Sports Intro |  Sports Schedules | MIAA |   Rules & Regulations | Sports 10 Commandments of Sports For Parents | Boosters Organization Travel Guide Rules & Regulations ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS ABSENCE FROM PRACTICE - A personal commitment must be made to attend all practices. If you are absent from school, you may not practice. If, however, you are in school and are unable to practice, you must see your coach or athletic director before practice and explain why you will be missing. An absence from practice without telling your coach in advance may lead to suspension and continued absences may result in your removal from the team. ANY UNEXCUSED ABSENCE DURING THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF A SEASON COULD RESULT IN A PLAYER BEING INELIGIBLE FOR ANY SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND/OR AWARDS. TEAM COMMITMENT - A player is expected to practice at least two weeks with his/her team before he/she plays in a game. An exception to this policy may be made only by the athletic director and/or an administrator. SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY CONDUCT AND CITIZENSHIP Every student is expected to represent himself or herself in an exemplary manner in classes and all other school activities. Athletes bear additional responsibility because they not only represent themselves, they also represent their team, family, and school. NO ATHLETE, NO MATTER HOW IMPORTANT TO A TEAM, WILL BE EXEMPT FROM SCHOOL RULES. When competing, traveling, or watching contests, TOWSON CATHOLIC will be judged by your behavior. If you win, shake hands and congratulate your opponent for a job well done. If you lose, shake hands and congratulate your opponent. Treat your opponents as you would want to be treated if the scores were reversed. Temper tantrums, "hot-dogging", and other signs of poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated by your coach or school. As a spectator, you should have an appreciation of the hard work that it takes to be an athlete. Always demonstrate good sportsmanship; such as, cheering for your team. Do not "BOO" or embarrass the other team with inappropriate comments or signs. Finally, in the community you are judged both as an individual and as a representative of TOWSON CATHOLIC. Embarrassing, immature, or illegal actions by you reflect on your team and your school. [top of page] CONDUCT BEFORE AND AFTER PRACTICE Students are not permitted to practice without the presence of their coach. Since practice times may not be held immediately following the end of school and work sessions with teachers, students must leave the building and return when practice is scheduled. Athletes should be preparing themselves mentally and physically for practice. There is no place for immature behavior anywhere in the community, in the building, on the field, or in the locker room. While improper conduct could result in suspension from school and the team, unnecessary and serious injuries often result from such inappropriate action. After practice, athletes should change, shower, dress, and leave the school. CONDUCT DURING PRACTICE Athletic practices are an extension of the school environment. Your conduct and behavior at practice must be the same as expected in the classroom. Disrespect to coaches, using profanity, immature behavior, not following directions, and other inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. You and your team members are involved in physical activity and can be severely hurt if you are not paying attention. EQUIPMENT The coach issues equipment and uniforms at the beginning of the season. Items issued to you are your responsibility. All equipment and uniforms will be collected at the end of the season by the coach. At the end of the season, turn in your equipment yourself. Giving your equipment to a friend to turn in or leaving it somewhere, does not excuse you from your responsibility. [top of page] LOCKER ROOM THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ARTICLES. Your locker should be locked whenever you are away from it. CLEANLINESS All athletes are reminded to give their practice equipment periodic and even daily washing, socks, T-shirts, shorts, and towels should be washed and renewed daily. Other equipment should be hung in the locker for proper drying. ATHLETIC INJURIES All injuries no matter how minor must be reported to the coach as soon as possible. After an athlete has been injured, ONLY THE DOCTOR - or ATHLETIC TRAINER will decide if and when the student may return to play or practice. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy. After the athlete sees the doctor, he or she must present to the coach a release form from the doctor stating that the injury is healed and the student is now physically able to play or practice. [top of page] SPORTS MEDICINE CLINICS Recently, the knowledge and treatment of athletic injuries has grown tremendously. Many hospitals have added such clinics to diagnose and, if necessary, provide rehabilitation through new therapeutic techniques. Such procedures often provide faster and more effective recovery. Parents should look into those clinics if   treatment becomes necessary. STUDENT TRAVEL Whether students travel to metropolitan area games or those that involve distance and/or overnight travel, they must be aware that they are: representing Towson Catholic in transit to and from events. representing Towson Catholic at all functions that pertain to the trip; such as, meals, motels, dorms, tours, etc. expected to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner at all times. subject to the same school rules and regulations as if the event or activity were held on campus. [top of page] TRANSPORTATION TO GAMES - When a team travels by bus or van, NO MEMBER SHOULD GO BY PRIVATE CAR. Coaches may grant permission for an athlete not to return to school after an event if the parent of an athlete is present to release the school of its responsibility. FORMS REQUIRED BEFORE PARTICIPATION ALL ATHLETES MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING FORMS ON FILE IN THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR'S OFFICE BEFORE THEY CAN PLAY OR PRACTICE: Parental approval/student compliance & insurance form All athletics must have the written permission of their parents and medical coverage or school insurance before they are permitted to practice or play. This form also contains an acknowledgment that students and parents are aware of school policies that relate to the participation in our athletic program. Physical Examination Form All athletes must have a yearly physical examination and a form verifying the physical signed by the physician. This form must be on file in the school prior to the first day of practice. Emergency Information Card All athletes must have this card completed and returned to the Athletic Director before they begin practice or participation. Eligibility Checklist All of the following requirements must be met before participation in interscholastic sports. Parental approval/student compliance & insurance form Physical Examination Form Emergency Information Card Academic Eligibility - Eligibility determined by the administration. Report Card Copy - A copy of the most recent report card must be presented to the athletic director. Disciplinary Eligibility - Eligibility determined by the administration. [top of page] AWARDS FOR PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS Letters will be awarded to all team members and managers provided that they remain on the team for the duration of the season. All requirements for awards include attending practice, obeying training rules, maintaining good citizenship, attending all games, matches, and meets unless excused. Any exception will be acted upon at the discretion of the Athletic Director after consultation with the player, coach, and assistant principal. The awards for participation follow: 1st year - Chenille Letter with Sport Pin 2nd year - Gold Bar 3rd year - Chenille Star 4th year - Four Year Participation Plaque PARENT RESPONSIBILITY As a parent of a TOWSON CATHOLIC student athlete, you have several responsibilities. First, you must help endorse the rules and regulations of the school by continuously checking on your child's grades, behavior, and attendance. Do not expect or ask the school to make exceptions. Second, you are expected to represent our school in a positive manner. As adults, we must model good examples of sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship is cheering for the team, not booing or degrading the other team or officials. Lastly, you have the responsibility to support the coaches and team. Negative comments about a coach or other member of the team only undermine the positive aspects of athletic participation. While winning is much more enjoyable than losing, being a gracious loser is also part of life.  [top of page]