Riverdale Country School Athletic Department Handbook For Parents and Student-Athletes Riverdale Country School’s Department of Athletics has developed the Athletic Handbook for Parents and Student-Athletes, 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 as a Falcon, although it is not, by any means, a comprehensive book. By choosing to become a Falcon you are now part of a long-standing tradition of success and pride both in the classroom and on the playing field. More importantly, you are now part of an extended network that goes beyond graduation and will always be part of your life. I would like to stress the importance of open communication between you and your coaches and/or the Department of Athletics. Should problems or questions arise, I am always available. I look forward to seeing our athletes compete this year. Good luck! GO FALCONS! John Pizzi, Jr. Director of Athletics Office: 718-519-2752 Cell: 646-469-5444 jpizzi@riverdale.edu July 2016
Mission
Provide a positive athletic experience for each student-athlete. • While maximizing student participation, promoting sportsmanship, representing the school with integrity, while understanding the importance of balancing the commitments of being a student-athlete.
Important Forms
Student-Athletes should have the following forms on file, prior to the first day of practice for their season. For questions about forms, please contact Lori Gill, Director of Athletic Training and Safety, lgill@riverdale.edu. No student-athlete will be allowed to participate, in any sport related activities until cleared by the Athletic Training Staff. All of these forms can be found on the RCS website, under Athletics. 1. Interval Health History for Sports Participation (Needed for prior to each sport’s season). 2. Student Medical Information Form. 3. Health Form (Annual Physical). Medical is good for all sports for one calendar year from date stamped. It is valid until the last day of that sports season.
What to expect from the Coaches at Riverdale • •
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Purpose – should 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. 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. 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. Empathy/Relationship – should 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. Character Habits – should have a solid work ethic, exhibiting responsibility, honesty, integrity, and dedication. These habits foster virtue in student-athletes. Coaches should set a good example with regard to personal appearance, conduct, language, and sportsmanship. Demonstrate and instill in players a respect for and courtesy toward opposing players, coaches, and officials. Always encourage qualities of self-discipline, cooperation, self-confidence, leadership, courtesy, initiative, and fair play. Should maintain all applicable safety standards. Conforming to departmental injury procedures, emergency medical procedures, and the care of student-athletes with concussions. Should be viewed first as teachers who utilize effective teaching strategies, striving towards having expert knowledge in their discipline. Effective planning, instructional
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skills, and the ability to set expectations, motivate, and discipline student-athletes are essential components. 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 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., would 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. Should establish positive and effective communication with parents/guardians. 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. Expected to use discretion when providing constructive criticism and when reprimanding student-athletes. Should avoid suggesting, providing, or encouraging any student-athlete to use nonprescriptive 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. Should 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.
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 team philosophy. Other goals include: social growth, physical development, and working within a group. The main focus is not on winning; studentathletes 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.
Riverdale E-mail Account
All Riverdale Coaches have a Riverdale email account. All correspondence to and from coaches, with parents and/or student-athletes should be funneled through the Riverdale email. For a full list of the email addresses, please see the RCS website, under Athletics.
Selection Process/Rosters Upper School Athletics The primary goals for the Department of Athletics are 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 intra-squad competition during the three-day selection period.
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. Students who make a team will be notified using a list, which will be posted at the end of the tryout period. Each student who is cut from a team will have the opportunity for a meeting with the coach and 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.
Dropping 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.
NYS Rules and Regulations There are several pre-determined NYS 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. The NYSAIS Sports Standards can be found on the RCS website, under Athletics. 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 or Middle School. Please be reminded that this is practice days, not number of practices. Students cannot complete a practice on the day of a formal scrimmage or competition. 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 competition requirement. Failing to meet this standard can both disqualify the student-athlete and potentially forfeit the competition.
Football Contact Policy
Riverdale has developed and adopted a “contact” policy for football during the fall season and “off season.” The goal of the contact policy is to limit the number of concussive and sub-concussive blows. A full copy of the policy can be found on the RCS website.
End of Season Assessments/Reviews
Student-athletes will complete the End of Season Student Athlete Program review, which will be used as an educational tool for growing and developing coaches.
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). 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 Middle School 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 student who misses Physical Education due to a medical issue will not be allowed to practice or compete later that same day.
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Any special circumstances, requiring students to miss practice on a regular basis, should be communicated to the Director of Athletics.
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Students should communicate at the beginning of the season with the coach, any specific “missed practice” days that may take place during the season.
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). Either way or if they are not a starter, their playing time may be limited. 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 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 onsite; including “captains practices.”
Grading Students for Sports
Comments and grades are for Upper School (Varsity and Junior Varsity) studentathletes only; Middle School student-athletes do not receive grades for athletic team participation. Grading occurs in athletics since all Upper School student-athletes receive credit for physical education during their sport season. At the end of each season, coaches will complete a comment, inclusive of a letter grade for each member of their team. The sample rubric below provides an equivalency guideline in determining the grade. Comments should be representative of the grade while also identifying areas of success as well as areas of concern that may have contributed to the grade. Letter grades are A through F, and include +/-.
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.
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 Commissioner’s Regulations of the New York State Public High School Athletics Association (NYSPHAA). Riverdale is 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. A full copy of the Weather Safety Policy can be found on the RCS website, under Athletics.
On days where weather is inclement contest and practice cancellations, vary from sport to sport. Student-athletes will be notified of cancellations or changes during the day. Days when school is closed due to inclement weather, all competitions and practices are also cancelled. The RCS website will be updated as soon as a decision is made to change/cancel practices.
Equipment and Uniforms
For competitions and matches, student-athletes are issued uniforms from the Department of Athletics. Student-athletes are expected to wash and clean their uniforms after each contest. Student-athletes are expected to return their uniforms in good condition and are financially responsible for lost or damaged uniforms. All uniforms must be returned to the Department of Athletics within one week of the end of the season. Students who have not turned in their uniform will not be issued a uniform for their “next” season. And will be precluded from being granted free periods for physical education. 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 30 th will; loose their one “PE Free” privilege for the future, not be issued a yearbook and be held financially responsible for the uniform replacement. For safety reasons, student-athletes are not permitted to use their own protective equipment (i.e.: softball/baseball helmets, catcher’s equipment, goal keeper equipment, football shoulder pads, football helmets, lacrosse helmets, etc.), unless it has received inspection and certification from a recognized NAERA certified supplier. Studentathletes can also bring all personal safety equipment to the Department of Athletics for certification. 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, Head Athletic Trainer. 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, genital protection cup, RIVERDALE will provide helmets, shoulder pads and girdles Boys Lacrosse – sticks, mouth guards, pads, RIVERDALE will provide gloves and helmets, genital protection cup Girls Lacrosse – stick, mouth guards, goggles, genital protection cup Squash: goggles Baseball: bats, gloves, genital protection cup Softball: bats, gloves, mouth guards, genital protection cup Student-athletes, coaches, or parents, without the written permission from the Director of Athletics cannot use of 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. 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. 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.
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.
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 studentathlete 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, the Head Athletic Trainer 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 Head Athletic Trainer or school nurse will contact the parents and request that a physician evaluate the student-athlete. The Head Athletic Trainer or coach 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 Head Athletic Trainer will re-administer the ImPACT test, only when the student-athlete receives written clearance from a doctor. The Head Athletic Trainer 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 Head Athletic Trainer 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 Head Athletic Trainer. 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 Head Athletic Trainer, 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.
Ivy Preparatory School League Code of Conduct for Fans
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 - 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. Freshman can not hold the position of captain on a varsity team. Seniors should be selected whenever possible, at times a deserving underclassman may hold the position of captain. Junior Varsity - 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.
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.
Varsity Awards Nights
At the conclusion of each season, an athletic awards ceremony for varsity teams will take place in the Student Center. Junior Varsity student-athletes and Middle School student-athletes will be recognized during the school day. Modest end of season gifts for coaches are permitted.
Transportation and Team Travel
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. Under no circumstances, should a coach drive a student in their personal vehicle. Under extraordinary circumstances, studentathletes 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. 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. Only “roster” student-athletes, managers and coaches are allowed to be transported by the Riverdale Country School authorized vehicles. A bus, vans, or multiple buses will be reserved for team travel TO each competition or practice. After away contests a bus(es) or van(s), will be reserved for RETURN trips back to Riverdale, Manhattan’s East, and/or West side.
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.). 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.
Team Dinners/Team Events •
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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. o We recommend that no more than 2 team events take place per month and that they take place on Friday’s or weekends when possible. 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 parent is uncomfortable with anything that happens at a team dinner, they should contact the Director of Athletics, immediately.
Dealing with Coaches When There is a Conflict
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. In your role as a parent, you obviously love and are concerned about your child‘s welfare. You want the best for him or her. But an athlete can have only one coach. Allowing the coach to instruct and guide the team is crucial in many respects. Should you have any questions or concerns, do not approach the coach immediately at the conclusion of a contest. At this time, coaches have other responsibilities and it may be an emotional time. Call and make an appointment for a later time and approach this meeting in a calm, courteous and logical manner. One of the coach’s responsibilities at the conclusion of a contest is to have a brief meeting with his/her players. Athletes should not pause to talk to parents or friends immediately after games. These brief meetings are essential to the learning process involved in athletics. If your issue cannot be resolved with the coaches, please notify John Pizzi, Director of Athletics, jpizzi@riverdale.edu.
Policy on Coaches Running Summer Camps and Clinics
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.
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).
Parent Code of Conduct As a parent of a Riverdale Country School student-athlete, I agree to the following: •
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Demonstrate good sportsmanship by conducting myself in a manner that earns the respect of my child, other student-athletes, parents, officials, coaches, and the Riverdale community. Refrain from coaching and instructing my son/daughter or other players during competition, and will not interfere with the Riverdale coaches during contests.
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Accept the decisions of officials without showing an inappropriate emotional response.
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Reinforce Riverdale’s drug and alcohol policies by expecting my son/daughter to be substance free.
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Reinforce Riverdale’s drug and alcohol policies by refraining from the use of alcohol or other drugs, before or during contests.
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Focus on the student-athlete’s effort and not wins/losses and avoid making the outcome the end goal.
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Support my child and his/her teammates in a positive manner, even when I a disappointed.
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Be realistic about the strengths and weakness of my child and understand that the “varsity” coach is solely responsibility for playing time. I will not question playing time decisions.
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Help my child set realistic goals. Sport’s primary value is the opportunity for self-development.
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If there is a concern, will talk to the coach at the appropriate time and place (see Dealing with Coaches When There is a Conflict Section) – never before, during or after a contest at the athletic venue. And express such concerns in a straightforward, fair, and objective manner.
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Will report any “Code of Conduct” violations to the Director of Athletics.