Clague Athletics - Policies & Procedures

Dear Clague Parents and Student-Athletes,

Welcome to the CLAGUE ATHLETIC/SPORTS PROGRAM! We are proud to have you join us in the Clague tradition of providing an excellent athletic program for all interested students. We offer a wide variety of opportunities to participate in sports. Part of the success of the program depends on the cooperation and support of parents. We believe that participation in athletics will enrich the life of our athletes so that they may be a better student and citizen. Please read the following information carefully.

Our Sports Program is for 6th graders and those participating in Cross Country, Synchro Swim, and Competitive Swim. Sports team participants practice 2-3 days per week for 1 – 1.5 hours per day. Our Athletic Teams are for 7th & 8th graders who practice 4-5 days per week for 1.5 hours per day.

IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR ATHLETICS/SPORTS PROGRAM AT CLAGUE, EVERYONE MUST COMPLETE OUR ONLINE REGISTRATION, Pay to Participate fee, and Turn in a Completed Physical Form.

THE INFORMATION LISTED ABOVE MUST BE TURNED IN TO THE SCHOOL BEFORE YOUR CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY PRACTICES OR GAMES. THIS INFORMATION IS GOOD FOR ALL SPORTS SEASONS.

AAPS ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY POLICY FOR EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Please read the eligibility policy carefully and make sure you and your child understand how it applies to their participation in the Clague Athletic Program.

BEGINNING ELIGIBILITY

Each fall, every student is automatically eligible to participate in a season one sport. To be eligible for seasons two through five, a student must have a C- or higher in 5 out of 6 classes at the beginning of the season.

For purposes of eligibility, the following equates to a C- or better: any combination of P or S.

CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY

At the three-week point in each season, a check will be made of every athlete’s academic performance. If an athlete does not have a C- or higher in 5 out of 6 classes as of that Friday, he or she will become ineligible the next Monday. Students who become ineligible at the THREE WEEK check may not practice or play for a minimum of One Week and until they have a C- or higher in 5 out of 6 classes.

EXEMPTIONS

Students who receive Special Education Services may be exempted from these standards if stated in their respective Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.)

It is the responsibility of the Athlete and parents to monitor her/his academic progress to be eligible to start the season and to remain eligible during the season.

AFTER SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

The after school (late) bus is available to transport regular riders who stay after school to participate in the sports/athletics program, clubs, and to get extra support from teachers. The sports program participants, practice 2-3 days per week from 3:15 - 4:30 PM.

Those students participating on an athletic team (7/8 grade) that meets 4-5 days a week will probably need to arrange for daily transportation home. The athletic teams practice 1.5 hours per day. Practice times on the average run 3:15 – 4:45 PM daily (there are some exceptions).

The after school bus is available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and leaves Clague between 4:45- 4:55 pm. The bus will load at the side of the school near the tennis courts.

(After school -Transportation subject to change)

Covid -19 Health and Safety

In the AAPS, we value extra-curricular activities and are always excited for the opportunities for our students to participate and compete in our schools and in our community. The health and safety of our students, staff, and community continue as our top priority. At a time when transmission levels in Washtenaw County remain high, we must consider specific guidelines to assure the health and safety of students, volunteers, and staff participating in extra-curricular activities. Thus, All AAPS and Health Department COVID mitigation guidance will be followed.

The AAPS and Health Department COVID mitigation guidance along with these guidelines are subject to change at any time. AAPS shall cease in-person activities at any time to ensure the safety of all participants.

Please note that, when possible, extracurricular activities will be available in-person and remotely; links will be shared for all remote activities. In-person (only) activities/competitions shall be communicated will in advance

Guidelines:

Unvaccinated coaches MUST test weekly and submit negative test results to AD. We ask that coaches use this Google form to report vaccination status, as required of all AAPS district personnel (district employees do not need to complete the form again).
Unvaccinated students and athletes may be asked to participate in weekly testing. More information on weekly testing will be available soon via the AAPS public health protocols.
Whether vaccinated or not, all students and athletes shall be tested if they come in contact with a positive COVID person. Specific protocols will be shared as part of the AAPS public health protocols.
Quarantine guidance for those (vaccinated and unvaccinated) exposed to COVID will be updated based on CDC, MDHHS, and WCHD recommendations/requirements.
Masks will be required for everyone while indoors or on any team busses. Masks are encouraged while outdoors, and teams will socially distance when possible.
Athletes will not share personal equipment, water bottles, etc.
Limits on spectators (indoors and outdoors) will be updated based on CDC, MDHHS, and WCHD recommendations/requirements.
Masks are required of all on busses/vans, including during the loading and unloading process, as well as when walking up to and entering away locations.
Home & Away sites:
- At Clague, the health and safety of our students, student-athletes, and spectators at events with large crowds is our top priority. With the COVID rate in our county transmission at a high level, we are encouraging all spectators to wear masks regardless of vaccination status for both indoor and outdoor events. We want our community to come together and enjoy these types of events and we encourage you to keep your distance from others. When at least 3 feet of distance cannot be maintained, we strongly encourage you to properly wear a mask. This included when you are seated, in bleachers, accessing concessions, using bathrooms, and entering and exiting the facility. We appreciate your cooperation as we promote the health and safety of our school community.

ATHLETIC MEDICAL SCHOOL RECORD

ANN ARBOR MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEDICAL RECORD sheet or DOCTOR’S OFFICE FORM. EACH STUDENT MUST HAVE A CURRENT MEDICAL CARD ON FILE THAT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY A PHYSICIAN. The form IS valid for the entire year. Other physician's forms are acceptable only if they are signed by a physician and clearly indicate that the student is approved for competitive athletics. Only physicals completed after APRIL 15TH can be accepted.

YOU MAY HAVE MEDICAL FORM FAXED TO CLAGUE AT 734. 994.1645

ATHLETIC LOCKER ROOM RULES

Every student athlete is required to use a locker with his or her own lock. No Items should be left in the locker room unattended or unlocked.
NEVER give anyone your locker combination!
You will have 6-8 minutes to dress.
NO GUM, FOOD, OR DRINK
No running, throwing objects, sitting on lockers
No yelling. Indoor voices only
Respect others and their property.
Socks and athletic shoes must be worn. Shoes must be tightly laced and tied.
Lock your locker, and keep your area clean!

You are responsible for any stolen items from your locker, please do not bring any valuables to school.

ATTENDANCE/EXPECTATIONS

Athletic/Sports participation at Clague School is a privilege. When a student chooses to participate in athletics, he/she voluntarily elects a course of self-control and self-discipline that is part of team membership. The school district provides facilities, coaching, transportation and equipment. The school can, accordingly, revoke or restrict the privilege of participation if a student-athlete fails to live up to expectations and standards as outlined below.

Regular, punctual attendance in all classes is required in order to be eligible to participate in practice or play in a contest. An athlete must attend scheduled classes on the day of a contest. Exceptions must be arranged with the coach or Athletic Director in advance.
Team members enrolled in physical education class are expected to regularly attend class, dress for activity and to participate fully in the course. Failure to participate in P.E. class will be considered the same as non-attendance.
Athletes are financially responsible for all school equipment issued to them (including losses due to theft).
Athletes are expected to attend all practices and games unless excused in writing by their parents. Participation is a privilege. If a student does not attend or participate in practices, he or she may forfeit the opportunity to participate. Athletes may be excused for medical appointments, family needs, academic concerns, illness or injury. Student-athletes who participate on non-school teams must attend Clague team practices first. Athletes may not substitute practices with other teams for Clague practices.
Athletes are frequently involved in multiple school activities. If a conflict in events occurs which requires the athlete to be in two places at the same time, the athlete should notify the coach and the Athletic Director of the other activity as soon as possible. The athlete is not in jeopardy during the resolution of the conflict.

CRITERIA FOR TEAM SELECTION

The number of students permitted on some teams may be limited due to allowable roster sizes. For these teams a tryout will be conducted. At the tryout, all athletes will be afforded an opportunity to showcase their talents and earn a spot on the roster. Basis for team selection will be at the sole discretion of the coach. Coaches will have in place clear and consistent criteria for the tryout period. Criteria may include, but is not limited to, the following indicators:

Demonstration of positive behavior and attitude
Demonstration of good sportsmanship and teamwork
Demonstration of physical fitness
Demonstration of required skills

At this time, athletics are available to seventh and eighth grade students only. Students must tryout for teams each year; team selection will be based on selection criteria. It should also be noted that teams are grade specific; and not based on or by ability. Sixth grade sports will always start one week after the seventh and eighth grade teams

EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTS

Parents are encouraged to support their children’s athletic endeavors and recognize the importance of athletics in their children’s lives.

All parents are expected to:

- Understand that academics are a priority over athletics and emphasize successful classroom performance.
- Support and be enthusiastic about their child’s sport
- Be positive, helping their child understand the benefits of athletic participation regardless of contest results or individual performance.
- Insist their child abide by the expectations of the athletic department and by team rules.
- Encourage fair play.
- Respect the actions of coaches regarding contest strategy, their child’s play status and playing time.
- Avoid “coaching” from the stands or sidelines during both games and practices.
- Ensure their child attends all practices and contests, and are picked up at designated times.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES

Clague Middle School holds its athletes to high standards. Student athletes are seen as representatives of both our school and our city. As a Participation in CMS athletics is a privilege and not a right, those who choose to participate will be expected to follow the established guidelines as well as specific coaches’ rules for their sports.

All athletes are expected to:

- Remain academically eligible.
- Act in a responsible manner, realizing at all times, athletes represent their school and community.
- Attend and arrive on time for all practices and games.
- Refrain from using profanity or obscene language or gestures.
- Show good sportsmanship and respect for officials, coaches and fellow athletes.
- Care for all athletic equipment issued throughout the season.
- Play fair, play hard and put forth their best effort in practice and in competition.
- Athletes who fail to comply with these expectations may face disciplinary actions, including but not limited to dismissal from the team.

OUT OF SCHOOL CONDUCT

Student athletes at Clague Middle School are expected to act in a legal and responsible manner, realizing that at all times, they are representing their school and team. Conduct out of school which discredits or embarrasses Clague Middle School, the Athletic Department or any sport may result in athletic department disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from a team. Further disciplinary action may also be taken if deemed appropriate by the school administration. Please see “Expectations for student athletes” and the section of this handbook entitled “Substance Abuse”.

PAY TO PARTICIPATE INFORMATION

In middle school the fee to participate in any after school sport is a one -time cost of $150.00 to cover the school year. http://www.a2schools.org/domain/2310

The $150 fee must be turned in before the first day of practice. GOOD FOR ALL SPORTS SEASONS.

Parent & Athlete Concussion Information Sheet (Parent & athlete must sign form) 6thgraders and new students only.

STUDENT-ATHLETES MAY NOT PARTICIPATE UNTIL THEY ARE REGISTERED ON-LINE, PHYSICAL FORM TURNED IN AND PAY TO PARTICIPATE FEE IS PAID.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The use of smoking materials or any other tobacco product, any type of alcoholic product, or any narcotic or drug is absolutely forbidden. The possession of alcoholic beverages, any narcotics, or any drugs (except as noted in the student handbook as “Medication”) is also forbidden. All school rules and regulations regarding substance abuse are outlined in the student handbook and apply to athletes and at athletic events. In addition, athletes are not to be in the presence of and are expected to remove themselves from any situations of underage alcohol consumption or illegal use of drugs, whether occurring on or off school grounds. Failure to comply with this requirement shall result in discipline up to and including removal from the team. Any violation of school rules involving drugs or alcohol will result in dismissal from an athletic team. Any violation of a school rules involving smoking or other tobacco products will result in a two game suspension from athletic competition on the first offense, and dismissal from the team on the second offense.

UNIFORMS

All uniforms issued to athletes are the property of the school and must be properly cared for by the student. All uniforms must be returned, properly cleaned, at the conclusion of the season. Lost or damaged uniforms will become the financial obligation of the student. Game uniforms may be worn only on the day of a scheduled contest.

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