Athletics

Academic excellence is the primary focus for all Saucon Valley School District athletes.  At the same time, the Saucon Valley School District recognizes the importance of extra curricular activities to each student’s personal and social development.  Proper use of an athlete’s time is essential for success in the classroom and on the athletic field.  When classroom time is missed because of athletics, it is the athlete’s responsibility to communicate with each teacher and to arrange a make-up schedule for lost classroom time.  Team travel does not excuse an athlete from making up academic work.

Physical Eligibility: 

Prior to participation, all student athletes must complete a pre-participation physical exam as outlined by the PIAA.  The exam must take place after June 1st each year in order to comply with PIAA regulations.  All physical forms must be completed on PIAA specific forms in their entirety and submitted to the athletic office or uploaded through the registration process prior to any participation in an athletic practice or event. 

Academic Eligibility:

Article IX of the PIAA By-Laws outline academic standards for all student athletes.  Students must sustain a full time schedule in order to be eligible for athletic participation.   A PIAA eligibility report is run by the Saucon Valley Athletic Department each Friday.  Any student failing 2 or more subjects at the time of the report becomes ineligible for 1 PIAA week (Sunday through and including Saturday).   In addition, any student failing 2 or more subjects as their final grade at the conclusion of a semester will become ineligible for 15 school days starting with the day report cards are distributed. 

The Saucon Valley Athletic Department does allow coaches to enforce more rigorous academic standards for their teams if they choose to do so as part of their team policy.

It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to be sure their academics are in good standing and any student who needs assistance with academics should contact their teacher and coach immediately.

Any student athlete that appears on the ineligibility list for 3 consecutive weeks will be removed from the team roster for the remainder of the season unless a pre-approved process for academic improvement has been made.

School Attendance:

On a daily basis students must be present in school no later than 9:30am in order to be eligible to participate in their athletic practice/event that day unless a student has secured prior permission from the principal or athletic director, or has a valid doctor’s note.

On a semester basis, students must meet PIAA attendance standards.  Any student absent for more than 20 days in a semester (other than a medical or excused reason) becomes ineligible to participate in athletics. 

School Imposed Suspensions:

Any student that has received an in-school suspension is not eligible to participate in any practice or event the day that they served their in-school suspension.

Any student that has received an out-of school suspension is not eligible to participate in any practice or event for the entire length of their suspension. 

Other Eligibility Requirements:

All Saucon Valley Athletic Department paperwork that accompanies the PIAA Pre Participation Physical must be completed and submitted prior to becoming eligible for athletics.

All school owned athletic uniforms and equipment must be returned or restitution made for lost or damaged school property prior to a student athlete becoming eligible for athletics or a second sport.

An athlete is expected to serve as a courteous host to visiting teams, officials, and spectators.

An athlete is expected to leave locker rooms, bench areas, and busses, clean and orderly after all practices and events both home and away.

An athlete is expected to play hard within the rules of the sport. 

An athlete is expected to win with humility, lose graciously, thank officials, and congratulate opposing players and coaches after the event.

Consequences for Sportsmanship and Conduct Standards:

An athlete ejected from an event for the first time, by PIAA rule, must serve a one (1) game suspension during the next scheduled game for that team.  If the ejection occurs during the last game of the year, the suspension will carry over to the first game of the following year.  If an athlete is ejected from an event for actions deemed dangerous, flagrant, or obscene, a review of the incident will take place and the athlete may receive additional suspension time beyond that of the mandated one (1) game if warranted.   An athlete under suspension may not sit on the bench, enter the locker room, travel with the team, or participate in any team functions, practices, or events.

Suspension guidelines for ejections:

*Addition time may be added to suspension depending on the reason for the ejection as outlined above.

               1st ejection during a season – 1 game suspension for next scheduled game.

               2nd ejection during  a season – 3 game suspension for next 3 scheduled games.

               3rd ejection during a season – 1 calendar year suspension

Any illegal or criminal activities, including the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products by student athletes will not be condoned by the Saucon Valley School District.  A primary goal of the Saucon Valley Athletic Department is the safety, health, and welfare of each athlete.  Illegal or criminal behavior that takes place in school or out of school, is prohibited.  Upon identification of such behavior and an investigation, the athlete may face suspension or termination from athletic participation, following prompt review by the Saucon Valley School Principal and Athletic Director.

Any student charged with an illegal or criminal act may be subject to disciplinary action in compliance with Saucon Valley School District disciplinary code as outlined in the student handbook.  In addition, an athlete is subject to the following disciplinary actions:

The athlete may be ineligible to participate in athletic functions (practices or events) for a minimum period of seven (7) to fourteen (14) calendar days.  An athlete under suspension may not sit on the bench, enter the locker room, travel with the team, or participate in any team functions, practices, or events (unless special dispensation is given in connection with counseling).   The athlete must request, in writing, permission to be reinstated to the athletic program on a probationary basis before being allowed to return to their program after the conclusion of suspension in connection to illegal or criminal activity.   The Saucon Valley School Principal, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach will review the request.  After reviewing the request, the ineligibility period may be extended or the athlete may be reinstated on a probationary basis.  The following conditions will be viewed favorably in terms of an athlete’s length of suspension and for athletic participation reinstatement.:

               1).  The athlete has cooperated fully with the investigation

               2).  The athlete has participated in a drug/alcohol assessment (if a drug/alcohol related offense)

               or other forms of assessment based on the illegal/criminal activity.

                                 a.  Agreement to participate in counseling based on the results of the assessment

               3).  The athlete will follow the recommendations of the Student Assistance Program

In the absence of an athletic eligibility reinstatement request, the athlete is considered ineligible for all Saucon Valley School District athletic participation indefinitely.

Any student charged with multiple offenses over time will be dealt with on an individual basis at the discretion of the administration.  At minimum, a second offense will require a suspension of fourteen (14) to twenty-eight (28) days in combination with the conditions as seen above.  Three or more charged offenses will require a suspension of a minimum of thirty (30) days but will likely result in the termination of the student-athletes from all future participation in Saucon Valley Athletic Programs.

Students active in a program or those that have been referred to a program to assist with the correction of illegal drug or alcohol use may be considered for a plan that coordinates athletic participation and the participation in an appropriate program.  The goal of this action is to allow for positive activities to remain in a student’s life while seeking appropriate help.  Consideration for this plan must include the student-athlete’s continued participation in their programming, consistent check ins with their coaching staff, and they may not be a repeat offender. 

The parent(s), Superintendent, school Principal, and Head Coach shall be informed, in writing, of any suspension that exceeds the suspension for ejected players as outlined above.  When a suspension exceeds seven (7) calendar days for a sportsmanship related offense or fourteen (14) calendar days for a drug/alcohol related offense, upon request, the student and parent shall be given the opportunity for an informal hearing to enable the student to meet with the appropriate school personnel to explain the circumstances surrounding the event for which the student is being suspended or terminated or to show why the student should not be suspended or terminated. 

Coaches may, through specific team rules and expectations, impose suspensions from team activities for the violation of team rules or actions deemed inappropriate. 

All school district owned uniforms, equipment, and facilities should be treated with the utmost care.  Please be diligent with the upkeep and care of uniforms and equipment.  During the season, uniforms are to be cleaned and cared for on a regular basis.  Within one (1) week of the final event, all uniforms and equipment articles distributed to student athletes prior to the season must be returned to the head coach in accordance with the procedures established by the coach.   Students will not be eligible for any sport until all school owned property is returned in acceptable condition or until replacement/damage costs are paid to the Saucon Valley Athletic office.

All athletes traveling to athletic events while representing Saucon Valley are expected to do so in a respectful manner.  Unless traveling in uniform or in team issued warm-ups, players are expected to dress in a manner that represents Saucon Valley in a positive and respectful way.   Many times coaches will outline expected dress.  In those cases, teams are expected to follow their coach’s guidelines for dress to away contests.

An athlete participating in the Saucon Valley School District Athletic Program is covered by accident insurance approved by the Saucon Valley School District.  The insurance coverage is not intended to replace major medical coverage provided by the parent/guardians group insurance plans. 

Any injury must be reported by the student-athlete to the Athletic Training Staff as soon as possible.   Failure to report an injury not only puts a student at risk but also reduces the likelihood of insurance coverage.   Under the Saucon Valley School District insurance policy, any injury must be reported within 90 days.

Under the insurance policy provided by Saucon Valley School District, the first $100 of medical expenses are paid regardless of other medical insurance. After the initial $100 of expenses, the athlete’s own medical insurance policy becomes primary.  The school district’s policy will provide coverage in the absence of other valid and collectible insurance, and will pay in accordance with the approved schedule of benefits as outlined in the policy. These benefits are provided on a “usual and reasonable” basis up to the policy limits. **Note – Not all injuries are covered by the school district’s secondary insurance coverage as determined by the Medical Staff and Insurance Company.  Injuries must be acute injuries suffered during a school related event.  Overuse injuries, for example, are not covered under secondary insurance. 

An injured athlete who has obtained treatment may not resume athletic participation unless the Athletic Training Staff grants permission.  The Saucon Valley Athletic Training Staff has the final discretion for the release of a student-athlete back to participation.  Obtaining a doctor’s release for an injury for the purpose of returning an athlete to play prior to what is deemed safe by the Saucon Valley Athletic Training Staff will not be accepted.  It is the intention of the Athletic Training Staff to work in concert with the physician to determine an appropriate return-to-play timeline. 

In addition, the health and well being of our student athletes is of the utmost importance.  If the Saucon Valley Medical Staff or coach determines that an athlete is in need of emergency medical care, they will be sent to the hospital for treatment.

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 benefits to our children. As parents, when your son/daughter becomes involved in athletics, please understand what expectations are placed on him/her. This begins with clear lines of communication.

Communication you should expect from your child’s coach:

1. Expectations the coach has for your son/daughter as well as for the team 2. Locations and times of practices and contests
3. Team requirements (i.e. practices, contests, equipment, conditioning)
4. Discipline that may result in the denial of your child’s participation

Communication coaches expect from parents:

1. Any and all concerns are expressed directly to the head coach
2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance (except emergencies)

High school athletics will involve some of your child’s best memories. It is also important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times a discussion directly with the head coach should take place.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches:

1. Ways to help your child improve
2. Concerns about you child’s behavior

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:

1. Playing time
2. Team strategy
3. Other student athletes

It is very difficult to accept your child playing time in some instances. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen above, certain things are appropriate to discuss with your child’s coaches while others are left to the discretion of the coaches.

If there is a concern to discuss with a coach, the following is the procedure that must be complied with:

1. The player is to speak with the coach directly and discuss his/her concern. Many times the matter can be taken care of at that time.

2. The parent(s) and player are to speak with the coach directly and discuss their concern. This discussion however should not be held during a practice time or before/after a contest. A meeting will have to be scheduled at both party’s convenience.

3. The parent(s) and player are to speak with the varsity head coach and discuss their concern.

4. If the matter at hand is not resolved after completing the procedures above, the parent(s) and/or player may request a meeting with the athletic director and coach.

However, it should be understood that under no circumstance will the athletic

director ever mandate playing time for a player.
5. If the matter at hand is not resolved after completing the procedures above, the

parent(s) and/or player may request a meeting with a building level administrator. However, it should be understood that under no circumstance will a building administrator ever mandate playing time for a player.

Expectations of Parent/Guardian:

1. Support your student athlete’s effort toward success and maintain the importance of a strong work ethic academically and athletically.

2. Work to promote a positive environment that is to the benefit of your student athlete

3. Become familiar with and review with your child all team and district athletic

   policies.

4. Communicate any concerns in a timely manner, according to district protocol.

5. Treat all coaching personnel, officials, and opposing teams with courtesy and respect

   and insist that your child does the same.

6. Support the program by being an active parent and positive role model for all student

   athletes.

Important aspects to keep in mind:

1. Participation in athletics is a privilege. Any actions/behavior inside or outside of school that is detrimental to the team, the player themselves, a coach, or the school may result in suspension or dismissal from the team.

2. Academics are the number one priority. Students are held to strict PIAA academic standards. Students may be suspended from participation on a team for academic reasons.

3. Parents can have a major affect on their children’s future in sports. Being at odds with the coach along with disrespectful behavior as a parent is one of the biggest mistakes that can be made. Remember, the first person a college recruiter will talk to is the high school coach. The behavior of a student athlete’s parents is not off limits for discussion.