Athletic Parent-Athlete Agreement and Athletic Code of Conduct

Scotia-Glenville Central School District

Parent and Athlete Agreement – Policy and Procedures

On July 27, 2026, the Board of Education approved a new Parent and Athlete Agreement and Athletic Code of conduct listed below.

  

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Welcome to the Tartan family! We are pleased to provide you with this handbook because your student-athlete has shown interest in participating in interscholastic athletics, and you’ve expressed your support for their involvement. Your engagement in this important aspect of our school community is truly appreciated.

At Scotia-Glenville, we believe athletics offer valuable experiences that contribute significantly to a student’s personal growth, education, and preparation for life beyond the classroom. Through sports, students gain opportunities to develop self-discipline, leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

Our athletic program is designed to support the educational development of every student. We strive to provide a structured and purposeful environment that encourages physical fitness, mental sharpness, and self-expression. It is our goal to maintain a program that not only emphasizes competition but also promotes responsibility, respect, and maturity.

By choosing to join one of our sports teams, your student-athlete takes on certain responsibilities and expectations. This handbook outlines important policies and procedures that help ensure our athletic programs run smoothly and in alignment with our educational values.

Our athletic program operates under the guidelines set by the Commissioner of Education for extracurricular athletics. Scotia-Glenville is proud to be a member of the New York State Athletic Association, competing in Section II within the Foothills Council.

The Department of Athletics works to establish fair and spirited competition, guided by principles that reflect our school and community values. Open communication between our department and families is essential to our success, and this handbook serves as a key part of that connection.

If you have any questions or if there’s anything I can do to enhance your student-athlete’s experience, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 518-347-3600 ext. 6601 or email mtebbano@sgcsd.net. 

We look forward to a successful and rewarding season ahead.

Warm regards,
Marcella Tebbano

Director of Athletics

Scotia-Glenville Central Schools




Athletic Department Philosophy 


To empower student-athletes through competitive sports and rigorous academics. We strive for excellence within the Foothills Council while fiercely championing character, leadership, and sportsmanship to help every student realize their full potential. 


Modified Philosophy- The Scotia-Glenville Central School District offers its students a broad array of choices when it comes to athletic programs. At the 7th and 8th-grade level, students can opt to try out for modified sports, which provide their first exposure to interscholastic athletics. Recognizing that some students have not had the opportunity to play community sports at a young age, the district is committed to providing this athletic outlet for all interested participants to try out.

As such, specific characteristics distinguish modified sports from upper-level programs. For example, rules may be slightly altered to accommodate participants' growth levels and abilities, directly ensuring safety for all students. At this level, the focus is on learning athletic skills and game rules, fundamentals of team play, socio-emotional growth, physiologically appropriate demands on the adolescent body, and healthy competition. This program is designed to offer students the opportunity to engage in a more highly organized competitive experience than what is found in intramural or recreation programs, but not as involved as those found in varsity and junior varsity interscholastic competition.

The overarching goal of the modified sports program is to prioritize a comprehensive learning and teaching experience over successful win-loss records. With this educational focus in mind, it is standard practice to see all team members actively participating, rather than only those who have already developed advanced skill levels. School athletics should offer an equitable opportunity to every student, ensuring that prior experience with out-of-school community teams is never a barrier to entry. If players are consistently meeting all team and school expectations, they will earn the opportunity to play in games; however, it is important to note that playing time is not equal.

This philosophy is strictly aligned with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), the governing body for all junior and senior high school sports in the state. The NYSPHSAA explicitly outlines the core duties of a modified sports program, which include:

To maintain these boundaries, the NYSPHSAA strictly dictates operational parameters, including the maximum number of modified games students can play, the required rest time between contests, and the exact duration of student practices.

Consistent attendance at these practices is vital to the success of both the team and the individual athlete; therefore, all participants are expected to attend every practice scheduled by their coach. By embracing the rules and core philosophy of modified sports, students capture the full benefit of their athletic experience. Along the way, they develop essential life skills—such as personal responsibility to teammates, organizational and time management capabilities, and cooperative teamwork to achieve a common goal—that will successfully carry over into all areas of their lives.


Athletic Placement Process for 7th and 8th Graders: 

The Athletic Placement Process (APP) is an evaluation that determines if a 7th or 8th grade student is ready to compete in high school sports. The APP is intended for gifted athletes who are physically, emotionally, and academically mature enough to compete at a higher level. 

Athletic Placement Procedures: 

Once the student is approved by the athletic office, they will have an opportunity to try out for JV/Varsity. 


APP FAQ’s 



Freshman Philosophy: Freshman teams offer to be a transitional level opportunity for those who want to explore competitive levels at the high school. At the freshman level, athletes are expected to make a commitment to the program and team. 


There must be an understanding that there is responsibility for continued self-development. There should be an increased emphasis placed on skill development, time commitment, physical conditioning, and the elements of strategies of team play. 


The freshman level should work toward achieving a balance between introducing the sport at a higher level then modified with player development, enriching the athlete’s skills and ambition to succeed. 


Each coach should provide opportunities for meaningful contest participation for each team member throughout the season who meets the team’s responsibilities. The coach will determine playing time based on the athletes’ ability, opponents, game situations, practices, and their performance. 


Practice at the freshman level is vital to a successful team and successful athlete. All athletes are expected to go to each and every practice that is scheduled by their coach. 


The athletes at this level are preparing themselves to become varsity caliber, a goal which requires a higher level of dedication than that was required of them for the modified team. 




Junior Varsity Philosophy: The Junior Varsity level is intended for an athlete who demonstrates the potential of continued development into a productive Varsity athlete. 


At the Junior Varsity level, the athlete is expected to have a full commitment to the team and demonstrate continued self-development. An increased emphasis is placed on physical conditioning. The player should be at a higher level of skill development, and should possess a better understanding of the strategies of team play. 


The Junior Varsity level should work toward achieving a balance between continued team and player development and striving for success. 


Practices at the Junior Varsity level are vital to a successful team and a successful athlete. All athletes are expected to go to each and every practice that is scheduled by their coach. 


The Junior Varsity level should prepare the athlete for the goal of becoming a Varsity athlete with the highest level of dedication and play. 



Varsity Philosophy- The varsity level is the culmination of all levels of both our athletic programs, and our physical education programs in the school district. 


Athletes on the varsity level should be aware of their role and informed of their role and importance on their team. While contest participation and practice participation over the season is vital, it does not guarantee the amount of playing time on the varsity level. The athlete must have a higher level of advanced skills, and commitment to be on the varsity level. Such commitment is needed to conduct a successful varsity program. 


Practices at the varsity level are vital to a successful team and successful athlete. All athletes are expected to go to each and every practice that is scheduled. 


The varsity coach, who is the leader of all levels of his or her individual sport, determines the instruction and strategy for each program. Preparing to succeed, striving for success in each contest, exhibiting sportsmanship and working to reach a team's maximum potential in each sport is the overall goal of a varsity program.



Section 2- Academic Standards, Academic Policy and Attendance Policy


    Academic Standard- Athletics, generally speaking, have a positive effect on the athlete’s performance in the classroom.  

     It is the athlete’s responsibility to manage time effectively.  Athletic practices/games should not be an excuse for failing to perform in academic classes.


Academic Policy-   

        ▪Students in co-curricular activities who fail two or more courses at the five-week mark are declared ineligible and placed on academic probation.  This probation begins on the day the failure report lists are produced.

      ▪Students who are placed on academic probation may not participate in any contest, practices or special event for a period of two weeks.  During these two weeks, students are encouraged to work hard to pull up any and all failing averages.  

      ▪Students may practice/participate in no more than 50% of scheduled practices during this probation period.  The other 50% of the time, they should be seeking help, making up work, studying, doing research, etc. as appropriate.

     ▪At the conclusion of the two-week probation, a student may be taken off probation if the student takes a reinstatement form their teachers and the teacher states that they are improving in their courses. Next, the student will bring the reinstatement form to the athletic director to be signed. Last, the student will turn the signed form into their coach. Reinstatement forms can be found at the athletic office. 

     ▪All faculty/coaches will receive a copy of the ineligibility list.



Extracurricular Participation & Attendance


Extra-Curricular Attendance Policy

To ensure academic accountability, any student participating in evening activities—including sports, music, dramatics, or social events—must be in attendance for the full school day. Students must arrive by 7:50 AM on the day of the scheduled activity to be eligible to participate as either a competitor or a spectator (with the exception of senior privileges). Special circumstances or unavoidable emergencies must be discussed with and approved by the building principal, assistant principal or athletic director prior to the event.

Because Friday absences disrupt team planning and compromise game-day readiness, attendance will be closely monitored. Consequently, a student-athlete with multiple unexcused Friday absences may be deemed ineligible to participate in weekend contests.


Section 3- Behavioral Expectations for Student-Athletes


Students participating in co-curricular activities are expected to maintain appropriate standards of decorum throughout the school day.  The standards set in this policy are not any higher than those of the school policy for all students.  Students in co-curricular activities, however, can be suspended from partial or complete participation in those activities.


Student athletes are expected to follow all rules aligned with the District’s Code of Conduct.


Basic Rule: Never do anything which will bring embarrassment or an unfavorable view to your Teammates, Coaches, Family or Community. 


Student-athletes are prohibited from possessing, using or selling alcohol, illegal drugs or tobacco products, electronic cigarettes or vaping at any time.

     This policy will apply to each student-athlete for one calendar year from the day of his/her most recent Athletic Code signature and will be in effect for one full calendar year at all times and in all locations, including non-school activities.  The penalties listed below will be enforced in conjunction with all other codes of behavior and disciplinary measures.


Penalties:  Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Products Policy

     The guideline for actions taken by the Director of Athletics regarding a student- athlete found in violation of this policy shall be as follows:


▪ First Offense:

Effective on the date when the penalties are imposed, the athletes will be placed on probation for one calendar year.

The athlete will need to meet with the student-assistant counselor or equivalent outside agency for counseling.  The counselor and administrator must agree as to when a student can return to participation.

During the period of probation, the athlete will be expected to practice with the team but will not be allowed to participate in the teams scheduled competitions according to the eligibility chart (see chart).  Student-athletes on probation are expected to attend all practices and contests (not in uniform) and be of assistance to the team as the coach deems appropriate.


▪ Second Offense: If a second offense occurs during the one year probationary period, the athlete is suspended from all participation in interscholastic athletics for one calendar year from the date of the second offense.  If a second offense occurs at any time after the probationary period, all provisions set forth in the first offense will apply.  However, the contest penalty will be increased according to the eligibility chart. In addition, a new one calendar year probationary period will be assigned. 


▪ Third Offense: A third offence at any time during the secondary interscholastic time will mean a suspension from future participation on any interscholastic team for the remainder of the secondary school years. 


Appeals: A student-athlete may file an appeal in writing to the Director of Athletics within three calendar days from the date the penalty was assessed. 


The athletic director will call a meeting of the Appeals Committee to review the appeal. The jurisdiction of the Appeals Committee will be limited to affirming or reversing the decision of the Athletic Director. The appeals committee will have no authority to increase or reduce any penalty imposed. The student-athlete and/or his/her parents/legal guardians may attend the Appeals Committee meeting. The athletic Director will notify the student-athlete of the results of the appeal within 24 hours. 


Eligibility Chart


Eligibility Chart


Number of Regular Season Scheduled Contests Contest Penalty 1st Offense Contest Penalty 2nd Offense

8 (or less) 2 4

9 2 4

10-13 3 6

14-17 4 8

18-21 5 10

22 6 12



Section 4- Tartan Sportsmanship


Sportsmanship - Checklist for a Successful Athletic Experience

As a student-athlete and as parents, you can help us establish an outstanding

reputation for good sportsmanship. We must all work hard in conducting ourselves in a commendable manner. A display of unsportsmanlike conduct can result in a negative perception of Scotia-Glenville as well as punishment of the offending student-athlete, parent, and/or school. Always observe the following guidelines for good sportsmanship:

1. The good name of Scotia-Glenville is more important than any contest won by

unfair play.

2. Be supportive of all athletes, coaches, and officials before, during, and after all

contests.

3. Accept decisions of officials without dispute. They are seldom responsible for

your success or failure, so do not blame them for your circumstances.

4.  Be proud of Scotia-Glenville’s reputation and work hard to protect it.

5. Don’t allow negative sportsmanship of others to become an excuse to do the

same.



SPORTSMANSHIP & BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

FOR ALL SPECTATORS


1. Spectators are an important part of the athletic programs and are encouraged to

conform to accepted standards of good sportsmanship and behavior.

2. Spectators should at all times: respect officials, visiting coaches, players and school administrators as guests in the community; and extend all courtesies to them.

3. Verbal abuse of athletes or officials by team members or spectators shall be

considered unsportsmanlike conduct.

4. Enthusiastic cheering for one’s team is strongly encouraged.

5. Booing, whistling, stamping of feet and disrespectful remarks shall be discouraged.

6. There will be no ringing of bells, sounding of horns, or other noise makers at indoor contests during play.

7. Spectators should encourage each other to observe courteous behavior. Improper

behavior should be reported to school authorities.

8. Spectators will observe the rules of the local school concerning smoking, food and

drink consumption, littering, substance abuse, and parking procedures.

9. Spectators will respect and obey all identified school officials and supervisors at

athletic contests.


Any spectator who demonstrates poor sportsmanship, will be requested to leave and may be denied admission to future home contest(s).



Athletic & Co-Curricular Activity Policy
Students participating in co-curricular activities are expected to maintain appropriate standards of decorum and exhibit a high level of school citizenship throughout the school day and within the community. 


Students participating in co-curricular activities are expected to maintain appropriate standards of decorum and exhibit a high level of school citizenship throughout the school day and within the community. 


Participants must be in school by no later than 7:50AM, and may not leave school during the school day to remain eligible to participate in athletic or co-curricular events. Medical appointments will require documentation from the provider in order to be excused. 


Student Athletes Quitting Team/Dismissal 


Any athlete who quits a team after the team has been selected may face disciplinary action.  They will sit for up to 40% of competitions, in the next sport season.   


An athlete who is dismissed from a team by a coach for violating team rules will be suspended from the next sport season up to 40%. Repeat offenders of either rule, can be suspended from any further participation on any athletic team.


Eligibility Chart


Number of Regular Season Scheduled Contests Contest Penalty 1st Offense Contest Penalty 2nd Offense

8 (or less) 2 4

9 2 4

10-13 3 6

14-17 4 8

18-21 5 10

22 6 12



Policy & Grounds for Dismissal

Roster dismissal is a season-ending disciplinary action reserved for serious or repeated infractions of the Athletic Code of Conduct. While progressive discipline (e.g., verbal warnings, missed playing time, or multi-game suspensions) is utilized whenever appropriate, the district reserves the right to implement immediate roster dismissal for major misconduct.

Major misconduct that may result in immediate dismissal includes, but is not limited to:

II. Administrative Authority

III. Procedural Steps for Dismissal

When a violation occurs that may warrant removal from a team, the athletic department adheres to the following procedural workflow:

1.Reporting and Immediate Separation:Step 1.

If an incident occurs or a formal complaint is received, the coach or athletic department may temporarily separate the student-athlete from the team setting to ensure a safe environment while the matter is evaluated.

2.Administrative Review:Step 2.

The athletic department conducts a review of the incident, which includes evaluating coach reports, incident logs, or witness statements. The primary objective is to verify whether a material violation of the signed Athletic Code of Conduct has taken place.

3.Parental Notification:Step 3.

Once a determination has been reached by the Athletic Director, the athletic department or building administration will contact the student-athlete's parents or legal guardians to inform them of the disciplinary action and the specific code violation. Next, meet with the student athlete to share the dismissal and reasons behind it. 

4.Official Record Entry:Step 4.

The dismissal is formally documented by the athletic department. A summary of the action is maintained within the district's secure administrative athletic files.

5. If the student athlete and/or parents wish to contest the allegations, fact determinations, or proposed  discipline, a request for a hearing can be made with five days of notification to the high school principal/designee. The high school principal/designee will schedule such a hearing as soon as is possible and shall act in the capacity of the hearing officer. This hearing is intended to be informal, but to allow both the affected student athlete and district to provide information to the high school principal/designee for a determination. The high school principal/designee’s decision will be final and binding upon all parties. 

Confidentiality and Records

All records, internal complaints, witness reports, and administrative investigations regarding student-athlete discipline are strictly confidential under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and New York State education guidelines.

Important Notice on Record Privacy: To protect the safety, privacy, and security of all minors involved, the district cannot and will not release redacted or unredacted copies of internal administrative athletic reports, witness statements, or peer complaints to third parties, including the parents of the disciplined student-athlete.

Furthermore, because interscholastic athletic participation is an extracurricular privilege, disciplinary actions taken within the athletic program do not automatically dictate or parallel academic disciplinary records maintained by building principals. A student may maintain an exemplary academic record and still face immediate roster dismissal if their behavior on an athletic team violates the specialized athletic standards they signed and agreed to uphold.


School Issued Uniforms and Equipment

Student-athletes are responsible for all school equipment issued to them. Athletic uniforms, both practice and game, are supplied for the sole purpose of athletic participation. When the season is completed all school equipment is to be returned to the school. There are no exceptions to this policy. Student-athletes who violate this policy are subject to school rules. Remember, any time you wear Scotia-Glenville attire, you are representing yourself, your family, your school and all those that have worn our school colors before you. 


Section 5- Communication


Guide for a Successful Parent/Coach Relationship

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult jobs. By establishing an

understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the others

and provide greater benefit to the student. As parents, when your student athlete

becomes involved in our programs, you have a right to understand what expectations

are placed on your student-athletes. This begins with clear communication from the

coach of your student-athlete’s program.


Communication You Should Expect from your Student Athletes Coach:

1. Expectations the coach has for your student athlete and the team

2. Locations and times of all practices and contests in advance

3. Team Rules/Expectations that are separate from the Athletic Code of Conduct

4. Team Guidelines for off-season conditioning and workouts

5. Communication of injuries and medical treatment


Communication Coaches Expect from Student-Athletes:

1. Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance

2. Special concerns in regards to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations

3. Injury or circumstances that may endanger the athlete when participating


Coaches are professionals and will make judgment decisions based on what they

believe to be the best for all student-athletes involved on the team. Please understand

that there are acceptable things that should be discussed as well as other things that

must be left to the discretion of the coach.


Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches:

1. Treatment of your son/daughter

2. Ways to help your son/daughter to improve his/her skills

3. Concerns about your son/daughter’s behavior/attitude

4. Player’s role on the team

5. Discipline that results in the denial of a player’s participation


Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss with Coaches:

1. Playing time

2. Team Strategy

3. Play calling

4. Other student-athletes


COMMUNICATION PROCESS & CHAIN OF COMMAND

As students become involved in the Scotia-Glenville Central School District Athletic

Programs, they will be provided with the opportunities to experience some of the most

rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there may also be

times when things do not go the way a player or parent/guardian might have hoped and

may require a conference between the coach and the student-athlete and/or parent. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position.

When these conferences are necessary, the following procedures should be followed to

help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.


First and foremost: If you have a concern, you need to discuss the issue with your son/daughter first. You may find through this communication an answer, resolution, or

understanding of the situation before contacting others. If the situation warrants a conference, communication between coach and player/parent/guardian becomes extremely important, and all are required to follow the Chain of Command in an effort to reach an acceptable resolution:

own advocate and speak directly with the coach.

parent/guardian may make arrangements to meet with the coach.

a coach. Attempting to confront a coach before or after a contest or

practice is NOT an ideal time. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. (24 hour Rule)


Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

coach, the parent/guardian may contact the Director of Athletics for further discussion

and/or investigation.

Please note that:


● A conference that is set up with a coach and parent shall not result in negative consequences against the student-athlete because of this meeting.



Section 5- Health and Safety


1. Participation in interscholastic athletics can result in injuries ranging from minor scrapes or bruises to trauma, fractures, paralysis, concussions or any serious injury that can lead to permanent disability or death. 


2. The School District attempts to provide safe conditions for participation in interscholastic athletics. Coaches are required to have first aid and CPR/AED certification. The School District employs a full-time certified trainer who is available at Scotia-Glenville High School. 


3. Students who participate in interscholastic athletics and their caregivers have a responsibility to notify coaches or the Athletic Director of any hazardous condition known to them involving athletic fields, gymnasiums, equipment or other facilities. 


4. Caregiver(s) of students injured as a result of participation in interscholastic athletics must notify the school Health Office immediately. 


5. The School District provides supplemental health and accident insurance coverage. All claims for expenses related to such injuries must be filed with the student's family health insurer(s), who shall be primarily responsible. 


6. If such a claim is not paid in full, the remainder may be submitted to the School District Plan which limits payment to a predetermined fee schedule and may not provide full reimbursement. Caregivers are urged to file timely accident reports and to follow directions for filing insurance claims. Failure to do so may affect rights to reimbursement. 


7. Upon return to the interscholastic athletic program from an injury, a student must submit a written release from a physician to the school’s health office and must be certified for participation by a designated school physician. 




Concussions:  The Invisible Injury

Student and Parent Information Sheet

Information Sheet provided by NYSPHSAA


Concussion Definition:  A concussion is a reaction by the brain to a jolt or force that can be transmitted to the head by an impact or blow occurring anywhere on the body.  Essentially a concussion results from the brain moving back and forth or twisting rapidly inside the skull.


▪  Requirements Of School District

Education:  Each school coach, physical education teacher, nurse, and athletic trainer will have to complete an approved course on concussion management on a biennial basis, starting with the 2012-2013 school year.

- School coaches must complete the CDC course. (www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/online_training.html)

Information:  

- Provide concussion management information and sign off with any parental permission form.

- The concussion management and awareness information or the State Education Department’s web site must be made available on the school website.

Removal from athletics:

- Require the immediate removal from athletic activities of any pupil that has or is believed to have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury.

- No pupils will be allowed to resume athletic activity until they have been symptom free for 24 hours and have been evaluated by and received written and authorization from a licensed physician.  For interscholastic athletics, clearance must come from the school medical director.

 -  Such authorization must be kept in the pupil’s permanent health record.

 -  Schools shall follow directives issued by the pupil’s treating physician.


Family ID


The Middle School/High School Athletic Department offers the convenience of free online registration through ArbiterSports Registration-FamilyID.

FamilyID is a secure registration platform that provides you with an easy, user-friendly way to register for our sports programs, and helps us to be more efficient. When you register through FamilyID, the system keeps track of your information in your FamilyID profile. You enter your information only once for each family member for multiple uses and multiple programs

Registration Process:

A parent/guardian can register by using the QR Code or by clicking on this link: https://www.familyid.com/scotia-glenville-athletics




Contact Us:

Marcella Tebbano

Acting Athletic Director

mtebbano@sgcsd.net

Emily Wells

Athletics Secretary

ewells@sgcsd.net  

Mike Bennice

Athletic Trainer

mbennice@sgcsd.net


Scotia Glenville Athletic Department Website

https://sites.google.com/sgcsd.net/sg-athletics


Who are the Tartans?

Scotia-Glenville is a Class “A” school in the Section II of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.  In most sports our teams compete as members of the Foothills Scholastic Council.  Other teams are members of the Tri-Country Indoor Track League, Capital District Women’s Lacrosse League, and Section II Ski League.

Foothills Scholastic Council

Scotia-Glenville has a very comprehensive interscholastic program for Tartan Athletes.  They may participate in any of the sports listed below:

Girls

Boys

Mixed Competition Sports