LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!

1. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!

2. Welcome to Woodbury Middle School Athletics Athletic Director : Mr. Chris McGrath

3. Topics for Discussion • Philosophy • Introduction of coaching staff • Handbook overview • Student Athlete expectations • Concussion • Parent expectations • Booster Club • Video

4. Philosophy • Woodbury Middle School’s Athletic Department’s mission is to provide a comprehensive, diverse, wholesome and dynamic program consistent with the basic philosophy of Regional School District #14. As an integral part of a student’s total education, WMS’ athletic program makes a significant contribution to the personal growth and development of those involved. • Although Woodbury Middle School is looking forward to the success of its many programs, it does not condone a “win at all costs” attitude. The purpose of the program is to ensure a positive experience for those students who choose to participate. Other goals include providing all student-athletes with an opportunity to learn the importance of ethical behavior, good sportsmanship, positive values and realization of their self-worth.

5. Coaching Staff • Mr. Ryan Campanario – Girls Soccer and Baseball • Mr. Tim Zeno– Cross Country and Softball • Mr. John Stolle– Girls Basketball • Mr. Adam Brutting – Boys Soccer, Girls Varsity Basketball NHS and Track & Field • Mrs. Sally Smith– Field Hockey • Mrs. Ericka Banhan – Cheerleading • Mr. Chris McGrath – Boys Soccer and Boys Basketball • Mrs. Kylie Bootsma – Cross Country

6. Student Athlete / Parent HandbookHot Topics • Tryouts: • Usually 2-5 days starting after school until 4 or 4:30pm • Open to all students in grades 6-8 • Fall season starts tomorrow Wednesday 9/3 except boys soccer (Friday) • Winter season starts in early/mid November • Spring season starts in late March • Must have permission form and emergency contact form handed in • Must have up to date physical to participate in games/contests • Once teams are selected, letters will go out to the kids informing them of their status. Lists are not posted. • Team members are then expected to attend all practices and games/meets until the season is over.

7. Intramurals All students who are not currently on a school sport team are encouraged to join Intramurals. A separate permission form will be provided Intramurals are held once a week from 2:30pm – 3:30pm Activities Include but are not limited to: • Table Tennis • Volleyball • Soccer • Basketball • Ultimate Frisbee • Tennis • Badminton • Archery • Distance running

8. Transportation • Transportation is provided by Region #14 to regular season contests. • In the interest of building and maintaining team spirit and unity and limiting athletic program liability, all players, managers and anyone traveling on the bus to a contest, are strongly encouraged to return with the team bus. • Parents will not transport athletes unless face-to-face verbal and written requests are submitted to the coach for approval. • Athletes will remain with their team and under the supervision of the coach at all times. Cross Country will have a plan in place prior to the start of meets. • Athletes who miss the bus will not be allowed to participate in any contest unless there are extenuating circumstances and with the Athletic Directors approval. • Parents may not take other students home with them from away games where buses are provided. Exceptions are discouraged and will be honored only in rare instances with proper notification. A written and signed note from the parent stating this arrangement has been made is a MUST. Identification may be asked of the person taking your child, ie. Grandmother/Grandfather/Neighbor. • Please be on time when picking your child up at WMS after practices and games.

9. Parking / Pickup @ WMS • Please pick up from practices in the front of the building. • For away contests/games coaches tell athletes to text or call their parent from the bus once they are within 20 minutes of WMS. • On game days please park in the parking lots and not in the cemetery. • Cross Country uses the cemetery road as part of their course so on race days parking is prohibited. Please pass this along to other family members who may attend games.

10. Student Athlete Expectations • Exemplary school citizenship. • Consistent attendance in class and school. • Consistent attendance at team practices and games. • Positively influencing team morale. • Obedience to your coach. • Meeting or exceeding standards for academic eligibility. Cont. on next page • Display of exemplary sportsmanship conduct toward teammates, opponents, opposing fans, officials and others.

11. Students cont. • Any student athlete who has an average below 70 will not be allowed to participate in athletics until an average of 70 is regained. • The student and the teacher of the class in which he/she is failing will meet with the Athletic Director to discuss what needs to be done. The parent will then be notified by the Athletic Director of the plan. • In summary, as a student athlete you are expected to behave in ways that will bring honor to your school, coaches, family, community, or teammates.

12. Concussion Management • http://www.ctreg14.org/page.cfm?p=3292

13. Before the 1st contest • The following items must be on file in the office of the Athletic Director prior to the first contest: • Concussion Education Plan and Consent Form • Student athlete handbook “Signature Page” • Up to date physical (on file with school nurse)

14. How the parent can help foster a positive experience for their child • Be on time to pick up after practice / games or arrange a ride • Be supportive in a positive manner (Join the booster club) • Don’t overanalyze performance or coaching decisions • Stick to the triangle of communication • Volunteer to bring snacks to away games/meets • Help coordinate fundraising efforts if the coach asks • Support the coaches decisions regarding the team • It’s okay to say NO. Playing on a school team, Rec. team and Travel team plus making sure that there is time for quality school work and family time may not be the best idea. BALANCE is the key. School Athletics offers a unique chance to talk with your child about his/her goals. Ask them why they are trying out. Ask what they see as their individual goal for themselves and for the team. Ask how they plan on budgeting their time between school work, family and the team.

15. SPECTATOR EXPECTATIONS • RESPECT DECISIONS MADE BY CONTEST & SCHOOL OFFICIALS. • REFRAIN FROM TAUNTING, BOOING, HECKLING & THE USE OF INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE. • RECOGNIZE & ACKNOWLEDGE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES BY ATHLETES ON BOTH TEAMS. • ATTENDANCE AT THIS CONTEST IS NOT A LICENSE TO VERBALLY ASSAULT OTHERS OR TO BE GENERALLY OFFENSIVE. • RESPECT ATHLETES, COACHES OFFICIALS & FANS. BE A FAN... NOT A FANATIC!! www.ctreg14.org cmcgrath@ctreg14.org

16. Booster Club Mission: To provide parents with an opportunity for involvement as well as setting up opportunities for student athletes to get involved in community service projects. The booster club also supports with fundraising efforts which go into the Student Activity Athletics Fund. Those funds are then allocated based on the needs of the dept. as determined by the athletic director and coaches. Club meets 1-2x per month @10am. 2013 Booster Club : (Sign up sheet on stage) • Pink Sock campaign raised $500 for the Harold Leever Cancer Center. WMS was granted a leaf on the wishing tree in the main lobby. • 500 sandwiches made in 15 minutes and delivered to St. Vincent DePaul in Waterbury CT. • Donations of food and $ to the Bethlehem and Woodbury food bank • Car Wash to raise funds for uniforms • Donated multiple bags of clothing to local homeless shelter • Set up shutterfly website for parents to post pictures of athletic contests

17. Parent Video • Please, don’t look so excited  • Returning parents may go and meet with individual coaches. • Parents new to the program please remain seated. (this won’t hurt a bit)