Extra Curriculars

POLICIES REGARDING EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING ATHLETICS

St. Thomas provides a wide range of religious, athletic, service, social, honor and academic activities in the form of teams, clubs, and programs. All such activities and organizations have purposes or missions that are consistent with the school’s Mission Statement, operate with the expressed approval of the school administration, and are moderated, coached or directed by faculty, paid personnel or volunteer advisors who are selected and approved by the school. These organizations conduct meetings, practices, and competitions before and after school, evenings, weekends and during vacations. Individual organizations will establish membership, participation and awards criteria, provide specifics rules and standards, and will disseminate these to interested students and parents. Participants and their parents or guardians may be required to sign a statement indicating their agreement to those rules and standards for each activity, organization, or sport. Membership and participation in all such organizations is subject to the following policies and regulations:

All school rules apply during all games, practices, trips, and events. Students violating school rules while involved in extra-curricular activities and sports are subject to both organizational sanctions and school discipline.

Attendance at organizational meetings, practices and competitions is mandatory. Students absent without prior notice and approval will be subject to disciplinary action at an organizational level. Absences due to outside work commitments cannot be excused.

Students who miss practices, meetings, or competitions due to vacations will forfeit participation upon their return; moderators, coaches and directors will establish organizational standards. Students who miss organizational activities because of detention, suspension or other school disciplinary action may expect further consequences at an organizational level. No student will be disciplined for fulfilling academic expectations (e.g. make-up, extra help, mandatory study session).

Eligibility for participation is established on a daily basis. Please review the eligibility standards for all students.

Academic eligibility is established on a quarterly basis. Please see the academic eligibility section.

Hazing, bullying, and harassment are absolutely forbidden in connection with any school activity or organization. Review very carefully these policies.


ATHLETICS

To the Parent(s) of Saint Thomas Athletes:

You are reading this document because your son or daughter has indicated a desire to participate in St. Thomas interscholastic athletics. St. Thomas believes that participation in sports provides opportunities and experiences that assist students in personal adjustments and growth.

St. Thomas feels that a properly controlled, well-organized sports program meets the students’ needs for self-expression, mental alertness and physical growth. The program that is sound in purpose and will further each student’s development. A student who elects to participate in athletics is voluntarily making a choice of self-discipline, self-denial, and commitment to the goals of the team. These concepts of self-denial, self-discipline, and commitment are tempered by the responsibility to recognize the rights of the individual within the objectives of the team.

Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right. A minimum requirement of all students for participation is good citizenship. All students are expected to abide by all school and team rules, policies, and regulations and to comply with all state laws as well as N.H.I.A.A. regulations.

St. Thomas makes available more than 22 sports programs, from varsity to ninth grade, for students during the course of their high school years. The main objective of the athletic program is to encourage dedication, teamwork and an enjoyment of the sport. The values learned through commitment to a team effort are numerous and beneficial to all individuals as athletes and as students.

As the parent of an aspiring athlete you are asked to assume the following responsibilities:

  • Support all training rules, policies, and procedures of the athletic program.
  • Encourage your student in her/his commitment to academic success.
  • Plan your time so that you arrive to pick up your student as soon as possible after practices, games and bus returns. Coaches are not allowed to leave until every athlete has been picked up, so please be as prompt as possible.
  • When planning family vacations remember that many teams play and practice during Christmas, February, and April school recess times and athletes are expected to attend. If a vacation cannot be avoided, coaches need to be informed at the beginning of the sports season and returning athletes must understand they will not be allowed to play in any game until they have practiced for a minimum of three days and the final decision rests with the coach.

St. Thomas is committed to providing the best possible situation for all student athletes. Every effort has been made to allow athletes to have a safe, structured, and supportive environment in which to play. It is the role of the Department of Athletics, New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association, and the National Federation of High Schools to make rules that govern the spirit of competition for the school. These rules need a broad base of community support, which is achieved through communication to the parent. It is our hope to accomplish this objective through this athletic publication for students and parents.

Please read this material carefully with your student athlete and be certain that both you and your student athlete understand all aspects of the requirements of the athletic program. Your signatures on the school emergency form indicate your understanding of and compliance with the policies and procedures contained herein.

A WORD TO THE STUDENT/ATHLETE
Being a member of a St. Thomas athletic team is the fulfillment of an early ambition for many students. The attainment of this goal carries with it certain traditions and responsibilities that must be maintained. A great athletic tradition is not built overnight; it takes the hard work of many people over many years. As a member of an interscholastic squad at St. Thomas, you have inherited a wonderful tradition, a tradition you are challenged to uphold.

The tradition has been to win with humility and endure defeat with honor. Every team and player wants to win, but only with honor to our athletes, our school and our community. Such a tradition is worthy of the best efforts of all concerned. Over many years St. Thomas squads have achieved many league, state, and individual tournament championships. Many individuals have set records and won All-State, All-League, and Dream Team honors. It will not be easy to contribute to such a great athletic tradition. When you wear the colors of your school, your school assumes that you not only understand our traditions, but also are willing to assume the responsibilities that go with them. You owe it to yourself to get the greatest possible good from your high school experiences. Your academic studies and your participation in athletics as well as other extracurricular activities prepare you for your life as an adult.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOUR SCHOOL
Another responsibility you assume as a squad member is to your school. St. Thomas cannot maintain its position as an outstanding school unless you do your best in whatever activity you wish to engage. By participating in athletics to the maximum of your ability, you are contributing to the reputation of your school. You assume a leadership role when you are on an athletic squad. The student body and citizens of the community know you. The student body, the community and other communities judge St. Thomas by your conduct and attitudes, both on and off the field. Because of this leadership role, you can contribute greatly to school spirit and community pride. You can make St. Thomas proud of you and your community proud of St. Thomas by your faithful exemplification of these ideals.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHERS
As a squad member you also bear a heavy responsibility to your family, your school community and your teammates. If you never give your parents anything to be ashamed of, you will have measured up to the ideal. When you know in your heart that you have lived up to all of the training rules, that you have practiced to the best of your ability everyday, and that you have played the game “all out”, you can hold your head high and your family can be justly proud of you. Younger students are watching you. They will copy you in many ways. Do not do anything to let them down. Set good examples for them. Additionally, your positive and contributing participation builds the strength and success of the team.

Sincerely,
Jack Leary, Athletic Director


PHYSICAL FITNESS POLICIES

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
The physical examination of each student athlete for a sport shall be made by the family doctor, before that athlete may participate in a school authorized practice or contest. A physician must certify, in writing, a student for participation. A candidate certified for participation in one sport is not obliged to be re-examined for another sport, unless he or she has received significant medical attention while participating in the previous sport. The Director of Athletics will maintain a record of physical examinations and pass on that information to coaches. The Head Coach will make sure that all of his/her players have passed their athletic physical prior to the start of practice.

THE ATHLETE
Athletes are required to report all injuries to the Coach. The Coach will determine the extent of the injury, administer first aid or refer to the Trainer as appropriate.

INJURIES – PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW
Games
During a game when the team trainer is present, the trainer is in complete charge. If EMT personnel are required, the administrator in charge will call Dover Fire and Rescue at 742-4646 or 911.

Procedure for reporting injuries
In the event of injury, the circumstances surrounding the injury should be reported by the Coach in detail on the form entitled “Athletic Incident Report”. One copy is to be filed in the student’s health folder and one copy is to be promptly forwarded to the School Nurse. The coach should accept previously injured or ill players into practice or playing situations only after proper clearance. (See below, “Returning Athletes to Play”).

Trainer and Training Room
St. Thomas has a licensed Athletic Trainer on site daily from the end of school until the last game/match to evaluate and treat athletic injuries as they occur. Trainers at St. Thomas are provided by Abilities Rehabilitation Center of Portsmouth and are licensed by the State of New Hampshire. In the event of an injury, the trainer will evaluate and recommend to the parent/guardian the direction of care. If a visit to the hospital or physician is necessary, a written medical note releasing the student for treatment or return to participation is mandatory. Athletes may come anytime after school for evaluation and treatment by the trainer.

Procedure for returning athletes to play
If an athlete misses a game or practice due to illness that a parent determines would keep them from participation (flu, cold, minor health issue), the athlete may return to regular practices/games with a note from the parent assuring that the athlete is well. If an athlete has been seen by the trainer, the trainer will determine when the athlete will be able to return to the team. If an athlete has been seen by a physician or hospital then the athlete must receive written permission from a doctor to return to participation. No St. Thomas athlete will be allowed to participate in a physical sports activity unless the Coach has received a written statement from the treating trainer or a medical doctor authorizing participation. Parents and Coaches must keep the well-being of the athlete in mind and follow the prescribed procedures including the physician’s advice, recognizing that a carefully administered rehabilitation program will aid the student’s recovery.


POLICY FOR CUTTING PLAYERS
In order to offer a competitive interscholastic athletic program, it will sometimes be necessary to cut students in some sports. The decision to limit team size may be caused by one or more of the following reasons:
  1. Safety: considering the space available and the player/coach ratio;
  2. Budget Limitations: considering the costs of transportation and equipment;
  3. Competition: schedule and time limitations do not provide reasonable opportunity for active participation in practice or game play, if one of our objectives is to field teams that are competitive with teams on our schedule.

Coaches are well aware of, and sensitive to, the disappointment experienced by players cut at any level. At the first practice session, the Head Coach will fully explain the criteria for “cutting” of players, and the projected schedule of this cutting process.

Included in the criteria for cutting may be:
  1. Lack of skill, speed, strength, etc.
  2. Lack of effort, motivation, cooperation
  3. Lack of knowledge or understanding of the sport
  4. Grade level of the candidate

The limited number of practice days prior to the first contest makes it impossible, in some sports, to have a lengthy tryout schedule. However, every effort will be made to allow enough time for each candidate to be observed and fairly evaluated. A minimum of three (3) practices will be observed before cutting is done.

Coaches will communicate with individual athletes being cut, explaining the decision, offering encouragement, and suggesting alternatives.

PLAYING TIME
The amount of time a playing time and athlete has depends upon many factors: skill or ability, attendance, attitude, commitment, game situation are some factors. Many decisions are made on a regular basis by the St. Thomas coaching staff in all sports. It is their responsibility to decide which athletes should start a contest, what athlete should play what position, and how long each athlete should play. These difficult coaching decisions are made only by the coaching staff and are based upon observation of the athlete in practice sessions, game-like situations, scrimmages, and games.

SUB-VARSITY TEAMS
At the sub-varsity levels (junior varsity, freshman), a strong effort is made to play all team members for as much time as is practical. At this level the coaching staff is teaching the offensive and defensive philosophy of the program along with the skills necessary to move to the next level.

VARSITY TEAMS
At the varsity level teams are competing against opponents at the highest level of interscholastic competition, and players, coaches, parents, and staff members want the St. Thomas varsity teams to be successful on the field of play. As long as the score is being kept, St. Thomas should attempt to win as many games as possible. In order to accomplish this, there are many instances when the major burden of the contest will be carried by the most competitive, skilled team members as determined by the coaches. However, teams cannot and will not be successful without committed substitutes. These players have to be ready at all times to step forward and shoulder the burden when called upon. It is these players whose hard work in practice each day prepares the team for the upcoming contest.

TEAM CAPTAINS
The Head Coach decides how team captains, if any, are selected. They may be elected by the team or appointed by the coach prior to the first regularly scheduled contest. Captains may also be elected or appointed on a game by game basis. Team captains are expected to be leaders of their team and should be ready to assume duties as outlined by their coach. They are expected to be more aware of team rules and student athlete responsibilities. Captains are expected to communicate with the coach and team in the event of any problems that may affect the team or its members. Captains may be asked, or ask, to meet with the Athletic Director during the school year to discuss their sport or the athletic program in general. Captains of teams may be relieved of their position for violation of team, department, or school rules.

SCHEDULING
  1. Scheduling of athletics shall be governed by the rules and regulations as defined and established by the N.H.I.A.A.
  2. All interscholastic schedules (varsity, junior varsity and freshman) will be done by the Director of Athletics before publication. Scheduling of scrimmages in all sports is the responsibility of the coach for that sport. All dates, times, and locations must be cleared by the A.D. before being confirmed. Scrimmages are only allowed from three days following the first practice until the first game for that sport and from the date of the last scheduled game until the first tournament date.
  3. Early dismissal for away games/matches will be necessary from time to time. Dismissal times will be based on the starting time for the event adding a thirty minute warm-up time. Students are responsible to turn in to teachers of classes that they will miss any assignments due on that day and to pick up any assignments or directions from those teachers as well. A teacher may refuse to release a student for academic or disciplinary reasons.
  4. Game postponements and reschedules will be the responsibility of the Director of Athletics.
  5. Decisions on postponements/cancellations will usually be made prior to noon time and that information will be given to students on afternoon announcements. There will also be a message on the athletic page of the school website and those who sign up for the email list will be notified immediately. If a game is cancelled on a day when school is not in session, coaches will be notified and it will be their responsibility to notify their players. A phone tree may be established early in the season to make the notification happen in a prompt and efficient manner.
  6. Cancellation of practices on school days is the responsibility of the Director of Athletics and notifications will be made as above. If school has been cancelled due to bad weather, all sub-varsity practices and games will be cancelled. Varsity teams may practice or play if the weather improves and the parking lot can be made available.
  7. Cancellation of practices on Saturdays, or vacation days and notification of the team is the responsibility of the coaches involved.
  8. Important!! Given the regional geography of our school parents must make the ultimate decision about travel in bad weather. On days when school is not in session, early morning practices when notification cannot be made, it may be clear in Dover but not in the seacoast, Maine, or Massachusetts, so if parents feel that it is too dangerous for them or their child to drive then they should stay home. Coaches may not discipline an athlete for missing a practice under these conditions.
  9. Practices or games are not allowed on Sunday under normal conditions. Tournament games scheduled by the N.H.I.A.A. are allowed on Sunday. Under certain situations a waiver may be granted to varsity teams for Sunday practice but permission of the Athletic Director must be obtained in advance.
  10. The Athletic Director must approve of participation in any early season jamboree or holiday tournament in any sport.
  11. Number of games is exclusive of N.H.I.A.A. tournament play.
  12. Limits of games per week are exclusive of postponed games.
  13. Seasons of participation are defined according to N.H.I.A.A. rule.

OTHER ATHLETIC POLICIES
ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES,
INCLUDING ATHLETICS
(See Eligibility for Extra-Curricular Activities in Academics Section and Daily Eligibility in Attendance Section of the Handbook)

CONFLICTS IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
An individual student who attempts to participate in too many extra-curricular activities will undoubtedly be in a position of a conflict of obligations. The Athletic Department recognizes that each student should have the opportunity for a broad range of experiences in the area of extra-curricular activities and to this end, will attempt to schedule events in a manner so as to minimize conflict. When conflicts do arise the sponsors will get together and work out a solution so the student does not feel caught in the middle. If a solution cannot be found then the student will have to make a choice.

DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO
Students who make a commitment to sports do so with the knowledge that the commitment brings extra responsibilities, obligations, and effort beyond that expected of all St. Thomas students. Medical research substantiates the fact that the use of steroids, tobacco, alcohol and any type of mood modifying substances produces harmful effects on the body. Further, the use of such substances alters the individual’s ability to make reasonable choices and to live up to the commitments that have been made.

The student/athlete may not use tobacco in any form nor possess, use, transmit, be in the presence of, or be in the possession of paraphernalia for the use of, or be under the influence of any alcohol, unlawful drug, or narcotic at any time, on or off school premises. Any athlete who violates this policy will be suspended from sports participation for a period equal to 25% of the total events/matches/games of the current, or upcoming, season or four weeks of the season as determined by the Director of Athletics in consultation with other Administrators. During the period of suspension the student may not have any contact (other than a meeting with the coach) with the team at meetings, practices, scrimmages, games, or activities. The student will be allowed to practice with the team beginning seven days prior to the first scheduled game/event in which he/she is allowed to participate for conditioning/training purposes. The suspension from one activity may mean suspension from succeeding activity seasons depending on the severity of the incident(s), and/or the time in the season that the offense occurs. Any second violation of this policy will result in the student being removed for any sport in season and may result in suspension of the student from all sports and extra curricular activities for a period of one year, twelve months, from the date of the offense.

Prior to returning to participation the suspended student may be required to attend a substance abuse program sponsored or approved by St. Thomas and to submit proof of such attendance to the Director of Athletics and the Dean of Students. After a student is allowed to return to a team the coach will make all decisions regarding participation including role, playing time, uniform number, position, etc.

The student and the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified of the suspension and the time that the student is allowed to return to participation. An arrest or court conviction is not necessary before a student may be suspended for violation of this policy. Consequences under this policy may be in addition to other consequences imposed by the school, the organization, and/or the community.

LATE TO SCHOOL
(See Eligibility policies and Late to School policy in Attendance Section.)

EARLY DISMISSAL
(See Dismissal policy in Attendance Section)

SCHOOL DISCIPLINE OBLIGATIONS
A student athlete with a school disciplinary obligation is expected to fulfill the disciplinary obligation before reporting to an athletic practice and/or game. Students cannot expect, and should not request, disciplinary action to be postponed or canceled for any athletic reason. The athletic department reserves the right to remove a student from a team for excessive disciplinary problems and may reinstate the student upon sufficient evidence of improvement.

DAILY TEAM ATTENDANCE
The coach must be notified if a student is not going to be present at a practice or a game. Coaches expect their athletes to be present at all team related activities. Suspension or dismissal from the team may take place as a result of un-notified absences. Students are excused from team activities for illness, injury, academic, family emergencies, or religious reasons. Prior notification is required and expected.

MISSING/LATE TO PRACTICE/GAMES
Any athlete who is late for, or misses a practice because he/she attended an extra help session or test makeup, will not be penalized. Athletes who are late to off-campus practices will not be penalized for tardiness; speeding to avoid lateness is unacceptable and will result in team disciplinary action. Any athlete who receives a detention and comes late to practice or games will be subject to team rules regarding lateness and may be kept out of games.

SCHOOL/FAMILY VACATIONS, EXTENDED ABSENCES
Every team member is expected to be present for all team practices and games. Because of scheduling parameters, many of our teams practice and/or play during scheduled school vacations. Students who plan to be absent for any extended period of time due to vacation or a planned extended absence should discuss this situation with the coach prior to trying out for a team. Returning athletes will not be allowed to play in a game or match until they have practiced for a minimum of three days and the final decision rests with the coach. Athletes who had a starting role on the team may find upon their return that another player has taken their place and they will need to work to earn their position on the team.

TRANSPORTATION
GAMES
Transportation to games is usually provided by St. Thomas bus or hired busses. If the demand for transportation is greater than can be accommodated, other arrangements will be made. In some cases the St. Thomas may ask for families’ assistance in transporting athletes. Students are not allowed to be transported to games by other students without the permission of the athletic director and the written request of the parents of both the driver and rider. Parents who wish to transport their child home from an away contest must sign a release form that the coach will have. No student will be allowed to ride home with another student’s parent unless a note has been given previously to the athletic director or coach.

PRACTICES
Transportation to practices is the responsibility of the athletes and their families; this includes practices that take place at venues away from the school. Transportation to games at venues away from the school---Dover Arena, Woodman Park Tennis Courts, Dover or Portsmouth Pools, Track Practices, etc.---is the responsibility of the athlete and their parents. Car pools should be arranged for those students who do not drive, however a Transportation Waiver signed by the parents of both the driver and passenger(s) must be turned in to the athletic office prior to the season.

BUS CONDUCT
Student/athletes are expected to conduct themselves in most appropriate fashion while riding to and from games, practices and scrimmages. Coaches will be present on all team buses. Student/athletes will follow the directions of drivers and coaches regarding food and drink on buses and will assure that the bus is left clean.

LOCKER ROOM CONDUCT
All changing for practices and games/matches must be done in a locker room and not in a school bathroom. No one except assigned coaches and players are allowed in the locker room. No one is allowed in the locker room without a coach present either in the locker room or the coach’s room. Rough housing or throwing towels or other objects is not allowed in the locker room. The use of cell phones in locker room areas is strictly prohibited. No glass containers are allowed in the locker room. At no time should shoes with cleats be worn inside the building; serious injury can occur from slipping on cement or tiled surfaces. The locker room should be left clean; items left on the benches and floor may be confiscated or discarded.

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
Students have an obligation and responsibility for all equipment issued to them. Each student is responsible for the proper care and retention of their equipment from the date of issue to the date of return. Equipment should be stored in a locked locker at all times when not in use. Experience has shown that most losses are due to lockers left open or unlocked. St. Thomas cannot be responsible for personal belongings, or issued equipment, of student athletes. If students lose school equipment or fail to return same, they and their parents are responsible to pay the current replacement cost of the equipment. Payment is required at the time of the loss, prior to the next season of athletic involvement, or graduation, whichever comes first. No student will be allowed to try out for another sport until all outstanding equipment has been returned or paid. If an athlete leaves the team during the season due to injury, academics, discipline, or quitting, it is his/her responsibility to return all school equipment immediately to either the coach or the Athletic Director.

BUILDING AND FACILITY ACCESS
At the conclusion of each day, student athletes should bring all items they will need the next day into the athletic locker room area. Students will not be allowed access to the main school building after practice, games, or on non school days. No student will be allowed access to any athletic facility without proper supervision by a school staff member. Students may not use the gymnasium unless there is a coach, teacher, or staff member present.

N.H.I.A.A. POLICIES
St. Thomas abides by all N.H.I.A.A. rules and regulations, policies and procedures. Frequently, St. Thomas rules are more stringent than the State rules. Athletes and their parents are obliged to know and comply with these rules. Some of the policies are:

Fighting in Interscholastic Sports
Non-School Competition
Disqualification for Unsportsmanlike Behavior (including Taunting)
Hazing/Bullying/Sexual or other Harassment
By-laws about Eligibility including Rules about Age, Semester, and Transfer
Bus behavior (travel)
Code of Ethics for Players
Code of Conduct for Spectators

The rules and regulations may be found at the N.H.I.A.A. website www.nhiaa.org