Dear Parent, Guardian, or Student-Athlete: 

Welcome to Whitehall Athletics. We hope this handbook will prove to be informative and help in making athletics a positive experience. 

The athletic program at Whitehall is based on the premise that athletes are students first and that athletic participation is a privilege rather than a right. Students learn teamwork and group responsibility. They also learn to deal with success and overcome adversity. Research shows those who participate in extra-curricular activities tend to make better grades and have fewer discipline problems than those who do not participate. 

Throughout this handbook you’ll notice references to your “student-athlete”, rather than your “athlete”  because we believe that your children are students first, and athletic participation is a privilege. 

Here are some statistics to keep in mind: 

• There are over 1 million high school football players and almost 1 million high school basketball players in grades 9-12 nationally. Of those numbers, about 250 make it to the  NFL and 50 make it to the NBA. 

• The odds of a high school football player being selected to play for an NFL team are about  6,000 to 1. 

• The odds of playing in the NBA are even greater. 

• The NCAA is made up of 977 schools classified in three divisions, and less than 25,000  student-athletes compete for NCAA titles annually, most of whom ARE NOT on athletic scholarships. 

It is for these reasons that it is important to focus on your child’s academic career, first and foremost.  It is secondary to focus on athletic successes. 

This handbook is provided to assist in guiding you and your child through their secondary school athletic career. Please take time to read each section.  

Best of luck this year! 

Jeffery Pukszyn

Athletic Director 

Whitehall High School

The athletic program of the Whitehall-Coplay School District is designed to promote the growth and development of our students. This program is an integral part of the school’s educational program.  Interscholastic competition provides students with physical, mental, and emotional experiences, which benefit not only the individual but the school and community as well. Participants have an opportunity to acquire qualities of total fitness, self-discipline, loyalty, and a sincere devotion to the athletic experience. 

We are committed to the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play at athletic contests.  Being of member of interscholastic athletics is a privilege to be earned and maintained throughout the season.  Each time participants step into a school or onto the practice field and anytime they participate in a game, they are expected to represent themselves, family, team, and school in a responsible, sportsmanlike manner. 

In addition to embracing the Whitehall Athletic Department Mission Statement, we will also encourage and promote: 

1. The belief that athletes should participate in multiple sports and not specialize in any one specific sport 

2. 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 considered more important than any other. 

3. The approach that all teams are treated as fairly as possible. 

Student-athletes and parents should be aware that any athletic participation will always have inherent dangers.  Although rare, death or catastrophic injury can result from participation in sports, and care should be taken by all concerned to minimize such dangers through the use of appropriate equipment, proper training methods, and common sense. 

The Whitehall-Coplay School District encourages student-athletes in all sports and their parents to discuss risks and risk minimization with coaches and school administrators. 

In the Athletic Department of the Whitehall-Coplay School District, the following chain of command is in effect. 

Principal 

Athletic Director 

Head Coach 

Assistant Coach(es) 

Players 

If there are any questions or concerns involving some aspect of our athletic program, the student-athlete should first contact the appropriate coach. If there were no resolution, he or she would then go to the head coach, etc.  Parents' first line of contact should be the level-appropriate coach, then the head coach.

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to children. As parents,  when your children become involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear expectations and communication from the coach of your child’s program. 

COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD’S COACH 

1. Philosophy of the coach 

2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the squad 

3. Locations and times of all practices and contests 

4. Team requirements, i.e., special equipment, off-season conditioning 

5. Procedure should your child be injured during participation 

6. Discipline that results in the denial of your child’s participation 

COMMUNICATIONS COACHES EXPECT FROM PARENTS 

1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach 

2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance 

3. Specific concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations 

As your children become involved in the programs in the Whitehall-Coplay School District, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times  when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times discussion with the coach is  encouraged. 

When expressing the occasional concern with a coach, remember the following guidelines:

1. Approach the coach at the appropriate time, not before or after a game 

2. Call the following day and make an appointment, which is convenient for both. 

3. Raise your concern in a calm and civil manner. Yelling, being rude, or using foul language is totally unacceptable and will immediately end the meeting. 

4. Once you have stated your question or concern, listen to the explanation. Often, a sports parent may be blinded by emotion, and this overrides logic and reason. Listening receptively may really help you to understand any explanation that is given. 

5. Your priority is your student-athlete. The coaches’ priority is every student-athlete on the team, so understand there may be disagreement because of your priorities. Both you and the coach may be right, but not agree. That is O.K. Both must be willing to accept that possibility. 

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES 

1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically 

2. Ways to help your child improve 

3. Concerns about your child’s behavior 

It is difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all students involved. So you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those listed below, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

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ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES: 

1. Playing time 

2. Team strategy 

3. Play calling 

4. Other student-athletes 

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the others position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern. 

PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW SHOULD YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH 1. Call the coach to set up an appointment. 

2. If you cannot reach the coach, contact the Whitehall Athletic Office to facilitate that meeting: 610-437-5081 x1816 

3. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution. 

THE NEXT STEP 

What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution? 

1. Call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation 

2. At this meeting, the appropriate next step may be determined.

Remember that you are at the contest to support and yell for your team, and to enjoy the skill and competition, not to intimidate or ridicule the other team or its fans. 

A ticket is a privilege to observe the contest, not a license to verbally assault other or be generally obnoxious. Learn the rules of the game so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place. 

Be a positive role model at events through your own actions and by censuring those around you whose behavior is unbecoming. 

Parents and spectators should be aware that the school can (and should) remove them from the premises and can prohibit them from attending future contests due to undesirable behaviors. 

Game officials can ask that school administrators have unruly fans removed from a contest facility. 

There is no such thing as a “right” to attend interscholastic athletics. Interscholastic athletics are considered a  “privilege” and the spectators who avails themselves of it are expected to conduct himself or herself accordingly.

Expectations of our student-athletes remain high not only during practices and games, but also during the school day. We expect our student-athletes to be model students and leaders of their classmates. 

In the event that a student-athlete has been in trouble in school and has gained Detention, In-School or Out-of-School Suspension, the following guidelines apply: 

1. Detention – Athletes are not excused from detention nor are they to be dismissed early because of athletic practices or games. If a student misses a bus to an away game because of detention, they shall not play in that game. 

2. In-school Suspension – A student-athlete may participate at the completion of the in-school suspension obligation, which includes detention. If the student has multi-day ISS, they may not participate prior to the end of the last day’s obligations. 

3. Out-of-School Suspension – A student-athlete may not participate in activities until the first school day following the end of the suspension. If the student is OSS on a Friday, they may not participate until Monday.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A STUDENT-ATHLETE 

Most coaches would expect a student-athlete to adhere to the following guidelines: 

1. The team’s goals, welfare, and success must come before any individual. 

2. A student-athlete needs to consistently attend practice sessions, including weekends and holidays. 3. Players must be receptive to coaching. 

4. Team members are responsible for all issued uniforms and equipment. 

5. As a member of a team, a student-athlete must agree to and follow all team rules. Student-athletes need to remember that they are ambassadors and represent not only themselves, but the coaching staff and the school. 

6. If injured, a student-athlete must report all injuries to either the coach or, more importantly, to our athletic trainer. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A COACH 

In the Whitehall-Coplay School District, a coach has the responsibility for the following: 1. The selection of a squad. 

2. Their determination of the style of play, including offensive and defensive philosophy. 3. The teaching and instruction at practice sessions. 

4. The determination of who starts and how long an athlete plays in a contest. 

5. The decision on who plays what position. 

6. Establishing team rules. 

7. The selection of team captains. 

8. The communication with student-athletes and parents with respect to when practice sessions will be held, and when the sessions will start and finish.

It is important to understand that participation on an athletic team in the Whitehall-Coplay School District is a privilege and not a right. Being on and maintaining one’s membership on the team means accepting all the responsibilities of a student-athlete. However, unlike recreation or intramural teams, equal or guaranteed playing time does not exist. In an effort to win, a coach will use players best suited to the conditions or demands of the contest at that time. 

Just as our students are exposed to a variety of teaching styles and techniques, our student-athletes are exposed to a variety of coaching styles and techniques. Consequently, the Athletic Department does not have any rules that mandate the amount of playing time received by each player. Those decisions ultimately rest with the coaches in the program.

The purpose of this policy is the following: 

- Deter quitting 

- Deter enticement to another sport 

- Demonstrate the importance of commitment 

- Eliminate “easy out” 

Implementation 

1. Once an athlete is on an eligibility list, they cannot participate in another sport during the current sports season, as sponsored by WCSD.  

2. Eligibility lists are to be given 1 week after the start of the season or 3 days after team selection has finished, whichever is later. 

3. If removed, quit, etc. athlete cannot participate in weight training, open gym, intramurals, etc. sponsored  by the school’s team until the season of the sport removed from or quit is over. This is inclusive of any  post-season contests. 

4. Athletes may participate in off-season training for the next sport the day after the last game of the  previous sport. 

5. This policy may be appealed to the Athletic Director, but rescission will only be granted in extreme and unusual circumstances.

1. Head Coaches of specific sports must agree to allow it to happen. 

2. Athletes must choose their primary sport and then their secondary sport. 

3. Athletes must attend practices of each sport as designated in team rules unless prior arrangement has been established by coaches. 

4. Athletes may not switch their primary and secondary sport choices after competition begins, regardless of team record, etc. 

5. Athletes have made a commitment to each team, and therefore their teammates and coaches have additionally committed to and sacrificed for them. If an athlete desires to quit one of the teams, they will not be allowed to participate on either team. 

6. Playing time has been and will continue to be at the discretion of the head coach and coaching staff of each team. 

7. Injuries that affect participation in both sports will be considered by the Athletic Director, Head  Athletic Trainer, and Head Coaches. 

8. In terms of priorities: 

a. Priority Game 

b. Secondary Game 

c. Priority Practice 

d. Secondary Practice 

9. Any issues regarding participation will fall under the purview of the Athletic Director. Under unique circumstances, decisions will be reviewed by the Athletic Director and the Administrative team.  Decisions will be based not only on the individual athlete but also on all constituencies affected.

The Whitehall-Coplay School District follows the rules set forth by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic  Association (P.I.A.A.) in governing athletic eligibility. Student-athletes must be passing four full credits in order to be eligible. In a block-scheduling environment, such as Whitehall High School, each block counts as 2  credits. 

Eligibility is determined weekly and extends from Sunday through the following Saturday. At the end of each marking period (6 in high school, 4 in middle school), a period of ineligibility extends to 10 days in a 6-marking-period structure and 15 days in a 4-marking-period structure. During a period of ineligibility, a student-athlete may not practice or play. 

Teachers are asked to turn in any grade that is below 70%. This is an effort to monitor student grades prior to reaching the failing level.

While our ultimate goal is to promote the greatest athletic participation possible in the Whitehall-Coplay School  District, it may be necessary in some sports to cut a squad. This may occur due to limitations of out facilities,  regulations specific to some sports, travel restrictions, and other factors. 

Every coach has the responsibility and authority for selecting his or her team. The criterion for selecting the team is developed by the coach. The coach will be able to provide you with what is required for your specific sport. 

All aspects of a prospective student-athlete's body of work can be used in the tryout process for an athletic team. This includes but is not limited to: 

1. Academic performance 

2. Disciplinary record 

3. Attendance 

4. Staff recommendations or comments 

5. Standing on the team the previous season (did they quit, were they removed). Again, this list is not exhaustive and can be utilized in determining if a student-athlete can be on the team.

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It is important to remember that there are no guarantees. Players from a previous year’s JV team, for example,  do not automatically make either the JV or varsity squad the following season. Having been a member of the squad during the previous year or being a senior does not ensure that student-athletes will make the squad. 

Parents should expect that every candidate is treated fairly and given every consideration. Coaches are sensitive to feelings of disappointment, will handle the task as positively as possible, and be available to answer student athletes’ questions. 

While we understand that being cut is disappointing for many student-athletes and even for their parents, we unfortunately cannot keep everyone. Anyone cut from a team is welcome to try out again next season or to try another sport. When parents and student-athletes understand and support the coach’s decision, this difficult process becomes less painful for all.

In order to be considered to have finished an athletic season, any athlete must complete and be a part of the team through the last game of the season, including all playoff contests in team competition formats. Any athlete who removes themselves or is asked to leave the team is considered not to have finished the season. 

Not finishing a season precludes athletes from being invited to Senior Athletic Awards during their senior season or receiving a varsity letter during that senior season.  

Varsity letters are awarded only at Senior Athletic Awards for letters earned during the athlete's senior year. 

The Whitehall Athletic Department will host Signing Day Ceremonies on the following occasions: 

1. An athlete signs a Division 1 or 2 National Letter of Intent or equivalent based on league rules (Patriot  League, Ivy League, Service Academies). 

2. A culminating press conference celebrating all student-athletes who will participate in collegiate athletics on any level. This event will generally occur in the latter half of May in each academic year.

Sub-varsity teams exist to provide those student-athletes unable to participate on the varsity level an opportunity to develop skills and gain experience. While the student-athlete’s age, size, or skill level may be the limiting factor in not making the varsity team, participation on a sub-varsity team may enhance the student-athlete’s potential to make the varsity squad in the future. 

A caution, however, must be given. Being a member of a sub-varsity team does not guarantee that a student athlete will automatically move up the following year to the varsity squad. The student-athletes best suited for varsity competition will make the squad each year. 

Striving to win is important in athletics; however, compiling a great record or winning a championship should not be the primary objective of a sub-varsity team. The Lehigh Valley Interscholastic will not acknowledge sub-varsity championships. The development of student-athletes should be the ultimate purpose of a sub-varsity 

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squad while at the same time acknowledging the value of winning, learning, and enjoying being a member of a team. 

At the junior high level, frosh, and JV level playing time for all participants is encouraged, though will not and cannot be guaranteed.

Transportation for all athletic contests, scrimmages, and when necessary, practices will be arranged by the  Athletic Director. Departure times will be scheduled and published for coaches, players, custodians, faculty,  and administration. 

Student-athletes MUST use school-provided transportation to all athletic contests and scrimmages unless prior arrangements have been made with administration. In addition, student-athletes who are transported by school-provided transportation to events MUST return by school-provided transportation unless the head coach receives parental permission personally. Head coaches have copies of this transportation permission form. Only a legal parent or guardian may transport student-athletes. This, however, should only occur in emergency circumstances.

Athletic training is a vital part of any athletic program. We, at Whitehall, take the care and prevention of athletic injuries seriously. We will operate in 2022-23 with four trainers, all with varied levels of responsibilities. 

The following are just a few guidelines that will help you remain healthy or receive the appropriate care desired: 

1. Student-athletes will follow the advice and discretion of the Athletic Trainer. 

2. Players will get the proper amount of rest and follow a diet that facilitates good health. 3. Notify the coach and athletic trainer of all injuries that happen to you while at practice or in a game. 4. Arrive for treatment early enough to get treatment done and still be on time for practice or a game.

Practice sessions are normally closed to spectators, and there is a very sound reason for this. These sessions are the equivalent of a teacher’s classroom, and there is a real, quality instruction taking place. Interruptions and interference with a student-athlete’s concentration and focus in practice cannot be allowed any more than a disruption would be tolerated in an academic setting. Education in any setting cannot be compromised. 

In the Whitehall-Coplay School District, practice sessions: 

1. May last as long as a coach needs, with prior communication 

2. May start and end at different times, due to facilities or schedules 

3. May be held on Saturdays and over holiday periods

The Board of Directors of the Whitehall-Coplay School District has gone to great lengths to ensure our student-athletes are equipped in appropriate, safe equipment. To that end, student-athletes have the responsibility to return reusable equipment to the coach at the completion of the season. Any student-athlete  who does not return equipment will be placed on the hold list until all obligations are met. Students will be billed for the cost of missing items. The Whitehall Athletic Department does not wish to receive money, but would instead prefer the items, as finding replacements is often very difficult. Students will not be able to participate in another sport, attend prom, receive report cards, or walk in graduation if obligations are not met. 

Please keep in mind that the Whitehall-Coplay School District sponsors no off-season activities (i.e. summer camp participation, summer leagues). The exceptions to this statement are the intramural programs that are a part of the collective bargaining agreement. Any off-season activities can be run through the sport booster committees but are independent of Whitehall-Coplay School District. The District assumes no liability or responsibility for activities that are not school-sponsored. 

VARSITY W CLUB 

The Information You Need To Know 

Q: What is the Varsity W Club? 

A: The Varsity W Club is an all-sports booster organization that acts as an umbrella organization for all of our sports committees. 

Q: What is a Sport Committee? 

A: Sport committees at Whitehall are what we used to term “booster clubs”. Our sport committees will continue to raise funds for items and needs that help our programs improve. 

Q: How does my student-athlete benefit from the Varsity W Club? 

A: The Varsity W Club will purchase a Varsity Letterwinner Jacket for all student-athletes who have  completed 10 service hours and earned 2 varsity letters. In addition, the Varsity W Club hopes to grow to the point where it can assist in funding for capital improvements of our programs. 

Q: When does the Varsity W Club meet? 

A: The Club meets monthly in Whitehall High School. Anyone is welcome to attend. Memberships are $5 per family and are valid for an entire school year. Memberships entitle you to a vote at monthly meetings, as well as correspondence. 

Q: What else does the Varsity W Club do to help? 

A: The Varsity W Club purchases liability insurance and bonding for the club and all sport committees. Sport committees cannot operate independently of the Varsity W Club without these items.  

Q: How does the Varsity W Club raise money? 

A: The Club raises money through select, major fundraisers. Included in those are program advertisements and sales, a golf outing, an art auction, football and basketball concessions, and a basket bingo. The idea is that the Varsity W Club will not be a door-to-door fundraising club, selling candy bars and hoagies monthly.

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Q: How does my athlete earn service hours? 

A: Service hours are listed with the Varsity W Club Advisors. They will assist your student with scheduling their hours. Hours are earned by selling ads, working concessions, etc.  

All meetings are held in the Whitehall High School LGI. 

It is important that each sport is represented at the Varsity W Club meetings. Please discuss representation with your head coach. 

Questions? 

Varsity W questions can be directed to:  Jeffery Pukszyn pukszynj@whitehallcoplay.org 610-437-5081 x 1816 

Varsity W Club Initiatives 

✓ Coordinate “Meet the Team” Night each season 

✓ Coordinate Senior Night photography 

✓ Varsity Letterwinner Jackets for all who qualify 

HOW CAN YOU HELP? 

✓ Be your sport’s representative 

✓ Come to meetings 

✓ Play in the Golf Scramble 

✓ Work concessions for a few hours 

✓ Assist with your team on photo day or Senior Night  

✓ Solicit program ads 

✓ Come to the Basket Bingo 

✓ Be a committee chairperson 

Any of these only take a few hours of your time and that is all the Varsity W Club is asking for, a  few hours to a good organization. 

Sport Committee Fundraising 

It is important for committees to realize that they can raise funds. Funds should be earmarked for  travel, training aids, and generally items that help improve your program. The fundraising objective  should be focused on improving achievement as opposed to obtaining gifts. Funds generated by  sport committees are then held in the Varsity W Club account with each sport having its own sub account. Those funds are used only by that sport and not the Varsity W Club, but are protected with  insurance and bonding by the Varsity W Club. Deposits and disbursements are readily available  from the Athletic Office. Fundraising applications can be obtained from the Athletic Office. All  fundraisers must be approved by the Athletic Director.

Fall Season

High School 

Cheerleading 

Boys and Girls Cross Country 

Field Hockey 

Football

Golf 

Boys’ Soccer 

Girls' Soccer

Girls’ Tennis 

Girls’ Volleyball 

Middle School 

Field Hockey 

Girls’ Volleyball 

Football 

Cheerleading 

Boys' and Girls' Cross Country 

Winter Season

High School 

Boys’ Basketball 

Girls’ Basketball 

Cheerleading 

Boys’ Swimming 

Girls’ Swimming 

Wrestling 

Middle School 

Boys’ Basketball 

Girls’ Basketball 

Cheerleading 

Spring Season

High School 

Baseball 

Softball 

Boys’ Volleyball

Boys’ Tennis 

Track and Field 

Middle School 

Co-ed Soccer 

Boys’ Volleyball

Softball 

Activity Bus Stops - Map

Activity Bus Form

1. Using your web browser, type in the URL: www.zephyrathletics.com 

2.  Click on Join in the upper right hand corner. 

3. Complete the login instructions.

4. On the following screen, you will see a listing of today’s events and you will see a calendar of events  for 2 days, the week, the month, or the season. You can change the view, as you like. You can change  months as you see fit by clicking on the arrows next to each month. 

5.  All events that are scheduled are listed in the corresponding date. You can move your cursor over the  event to get more detailed information. 

6.  You can see your entire team schedule by using the drop down menu in the box entitled, “Pick Sport”.  

   1. When you select a team and click view schedule, the entire season’s schedule for that sport and level will appear. 

Whitehall High School 610-437-5081 Main Office ext. 2800 Main Office Fax Number 610-820-7520 

Whitehall – Coplay Middle School 610-439-1439 

Whitehall Athletic Department: (P) 610-437-5081 (F) 610-435-3233 

Jeffrey Pukzyn, Athletic Director

pukszynj@whitehallcoplay.org ext. 1816

Shannon Ringenberger, Athletic Secretary

Ringenbergers@whitehallcoplay.org ext. 1816 

High School Training Room ext. 8840 Field House, Training Room 610-439-7105 

All head coaches can be reached indirectly by calling the Athletic Office.