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Athletic Handbook (for parents and athletes)

2016-17

MORTON JUNIOR HIGH ATHLETICS

MORTON JUNIOR HIGH ATHLETIC HANDBOOK Page 2

Table of Contents

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Introduction to Athletic Handbook

Mission Statement

Participation

Activity Fee

Scholastic Eligibility

Communication Options

Concessions

IESA (Illinois Elementary School Association)

Uniform Care

Season Passes

Team Pictures

Away Games

Practices

II. COACHES DIRECTORY

School Contact Information

III. PARENT / COACH COMMUNICATION

Communication Parents Should Expect From the Coaches

Communication Coaches Expect From Parents

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches

Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss with Coaches

Conference Procedure

IV. ACTIVITY CODE OF CONDUCT

General Participation Guidelines

Purpose

Covered Activities


Coaches and Sponsors Rules and Guidelines

Activity Code Requirements

Procedures

Determination of Violations

Consequence

Probation

Petition for Reinstatement

Due Process

V. IESA STATE SERIES

Class System

Regional, Sectional, State

VI. TEAM EQUIPMENT STANDARDS



I. General Information

Introduction

This handbook has been created to provide athletes and parents with information relating to all

athletic opportunities at Morton Junior High School. Each individual coach will have additional rules and

guidelines which will be distributed at the beginning of each season.

Mission Statement

Morton Junior High School is committed to providing meaningful opportunities to all students. We

believe that through athletics, students can learn valuable life lessons that carry over into all aspects of their

lives. We believe hard work, dedication, good sportsmanship, teamwork, and school spirit are all

components that not only make for successful teams but also for successful individuals. It is our goal that

our students succeed in life and we believe athletic participation provides an avenue to learn these many

important skills necessary to succeed.

Participation

In order for a student to participate in any interscholastic athletic activity, he or she must have the

following on file in the office prior to beginning try-outs or practice:

Signed insurance waiver

Completed physical (signed by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner) that is not more than one

calendar year old

Students are to turn these two items into the junior high office and then they will receive a green

“participation card” that is to be given to the coach. This card will provide the coach proof that both items

have been turned in to the office and the student in eligible to try-out or practice.

Activity Fee

Each participant is required to pay the Activity Fee. This $65 fee is paid once yearly for each

student. Regardless of the amount of activities a student participates in, the fee is only paid one time, prior

to the first activity of the year. For example, if a student plays baseball, basketball, and track, he is required

to pay the Activity Fee prior to the baseball season and does not have to pay another Activity Fee.

Students have until the first contest of the season to pay their Activity Fee. If the fee is not paid by

the first contest, the student will not be allowed to participate until the fee is paid. Parents can pay this fee

at Registration or in the office at any time.


Students are to have passing grades (A, B, C, D) in all subjects in which they receive a grade. A

failing grade (F) in any subject will result in a student being placed on the ineligibility list for one

week. Ineligibility is checked on Friday afternoons with the ineligibility period beginning on Monday

and ending on Sunday. Ineligible students may practice with the team and attend contests, however

may not be in uniform at games. After four consecutive weeks of ineligibility, a student will be

dismissed from that team. This pertains to all extra-curricular non-graded events (athletics and

activities). Coaches will have the discretion to limit contest attendance on an individual basis.



Communication Options

Morton Junior High School believes it is best when communication is available and open between

the school/coach and student-athletes/parents. Coaches will provide their teams with their preferred method

of communication at the beginning of each season. In addition, MJHS provides the following:

Email notification (www.ical.8to18.com) – Receive email when event (game or practice) is

cancelled or modified

School homepage (http://il.8to18.com/mortonjhs) – Includes all team schedules

(practices/contests) as well as all scheduled school activities

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MortonJuniorHighSchool) – Cancellations and

announcements posted

It is our hope that all athletes who go out for a team stay with it for the remainder of the season.

However, if a circumstance occurs where an athlete and parent feels that they need to quit a team, we ask

that the athlete communicate this with his or her coach in person and turn in any equipment and uniform.

Concessions

Morton Junior High has been very fortunate in the past to have parents so willing to assist in

concessions. All help is always appreciated. The chart below details the groups of parents responsible for

working concession.

Parents will be scheduled alphabetically and if for some reason, you are unable to make your shift,

please switch with another parent. During baseball and softball seasons, 7th and 8th Grade parents will

work 7th and 8th Grade games, respectively. During basketball and volleyball seasons, 7th Grade parents

will be scheduled to work 8th Grade games while 8th Grade parents will be scheduled during 7th Grade

games. Additional instructions and guidelines will be available at the initial parent meeting.

Sport Parents Responsible

Softball Softball parents

Baseball Baseball parents

Girls’ Basketball Girls’ Basketball and Cheerleading parents

Boys’ Basketball Boys’ Basketball and Dance parents

Volleyball Volleyball parents

Wrestling Wrestling parents

Track Track parents

Uniform Care

It is very important for athletes to take good care of their uniforms and other school-issued clothing

and equipment. It is the students’ responsibility to keep track of their gear and keep it clean. ALL uniforms

(including cheerleading and dance) should be washed in cold water and hung dry. (Drying shrinks

uniforms and lessons their life span). If an athlete loses their uniform, they will be charged the replacement

cost. At the conclusion of the season, clean uniforms should be turned into the head coach (and not

the office).



IESA (Illinois Elementary School Association)

Morton Junior High School has been a proud member of the Illinois Elementary School Association

since the early 1930’s when the Junior Potters won their first state series (Boys’ Class B basketball) in 1932.

MJHS continues to participate in the state series for all interscholastic activities (all sports and scholastic

bowl). The state series consists of a Regional tournament (except for cross-country and track), a Sectional

contest/meet, and a State tournament/meet. Brackets/schedules and locations for all state series’ can be

found online at iesa.org The full IESA handbook can also be found online at iesa.org or may be requested

from the assistant principal. Some important IESA by-laws regarding student eligibility include:

By-Law Summary

3.022 A student shall be doing passing work in all school subjects as determined by the local school

district and the school shall certify compliance with this by-law. Use of a player, contestant,

or participant shall be deemed such certification.

3.0221 Passing work shall be checked weekly to govern eligibility for the following Monday

through Saturday.

3.0222 The eligibility check shall be the same day each week except when school is not in session-

then it must be taken on the last day of student attendance that week.

3.0223 Grades shall be accumulative for the school’s grading period.

3.042* During the IESA season for a sport…students shall not practice or participate in any non-

school competition in the same sport either as an individual or a team member. (One

exception: Students may participate on both the school softball or baseball teams and still

be a member of a summer program until Monday of week #6 in the IESA standardized

calendar.)

*At the June 15, 2012 IESA Board of Directors meeting, By-Law 3.042 was amended to give

individual school districts the ability to decide whether or not to allow non-school sport participation

at the same time in the same sport. Morton Junior High School has adopted the policy of continuing

to prohibit same sport participation while a member of a school team.

Season Passes

Season passes are available in the office. These allow free admission into all regular season contests

and the school play. These are not valid for any IESA state series contest (regional, sectional, state) or the

Tazewell County Track Invitational.

Family Pass - $30 Adult Pass - $10 Red Storm Membership - $10 Student Pass - $8

Team Pictures

A team picture will be taken by Interstate Studios at the beginning of the season. Students will be

given an informational packet for parents wishing to order pictures. Order and payment is due at time of

picture.

Away Games For away contests students are to go home and return to catch the bus unless their coach has made

arrangements for direct supervision or the bus is scheduled for immediate departure. For example, please

do not allow your student to stay after school to wait for a 4:00 bus (unless the coach has given other

instructions and will provide supervision).



Coaches may allow players to ride home with their parents after away contests. The procedure for

this is to have the athlete’s parent “sign-out” their child. Also, an athlete is allowed to ride home with

another parent only if said athlete has a note from his/her parent indicating permission and the other parent

signs said student out.

Practices

Practice attendance is required, and times vary from before school, after school, and in the early

evenings. Teams may practice Monday-Saturday and are closed to observers. Transportation will be

provided to Westwood Park (baseball) and Northwood Park (cross-country). Students have the

responsibility of transporting themselves to practices at Jefferson School. If students walk to Jefferson they

should dress appropriately. Wednesday practices will be concluded by 6:00pm and Sunday practices are

prohibited. Practices over Christmas and spring breaks are optional.

II. Coaches Directory

Coach Sport

Chris Carter

Assistant Principal /

Athletic Director

[email protected]

Alex Bishop

Assistant Track alex.bishop@ mcusd709.org

Mariah Bly

Volleyball – 7th mariah.bly@ mcusd709.org

Kelsey Cirilli

Dance kelsey.cirilli@ mcusd709.org

Laura Craig

Cheerleading laura.craig@ mcusd709.org

Jesse Crawford

Baseball – 8th

jesse.crawford@ mcusd709.org

Jennifer Dawson

Head Cross-Country

Assistant Track

jennifer.dawson@ mcusd709.org

Dan Gashaw

Wrestling

Assistant Track

daniel.gashaw@ mcusd709.org

Megan Hasler

Head Softball megan.hasler@ mcusd709.org

Darren Hurst

Girls Basketball – 8th darren.hurst@ mcusd709.org

Jamie King

Boys Basketball – 7th jamie.king@ mcusd709.org

Brandon Parrott

Baseball – 7th brandon.parrott@ mcusd709.org

Kirk Schick

Boys’ Basketball – 8th kirk.schick@ mcusd709.org

Jim Smalley

Volleyball – 8th [email protected]



Don Swearingen

Girls Basketball – 7th

Head Track

don.swearingen@ mcusd709.org

Ben VandenBerg

Assistant Cross-Country

benjamin.vandenberg@ mcusd709.org

Cory Winstead

Assistant Softball cory.winsead@ mcusd709.org

III. Parent/Coach Communication Parents and Coaches share an important role in an athlete’s life. Both are there to support and help

him/her to become the best possible player and person he/she can be and each of these positions has

different roles. In order to greater benefit the players, it is important to establish an understanding of each

role. Also as parents, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. To do

this, we must have clear communication from the coaching staff.

Communication Parents Should Expect From the Coaches

1. Philosophy and expectations of your child as well as the players on the team

2. Locations and times of practices and games

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

4. Procedure should your child be injured during participation

5. Discipline that result in the denial of your child’s participation

Communication Coaches Expect From Parents

1. All concerns expressed to the coaches

2. Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance

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

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 very difficult to accept their child’s not playing as much as he/she hopes. However, one must

keep in mind that the coaches are professionals, and make judgment decisions based on what they believe

to be best for all students involved.

As you have seen from the list above, certain issues can be and should be discussed with your

child’s coach. Others, such as those that follow, will be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss with Coaches

1. Playing Time 2. Team Strategy 3. Play Calling

If a problem or concern should arise that requires a conference between the coaches and the

parents, there are certain procedures that need to be followed. These procedures will help promote

finding a resolution to the concern and give all parties involved a clear understanding of the other’s

position.



Conference Procedure

If a concern presents itself, players are expected to talk to the coach first. If there is still a

question, parents can call to set up an appointment with the coach. If after this meeting there continues

to be a question, please contact the assistant principal/athletic director and all parties will meet to discuss

the situation. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a practice or game. These can be

emotional times for both parents and coaches. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

IV. ACTIVITY CODE OF CONDUCT

(per student handbook)

Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a constitutionally protected liberty or property

right. The following policies in addition to other handbook policies are to be followed by all students

involved in a school activity. Coaches and sponsors may have additional rules and expectations, which

are specific to their activities.

KEY: 1. Athletics 2. Music 3. Clubs/Intramurals 4. Activities

A. GENERAL PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES

Activity Attendance Participants will be expected to attend all contests. Any unexcused absence from a scheduled contest may

result in dismissal from the activity in which the student is participating. 1, 2, 4

Discipline Any major discipline problem, which may arise in connection with a student assigned to a team/group

activity, will be discussed by the administration, coach, teacher(s) and the student involved. Final action

will be decided upon by the administration. Students suspended (in or out of school) are not allowed to

practice or attend games or events on that day. 1, 2, 3, 4

Status Yellow Students placed on Status Yellow will miss the next contest/performance that occurs during the period of

Status. Students will not dress in uniform or participate. The coach/sponsor and the administration will

determine if the student will attend with the team. If the student is referred again while on Status Yellow,

he/she will not dress in uniform or participate in any contests/ performances occurring during the period

of Status, but may continue to practice with the team/group. 1, 2, 4

Status Red

A student on Status Red is not allowed to be a part of any extracurricular activities at MJHS during the

period of Status. This includes being denied attendance as an observer. 1, 2, 3, 4

Grades

Students must maintain passing grades in all subjects according to the IESA guidelines in order to

participate in an activity. Students on the Friday ineligibility list will be unable to participate in contests

occurring the following Monday through Saturday. 1, 2, 4



Daily practice procedure

Players/participants are expected to be at every practice. If a student is unable to be at practice it is

his/her responsibility to inform the coach/sponsor in advance. 1, 2, 4

School attendance

Students must be in attendance for the last four full class periods of the school day to attend an extra-

curricular practice, meeting, or school event. Any deviation from this must be pre-approved by the

administration. 1, 2, 3, 4

Care of equipment

All students in all school programs will be responsible for keeping their own equipment clean and

organized. Fines for damaged/lost uniforms or equipment will be assessed. 1, 2

General personal conduct

All participants must remember that they are representing Morton Junior High School. Therefore, they

are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times. 1, 2, 3, 4

Physical examinations

All students participating in any sports activity outside of regular PE classes and intramurals must have a

current annual physical exam on file in the main office prior to participation. 1

Transportation

All students who attend an extra-curricular event as part of a team or club must ride the school provided

transportation to and from the event in order to participate. Students needing to ride home with a parent

or legal guardian may do so if the student’s parent “signs out” the student with the coach. Students may

only ride home with another parent if the student provides a note signed by his/her parent naming who

that student is allowed to ride home with AND the named parent “signs out” the students with the coach.

Ineligible students are not permitted to ride the team bus to games/events. 1, 2, 3, 4

Insurance waiver

An insurance waiver must be on file in the office before a student may participate. 1

Warning of risk

Activities involve the potential for injury, and we acknowledge that even with the best instruction &

supervision injuries may still be a possibility when participating in an activity. 1, 2, 3, 4

B. PURPOSE

This activity code is an attempt to state expectations and help influence positive behavior of those

students representing Morton Junior High School. MJHS believes it is a privilege to participate in

extracurricular activities. These students are representatives of the school and community; therefore when

they choose to participate in an activity, the expectations of the students will be higher.

Certain rules will apply to all participants in all extracurricular activities. These rules will cover

the following areas: substance use, smoking, tobacco use, criminal offenses, grades, and misconduct in or

out of school. This activity code shall be enforced on a year round basis. Disciplinary consequences for



violations when a student is “out of season” or during the summer will be levied in the student’s next

period of competition or performance.

C. COVERED ACTIVITIES

Activities that fall under the activity code will be defined as follows: any non-credit activity

meeting before/after the school day and represents the school in the community and are listed below.

Athletics

Baseball, Softball, Cross-Country,

Girls’/ Boys’ Basketball, Cheerleading

Dance, Volleyball, Wrestling, Track

Activities

Chess, Play, Speech, Student Council, Jazz/Pep

Band, Limited Edition Choir, Junior Prelude,

Scholastic Bowl

D. SCHOLASTIC ELIGIBILITY

Students are to have passing grades in all subjects in which they receive a grade. A failing grade

in any subject will result in a student being placed on the ineligibility list for one week. Ineligible

students may practice with the team but may not play. The ineligibility period runs from Monday to

Saturday. After four consecutive weeks of ineligibility, a student will be dismissed from that team. This

pertains to all extra-curricular non-graded events (athletics and activities).

E. COACHES AND SPONSORS RULES AND GUIDELINES

Coaches or sponsors may have additional rules above and beyond the Activity Code (provided

these rules are deemed appropriate by the principal and/or activities director). A copy of these rules along

with consequences shall be given to each participant at the beginning of the activity. The coaches or

sponsors’ rules will be enforced only during the season that the student participates in that activity.

F. ACTIVITY CODE REQUIREMENTS

A student activity participant will be subject to disciplinary action if (s)he engages in (conviction

is not a prerequisite to disciplinary action):

1. The use of tobacco products, controlled substances, or alcohol.

2. Possession of tobacco products, alcohol, controlled substance or “look-alike” drugs.

3. Commission of a criminal offense, whether or not a felony & or in/out of school.

4. Violation of school rules.

5. Gross misconduct or insubordination in school or the commission of an ordinance violation

whether in or out of school.

G. PROCEDURES

All reports of violations of the code are to be made to the Junior High Administration. The

Assistant Principal or Principal will contact the student, the parents, and the coach/sponsor of the

violation and review with them the procedures to be followed. If requested by any of the above within

three days following the contact, a meeting of the violation committee will be scheduled. This meeting

will include the Assistant Principal and/or Principal, the student, his or her parents, and the members of

the violation committee.

The violation committee will determine if action is appropriate and also what it will be. Provided,

however, the Assistant Principal/Principal may impose discipline pursuant to this code, subject to



review by the violation committee, if the student decides to waive the right of the violation committee

hearing. The student and parents will be notified of the decision immediately in writing.

Any student who violates the guidelines and/or does not satisfactorily complete the season or

activity, may, or may not be eligible for any awards or special recognition given for participation in the

activity.

Penalties will be applied in all activities in which a student participates. Any offense constitutes

a violation in all activities covered under the guidelines.

The violation committee will consist of the following representatives: two coaches and three

teachers.

H. DETERMINATION OF VIOLATIONS

This code of conduct takes effect as to an individual student on the date it is signed by the student,

and it is good for one calendar year, twelve consecutive months. All reported infractions, as well as

rumors of violations, will be thoroughly investigated by the administration. Sources used to identify

violations will include: police reports, public notices of offenses, as well as, court dispositions,

staff/teacher witness and information provided by law enforcement officials.

I. CONSEQUENCE

Consequences are based on number of consecutive performances in an activity. Percent of missed

contests or performances is based on the total number of scheduled contests or performances. If the

number of contests is not fully served, the remainder of the suspension will be served during the next

activity in which the student participates. If the next activity is in high school, the remainder of the

suspension will be served at Morton High School.

If a student joins an activity after s(he) has started to serve consequences for a violation, s(he) may

practice but not participate in any games, contest, or performances. For the consequences to be

considered served, the student must start an activity on the original starting date of that activity. The

student must complete an activity for the consequences to be considered served.

Any Violation All Activities

First offense Minimum 25%

Second offense Minimum 50%

Third offense Finished

J. PROBATION

In addition to serving the consequences, a student will be on probation for twelve consecutive months

after his/her first violation of the code. If the student goes one year without a violation, then the next

violation would be treated as a first offense. The third violation, regardless of when it occurs, will result

in suspension from all activities for the remainder of his/her career.

K. PETITION FOR REINSTATEMENT

After being suspended from all activities for one calendar year, a student may make a request to the

principal to appear before the activities committee for reinstatement to a second offense level. The

activities committee may or may not grant the appeal.



L. DUE PROCESS

A student will be advised of the charges against him/her and be given the opportunity to respond to the

charges. The student and parents will be advised of any disciplinary action taken as a result of the

charges. The student or parents may appeal the disciplinary action by responding in writing to the

Principal within three school days of receiving the notice of the disciplinary action.

V. IESA State Series

(post season play)

Class System

The IESA determines the classes of each sport annually. Morton Junior High School is in the

largest class for all sports.

Sport Class Sectional Day Sectional Time State Days (# of games)

Softball 2A Saturday 11:00 Friday (1), Saturday (2)

Baseball 3A Saturday 11:00 Friday (1), Saturday (2)

Cross-Country 3A Saturday 10:00 Saturday

G/B Basketball 4A Wednesday 6:30 Saturday (2), Thursday (1)

Volleyball 4A Monday 6:00 Saturday (2), Tuesday (1)

Wrestling One class only Saturday 9:00 Friday, Saturday

Track 2A Saturday 9:00 Friday, Saturday

Regionals

Played in bracketed format: #1 seed vs. #8 seed, etc.

Top team(s) may have first round bye

Depending on seed, teams will play two/three games

Baseball/Softball: game #1 played at higher seeded team’s home field

Track and Cross-Country: no Regional tournaments

Sectional (“Sweet 16”)

One contest; date and time set by IESA

State Tournament (“Elite 8”)

Softball and Baseball – If win Friday game, guaranteed two games on Saturday

Cross-Country – all three classes compete on same day at same location

Basketball and Volleyball – Play the second game if only win the first

Track – Boys and Girls compete at same time



VI. Team Equipment Standards

Rationale Creating team chemistry and a team-centered environment is essential for the success and growth of the

Morton Junior High School athletic department. It is our belief that our sports teams should look like a

team while competing. One of the ways we achieve this is through our appearance. It is expected that all

team members look the same beginning with the school-issued uniforms we wear down to their socks and

shoes. Through this expectation, our players will begin to develop a sense of belonging, a feeling of

equality, and promote mutual growth amongst team members. We value the solidarity that can be

achieved with commonality in appearance.

Equipment and Uniform Expectations

Sport School Provided Player Provided

Softball Uniform (jersey and pants)

Batting helmets

Glove, bats*, and face masks

Batting Gloves and cleats: school colors

Socks, belt, and catchers’ gear: red

Baseball Uniform (jersey and pants)

Catcher’s gear (red)

Glove and bats*

Socks, belt, cleats, batting helmet: red only

Batting gloves (optional): school colors

Cross-

Country

Uniform (jersey and shorts)

Sweat suit (only if weather dictates)

Running shoes (prefer school colors)

Girls

Basketball


Practice jersey

Warm-up top /shooting shirt

Basketball shoes and socks: school colors

Boys

Basketball


Practice jersey

Warm-up pants

Warm-up top /shooting shirt

Basketball shoes and socks: school colors

(see coach for team shoe)

Spirit Squad

(Cheerleading

and Dance)

Uniform (shell and skirt)

Pom’s

Coach will order liner, briefs, shoes

Volleyball Uniform jersey Compression shorts (5” min. inseam),

volleyball shoes, and knee pads: black only

Wrestling Uniform singlet Wrestling Shoes: school colors

Track and

Field


Sweat suit

Running shoes (prefer school colors)

*see iesa.org for all bat rules and restrictions

Sports bras: School colors only (during contests) and should be minimally seen under uniform

during practices or contests.

Undergarments: Should not be seen underneath uniforms during practices or contests.

Team uniforms: Are not to be worn outside of competitions (basketball, volleyball, wrestling,

spirit squad) and should be washed in cold water and hung dry.



Other apparel: Each team will offer team members (and parents) the opportunity to purchase

additional spirit wear. Payment should be remitted to the coach with checks payable to MJHS.

Basketball: T-shirts must match uniform (no long sleeves or tights). Red under red, white under

white, gray under gray)

Track and Field/Cross-Country: Base layers must be school colors, and must match if in relay.

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