Somerset Academy Canyons

Athletics Handbook

Dear Parents, This document will hold all you need to know regarding athletics, with the exception of schedules, which will be given out prior to the respective sports as games are continually being planned leading up to the sport specific season. If you have any questions regarding the information in this document or any other concerns, please feel free to email Athletic Director Michael Feierstein at mfeierstein@somersetcanyons.com. Before the Season:

1. Prior to all tryouts, a sports physical is REQUIRED in order to step onto any field or court. You can get a sports specific physical during the summer at Somerset Academy (watch for dates), your pediatrician, or a walk-in clinic. Physicals (see appendix A) are good for a year and it is encouraged to complete one in the summer, covering the individual for the entire school year. If the student does not have their physical, they will not be allowed to tryout.

2. The permission slip at the end of this document must be handed in prior to tryouts. Failure to hand these forms in may prevent the student from making a team. The discretion of the coach will determine if the said student will have an opportunity to come back after the first day. Duration of tryouts is the coach’s choice, team size will be based off Florida State rules for maximum roster size and the coaches plan of how he/she will utilize his/her players.

Fees:

1. Every team will be accompanied by a fee. Fees will be paid after an individual makes a team after tryouts. Individuals will not participate in any contest nor receive any uniforms or gear prior to payment.

2. Sibling discounts will apply to families with multiple athletes at a 25% off rate for the second

athlete and 50% off the third athlete and onwards.

3. If any family has a hardship, please contact the Athletic Director at mfeierstein@somersetcanyons.com in order to discuss payment plan options. We continue to stand by the idea that every athlete should have an opportunity to participate regardless of financials. We are here to help and find solutions to allow our students to thrive.

4. Fees are non-refundable. If a student makes a team and during that teams’ season, quits, is removed from a team due to team/athletic department policy, or poor grades below a 2.0, fees will not be refunded. This policy starts the instant a team roster has been set.

5. The Athletics Department runs solely on the income of team fees and fundraising. There is no budget set for Athletics. Team fees are required to fund coach salaries, transportation, uniform and equipment rental, required team equipment and supplies to play, referee fees, field maintenance, security and other team related expenses. No team is guaranteed any gear or takeaways.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAMS:

Fall 1: August - Mid October (All estimated based on district playoffs and weather) Boys Flag Football Girls Softball Boys Baseball Cross Country Cheerleading (Program runs through the year)

Fall 2: Mid October - December (All estimated based on district playoffs and weather) Boys Soccer Girls Volleyball

Winter: January - February (All estimated based on district playoffs and weather) Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Girls Soccer

Spring 1: March - May (All estimated based on district playoffs and weather) Boys Volleyball Girls Flag Football Track and Field

HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS: (Some teams have JV teams as well based on numbers)

Fall: August - November (All estimated based on district playoffs and weather) Boys and Girls Golf (Coed if 2 teams are not established) Girls and Boys Varsity Bowling (Coed if 2 teams are not established) 11 Man Football Volleyball Cross Country Boys and Girls Swimming Cheerleading

Winter: November - February (All estimated based on district playoffs and weather) Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Girls Soccer Boys Soccer Cheerleading

Spring: February - May (All estimated based on district playoffs and weather) Girls Flag Football Girls and Boys Track and Field Boys Baseball Girls Softball Boys Volleyball Girls and Boys Tennis

Commitment: All athletes are expected to fulfill their commitment to the team they are chosen to participate on for the duration of the respective sports season. This means:

1. Attending all practices and games within the season. We understand emergencies and unforeseen circumstances arise. If this is the case, please let the coach know immediately. If a player does not inform the coach, it can be considered an infraction and may be punishable by benching, suspension, or removal from a team.

2. Outside school commitments are asked to be planned around the time the student has agreed to, as part of their respective teams. This will grow team pride and unity that can only come from being together practicing and competing as a team. Repeated disregard for this rule may result in suspension or removal from the team.

Participation:

1. Playing on an interscholastic Somerset Academy Canyons Middle School sports team is open to all Middle School students grades 6-8. All High School teams are open to all students 9-12 grade. There is a rare exception a Middle School player is allowed to play on a High School Team. This evaluation is determined by the Head Coach and the Athletic Director. Athletic Department policy is that no Middle School athlete of equal or lesser ability shall take the roster spot of an equal ability individual of High School age.

2. Team sports will all be tryout based and the team will be chosen at the discretion of the coach.

Factors that may prevent participation on a team, regardless of ability, could play into the decision making that goes into the roster. Some of these factors are; behavior, attendance, and the most looked at, GRADES. Somerset Athletics stands behind the idea of “Academics before Athletics.” This policy will ALWAYS trump ability on the fields and courts. All student-athletes will be held to the academic standard of a minimum 2.0 GPA which will be checked by individual coaches weekly and the individual’s behavior in accordance to all school policies.

3. Somerset Academy Canyons Varsity Teams compete at the highest level of competition. Playing

time is NOT guaranteed, but all team members receive opportunities based on work ethic, abilities and commitment within the coach's assessment. If an individual is part of the team, they are expected to dedicate themselves to the team, regardless of playing time.

4. At the JV and Middle School levels, a more developmental approach is taken, more chances are

given to team members, however, success is what we strive for and therefor there may be an occasion some team members do not get in a game. MS and JV policy is, if a player did not get in a game, the following game, they are required to play.

5. All must view the following courses: Policy 40.1.1 – “Concussion in Sports – What You Need to Know.” Policy 41.1 – “Heat Illness Prevention.” Policy 42.1.1 – “Sudden Cardiac Arrest.” (This will be done as a whole team with the respective coach. If an athlete misses this session, they can complete it individually and show proof of completion before any participation occurs.)

Practices and Games/Matches/Contests: 1. All athletic practices and games/matches/contests are scheduled between Monday and Friday.

Some coaches may ask for practice time over the weekend; however, they will give enough notice for families to plan.

a. There are rare occasions games are played on Saturday’s. As well, enough notice will be given in the event of this scheduling.

b. Team members will receive a practice schedule on the first day of practice for each sport and a full game schedule as soon as it is available via the district or scheduling meetings. As soon as we have a final schedule, we will share it with all players and post it on the individual team websites.

c. Cancellations and schedule changes will be communicated immediately via communication apps, calls home, and/or email.

d. For practices, Somerset Academy Canyons has multiple water fountains, water coolers and dispensers at each practice, however, it is encouraged to bring your own bottle as well.

Gameday Attire: The Head Coach shall determine game day attire.

Choices are: 1. Team Jersey and school uniform pants. 2. Regular school uniform. 3. There may be individual teams that choose to wear something more formal, however,

that will be communicated via individual team discussions. Any athlete out of the above dress code may be subject to suspension from the game, team or removal from the team.

Team Uniforms/Equipment: Team uniforms are rentals ONLY.

1. All uniforms must be returned after the season has completed. All team members will sign a contract depicting each piece of equipment and uniform that is “rented” for the season. The rental cost is incorporated into the team fee, however, EVERY piece must be returned or the individual will receive a financial obligation based on the costs outlined on the contract.

a. Failure to return all required pieces will also result in a financial obligation and the individual will not be allowed to join a team the following season until all are returned.

b. If the individual does not return the pieces prior to the next season tryout date, the individual will not be allowed to tryout and risk missing the season.

Sportsmanship: The Athletic Directors of Palm Beach County and the FHSAA have agreed to focus on the importance of sportsmanship of our athletes and our support base at games/contests/matches.

1. Team members must show good sportsmanship towards opposite team athletes, coaches, officials and audience members or face possible team suspension or removal based on the action.

2. Supporters in the stands and on the sideline should refrain from unnecessary interaction with the opposite team athletes, coaches or officials. Breaking these rules may result in being asked to leave the current game or be permanently removed from future games based on the degree of the incident.

Day of Game Procedures: 1. A team member MUST be in school the day of a game/practice or they are ineligible to play in

that game/practice.

2. Student athletes may be released early from classes due to scheduling times and travel duration. All team members must understand it is their responsibility to get the work they missed, make up any quizzes or tests and stay in good standing in all classes.

Sports Awards Night: At the end of the school year (date to be determined), Somerset Academy Canyons celebrates the accomplishments of our athletes at the annual Sports Awards Night. Players are honored during a dinner celebration. All members of the Varsity, JV and Middle School teams are invited to this event. It is encouraged to be present at the awards ceremony as many individuals are honored and maybe, you are one of them. Do not miss out. Photos: Throughout the sports seasons, if any parents take pictures and would like to share them for an end of year video we will be creating, yearbook pages, social media posts, and website pages, please send them to the Athletic Director at mfeierstein@somersetcanyons.com. We look forward to another exciting sports year here at Somerset Academy Canyons and we hope you will all come out to support our students as they make our school proud!

WELCOME TO

COUGAR NATION

Somerset Academy Canyons Middle/High School SPORTS PERMISSION FORM

Participant Name: Birth date:

Street Address: Primary Phone Number:

City, State & Zip: Email or Text Number:

I give permission for my child (named above) to tryout/participate on the (sport) ______________________Team.

I have reviewed the Athletics handbook and agree to the guidelines within. I understand team participation is

determined on the following of the protocols set by the Athletic Department and Coach rules per team.

I further give permission for my child to be transported to and from events by bus and/or volunteer drivers in the

event I cannot transport my child to a game/match/competition. Yes______ / No _________ (check one)

Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian Printed name of Parent or Guardian Date

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name: _______________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Name: _______________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Name: _______________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Best Email for notifications: ___________________________________

APPENDIX A

PHYSICAL FORMS