December 2008

Parents,

Enclosed you will find a number of pages of information that we would like you to read over and become familiar with. You will find:

v Conference Philosophy and Sportsmanship Statements

v Coachs’ Philosophy Statement

v Responsibilities of Coach, Athlete. And Parents

v “Extra-curricular Eligibility and Standard Policies for Lake Zurich Middle School North Athletic Teams”

v Steroid Information

v Emergency Information Form

v Waiver and Insurance Declaration

v Practice and Game Schedule

Please have you child return the following to her coach by Monday, January 5:

q 1. Signed slip form from the bottom of this letter

q 2. Waiver/Insurance Form and Emergency Release Form

Please have your child return the following to the school office Monday, January 5:

q 1. Check payable to C.U.S.D. 95 for $70.00 athletic fee

We are looking forward to an exciting and enjoyable season!

Thank you,

Mrs. Gajda and Ms. Kragseth

**Parent info meeting is Tuesday, December 16 at 4 pm in the German Room.

I have read and understand the information in this packet, particularly the “Extra-Curricular Eligibility and Standard Policies” page and the “Responsibilities” list.

Athlete’s signature_______________________________________ Date__________

Parent signature_________________________________________ Date__________

Suburban Middle School Conference Philosophy and Sportsmanship Statements

Philosophy Statement:

The philosophy of the Suburban Middle School Conference is to provide minimum opportunities for participation in a variety of co-curricular activities with schools that share common middle school beliefs

Sportsmanship Statement:

The school and the Suburban Middle School Conference consider good sportsmanship to be one of the important rewards of healthy competition. Suburban Middle School Conference coaches, students, administrators, teachers and parents support and demonstrate good sportsmanship. Nothing less is expected of the fans who attend our games and activities. So, cheer your team and recognize good performances by others. Have fun representing your school and conference. Thank you for demonstrating good sportsmanship the S.M.S.C way!

Coaches’ Philosophy Statement:

We will try to maintain a winning balance on the team while playing as many players as possible. Although winning is valuable for team morale, our goal will also be to develop skills, knowledge of the game, teamwork, positive attitudes, and good sportsmanship. Conference Tournament playtime will depend on each individual’s strengths and skills.

Responsibilities Of the Coach

To conduct practices that introduce or increase skills, stamina, speed, and cooperation
To teach the team to succeed with humility, and handle adversity with dignity
To impart to the team not only a desire to win, but also a respect for the game
To exhibit the same positive behaviors and attitudes that are expected form the athletes and their parents
To Attend to nay injuries if minor and provide medical assistance if necessary
To monitor academic eligibility
To limit participation for safety concerns of any athlete whose conditioning becomes questionable due to repeated absences from practice

Responsibilities Of the Parents

Complete paper work that needs to be returned to coach or office before the first game
To be on time when picking up your child from practices and games. At no time should and athlete leave and away game with any adult that is not her parent even if the parent gives verbal or written permission. This is a district policy.
To support your daughter, the team, and the coach, and model, good sportsmanship by behaving appropriately in our own school and as visitors in other schools

Responsibilities Of the Athlete

To attend all practices and games in their entirely (Each athlete will be allowed one excused absence that is approved by the coach. Subsequent absences will result in limited playing time in the upcoming match.)
To continually strive to improve and excel, both in the classroom and on the team (If an athlete does not participates in Physical Education class on any given day, she will not be allowed to participate in her sport on that day.)
To maintain good grades and turn in homework so that you are eligible to play at all times (If an athlete is not able to participate for a second week due to either and academic or disciplinary reason, the student will be released form the team.)

To exhibit proper behavior and attend school for at least five class periods so that you are eligible to play at all times
To provide parents with any information that the coach would like them to have
To treat competitors, teammates, coaches, officials, and fans with courtesy and respect
To listen to homeroom announcements in the event that the game or practice schedule changes
To model and exhibit the principles of good sportsmanship in all contests and practices

Extra-Curricular Eligibility Standards and Policies

for Lake Zurich Middle School North

Lake Zurich Middle School North feels strongly that academics are important and are the primary responsibility of the school community. Accordingly, and in a manner that is in compliance with our participation in IESA (Illinois Elementary School Association) state competition series, in order for a student to participate in an extra-curricular activity, the following eligibility guidelines are in place:

1. A grade of C- or above must be maintained in all subject areas. Teachers must email the Assistant Athletic Director and the Athletic Director on Monday by 8:00 a.m. if a student is receiving a grade below a C-. Teachers should inform a student if she or he is ineligible due to low grades and should tell the student where she or he should report after school.

2. If a student’s cumulative to-date grade is a D+, D, or D- in any subject area, he/she will be on restricted ineligibility for the week (Monday through Saturday) and cannot participate in meetings or practices until 3:15. Students are responsible for arranging help from the appropriate academic teacher between 2:30 and 3:15 p.m. on a daily basis. If the teacher deems in unnecessary for a student to report to his or her classroom after school, the student may report to practice but may not participate in any way until 3:15. Following the 3:15 p.m. dismissal, the student is free to attend/participate in his/her practice, rehearsal, game, etc. and can participate at the discretion of the coach/supervisor. In the event of an away game or meet, the student may leave the help session in time for departure to the event.

3. If a student’s cumulative to-date grade is an F in any subject area, he/she is ineligible for the week (Monday through Saturday) and is placed on an inactive roster for all practices, rehearsals, games, meets, etc. During the period of ineligibility, students must go home at the end of the school day. It is the student’s responsibility to notify his/her parent in the event of any ineligibility.

4. If a student is ineligible for a third week due to receiving a grade of F in any area, at any point during the season, he/she is permanently removed from the team for the remainder of the season. It is the supervisor’s/coach’s responsibility to notify the student’s parents, by telephone, in the event of a removal from the team.

5. Special review may be requested in the event a student is completing assignments, contributing in class, and putting forth effort without achieving the desired grades. The classroom teacher involved needs to take the initiative to speak to the supervisor/coach regarding this issue.

Anabolic Steroid Abuse

Information taken from The National Institute on Drug Abuse

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are man-made substances related to male sex hormones. “Anabolic” refers to muscle-building, and “androgenic” refers to increased masculine characteristics. These drugs are available legally only by prescription. Some athletes abuse anabolic steroids to enhance athletic performance and improve physical appearance. Anabolic steroids are taken orally or injected into the body.

Abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health problems, some of which are irreversible. Major side effects can include liver tumors and cancer, jaundice, high blood pressure, kidney tumors, severe acne and trembling. In males, side effects may include shrinking of the testicles, impotence, baldness and breast development. In females, side effects may include growth of facial hair, menstrual changes and deepened voice.

In teenagers, growth may be halted prematurely and permanently.

Anabolic steroid abuse is increasing among adolescents. In The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s “Monitoring the Future Study”, 3.4% of high school seniors reported using steroids at least once. Studies show that, over time, anabolic steroids can indeed take a heavy toll on a person’s health

Standard Policies for Lake Zurich middle School North Athletic Teams

I. TRANSPORTATION: Athletes are expected to ride the school-contracted transportation to and from all away games. However, if an athlete and his/ her parents talk to the coach after the game, he/she may ride home with the parent/guardian.

II. SCHOOL ABSENCE POLICY: In order to participate in a game or practice, the athlete must be in attendance at school a minimum or 4 periods. They also must participate in their physical education or health class.

III. INJURIES: The coaching staff will make every effort to be attentive to fatigue, dehydration, and possible injuries. Prevention and caution: are the keys in these areas: The athlete should inform the coach immediately concerning any of the above. If an athlete is injured during practice or in a game and needs immediate attention, the coaching staff will 1) contact the paramedics and 2) contact the parents. An adult will accompany the athlete to the hospital and stay until the parent arrives.

PRACTICE: Unfortunately, the practice schedule must sometimes be altered due to unforeseen circumstances (illness, extra gym time or emergency use of the gym). We will make every attempt to adhere to the original practice schedule; however alterations may occur. If this situation happens, we will try and let the players know as soon as possible. In the even that we cannot have practice, the players should always listen to the afternoon announcements for anything that may pertain to them. We know this is not always convenient; therefore, players will not be penalized if they cannot work out the alternate practice time.

Your child will be cut from the team if the following happens:

· Has more than one unexcused absence from practice or games

· Classroom behavior gets out of hand

· Unable to attend practice or games due to academic eligibility (a third comes up after

being out for prior 2 weeks)

If a situation comes up, it is the student’s responsibility to contact Mrs. Gajda or Ms. Wielgus as soon as possible. A note from home prior to missing practice or being absent from school is an excused absence. Your athlete’s playing time will depend on her/his ability to attend practice. We believe in education first and sports second. If your athlete has a “D” grade, she will be required to get extra help from 2:30-3:15. She/he should come to practice after the help session so she/he will still be able to participate in games.

OUR BEST INTEREST AS COACHES IS YOUR ATHLETES' ACADEMIC STATUS AND KEEPING UP ON THEIR GRADES.

WAIVER AND INSURANCE DECLARATION

ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT LAKE ZURICH MIDDLE SCHOOL

We/I, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of ______________________________________, a participant in the co-curricular athletic programs at Lake Zurich Middle School, recognizes and acknowledges that there are certain risks of physical injury and we/I agree to assume the full risk of any injuries, including death, damages or loss which may be sustained as a result of participating in any and all activities connected with or associated with this program.

Please check the statement which applies:

_______ This student has purchased the group medical and hospitalization insurance offered through the school district.

_______ This student’s parent/guardian maintains separate medical and hospitalization insurance which covers the student’s participation in co-curricular athletic activities.

_______ This student’s parent/guardian does not maintain separate medical and hospitalization insurance, but does assume full responsibility for the cost of medical treatment required by the student as a result of accidental injury sustained in school sponsored co-curricular athletic activities.

We/I agree to waive and relinquish all claims we/I may have as a result of our son/daughter’s participation in this program against Lake Zurich Community Unit District 95 and its officers, agents, servants and employees.

_________________________________ ______________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian Printed Name of Parent/Guardian

____________________

Date

LAKE ZURICH MIDDLE SCHOOL NORTH

EMERGENCY RELEASE FORM

Student Name:______________________________________	Sex: M F		Grade:______
Social Security #:____________________________________	Date of Birth:______________
Address:___________________________________________ ___________________________________________
Home Phone:_______________________________________
Cellular Phone:______________________________________	Pager:____________________
Father’s Name:______________________________________	Hours at work:_____________
Employer:__________________________________________	Work Phone:______________
Mother’s Name:_____________________________________	Hours at work:_____________
Employer:__________________________________________	Work Phone:______________
Emergency Contact if parents are unavailable:________________________________________
		Phone:___________________
Any medical, physical or dietary restrictions we should be aware of?_______________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
Physician:__________________________________________		Phone:_________________
Address:___________________________________________ __________________________________________________
Family Insurance Company:____________________________		Policy No.:_____________
Address:____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
I authorize the use of the family insurance company. __________________________________________ Parent Signature

If a parent or guardian or any of the above listed people or numbers cannot be contacted in case of serious injury or illness, I authorize the school to take such emergency actions as may be deemed necessary, including the transportation of the student to a hospital, medical center or physician for treatment. In addition, I authorize the use of our family medical insurance.

_________________________________________ ____________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date