High School Athletics Handbook

 

Inspiring hearts and minds to do amazing things for the world through faith, character, academic excellence, and service.

 

 

A Nardin Academy Graduate:

 

 

Every person has dignity and worth because he or she is made in the image of God. A religious foundation is the basis of moral and spiritual development. It is essential to educate the whole person: spiritually, intellectually, morally, physically. Learning is a lifelong activity, and a love for learning requires encouragement and nurturing. A challenging curriculum, promoting diversity in thought, educating students from multiple perspectives, and qualifying them to think in a global context will push students to achieve their full potential. Success can be achieved when each student is recognized as an individual and is allowed to learn in his or her own way.

Understanding, respect, and appreciation of cultural, economic, racial, religious, and personal diversity is essential to developing compassion and building world peace. Inclusivity is necessary to foster this diversity. Any student, regardless of any of the factors listed previously, should be enabled to see their identity not only recognized, but celebrated.  A student’s education is incomplete without learning to respect others regardless of their background or appearance. At Nardin Academy, we are committed to providing a safe and socially just environment in which to learn, collaborate and lead.

 

 

 

 

Inspiring student-athletes to develop and maximize their individual talents, be a positive part of a larger community and cultivate their character and courage to do amazing things for the world.

 

 

The athletics program is student-centered with a focus on developing well-rounded student-athletes and providing them opportunities to excel outside of the classroom, giving them life-long skills and tools for success.

 

 

Develop and graduate student-athletes who internalize their Nardin Academy athletics participation, perceiving it as a positive, educational, fun and meaningful experience; who are well-prepared to succeed in their high school and college careers and beyond.

 

 

 

Due to the number of students interested in playing sports, tryouts are held for all levels of play. They will be held over multiple days to give the athlete ample time to display her skills and for the coaches to evaluate each athlete. Thus, all students must attend tryouts on the designated days to be considered for the team. In accordance with school and league rules, each sport has a designated roster-size. At the end of tryouts, coaches evaluate each athlete’s performance and decide the appropriate placement, if any, for her skill level. The coach then speaks individually with each athlete.

 

Athletes transitioning from one sport season to the next (i.e. fall to winter or winter to spring) may opt to take a three-day rest-and-recovery period. Tryouts will be extended to the athletes that choose this option. Tryouts will also be extended to athletes that qualify for postseason play in the prior season sport.  Athletes involved in play for a prior season sport may not be expected, or permitted to try out while still competing in the prior season sport.

 

 

This level of competition is for those athletes who are preparing to play on the Varsity level. Practices are held five or six days per week. All practices are mandatory. This is a competitive level of play and student-athlete responsibilities must be met.  Although the goal of the coaches is to give each athlete playing time during each contest, it is not guaranteed. Playing time is awarded at the coach’s discretion. The emphasis at this level is skill development, team strategy, and teamwork.

 

 

This level of competition is for those athletes who perform at the highest level. Practices are held five or six days per week. All practices are mandatory. Because it is a competitive level, playing time is awarded to those athletes who perform at the highest level on their team and meet student-athlete responsibilities. Playing time is not guaranteed to everyone on the team; it is awarded at the coach’s discretion. At this level, the primary objective is to win through fair play and teamwork while improving individual skills and honing team strategy.

 

 

 

Nardin conforms to all Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association (MMHSAA) rules.

 

Athletes may participate in ONLY one sport per season

Junior Varsity and Varsity level student-athletes are not permitted to participate in Ski Club, driver’s education, or school plays/musicals due to conflicting schedules. Athletes must fully commit to their sports team.

 

Prior to tryouts, for the athlete to participate in any sport:

FamilyID is a secure registration platform that provides you with an easy, user-friendly way to register for our programs, and helps us to be more administratively efficient and environmentally responsible. When you register through FamilyID, the system keeps track of your information in your FamilyID profile. You enter your information only once for each family member and that information can then be used for multiple programs throughout the year.

 

Athletes are to represent Nardin in a positive fashion by arriving at contests in proper school attire or full warm-up attire and displaying sportsmanship on and off of the playing field.

 

 

To be eligible to participate in any sport an athlete must maintain a 75% average. If an athlete’s average falls below 75%, the guidance counselor, principal and athletic director will review the athlete’s status and determine a course of action.

 

Physical exams expire, one year after original exam date. There will be a 15 day grace period for a student to get a new physical exam. It is advisable for athletes to make an appointment with their physician as close to this date as possible, to ensure no lapse in participation occurs. An athlete will not be allowed to participate in practices or contests if their physical exam is expired.

 

Misconduct or violation of the school rules may result in removal from the team.

 

Absence from school on the day of a contest automatically disqualifies the athlete from participating in that day’s contest. Arrival at school after 9:00 am, except for a physician-verified medical appointment, disqualifies an athlete from participating on that day in practice or a contest. The athlete is still expected to attend the practice/contest even though she cannot participate, unless her coach states otherwise.

 

 

Athletes must attend all practices and contests for a team to achieve success. If an athlete is injured, she is expected to attend practices and contests, unless her physician or coach states otherwise. Athletes are to be prompt, warmed-up, and ready to go at the designated start-time.

 

If an athlete misses a specified number of practices or games for legitimate reasons, the coach has the discretion not to play the athlete in an upcoming contest. If the problem escalates further, the athlete may be removed from the team for the remainder of the season.

 

If an athlete misses a practice or contest, depending on the athlete’s attendance record and the nature of the sport, the coach has the ability to use playing time as discipline measure. If an athlete accumulates two unexcused or illegitimate absences, at the discretion of the athletic director and coach, a suspension could occur.

 

Athletes will be excused for extenuating circumstances beyond their control, such as personal illness or injury, death in the immediate family, sibling’s wedding, etc. However, a work conflict, attending birthday parties, doctor’s appointment (every attempt should be made to schedule around athletics), family vacations/trips, musical/play, tutoring, ski club, and drivers ed etc. are not valid reasons to miss practice/contest and will be considered unexcused.

Detention will not be rescheduled to allow an athlete to attend practice/contest. Detention is considered an unexcused absence.

An athlete who does not participate or has been excused from physical education class for medical reasons may not practice or compete that day. However, an athlete is still expected to attend the practice or contest and be with the team, unless her physician or coach states otherwise.

If an athlete leaves school due to illness, she will not be allowed to participate in practice or competition of any nature on that day.

Athletes, or any student associated with a team, may be dismissed for improper conduct, the use of offensive language, abuse of equipment or school property, or excessive absences.

 

 

Students participating on a Nardin Academy sponsored sport team will have the option to opt out of physical education classes during the season in which the sport is officially recognized and sponsored (please see list below).

 

Students will have physical education included in their academic schedule. Students can only opt-out of physical education once they have been placed on the team’s final roster, as submitted to the director of athletics. Students must attend physical education class during any try-out period.

 

To earn physical education credit for athletic participation, student-athletes and parents must be committed to attending ALL practices, games, and required team activities. Both the student and parent must complete and sign the “Request to Earn Physical Education Credit for Athletic Participation” form.

 

If an athlete’s status on the team changes before the end of the season, the athlete must immediately return to her Physical Education class.

 

At the conclusion of the season (following the final practice or contest), the student must return immediately to her scheduled physical education class.

 

Nardin Sponsored Sports by Season

Fall	Winter	Spring
Crew	Basketball	Crew
Cross Country	Bowling	Lacrosse
Golf	Ice Hockey (MMHSAA)	Softball
Soccer	Squash	Tennis
Swimming	Indoor Track & Field	Outdoor Track & Field
Volleyball

 

 

Student-athletes will serve detention on the day assigned. Parents: please do not call school personnel to request a change so your child may participate in athletics.

 

 

Athletes are responsible for notifying their coach and the athletic trainer if an injury requires medical attention.

 

In the event that an athlete has a suspected or questionable injury, the athletic director or school nurse may request medical clearance in order to continue to practice or play in a contest.

 

After missing five or more days of practice for any medical reason, an athlete must submit a physician's written permission to return to active participation (practice) to the athletic director. The athletic director will notify the business office, health office, principal and assistant athletic director.

 

Athletes returning from an injury must be 100% cleared by their doctor (in writing) before participating in practices again. “Return as tolerated” is not considered 100% cleared.

 

A cleared athlete returning to practice that missed less than 15 consecutive calendar days will be reviewed by the coach and trainer or school nurse as to when she is ready to return to game play. If the minimum number of NYS practice days has not been achieved, those practices must be completed prior to game play.

 

If an athlete misses 15 or more consecutive calendar days of participation (for medical or any other reason) and has not completed the minimum number of NYS practice days prior to her absence, those practices must be completed. Those NYS practices, including the number of return to “game play” practices, must be completed before an athlete can participate in a contest.

 

As stated above, if an athlete misses 15 consecutive calendar days and has completed the minimum number of NYS practices, she must complete the following minimum number of practices before participating in a contest:

Basketball	3
Bowling	1
Crew	3
Cross-Country	3
Golf	1
Lacrosse	3
Soccer	3
Softball	2
Swim	4
Tennis	2
Track & Field	3
Volleyball	2

The above minimum numbers may be decreased to as low as one if the coach, athletic trainer, school nurse, and/or athletic director agree that there is overwhelming evidence an athlete is ready to return to game play.

 

All athletes returning after missing 15 or more consecutive calendar days must complete at least one practice prior to participating in a contest.

 

Practices, for the purpose of returning to game play, must be a minimum of 60 minutes long (90 minutes is preferable) and may be held with just the player in question and the coach.

 

 

Nardin Academy will provide transportation to athletic contests and off-site practices as designated by the Athletic Director or team. All transportation to athletic contests and practices is one-way. Students and parents are responsible for pick up from the site.

With parental consent, student-athletes may drive themselves or be driven by other students. Student-athletes and parents will be asked to submit a car pool consent form, indicating they are allowing their daughter to ride with another student. This form will be included as part of the online registration process.

 

It is expected that students will, at all times, conduct themselves appropriately during bus transportation, and comply with Nardin’s Parent/Student Handbook (“Student Handbook”).  Misconduct may result in disciplinary action consistent with the Student Handbook.  Students will be responsible for any damage to the bus. 

 

For practice and contests scheduled on weekends or when school is not in session or scheduled into the evening (after 5:30pm), no bus will be provided, and the student and parents are responsible to arrange safe and timely transportation. 

 

 

For non-emergency issues or concerns parents and athletes are expected to wait 24 hours to calm down and think things through, before contacting the coach. Do not confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution because emotions are too high.

 

The appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches are practice and game schedules, expectations for your athlete during practices and contests, ways to help your athlete improve, and college opportunities. Inappropriate issues to discuss with coaches are playing time, team strategy, play calling, roster selection, other athletes, and personal opinions about the coach. Coaches are professionals. They make decisions based on what is best for the team and all athletes involved.

 

After the 24-hour period, the athlete is first expected to meet with her coach to bring forth concerns. If the concern remains unresolved, the parents may then meet with the coach. If the concern is still not resolved, the next step is for the parent or athlete to contact the athletic director. If necessary, a conference will be held with all parties involved to achieve resolution.

 

 

All team apparel must be purchased through Adpro. Prior approval from the athletic director is necessary to purchase items from other companies.

 

Prior to the start of the season, an online store will be set up with items available for purchase. A link to the store will be emailed to all students signed-up for each sport. The store will be open for 10-14 days. All orders must be placed online. Once the store closes, no more orders can be accepted. All items will ship to the school and will be distributed to the team.

 

 

 Nardin Academy encourages all students to try out for sport teams. Participating on a sports team is a privilege—for that reason athletes have two major responsibilities:

 

If you arrive at school after 9:00 am, except for a physician-verified medical appointment, you are not permitted to participate in practice or a contest that day. However, you are still expected to attend the practice/contest and be with your team, unless your coach states otherwise.

 

If you do not participate in your physical education class on any given day, you may not participate in practice or contest on that same day. You are still required to attend the practice/contest and be with your team, unless your physician or coach states otherwise.

 

You are expected to attend all practices and contests unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from participating and/or attending.

 

To participate in interscholastic competition, you must be in full Nardin uniform. If you forget your uniform or any component of your uniform on the day of a contest, a replacement will not be given to you. This is part of the responsibility involved in being a student-athlete. Uniforms and equipment must be properly cared for and returned washed to your coach at the end of the season.

 

Athletes assume a financial obligation for all school equipment/apparel issued to them, including losses due to theft.  

All athletes will act in a manner that is befitting of a Nardin student. Sportsmanship is a priority in all of our sporting events, including use of social media platforms. Disregard for this could result in loss of playing time at the coach’s discretion and discipline in accordance with Student Handbook. Severe and/or multiple occurrences could result in dismissal from the team.

 

The official is the authority figure at all sports contests. You will refrain from criticizing officials. If there is a problem with the officiating or a specific call, the coach will address the official in the appropriate manner.

 

Before and during a contest, athletes are expected to be with their team and not visiting with family or friends. After a contest or practice, you may only leave after the coach has dismissed you.

 

You will not engage in disrespectful behavior including, but not restricted to: taunting, trash-talking, and other forms of intimidation. This applies to practice or competition and social media platforms.

 

The use of alcohol and/or drugs shows a complete lack of respect for the school and your team. If you consume alcohol or use drugs at any Nardin Academy function (or any other school’s activities), you will automatically be dismissed from the team.  If you consume alcohol or use drugs at any other time, you may be suspended or dismissed from the team.  The coach, in consultation with the Athletic Director and the Principal, shall determine the disciplinary action, including the length of suspension or whether dismissal from the team is warranted.

 

 

The coach is responsible for teaching our athletes sport-specific skills and mentally preparing them for competition, while maintaining a positive and caring attitude toward them. Coaches are in a position to develop moral excellence, build self-esteem, and teach life skills—such as hard work, discipline, commitment, sportsmanship, respect, honesty, and teamwork—through their respective sport.

 

Nardin Academy strongly believes that sportsmanship and fair play are main components to our athletics program. The moral development of our student-athletes is of the upmost importance. Coaches are also expected to teach fair play as the rules for the game have intended.

 

 

Our parents are an integral part of our athletics program. Supportive parents allow our coaches to coach, officials to officiate, and our athletes to learn and grow through the celebrations and challenges of a season. We expect our parents to act in a manner that encourages and supports the team atmosphere, not only individual performance. Parents are to be an exemplary role model for good sportsmanship and team play.

 

 

Administrators play a vital role in the organization and success of the athletics program. Administrators work closely with the coaches and athletes supporting and mentoring them in the pursuit of athletic excellence. Administrators must also ensure that winning is kept in perspective among all those involved; that sportsmanship and fair play are upheld; that the mission of the school and athletics program are honored; and that a sense of balance is maintained between academic and athletic pursuits.