Link to School Team Travel Form - Forms

Link to Athletic Participation Agreement Form - Forms

Link to Parent Agreement Form - Forms

School District #62 Online Consent Form

Link to BC School Sports www.bcschoolsports.ca

BELMONT SECONDARY SCHOOL

 BULLDOG ATHLETICS

 PLAYER, PARENT, and COACH

HANDBOOK

 Table of Contents

1. Introduction                                                                       

2. School Contact Information                                          

3. Overview of Athletics Department                                .

4. Responsibilities of and for Student Athletes                   

 5. BC School Sports Regulations 

 A.   Athlete Eligibility                                                               

B.    Student-Athlete Code of Conduct                         

C.   Spectators’ Code of Conduct                                

D.   Coaches’ Code of Conduct                                  

6. Parents’ Code of Conduct                                             

 7. Uniforms                                                                              

 8. Transportation                                                                  

 9. Athletic Awards                                                                

 10. Permission Forms/Agreements to Sign                        

 11. Coaches’ To-Do Lists                                                      

 12. Team Information Sheets                                                

 13. South Island Zone Player Participation Form                

INTRODUCTION:

Congratulations! Your child is participating on a Belmont Secondary Bulldogs Athletic team. We are proud of our sports program and appreciate the staff, students, and community members who make our teams possible. There are many physical, social, and emotional benefits associated with being part of a team. It is our hope that your child experiences all the positive aspects of growth and development that come with being on a school team.

 This handbook is designed to be a guide for parents, athletes, and others in outlining the responsibilities of student athletes who are representing our school and community.  Please review this handbook with your child and sign the appropriate forms. They are to be returned to the coach, athletic director, or school administration prior to participating on the team.

SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION

Belmont School teams are the Bulldogs; school colors are Blue and white (with Black and Silver Trim). We have moved locations after 77 years but will continue to create a proud tradition of effort and accomplishments in athletics at our school, with athletes participating at the college, university, national, and international levels.

Athletic Director: Ken Lowe                                             email: klowe@sd62.bc.ca 

Athletic Director: Kris Walushka                                     email: kwalushka@sd62.bc.ca

Principal:  Laura Fulton                                                    email: lfulton@sd62.bc.ca  

Vice-Principal: Stephen McHugh                                    email: smchugh@sd62.bc.ca 

Vice-Principal: Cam Smith                                               email: crsmith@sd62.bc.ca

Vice–Principal: Melissa Horner                                      email: mhorner@sd62.bc.ca

 School Phone: 250-474-2377   Fax: 250-478-5099     email: belmont@sd62.bc.ca 

 OVERVIEW OF ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

The Athletic Director, in consultation with school administration, oversees the athletic program at Belmont. The Athletic Director coordinates details with regards to teams, tournaments/play days, and referees, and provides support to coaches and athletes. We strive to offer a range of sports and opportunities for our students and are dependent on the willingness of people to volunteer their time to make our athletics programs happen. All athletes and teams are considered equally important and are valued as representatives of our school.

Belmont Secondary is a member of the Lower Vancouver Island Secondary School Athletic Association (LVISSAA) and BC School Sports (BCSS) and subscribes to the rules and regulations of these Associations. All of our teams compete in the South Island.  Teams compete in various communities throughout their season, and play in a Zone competition at the end of the season if they qualify. 

SPORTS TEAMS

The following sports are offered at Belmont,   provided there is sufficient interest and commitment at the student level and a teacher or community coach available to take on the responsibility of running a team. Parents who wish to be involved are welcome. They can contribute in various ways: coaching, officiating, driving (Class 4 License and driver’s abstract required), transporting students to and from games, organizing concessions or fundraisers as needed, washing uniforms, chaperoning trips out of town, etc. All volunteers coaching, transporting, or chaperoning students must complete a criminal records check.

 In general, students in grades 9 and 10 will play in the Junior Division, and students in grades 11 and 12 will play in the Senior Division. 

Fall Season (September to November) 

 Cross-Country (girls and boys, all grades)

Boys Football

Boys Soccer (senior – younger students may try out) 

Girls Volleyball

Boys Volleyball

Cheerleading

Swimming

Winter Season (November/December to February/March)

 Girls Basketball

Boys Basketball

Curling

Gymnastics

Spring Season (March to May/June)

Golf

Girls Soccer (senior – younger students may try out)

Badminton

Rugby (boys and Girls)

Ultimate Frisbee

Track and Field (girls and boys, all grades)

SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENT

Coaches will endeavor to follow the general guidelines of BC School Sports and

LVISSAA  expectations.

In Grades 9 and 10, student athletes and teams focus on:

·    Individual skill development

·    Positive interactions with teammates, coaches, and opponents

·    Development of teamwork and team related skills

·    Self-discipline and responsible behavior

        ·    Appropriate, respectful behavior towards coaches, officials, and spectators

·    Fun and enjoyment

At the Grades 11, and 12 levels, student athletes focus on:

·    The same criteria as above, plus:

·    Added emphasis on competition

·    Individual playing time being determined at the coaches’ discretion

Athletes “Playing Up”

In exceptional circumstances, an athlete may be permitted to play on a higher level team. The Athletic Director and the coaches of the teams involved must meet to discuss the following before any athlete is allowed to “play up”.

·    Will the student athlete make a significant contribution to the higher level team in terms of actual playing time?

·    Will the move benefit the athlete’s skill level and development?

·    Will the move adversely affect the lower level team in a way that is detrimental to the overall program?

If the coaches and Athletic Director agree the move is beneficial overall, the next step is to consult with the athlete’s parent/guardian and get their permission, and then meet with the athlete to confirm the move.

 RESPONSIBILITIES OF AND FOR STUDENT ATHLETES

Without teachers and community members volunteering their time, we would not have an athletic program. We are deeply appreciative of the time, commitment, and willingness of people to support our athletes in this manner. Coaches have a big responsibility in supervising and coaching our students; they are role models and representatives of Belmont School. They play an important role in giving students an opportunity to participate in sports they love while contributing to their social, emotional, physical, and skills development. Coaches will ensure their team members understand the responsibility they have in representing the team, school, and community when they play as a Bulldog. Coaches will also have individual expectations for their teams, which will be provided to players and parents at the beginning of the season. The following are expectations from the school and BC School Sports. Please review and reinforce these in support of your child.

·    Student athletes are STUDENTS first. They may not attend practices or games if they skip school or classes. They must also keep their grades up and work to the best of their ability in classes in order to be eligible to play.

·    Unexcused absences at practice may mean students will not play in a game. Athletes must contact the coach or staff sponsor directly to advise them they will be missing a practice.

·    Late arrival at games will impact students’ playing time. Generally, coaches expect players to arrive 30 minutes before the first game!

·    Inappropriate conduct (including foul language and gestures) towards coaches, team members, official, spectators, or opponents is NEVER acceptable. Players will be removed from the game or practice.

·    Possession or use of alcohol/drugs/tobacco while participating in any school-sanctioned event, game, or practice is NEVER acceptable. Students will face consequences as per the school code of conduct, which may include but is not limited to suspension and an inability to continue as a member of the team. A meeting with the coach, Athletic Director, administration, parents, and the player will be required to discuss the student’s future as a Belmont athlete.

·  Playing on a school team requires a commitment of time and effort – from the player and their parents/guardians. Players need to consider all of their school and personal commitments to determine what their priorities are and whether they can meet the expectations of their team.

·    Student athletes must remember they represent our school and community wherever they are. Courtesy and respect to everyone the encounter when travelling is an absolute MUST.

Teams that have community coaches (as opposed to coaches who are employees of the school district) must have a staff sponsor (a school/district staff member) to support and assist the coach in dealing with school-related matters, paperwork, and issues related to students’ academics or behavior. The staff sponsor is expected to attend out-of-town games with the team. They may also act as a contact person at the school for parents and players.

BC SCHOOL SPORTS

BC School Sports is the governing body for school athletics in British Columbia. As a member school, we pay fees to them, are accountable to them for following the rules and regulations for members, and can be sanctioned by them for failure to abide by these rules and regulations. BC School Sports provides leadership to school sports by planning, coordinating, and assisting in interschool activities for BC. The following guidelines are pertinent to players and parents:

BC SCHOOL SPORTS: ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY

In order for a student to play on a school sports team, it is mandatory that the following BC School Sports eligibility requirements are met.

·    The student athlete must be in full time attendance at school

·    Graduation requirements have not yet been met

·    Student athletes are only eligible to play on a school team for five consecutive school years. This five year time frame is based on when the student first enters Grade 9. This rule applies even if the student does not compete on a team in a particular year.

·    Age requirements must be met. As of December 31st of the current school year:

o Senior students must be under 19 years of age

o Junior students must be under 17 years of age

o Grade 9 students must be under 16 years of age

o Grade 8 students must be under 15 years of age

·    A transfer of schools after the start of the 1st year of eligibility may limit eligibility at the new school.

BC SCHOOL SPORTS: STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT

The actions of student athletes are a reflection of themselves, their team, their school, and their community. A student’s involvement in school sports provides opportunities and experiences that are important to the development of a well- rounded student. Student athletes must remember that their participation in school sports is a privilege, not a right; they must be accountable for their actions and behaviors in any school context.

 Student Athletes shall:

2.2.1 Treat Everyone with Respect

a. treat teammates, coaches, opponents, event organizers, and spectators with respect

b. respect and accept with dignity the decisions of officials c. be generous in winning and graceful in losing

2.2.2. Exercise Self-Control at all times

a. remember that there is no place in sport for drugs or alcohol b. refrain from the use of foul or profane language

c. refrain from the use of physical force outside the rules of the game

 2.2.3. Play Fair

a. play within the rules and the spirit of the rules of the game at all times

BC SCHOOL SPORTS: SPECTATORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

 Spectators are encouraged and welcomed to attend school sporting activities.

 Spectators shall:

2.3.1 Treat Everyone with Respect

a. cheer in a positive manner for all competitors b. respect the decisions of officials

c. not interfere with play or competition

d. be courteous and respectful to other spectators, all competitors, coaches, event organizers, and officials.

 2.3.1. Exercise Self-Control at all times

a. respect the rules and regulations of the facility

b. refrain from the use of foul or profane language c. refrain from the use of physical force of any kind

BC SCHOOL SPORTS: COACHES’ CODE OF CONDUCT

The coach/athlete relationship is a privileged one. Coaches play a critical role in personal and athletic development of their student-athletes. Therefore, coaches are expected to model the fundamentally positive aspects of school sport.

B2.1 RULES OF CONDUCT

Coaches:

B2.1.1 shall recognize that school sport is an extension of the classroom, and shall conduct themselves accordingly when performing coaching duties

B2.1.2 shall observe the rules and regulations of BC School Sports and those of their local athletic association

B2.1.3 shall observe the rules of the sport, the spirit of the rules of the sport, and shall encourage student-athletes to do the same

B2.1.4 shall fulfill all competitive obligations

B2.1.5 shall treat all participants fairly and equitably, by refraining from discriminating against any student athlete with respect to race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, or sexual orientationB2.1.6 shall respect the rulings of officials without gesture or argument, and shall require student athletes to do the same

B2.1.7 shall not use foul, profane, harassing, or offensive language or gestures in the conduct of coaching duties

B2.1.8 shall not use physical force of any kind in the conduct of coaching duties

B2.1.9 shall not ever endorse, recommend, or suggest the use of performance- enhancing drugs or supplements by any student athlete

B2.1.10 shall abstain from the use of tobacco products and alcohol while in the presence of student athletes, and shall discourage their use by athletes

B2.1.11 shall not, under any circumstances, require or imply that a student athlete must be involved in any summer program or club program as part of his or her responsibility as a school team member

B2.1.12 shall not, under any circumstances, require or imply that a student athlete cannot participate in any BCSS-approved sport in the season preceding or following the coach’s season of play

B2.1.13 shall not, under any circumstances, start preseason tryouts or practices to the detriment of any in-season sport

PARENTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

BC School Sports has Codes of Conduct for players, spectators, and coaches. It does not have set guidelines for parents/guardians. Belmont does have expectations for parents in this athletic partnership. We know children are influenced by conduct of the adults around them, particularly parents, teachers, and coaches. Competition is an important part of any athletic

program, but winning should never come at the expense of good sportsmanship and fair play, whether it is on the bench, the court or field, or in the stands.

Along with the coaches and athletes, parents and family members are also representative of the team, school, and community. We encourage all parents

and family members to attend and enjoy as many games as possible while considering the following.

Participation

·    Coaches will make every effort to give all players playing time, but they must also make judgments related to opponent match-ups, game

situations, playoffs, etc. This means not everyone will get the same amount

of playing time and in fact, there may be games where certain players do not play at all. This is accepted practice and part of the team concept at this level of competition. Parents and players need to recognize this from the beginning; this is interscholastic competition and must be played as such.

·    Encouraging all students to improve and excel in their individual and team goals is part of the process. Team spirit and morale is often boosted by the support of those players on the bench; everyone has a role, regardless of playing time.

 Conduct in the Stands

·    Your role as parents is to encourage and support your child and the team in a positive manner.

·    Officials are there to officiate the game; coaches are the ones who need to address any concerns about officiating or scorekeeping.

·   Do not speak negatively to officials, opposing players, or coaches.

·    Respect the role of the officials. Whether they are adults or students, please remember that they must make many split-second decisions during a game. This is a daunting task, and heckling or loud comments do not make the job easier.

Concerns/Complaints

·    Respect the game plan and decisions of the coach. This includes not approaching the coach during practice or a game, not coaching your child or other team members from the sidelines or stands, and not questioning your child’s playing time. If you wish to discuss anything with the coach, please schedule a mutually agreeable time and place to meet.

o To address any concerns, you must first speak with the coach directly (or the coach and staff sponsor of the team). Please remember to exercise respect and courtesy in the conversation.

o If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily, it may then be referred to the Athletic Director and/or administration for further assistance.

o Remember, it is not appropriate to pursue a concern, nor is it likely to produce a positive outcome, if it is addressed during a game, in front of other players or spectators, or on a social media site (Facebook, etc).

UNIFORMS

Uniforms are an important aspect of being a “team”. They will be distributed by the coach and are generally collected at the end of a play day for someone on the team to wash. Uniforms are a very costly item for our school; they belong to the school and students are asked not to bring them home unless they are being washed. Responsible care of the uniforms is expected, and reimbursement of their cost may be required if a uniform is lost or damaged.

STUDENT ATHLETIC AWARDS

At the end of each year at the annual awards ceremony, awards are presented to the school’s top athletes. The decisions about these awards are made by the coaches, staff sponsors, and Athletic Director. The decisions take into consideration an athlete’s participation, skill, and attitude. 

Accomplishments of the teams throughout the seasons are recognized during the year at various recognition assemblies.

TEAM TRANSPORTATION

Team transportation is an important and costly element of our athletic program. Our top priority is the safe transportation of our student athletes.

It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure students have rides to and from practice and to and from games and tournaments. 

Students are not permitted to drive themselves to out-of-town school-sanctioned sporting events.

BELMONT BULLDOGS  SCHOOL TEAM TRAVEL PERMISSION FORM

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Your son/daughter has been selected to play on a Belmont Secondary Bulldogs team. Please read and complete the information below and return this form to your child’s coach. This form must be completed before your child can participate in any out-of-town games.

Student athletes attending games or events out-of-town will require transportation. Generally it is the parents’ responsibility to ensure your child gets to where they need to be. However, the school and coaches will endeavor to help with transportation when possible. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO DRIVE THEMSELVES TO OUT-OF-TOWN SPORTING EVENTS.

Please read the following and   initial all the ways in which you give permission for your child to travel with his/her team. Be sure your child is aware of which methods of transportation you have or have not agreed to.

1. Athlete’s own parent                          

    Are you willing to take other students? Y/N

2. Another athlete’s parent                             

3. Teacher or coach’s car                              

I grant permission for my son/daughter,                                                   , to be transported to out-of-town games in the ways initialed above if necessary or possible.  Otherwise, I understand that I am responsible for ensuring my child has transportation.  Initial:                   

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE COACH. COACHES, PLEASE ENSURE THE OFFICE HAS A COPY OF THIS FORM.

Parent/Guardian Signature                                       Date

BELMONT BULLDOGS ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

I,                                                            , wish to participate in Belmont School Athletics. In order to do so, I agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct.

Failure to abide by these rules may result in suspension from school as well as from sports teams. This will be determined in consultation with coaches, teachers, administration, and parents, and will depend on the severity of the situation.

ATHLETES’ CODE OF CONDUCT

I agree to:

1.  Make an honest effort and maintain passing grades in all my courses.

2.  Follow the rules with respect to behavior in classes and in school.

3.  Display good citizenship while on school premises.

4.  Display good citizenship while on school trips.

5.  Attend practices regularly as per coaches’ expectations.

6.  Take care of the equipment, uniforms, and facilities that I am using.

7.  Be committed to my team and to improving my skills.

8.  Accept both winning and losing gracefully.

9.  Treat officials, opponents, and spectators with respect.

10. Help fundraise as needed for our athletics program.

11. Pay for replacing a lost or damaged uniform.

12. Refrain from the use of drugs/alcohol on school trips. Failure to abide by this rule will automatically result in a SUSPENSION from sports and extra-curricular activities.

13. Proudly wear the Bulldog uniform and play to the best of my ability.

14. Remember that I represent my school and community when participating on a team.

15. Understand that the consequences of being involved in serious offenses at school (drugs/alcohol/fighting) that result in suspension will exclude me from participating in school sports or other extra-curricular activities for a specific period of time, to be determined by school administration as per the School Code of Conduct. 

Student Signature                       Parent Signature                         Date

BELMONT BULLDOGS PARENT AGREEMENT

I/We,                                                                  , permit my/our child,                          , to participate on a Belmont  sports team. I/We understand that supervision is provided by the school at games and practices. I/We understand that we are responsible for ensuring my/our child has transportation to and from practices and games.

I/We also agree to:

1.  Support my/our child and his/her team in a positive manner.

2.  Respect the officials of the game.

3.  Refrain from heckling or speaking negatively to officials, opposing teams, coaches, and spectators.

4.  Respect the game plan of the coaches, including decisions about playing time allotted to players.

5.  Remember that parents also represent the team, school, and community when they are attending school sporting events.

6.  Address any concerns to the coaches/staff sponsors at an appropriate time/place, in person and with respect, as outlined on page 10 in this handbook.

7.  Volunteer, if I am available, to assist at games, fundraisers, washing uniforms, driving athletes, chaperoning trips, etc.

I/We understand that failure to abide by these guidelines may impact my/our child’s ability to participate in school athletics and may impact the school’s ability to find coaches for our teams.

Parent(s)/Guardian Signature(s)                                     Date

BELMONT SECONDARY SCHOOL