ACHS Athletics Handbook

Inherent Risk

Any student who participates in athletic competition must understand that a risk of injury always exists. The Athletics Staff at Alexandria City High School will do everything possible to minimize risks for student athletes, both in practice and competition. 

Parent Pre-Season Meetings

All parents/guardians are required to attend a pre-season meeting with the coaching staff. The meeting shall be held before the first contest. Parents should expect to receive the following information/forms at the pre-season parents meeting from the coaching staff:

• Mission Statement, philosophies, core values, expectations for players and parents
• Team structure
• Communication procedures
• Practice and game schedules
• Criteria for lettering and receiving awards
• NCAA Guidelines/ Scholarship Information
• Sports Medicine procedures
• Emergency Action Plans
• Sign up information for corecourseGPA.com
• Code of Conduct (must be signed by player and parent)
• Copy of the ACHS “Practice Policy for Heat and Humidity”
• Copy of ACHS “Concussion Management Form”
• Copy of ACHS “Social Media Policy for Student-Athletes”

Multi-Sport Participation

ACPS recognizes many benefits from multi-sport participation and insists that coaches avoid promoting sport specialization. Our coaches do support all of the sports programs and will encourage students to participate in all sports where unique talents exist. Athletes may also participate in more than one sport during a sports season if the two respective coaches can work out a practice and game schedule that meets all the requirements for both sports. The athlete may be required to designate one sport as the primary sport causing the secondary sport to become a sport of mostly sub-varsity participation or of a non-starting status.

Multiple School Activities

ACPS believes that students can potentially benefit by participating in a variety of school curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities include, but are not limited to, athletics, performing arts, and academic competitions. The coaches and leaders of these activities will not discourage students electing a variety of activities when conflicts are manageable. They will work together to resolve and minimize scheduling conflicts. Furthermore, coaches and sponsors must communicate concerns to students and parents whose combination of activities present irresolvable conflicts or unreasonable stress on the student. In these rare cases, students may be required to make a choice.

Athletic Event Travel

ACPS athletes are required to travel to and from athletic events in school-approved vehicles and under certified school staff supervision provided by Alexandria City HS. Extreme circumstances must be cleared by the Principal and/or Athletic Director. Students may be released to their parents or designee (if the head coach is in agreement and a travel release form is signed) after a road contest. Students will never be released to ride home from a contest with other students unless previously approved. Athletes represent Alexandria City High School on all road trips. Appropriate dress will be determined by the coaching staff. Athletes will act in an acceptable manner while on all school trips. Equipment, facilities, fans, opponents and staff members at opposing school sites will be treated with respect at all times. Any damage or improper behavior on the part of ACHS athletes and/or support staff will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Activity Buses

A coach needs to accompany the student athletes to the buses and remain with them until the bus departs.  The after practice/activity take home buses will depart from the Chinquapin side of the school.

1. Please note it is very important that your athletes leave the school grounds as soon as possible at the conclusion of each practice.  Ex: If a practice ends at 5:30 p.m. the student athletes utilizing the activity buses should depart school at 6:10 p.m.  Student athletes who use other transportation should leave school grounds at 5:30 p.m.
2. All in-season athletes will be provided a sticker for their student ID so that they can be identified as athletes and ride the appropriate activity bus.  These stickers can be picked up from the athletic department after school.
   1. Activity Bus Departure Times
      1. 4:30, 5:30, 6:00, 7:10 p.m.

Equipment

It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to maintain and return all equipment and uniforms issued. Parents will be financially responsible for equipment and uniforms that are stolen, lost, or misplaced. The price of replacing these items will be the actual cost to the school for purchasing new replacement items. Failure to adhere to these procedures will cause the student-athlete’s name to be placed on the debt list with the school administration.

Weight Room & Gym Policy

The following guidelines must be observed when students are using the weight rooms, gymnasiums and any other athletic facilities at Alexandria City High School:

1. Students may use the weight room, gymnasiums and other athletic facilities only while under the direct supervision of a ACHS certified staff member.
2. Weights and other equipment should be returned to the proper racks or storage areas before students and coaches leave the area.
3. Students working out in the weight room, gymnasiums and other athletic facilities must be dressed in proper attire. Shirts and shoes are always required.
4. All facility usage shall be scheduled in advance and placed on the school calendar by the head coach in cooperation with the Athletic Director. 

Hazing

Hazing is defined as:

“Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off school premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the school; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with team policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.”

• If you have to ask if it’s hazing, it is.
• If in doubt, call your Principal/Athletic Director/coach.
• If you haze, you have low self-esteem.
• If you allow hazing to occur, you are a ‘hazing enabler.’
• Failure to stop hazing will result in death…”

“From Will Keim, Ph.D., “The Power of Caring”

Examples of Hazing

The following are examples of hazing by category. It is impossible to list all hazing activities, so this list is not intended to be all-inclusive.

SUBTLE HAZING: Actions that are against accepted team and school standards of conduct, behavior and good tastes. An activity or attitude directed towards a team member or an act which ridicules, humiliates or embarrasses.

EXAMPLES:

1. Never doing anything with the new athletes
2. Calling new athletes demeaning name
3. Silence periods for athletes
4. Requiring new athletes to call up classman Mr., Miss etc.
5. Scaring new team members with what may happen at an initiation

HARASSMENT HAZING: Anything that causes mental anguish or physical discomfort to the team member. Any activity or activity directed toward a team member or activity which confuses, frustrates or causes undue stress. 

EXAMPLES:

1. Verbal abuse
2. Any form of questioning under pressure or in an uncomfortable position
3. Requiring new team members to wear ridiculous costumes or perform ridiculous activities
4. Treating new athletes as less than equal of veteran athletes
5. Stunt or skit nights/events with demeaning /dangerous and/or crude skits and/or poems
6. Requiring new athletes to perform personal service to actives such as carrying books, running errands, performing maid duties, etc.

Myths & Facts About Hazing

Myth #1: Hazing is a problem for fraternities and sororities primarily. Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools and other types of clubs and/or, organizations. Reports of hazing activities in high schools are on the rise.

Myth #2: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry. Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others — it is victimization. Hazing is pre-meditated and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and often life-threatening.

Myth #3: As long as there’s no malicious intent, a little hazing should be O.K.  Fact: Even if there’s no malicious “intent” safety may still be a factor in traditional hazing activities that are considered to be “all in good fun.” For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development of group team members?

Myth #4: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline. Fact: First of all, respect must be EARNED–not taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breed’s mistrust, apathy and alienation.

Myth #5: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can’t be considered hazing.  Fact: In states that have laws against hazing consent of the victim can’t be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action it may not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to the group.

Myth #6: It’s difficult to determine whether or not a certain activity is hazing–it’s such a gray area sometimes.  Fact: It’s not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense and ask yourself the following questions: 

Make the following inquiries of each activity to determine whether or not it is hazing.

1. Is alcohol involved?
2. Will active/current members of the group refuse to participate with the new members and do exactly what they’re being asked to do?
3. Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse?
4. Is there risk of injury or a question of safety?
5. Do you have any reservation describing the activity to your parents, to a coach or school official?
6. Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” the activity is probably hazing.

Adapted from Death By Hazing Sigma Alpha & http://www.stophazing.org

ACPS Policy on Hazing

Students shall not engage in hazing. 

Hazing means to recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a student or students or to inflict bodily harm on a student or students in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a club, organization, association, fraternity, sorority, or student body regardless of whether the student or students so endangered or injured participated voluntarily in the relevant activity. The principal of any school at which hazing which causes bodily injury occurs shall report the hazing to the local Commonwealth Attorney. Hazing, as defined above, is a Class I misdemeanor which may be punished by confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500, or both, in addition to any disciplinary consequences which may be imposed under this policy. In addition, any person receiving bodily injury by hazing has a right to sue, civilly, the person or persons guilty thereof, whether adults or infants. See Va. Code § 18.2-56.

Alexandria City Athletic Department Hazing Policy 

Alexandria City Athletic Department believes that a well-rounded interscholastic athletic program is important to provide maximum opportunities to meet the needs and interests of as many students as possible; and believes that the health, safety and general welfare of students is paramount in athletic endeavors. It further believes, that interscholastic athletics should be conducted in accordance with all Board of Education policies, rules and regulations.  We encourage our coaches to demonstrate leadership in promoting the development of behavior in young people that demonstrates high morality, integrity, and ethics; and believes that athletics should occur in a safe and positive environment for students; and

Alexandria City Athletic Department believes that hazing, though harmful at any age, is particularly detrimental to junior and senior high students,  (for purposes of this policy hazing is defined as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health, physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in or affiliation with any organization recognized by the Board of Education).

• Endanger the physical health shall include but not be limited to any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping; beating; branding; forced calisthenics; exposure to the elements; forced consumption of any food, alcoholic beverage, drug, or controlled substance; or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual. 
• Endanger the mental health shall include any activity, that would subject an individual to extreme mental stress, such as prolonged sleep deprivation, forced prolonged exclusion from social contact, forced conduct, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual. 

Any hazing activity, whether by an individual or a group, shall be presumed to be a forced activity, (even if a student willingly participates.)  Any student athletes found to be hazing other student athletes will be removed from their respective teams and other penalties may be applied.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED Alexandria City Athletic Department does not condone any form of initiation or harassment, known as hazing, as part of any school sponsored activity and Virginia joined more than forty states across the country that have passed laws banning hazing activities of any type; and be it further resolved that the Alexandria City Athletic Department urges its coaches to establish regulations so that no student, assistant, or volunteer shall plan, direct, encourage, assist or engage in any hazing activity.

Reporting Hazing

Please report any hazing concerns to the designated Title IX Compliance Officer Kennetra Wood who is the Executive Director of Equity & Alternative Programs for Alexandria City Public Schools. 703-619-8165
kennetra.wood@acps.k12.va.us

Information for the College-Bound Student-Athlete

All high school students who wish to practice and compete for a Division I or II institution must register and be certified by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse will determine a student/athlete’s initial eligibility status for all Division I and II institutions by reviewing an official high school transcript and the official SAT/ACT scores. All athletes interested in playing a college sport should contact the Guidance Office for a detailed hand-out on NCAA eligibility. You may also view information at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

All coaches and student/athletes should be aware of NCAA regulations regarding recruiting and academic requirements. All school personnel and student/athletes should be aware of NCAA recruiting rules concerning tryouts and/or auditions. The NCAA does not sanction or endorse any scouting service; therefore, you should determine whether the scouting service meets NCAA requirements.

NCAA Initial-Eligibility Resources

The following documents and presentations will assist colleges, the high school community, coaches, as well as students and parents with the initial eligibility, recruiting and college selection processes. Please refer to www.eligibilitycenter.org or the new outreach site,

www.2point3.org for more information.

Informational Guides

Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete –The Guide is a highly comprehensive tool that has been designed to help you understand the NCAA initial-eligibility process and to prepare student-athletes for transitioning from high school to becoming an NCAA Division I or II student-athlete.

NCAA Guide to International Academic Standards – The NCAA Guide to International

Academic standards for Athletics Eligibility provides specific requirements needed for college bound student-athletes who have completed any portion of their secondary education in a non-United States educational system wishing to study and compete at an NCAA Division I or II college or university.

NAIA INFORMATION

There are additional opportunities to play a college sport outside of the NCAA. Please look at opportunities within the NAIA. The NAIA web site is http://www.playnaia.org/

FOR STEP BY STEP RECRUITING INFORMATION

http://www.freerecruitingwebinar.org/

CoreCourseGPA Membership

Alexandria City is part of an annual core course review process in which a list of NCAA approved core courses for Alexandria City is part of our www.coreCourseGPA.com membership. Each student athlete will be required to submit their information to this free service so that they can stay current with their potential college eligibility. This information will be given to all athletes and provided at parent meetings, in the athletic office and on the ACHS Athletics website. 

College Sports Interest

Most student/athletes at the high school level will not be offered college athletic scholarships; therefore, the following recommendations are for your use in pursuing financial aid and/or acceptance to the college or university which best matches your abilities and interests:

• Discuss with your guidance counselor the range of colleges for which you are academically qualified.

• Talk with your coach and/ or athletic director about the level of competition he/she feels you might be best suited to participate in (i.e. Division I, II, III, or Junior College).
• Narrow your college selection list to a reasonable size, taking into consideration the quality of academic and athletic programs, determining whether they are right for you. Be realistic about your choice.
• Request your high school coach to write a personal letter to the college coach highlighting your transcript, academic achievements, and interests as well as a thorough and detailed discussion of your athletic accomplishments (statistics, clippings, letters earned, records set, honors). A season highlight film should be made during the season for availability to college coaches.
• Decide where you wish to apply. Few college coaches will take an interest in you unless you formally apply. Initiate, don’t react.
• Remain in touch with the coaches after applying. Inquire about the status of your application and financial aid. If possible, visit the college and the coach – sell yourself as a person and a student athlete.
• A letter from a college coach is an overture, NOT an offer.
• Be familiar with NCAA visitation rules (check with your coach).
• Financial Aid is based on need. Applications for financial aid as well as other scholarships are available in the guidance office.
• You may choose to continue your sports career even though you are not involved in intercollegiate competition. Most colleges and universities have extensive, competitive intramural programs for men and women.