This handbook is presented to you because your son or daughter has indicated a desire to participate in interscholastic athletics, and you have expressed your willingness to permit him/her to compete. Your family interest in this phase of our school program is gratifying. We believe that participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences that assist students in personal adjustments.

We, who are concerned with the educational development of boys and girls through athletics, feel that a properly controlled, well-organized sports program meets the students' needs for self-expression, mental alertness, and physical growth. It is our hope to maintain a program that is sound in purpose and will further each student's educational maturity.

Likewise, we feel that you have committed yourselves to certain responsibilities and obligations. May we take this opportunity to acquaint you with specific policies that are necessary for a well organized program of athletics.

It is role of the Department of Athletics to make rules that govern the spirit of competition for the community. These rules need a broad basis of community support, which is achieved only through communication to the parent. It is our hope to accomplish this objective through this athletic handbook for students and parents.

Sincerely,

Joe Crawford
Athletic Director

The Willard Athletic Program should provide a variety of experiences to aid in the development of favorable habits and attitudes in students that will prepare them for adult life in a democratic society.

The interscholastic athletic program shall be conducted in accordance with existing Board of Education policies, rules and regulations. While the Board of Education takes great pride in winning, it does not condone "winning at any cost" and discourages any and all pressures which might tend to neglect good sportsmanship and good mental health. At all times the athletic program must be conducted in such a way so as to justify it as an educational activity.

OUR GOAL - The student athlete shall become a more effective citizen in a democratic society.

OUR SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
The student athlete shall learn teamwork. To work with others in a democratic society, a person must develop self-discipline, respect for authority, loyalty, and the spirit of hard work and sacrifice. Athletes must place the team and its objectives higher than personal desires.

1. To be successful - Our society is very competitive. We do not always win, but we succeed when we continually strive to do so. You can learn to accept defeat only by striving to win with earnest dedication. Develop a desire to excel.

2. Sportsmanship - To accept success and defeat like true sportsmen, knowing that you have done your best. We must learn to treat others as we would have others treat us. We need to develop desirable social traits, including emotional control, honesty, loyalty, cooperation and dependability.

3. To Improve - Continual improvement is essential to good citizenship. As an athlete, you must establish a goal and you must constantly try to reach that goal.

4. Enjoy athletics - It is necessary to acknowledge all of the personal rewards we derive from athletics, and to give sufficiently of ourselves in order to preserve and improve the program.

5. To develop desirable personal health habits - To be an active, contributing citizen, it is important to obtain a high degree of physical fitness through exercise and good health habits, and to develop a desire to maintain this level of physical fitness after formal competition has been completed.

Being a member of a Willard 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 hard work of many young people over many years. As a member of an interscholastic squad, you have inherited a wonderful, tradition, a tradition you are challenged to uphold.

Our tradition has been to win with honor. We desire 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 our squads have achieved more than their share of league and tournament championships. Many individuals have set records and won All-Conference and All-State honors.

It will not be easy to contribute to such a great athletic tradition. To compete for your school may mean that you will have to say "NO" to pleasures an athlete cannot afford. When you wear the Crimson and White, we assume the responsibilities that go with them. However, the contributions you make should be a satisfying accomplishment to you and your family.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOURSELF

The most important of these responsibilities is to broaden yourself and develop strength of character. You owe it to yourself to get the greatest possible good from your school experiences. Your studies, your participation in other extra-curricular activities as well as in sports, prepare you for your life as an adult.

Another responsibility you assume as a squad member is to your school. Willard cannot maintain its position as having 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. You are on stage with the spotlight on you. The student body, the community and other communities judge our school by your conduct and attitudes, both on and off the field. Because of this leadership role, you can contribute greatly to your school spirit and pride. Make Willard proud of you, and your community proud of your school by your faithful exemplification of these ideals.

As a squad member, you also bear a heavy responsibility to your home. If you never give your parents anything to be ashamed of, you will have measured up to all of the training rules, that you have practiced to the best of your ability every day, and that you have played the game "all-out", you can keep your self-respect and your family can be justly proud of you.

The younger students in Willard are watching you. They will copy you in many ways. Do not do anything to let them down. Set good examples for them.

You are not eligible to participate in any sport until the following items have been completed and turned into the Athletic Director:

1. Physical examination card with proper parent and student signatures.
2. Emergency Medical form.
3. Code of Conduct with proper parent and student signatures.
4. Residency Report signed by parent/guardian.
5. Purchase of school insurance or waiver form signed by parent/guardian.
6. Helmet warning statement signed by student and parent. (Football only)
7. All scholastic eligibility requirements have been satisfied.

The conduct of an athlete is closely observed in many areas of life. It is important that your behavior be above reproach in all the following areas:

ON THE FIELD - In the area of athletic competition, a true athlete does not use profanity or illegal tactics. You should be gracious in defeat and modest in victory. It is always courteous to congratulate the opponent on a well played game after the contest, whether in victory or defeat.

A member of an athletic team is expected to be well groomed. "He shows up best who shows off least." Appearance, expression and actions always influence people's opinions of athletes, the team and school. Once you have volunteered to be a member of a squad, you have made a choice to uphold certain standards expected of athletes in this community.

To be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at Willard High School, all students will be required to meet the eligibility standards set forth by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).

If a student is deemed ineligible because of grades, he/she may not participate in any co-curricular games or events in the following grading period. Furthermore, there is to be no practice or participation in a recreational school program or weightlifting until at least the mid-term of the next grading period. At that time the student may petition the principal to again practice. If a student is making satisfactory progress in his/her studies, the principal may allow the student to commence practicing, however; he/she may not take part in a contest or public event until the following grading period.

It is the overwhelming opinion of health educators and coaches that athletes perform best when they follow intelligent rules which include restrictions of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Medical research clearly substantiates the fact that use of tobacco, alcohol and any type of mood altering substances produce harmful effects on the human organism.

The coaches of the Willard Schools, concerned with the health habits of the student athletes of this community, are convinced that athletes and the use of these substances are not compatible. It is also a fact that when students have a strong interest to participate in athletics, their desire to use these substances is greatly reduced.

Students have to decide if they want to be athletes. If you do wish to be an athlete, "you have to pay the price" to be a competitor. A big part of this price is following a simple set of training rules which the Athletic Department believes to be fair.

It is a fact that the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs are injurious to the development of the human growth. You cannot compromise athletics with substance abuse. The student who wishes to experiment with such abuses should remove himself/herself from the team before he/she jeopardizes team morale, team reputation, and team success.

Use of Tobacco - Research emphasizes that use of tobacco is physically harmful to young adults. The harm done by this is not only a health problem. The community follows the progress of young athletes, and any deviation from accepted training rules marks one as unwilling to "pay the price". If one squad member breaks the rules, the whole team is branded as non-trainers.

Use of Alcoholic Beverages - There is no way to justify athletes using alcoholic beverages, even though social pressures may be hard to resist. The people who would like to draw the athlete into their drinking sessions will be the first to criticize the athlete if he does not "come through" in a game. If the athlete attends a party where there is alcohol, he/she should immediately leave the area so as not to be implicated to any charges that might arise from the party.

Use of Drugs - Simply stated, drug abuse is the consumption of any chemical substance or smoking of some plant derivatives for the purpose of mood modification. The use or misuse of drugs is a social problem. Students with a strong sense of purpose have no need for mood modifiers.

The importance of enforcement of all regulations in this handbook should be apparent. A firm and fair policy of enforcement is necessary to prevent a travesty being made of regulations. The community, school administrators, and the coaching staff feel strongly that high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential in maintaining a sound program of athletics. It is our intent to preserve rules that reasonably pertain to the health and safety of all the individuals and to the orderly conduct of sports. We do not wish to establish arbitrary personal preference to insure absolute uniformity. The welfare of the student is our major consideration. In the event an athlete fails to comply with these necessary standards, it will be interpreted by the Athletic Department as an indication that the athlete does not have sufficient desire to participate in the interscholastic athletic program. Therefore, the athlete will be denied the privilege of participating until such time he/she can prove this desire.

All athletes shall abide by a Code of Conduct which will earn him/her the honor and respect that participation and competition in the interscholastic program affords. Any conduct that results in dishonor to the athlete, the team, or the school will not be tolerated. Acts of unacceptable conduct, such as but not limited to theft, vandalism, disrespect, immorality, or violations of law, tarnish the reputation of everyone associated with the athletic programs and will not be tolerated.

No student is officially a member of a team until the first contest for that squad. After the first contest, if a student quits or is removed from the squad they may not try out for another sport or participate in any school sponsored recreational program or weightlifting until the conclusion of the regular season of their original sport.

Temporary removal from a team can be made by the coach or building principal for any infraction of training rules or any, but not limited to the following: grades, personal misconduct, unexcused absences from meetings or practices, violations of co-curricular policies, or unsportsmanlike conduct.

Permanent removal from a team will be made by the coach and building principal. Causes for removal from a sport may include, but not limited to the following: use or possession of any form of tobacco; illegal use or possession of alcohol, drugs or marijuana; continued violations of the Code of Conduct; repeated violations of individual activity policies; personal misconduct that involves police or court action either during or outside school hours; or verbal or physical attack upon an opponent, contest official, teacher, fan, coach, or any other person.

The student athlete may appeal the decision of the coach and/or building principal. Written notice of a coach's intention to remove a student shall be signed by the student and mailed to the parents.

The student and/or his/her parents have the right to an informal hearing before the coach to review the charges. The hearing request must be within two (2) days of the student receipt of suspension and the hearing will be within two (2) days of the hearing request. The advisor shall make his/her decision within two (2) days after the informal hearing.

If the coach decides to continue the suspension and/or removal the student has the right to appeal the action to an appeal board. Notice of appeal must be given to the Principal no later than five (5) days after student receipt of the informal hearing decision. The Appeal Board shall be made up of the Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and a teacher appointed by the High School Principal. The Appeal Board shall hear the appeal within two (2) days after the receipt of the appeal request. Their decision shall be rendered within two (2) days after the hearing.

Once practice begins, the athlete is expected to be in attendance at every practice, scrimmage, and game unless excused by the head coach. During each sport, the head coach shall establish other training rules applicable to his or her particular sport.

Vacations by athletic team members during a sport season are extremely discouraged. Parents/Athletes wishing to do so may wish to reassess their commitment to being an athlete.

In the event of an absence due to vacation is unavoidable, an athlete must:
1. Be accompanied by his/her parents while on vacation.
2. Contact the head coach prior to the vacation.
3. Be willing to assume the consequences related to their status on that quad as a starter, 2nd string, 3rd string, etc.
4. Be willing to make up practice time lost to vacation.

A student is expected to attend all classes on his/her schedule on the day of a scheduled activity and on the next school day following the activity. To be eligible to attend, practice, or participate in an activity, a student must be attendance for five (6) full class on that day unless the administration has approved otherwise. Students who miss part of the school day due to illness must be in attendance by 9:00 A.M. in order to play a contest or practice on that date.

Athletes are responsible for all equipment issued to him/her. Lost, stolen or damaged equipment must be paid for by the student or his/her parents before any grades or awards are issued. No equipment will be issued to a student for any other sports season if that student has not paid for or turned in equipment that was issued from a previous season which may have been misplaced, lost or stolen.

All athletes must travel to and from out-of-town contests in transportation provided by the athletic department. The only exception to this is to have a note signed by the parents indicating that they will be picking up their child from an event. No athlete will be excused to drive to and from a contest nor will they be excused to ride in a vehicle that will be driven by a student or non-parent. Athletes will remain with their squad and under the supervision of the coach when attending away contests. Athletes that miss the bus will not be allowed to participate in the contest unless there are extenuating circumstances. All regular school bus rules will be followed, including food, noise, remaining in seats, care and respect for equipment. Dress appropriately and in good taste.

In the event an athlete should be contacted personally by a college recruiter, he/she has an obligation to work through his/her coach and the athletic department. Inform your coach of such contact as soon as possible. Starting in August of 1994, the NCAA has established a central Clearinghouse to certify athletic eligibility for Division I and II institutions. Any recruit who wishes to make an official visit to a Division I or II school must be registered with the Clearinghouse. The forms that need to completed for the Clearinghouse can be obtained from the Guidance Department.

If during the school year and while a member of a school team or squad, the student participates on an organized team engaged in the same sport, he /she shall be ineligible for any further participation in that sport for the remainder of that season.

An individual student who attempts to participate in too many extra-curricular activities will, undoubtedly, be in a position of 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 conflicts.

Students have a responsibility to do everything they can to avoid a continuous conflict. This would include being cautious about belonging to too many activities where conflicts are bound to happen. It also means notifying the faculty sponsors involved immediately when a conflict does arise.

When conflicts do arise the sponsors will get together and work out a solution so the student does not feel in the middle. If a solution cannot be found, then the principal will have to make the decision based on the following:

1. The relative importance of each event.
2. The importance of each event to the student.
3. The relative contribution the student can make.
4. How long each event has been scheduled.
5. Talk with parents.

Once the decision has been made and the student has followed that decision, He/she will not be penalized in any way by the faculty sponsor. If it becomes obvious that a student cannot fulfill the obligation of a school activity, they should withdraw from that activity.

A student establishes residency when the parent or legal guardian of the student resides within the school district attendance boundaries and the student lives in the household. A change in custody must be approved by the Commissioner of the O.H.S.A.A. to remain eligible. Residence with relatives, guardians, or others outside the school district renders the student ineligible.

Transfer from another school (public or private) without a change in residence of the parents shall make the student ineligible for one year. A transferring student may be ruled eligible by the Commissioner of the O.H.S.A.A. if legally released by formal action of the Board of Education of the former school.

Any award for participation in interscholastic athletes which may be accepted by the student from any source shall consist of those items which do not exceed $25.00 dollars in value.

It is the firm belief of the Willard athletic department that awards earned should be worn with dignity and class. Athletes are to display their awards in such a manner and are expected to behave in an appropriate manner when wearing them; the athlete represents the team and the school when wearing the award. Actions that detract from a positive image will not be accepted. This will result in denial of awards for any future participation.

The requirements for an athlete to receive any awards are:

1. The athlete must be in good standing at the end of the season and be present at the awards ceremony. Note: Failure to attend the Awards Night Program without an excused absence will result in forfeiture of ALL awards for that season.

2. Return all issued equipment in clean and proper condition as stated by the coach. Lost or damaged uniforms/equipment may be charged up to full replacement cost of each item.

3. Play in half the innings, quarters, matches, or halves of all varsity contests.

4. At the descretion of the coach.

5. A senior athlete.

A student may receive only one varsity 6" Block "w" letter for all the sports in which a letter is earned. They shall also receive a metal insert for the sport in which a letter is earned and a foil certificate. The second year varsity award is a small plaque in addition to a metal insert and foil certificate. The third year varsity award is a large plaque, metal insert and foil certificate. The fourth year varsity award is a wall trophy, metal insert and foil certificate.

Reserve awards shall consist of one 4" block "W" and a certificate.

Freshman awards shall consist of one 3" set of numerals indicating the athlete's prospective year of graduation and certificate.

All members of a varsity team that wins a Northern Ohio League Championship will receive a 4" chenille emblem of that sport which will indicate the championship. In addition, the Athletic Booster Club will honor the team with a steak dinner and present each member with a championship picture plaque.

Willard High School sponsors Varsity, Reserve, and Freshman cheerleading teams for fall and winter sports. Each team consists of students selected by the judges at the spring "tryout" on the basis of personality, appearance, voice, physical and gymnastic ability to perform cheerleading routines.

Cheerleaders are considered the same as an athlete and therefore, are required to adhere to all rules and regulations of the athletic department.

The cheerleader awards will parallel the regular athletic awards system and will be made only upon the recommendation of the coach.

These awards were established by Harlow Stapf and Verna Williams with the idea of encouraging athletes to excel in athletics and in helping build better citizens, and to give recognition for outstanding achievement.

The basis of selection is as follows:
1. The individual must be a senior.
2. The individual must have earned at least two (2) athletic letters in a varsity sport.
3. The individual must have a grade point average at the close of the 7th semester of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
4. The individual must have exemplified the highest type of citizenship and sportsmanship.
5. The individual must possess a spirit of loyalty to his school and teammates.
6. The individual must be an outstanding athlete in a particular sport.