Upper School Athletic Handbook

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September 2019 TMS Upper School Athletics Student and Family Handbook August 2022

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 long term athlete development appropriately across different ages and stages of growth.

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 a robust, inclusive 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

TMS Student and Family Handbook

Upper School 2022-2023 Section Ten: Athletics Program Mission of the Athletics Program

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 advanced personal fitness, movement concepts, strategies and sport specific skills

● further developing, refining and applying: 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 flexibility, etc.

● providing a vehicle to ignite school spirit, culture and pride while building a greater sense of community Program Goals

● providing a structured and appropriate periodization of training and competition to support various ages and stages of athlete development;

● adopting strategies to manage emotions (anger, stress, anxiety, etc.) effectively and to build resilience, grit and self discipline;

● adopting a long term appreciation and commitment to leading a healthy and active lifestyle; and

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 and strategies 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.

Health related components of fitness, including muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardio respiratory capacity (aerobic and anaerobic) as well as joint flexibility;

● developing positive team players, supportive leaders, and effective communicators; and

● developing character values such as leadership, esteem, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, integrity, confidence, grit, resilience and respect;

● learning how to cope with the various physical and mental aspects of competition through positive self talk, mental imagery, and visualization;

● introducing time management skills and strategies related to sport involvement

Program goals and considerations include but are not limited to:

Students can sign up online or at Clubfest at the beginning of each term 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

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 centered on athlete development. To learn more, please visit the website (www.cisaa.ca).

Student Participation and Sports Offerings

Athletic Affiliation (CISAA)

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 inter school, intra mural, or fitness programs. In order to achieve their Pillar Expectations, they must participate in at least one 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.

Fall Winter Spring SR, JR, Boys Volleyball SR, Basketball SR, SR, SR,

Students in the MYP will participate in Fitness Testing at 3 points during the school year, in their respective HPE classes Their performance and data will be collected each year and students will have the chance to set or break grade level or school wide records They will also earn a certificate and be recognized at the end of the year. Students in the DP will be given the chance to attend optional Fitness Testing sessions each term, so they too can strive to beat personal goals or school records. Students can sign up online or at Clubfest for fitness classes 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.

JR, U14 Badminton

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 (3:40 4:30; 4:30 5:30 pm) depending on the competition schedule and gym availability.

JR, U14, U13 Boys

TMS Upper School Athletic 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.

Interschool Athletics

U14 Girls Basketball

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, at various times and dates throughout the week. They include a range 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

U14

JR, U14, U13 Girls Volleyball SR, JR, U14 Coed Ultimate Frisbee

SR, JR Girls Field Hockey SR, U14 Curling OPEN Track and Field OPEN Cross Country SR, U14 Golf

CISAA Classification and Eligibility

Due to our population size, TMS is designated to play within the Division II for Grade 7 (U13) and 8 (U14) and Division III Classification for Grade 9 through 12 (JR and SR).

In special circumstances, students can apply to participate on an additional sports team in 1 term, however they will have to apply through the Athletic Director and gain approval from their Advisor, Parent, Head of Upper School and respective Coaches involved These cases are rarely approved, as they require these students to be able to prove that they can commit to both teams practice and game schedules while upholding good academic status, maintaining all of their additional pillar and community based commitments. Another competing factor is that many final play off dates in different sport offerings, for the CISAA during the same season, fall on the same date, thus causing a schedule conflict and limiting the athlete’s ability to participate at both events At TMS, it is mandatory that an athlete participates in the play offs for their designated team, therefore in those situations, the request would not be granted and the student would have to choose their commitment.

To sign up for sports teams, each student must fill out their “Athletic Declaration” each season, sent out via TMS email through Google Form, by the set deadline They will then be deemed eligible to participate at tryouts and receive further tryout information.

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

Parents are asked to fill out the “Upper School Athletic Team Participation Permission Form” that can be found on the TMS Website or Upper School Athletic Portal This form is universal, and will cover consent for your son or daughter to try out or participate on any team throughout the entire school year. We ask that you complete the form at the beginning of each school year.

Dependent on the individual make up of our respective teams and CISAA league

Under 14: Contact Sports is a student who is under 14 years or age as of midnight Dec 31 of the school year

● Please note that a student on a U14 or JR team may “play up” for another team, however they can only do this 2 times before they default their eligibility on their designated age appropriate team.

Student Athlete Expectations

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)

The greatest determining factor for moving teams up will be dependent on if the level of competition is age and stage appropriate, reflects the athletes’ abilities in the respective sport and will yield meaningful competition. 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.

Therefore, certain behavioural expectations come with this selection

Senior: is a student who is under 19 as of midnight December 31 of the school year (so 18 and under).

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

offerings, TMS may choose to play in a higher classification than our designated division.

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 athletes at TMS are not only participants within the program; they are role models 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.

CISAA defines the age groups for athletes as follows These age classifications are based on year and date of birth

● upholding the CISAA Code of Sportsmanship (See Appendix) and exhibiting fair play and proper conduct on and off the playing surface;

● respecting the integrity and judgment of other student athletes, coaches, or officials.

TMS coaches expect student-athletes to ● maintain academic success;

If athletes fail to uphold the expectations stipulated in the Athlete Code of Conduct in an on going fashion, 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

● attending all scheduled practices and games, including tournaments and play offs ( 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);

● taking responsibility for being informed and checking the Titan Athletic Portal 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;

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 to date with any missed work;

● treating teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials with respect both in victory and defeat, and encouraging other athletes to do the same; and

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 the first competitive game.

Coaches’

● be coachable; ● strive for their personal best and accept constructive feedback for growth and development in the sport;

Expectations

● be a self advocate; and

● trust the coaches’ decisions, knowledge, and experience for the game

Role of The Coach

● be fair and unprejudiced with players, considering individual needs and differences;

● be committed to the team for the entire season, ensuring attendance at all scheduled games, practices, and team events;

TMS student-athletes can expect their coaches to ● make it a fun, inclusive, and challenging environment;

● care about the players beyond the sport;

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 specific 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

Team Selection

● be approachable and willing to talk;

● lead and motivate players to bring out the best in themselves;

● communicate clearly and provide constructive criticism.

● respect the team, opponents, referees, spectators, etc.;

● 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;

● teach appropriate age and stage sport specific movement skills, strategies, and overall fitness;

● make the season rewarding and fulfilling regardless of the team’s record; and

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.

assistants and the Athletic Director. Criteria may involve a number of variables including coachability, skill, attitude, and attendance. The CISAA is competitive in nature, 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; dependent on age and stage. The number one factor to determine if a student athlete will make the roster, is if they are ready to compete and apply their sport specific skills and knowledge in a meaningful, competent and safe fashion Students who do not make the official roster for their respective team may participate in other activities within the school such as intra murals, sport development clubs, fitness activities 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 favorable 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 skill based performance, commitment, and attitudes 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 (U13, U14, JR or SR), equitable playing time and positional roles will vary Coaches will make every effort at lower age groups to provide game time opportunities for all; however, it will not always be an even distribution. As competition and age 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, receive feedback and take responsibility for their own actions and growth in the sport.

● The coach will abide by the policies and principles of the TMS Athletics Guide and CISAA Code of Sportsmanship.

● The coach will be a positive role model and help build confidence and character traits; and

● 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;

Role of The Parent

● The coach will provide appropriate training that supports athletic development;

Parents are expected to:

● The coach will ensure a safe and inclusive environment;

Parents can expect the following from coaches:

● notify the coach of any scheduling conflicts well in advance;

● The coach will promote good sportsmanship;

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.

● 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 Upper School Athletic Portal 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);

● 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)

At TMS Upper School we are committed to providing a safe environment for all students, staff and faculty. As such, we have implemented a spectator policy to help ensure that we can

● encourage student athletes to be self advocators and communicate directly with the coach if any issues arise;

section ● Log in to Parent Portal ● Access Upper School Athletic Portal ● Click on Schedules and Log in (User Name TMS and Password TMS)

“Spectators are encouraged to attend school athletic activities as guests of the home school, and accordingly must comply with the host school’s rules and policies Spectators will not interfere with the enjoyment of the participating students, other spectators, or with the responsibilities of the coaches and officials supervising the school activity”(CISAA Constitution, 2022 2023) .

Spectators will remain in their designated area and not interact with players, coaches or referees on the playing surface, bench or score area

continue to maintain a secure and healthy environment in which our athletes and coaches can participate.

The Athletic Director will regularly update schedules online and will also send out memos to inform the community of results, highlights, and notifications. This memo can be found on the Athletic Portal or via email In order to stay informed with permission forms, team schedules, including transportation, practice, and competitions, parents should visit the school website and log in to the Upper School Athletic Portal regularly for their child’s respective teams. Parents and students are also encouraged to follow our Titans on Instagram (@tmsathletics upperschool), to receive regular updates and highlights. Athletes must check the Upper School Athletic Portal regularly for current team schedules including games, practices and tournaments.

It is an expectation that all spectators, including both “home” and “visiting”, act in accordance with the CISAA Code of Sportsmanship (See Appendix) and TMS values when at any athletic event. Specifically that:

Accessing the Upper School Titan Athletic Portal Go to the TMS website www.tmsschool.ca the TMS”

Spectators are expected at all times to exhibit positive sportsmanship and support towards all athletes, referees, coaches and fellow spectators.

Spectators will act in accordance with the health policies that are mandated or recommended by the respective health region of the athletic event.

Spectators

Team Communications

● Access

“My

For Badminton, it is encouraged that all athletes purchase their own racquet for appropriate skill and technique development. There will be some racquets made available from the HPE program, however not guaranteed.

● Or use the direct link to access http://www.dciphercomputing.com/TMSSchool/ShowPage.dcam?LiveWebRepo rts

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

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

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.

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.

Jerseys and Equipment

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 ) and shin pads and a mouth guard for Field Hockey It is the responsibility to ensure that they are equipped with the required safety equipment to participate in practice or games.

For Golf, it is mandatory that all athletes have their own clubs. They must also have experience in the sport and a handicap.

Students will be given access through Advisory during Week 1 of back to school Transportation

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 Athletics, it is required that all students, parents and guardians:

● sign the TMS Upper School Concussion Code of Conduct outlining their understanding of the specific and general risks associated with each sport team commitment or activity each term.

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, intramurals, HPE or fitness program.

● annually review the approved Concussion Awareness Resources provided by the Provincial Government

● acknowledge the sport specific risks pertaining to concussions, if they choose to participate on TMS school teams;

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 or 1 way shuttle may be used instead. With the use of a 1 way shuttle there is no adult supervisor on board, however, the coach will travel closely behind in a car. If for any reason, a parent chooses to transport his or her child to or from the athletic event, the coach must be informed well in advance. If an athlete chooses to drive to an athletic event, consent must be provided by a parent/guardian in advance It is not encouraged for athletes to drive to games as they should be traveling with the team in order to build team culture and solidarity amongst players and to be present for any game prep/debrief.

injury, an ambulance may be called for additional support. If an athlete requires hospital care, a coach will provide supervision and care until a parent arrives onsite.

The above information can be acquired through:

The Parent/Guardian Informed Consent Athletic Participation Form The Upper School Athletic Portal

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.

Major This award encompasses the whole Athletic Program Recipients must be heavily involved in a range of sport commitments at TMS, across the entire school year (each season)

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.

Athletic Awards

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.

Award Description

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

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.

Athlete of the Year This award recognizes an athlete who demonstrates extraordinary performance and contributes significantly to the overall success of the team.

This award recognizes a player that is extremely coachable and an excellent team player demonstrating exemplary attitude, commitment, and perseverance

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

Titan 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

● Students that are deemed to be “not in good standing” may have their participation in athletics limited or revoked.

Appendix 1:

TMS School – Upper School Campus Student-Athlete Commitment Letter

Athlete Name: Team: Grade: Date of Birth: Advisor: Coach: Through signing this commitment letter, I agree to uphold the standards expectations listed below for the duration of the season. I understand if the expectations are not upheld, it could result in athletic probation, possible removal from the team, suspension or ineligibility for receiving athletic awards.

Notify subject teachers ahead of time, if they will be missing classes for games or tournaments and complete all missed work. If they are absent for sport on the day of an assignment due date, they are still responsible to submit their assignment prior to leaving for the competition, at 8:00AM according to TMS policy. If they miss a test, they must write it in the student centre the following afternoon at 3:30pm. Mandatory attendance at all scheduled practices and games.

The Athletic Program at TMS allows students to concentrate on their academic success while at the same time explore a variety of athletic activities. Student-athletes who participate in co-curricular athletics should recognize that they have an obligation to themselves, their teammates and the community to strive to develop excellence and not accept mediocrity.   It is a privilege to be a member of an athletic team at TMS, this privilege can be revoked if a student is not managing their academic demands and behavioral expectations at TMS.  It is hoped that participation in the program will enable students to value competition, build teamwork skills, instill self-discipline and to exercise sportsmanship and mature judgment at all times.

● 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/s may result in reduced playing time or removal from the team.

Student-athletes have the responsibility to: Make academic achievement their highest priority.

● Similarly, if their respective subject teachers identify them to be “struggling” in regards to their academics (meeting deadlines, failed assignments, etc.) participation may be limited and an action plan is to be completed to help support the athlete in balancing their workload.

I have read, understand and have signed off on the TMS Concussion Code of Conduct in Advisory Class via Google Form.

Display good sportsmanship, and exhibit fair play and proper behavioural conduct on and off the playing surface.

Respect the integrity and judgment of other student-athletes, coaches or officials.

Follow all health and safety protocols in accordance with both TMS and CISAA procedures and protocols; including COVID-19 and Concussions.

All

Maintain and care for their athletic jersey provided by school, which includes all items (shorts, socks, shirt etc.) items must be returned to the coach at the end of the season.  Unreturned or damaged items will be charged and billed to the student’s account.

Treat teammates, opponents, coaches and officials with respect both in victory and defeat, and encourage other athletes to do the same.

Outdoor Athletic Events

All visitors, spectators or participants of TMS Upper School will follow and adhere to the spectator protocols and screening procedures of the external venue sites (Richmond Green, Crosby Field,

All spectators must adhere and act in accordance with the CISAA code of sportsmanship, general sport guidelines as well as the current health recommendations set by York Region

Public Health Spectators will be provided a specific seating area and they are not permitted to approach the bench, sidelines or score area in the gymnasium or field area They are also asked to not access other areas of the school aside from washrooms located directly outside the gymnasium

TMS Upper School permits TMS students, parents and community members as spectators at outdoor “home” athletic events such as Ultimate Frisbee located at Crosby Field.

TMS Upper School - Athletics Spectator Policy

TMS Upper School permits TMS students, parents and community members as spectators Masks are not mandated while on campus at TMS Upper School We ask that if anyone feels ill or is exhibiting symptoms of cold/flu, to please stay home

Appendix 2:

Safety Protocols

Visiting team athletes will be provided access to change room and washroom facilities for use pre, during and post game Please keep in mind that this change room (if during school time) may be shared with students in HPE classes, as such, it is always recommended to keep personal items near the bench area during competition time

At TMS Upper School we are committed to providing a safe environment for all students, staff and faculty As such, we have implemented a spectator policy to help ensure that we can continue to maintain a secure and healthy environment in which our athletes and coaches can participate

Spectators are expected at all times to exhibit positive sportsmanship and support towards all athletes, referees, coaches and fellow spectators

It is an expectation that all spectators, including both “home” and “visiting”, act in accordance with the CISAA Code of Sportsmanship when at any athletic event. Specifically that, “Spectators are encouraged to attend school athletic activities as guests of the home school, and accordingly must comply with the host school’s rules and policies. Spectators will not interfere with the enjoyment of the participating students, other spectators, or with the responsibilities of the coaches and officials supervising the school activity”(CISAA Constitution, 2022 2023) .

Indoor Athletic Events

External Venue Athletic Events

etc) or other CISAA schools and respective health regions when our athletes are participating in any athletic event. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these guidelines, please contact the Upper School Athletic Director: Ashley Willis

anyone Section 3: I will care for my health and safety by taking concussions seriously, and understand that: A concussion is a brain injury that can have short and long term effects. A blow to my head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that causes the brain to move around inside the skull may cause a concussion. I don't need to lose consciousness to have had a concussion. I have a commitment to concussion recognition and reporting, including self reporting of possible concussion symptoms and reporting to a Teacher or Supervising Adult, if I suspect a peer may have sustained a concussion.

Appendix 3:

I understand that it is my responsibility to properly review and have an understanding of this information prior to participating in any Athletic activities at TMS; in accordance with Rowan’s Law and the Government of Ontario Section 2: I will help prevent Concussions at TMS by: Wearing the proper equipment for my athletic activity, lunch, fitness club or physical education class AND wearing it correctly Developing my skills and strength so that I can participate at my best Respecting the rules of my sport, fitness, HPE class or athletic activity My commitment to fair play and respect for all (respecting other students, athletes, coaches, teachers, staff and officials) I will not attempt to fight or deliberately injury

If I think I might have a concussion or exhibit any signs or symptoms (for example double vision, seizure, loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, neck pain, severe headache, noticeable weakness etc), I will STOP play immediately and tell the Supervisor. I will NOT leave the playing area alone.

TMS School Upper School Campus Concussion Code of Conduct

Section 1: Annual Review of Reputable Concussion Resources

AT TMS we take the health and safety of our students and staff seriously. We all have a responsibility to help prevent and manage Concussions in our daily environment. Whether in the physical education classroom, athletic training sessions or games or other intramural and fitness activities offered at TMS, it is essential that students exercise good judgment and protect themselves and others from possible injury such as concussions. Students and Parents/Guardians please review the TMS Upper School Concussion Code of Conduct below. Once complete, sign and submit the form to your respective Coach.

At the first team training session, I will review and listen to the Concussion Awareness Resource/ Presentation from my Coach.

Section 5: I will take the time I need to recover and report back to TMS responsibly along the way, as it is important to my health and safety. I understand my commitment to supporting the TMS return to learn and physical activity process and will responsibly follow all aspects I understand that I will have to be medically cleared by a doctor before returning to any athletic activities offered at TMS I will respect my Teacher, Coach, Parents, Medical Professionals, and Administration at TMS, regarding my health and safety. I will or my Parent or Guardian will communicate directly and diligently throughout this process with Ms. McLean (Student Services Return to Learn) and Ms. Willis (Athletic Director Return to Play) with ongoing medical updates regarding signs, symptoms and progression of the sustained Concussion. signing here, I acknowledge that I have fully reviewed and commit to all aspects of the TMS School Concussion of

Section 4: I will not hide concussion symptoms. I will speak up for myself and others by: I will not hide my symptoms. I will tell an Adult I trust if I experience ANY symptoms of concussion. If someone else tells me about concussion symptoms, or I see signs they might have a concussion, I will tell the Supervisory Adult (Coach, Teacher, etc) so they can help I understand that if I have a suspected concussion, I will be removed from the activity and that I will not be able to return to the classroom or regular physical activity (fitness, team sports, HPE class etc) until I undergo a medical assessment by a medical doctor and have been medically cleared to return to School and participation in Athletic Activities

Code

Conduct Print Student First Name Print Student Last Name Athlete Signature Date: (Month/Day/Year) Parent or Guardian Signature:

By

Continuing to participate in athletic activities (for example HPE class, fitness, sports team training or competitions, etc), with a possible concussion, increases my risk of more severe, longer lasting symptoms, and increases my risk of other injuries.

Upper

Appendix 4: CISAA Code of Sportsmanship See www.cisaa.ca

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