Policies

We encourage an open dialogue between coaches and parents, however, to reduce distractions to the players and the team, we are enacting the following policy:

Any practices associated with school-based teams are closed to parents and the general public. When outdoor practices occur in the fall and spring seasons, parents and the general public cannot be on the playing field with the teams. It is asked that they drop their athlete off,  wait in their vehicle in the parking lot, choose to leave and return at the end of the practice session, or utilize the playground and walking trail during the practice session. (Adopted 9-12-22). 

To file a complaint regarding an incident involving HDCS athletics, please complete the Sports Complaint Form and submit it to Athletic Director Bob Bice. The complaint will be reviewed and addressed by the HDCS Administration and you will be contacted for follow up.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way the brain normally works. Concussions can occur from a fall, impact to the body, or collision that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.

Signs/Symptoms of a Concussion

• Dizziness
• Ringing in Ears
• Drowsy/Sleepy
• “Don’t Feel Right”
• Seizure
• Memory Problems
• Blurred Vision
• Vacant Stare/Glassy Eyed
• Irritability
• Headache
• Neck Pain
• Feeling slowed down
• Confusion
• More emotional
• Nausea/Vomitting
• Fatigue/Low Energy
• Feeling “Dazed”
• Poor Balance/Coordination
• Loss of Orientation
• Sensitivity to Light
• Sensitivity to Noise
• Sensitivity to Sound
• Retro Grade Amnesia
• Change in Personality
• “Pressure in head”
• Feeling like in a fog
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nervous or Anxious

How concussions occur

Concussions occur by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way the brain normally works. Concussions can occur from a fall, impact to the body, or collision that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.

Prevention

Health and safety issues will be covered by coaches in practice and physical education teachers in classes.

Return to Play Protocol

• Day 1 – No exertional activity until asymptomatic for 24 hours and has received written authorization from his or her treating physician to return to activity.
• Day 2 – Begin low-impact activity such as walking, stationary bike, etc.
• Day 3 – Initiate aerobic activity fundamental to specific sport such as skating, running, etc.
• Day 4 – Begin non-contact skill drills specific to sport such as dribbling, ground balls, batting, etc.
• Day 5 – Full contact in practice setting (if a contact/collision sport as defined by 8 N.Y.C.R.R. § 135.4).
• Day 6 – Return to competition.

If any concussion symptoms recur, the student shall submit to an examination by his or her treating physician, receive written authorization from such physician to resume activity, rest for 24 hours, drop back to the previous step, and then resume the protocol. In addition, the student shall be monitored for recurrence of symptoms with mental exertion (e.g. reading, working on a computer, or test taking). Upon successful completion of the protocol, return to participation shall be permitted.

*Please note the HDCS School Physician will have final say on allowing athletes to return to play.

Concussion Permission Slip

Rationale:  

The academic preparation of students is the prime responsibility of the Hermon-DeKalb School District. While we are keenly aware of the role that extracurricular activities play in a student’s high school career, the need for a policy setting minimum academic standards for participation in these activities is necessary. 

Policy:

• Students in grades 7 – 12 may not fail more than two subjects to remain eligible for participation in extracurricular activities. 
• If a student is ineligible, they must attend the after school program for 1 hour each day, but may attend practice.  If it is a game day, they will dress and sit the bench.   
• If a student is ineligible for 3 times during a 10-week marking period, they should be removed from the team.
• To be considered passing a non-accumulative average of 65 is required for high school students, middle school students must have a non-accumulative average of 70 (non-accumulative means for the current week). 
• Grades will be checked every week. Teachers will be provided a Google Sheet before 8am every Monday. The teachers will return the sheet with a list of students failing and the course name(s) they are failing.  An average is not necessary. The student’s name on the list will indicate he/she has a failing average for the week.  If all students in the teacher’s classes are passing the teacher is to return the sheet and note that all students are passing for the week. 
• The period of ineligibility begins on Tuesday morning and ends the following Tuesday morning. This pattern will be followed every week throughout the school year.  
• A student who is ineligible will remain so until such time as he/she is failing two or fewer classes at a regularly weekly report. 
• For the purpose of this policy, extracurricular activities will mean any and all activities that are conducted outside the curriculum or regular course of study and as such are non-credit bearing. 
• In the event an activity begins in the middle of a week, the students standing at the end of the previous week will determine eligibility.  If a student is ineligible at the start of a season he/she will be allowed a 3-day period to try out for the team, if cuts are to be made to determine team members. 

Students have the right to appeal an eligibility ruling they feel is improper. To initiate a review a student must contact one of the three members of the Extracurricular Review Council. The Extracurricular Review Council consists of the Principal, the Guidance Counselor, and the Athletic Director. Appeals should be based upon if the student is working to potential and/or extenuating circumstances in the student’s life. Students may bring any material or person(s) necessary to assist with their appeal. Validity of the appeal will be based upon extenuating circumstances and/or is the student working to potential. All decisions of the Extracurricular Review Council are final.  

1. Athletics – For team sports
   • Outstanding play on the field or court as recognized by the coach.
2. Citizenship in the School and Community
   • Students must have no level 3 offenses according to the Hermon-DeKalb Student Behavior Code during the season.
   • Students must not have been kicked off another team during the school year he/she wishes to be considered for an All-North selection.
   • Students must not have been caught in possession of or under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco from the first day of school through the last day of the season on or off school grounds.
3. Sportsmanship
   • Students that have been ejected from a game in that sport season for unsportsmanlike conduct will not be considered for an All-North award.
   • Students who are caught defacing property at our school or opposing schools will not be considered for the award (lockers, equipment, etc.).  
   • Students who repeatedly use foul language or gestures during that sport season will not be considered for an All-North award. This refers to foul language or gestures directed at any opposing athlete, coach, parent, or official.
   • Students who incur (3) technical fouls or (5) yellow cards during any sport season will not be considered for the All-North award during that season.

“Any negative, inappropriate, derogatory comments or actions that brings direct attention to a supervisor or school administrator by a spectator or group of spectators are required to be addressed by the host school, Coach, District Administration, or NYSPHSAA representative in the following non- sequential order depending on the comments or behavior:

First warning – The spectator or group of spectators will be directed to refrain from any negative comments or actions.

Second warning – A personal discussion will be had with the spectators or group of spectators on the above NYSPHSAA expectations and reminding the spectators or group of spectators of the next step, removal of the game or event, will be utilized if the behavior continues.

Removal from the contest – The spectator or group of spectators will be directed to leave the facility for the remainder of the game or event. If spectators or a group of spectators refuse to leave the game or event, play will be stopped until they vacate the premises.

*Districts or officials have the right to bypass the steps above based on the severity of the situation.

Penalty for being removed from a game or event: Any spectator removed from a game or event will have a minimum penalty of completing the NFHS Parent Credential courses (Positive Parenting Within School Programs & The Parent Seat) and a one game suspension before they are allowed to attend any interscholastic event, home or away. The suspension will be in effect for the next interscholastic event at the same level of the same sport from which the spectator removal occurred. If the removal occurs during the last game of a sport season, the suspension will be served in the next applicable interscholastic event in a subsequent sport season. Upon completion of the NFHS Parent Credential course, the spectator will provide the certificate of completion to the athletic department office. Failure to comply will result in an additional suspension. Schools are required to communicate with the offending spectator on the NYSPHSAA Spectator Sportsmanship Expectations.

Depending on the severity of the behavior/comments or future disqualifications by the offending spectator NYSPHSAA and the Section may get directly involved in the situation. Note: A school may take any or all these actions during or after an interscholastic contest.”

Please contact our district Athletic Director, Bob Bice, at rbice@hdcsk12.org if you have any questions regarding this policy.