner.

• Team events should take place on Friday’s or weekends when possible.

• In all cases, a start time and end time should be established. At the end of the event, the coach should make sure that all students have left, (the coaches) being the last person to leave.

• If a coach is uncomfortable with anything that happens at a team dinner, they should contact the Director of Athletics, immediately.

Any Team dinner/event that the coach did not organize or at which a coach is not present is not considered a Riverdale Country School function.

• In these instances, coaches recommend that no more than 2 team events take place per month and that team events should take place on Friday’s or weekends when possible.

Sport Specific Guidelines

Soccer in Middle School - Riverdale Country School has enacted a policy, which does not allow middle school students to “head” a soccer ball. Rather, coaches should focus on technique using the Middle School Heading Process document and associated videos.

Baseball in Middle School - Riverdale Country School has enacted a policy that does not allow middle school students to slide “head first” in any baseball game or practice.

Football Contact Policy

Preseason • Follow heat acclimatization guidelines.

• During the first five days of practice, student-athletes may not participate in more than one practice per day. Total practice time should not exceed three hours per day during this period; in addition to the three hours of practice time, a one-hour walk-through is allowed. However, for every hour practiced, a one-hour cool down and recovery period must be implemented between the practice and walk through (i.e.: two hour practice = two hour cool down and recovery).

• During the first two days of practice, a helmet is the only protective equipment permitted.

• On days three through five, only helmets and shoulder pads should be worn.

• Starting on day six, all protective equipment may be worn and full contact may begin.

• On days three through five, contact with blocking sleds and tackling dummies may be initiated.

• Days six through fourteen, double sessions are permitted, with the modification that double sessions are only permitted every other day. On single-practice days, one walk through is permitted, separated from the practice by at least two hours of continuous rest. When a double practice day is followed by a rest day, another double practice day is permitted after the rest day.

• During days six to fourteen the total practice time for the day should not exceed five hours and each practice is not allowed to exceed three hours.

Warm-up, stretching, cool down, walk through, conditioning and weight room activities are all included as part of the three hours. The two practices (double sessions) should be separated by at least two continuous hours in a cool environment. A cool down and recovery period of one hour for every hour of practice will be implemented.

• If a student-athlete has not had 5 single session practices, they are not allowed to participate in the 2nd practice of the day. However, they are allowed to walk through drills for a maximum of 1 hour during said practice.

• No more than 1 full contact practice is permitted every other day, on days six through fourteen.

•

• • •

•

On the second practice of preseason, proper blocking and tackling techniques must be taught and practiced (as detailed in the USA Football Tackling Course). Contact will be limited to player vs. pads, shields, sleds and dummies. Any player that misses the practice on the second day of preseason must go through the “blocking and tackling” techniques with a coach, before being allowed to participate in full contact drills.

No single practice can exceed 3 hours.

On double session practice days total practice time cannot exceed 5 hours. (This does not include film, meetings, etc.).

During days 6 through 14, no more than 90 minutes per week (Mon-Sat) can be full contact practice. However, a full contact scrimmage is allowed and does not count toward the 90 minutes per week totals. On days a double session occurs, both sessions cannot include full contact drills. Full pads can/may be worn on any and all practices days 6 through 14, even when a practice is not full contact.

When players are in shells (shorts, shoulder pads and helmets) no live action drills or simulations will occur. This rule is intended to limit live action drill simulations and not the number of practices a team may participate in full pads. A team may participate in “air”, “bags”, “wrap” or “thud” drills and simulations at any point.

Regular season • For the first four weeks of the season, no more than 90 minutes of full contact practice per week. The full contact practices can only take place during a maximum of two practices each week (still not exceeding 90 minutes).

• Blocking and tackling techniques can be taught on other days. Contact will be limited to player vs. pads, shields, sleds, and dummies.

• Starting week five, only one full contact practice is allowed. The full contact practice cannot exceed 90 minutes.

• A team may continue to dress in full pads for practice, but may only participate in live action drills and game situations for one practice and 90 minutes per week.

When players are in shells (shorts, shoulder pads, and helmets) no live action drills or simulations will occur. This rule is intended to limit live action drills simulations and not the number of practices a team may participate in full pads. A team may participate in “air”, “bags”, “wrap” or “thud” drills and simulations at any point.

• No single practice over 3 hours long.

At any point in the season, if a helmet becomes removed during play the athlete must be removed. The student must be evaluated by an ATC and the helmet must be inspected by the ATC. Helmets will be checked 1-2 times per week by the athletic training staff and coaches for proper fit and safety. They will be checked the day prior to a game and the first practice after a game.

Off season • Full contact practices are banned and no player protective equipment will be used.

No more than 13 days of practices (includes camps and 7 v. 7 tournaments). Does not include weight lifting.

Definitions • Full contact: football drill or live game situations where “live action” occurs.

• Live action: contact at game speed where players execute full tackles at a competitive pace taking players to the ground.

• Air: Players should run unopposed without bags or any opposition.

• Bags: activity is executed against a bag, shield or pad to allow for soft-contact surface, with or without the resistance of a teammate or coach standing behind the bag.

• Wrap: Drills run at full speed until contact, which is above the waist with players remaining on their feet.

• Thud: Same as wrap but tempo is competitive with no pre-determined winner and the players are not tackling to the ground.

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