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2014-2015 ATHLETIC HANDBOOK
Fr. Richard Polek, Pastor
Adam Cormier, Principal
Cynthia Ahearn, Elementary School Dean
John Barbale, Athletic Director
Jane Hill, Administrative Assistant
Information:
 Athletic Department- 508-753-1170 (main office)
 Website – www.stmarysworcster.org
Welcome!
Participation on an athletic team can be a rewarding and meaningful educational
experience that enhances a child’s secondary education. It is important that students
realize the time demands, responsibility, dedication and sacrifices required when
making this kind of commitment. The following information defines the interscholastic
policies and procedures for all students participating in our High School athletic
programs. The Athletic Department hopes this document provides parents and
students with a better understanding of our philosophy, goals and policies. Please refer
to the following information when a question about your child’s athletic experience
arises.
Philosophy of Athletics at SMHS:
At Saint Mary’s High School, we consider athletics an integral part of the educational
experience. Athletics provides opportunities that will help students develop physically,
mentally, and emotionally. We view the competition of athletics as a healthy
educational and physiological activity because it challenges each student to excel, to
discover his or her physical limits, and to work cooperatively with team members. While
winning is a natural goal in the pursuit of excellence, the principles of good
sportsmanship and enjoyment of competition take precedence at all times and
enhance the educational value of contests.
Governing Bodies:
Saint Mary’s High School is a member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic
Association (MIAA), whose purpose is to organize, regulate and promote interscholastic
athletics for secondary schools in Massachusetts. As an MIAA school, SMHS abides by the
minimum standards set forth by this organization. Please note that these are minimal
standards and members schools may enforce stricter standards, which Saint Mary’s High
School does in many instances. Locally, SMHS belongs to the Worcester County Athletic
Conference (WCAC), which is comprised of eight area schools. Those schools are Abby
Kelley Foster Regional Charter School, Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter
School. Bethany Christian Academy, North Brookfield Jr./Sr. HS, North Central Charter
Essent. School, South Lancaster Academy, Trivium School, and University Park Coop.
We also compete against teams from other leagues, and these are referred to as “nonleague” opponents.
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SMHS Athletic Team Information:
I) Standards for Participation
In order to participate in organized athletics, all student-athletes must have
the following:
 An Athletic Parental Consent Form signed by parents/guardian
 A Physical examination completed within thirteen months/395 days
of seasonal participation dates signed by the examining physician
II) Program Goals
Though the unique nature of each sport dictates its specific objectives, all
teams will attempt to
 Emphasize the development of basic skills, appropriate attitudes,
values and team concepts.
 Allow as many students as possible to participate and share the
experience and benefits derived from team membership.
 Compete competitively with Worcester County Athletic Conference and
non-league opponents.
Participation at the Varsity level is generally limited to the most highly skilled
players and those with the ability to interact constructively with other players
for team success. The coaching staff will determine the level of play for
each student-athlete (Varsity, Junior Varsity and Junior High) based on what
would be most beneficial to the development and progress of each player
and team. It should be understood that playing time could be limited.
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III) Athletic Offerings
Fall Sports
The fall season begins sometime after August 18th and ends in late October.
Varsity teams that qualify for the postseason tournament may participate
into the month of November. Informational meetings will be held in June.
The following sports compete in the Fall:
 Boys/Co-ed Soccer (Varsity)
 Girls Volleyball (Varsity, JV)
Winter Sports
The winter season begins December 1st and ends in late February. Varsity
teams that qualify for the post-season tournament may be participating into
March. Informational meetings will be held in November.
 Boys Basketball (Varsity, JV)
 Girls Basketball (Varsity, JV)
Spring Sports
The spring season begins March 18th and ends in late May. Varsity teams
that qualify for the post-season tournament may be participating into June.
Informational meetings will be held in February.
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Boys Baseball (Varsity, JV)
Boys Outdoor Track (Varsity)
Girls Outdoor Track (Varsity)
Girls Softball (Varsity, JV)
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IV) Team Tryouts / Selection
During the tryout period, each coach will provide an explanation of his/her
expectations. It is the duty of the student to demonstrate to the coach that
they can fulfill these expectations. If a student is not selected for a team,
he/she may contact the coach personally for an explanation. Students who
are not selected are encouraged to explore other SMHS athletic
opportunities on teams that have not finalized their rosters. Please note
MIAA Rule 35 which states that a student athlete participating in any sport
must have at least 10 days of practice before competing in an official game.
The coaching staff of each sport has the sole responsibility for selecting
members of the team, determining the level of play, and apportioning the
amount of playing time for each student athlete.
V) Game/Practice Sessions
Practices are held daily for approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours, or as appropriate
to the activity. Some practices and games may be held on weekends. Any
team member who must be late or miss practice, games, or meetings must
confer with his/her coach. Practice and game schedules, particularly in the
case of winter and spring sports, include school vacation weeks. Students
and families should take this into consideration when deciding to try-out for
our teams.
VI) Commitment
Each member of an athletic team MUST:
 Commit to being present at all team activities, including try-outs,
practices, meetings and contest with other schools.
 Dedicate himself/herself to becoming an excellent team member and
school citizen.
 Strive to continually improve as an athlete.
 Demonstrate pride in team performance and in himself/herself as
members of a team.
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VII) Absence Policy
Unexcused absences from practices may jeopardize retaining a position on
the team, an opportunity to earn a varsity letter, and/or playing time at the
coaches’ discretion.
Excused absences from practices may impact position on the team and
playing time, not as a punitive measure, but for the safety of that individual,
fairness to the rest of the team, and strategic reasons.
VIII) Playing Time
Perhaps the most emotional part of a student athlete’s being involved in
high school athletics centers around playing time. The student athlete
becomes involved in interscholastic athletics for the first time and
attendance, attitude, commitment, and, of course, athletic skill enters into
the decision of playing time.
There are many decisions made on a regular basis by the Saint Mary’s
Jr/Sr. High School coaching staff. It is his/her responsibility to decide which
athletes should start a contest, who should play what position, and how long
each athlete should play. These coaching decisions, often difficult to make,
are made only by the coaching staff and are approached very seriously after
having observed the athlete in practice sessions, game-like situations,
scrimmages, and games.
IX) Vacation Policy Governing Athletes:
Winter Vacation
No games will be scheduled on December 24, 25 or 26. No practices will
be scheduled on December 24 or 25. Practices will be held on the 26 th only
if a game is scheduled for December 27, in which case every effort will be
made to schedule practice after 4:00 PM.
February Vacation
Typically Varsity teams who have qualified for the district or state
tournament practice and play during this week.
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April Vacation
While practices will be optional for coaches to call on Friday afternoon
through Monday, practices will only be required from Tuesday on during
April Vacation.
End of Summer Vacation
Athletes are expected to be at the first day of practice on August 25rd. If an
athlete is not at practice/try-outs, he or she may jeopardize his or her
chances of making the team
When athletes miss practice during vacation weeks, coaches will determine
the consequences on:
 Principles of fairness to players who attended all scheduled practices
 The importance of conditioning
 Professional discretion
X) Athlete-Coach Relationship:
Participation in athletics should be an enjoyable experience for all parties
involved be they student, coach, or parent. There is no doubt that participation
tends to be emotionally charged and dealing constructively with these emotions
can be an excellent learning experience. In most cases, athletic competition is
extremely positive and complements the educational experience enjoyed by
students at SMHS. Occasionally, conflicts between coaches and students
arise. These conflicts must be addressed and resolved immediately so that the
many benefits of athletic involvement may continue to contribute to the
emotional and physical growth of SMHS student-athletes.
If at any time a student-athlete or parent desires to lodge a complaint or
discuss an alleged conflict, the following protocol should be observed:
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Contact the Varsity head coach of the program.
If the conflict is not suitably resolved, contact the Athletic Director.
If the conflict is not suitably resolved, contact the High School
Principal.
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XI) Sportsmanship Policy:
SMHS expects all parties present at a contest to display the highest
possible level of sportsmanship. Players, coaches, and spectators should
treat opponents, game officials and visiting spectators with respect at all
times. SMHS reserves the right to warn, censure, place on probation or
suspend (for up to one calendar year) any player, team, coach, or school
official determined to be acting in a manner contrary to the standards of
good sportsmanship. Spectators who do not adhere to standards of good
sportsmanship may be asked to leave the contest and/or be prohibited from
future contests. If you are not sure what details good sportsmanship, please
follow this simple rule: Cheer for your own team, but do not belittle opposing
teams and officials.
Three important MIAA Rules pertaining to student-athletes should be noted.
1. A player “thrown out” of a game shall, at a minimum, miss the next game.
2. A player ‘thrown out” of two games during the same season is disqualified
for one full calendar year.
3. Striking or assaulting an official will result in permanent.
XII) Team Captains
Captains are elected by team members and/or appointed by coaches. Prior
to the selection, coaches will inform the team members of the selection
criteria and obligations of the position. The position of team captain or
officer is one of honor, leadership, and responsibility. As a result, students
serving in that capacity are expected to conduct themselves in an
exemplary manner both in and outside of school. Any student who is
involved in a violation of SMHS rules (this includes the MIAA Chemical
Health Rule) and regulations resulting in a suspension from school, or any
student who is found to be involved with drugs, alcohol, weapons, or crimes
outside of school will lose the ability to serve as captain or to be appointed
or elected to the position of captain of any school sponsored team for the
period of one calendar year. Any sitting captain of a SMHS team will have
that position rescinded and will be ineligible to serve permanently.
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XIII) Role of Parents
“A partnership among parents, coaches, and players provides the
foundation for a successful team experience.”
Attend pre-season coaches/parent meetings (if applicable) and provide the
coaches with a means to communicate (e-mail address) to learn more about
the expectations of the program. If there are concerns please empower
your son/daughter to take the initiative to speak with the coach.
When on the sidelines, resist the temptation to “coach”, recognizing that you
may confuse or contradict the coaches instruction. Please do not publicly
criticize the coach or teammates. It is crucial to the team’s success that our
players develop respect for their coach.
Support your son/daughter in doing their best at whatever level they
participate.”
XIII) Athletic Code of Conduct:
Daily Attendance:
Any student-athlete absent from school the day of scheduled game or
practice session will not be allowed to participate in that game or practice.
A student must be in school by 9:00 a.m. in order to participate. Students
who display a pattern of excessive or inappropriate dismissals/detentions,
regardless of length, will similarly be withheld from practice and/or games.
Students who cut class will also be ruled ineligible for participation.
Students in “Good Standing”:
All athletes must be a student in “good standing” in order to participate in
athletics. “Good standing” is defined but not limited to:
 Adherence to school rules that regulate behavior and attendance
 Respectful behavior towards all members of the school community
A student is considered not to be in good standing during the season of
play/activity if he/she has a suspension, office or teacher detentions, and/or
class cuts. A student found not to be in good standing may be denied the
privilege of participating in an interscholastic sport or extracurricular activity.
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Academic Duty:
Students will plan their time so that they will devote sufficient energy to their
studies to ensure grades representing their true abilities.
Taunting:
Taunting, either as an active team member or as a spectator, at a sporting
event is forbidden and may lead to suspension or elimination from the team.
Honesty and Integrity:
Honesty is expected at all times. Stealing and lying will not be tolerated and,
subject to due process, will result in immediate dismissal from the team. Any
individual who is found in possession of another individual’s personal
property will forfeit their privilege to participate on any SMHS Athletic team
for at least one full year. Participation on a SMHS athletic team after the
one-year suspension will be contingent upon the outcome of a hearing
comprised of WHS Administration and the Athletic Director.
Representation:
Student Athletes are considered representatives of the school at all
practices and contests and events. Students will conduct themselves
properly when traveling as they represent the community, school and team.
Profanity will be discouraged.
Respecting the Spirit of the Game:
Students will realize that officials do not lose a game, but are there for the
purpose of insuring the game they are playing is a fair and safe contest for
all participants. The officials will be shown courteous respect at all times.
Student-athletes will also not employ illegal tactics to gain an advantage.
Healthy Habits:
Students will appreciate the importance of proper rest, diet, and exercise;
will practice healthful habits of cleanliness and personal hygiene.
Respect for the Coaching Staff:
Students will understand that their coaches have their best interests in mind
as they plan and guide the athletic team. They will obey the specific rules of
the coach.
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Respect for school buildings and grounds:
Students will understand that damage to the school building, grounds, or
school equipment will result in immediate suspension from the team. The
length of such suspension will depend on the severity of the damage as
determined by the Athletic Director and Coach. Please note, cleats are not
to be worn in the building at any time.
XV) Transportation Policy:
Transportation Fees will be a fee that all Student-Athletes are required to
pay at the start of each season. This fee will help to cover the demanding
transportation costs that St. Mary’s Schools incur with every away sporting
event. For more information on transportation fees, please refer to the
transportation fee form on the St. Mary’s School websites.
When SMHS provides transportation to and from athletic events, studentathletes are to ride that transportation. The members of the athletic staff feel
it is in the best interest of team unity that everyone travel together and share
the game experience. As the “guardian” during these trips, the athletic staff
must be able to account for the whereabouts of all student-athletes and
insure their safety. It is expected that our student-athletes will conduct
themselves appropriately while on bus transportation. Any misconduct will
result in a penalty including and up to dismissal if warranted. Studentathletes will be responsible for any damages to bus property and
subsequent costs to repair or replace.
In the event that there are extenuating personal circumstances or JV/Varsity
games are scheduled back to back and a parent wishes to take
responsibility for the transportation of his/her son or daughter, it is required,
barring unforeseen circumstances, that the parent/guardian provide written
notice to the coach requesting the exception 24 hours in advance. A
parent/guardian must also present himself/herself to a member of the
coaching staff informing the coach that his/her child is leaving with him/her.
Student-athletes may then ride with their parent/guardian. Student-athletes
may not ride with other student-athletes or anyone else other than their
parent/guardian.
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Stopping to Eat Policy
1. A team will be allowed to stop at the discretion of the coach.
2. Teams may only stop at a fast food restaurant.
3. The coach or coaches must accompany the team into the facility and
remain with them.
XVI) School Athletic Equipment Policy:
Students are responsible for and expected to maintain proper care of all
equipment issued to them. Students are responsible for payment of any
lost, stolen or damaged items. Each item not returned will be assessed at a
rate comparable to the current replacement cost. All equipment is to be
returned at the completion of the season. Grades will be withheld for those
who do not return or pay for lost/damaged equipment. Additionally those
student athletes will not be allowed to participate in another sport. Studentathletes are not to wear uniforms, either practice or game, at any time other
than those allowed by specified team regulations.
XVII) Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Rules
(M.I.A.A.):
All student-athletes should be aware that interscholastic athletics are
governed by a state association (M.I.A.A.), which publishes annual rules
and regulations governing interscholastic athletics. Copies of the M.I.A.A.
Blue Book are also available online at www.miaa.net.
1. A student shall be under the age of nineteen (19) years on September 1st
of the current school year.
2. A student is eligible only for four consecutive years upon entering ninth
grade.
3. Outside Competition (Bona Fide Team Members)
A bona fide member of the school is a student who is consistently present
for, and actively participates in, all high school team practices and
competitions. Bona fide members of a school team are precluded from
missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a
non-school athletic activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA.
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4. Any member of a squad in any sport who is ruled out of a game shall not
participate in the next scheduled game(s). A two-game suspension will
be assessed to any student athlete who is ejected from a contest for any
of the following reasons: fighting, punching, or kicking an opposing
player, spitting at someone.
5. Any player who physically assaults an official shall be expelled from the
game immediately and banned from further participation in all sports.
6. A student who transfers from any school to a MIAA Member High School
is ineligible to participate in any interscholastic contest at any level for a
period of one year in all sports in which that student participated at the
varsity level during the one year period immediately preceding his/her
transfer unless the transfer is necessitated by a change of residence of
his/her parents to the area served by the school to which he/she
transfers.
7. Any students with 2 grades in any marking period below 65% will be
prohibited from extracurricular activities.
8. The rules apply to all teams: varsity, junior varsity and junior high.
For additional information please refer to the SMHS Parent/Student
Handbook.
XVIII) Hazing
Any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization or team
which endangers the physical or mental health of a student is against the
law in Massachusetts and punishable by fine and/or imprisonment (Chapter
269, Section l7 of the General Laws). This behavior includes whipping,
beating, forced exercise, exposure to the weather, and forced consumption
of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance. Other forms include
any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to affect
adversely the physical health or safety of any such student or to subject him
or her to extreme mental stress, including sleep deprivation or isolation.
Anyone who is aware of hazing and/or is at the scene where hazing takes
place is required to report the crime to an appropriate law enforcement
official as soon as reasonably practical. Failure to report such a crime is
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punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars. (Chapter 269,
Section 18 of the Massachusetts General Laws.)
XIX) Drug and Alcohol Policy
Saint Mary’s Jr/Sr. High School maintains that the possession and/or use of
illicit drugs and unlawful possession and/or use of alcohol and tobacco by
minors is wrong and can be physically and/or emotionally harmful to
students. Therefore, SMHS has strict rules against being knowingly in the
unlawful presence of and/or possession, sale, transfer and/or use of these
substances, whether or not they are on school property, and whether or not
they are at a school function.
Saint Mary’s Jr/Sr. High School, as a
member of MIAA, meets or exceeds their standards for code of conduct and
discipline.
1. The Education Reform Bill, effective June 18, 1993, Section 37H1/2 of
Section 35, states that any student in grades 9-12 who is found on
school premises or at a school-sponsored or school-related events,
including athletic games, in possession of a controlled substance
including, but not limited to, marijuana, steroids, cocaine and heroin, may
be subject to expulsion from the school in accordance with procedures
established by state and/or federal laws.
2. At any location, from the first allowable day of Fall practice, through the
end of the academic year or final athletic competition of the year,
whichever is later, a student will not, regardless of the quantity, use or
consume, possess, buy/sell or give away any marijuana, any other
controlled substance, steroids or any beverage containing alcohol. A
drug specifically prescribed for the student's own use by his/her doctor
must be kept and administered by the school nurse (see School
Committee policy JFCI).
3. Students should be aware that if they are part of a group that is engaged
in activities contrary to school rules, they may come under suspicion and
be subject to investigation if that is deemed appropriate by the
Administration. It is wise, therefore, either to prevent the wrongdoing, or
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failing that, to remove one’s self from the group as soon as possible
without putting one’s self at risk.
XX) Criteria for Athletic Honors and Awards
To be considered for a team award presented by the coach, a student must:
 Display upright conduct and a spirit of fair play at all times.
 Exhibit respect for school personnel, coaches, game officials, and
opponents.
 Not violate the MIAA Drug and Alcohol Policy
 Return all equipment at the completion of the season
 Meet criteria established by the coach.
 Finish the season as a member in good standing on his/her team,
which includes being academically eligible.
ALL-STAR selection are awarded to SMHS students from time to time by
the Worcester County Athletic Conference (WCAC) and other organizations
outside of the school. It must be understood that while coaches may
nominate students for some of these awards, they have no control over the
final selection.
VARSITY LETTER: Receiving a varsity letter for programs that are
composed of a Varsity and a JV teams or programs that have a Varsity, JV,
and Junior High teams is an honor reserved for those student athletes who
have demonstrated excellence in performance and the commitment and
sacrifice appropriate for membership on a varsity team. Students who are
on the varsity team for eighty percent of the season and complete the
season shall receive a varsity letter, as long as they have excellent
attendance, and work ethic.
SUB-VARSITY CERTIFICATE: Athletes who do not receive a varsity letter,
but have excellent attendance and work ethic, will be awarded a Sub-Varsity
Certificate to acknowledge their contribution.
MANAGER LETTER: As an integral, non-playing member of a team,
managers may also be recognized for the valuable role they play. In order to
be considered, managers must:
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 Adhere to all general rules and regulations of athletes.
 Fulfill all the duties as outlined by the coach.
 Adhere to all rules and regulations that bind student athletes.
Final Message:
We urge you to support SMHS Athletics’ by:
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Attending sporting events.
Lending positive support to our teams and coaches.
Encouraging all players without regard to their role on the team.
Helping other spectators and parents to maintain an appropriate
sportsmanlike attitude.
 Showing respect for the authority of the game officials.
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ATHLETIC PARENTAL CONSENT FORM
Student Name:_____________________________Grade:___________
The following two (2) items must be on file with the high school office

An Athletic Parental Consent Form signed by parents/guardian
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A Physical Examination completed signed by the examining physician
Please circle the sport(s) of which you intend to try out for:
Boys Sports Offered
Girls Sports Offered:
Fall:
Winter:
Spring:
Fall:
Winter:
Spring:
Soccer
Basketball
Baseball
Soccer
Basketball
Softball
Track & Field
Volleyball
Track & Field
Parent Section:
Having read the statement below, I hereby give permission for my child, _______________________
to actively participate in sports from August 2014 through June 2015.
_____________________________
Parent Signature
Purpose of Consent Form:
The purpose of this form is to secure the consent of the parent/guardian for the participation of a
student in out Athletic program, with the understanding that the school will provide the following
safeguards for the physical protection of the student while taking part in school athletics, namely:
*Supervision by coaches during practices and games
*The parent/guardian agrees to absolve the school authorities from liability in case of injury.
Please complete Parent Consent and Physical Forms and send back to the main office:
St. Mary’s Jr/Sr High School
50 Richland Street
Worcester, MA 01610
Fax: 508.795.0560
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