Policies

Seasonal Athletics Donation

Dear Newark Memorial Student-­Athlete Families,

As the school year comes to an end, and we begin to put plans in place for next year, I wanted to share some information regarding changes to the Newark Memorial Athletic Department that will take place starting in the Fall. As you may know, athletics at Newark Memorial is currently partially funded by the Newark Unified School District and Athletics ­ASB. Unfortunately, these funds do not cover the total expense of the athletic program, which forces the Athletic Department and NMHS Athletic Boosters, to raise nearly $80,000 each year, for the survival of athletics.

In order to cover the total expense of the athletic program, our school is requesting, a $75.00 donation per sport for each student, so that we can continue to provide the opportunity for your son/daughter to participate in high school athletics. This donation will help offset the operating cost of the Athletic Department, which includes officials, tournament entries, medical supplies, safety equipment, etc. A student's participation in athletic programs is not dependent on these financial contributions, nor will they receive any type of punishment for not contributing. Athletics at Newark Memorial High School cannot exist without contributions from our families and community members.

Thank you for your support of Cougar Athletics and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions regarding this letter, or to discuss any hardships. I can be reached at rkahoalii@newarkunified.org or at (510) 818­4339.

Sincerely,

Rachel Kahoalii

Athletic Director, Newark Memorial High School

ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

Standards of Behavior for Student-Athletes

Standards of Behavior

• Student-Athletes will uphold the highest level of sportsmanship and will control their words and actions so that they always appear in control of themselves.

• The administration of this school has made it clear to coaches, parents, and athletes that hazing and initiations are never to be part of our program. The administration of Newark Memorial High School has adopted a “Zero Tolerance” policy in regards to the hazing or initiation of students and athletes into clubs or teams.

• Any student who participates or who witnesses and does not attempt to stop or report the violation is subject to disciplinary action. If the violation is severe enough the disciplinary action could be possible legal action.

Act Detrimental to the Good of the School

• If a student is involved in an act which is deemed detrimental to the good of the school his or her participation on the athletic team is subject to termination immediately. i. i.e. Fighting, stealing, cheating and being disrespectful to students, teachers, or administrators

• All cases will be looked at on a case by case basis. A decision will come from the principal, the Athletic Directors, and the Coach

• We believe the opportunity to participate in our athletic program is a privilege, not a right. Therefore all student-athletes are expected to maintain a high standard of behavior as well as academic excellence. In order to remain as an athlete in good standing, an athlete must meet the requirements and fulfill the responsibilities outlined in this Student-Athlete Agreement. Failure to adhere to the terms and conditions of this agreement could result in a loss of the student's athletic participation at NMHS.

Athletics Code of Conduct

Spectators

• Shall maintain a high degree of sportsmanship during and after athletic contests;

• Shall remain in the designated seating areas while a contest is in progress;

• Shall refrain from entering the court/playing field;

• Shall refrain from confronting an official, coach, school official or player before, during or after an athletic contest.

• Shall be responsive to directives from administrative or site supervisors.

Academic Expectations

• Students may participate with no restrictions by adhering to the following guidelines:

  • The student is currently enrolled in and passing 20 units.

  • The student had a 2.0 GPA and no F’s during the previous grading period.

• Students may participate for a probationary period if the following guidelines are followed:

  • The student had a GPA falling between 1.50-1.99 and a maximum of 1 “F”.

  • In order to be placed on probation, the student must have had a 2.0 GPA and no F’s during the previous grading period.

  • Probation continues until the next grading period, at which time the student must have attained a 2.0 GPA and no F’s in order to continue participation. Failure to attain a 2.0 GPA and no F’s shall render the student automatically ineligible.

• A student will be automatically ineligible for any of the following reasons:

  • The student’s GPA falls below 1.50

  • The student has 2 F’s

  • The student is below the NUSD standard of 2.0 and no F’s for two consecutive grading periods.

  • The student is not enrolled in 20 units.

California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Steroid

Both the participating student-athlete and the parent/legal guardian hereby agree that the student shall not use androgenic/anabolic steroids without the written prescription of a fully licensed physician (as recognized by the AMA) to treat a medical condition. We also recognize that under CIF Bylaw 200.D., there could be penalties for false or fraudulent information. We also understand that the Newark Unified School District policy regarding the use of illegal drugs will be enforced for any violations of these rules.

Ejection Policy

The following rules and minimum penalties are applicable to players as adopted by the NCS Board of Managers on April 21, 1995. This policy will be in effect beginning with the 1995-96 school year (and will include non-league, league, invitational tournaments/events, post-season; league, section or state playoffs, etc.)

1. Ejection of a player from a contest for unsportsmanlike or dangerous conduct. Penalty: The player shall be ineligible for the next contest (non-league, league, invitational tournament, post-season {league, section or state} playoff, etc.)

2. Illegal participation in the next contest by a player ejected in a previous contest. Penalty: The contest shall be forfeited and the ineligible player shall be ineligible for the next contest.

3. Second ejection of a player for unsportsmanlike or dangerous conduct from a contest during one season. Penalty: The player shall be ineligible for the remainder of the season.

4. When one or more players leave the bench to begin or participate in an altercation. Penalty: The player(s) shall be ejected from the contest-in-question and become ineligible for the next contest (non-league, league, invitational tournament, post-season {league, section or state} playoff, etc.)

5. Coaches are responsible for determining the cause of ejection for any of their players and are responsible for enforcement of the Ejection Policy. Confusion over the cause for a player’s ejection shall not be the basis for allowing a student who has been ejected under an applicable rule to avoid the sanctions required by the Ejection Policy (either prohibition from participation or forfeiture) should a student who is in violation of the Ejection Policy play in a subsequent contest (BOM 10/24/97)

Newark Memorial Concussion Information Sheet

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works.

Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

• Headaches

• Confusion

• “Pressure in head”

• Concentration or memory problems

• Nausea or vomiting

• Repeating the same question/comment

• Neck pain

• Feeling foggy or groggy

• Balance problems or dizziness

• “Don’t feel right”

• Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision

• Fatigue or low energy

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Sadness

• Feeling sluggish or slowed down

• Nervousness or anxiety

• Drowsiness

• Irritability

• Change in sleep patterns

• More emotional

• Amnesia

Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches include:

• Appears dazed

• Answers questions slowly

• Vacant facial expression

• Slurred speech

• Confused about assignment

• Shows behavior or personality changes

• Forgets plays

• Can’t recall events prior to hit

• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

• Can’t recall events after hits after hits after hit

• Moves clumsily or displays incoordination

• Any change in typical behavior or personality

• Seizures or convulsions

• Loses consciousness

Adapted from the CDC and the 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport

Document created 5/20/2010

What can happen if my child keeps on playing with a concussion or returns to soon?

Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately.

Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athlete will often under report symptoms of injuries. And concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key for student-athlete’s safety.

If you think your child has suffered a concussion

Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. The new CIF Bylaw 313 now requires implementation of long and well-established return to play concussion guidelines that have been recommended for several years:

“A student-athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in practice or game shall be removed from competition at that time and for the remainder the day.” And “A student-athlete who has been removed may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed heath care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and received written clearance to return to play from that health care provider”.

You should also inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion.

Remember, it’s better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.

For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go here.

Newark Unified School District Transportation Authorization

(Vehicle driven by self and/or another adult person)

The undersigned hereby acknowledges and understands that the Newark Unified School District is not providing transportation to voluntary school-sponsored activities and that it is the responsibility of the undersigned to arrange transportation for his/her son or daughter.

As parent/legal guardian, I hereby authorize and give permission for my son/daughter named above to provide his/her own transportation Please print clearly in a self-driven vehicle and/or to ride as a passenger in a vehicle driven by another adult. (For any drivers, a personal automobile form must be on file with the school)

The undersigned acknowledges that the District is in no way responsible, nor does the District assume liability for any injuries or losses resulting from this non-District sponsored transportation. Although the District may recommend travel time, routes, or assist in coordinating the transportation to and from this event, I fully understand that such recommendations are not mandatory.

I, the undersigned, further understand that under certain circumstances, the District may occasionally provide District sponsored transportation to an event but not necessarily return transportation from the event.