Upon registration in FinalForms, the following policies are required to be accepted of all participants in Waterford Athletics

RULES & REGULATIONS

Physical Examination

• A yearly physical examination is required. Athletes needing physicals during the current sport season must complete them prior to the start of the season. A current physical examination is required to be on file BEFORE participation in any try-out, practice, or contest in interscholastic athletics at Waterford High School. In accordance with the policy of the Waterford Board of Education, the physical examination for sports is valid for 13 months only. Please note, if a player does not have a current physical form on file, their registration will not be approved and they will be ineligible to participate in sports. A copy of the current physical exam form must be submitted to the school nurse. DO NOT LEAVE PHYSICAL FORM WITH A COACH

• Physicals are obtained from your own physician. A Health Assessment Record (HAR – 3) must be completed and returned to the nurse.

Illness or Injury during Sport Season

• All injuries or illnesses during the sport season must be reported to the coach.

• Any athlete who becomes ill or injured during the sport season may not return to practice or participate until cleared through the nurse's office.

• The treating physician must complete an Athlete Injury and Return to Play form. Do not return this form to your coach. The only person who can clear you is the school nurse.

• Athletes who donate blood during a blood drive should consider the recommendations of The American Red Cross: It is not a good idea to practice vigorously or compete right after giving blood. When you give blood, you temporarily lose some body fluids. It takes several hours for your body to replenish itself. A lot of strenuous activity could cause dehydration; therefore, if you must practice after donating, take it easy, and if you are scheduled to compete the day of a blood drive, don't give blood.

Scholastic Eligibility

• In order to participate in athletics at Waterford High School a student must be passing four credits of work. This is assessed each marking period the day grades are stored. All fall athletes must have earned four credits towards graduation from the final grades the previous year.

• Athletes cannot turn 19 years of age before July 1st of any year.

• All other rules of eligibility are available on the CIAC website under Resources - Students/Parents

Uniforms and Equipment

Athletes are responsible for all school owned uniforms and equipment issued to them. We expect that you will treat these items with the appropriate respect. Any uniform or equipment not returned must be paid for at replacement cost (which can be significantly higher than the original purchase price as they must be custom ordered.)

Disqualification Rule

When an athlete is disqualified during a contest for flagrant misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct, that athlete is ineligible to participate in any contest until withheld from the next contest at the same level.

Insurance

Requests to have a medical claim be paid for by the district due to a student injury occurring at school or during a school sponsored event should be directed to the nurse's office. Parent/Guardians must first submit any claims through their primary insurance first.

Missing Practice

Attending practice is an important responsibility of the athlete. If it becomes necessary for an athlete to miss a practice it is the responsibility of the athlete to get the coach's permission prior to missing practice. Failure to do this may result in disciplinary action.

Travel

We expect that all athletes will travel to and from athletic contests in transportation provided by the athletic department. However if the need arises to request alternative transportation other than the school provided transportation, then the “WHS TRAVEL RELEASE FORM” shall be used. Parent/Guardian or authorized pickup as indicated in FinalForms may transport the athlete once the form has been signed by the parent/guardian and submitted to the coach.

Attendance Policy

Students must be in attendance for a total of four (4) hours a day to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics. If arriving late, students must be in school by 10:10am. Students leaving early must stay until 11:20am. Students who leave and come back to school will need to be present for a total of 4 hours. 

For weekend athletic events, Friday attendance will be used to determine eligibility to participate. Exceptions to the rule must be approved at least a day in advance by an administrator. Coaches and advisors will be monitoring student attendance and participation. Suspended students (including ISS) are not eligible to participate in athletics on those days in which they are suspended. 

Absences due to school-sponsored activities or field trips are excused. 

Early Dismissal

It is the responsibility of the athlete to see their teachers in the classes they will miss because of an athletic contest. All work missed will be made up at the convenience of the teacher.

Vacation Policy

Part of the commitment you make as an athlete is the commitment of time, practice time and game time. Vacations during the season should be avoided if at all possible. Missing practice or games is disruptive to the entire team and to the team goals. Parents/athletes wishing to do so should reassess their commitment to being an athlete. In the event absence due to a vacation occurs, parents/athletes should be willing to assume the consequences related to their absence.

Athletic Awards

• Each athlete who completes a season in a sport as a freshman and who has met the criteria as outlined by the head coach may receive freshman numerals signifying his/her year of graduation upon request.

• Each athlete who completes a season in a varsity sport and who has met the criteria as outlined by the head coach shall receive a varsity letter. Each athlete may receive only one varsity letter during his/her career at Waterford High School. Varsity athletes will also receive a pin in their respective sport.

• Each athlete who completes a season in any sport and who has met the criteria as outlined by the head coach shall receive a certificate signifying participation in that sport.

• Seniors who have participated in a sport and who have met the criteria as outlined by the head coach shall receive team photos in that sport.

• Athletes designated as team captains by the head coach of that sport shall receive a Captain pin to designate leadership in that sport.

• Each sport may make available a Most Valuable Player Plaque given to that athlete, chosen by a method determined by the Head Coach, who was most valuable to the team's performance that year.

• Each sport may make available a Coach's Award Plaque to that athlete whom the head coach deems most deserving of being recognized for outstanding contribution to the team.

• Additional Awards:

  • Members of an ECC championship team shall receive appropriate certificates to signify that achievement. The head coach shall determine the designation of those to be awarded.

  • Members of a CIAC state championship team shall receive appropriate picture plaques signifying that achievement. The head coach shall determine the designation of those to be awarded.

  • Athletes who attain All-State status by the CHSCA or by a media outlet recognized as official by the Waterford High School Athletic Department will be invited to attend the official awards presentation of that group's awards.

  • It is further recognized that there is an array of additional awards available to Waterford High School athletes through a variety of recognized award-giving organizations and special interest groups.

Discipline

• Major Offenses

  • Waterford High School athletes are students first: therefore, violations of the school discipline code (listed in the student handbook) will be referred by the coach to the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director/school administrator will determine the necessary discipline.

  • When the athlete is reinstated they may return to athletics the same day. The athlete may practice, but the coach will determine when the athlete is fit for competition.

  • Serious offenses will be dealt with on a per case basis by the administration and Athletic Director. Participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege not a right. Inappropriate behavior may result in the loss of that privilege.

  • If found using, selling, or possessing drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, tobacco (including "smokeless" or "chewing"), or arrested in any event where drugs or alcohol are involved, they may be suspended from the team and will be referred to the school administrator for further action.

Team Rules

The coach for each sport will be responsible for establishing team rules (i.e. missing practice, tardiness, inappropriate behavior during a practice or competition etc.). Each coach should provide their athletes with a copy of the team rules.

PLAYER/PARTICIPANT CODE OF CONDUCT PLEDGE

• I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials and parents at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship.

• I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coach if I cannot.

• I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.

• I will treat my coaches, other players, officials and fans with respect and I will expect to be treated accordingly.

• I will remember that sports are an opportunity to learn and have fun.

• I will not use tobacco, alcohol or drugs. If found using, selling, or possessing drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, tobacco (including "smokeless" or chewing), or arrested in any event where drugs or alcohol are involved, I may be suspended from the team and will be referred to the school administrator for further action.

• I understand that by not following the Waterford High School team rules, coaches’ rules, and code of conduct, I could be suspended and/or removed from a sports team.

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PARENT /GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT PLEDGE

• Respect decisions made by contest and school officials.

• Refrain from taunting, booing, heckling and the use of inappropriate language.

• Recognize and acknowledge outstanding performances by athletes on both teams.

• Attendance at this contest is not a license to verbally assault others or to be generally offensive.

• Respect athletes, coaches, officials, and fans.

• I understand that by not following the above I could be suspended and/or removed from future athletic contests.

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Parent/Coach Communication Policy

Participation in extracurricular activities directly correlates with successful high school experiences. By providing an ample variety of growth opportunities, Waterford Public Schools offers an extracurricular environment which paves the way for a lifetime of success. Student-athletes choosing to participate within extracurricular sports, through the Waterford Public Schools Athletic Program, will have a positive, high-quality experience, which complements their academic endeavors within Waterford Public Schools.

Parent / Coach Relationship

As a parent/guardian whose child is involved in the Waterford Public Schools Athletic Program, understanding each program’s participation expectations is essential to the program’s ongoing development and continued success. Working together, parents and coaches are better able to ensure each student-athlete will benefit from the athletic program. This begins with clear communication from each team’s coach.

Communication Expectations From Coaches to Parents

• Articulation of their philosophy and the corresponding program

• Establishment of clear expectations for all student-athletes involved in the program, including:

  • Team requirements and rules

  • Disciplinary actions that may result in dismissal or suspension

• Dissemination of locations and times of practice sessions and contests

Communication Expectations From Parents to Coaches

• Articulation of team-based or individual concerns expressed directly to the coach

• Notification, well in advance, of any schedule conflicts

When a student-athlete becomes involved in a program offered by Waterford Public Schools, their experiences will include many rewarding moments. It is important to note there may be times when the outcome of the situation does not coincide with parents’ or student-athletes’ point of view. If this occurs, discussion regarding the issue by the student-athlete with the coach is encouraged.

HAZING POLICY

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff that is free from hazing. Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the school district and are prohibited at all times.

Definitions

“Hazing" means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act that creates a risk of harm to a person in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. The term hazing includes, but is not limited to:

• Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, or placing a harmful substance on the body.

• Any type of activity such as sleep deprivation, exposure to weather, confinement in a restricted area, calisthenics, or other activity that subjects the student to a risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.

• Any activity involving the consumption of any alcoholic beverage, drug, tobacco product or any other food, liquid, or substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.

• Any activity that causes or requires the student to perform a task that involves violation of state or federal law or of school district policies or regulations.

General Statement of Policy

• No student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school district shall plan, direct, encourage, aid, or engage in hazing.

• No teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district shall permit, condone, or tolerate hazing.

WHS STUDENT-ATHLETE MENTAL HEALTH

The Waterford athletic department is committed to supporting the mental well-being of our student-athletes. In short, mental health is a part of, not apart from, student-athlete health and is an integral part of the high school experience.

Guidance and resources are available to empower schools in their responsibility to provide for the mental health of student-athletes. Located on this page are resources provided pursuant to Public Act 21-46: An Act Concerning Social Equity and the Health, Safety and Education of Children.

Mental Health and Student Athletes (Signs and Symptoms) - Parent/Guardian Consent Form - Upon registration in FinalForms, this form is required to be accepted of all participants in Waterford Athletics

Mental Health Resources at Waterford HS

National Association of School Psychologists

National Association for School Crisis and Bereavement

SUCIDE PREVENTION

CT Dept. of Education Resources for Families & Students

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board - Suicide Prevention Information

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The Brian Dagle Foundation

Crisis Text Line

GRIEF & TRAUMA PREVENTION

American Academy of Pediatrics (Search “Children and Disasters”)

Coalition to Support Grieving Students

The Cove Center for Grieving Children

Mental Health of America Helping Children Cope with Tragedy Related Anxiety

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

TRAVEL RELEASE POLICY

Riding the bus to and from an away game is an opportunity for building team chemistry and bonding. It is the policy of Waterford High School that all players ride the bus both to and from all the away games.

However if the need arises to request alternative transportation other than the school provided transportation, then the WHS TRAVEL RELEASE FORM shall be used.

Coach Responsibilities:

1. Educating and/or informing parents and athletes of procedure for a travel release. Forms will be located on the WHS Athletic Department website.

2. Any parent requesting travel release must fill out “Travel Release Request Form” and return to coach prior to event.

3. Coach will collect form/s and hold until end of season.

4. It is understood that the athlete must be picked up by their own parent/guardian or FinalForms authorized pickup. If anyone other than their own parent/guardian attempts to pick the athlete up, they will not be released by the coach and must take the bus back to Waterford High School with their team.

Parent/Athlete Responsibilities:

1. Print out Travel Release Request Form from Athletic page website

2. Fully complete Travel Release Request Form and turn in to coach a day prior to event

CONCUSSION, SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST & HEAT AWARENESS CONSENT

Parents/Guardians and student-athletes must read the following policies and contents and sign off in FinalForms before the student-athlete may participate:

Concussion Consent - Students and Parents

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Consent - Students and Parents

Heat Awareness Consent

FUNDRAISING - ATHLETICS

Policy 5070

Students - Fundraising Activities

The objective of this policy is to provide the acceptance criteria and application method for soliciting gifts, grants and bequests conducted by booster clubs and parent organizations, district employees, and students of the Waterford Public Schools.

Students may engage in raising funds for school-sponsored activities, subject to the provisions of the regulations to be developed by the Superintendent. No such fundraising activities may involve door-to-door solicitation in the community by students.

The Board of Education will not be responsible for any fundraising activities that are not approved in accordance with the procedures set forth in this policy and the accompanying regulations.

Any fundraising activities must comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including those provisions relating to the sale of healthy foods and beverages on school grounds or at school-sponsored events.   Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes § 10-215f

Regulation 5070

Students - Fundraising Activities

These administrative regulations shall serve to implement the Board of Education’s policy pertaining to fundraising activities. The Board of Education is a public institution fully supported by taxes and the Board has a clear responsibility to protect students, staff, and their families from exploitation by special interests including, but not limited to, economic, environmental, and political exploitation. The Board of Education is not responsible for any fundraising activities that are not approved in accordance with the procedures set forth in the policy and these accompanying regulations.

Criteria for Fundraising Activities:

To be approved, a fundraising activity must be conducted for the educational benefit of students and satisfy all of the following criteria:

• Each student, parent support or other sanctioned fundraising activity shall have one adult designated with the overall responsibility for continuing compliance with the Board’s policy and these administrative regulations pertaining to fund-raising (the “Sponsor”);

• The fundraising must have a purpose consistent with the purposes of the school district and be for the benefit of its educational programs, student groups or extra-curricular activities;

• The fundraising must not be anticipated to bring additional costs to the school district;

• The fundraising activity must be suitable for the age and maturity of the students involved in the fundraising activity;

• Students may not be compelled to participate in fundraising, all such fundraising activity shall be voluntary in nature;

• Under no circumstance shall students be required to solicit and no mandatory quotas shall be imposed upon them;

• Prior to a student engaging in any fundraising activity, his/her parents shall be informed and written authorization shall be obtained to permit their children to participate;

• The fundraising must not be inappropriate or harmful to the best educational interests of students, as determined by the administration;

• The fundraising will not be considered an official endorsement of any business or product;

• The fundraising must not be in conflict with any provisions of the school code or public law;

• Door-to-door solicitations by students are prohibited by these regulations;

• The fundraising must comply with all applicable provisions of Board policy and regulation relating to the sale of healthy foods and beverages on school grounds or at school-sponsored events.

 Prior approval required:

• Fundraising activities shall not be initiated until prior approval is secured as set forth in these regulations.

• Requests for prior approval for fundraising activities anticipated to raise funds up to $1,000 for all levels shall be made in advance in writing to the Building Principal, and at the secondary school level, to the Director of Athletics and Student Activities for sports related activities, at least one (1) month prior to the commencement of the activity. The Building Principal or Director of Athletics and Student Activities or his/her designee shall indicate his/her approval in writing to the organization applying for approval. Any fundraising activity over this threshold will also require approval by the Building Principal (at the secondary level) and Superintendent (for all grade level requests over this threshold) The Fundraising Activity Report, Form #2, is due to building principal and Business Office no later than one month following completion of fundraising activity.

Use of Crowdfunding Activities

• Prior to engaging in any crowdfunding activities (e.g. Donors Choose, Kickstarter, GoFundMe, etc.) for the Board of Education, its schools, classes, or extracurricular teams or clubs, an employee, student, parent support or other fundraising group must first apply in writing to the building principal and receive prior approval for the crowdfunding activity as outlined above. However, requests to the building principal for prior approval of crowdfunding activities must also include the name of the website or application to be utilized, a full description of the reason for the crowdfunding activity, a copy of the proposed personal profile to be listed on the site/application, and the proposed content to be uploaded to the crowdfunding website or application, including images.

• In addition to following the procedures outlined below for the handling of funds and recordkeeping, the following additional regulations apply to funds received from crowdfunding activities. Any funds received from crowdfunding activities must be deposited directly into a school activity fund and may not first be received by the employee, student, parent group or other fundraising group. Crowdfunding activities must comply with all Board of Education policies, regulations and procedures, and shall not include photos of students or the sharing of any confidential student information.

Handling of Funds and Record-Keeping:

• The fundraising activity must comply with all applicable policies and procedures with respect to the processing of monies by staff members and/or students (e.g. school activity fund regulations and regulations pertaining to maintaining cash within classrooms or school buildings).

• Student, parent support or other sanctioned fundraising groups shall keep detailed and accurate contemporaneous records of the fundraising activity, with the Sponsor responsible for ensuring compliance with this requirement.

• Such detailed and accurate records shall be subject to inspection by school officials at any time.

• At the end of the activity, the Sponsor shall produce a final report showing the amount of money raised, the number of students who participated, the purposes for which the designated funds will be used, and any other information as may be required by the Principal and/or Superintendent of Schools.

Coaches Only:

To Complete Fundraising Form: Click HERE for links to Script eforms.

All fundraising requests must now be submitted through Script eforms (paper submissions are NOT accepted any longer).

Waterford Public Schools promotes good sportsmanship as a part of all events. Sportsmanship is essential to any athletic competition, and we expect our athletes, coaches, officials, and fans to act accordingly. 

Parents, guardians, and spectators play an influential role in school sports. How we behave in the stands, talk to our friends/children, and interact with coaches and other players influences every student-athlete’s enjoyment of the sport and cultivates a positive fan experience. We strongly encourage students that are younger than high school age to be accompanied by an adult.

In order to guarantee a positive experience for all student-athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators, the following behaviors are strictly prohibited:

• Aggressively confronting any coach or official for any reason before, during, or after an athletic contest

• Verbal or physical harassment of players, coaches, fans of either school, officials, or school personnel

• Abusive language or obscene gestures

• Chants or yelling that singles out any particular player by using their name or number

• Loitering under bleachers or in bathrooms

• Damage to any part of school property

Violations of the above may lead to removal from the sporting event and potential permanent removal from all Waterford High School sporting events. Please also note that Waterford Public Schools students violating rules are subject to further disciplinary actions as outlined in the school handbook.

Our spectators are a big part of our athletic programs. Our athletes can be at their best when our spectators are engaged and bring positive energy. We appreciate your support and ask that all parents and guardians discuss these expectations with their children before attending any Waterford Public Schools sporting event.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our athletic programs.