Athletics Handbook

  • Welcome to Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School Athletics


    We believe the following information will help answer many of your questions regarding interscholastic athletics at Diman. This booklet contains information regarding policies, practices and regulations that govern the athletic program at Diman.

    Please keep this booklet and refer to it whenever you have a question regarding your child's athletic experience. If you feel that your questions or concerns are not answered in this booklet, contact the school's Athletic Director's office, 508-678-2891 ext.1980.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Nondiscrimination Policy

    The Greater Fall River Vocational School District/Diman Regional Vocational-Technical High School prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment. Furthermore, District/School policy includes prohibitions of harassment of students and employees, i.e., racial harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation for filing complaints of discrimination.

     

    Vision


    To provide learning experiences through athletics that will enable our students to be better prepared to meet and successfully handle future challenges and responsibilities.

     

    Philosophy


    The interscholastic Athletic Program is committed to the Mission Statement of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School which states:

    The mission of Diman RVTHS is to develop the unique potential of each learner by enabling students to acquire knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are needed to achieve personal, academic, vocational/technical, and civic goals.

    Objectives

    Due to the infinite number of individual differences in abilities and interest, the athletic program is comprehensive. All students who show an interest in the program will be encouraged to participate. The emphasis at each level is:

    Varsity - VERY COMPETITIVE/INSTRUCTIONAL
    Junior Varsity - COMPETITIVE/INSTRUCTIONAL
    Freshmen - INSTRUCTIONAL

    At the varsity level the coach will use sound judgment in deciding who should participate in game situations. At the junior varsity and freshman levels, the goal is to develop each athlete to his/her fullest potential and to provide opportunities for him/her to test his/her skills through interscholastic competition.

    In accordance with the philosophy, the athletic department's major objectives are:

    • To foster, through teamwork, a positive attitude toward life.
    • To encourage winning, but not winning at all cost.
    • To encourage respect for the rights and abilities of others.
    • To improve skills and confidence.
    • To encourage communication with the team and individual athletes.
    • To develop character, team spirit, sportsmanship and a sense of fair play.

    Our program is committed to both our male and female athletics in funding, scheduling, equipment and support. No athlete will be excluded or discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. Our program's direction and effort should be viewed as an investment in our students, dividends of which are to be shared by all.

     

    Governing Bodies


    The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Diman is a member in good standing of the MIAA. With membership, the Principal and Athletic Department agree to abide by all rules and regulations of the MIAA. One of the primary functions of the MIAA is to sponsor and conduct post season tournaments leading to the determination of geographical district and state champions. When varsity teams qualify for and enter such tournaments, we are subject to specific rules and regulations that govern each tournament, as set by the MIAA. The MIAA does not sponsor or sanction any sub varsity tournament competition.

    Mayflower League
    Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School is proud to be a member of the Mayflower Interscholastic League. The Mayflower League is governed by its constitution and the MIAA.

    Diman School Committee
    Additional policies, regulations, and rules are set by the Diman School Committee and the Principal. Under MIAA guidelines, local communities are allowed to set additional policies, rules and/or regulations as long as they are more restrictive than those stipulated by the MIAA.

     

    Commitment


    When trying out for a team and after being selected to be a member of a team, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School students are expected to attend all practices and games of that team. Practices will average two hours in duration. Weekend practice sessions vary by sport and should be expected. Teams frequently practice and compete during the school vacation periods. Interscholastic athletics demands much more commitment than a club or recreational activity. Students and parents should be aware of the time commitment prior to trying out for the team.

     

    School/Family Vacations, Extended Absences


    Every team member is expected to be present for all team practices and games. Because of scheduling parameters, many of our teams practice and/or play during scheduled vacations. Students who plan to be absent for an extended period of time due to vacation or a planned extended absence should discuss this situation with the coach prior to trying out for the team. The coach's discretion will be used in determining the consequences for such extended absences.

     

    MIAA Bona Fide Team Member Rule


    A Bona Fide team member is a student who is regularly present for, and actively participates in all team practices and competitions. Bona Fide members of a school team are precluded from missing a high school practice or competition in order to practice or participate with a non-school team. A coach does not have the right to excuse a team member from a practice or a game so he/she may play or practice for another team. The Principal of the school may request a waiver of this rule in special circumstances. Violation of this rule results in the expulsion of the athlete from the team, and the forfeiture of all team contests.

     

    MIIAA Loyalty to High School Team Rule


    Under the current MIAA guidelines, a student may practice or compete for his/her school team and a club team on the same day. Athletes must remain loyal to their high school team first and foremost, see Bona Fide team member rule.

    Tryouts


    Participation in athletics is a privilege; students try out voluntarily and on some of our teams, risk not making the team. During the tryout period the coach will provide an explanation of his/her expectations. It is the student's responsibility to demonstrate to the coach that he/she can meet these expectations. Students not making the team are encouraged to try out for another team if there is space on that team. Students who do not make the team will be informed as to the reasons for not making the team. After tryouts begin no athlete may voluntarily leave one team and try out for another without the consent of the Athletic Director.
    Fall Season Tryout date varies pending the start of school, Labor Day, and which sport you choose
    Winter Season Tryouts begin the Monday immediately following the Thanksgiving Break
    Spring Season Tryouts begin the third Monday in March

     

    School Attendance and Tardiness


    Diman students are reminded at the beginning of each year of several requirements for good school and team citizenship. They are as follows:

    Come to school every day
    Be on time for school and class
    Do your homework
    Attend all classes
    Seek academic assistance when necessary

    The abuse of any of these requirements could result in suspension or dismissal from an athletic team. Students are expected to attend all scheduled periods during the school day in order to practice or play. Students who are not present for the entire school day must be in school for four (4) full periods or be excused from school for a medical, legal or dental appointment as verified by a doctor's note or legal document. Under extenuating circumstances, athletes may receive permission from the Athletic Director or Principal to participate.

     

    Daily Team Attendance


    It is extremely important that a coach be notified if a student is not going to be present at a practice or a game. Practice is where plans for upcoming contests are devised and perfected. The coaches in our program expect their athletes to be present at all team related activities. Suspension or dismissal from a team may take place as a result of such absences.

    Students are excused from team activities for illness, injury, academic, family emergencies, or religious reasons. Prior notification is strongly recommended and expected.

    It is also expected that all student athletes will participate in their physical education classes. If a student athlete is unable to participate in physical education due to illness or injury, they are not eligible to participate in athletics on that given day or days.

     

    Medical Exams / Parental Permission Forms


    All students who plan to participate in athletics must have written proof of a current physical examination signed by a physician. In order for an examination to be considered current, it must be dated within 13 months of any athletic involvement. It is strongly recommended that an annual examination be scheduled between June and August for each school year. Such an exam would cover a student for the entire school year. Medical questionnaire forms are available in the Athletic Director's Office and Nurse's Office. Parental Permission Forms, which contain important emergency and insurance information, must also be completed and signed by the athlete and parents.

    Athletes will not be allowed to participate without the completion of the Medical Exam and Parental Permission Forms.

     

    Insurance


    All members on interscholastic teams must purchase school insurance or complete a waiver of insurance. All injuries must be reported to the trainer and nurse immediately. Insurance waiver forms may be obtained from the Athletic Director. Parents should call the Athletic Director at Diman (508-678-2891 X1980) with any questions regarding athletic injuries.

     

    Academic Eligibility


    Eligibility rules for students to participate in interscholastic sports have been established by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrator's Association (MSSAA). Any student failing shop or subjects totaling 7.5 credits is not eligible for participation in athletics. If an athlete is academically ineligible, the duration of ineligibility is based on report card to report card distribution.

     

    Summer School Credits


    Summer school grades and credits may count toward fall participation if they represent make up work and review courses.

     

    Time Allowed for Participation


    A student has four consecutive years of participation from the day he\she enters grade nine. This means twelve consecutive athletic seasons of eligibility. A fifth year student is ineligible to compete in his/her fifth year even if he/she has not played in one of the previous years. Any extenuating circumstance regarding participation should be brought to the attention of the Athletic Director.

     

    Age


    A student must be less than 19 years of age on September 1 of the current school year.

     

    Team Rules and Regulations


    At the start of each season a coach, with the approval of the Athletic Director, shall issue a set of team rules and regulations to his/her team.

     

    Care of Equipment


    Students have an obligation and responsibility for all equipment issued to them. Each student is responsible for the proper care and retention of the equipment from the date of issue to the date of return. Equipment should be stored in a locked locker at all times when not in use. Experience has shown that most losses are due to lockers left open, unlocked, or equipment left unattended.

    If a student loses school equipment or fails to return the same, he/she is responsible to meet the current replacement cost of the equipment. Payment is required prior to the next season of athletic involvement or graduation, whichever comes first. No student will be allowed to try out for another sport until all outstanding equipment has been returned or paid for.

    If an athlete leaves a team during the season due to injury, academic difficulties, discipline problems, or chooses not to participate any longer, it is his/her responsibility to return all school equipment immediately.

     

    Team Apparel


    The athletic department will provide the necessary equipment and uniforms for each team member. Mouth guards are highly recommended for all athletes, and are available from the athletic department free of charge. Some teams choose to purchase additional team apparel such as hats, T shirts, jackets, or warm ups in order to promote team spirit. All such orders, including slogans, must be approved in advance by the Principal or Athletic Director.

    Transportation


    Diman provides bus transportation to all "away" contests. All team members are expected to travel to their contests using the school provided transportation. Exceptions to this rule must be requested of the Athletic Director or Principal by the student athlete's parent/guardian prior to the contest. A coach may give permission for a student athlete to ride home from a game site with only his/her parents.

    Directions to Away Contests


    The Athletic Director's Office has directions to away games, which students may get prior to the contest.

    Athletic Shoes


    At no time should shoes with cleated soles be worn inside the building. Serious injury can occur from slipping on tiled surfaces, as well as possible damage to the facility.

    Weight Room


    The Diman weight room is available to all students whenever it is supervised by a staff member. Students will not be allowed to participate without the completion of the Medical Exam and Parental Permission Forms.

    Trainer and Training Room


    Diman has a licensed athletic trainer on site to evaluate and treat injuries as they occur. The trainer provides medical coverage for athletic contests and practices. On school days the trainer is available from 2:30 p.m. until his/her duties and responsibilities are completed. On the weekends, the trainer will be on site for home contests. In the event of an injury, the trainer will evaluate and recommend the direction of care. If a visit to a hospital or a physician is necessary, a written medical note by the M.D. releasing the student athlete from treatment or return to participation is mandatory. Athletes may come anytime after school for evaluation and treatment by the trainer.

    Locker Room and Facilities


    Student athletes are expected to respect the locker facilities, showers, and general areas of the athletic wing. We expect our student athletes to take pride in the facilities by disposing of trash in the proper receptacles and keeping the locker room clean and in good condition.

    Security of Personal Belongings


    Any personal belongings should be locked in a locker while the student athlete is trying out, practicing, or playing. All students must have a lock for their athletic lockers and never leave their locker unlocked or open while at practice, a game, or in the shower.

    Playing Time


    Perhaps the most emotional part of a student athlete's involvement in high school athletics centers around playing time. The student athlete becomes involved in interscholastic athletics for the first time and finds that practices and expectations are much more intense and demanding. Factors such as attendance, attitude, commitment, and athletic skill enter into the decision.

    At the junior varsity level the emphasis is instructional/competitive and at the varsity level the emphasis is very competitive/instructional.

    Varsity Teams


    At the varsity level we look for our teams to compete against opponents at the highest possible level. This is the highest level of interscholastic competition, and players, coaches, parents, and staff members want Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School's varsity teams to be successful on the field of play. As long as the score is being kept, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School should attempt to win as many games as possible. In order to accomplish this, there are many instances when the major burden of the contest will be carried by the most competitive, skilled team members. However, teams cannot and will not be successful without committed substitute players. These players have to be ready at all times to step forward and shoulder the burden when called upon. It is these athletes whose hard work in practice every day prepares the team for upcoming contest.

    The coach should do everything possible to give these athletes playing time that includes quality minutes. Success should never be measured in wins and losses, but in the performance of the athletes. If our athletes perform to the best of their abilities, they will always be successful no matter what the final score might be.

    Team Captains


    It is the coach's decision as to how team captains are selected or as to whether or not the team will have a captain, co-captains or tri-captains. They may be elected by the team, appointed by the coach, elected or appointed on a game by game basis. It is expected that team captains be leaders of their team and should be ready to assume duties as outlined by their coach. Captains are expected to communicate with the coach and team in the event of any problems that may affect the team or its members. Captains may be asked to meet with the Athletic Director during the school year to discuss the athletic program. Captains of teams may be relieved of their duties for violation of team or school rules.

    School Discipline Obligations


    Student athletes at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School are representing themselves, their family, team, school, and community at all times. Therefore, athletes will be held accountable for their actions on and off the field of play.

    A student athlete with a school disciplinary obligation must fulfill the disciplinary obligation before reporting to a practice and/or game. Student athletes cannot expect, and should not request, disciplinary action to be postponed or cancelled for any athletic reason. The athletic department reserves the right to remove a student athlete from a team for excessive disciplinary problems. The student athlete may be reinstated upon sufficient evidence of improvement.

    All coaches are to use their discretion, but should remain within the following guidelines in handling problems involving their athletes. There should be a cooperative effort between the coach, athletic director, and school administration if the situation deems it necessary. When disciplinary action must be taken, the priority will be to act in the best interest of the athlete(s) involved, while maintaining the integrity of the athletic program's philosophy and objectives. This discipline system will aid the coach in encouraging and enforcing positive athletic attitudes and performances.

    Offenses Calling For Suspension

    1. Failure to remain academically eligible
    2. Continued use of profanity
    3. Violation of chemical health rules
    4. Disrespect or disobedience
    5. Unexcused absence from a practice or a game
    6. Any action of a serious or flagrant nature
    7. Violation of school rules
    8. Conduct unbecoming an athlete representative of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School

    The suspension will be in writing by the coach to the athletic director, the athlete, and the parent/guardian. This notice will explain the reason for the suspension and its duration. The duration of the suspension will be at the discretion of the coach, upon approval of the athletic director. The Athletic Director will inform the Principal of all suspensions or dismissals from a team.

    Offenses Calling For Expulsion

    1. The accumulation of three (3) suspensions during one season of play
    2. Theft
    3. Missing a practice or a game to compete in a non school athletic event
    4. Malicious destruction of another's property
    5. Any action of a serious or flagrant nature, requiring more than a suspension
    6. Hazing
    7. MIAA mandated expulsion

    There will be an expulsion report in writing by the coach to the athletic director, the athlete, the parent/ guardian, and the principal. This will explain in detail the reason for the expulsion. No expulsion will occur until the parent/guardian of the athlete(s) has been informed. Any athlete expelled from or leaving the squad for any reason before the completion of the season will not be eligible for any individual or team awards.

    Right to Appeal Disciplinary Action

    1. The athlete has the right to appeal disciplinary action, whether it is suspension of expulsion.
    2. The athlete should first appeal to the coach, and try to resolve the problem at that level.
    3. If the coach or athlete cannot resolve the problem, the matter should be presented to the athletic director.
    4. Should the problem remain unsolved, the matter should be presented to the principal.
    5. If at this level the problem is still not resolved, the principal will notify the parent/guardian of the athlete.
    6. After notification by the principal, the parent/guardian may request a meeting with the principal, althletic director, and coach.
    7. If no solution to the problem has been found which is mutually satisfactory, the problem should be presented to the Superintendent Director.
    8. The decision of the Superintendent Director regarding the appeal of a disciplinary is final.
    9. The appeal process, to resolve player-coach grievance, if possible should be concluded within 24 hours of notification of suspension or expulsion to the athlete. It is important that due process be as expedient as possible.

     

    MIAA Chemical Health Rules


    From the earliest fall practice date, to the conclusion of the academic year or final athletic event (whichever is latest), a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product; marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance. The policy includes products such as "NA or near beer". It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug speciallly prescribed for a student's own use by his/her doctor.

    This MIAA statewide minimum standard is not intended to render "guilt by assosiation" , e.g. many student athletes might be present at a party where only a few violate this standard. This rule represents only a minimum standard upon which schools may develop more stringent requirements.

    If a student in violation of this rule is unable to participate in interscholastic sports due to injury or academics, the penalty will not take effect until that student is able to participate again.

    Minimum PENALTIES


    First violation: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occured, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests totaling 25% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program. It is recommended that the student be allowed to remain at practice for the purpose of rehabilitation. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fraction part of an event will be dropped when calculating the the 25% of the season.

    Second and subsequent violations: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occured, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests totaling 60% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 60% of the season.

    If after the second or subsequent violations the student of his/her own volition becomes a participant in an approved chemical dependency program or treatment program, the student may be certified for reinstatement in MIAA ativities after a minimumof 40% of events provided the student was fully engaged in the program throughout that penalty period. The high school principal in collaboration with a Chemical Dependency Program or Treatment Program must certify that student is attending or issue a certificate of completion. If student does not complete program, penalty reverts back to 60% of the season. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 40% of the season.

    College/Career Guidance


    One of the most important decisions facing high school student athletes is what to do with their lives after high school. The members of the Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School athletic staff are willing and eager to assist student athletes with this very important decision. Staff members fully understand the importance of this assistance. They may be able to answer questions, contact schools and/or coaches, send video tapes if available, and write letters of recommendation. They may also be able to guide students to a more knowledgeable resource that can help with decisions. If a student athlete's goal is to compete athletically at the collegiate level it is very important to be aware of the ever changing NCAA regulations.

    Our Athletic Department has and is a wealth of information on NCAA regulations. They also have copies of the NCAA Clearinghouse Registration Forms, which must be completed by all student athletes planning to participate at the college level.

    Sportsmanship


    Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School expects all parties at all contests to display the highest possible level of sportsmanship. Players, coaches, and spectators are to treat opponents, game officials, and visiting spectators with respect. They are guests at our school and are to be treated like guests.

    The MIAA reserves the right to "warn, ensure, place on probation, or suspend for up to one calendar year any player, team, coach, game or school officials, or school determined to be acting in a manner contrary to the standards of good sportsmanship." Diman, in turn, reserves the right to impose the same penalties on spectators displaying poor sportsmanship at any of our contests, both home and away.

    Hazing


    Massachusetts General Laws    Chapter 269

    C. 269, S.17, Crime of Hazing: Definition: Penalty
    Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of no more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction no more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment. The term "hazing" as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extend deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Not with standing any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action. Added by St. 1985, c.536; amended by St. 1987, c.665.

    C. 269, S.18. Duty to Report Hazing,
    Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime, shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of no more than one thousand dollars. Added by St. 1985, c.536; amended by St. 1987, c.665.

    C. 269. S.19. Hazing Statutes to Be Provided: Statement of Compliance and Discipline Policy Required
    Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution's compliance with this section's requirements that an, institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution's recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.

    Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team, or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of it members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

    Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen. Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the regents of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams, or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution's policies to its students. The board of regents and, in the case of secondary institution, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution, which fails to make such report. Added by St.1985, c.536; amended by St. 1987, c.665.

    Criteria for Earning a Letter/Certificate and Other Awards to Students Participating in Interscholastic Sports at Diman Regional

    1. Students must have played in 75% of all games and 50% of each game (Exception injury) in order to be eligible for a letter.
      1. Cross country members must receive 10 points
      2. Track members must receive 5 points for a varsity letter.
      3. In some sports a member may not play in every game yet deserves a letter (for example) pitcher in baseball/softball
    2. After a student qualifies for his/her first letter he/she will be given a letter and pin indicating what sport he/she lettered in, along with a gold bar indicating a year as a varsity letter winner. Only one letter will be issued in the four years at Diman.
    3. Each successive year that a student letters in a sport he/she will receive a gold bar indicating a varsity letter winner.
      1. Example A freshman who letters in a sport and plays throughout his/her four years at Diman and letters every year will have a letter, a pin of the sport and 4 gold bars. He/she could possibly have this in three sports.
    4. Student managers will receive a letter and a pin of the sport, indicating varsity manager for a given year.
    5. Junior varsity letters will be issued once and should a second J.V. letter be earned in the same year a certificate will be issued for the second letter. Any student who earns both a varsity and a J.V. letter will receive his/her varsity letter and a certificate for his/her J.V. award.
    6. Freshman will receive a certificate indicating a freshman team member.
    7. A varsity jacket will be awarded to qualified squad members who have lettered twice in two varsity sports or three times in one. These jackets will be awarded at the, end of the Junior or Senior year.
    8. A Diman logo watch will be awarded any senior letter winner.
    9. A student not qualified under the rules may also receive a letter and jacket at the discretion of the coaches providing he/she is regular in attendance and spirit toward the school and sport for at least two years.
    10. Student managers are also eligible to receive a letter and jacket under the same rule as above.

    Message to Parents

    Parent/Coach Communication


    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 benefit to all children. As parents, when your child becomes involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child's program.

    COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM THE COACH
    1. Philosophy of the coach
    2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the squad
    3. Locations and times of all practices and contests
    4. Team requirements, i.e. practices, special equipment, out of season conditioning
    5. Procedure followed should your child be injured during participation
    6. Discipline that may result in the denial of your child's participation
    COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM PARENTS
    1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach
    2. Notification of any scheduled conflicts well in advance
    3. Specific concerns with regards to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations
    APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES
    1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically
    2. Ways to help your child improve
    3. Concerns about your child's behavior
    It is very difficult to accept your child's not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches take their profession seriously. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child's coach. Other things, such as those that follow, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

    ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES
    1. Playing time at the varsity level
    2. Team strategy
    3. Play calling
    4. Other student athletes
    There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These meetings are encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other's position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
    1. Call the Athletic Department (508-678-2891, ext.1980) to set up an appointment.
    2. If the coach cannot be reached, speak to the Athletic Director. A return call from the coach will be arranged, or a meeting set up for you.
    3. DO NOT CALL A COACH AT HOME!!! (Unless the coach has made his/her home phone available to parents and athletes) A coach's time with family is severely limited during the season. The family's privacy should be respected.
    4. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONFRONT A COACH BEFORE OR AFTER A CONTEST OR PRACTICE. These can be emotional times for both the parent and coach. Meetings under these circumstances do not promote resolution.
    IF THE MEETING DID NOT PROVIDE A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION
    1. Call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director.
    2. The Athletic Director will listen carefully to your concerns and mediate a resolution between you and the coach.


    REMEMBER: Your concerns are important to us. Never hesitate to follow the above procedures to make those concerns known. Together we can work to improve our athletic programs.

    Message to Athletes


    To all of the fine young men and women representing Diman Athletics, congratulations! We are very proud of the tradition and accomplishments of our athletes, on an individual and team basis, on and off the field of play. We ask that you represent yourselves, your team, school, and community with pride and respect at all times.