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TMS Parent Athletic Guide Upper School 2018-2019
Mission of the Athletics Program TMS is committed to excellence in Athletics as a part of a larger commitment to excellence in Education. At TMS, athletics is an integral component of student life, and we strive to provide an innovative and successful program. We pride ourselves in providing an educational experience that is balanced amongst our Four Pillars: Athletics, Arts, Citizenship, and Academics. It is our belief that through participating in Athletics, student-athletes are further developing character traits of high value that not only enhance success in the classroom, but also make an impact later in life as they progress through university and adulthood.
Vision of the Athletics Program At TMS, we strive to be a successful and competitive school within the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) through providing a balanced program that is based on a commitment to support athlete development appropriately across different ages and stages of growth.
Philosophy and Core Values At TMS, every student has the chance to participate in athletics while pursuing academic success. The focus of our athletic program is to provide opportunities for students to continue to develop and apply a variety of interpersonal skills while enhancing their physical fitness and sport specific movement skills. Specific core values of the program include but are not limited to: ● participating in a program that supports personal growth, development, and overall pursuit of excellence; ● developing character values such as leadership, esteem, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, integrity, and respect; ● adopting a long term appreciation and commitment to leading a healthy and active lifestyle; and ● providing a vehicle to ignite school spirit and pride while building a greater sense of community.
Program Goals The primary focus of the TMS Athletic Program is to provide a venue for students to develop their fitness, physical literacy, and sport specific skills through healthy competition and training. We closely align our specific program goals with the Long Term Athlete Development Framework designed by the Canadian Sport for Life
Organization. We feel this is how we can best support our student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence. The learning process outweighs the outcome at TMS; we value most that our student-athletes are provided ample opportunities to grow within their sport and achieve personal health, fitness, and sport-related goals. Character development through Athletics is of utmost importance; perseverance, accountability, and sportsmanship are essential to the process. Program goals and considerations include but are not limited to: ● providing a structured and appropriate periodization of training and competition to support various ages and stages of athlete development; ● further developing, refining and applying: ○ Overall physical literacy ○ Fundamental movement skills ○ Sport-specific movement skills (basic and complex), knowledge and strategies ○ Fitness-related skills such as speed, power, agility, coordination, reaction time, and balance, etc. ○ Health-related components of fitness, including muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardio-respiratory capacity (aerobic and anaerobic) as well as joint flexibility; ● learning how to cope with the various physical and mental aspects of competition through positive self-talk, mental imagery, and visualization; ● adopting strategies to manage emotions (anger, stress, anxiety, etc.) effectively and to build resilience and self-discipline; ● developing positive team players, supportive leaders, and effective communicators; and ● introducing time-management skills related to sport involvement.
Athletic Affiliation (CISAA) TMS is a member of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) and participates in a range of competitive sport leagues with fellow CIS Ontario member schools. The CISAA mandate is to provide the students with exciting athletic opportunities through challenging competitive experiences and to teach and demand positive attitudes and respect for others. A benefit of participating in CISAA is that we can provide the opportunity for our students to have the chance to reach the pinnacle of athletic success in Ontario; it allows them to qualify for provincial competitions such as OFSAA in their respective sports. The association has a firm belief in the cultivation of a learning mindset for athletes as well as creating supportive and inclusive environments that are centred on athlete development. To learn more, please visit the website (www.cisaa.ca).
Student Participation and Sports Offerings At TMS, all students are provided the opportunity to participate in Athletics. Students are expected to be active throughout the school year whether it is through our CISAA interschool, intra-mural, or fitness programs. In order to achieve their Pillar Expectations, they must participate in a TMS Athletic Offering within the school year.
Intramural Program The intramural program at TMS runs all year and is open to all students. Intramurals are an excellent way for students to get involved with sport and be on a team. Intramurals run all three seasons, similarly to our interschool athletic program and include a variety of low-organized games and sport. Intramurals are scheduled at lunchtime on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday dependent on the level of play (U14, JR, SR). The goal of the intramural program is to provide a fun, inclusive, and supportive team environment where students of all abilities can participate in sport together in a non-competitive fashion. Students build self-esteem, self-discipline, respect, and confidence through participating on a team. The intramural program is student-led and is a great way to build relationships with peers while getting in daily physical activity time. Students can sign up on ManageBac or at Clubfest. There is no fee or equipment (other than gym shoes) required. Only a positive attitude and willingness to work with others on a team are needed.
Fitness Program Our Fitness Program is an extension of our Physical and Health Education Program at TMS. If students wish to stay active outside the classroom and continue to work towards personal fitness goals, they should look at joining the Fitness Program at TMS. Fitness classes will run regularly all year, once a week in the morning prior to start of school day. They include a variety of activities such as yoga, HIIT, zumba, strength training, fitness circuits, cardio, etc. Students of all ages and abilities participate together in a safe and fun environment. Students can sign up on ManageBac or at Clubfest. There is no fee or equipment (other than gym shoes and clothes) required. Only a positive attitude and willingness to work towards personal goals are necessary.
Interschool Athletics The TMS Interschool Athletic Program encompasses approximately 25 competitive sports teams within a variety of age groups. The Athletic year is divided into 3 seasons: fall (September – early November), winter (mid November – late February) and spring (April – May). Tryouts for teams commence at the beginning of each season, and
practices are scheduled 2 – 3 times weekly, either in the morning (7:15 am – 8:00 am) or after school (3:45 pm – 4:45 pm) depending on the competition schedule and gym availability. Sports Offerings Include: Additions/Revisions are subject to change annually based on participation and other contributing factors that will support the appropriate growth of the program. Fall
Winter
Spring
SR, JR, U14 Boys Volleyball
SR, JR, U14 Boys Basketball
SR, U14 Badminton
SR, U14 Girls Basketball
SR, JR, U14 Girls Volleyball
SR, JR, U14 Coed Ultimate Frisbee
SR, JR, U14 Girls Field Hockey
SR, U14 Curling
OPEN Track and Field
OPEN Cross Country
Students are only permitted to participate on one team each season. Through narrowing their focus in terms of athletic participation, students can ensure they have a balance of co-curricular involvement and meet their Pillar Expectations in all areas of student life while yielding high academic success. Through being selective in their athletic involvement, students minimize the amount of class-time missed, and they work within a more balanced and manageable schedule, all while maximizing their athletic development within their respective sports teams.
CISAA Classification and Eligibility Due to our population size, TMS has been approved to play within the Division II and III Classification. Dependent on the individual make-up of our respective teams and CISAA league offerings, TMS may choose to play in a higher classification. The greatest determining factor for moving teams up will be dependent on if the level of competition is age and stage appropriate and reflects the athletes’ abilities in the respective sport. Our philosophy at TMS is to have athletes play in the most appropriate league that CISAA offers to support the best growth and development for our players; it is not about winning Championships. We want to ensure that all teams are playing within leagues that challenge them competitively and meet their athletic needs in a safe and inclusive environment.
CISAA defines the age groups for athletes as follows. These age classifications are based on year and date of birth. Senior: is a student who is under 19 as of midnight December 31 of the school year (so 18 and under). Junior: is a student under 16 years of age as of midnight Dec 31 of the school year (this means each athlete must be 15 or younger) Under 14: Contact Sports is a student who is under 14 years or age as of midnight Dec 31 of the school year Under 14: Non-Contact Sports is a Grade 8 student or any student who is under 14 years of age as of Dec. 31st of the school year.
Student - Athlete Expectations Student-athletes at TMS are not only participants within the program; they are rolemodels for their peers and ambassadors of their school. First and foremost, they are students, which implies that it essential they demonstrate accountability and responsibility within their academic as well as their athletic endeavours. It should be considered an earned privilege to represent TMS in an athletic competition. Therefore, certain behavioural expectations come with this selection. Student-athletes who participate within the Athletic Program should recognize that they have an obligation to themselves, their teammates, their coaches, and the school community to strive to develop excellence, to respect the integrity of the game, and to challenge mediocrity. It is hoped that participation in the program will enable students to value competition, instill self-discipline and self-control, and exercise good sportsmanship and mature judgment at all times. Prior to committing to a team, students must sign a “Student Athlete Commitment Letter” (See Appendix) which outlines the Athlete Code of Conduct that all TMS athletes must adhere to throughout the season. This is a contractual agreement between Athlete and Coach and must be submitted prior to a student’s first competitive game. If athletes fail to uphold the expectations stipulated in the Athlete Code of Conduct, a meeting will be set-up with the Coach, Athletic Director, and Head of Upper School to discuss future participation. A probationary contract may be created to help support the athlete’s success moving forward or, dependent on the severity of the situation, participation could be limited or withdrawn for the remainder of the season. If a student quits, is withdrawn from a team or unable to meet the expectations of the student code of conduct; they will be ineligible for Major Athletic Awards in June.
Expectations of student-athletes include but are not limited to: ● making academic achievement their highest priority, ensuring accountability to their studies, and prioritizing their time to manage deadlines, while staying up- todate with any missed work; ● taking responsibility for being informed and checking the school website/ManageBAC for practice and game schedules; ● notifying teachers ahead of time about missed classes for games or tournaments and catching up on any missed tests or assignments; ● attending all scheduled practices and games, including tournaments and playoffs. ( In the event of an emergency situation which prohibits attendance, it is the student-athlete’s responsibility to communicate this information to the coach and to understand that failure to attend a practice may result in reduced playing time or removal from the team); ● displaying good sportsmanship and exhibiting fair play and proper conduct on and off the playing surface; ● treating teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials with respect both in victory and defeat, and encouraging other athletes to do the same; and ● respecting the integrity and judgment of other student-athletes, coaches, or officials.
Coaches’ Expectations TMS coaches expect student-athletes to ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
maintain academic success; be coachable; strive for their personal best and accept constructive feedback for growth and development in the sport; be committed to the team for the entire season, ensuring attendance at all scheduled games, practices, and team events; arrive on time for all scheduled games, practices, and team events; respect themselves as well their teammates, referees, coaches, and spectators talk to the coach directly if there are any issues or concerns; be a self-advocate; and trust the coaches’ decisions, knowledge, and experience for the game.
Role of The Coach All coaches at TMS are employees of the school and appointed by the Athletic Director. Each team at TMS is equipped with a staff of coaches (Head, Assistant, etc.) to ensure proper care and support for the athletes. A coach’s primary role is to provide skill development, to offer guidance, and to create a positive learning environment
promoting enhancement of character traits and knowledge of the game. Coaches must demonstrate professionalism, conduct themselves as positive role models, and adhere to the TMS ideals. They should make every effort to model good habits, desirable attitudes, a strong sense of leadership, and enthusiasm. At times, Coaches may need to provide discipline, if warranted, and only in the effort to enhance athlete growth, development, and team morale.
TMS student-athletes can expect their coaches to ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
make it a fun, inclusive, and challenging environment; be fair and unprejudiced with players, considering individual needs and differences; lead and motivate players to bring out the best in themselves; respect the team, opponents, referees, spectators, etc.; teach appropriate age and stage sport-specific movement skills, strategies, and overall fitness; be approachable and willing to talk; care about the players beyond the sport; make the season rewarding and fulfilling regardless of the team’s record; and communicate clearly and provide constructive criticism.
Team Selection Each coach is responsible for his or her team selection. Coaches are required to take the maximum number of participants which is realistically feasible for their respective sport and which complies with the sport-technical guidelines governed by the CISAA. There will be three scheduled tryouts for respective sport teams, and participation is mandatory. The Head Coach establishes criteria for selection with input from his or her assistants and Athletic Director. This may involve a number of variables including coachability, skill, attitude, and attendance. The CISAA is highly competitive, and coaches make their selections in order to ensure they have a well-rounded team of capable athletes who can fill a variety of positional roles. Students who do not make the official roster for their respective team may participate in other activities within the school such as intra-murals or other co-curriculars within the Pillars Program. In cases where the number of athletes available to field a team is questionable, the highest ranking team takes priority. Athletes are selected by the coaches in question in conjunction with the Athletic Director. Decisions will be based on ability, age, maturity, and physical safety of the athlete. Similarly, athletes may be selected to “play-up” an age category if they demonstrate an exceptional level of physical competency, and space on the team(s) dictates a favourable move.
Playing Time Team selection, practice design, and decisions regarding game situations are the responsibility of the coaching staff. Playing time is dependent on skill and judgment and is earned by players based on their commitment, performance, and perseverance as demonstrated at practice. Players must display athletic competence, an understanding of the “game plan”, and the required level of conditioning necessary to perform. It is the Head Coach’s right to make these decisions. Our program structure allows for growth of the athlete and the opportunity to demonstrate that he or she has earned the right to play. Starting positions and playing time are not guaranteed to anyone; each is earned. Dependent on the level of play (U14, JR or SR), equitable playing time and positional roles will vary. Coaches will make every effort at lower age groups to provide gametime opportunities for all; however, it will not be an even distribution. As competition level increases, playing time will become more contingent on performance factors and competency. Each team member is valuable to the team’s overall progress regardless of minutes earned. Athletes should set personal goals to achieve throughout the season. Players can learn many valuable lessons whether it is during practice, on the bench, or in game-time situations; it is important that players put their team above themselves, accept instruction and criticism; and take responsibility for their own actions and growth in the sport.
Role of The Parent Your family’s interest in and support of our athletic program are welcomed and appreciated. We firmly believe that all students should be involved with an athletic team and that it is an essential aspect of their educational experience at TMS. We are most interested and concerned with each student’s personal development through athletics. Parents can expect the following from coaches: ● The coach will ensure a safe and inclusive environment; ● The coach will promote good sportsmanship; ● The coach will provide appropriate training that supports athletic development; ● The coach will be a positive role model and help build confidence and character traits; and ● The coach will abide by the policies and principles of the TMS Athletics Guide. Parents are expected to:
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understand the importance of the student’s commitment and to facilitate mandatory attendance at all practices, games, tournaments, and play-off competitions; sign and return the “Informed Consent to Participate in Co-Curricular Athletics” in a timely fashion; regularly check the school website for current team schedules and to sign up for email notifications for their child’s sports teams (Steps for these can be found below under the “Communication” section); Notify the coach of any scheduling conflicts well in advance; leave coaching decisions up to the coach (positions, strategy, playing time, roster, etc.) while being understanding that coaches sometimes make mistakes while working hard for the success of the team and individuals on that team; encourage students to be self-advocators and communicate directly with the coach if any issues arise; exercise good sportsmanship and communicate with the coach or any parties (referee, opponents, etc.) in a respectful and civil manner; and set up a meeting with the coach to discuss any ongoing issues or concerns that the athlete is having trouble dealing with (If further support is needed, parents may then contact the Athletic Director to help provide a positive solution for all).
Team Communications The Athletic Director will regularly update schedules online and will also send a weekly memo to inform the community of results, highlights, and notifications. This memo can be found on the Athletic Portal. In order to stay informed with team schedules, including transportation, practice, and competitions, parents should visit the school website and log-in to the Athletic Portal regularly for their child’s respective teams. Athletes must check the Upper School Athletic Portal regularly for current team schedules including games, practices and tournaments. Athletes may also check team ManageBAC sites for other information such as coach messages, forms or notifications.
Accessing the Upper School Athletic Schedule and Team Information Portal ● ● ● ● ●
Go to the TMS website – www.tmsschool.ca Access the “My TMS” section Log-in to Parent Portal Access Upper School Athletic Portal Click on Schedules and Log in (User Name – TMS and Password – TMS)
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Or use the direct link to access http://www.dciphercomputing.com/TMSSchool/ShowPage.dcam?LiveWebRep orts
It is highly advised that all parents and athletes sign up for specific team email notifications as practice and game schedules will change as the season progresses.
Jerseys and Equipment All athletes participating on a team will be supplied with a team jersey by their coach prior to competition. Please note that athletes are responsible for their jersey and all given items (shorts, shirt, etc.). These items should be handled with care and returned to the coach at the end of the season. Unreturned or damaged items will be charged and billed to the student’s account. Equipment will be provided for athletes; however, as per the mandates of the Ontario Physical Health Education Association (OPHEA), students must wear approved safety goggles when participating in any racquet sport (Badminton, Squash, etc.) as well as for Ball Hockey. To this end, all students will be provided with their own pair of Safety Goggles to use when participating in these sports. As this is an essential safety precaution, each student will be billed for their own personal pair of Goggles, which they can keep safe for future use. They will be responsible for the safekeeping of these Goggles. For Volleyball, it is encouraged that all athletes purchase and wear knee pads during both practice and games.
Safety and Medical Participation in athletics does involve some risks. By volunteering to participate in a school-sponsored athletic activity, a student and his/her parents acknowledge the potential risk for physical injury to occur. In the event of serious injury, parents will be informed immediately. Coaches must complete the appropriate Accident Report Form and submit it to the Athletic Director, Learning Strategist, and Head of Upper School for review before it is filed at the Main Office. In the event that a sport-specific injury occurs during a practice or game situation, an appropriate first aid response will be provided, and depending on the severity of the injury, an ambulance may be called for support. If an athlete requires hospital care, a coach will provide support and supervision until a parent arrives onsite.
In the event of a suspected head or neck injury, athletes must seek medical attention and be assessed by a doctor before they return to learn or play. With any suspected head or neck injury, athletes must follow our TMS Return to Learn protocol which is overseen by our Learning Strategist. Athletes must have detailed supporting medical documentation to provide evidence that they are able to Return to Play on their respective TMS teams. As a school, TMS adheres to Rowan’s Law (Bill 193) in regard to provincial regulations pertaining to any head/neck injuries. TMS school policies are in accordance with the law. Athletes and parents must be aware, agree to, and recognize this prior to commencing any physical activity associated with TMS. In order to participate in TMS sports, it is required that all students: ● ● ● ●
Receive appropriate Concussion Education and Awareness annually as provided by TMS at the beginning of each School Year; Acknowledge the sport-specific risks pertaining to Concussions, if they chose to participate on TMS school teams; Acquire this information from their Coaches prior to competition; and Must sign the Athlete Code of Conduct outlining their understanding of the risks associated (or their parent/guardian must sign).
Transportation In most cases, bussing is provided for all students to and from competition sites. When venues are in close proximity to the school, a cab may be used instead. If for any reason, a parent chooses to transport his or her child to or from the game, the coach must be informed well in advance. If an athlete chooses to drive to a game, consent must be provided by a parent in advance. It is not encouraged for athletes to drive to games as they should be travelling with the team in order to build team culture and solidarity amongst players and to be present for any game prep/debrief.
Athletic Awards At the end of each Athletic Season (fall, winter, and spring), an Athletic Award Assembly will be held to celebrate all athletes and teams. During these seasonal assemblies, coaches will reflect on their respective seasons and honour recipients of team awards. An “MVP” Award and a “Titan” Award will be given out for each team. At the culmination of the school year, recipients of the Major Athletic Awards will be acknowledged during the TMS Awards Ceremony. The Major Athletic Awards include Athlete of the Year, 3D, and Sportsmanship. These major awards are earned by athletes who show outstanding commitment to the TMS Athletic Program and who
participated on a team regularly throughout the year. They also must fit the qualifiers below to be considered as a nominee. Coaches nominate and vote on the recipients for each Major Award at the end of the year during our annual coaches meeting. In addition to Major Athletic Awards, students that have participated on a CISAA team each term throughout a given school year will earn a “True Titan” award and be recognized during the TMS Awards Ceremony in June. Award
Description
Major – This award encompasses the whole Athletic Program. Recipients must be heavily involved in a range of sport commitments across the entire school year (each season). One male and one female recipient will be recognized in each age category: U14 (Grades 7/8); Junior (Grades 9/10); and Senior (Grades 11/12). These are determined by the Athletic Department and are presented at the TMS Awards Ceremony in June. Athlete of the Year
This award recognizes an athlete who demonstrates extraordinary performance and contributes significantly to the overall success of the team.
3D
This award recognizes an athlete who demonstrates stellar dedication to athletics while consistently performing with desire and determination within their team.
Sportsmanship
This award recognizes an athlete who consistently acts as an ambassador for the school and best exemplifies the attributes of character, integrity, and sportsmanship.
True Titan
A student who has participated on a CISAA team, each term during a given school year.
Individual Team – Each coach will nominate one athlete per team that best meets the criteria stated for each award. These awards are presented at the end of each respective season during the Athletic Assembly. MVP Award
This award recognizes the most valuable player for each team who demonstrates outstanding physical performance and is highly competent and consistent when executing sport-specific and fitness skills in competitive events.
Titan Award
This award recognizes a player that is extremely coachable and an excellent team player demonstrating exemplary attitude, commitment, and perseverance.