Blazer Athletics Handbook

FOR
UPPER SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
Student-Athletes, Parents and Coaches

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
2012-2013

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Athletic Department Context and Mission Statement
Athletic Department Structure / Contact Information
Interscholastic Athletic Program Offerings
Interscholastic Sports Calendar
Student-Athlete Expectations
Parent Expectations
OHSAA Student-Athlete Eligibility Guide (pdf)
Captain Information: nomination form | contract
Middle School Athletics Overview
Awards - Upper School
Awards - Middle School
Letter from Dr. Susannah Briskin, Team Doctor (pdf)
Concussion Policy (pdf)
ImPACT Information and Permission Form (pdf)

Athletic Department Context and Mission Statement

Contact Information

Director of Athletics & Physical Education
Paul Maes
216.320.8799
pmaes@hb.edu

Associate Director of Athletics 
Paul Barlow
216.320.8792
pbarlow@hb.edu 

Director of Middle School Athletics 
Julie Kerrigan-Ettorre
216.320.8765
jettorre@hb.edu

Director of Physical Education 
Denise Keary
216.320.8789
dkeary@hb.edu

Director of Aquatic Programming - Butler Aquatic Center 
Nichole Trebec
216.320.8796 x7794 
ntrebec@hb.edu

Administrative Assistant for Athletics & Physical Education 
Julie Lozon
216.320.8796 x7226
jlozon@hb.edu 

Certified Athletic Trainer
Carrie Fister/Jody Duecker
216.320.8796 x7796
coliver78@gmail.com / jduecker@hb.edu

Team Physician
Dr. Susannah Briskin
11100 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
(216) 844-3595
susannah.briskin@uhhospitals.org

Athletic Department Phone 
216.320.8086

Athletic Department Fax
216.320.8793

Athletic Department Twitter Account 
@HBAthletics

Interscholastic Athletic Program Offerings

LEAGUE AFFILIATIONS

Northeast Ohio Tennis Association Girls High School League
Northeast Ohio Field Hockey Association League
Northeast Ohio Independent Girls Golf League
Ohio Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association (Northern Division)
Cleveland Consortium of Independent Schools (CCIS)

Interscholastic Sports Calendar

Each Student-Athlete receives a calendar for her specific sport at the beginning of the specific sport season. The calendar may change due to weather, transportation, facilities, or opponents. We, the Athletic Department, make every effort to minimize the number of changes to the calendar during a season. Updates can be found on the HB website in the athletics section of the website. Coaches can also send out messages to teams through their team pages provided they have access to them from where they are. You should have a link to your daughter’s team page via the parent portal. Girls will have access to their team pages via the student portal.

PRACTICES
Practices are generally from 3:30pm until 7:00pm Monday through Friday for the Upper School and 3:30pm to 5pm for the Middle School. There are some sports that have morning sessions before school and some that due to availability of practice sites start at 4:30pm or 5:00pm. Girls are welcome and encouraged to use the time between the end of the day and the start of practice as an opportunity to get a start on school work.

CONTESTS
Home contests generally begin between 4:00pm and 5:00pm. Away contests generally begin between 4:00pm and 5:00pm. Depending on the sport, the number of teams for that sport, the length of the contest and playing periods, and the location of the contest, a contest day ends any time between 5:30pm and 7:30pm. High School basketball games usually have later start times because of the Middle School basketball schedule and gym availability.

CANCELLATIONS
On occasion practices and/or contests may be cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. In case of cancellation, students are notified as soon as possible and are expected to make appropriate arrangements for transportation home. Every attempt will be made to notify Student-Athletes between 12:00pm and 2:00pm for Middle School and between 2:30pm and 3:30pm for Upper School.

2012-2013 Athletics Calendar Dates

Student-Athlete Expectations

As a member of an athletic school team at Hathaway Brown School, you have achieved a position of accomplishment, honor, and responsibility. High school sports are a privilege to play and a privilege to watch — a privilege that depends on your responsibility and sportsmanship. Athletes at HB are highly visible in the school community and in society. This means the school and community have higher standards and greater expectations for the conduct, performance, and commitment of HB athletes than for other students. You are always on stage as an athlete at HB, and the community is watching to see how you handle yourself in situations over the course of your career at HB and uses you as an example of our school’s character. This is a huge honor that provides each student-athlete with great opportunity. It is the responsibility of each student-athlete to adhere to the Athletic Department Context and Mission Statement.

In order to ensure the integrity of our program, we have a few guidelines in place that we hope you will follow over the course of the season.

• The athlete is expected to be in good standing as a member of the Hathaway Brown community. She adheres to the student handbook and follows school rules and procedures. She maintains her academic eligibility and pursues her studies with the vigor and passion she applies to her athletic endeavors.
• The athlete must have passed 5 one-credit courses or the equivalent in the preceding grading period for high school students. For 7^th and 8^th graders, the athlete must have passed a minimum of 5 subjects.
• If the athlete takes an Incomplete in a course, that may affect her eligibility. There are limited cases in which the OHSAA will allow an INC and not impact the ability to play sports. Please communicate this possibility ahead of time with both the US Director and the Athletic Director.
• The athlete’s parents must live in Ohio.
• If the athlete is in 9^th grade, she must have reached the age of 15 before August 1, 2013. If the athlete is in grades 10^th -12^th, she must not have turned 19 before August 1, 2013.
• It is expected that all athletes maintain open communication with team captains, coaches, and the athletic trainer. If there is an unresolved issue at any time, it needs to be brought to the attention of the Athletic Director in a timely manner.
• The athlete is expected to be committed to team goals. This implies that personal performance is not focused on the individual but is directed toward achieving team goals and team unity.
• The athlete is expected to sit down with the Athletic Director and other students, parents, mentors, administrators and/or counselors for mediations when necessary.
• The athlete is expected to be respectful to the coach(es). The quality of athletic experience and success depends on loyalty and a good working relationship between team members and coaches. If a problem between coach and athlete arises, both have the responsibility to work out a solution through good communication.
• The Interscholastic Athletic Program is run in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. We adhere to the OHSAA campaign of Respecting the Game. This includes respecting the opponents, the coaches, the officials, and the rules of the game. “Respecting the Game” is about speaking with courtesy, acting with dignity, and playing with pride. For more information on the “Respect the Game” program please see the OHSAA's “Respect the Game”’ web page.
• Instances, though rare, when an athlete does not behave in a manner becoming to the School or the athletic program will have consequence ranging from a meeting with your coach and Athletic Director to removal from the team.
• It is the responsibility of the athlete to attend all practices and games.  A calendar is distributed to each athlete at the beginning of the season. Updates to the schedule can be found at www.hb.edu or @HBAthletics (Twitter).  When conflicts arise, advanced notice must be given to the coach for approval. Emergencies are not part of this policy.
• Absences from practices and/or games shall be either "Excused" or "Unexcused".  The athlete should give to the coach, prior to the absence, a note or email that explains the absence and is signed by a parent or guardian.
  • Excused:
    1. Injury or illness necessitating absence from school
    2. Family Death
    3. Family Wedding
    4. Religious Holidays
    5. Doctors' Appointments
    6. College Visits
  • Unexcused:
    1. Homework
    2. Appointments for hair, teeth, exams, etc.
    3. Suspensions and/or detentions
• Absence from practice the day before a game will result in the following:
  • Excused Absence: Athlete may play.  The athlete will probably not start a game due to the nature of an injury or illness and/or due to the nature of the practice(s) missed prior to the game. It may be that strategy and a plan for the competition was missed when the student-athlete missed the practice and therefore the athlete would not be ready for the match up.  Whether or not an athlete will start in a game or play during a game is the coach's decision.
  • Unexcused Absence:  The athlete will not start and possibly will not play during the entire contest.
• A "Medical Excuse" for a Physical Education class, Swimming, Adventure Learning, or a Dance class is also a "Medical Excuse" from a practice or a game.  If you do not attend Physical Education, Swimming, Adventure Learning, or Dance class, you will not participate in an athletic event, practice or game. However, the athlete is expected to attend practice despite short term physical limitations. If you do not participate in swim class due to menstruation, you will be able to participate in your after school commitments provided your PE teacher has received a note or phone call documenting the excuse from swim class from a parent or guardian. Forgetting your swim suit will render you unable to participate in sports activities that afternoon.
• In order to participate in a game or practice an athlete must have attended at least 1/2 the day of school. She needs to be in school for the start of 4^th period for US students and before 11:30 for MS students in order to participate in any after-school programs, including athletics.
• UPPER SCHOOL GAME DAY ATTIRE: On game days, an athlete may wear her jersey or top for contests to school, but she must be in dress code on the bottom half. For example, a Field Hockey/Lacrosse skirt or Basketball and Soccer shorts, or Softball pants cannot be worn to school
• MIDDLE SCHOOL GAME DAY ATTIRE: On game days, team members will be permitted to wear appropriate team attire…their uniform, designated parts of their uniform, or black fleece pullover or black HB sweatshirt (this item may be purchased through the Brown Bag) and black  sweatpants.  The designated uniform must be worn properly by every team member or this game day privilege may be revoked.  Footwear: Tennis shoes ONLY!
• Athletes are required to be in the area of their team practice or game at all times.  The athlete must secure permission from her coach to leave the team practice or game area.
• All athletes MUST HAVE ON FILE BEFORE BEGINNING PRACTICES AND/OR BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN A GAME the following forms:
  • Emergency Care Form
  • Medical Permission Form (OHSAA Form)
  • Uniform and Equipment Responsibility Agreement (Green form)
  • OHSAA Eligibility Checklist (Yellow form—Upper School Only)
  • Certificate of Attendance for Mandatory Preseason Parent Athletic Meeting
• Some athletes will receive uniform items that are the property of Hathaway Brown .  Some athletes will be required to purchase uniform items that are the property of the student-athlete.  The "HBS Property", if lost or damaged, must be replaced.  Therefore, the athlete will be charged the most current replacement costs.  A uniform should be worn with pride and distinction.  (See "Uniform and Equipment Responsibility Agreement" — green form).
• It is the athlete's responsibility to notify her coach IMMEDIATELY of any injury sustained during a practice or a game.  The coach will then be responsible for filing an "Injury Report." Notification of the Athletic Trainer is the first step in rehabilitating an injury.
• All athletes have a responsibility to respect and to properly care for all equipment — their own, the school's, and other athletes'.
• All athletes are expected to travel to and from contests on a school bus/van.  Should an athlete wish to leave the contest site with a parent/guardian, she must inform the coach prior to leaving the contest site. In the Upper School Student Enrollment Contract, you had the opportunity to sign the "Student Driver and Passenger Disclaimer.”  If you signed it, parents and guardians agreed and understand that the School disclaims any responsibility or liability arising out of circumstances in which students drive automobiles to and from school and school-sponsored events or in which students ride in the automobiles driven by other students or by their parents or guardians to and from school and school-sponsored events." If a student is going to drive herself to a practice, she must ask the coach for permission ahead of time and receive approval from her coach.  Students may only drive themselves and siblings.
• Each athlete is expected to have her own water bottle that is clearly labeled with her name.
• Support of the athletic program:  Athletes are expected to support one another.  The Varsity supports the JV and the JV supports the Varsity.  Varsity athletes are expected to attend the JV contest and JV athletes are expected to attend the Varsity contest.  Specific attendance expectations are sport-specific.  In general, the Varsity athletes are expected to attend 1/2 of the JV contest and the JV athletes are expected to attend 1/2 of the Varsity contest. Teams are also expected to support other HB teams during the course of the year. It may be easier for a team to go to another team’s event when they are out of season, but recognition that each team is part of the bigger HB program is essential. The MS A team supports the MS B team and vice versa.  In general the MS A team athletes are expected to attend 1/2 of the MS B contests and the MS B team athletes are expected to attend 1/2 of the MS A contests.
• Athletes are expected to peruse their team page for timely communication, read all written materials distributed by the coaches, and listen to captain announcements.
• Participation on more than one team:  According to the OHSAA By-Laws, a Student-Athlete may not participate both on a school team and a non-school team for the same sport at the same time.
  • Examples:
    • An HB Student-Athlete who is a member of an HB Basketball team may not also be a member of a CYO Basketball team at the same time.
    • An HB Student-Athlete who is a member of an HB Softball team may not also be a member of a non HB Softball team at the same time.
    • Membership includes participation in practices as well as contests.
• Athletes should use the locker rooms — LOCK UP YOUR VALUABLES!! Keeping the team meeting room clean is a shared responsibility of all the programs. It is both a locker room and a classroom space used by more than one team at a time. Abuse of that facility will render it locked for all other programs as well.
• Athletes CANNOT WEAR FIELD SHOES IN THE BUILDING after a practice or a game.  Please take off the field shoes prior to entering the building and remove mud and grass outside. Doors to the pool area will be open for access to bathrooms and water fountains. Cleated shoes may not be worn in the gym at any time.
• All Upper School athletes are expected to attend the "Awards Night" at the conclusion of the season. Appropriate dress is required and we ask everyone to sit with her family and her teammates for the presentations.
• Each athlete is expected to have arranged with her parent(s) or guardian to be picked up in a timely manner after each and every practice and game.  In the event that a game or practice has been canceled, it is the responsibility of the athlete and her parent(s) or guardian to have a transportation plan in place which will be followed. Again, information about cancellations or changes will be posted on @HBAthletics, the HB twitter account and student boards as they occur. You can sign up to receive alerts regarding schedule changes to your cell phone or email here. Middle School Athletes not picked up within 15 minutes of the end of practice will be escorted to After School Club, according to the After School Club Athletics form. 
• Middle School Athletes are expected to leave the Middle School wing after school and not return to the Middle School wing after practices or games.  Therefore all athletes must bring book bags, coats, etc. to the gym area.
• Hathaway Brown’s middle school athletic programs employ a no-cut policy which emphasizes the development of each student- athlete in a positive and supportive atmosphere.  Coaches help students to:
  1. Improve their fundamental skills and strategy of the sport.
  2. Learn and practice good sportsmanship.
  3. Develop self-confidence to grow within the sport.
  4. Make a commitment to the team as seen by being present at and fully involved in all practices and contests unless prior permission has been granted by the administration.
  5. Begin to establish a lifelong habit of fitness and well-being.
• Playing Time: The teams in the middle school athletic programs are divided according to ability levels (A more competitive and B more development) and each team will compete against teams of equivalent talent. Coaches monitor playing time carefully. On the B team, playing time is commensurate based on attendance at practice and effort. On the A team, playing time is fair, based on ability, attendance at practice and effort.

Parent Expectations

Welcome to Hathaway Brown Blazer Athletics! The athletic department at HB views parents as an integral part of the Hathaway Brown School Interscholastic Athletic Program.  We look forward to working with you in a partnership towards the development of your daughter. Because of your role in the success of the HB Interscholastic Athletic Program, it is important that you know and understand the “Athletic Department Context and Mission Statement", "Student-Athlete Expectations", "Required Forms", "Interscholastic Sports Schedules", and "Uniform and Equipment Care and Costs" associated with our department. HB has a very strong tradition of both academic and athletic success. We look forward to another year of success for our student-athletes. Welcome to the Blazers!

Important highlights of this information include the following:

• The Interscholastic Athletic Program is an extension of the classroom experience in which the student may choose to participate. Participation within the program carries with it a responsibility to remain academically eligible within the OHSAA guidelines. There may be repercussions for participation if a student-athlete fails to stay in good standing in school.
• The Interscholastic Athletic Program provides opportunity for involvement by students of varying skill levels — developmental, Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity.
• The Interscholastic Athletic Program sport/team offerings may be limited by various constraints which include, but are not limited to the following:  The hiring of coaching personnel; the Athletic Department budget; the available practice times; the available practice spaces; and available opponents.
• The continued support from our parents of our program on all levels is paramount for a strong foundation. We expect parents to support all athletes at an event, from both HB and other opposing schools. Cheering at events should be positive in nature and directed to the entire team. Please leave the coaching to the athletic staff.
• Any team function that occurs in or out of season needs to have all of the team members invited. Our programs work to promote inclusiveness and we ask your help in partnering with us on this important initiative. The team building coaches and captains work on in season is reinforced effectively if the parents are also united and do their part to role model team unity.
• At the end of contests, we ask that parents let the coaches meet with the players alone for a bit to give important post game feedback and any notices for the next day’s plan.
• It is the responsibility of parents(s)/guardian(s) to enable your daughter to attend all practices and contests.
• Due to the economic climate and the school’s trademark policies, we do not want families to purchase customized team gear (shirts, hats, bags, sweatpants, hoodies, etc…). 
• It is important to be very familiar with athletic schedules provided by the coach which include practice and contest information. Updates to schedules can be found online at @HBAthletics (Twitter) or under Teams and Schedules. We no longer maintain the sports hotline  for the Upper School or the Middle School.
• Please note in the "Student/Athlete Expectations" several items of great importance:
• Absences and Excuses and Medical concerns
• Forms necessary prior to participation
• Uniform and Equipment Care (please return uniforms in clean form)
• Transportation to and from contests
• Prompt pick up after practices and contests
• The Interscholastic Athletic Program is run in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. We adhere to the OHSAA campaign of Respecting the Game. This includes respecting the opponents, the coaches, the officials, and the rules of the game. “Respecting the Game” is about speaking with courtesy, acting with dignity, and playing with pride. For more information on the “Respect the Game” program please go to www.ohsaa.org/RTG. If fan behavior at a contest or event becomes inappropriate, that parent may be asked to leave the event by a member of the School administration or coaching staff.

COMMUNICATION WITH COACHING STAFF: The quality of athletic experience and success depends on loyalty and a good working relationship between parents and coaches. If a problem between a coach and a parent arises, both have the responsibility to work out a solution through good communication. If there is an unresolved issue at any time, it needs to be brought to the attention of the Athletic Director in a timely manner. Timely reporting of concerns is appreciated so that they may be addressed. Should problems or concerns arise during the Interscholastic Athletic season in which your daughter has chosen to participate, please communicate first with your daughter. We would welcome you to schedule an appointment with your daughter's coach at any time. It is not appropriate to expect to have a satisfying conversation with a coach immediately prior to a contest, during a contest, or immediately following a contest. A coach has many responsibilities which must be fulfilled during these times. We use the 24-hour rule, unless it is an emergency, before contacting a coach. Should communication with the coach prove unsatisfactory, the next step would be to schedule an appointment with Paul Maes, the Athletic Director. Should communication with him prove unsatisfactory, schedule an appointment with the appropriate division director whether it is an Upper or Middle School issue. Should communication continue to be unsatisfactory, please refer issues to Bill Christ, Head of School. We have a system in place to help parents, coaches and student-athletes navigate through the waters when they may become rough and a bit turbulent.

Communication You Should Expect From Your Daughter’s Coach

1. Philosophy of the coach.
2. Expectations the coach has for your daughter as well as all team members on the squad including all team rules.
3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
4. Team requirements, i.e. fees, special equipment.
5. Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
6. Coach’s off-season conditioning program.
7. Teaching sportsmanship, ethics, and good behavior.

 Communication Coaches Should Expect From Parents

1. Concern expressed directly to the coach.  Encourage your daughter to make this first step.
2. Notification of any schedule conflict well in advance.
3. Specific concern in regard to coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.
4. Being a positive role model at contests and practices.

As you daughter becomes involved in the programs at Hathaway Brown School she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of her life.  It is important to understand that there may also be times when things do not go the way you and your child wish.  At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss With Coaches

1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
2. Ways to help your child improve.
3. Concerns about your child’s behavior.
4. College options and recruiting.

It is very difficult to accept your daughter’s not playing as much as you may hope.  Coaches are professionals.  They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all student athletes involved.  As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach.  Other things, such as those listed next, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss With Coaches

1. Team Strategy
2. Play Calling
3. Playing Time
4. Other Student Athletes

Once again, on behalf of all the coaches and members of the athletic staff, we welcome you back to Blazer Athletics and we all look forward to working with your daughters, and hope to see you on the sidelines supporting the entire HB athletic program!

 Go Blazers!

Captain Selection Process - for Middle School, Junior Varsity & Varsity Teams

Captains for all Upper and Middle School teams will be determined in the following manner: 

1. Members of the team will submit to the Head Coach in writing reasons why she feels she or another team member should be considered for the role of team captain. Specific examples of leadership potential should be mentioned. A nomination form with the roles and expectations of captains will be distributed to the team members.
2. The Head Coach will review the statements with his/her coaching staff. The decision about who will fill the role of captain is ultimately one for the coaching staff.
3. The Head Coach, Athletic Director, Upper/Middle School Director, and the Head of School will review the selections to ensure that the candidates are in good standing within the community, are academically eligible, are responsible members of the team and offer a positive impact on the culture of the team and the athletic program. This process needs to be done in a timely manner allowing time for discussion.
4. No team will have more than 3 captains unless approved by the Athletic Director before announcing captains.
5. Juniors can be considered for captainship of a Varsity team.
6. Selecting a younger member of the team to the position of captain does not ensure they will be a captain for her remaining years on that squad. For example, a Junior made captain of a Varsity team is not guaranteed to also be captain for her senior year. She must undergo the selection process for the following year.
7. Captains, once selected, will agree to uphold a captain’s contract. Should any portion of the contract not be upheld by a captain, she could be removed from her position of leadership on the team for a defined period of time, the remainder of the season, or indefinitely.
8. Middle School Teams: Middle School teams may choose to rotate the role of captain from game to game and thus not follow this selection process or choose captains as described above.  This will be determined at the start of the season in consultation with the MS Athletic Director and communicated to the team at the beginning of the season.
9. Time lime for selection:
   1. Middle School Teams: Captain announcements will be made within one week of the team’s roster being posted and before the first match. If a MS team chooses to rotate the leadership, coaches will let the girls know the day before the game.
   2. Junior Varsity Teams: Captain announcements will be made within one week of the team’s roster being posted and before the first match. JV captains, once named, can attend captain leadership meetings with Varsity captains.
   3. Varsity Teams: Fall teams must have selected captains within two weeks of the start of regular practice.  Teams can do their selection processes ahead of these deadlines with approval from the Athletic Director and all selection processes must be scheduled with the Athletic Office.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN HB CAPTAIN

 Captains should:

1. Uphold the mission of the Athletic Department and the School while positively adding to the culture of both programs.
2. Lead by example
1. Be hardest working
2. Motivate the team
3. Attend practices: be on time, first to arrive, last to leave
4. Work to promote the success of teammates
5. “First team, then me” motto
3. Represent the school, program, teammates, friends, family, and self well
1. Be aware of and positive in any online social networks
2. Stay off of chat/blogs
3. Respect the Game: sportsmanship
4. Appreciate those who help you get where you are
4. ROOTS: Respect the opponent, official, team and spectators
1. Captains should model this behavior for her teammates to follow
5. Publicize events and games
1. Morning meeting announcements
2. Weekly emails to team about successes and what lies ahead
3. Photos  and game write-ups to post on your team webpage
4. Keep team bulletin board current
5. Work with managers to get needs met
6. Meet with coaches weekly
1. Liaison between coaches and players
   1. Especially important for the outside coaches to maintain good connections
7. Attend any leadership training meetings with the Athletic Director
8. Team meetings must have a coach present at all times
9. Mentor younger team members         
1. Big sister/Little sister and secret psyche programs
2. Help with the transition from 8^th grade to 9^th grade
3. Encourage connections between MS, JV and V players
10. Organize team bonding experiences, especially the dinners
1. Dinners, movies, hang outs
11. Organize community service activity/charity event in line with school guidelines
1. Volley for the Cure, for example
2. Community service can be within our school as well
12. Organize off season workouts
1. Make phone calls to players, email reminders
13. Compose an email list of players and parents to share with the athletic office and use for communication during the season.
14. Develop the practice and pre-game/match warm ups
15. Plan the equipment lists
16. Order additional clothing-Upper School teams only
1. Following guidelines set forth by the athletic department & US dress code

 Italics are Middle and Upper School captain responsibilities, non-italics are primarily US duties

CAPTAIN NOMINATION FORM: to print | to complete online

CAPTAIN CONTRACT: to print

Middle School Athletics

Coaches help students to:

1. Improve their fundamental skills and strategy of the sport.
2. Learn and practice good sportsmanship.
3. Develop self-confidence to grow within the sport.
4. Make a commitment to the team as seen by being present at and fully involved in all practices and contests unless prior permission has been granted by the administration.
5. Begin to establish a lifelong habit of fitness and well-being.

Playing Time
The teams in the middle school athletic programs are divided according to ability levels (A more competitive and B more development) and each team will compete against teams of equivalent talent. Coaches monitor playing time carefully. On the B team, playing time is based on attendance at practice and effort. On the A team, playing time is fair, based on ability, attendance at practice and effort. 

Social Media
It is the expectation of the School that students will behave in a lawful, ethical and respectful manner. There is no expectation of privacy when using the School’s network. If a violation of this policy is suspected, private files or correspondence may be investigated, and social media sites may be monitored. It is important to recognize that behavior both on and off campus reflects on the reputation of the School. Failure to act responsibly may result in disciplinary consequences such as loss of e-mail privileges, loss of Network and Internet access, detention, suspension or in extreme cases, expulsion. Hathaway Brown School will cooperate with any law enforcement agency in the event of suspected illegal or inappropriate activities.

Please refer to the student’s technology Acceptable Use Policy agreement.

Athletics Awards – Upper School

Purpose

To recognize team and individual accomplishments in sports which are sponsored by Hathaway Brown School.

Criteria

Awards are presented to each student-athlete who by having regularly participated in team practices and contests has successfully completed the sport season.  Therefore, an athlete who has been dismissed from the team for failure to abide by the "Student-Athlete Expectations" or quits before the end of the season will not receive athletic awards and recognition.  The Coach of each sport will determine the appropriate awards and the recipients.  Recipients will include varsity athletes, junior varsity athletes, managers, scorekeepers, timers, and statisticians.  Although the specific criteria for an award may change from year to year, the following items will always be taken into consideration: ability, effort, attitude, sportsmanship, team contributions, improvement, and attendance at both practices and contests.  A Varsity Letter requires participation in at least one half (50%) of the scheduled Varsity contests and regular attendance at practices.  A student-athlete "moved up" from the JV to the Varsity to fill the allotted roster spaces for end of season tournament play will not earn a Varsity Letter unless the requirement of participating in 50% of the regular season Varsity contests has been met.  When appropriate, the Coach may enlist the aid of assistant coaches, team captains, and team members when deciding special awards and the recipients.  At the discretion of the Coach, awards may be deleted.

Presentations

All Upper School Athletic Awards will be presented by the Coach at the respective Fall, Winter, or Spring Sports Awards Nights.  All Middle School Athletic Awards will be presented by the Coach at the respective Fall, Winter, or Spring Sports Awards Assemblies during the school day.

Funding

All awards will be purchased by the Athletic Director.  If a Coach wishes to present awards which are not a part of the Athletic Awards Budget, he/she must confer with the Athletic Director.

Special Situations

The Coaches and the Athletic Director will resolve any special situations.  Special situations include but are not limited to situations such as athlete injury, ties, etc.

Records

During each season the Coach will be responsible for keeping all data pertinent to awards.  Following each season, the Coach will be responsible for submitting all awards information to the Athletic Director.  All awards information will be maintained in the Athletic Office as a permanent record.

Seasonal Awards

VARSITY AWARDS

1st Award = Block Letter and sport specific insert

2nd Award = 2^nd Year Certificate (framed) and sport specific insert

3rd Award = Plaque (engraved) and sport specific insert

4th Award = Mug (engraved) and sport specific insert

Note #1:  An athlete may be a member of a Varsity team and not receive a letter.  In this case, the athlete will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Note #2:  An athlete will receive only one Block Letter for all sports.

JUNIOR VARSITY AWARDS

1st Award = Certificate of Participation

2nd Award = 2^nd Year Certificate (framed)

3rd Award = Plaque (engraved)

4th Award = Trophy (engraved)

CAPTAIN AWARDS

Each Upper School team captain will receive a medal – Varsity Captains will receive gold medals and Junior Varsity Captains will receive silver medals.

Special Awards

THE BLAZER AWARD: The recipient will receive a plaque and her name will be engraved on the “Blazer Award Plaque" which will hang permanently in the gym lobby. Each Upper School Varsity Sport will recognize one student-athlete who in the opinion of the coaches best exemplifies the following:

Criteria:

1. Teamwork:  The athlete is supportive of her teammates.  She has a contagious spirit.  She is able to not only work to improve her own skills, but she is also able to work to improve the skills of teammates.
2. Sportsmanship:    She demonstrates good sportsmanship at all times.  Whether on or off the field she contributes to not only the sport, but the entire athletic program.
3. Dedication:  She is "willing to go the extra mile."  She demonstrates a good work ethic (perseverance).  She goes above and beyond expectations.  She demonstrates consistent effort whether during a practice or a contest. 
4. Coachability:  She is a student of the game.

In addition to the Blazer Award, coaches may give out the following awards:

• MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
• MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
• TWO AWARDS OF THEIR CHOICE (These awards must be approved by the Athletic Director)
• COACHES’ AWARD (Junior Varsity version of the Blazer Award)

Outstanding Athlete Award (Recipient = graduating Senior)

The highest award given to a graduating Senior during the Upper School Awards Assembly. The Outstanding Athlete Award is given each year to a graduating senior who, in the opinion of the Physical Education Department and the Head Coaches Council, best exemplifies the following characteristics:

Criteria:

1. Scholarship – by having maintained a B grade point average through the first semester of her senior year
2. Athletic Skills – The candidate must possess athletic skills of superior quality as noted by the Athletic and Physical Education Departments, who have been trained in analysis of such skills. These would include agility, balance, coordination, power, reaction time and speed. She must demonstrate a high level of success and skill at her sport(s).
3. Athletic Involvement – The candidate must have earned a minimum of six Varsity letters during the freshmen through senior years. Should attendance be less than the 4 Upper School years, this minimum requirement shall be 2 Varsity letters each year of attendance.
4. Other Factors: Sportsmanship, Teamwork, and Cooperation – These may be of consequence, but NOT the sole reason for the award.

Presentation: A plaque with plates to be engraved each year with the date and recipient’s name shall hang permanently in the lobby of the gymnasium. An individual trophy or plaque will be engraved and presented to the award recipient each year during Class Night Awards Assembly (as of 1987).  

This award shall be funded by the Hathaway Brown School Athletic Association and Athletic Department.  In the case of a tie, 2 awards may be given provided every effort has been made to break the tie and thus truly recognize the “Outstanding Athlete”.   The Athletic and Physical Education Departments reserve the right not to give the award in any given year should they feel there is no qualified student.

OHSAA SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD (Recipients = 2 graduating Seniors)

The award recognizes commitment to academic excellence while participating in interscholastic athletics. 

Criteria:

1. It is to be awarded to the two seniors who have the highest scholastic average at the end of the first semester of their senior year.
2. Each senior must have received a minimum of four varsity letters in all sports combined.

Presentation: The certificate is to be provided by the OHSAA. The Physical Education and Athletic Departments are responsible for appropriately lettering and framing the certificate plaque. The certificate plaque will be presented at the “Class Night” during “Departmental Awards.”  The names of the recipients shall be placed on a plaque in the gymnasium lobby.

ARCHIE GRIFFIN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD (Recipients = one 8th grader and one Senior)

This award is given to one 8th grader and one senior. This award, which is sponsored by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Committee, was established in 1993 by the Hathaway Brown Physical Education and Athletic Departments.

This award recipient shall demonstrate sportsmanship, integrity and ethics in sports as well as in other areas of Middle/Upper School life at Hathaway Brown School. She is one who is obviously respected by both coaches and peers for her efforts and personal growth in athletics and she exudes a sense of wellness and/or a healthy lifestyle.

Method of Selection:

• Nominees shall be selected by the Physical Education and Head Coaches Council.
• The list of nominees shall be presented to members of the Physical Education and Head Coaches Council for selection of one recipient.  There shall be no ties.

THE DICKEY-FORD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD (Recipient = graduating Senior)

The Dickey-Ford Sportsmanship Award was established in 1963 by the Class of 1938 at their 25^th reunion in memory of two classmates. 

Criteria: Awarded annually to a senior, who is nominated by the Physical Education Department and Head Coaches Council.

Method of Selection: Chosen by a vote of the four upper school classes, for excellence in sportsmanship in athletics.

Presentation: A silver charm, engraved with the recipient’s initials, is awarded on Class Night by the Athletic Director.  The name of the recipient will be placed on a plaque in the gymnasium lobby.

THE LAURETTE PAYETTE CAPTAINS AWARD (Recipients = Varsity Captain)

The Laurette Payette Varsity Captain Award was established at the time of Laurette’s retirement as Athletic Director in 2007. For 32 years, Laurette worked tirelessly to improve her leadership, to always better herself so as to better serve others. The Laurette M. Payette award will be given each year to a Varsity Captain who, in the opinion of the Physical Education Department and Head Coaches Council, best demonstrates the following attributes:

Criteria:

1. Leadership – She leads by both words and actions as well as recognizes and acknowledges the contributions of all team members in an effort to make the group a more cohesive unit
2. Integrity – She demonstrates a firm adherence to a code of sound moral values
3. Ethics – She upholds the standards of right and wrong both in athletics and within the HB community

Method of Selection:

1. Members of the Head Coaches Council shall submit names for consideration to the Athletic Director.
2. The Athletic Director shall compile a list of nominees.
3. Members of the Head Coaches Council shall vote for one recipient.
4. Every effort shall be made through discussion to eliminate ties.

Presentation: The recipient will be awarded a book specific to leadership excellence by the Athletic Director on Class Night.  The name of the recipient shall be placed on a plaque in the gymnasium lobby.

THE COACHES COUNCIL AWARD (Recipients =1 Freshman; 1 Sophomore; 1 Junior; 1 Senior)

The Coaches Council Award shall be given in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior student-athletes to the Hathaway Brown School Athletic Program through dedication, commitment, and leadership.

1. The award recipients shall be 1 Freshman, 1 Sophomore, 1 Junior, and 1 Senior.  There may be more than 1 recipient in a class, however every effort shall be made to eliminate ties.
2. This award is established to recognize student-athletes by criteria other than that which is recognized by previously established awards such as the number of varsity letters earned, grade point average earned, coachability (Blazer Award), athletic skill, sportsmanship (Dickey-Ford Award & Archie Griffin Award), student popular vote, etc.
3. The recipients shall be selected on the basis of their dedication, commitment, and leadership.
4. Criteria that may be considered yet would not be necessary for selection include number of years of participation and multi-sport participation.
5. Additional criteria or different criteria may be used in any given year if warranted.

1. Members of the Head Coaches Council shall submit names for consideration to the Athletic Director.
2. The Athletic Director shall compile a list of nominees by grade.
3. Members of the Head Coaches Council shall vote for one recipient for each grade.
4. Every effort shall be made to limit the number of recipients to one per class — Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior.  Therefore, discussion and subsequent balloting shall be used to eliminate multiple recipients for each class.

Athletic Awards – Middle School

During the Awards Assembly that takes place during the school day, “Athletic Participation Certificates” and “Special Awards” are presented.

ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATES

“Athletic Participation Certificates” are presented to each athlete who by having regularly participated in team practices and contests has successfully completed the sport season.  Therefore, an athlete who has been dismissed from the team for failure to abide by the “Student-Athlete Expectations” or quits before the end of the season will not receive athletic awards nor receive recognition.

1st Award = Certificate of Participation
2nd Award = Certificate of Participation

SPECIAL AWARDS

All "Special Awards" recipients will receive a certificate.  Special Awards are limited to 5 for each sport

-Most Improved Player (MIP)
-Blazer Award (US) or Coaches Award (MS)
-Best Offense
-Best Defense
Note to Parents:  Should your daughter be receiving one of these special awards, the athletic department will attempt to contact you prior to the sports awards assembly.  Please do not share award information with your daughter.

CAPTAIN AWARDS

Each Middle School team captain will receive a "Special Award Certificate."