Athletic Mission Statement 

The interscholastic athletic program is a significant element in the overall mission of the Rhea County Schools.  It reflects the concept of the mind/body relationship.  Like all programs participation is designed to promote the growth and development of our students through exposure to worthy role models, good sportsmanship, and team loyalty.  While winning is and will always be an important goal for our teams, winning the right way will be the single outcome by which success will be measured at Rhea County Schools. 

Goals and Objectives of the Athletic Program 

Rhea County's Athletic program is designed with high standards that promote education, personal growth, sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship.  We will ensure that the interscholastic athletics are a vital element in our overall school curriculum. We will encourage participation in all athletic teams and other school activities.  Our standards of sportsmanship will include and cultivate friendly relationships with other schools and communities.  Develop interest in physical activities which serve the participant's present and future leisure time.   Develop the mental, emotional, and social qualities of the individual as well as the physical qualities. 

Athletic Department Conduct 

While under the supervision of the coaching staff at Rhea County Schools and while engaging in any activity connected with the team, an athlete must always place the best interests of their team and his school above his/her own personal interests.  This includes all practice sessions, contests, traveling to and from such events and in any other situation where the purpose of the activity is related to team membership.  

In cases where the conduct of an athlete becomes inappropriate as a representative of our school's interscholastic program, he may be subject to suspension or expulsion from the team.  Such measures will be taken only after consideration of the circumstances by the coach.  

The following is a list of violations, which our coaching staff considers to be unacceptable behavior.  This list should not be considered complete because there are other infraction occurring of the same severity.  

USE OF DRUGS

USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

USE OF ALCOHOL

STEALING 

FLAGRANT MISCONDUCT ON AND OFF THE FIELD/GYM 

INSUBORDINATION 

FAILURE TO MEET RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE TEAM 

POOR SPORTSMANSHIP 

HAZING 

ATTENDANCE TO SCHOOL AND PRACTICE/GAMES 

Regular attendance is expected of all athletes.  Athletes must be in attendance for at least half of the school day to participate in a game or practice. The administration reserves the right to review absences and allow the student athlete to participate if there is, in the administration's judgement, a valid reason for absence.  Attendance at all games and practices are mandatory unless excused by the coach before the competition or practice.  

Due to the concerns of Average Daily Attendance, Rhea County Schools will propose procedures for athletes in extracurricular activities.  In the event of a student athlete missing 10 days of  unexcused absences, the student athlete will not be able to participate in any extracurricular activities.  The suspension will be lifted when the student athlete attends 10 consecutive days of school.  If the student athlete misses 10 days, after the first suspension and reinstatement, the 10 day rule must be followed again. 

All students are required to pass 5 credits to be eligible. 

RHEA COUNTY SCHOOLS ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY 

Here at the Rhea County School District, we believe that a student athlete should participate in multiple sports and not specialize in any one sport.  

The concept of the broadest-based participation made possible by offering a variety of teams, extending the opportunity for participation to as many students as possible and to maintain a safe environment. 

The premise that all teams are considered vital for our student athletes, and each is a valued part of our athletic program. No one sport is more important than any other. 

The approach is that of all teams are treated fairly and all programs will support each other. 

SELECTING THE TEAM (CUTTING) 

It is our goal to promote the greatest participation possible but sometimes it is impossible to keep all kids. It sometimes is necessary in some sports to select a squad which means that coaches may have to set limitations to the number of members.  

Every coach has the responsibility and total "authority" for selecting his or her team.  The criteria for selecting the team are developed by the coaching staff. 

Sports such as cheerleading may seek outside help in selecting their team.  

LEAVING OR QUITTING THE TEAM 

Student athletes may leave the team without penalty until the submission of the final roster by personally notifying the coach that they no longer wish to participate.  After a "try-out" period, student athletes may leave a team only under the following conditions:

It is the student athlete's responsibility to notify the coach that he/she no longer wishes to participate.  The coach may request that the student athlete meet with the coach to discuss the reason(s) for leaving the team.  All equipment must be turned in. 

If the student athlete leaves the team and plans to participate in another sport that begins practice prior to the completion of the current sport, the student athlete may do so only if the coach of the current sport agrees or the County Wide Athletic Director agrees.  Parents should expect every kid will be treated fairly.  

Athlete/Parents/ Coach Relationships

This is and perhaps always will be an inherent tension in the triangulated relationship of the coach/player/parent.  The coach's interests are all about what is best for the team.  This is often at odds with the parent who typically wants what is best for his or her son/daughter.  Then there is the player who is torn between what the coach is attempting to achieve with the team and his/her loyalty and love for their parents.  This is a terrible place to put a young high/middle school student.  Athletics should be fun and enjoyable.  

Their athletic experience could be a disaster if you do the following:

• Bad mouth the coach or coaches

• Continue to tell them that the coach is deficient 

• Tell the coach he is not seeing the real you

• Tell your kid the coaching staff is playing politics

• Tell your kid that the coach is playing them in the wrong position at the wrong time

• Tell them that the coach just doesn't like them

It is obvious in the last few years this potential conflict has intensified.  There are several reasons for this.  First, the competition in the league has never been at a higher pitch than it is today.  Secondly, the media has decided that high school sports are now very marketable and willing to devote more resources in covering them.  Then, there is the customary proactive of parents attempting to live their lives vicariously through their children.  Finally, parents of today's high/middle school athletes know how expensive college has become and are hoping for athletic scholarships.  All these factors have the potential to contribute to the tension stated above.  

With communication being the key, ask for clarification to avoid misunderstandings!  

Let the coach know when things are going on that may affect practice or games.  Coaches can plan for conflicts if they know about them.  

The ideal scenario that we seek is for coaches and parents to act like mature adults and realize all the goals they have in common.  They should both want the young student athletes to grow in a positive direction and benefit from athletic participation.  There are few things that are healthier for young students/athletes than participating in sports.  They learn to compete based on competition.  They will learn how to interact with others who are trying to achieve the same team-oriented foals, much like they will in everyday life in the business world. 

The true success of your kids can only really be measured 5 to 10 years down the road and seeing what type of adults they have become.  The long-term goals and outcomes should receive the most emphasis. 

If a parent/athlete has a concern about their kids place on the team, they should contact the coach (not after the game) and make an appointment to see them.  E-mail is the least effective way to voice a difference of opinions.  Seeing the coach in person or phoning are the preferred communication methods.  There is nothing wrong with disagreeing as long as you are not disagreeable.  Remember, the coach's perspective is the team oriented, and parent's perspective will be an individual one.  Most times these will not fully complement each other.  The 24-hour rule will be in affect all year long.  This implies that all contact and communication with the coaching staff needs to wait 24 hours.  

One last thing that needs to be taken into consideration is that coaches are hired not only to coach your kids but also to act as educators.  They are not paid much, particularly given the great amount of time they devote to coaching.  The ideal coach loves their sport and loves working with student athletes.  They will be one of your kids most important teachers and the coach/athlete relationship is often a much closer one than that of a classroom teacher.  Work with your coach and encourage your son/daughter to grow from their athletic experience. 

KEYS FOR ATHLETIC PARENTS 

I will make sure my child knows I love them Win or Lose 

I will not re-live my athletic career through my children 

I will accept my child's strengths and weaknesses 

I will let the coach know my role is to support, encourage and motivate progress

I will teach my children to enjoy the thrill of competition, the fulfillment of just being apart of it, and the satisfaction of having done my very best 

I will not compete with the coach, but rather work with them for the sake of my child 

I will never compare the skills, courage, or attitude of my child to that of other players negatively

I will keep my actions and reactions in check as a spectator of my child's game or match, keeping in mind my child is a reflection of me

I will keep in mind the team priorities are first, not individual agendas

I will not use social media in a negative way

SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS 

Spectators maybe asked to leave the facilities for behaviors that are unsportsmanlike or violate Rhea County School guidelines. 

Purchasing a ticket to attend an athletic even does not give a spectator the right to act in an unsportsmanlike way.

Spectators are expected to show respect to the visiting team, fans, coaches, officials, and event workers. 

We encourage our fans to promote good sportsmanship and set the example for our student athletes. 

Officials for a contest should never be approached by spectators. Severe penalties could be imposed on our athletic department.  

Parents or spectators who engage in prohibited behavior may result in the ejection of the single event or a permanent ban. 

10 THINGS KIDS WISH PARENTS AND SPECTATORS WOULD NOT DO

Do not yell out instructions at me 

Do not put down the officials 

Do not yell at me in public

Do not yell at my coach 

Do not put down my teammates

Do not put down the other team

Do not lose your cool 

Do not lecture me about mistakes after the game 

Do not forget how to laugh and have fun

Do not forget that it is just a game

GUIDELINES AND CODE OF BEHAVIOR FOR RHEA COUNTY STUDENT ATHLETES 

Understand and abide by the rules and regulations of the game and respect the integrity and judgement of the officials.

Conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times.

Demonstrate self-control and mutual respect at all times.  

Never use crude or abusive language or gestures. 

Accept victory with grace and defeat with dignity. 

Set an example in word and deed, both on and off the playing area.  Remember that athletes assume a role of leadership and that the young emulate their role models. 

Be well groomed, both on and off the field of play, as a representative of the school.  Improper behavior reflects badly upon yourself, school, and your community. 

Observe training regulations and requirements. 

Place athletic competition in its perspective. 

Remember that participation in athletics is a privilege that should not be abused.

Refrain from shouting disapproval of calls from the officials. 

FACILITIES

Athletes must show pride in their home facilities! Take care of your school! Athletes need to dispose of trash in trash cans. Cleanup before you leave. 

All areas must be kept neat and clean.  This includes the locker rooms, PE building etc. 

Away facilities must be treated with the same respect.  Clean up al trash on the bench and locker rooms before you leave. 

Scheduling of the new PE Building will be made by contacting the County-WIde Athletic Director only.

UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT AND ATTIRE 

Student athletes are expected to turn in the same piece(s) of equipment and uniforms checked out to them.  Equipment and uniforms should be returned in the same condition that it was received and should be cleaned and washed before being returned. 

Student athletes are responsible for the security of their equipment and uniforms.  Student athletes will be financially responsible for replacing lost and stolen or damaged equipment or uniforms. In some cases, the replacement fee may be required to duplicate the uniform or equipment.  

No awards (varsity letters, transcripts, etc.) will be issued until all equipment and uniforms, fees, are returned and/ or paid for unless otherwise determined by the involved coaches or Athletic Director.  

RISK OF INJURY IN ATHLETICS 

Students may suffer serious injury including but not limited to sprains, fractures, brain damage, paralysis or even death by participating in sports. 

Some sports have more contact and students may be more susceptible to injuries.  Football wrestling, soccer, and baseball can be violent contact sports.  However, all sports can carry risk from minor to major to to paralysis or even death. 

For football players - No helmet can prevent all head and neck injuries a player might receive while participating in football. 

While injury (no matter how severe) is a possibility, there are steps that can be taken to be preventative.  Honest communication is a must!  Student athletes and parent are encouraged to let the coach know when an athlete is ill or injured.  The athletic trainer should also be informed. 

When a student athlete sees a doctor or physician, they are under that doctor's care until they are cleared for participation.  Please be sure to ask the doctor for a note that clearly states when your student may return to play.  Please do this even if you see a doctor for feeling ill. No coach, athletic trainer, or parent can override doctor's orders and care. Student athletes are encouraged to go see our trainer before and after that are seen by a doctor. 

CONCUSSIONS- there are no minor concussions. One of the biggest concerns with concussions is Second Impact Syndrome which can occur when a student athlete suffers a second head injury before they have recovered from the first.  Concussions and especially the second impact may be fatal.  

Definition of a concussion is a brain injury that is characterized by an onset of impairment of cognitive and/or physical functioning.  This can be caused by a blow to the head, face, or neck, or a blow to the body that causes a sudden jarring of the head.  A concussion can occur with or without losing consciousness, and proper management is essential to the immediate safety and long-term future of the injured individual. Since you can't see a concussion., it may not show up right after the injury, this could take hours or even a few days. Monitor the student athlete and if you see a change in the way they are acting or feeling seek medical attention. 

SIGNS OBSERVED BY THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS

• Appears dazed stunned 

• Is confused about events

• Answers questions slowly 

• Forgets an instruction 

• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

• Moves clumsily 

• Loses consciousness (even briefly) 

• Shows behavior or personality changes

• Cannot recall events prior or after the hit, bump, or fall

SIGNS REPORTED BY THE ATHLETE

• Headache or pressure in head

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Balance problems or being dizzy 

• Double vision 

• Blurred vision 

• Sensitivity to light or noise 

• Confusion

• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy 

• Does not feel right

• Concentration on memory problems

PHYSICAL EXAMS AND CONSENT FORMS 

All participant in athletics must provide evidence of a medical exam that certifies the athlete is physically capable of participating in athletic activities. Please note this is the family's responsibility.  The exams are valid for one year.  In addition to the physical exam, all participants shall fill out an emergency release form, consent to play form, and proof of insurance forms.  All forms shall be filled out correctly and completely before being allowed to participate. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Athletes will travel by school bus or county transportation.

An athlete will not drive him/herself or another individual to an athletic event. 

Coaches decide if students can ride home with parents.  Students will only be released to his/her own parent.  Parents need to sign their student out with the coach each time. 

Coaches will notify parents in advance of those athletic events when players may meet at the destination (meet me at the game concept).  Meet Me at the Game defines transportation of students where transportation is not organized or provided by the district or cannot be provided because of a shortage of buses or drivers. 

PRACTICES

There shall be no inter-school athletic contest, practices or school sponsored clinics held on Sunday.  Also, there shall be no contests, practices, or school sponsored clinics or events on any Wednesday past 5:30 p.m. 

ATHLETIC CONTESTS

During post season tournament events or inclement weather, contests can be pre-approved and scheduled by the Director of School and/or the County-Wide Athletic Director.