Student - Athlete Handbook
Lady Loboes Athletic Handbook (click link to download)
CISCO ISD ATHLETIC PROGRAM
Cisco ISD offers participation in the following sports programs under the auspices of the
University Interscholastic League – Austin, Texas:
Middle School (Grades 7-8)
Cross Country
Football
Basketball
Track
High School (Grades 9-12)
Football
Basketball
Cross Country
Softball / Baseball
Track
Golf
Tennis
STUDENT PARTICIPATION
The goal of the athletic program is to offer the opportunity of participation to all students.
Interscholastic athletics fosters competition and cooperation. It also represents an area of
great potential for teaching dedication, perseverance, courage, poise and practicing the
pursuit of excellence. However, no student is obligated to take part in athletics.
Participation in the Cisco ISD Athletic Program is a privilege, not a right. Since it is a
privilege, the coaching staff has the authority to suspend or revoke the privilege
when the rules, regulations, or standards of the athletic program are not followed.
SELECTION OF TEAMS
The head coach of each sport will determine the players on each team. The selection of
teams will include, but is not limited to: skill level, knowledge of sport, attitude, and
experience in the sport. Middle school and high school sub-varsity team members will
receive adequate playing time based upon performance and meeting expectations.
Members of varsity teams are not guaranteed playing time.
SELECT/CLUB SPORTS
In the case of a non-school related athletic event conflicting with a school related athletic
event, priority will be given to the school athletic event. Missing a school related
athletic practice or game for a non-school athletic activity is unacceptable and could
result in a suspension from participation in the following school athletic contest.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CISCO ISD STUDENT-ATHLETE
All student-athletes have the responsibility to play to win, give their best effort, strive for
excellence, and exhibit good conduct at all times in a manner that is a positive example to
team members, fellow students, and the community. The fact that an individual has
chosen to participate in interscholastic athletics is indicative that the student has taken
into consideration the rewards, privileges, and pleasures attained from participation, in
addition to the responsibility of following rules, regulations, and meeting the demands of
being a student-athlete. The privilege of representing the CISD Athletic Program coincides with the expectations of the campus principal, coaches, teachers, parents, community, and most of all, by fellow teammates and classmates. As student-athletes, you are always on display.
The responsibilities of a student-athlete include, but are not limited to, the following:
· The student-athlete will strive for excellence in all activities at all times while
being a member of the CISD Athletic Program.
· The student-athlete will faithfully abide by all rules set forth in the athletic
handbook.
· The student-athlete will abide by the practice schedules and complete
workouts each day.
· The student-athlete will personally notify his/her coach when unable to attend
practice and will miss practices only under extreme circumstances.
· The student-athlete will abide by the coaches directions, instructions, and
decisions. Insubordination will not be tolerated.
· The student-athlete will be responsible for the proper care of all issued
clothing and/or equipment. The student-athlete will be required to pay for any
clothing and/or equipment that is lost, damaged or destroyed. Issued clothing
should not be worn outside of athletic participation (practice/competition).
Exceptions may include “game-day” dress.
· Most importantly, the student-athlete will represent Cisco ISD to the best of
his/her ability to set an example to the community of the values and
expectations promoted within the school district.
Student-Athletes will be expected to:
· Respect coaches, teammates, teachers, staff, administrators and classmates.
· Follow directions the first time they are given.
· Refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct of any manner.
· Comply with Cisco ISD Board Policies, the District code of conduct, and
discipline management plan.
The CISD Athletic Program is an integral part of the total school experience for both boys and girls. It offers a variety of sports and activities to students who have the desire to participate. The athletic program is a vital part of education. The rules, regulations, and standards set forth in this handbook are designed to provide for the efficient operation of such a program. The student-athlete will be held accountable and
responsible for all policies contained within this handbook and for any additional
expectations set forth by the Head Coach.
CISCO ISD ATHLETIC PROGRAM RULES & REGULATIONS
ATHLETIC SUSPENSION
The Athletic Director/Coordinator may suspend or place on probation for the duration of the term, duration of the seasonal activity, or the duration of the school year any student-athlete for a major infraction of the standards set forth in this athletic handbook.
The Athletic Director/Coordinator empowers the coaching staff to enforce and maintain all policies and standards described in the Athletic Handbook. Communication will be maintained between the coaching staff, the Athletic Director/Coordinator, and the campus Principal when infractions warrant suspension from athletic activities.
The Cisco Independent School District does not discriminate against any person because
of race, creed, national origin, age, sex, economic status, or handicapping condition in
employment, promotion, or educational programming. Student-athletes and parents are
expected to follow the chain of command and first confer with the coach in question, then
if necessary, the Head Varsity Coach of the Sport, followed by the Athletic Director/Coordinator, the building Principal, and finally the Superintendent of Schools when an athletic concern exists. All academic concerns should be initiated with the teacher and then the campus Principal. Concerns addressing both athletic and academic matters should be addressed to the campus Principal and Athletic Director/Coordinator.
ATTENDENCE/ABSENCES/TARDIES
Student-Athletes are expected to be dressed and on time for all practices and
competitions and remain for the duration of the practice or competition. It is the student athlete’s responsibility to notify the coach if he/she must miss a practice or competition. By becoming a member of the Cisco ISD Athletic Program, you are making a
commitment to the program. *An un-excused absence from a game will result in
suspension of the next scheduled game.
As with any other activity, please be aware that excessive tardiness or absences will
result in a loss of practice/instructional time. This loss of time could subject the student athlete to loss of playing time or even dismissal from the team. Sport-specific drills and conditioning may be required for any tardy or absence at the discretion of the Head
Coach.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Student-Athletes must maintain a satisfactory citizenship and behavior record by giving
respectful attention to classroom activities and by treating teachers, administrators, and
fellow students with respect. Tardiness, horseplay, fighting, disrespect, juvenile
behavior, etc… are not acceptable and may result in punishment from the coach of the in
season sport or the Athletic Director up to and including suspension from athletic
competitions.
CRIMINAL CHARGES
Any student-athlete legally charged with, arrested for, or convicted of a felony may be
subject to suspension from all athletic competitions, or other disciplinary action may be
taken if not an in-season sport, until the matter has been cleared through the courts or
punishment has been served. The student-athlete will be expected to participate in all
practices during that time in order to remain in the athletic program. Depending on the
severity of the charges (including serious misdemeanors) and the outcome of the case, a
student-athlete may be suspended for one or more games, dismissed from that sport for
the remainder of the season, or dismissed from the athletic program for the remainder of
the year. If the student-athlete is not found guilty or all charges are dropped, then the
student-athlete will be reinstated into the athletic program.
DRESS CODE
All Athletes will be required to follow the Cisco ISD Board approved dress code found in the student handbook. In accordance with UIL rules and regulations, for safety reasons, student athletes are not allowed to wear jewelry of any kind during athletic competition. Student athletes will also be required to maintain a hairstyle suitable for athletic competition. Suitable may be defined as (1) not impairing vision (2) suitable in length as to not create a safety hazard (3) not promoting disunity (shaved insignias, symbols, alternative colors).
DROPPING/QUITTING A SPORT
It is the philosophy of the CISD Athletic Department that student-athletes should finish what they begin. An athlete may not quit one sport to play another sport. The
following procedures should be followed in order to drop/quit a sport:
· Examine the situation before a decision is made.
· Talk to the coach to see if a solution can be reached. (A parent conference
may be required)
· If the decision to quit is made by a student-athlete in grades 9-12, the student athlete must check out of the sport through the Athletic Director/Head Coach. All clothing/equipment issued to the student-athlete must be returned in the same
shape as it was when it was issued to the athlete. Payment for any lost or
damaged clothing and equipment will be required. This matter must be
resolved before a student-athlete begins participating in his/her next sport.
· A student-athlete that decides to quit one sport to join another must wait until
the first sport has completed its season before they are allowed to participate
in competition, unless released by the Head Coach of the sport they quit. The student-athlete may practice with the team only during the
Athletic period.
· Failure to participate in the mandatory off-season program may also constitute dismissal from the athletic program.
Coaches in conjunction with the Athletic Director/Coordinator, reserve the right to prohibit any athlete from joining a team or sport if that athlete has routinely failed to complete seasons in other sports that they have started, whether due to conduct, attitude, or poor academic performance. Routinely quitting sports may result in dismissal from the athletic program.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE
It is the philosophy of CISD Athletics that our interscholastic and extracurricular programs shall be drug and alcohol free. The basis for this is founded upon and by the following:
1. Use of drugs and alcohol is illegal for school age students.
2. Abuse of these products has been shown to create short and long term health and
safety risks.
3. Students using these products may not be capable of fulfilling commitments and
responsibilities toward themselves, teammates, and school.
4. Use of these products can diminish the student’s mental and/or physical
performance.
5. Student-athletes should be positive role models who demonstrate pride and honor
to their school, community, and family.
6. Student-athletes will be held responsible and accountable for their behavior and
choices they make.
Education regarding drug, alcohol, and steroid abuse may be provided throughout the
course of a student-athlete’s involvement in the athletic program by members of the
coaching staff. The NCAA, UIL, and National Federation of High Schools publish and
distribute to coaching staffs information regarding the dangers of substance abuse.
ELIGIBILITY/GRADES/TUTORIALS
The Cisco ISD coaches and administration shall determine each student’s eligibility
according to UIL rules and regulations as specified in the UIL Constitution and Contest
Rules. Cisco ISD strictly adheres to these rules and regulations. UIL, the State Board of
Education, and the Texas Education Agency rules are strictly enforced. In addition, Cisco
ISD expects student-athletes to be top academic students. Each student-athlete must
realize that he/she is a “student” first and an “athlete” second. The student-athlete must
give sufficient time and energy to his/her academic courses to insure acceptable grades to
meet the UIL requirements for participation. Student-athletes that do not maintain
passing grades or who are missing assignments may be subject to suspension from
athletic competition at any time. Coaches may check student-athlete averages at any time
within a grading period. Student-athletes will be required to attend tutorials if their
Progress report shows a 75 or below in any subject.
FACILITIES/EQUIPMENT
Student-athletes are expected to take care of all facilities and equipment at all times.
Normal wear and tear is expected, misuse and vandalism is not.
GAME CONDUCT/SPORTSMANSHIP
The CISD Athletic Program stresses exemplary behavior and attitude during practice and competitions. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Student-athletes
should be positive role models for students and the community. Student-athletes will be
respectful to other contestants, fans, and to all coaches and officials. Technical fouls,
penalties for unsportsmanlike or flagrant conduct, and ejection's will not be tolerated.
ISS/DAEP/CODE OF CONDUCT
Refer to the Student Handbook
LETTERING
Student-athletes may receive from the school only one major award during their high
school career (UIL). Cisco ISD awards one letter-jacket (jacket, letter, and sport symbol
only) to a student-athlete during their high school career. In order to letter in a sport, the
student-athlete must be on a varsity team and satisfy the requirements stated below.
Refer to the “Lettering guidelines” in the student handbook.
NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION
Prior to participation, a student-athlete must have the following on file:
· Pre-Participation Medical History and Examination form (UIL form only)
· Parent/Student Acknowledgement of Rules form (UIL form only)
· Illegal Steroid Use form (UIL form only)
· UIL Previous Athletic Participation Form (if applicable)
· UIL Foreign Exchange Student forms (if applicable)
· Cisco Lady Lobo Athletic Handbook acknowledgement form
· Emergency Contact Information Form
· Consent to Treat Form
· Drug Testing Consent Form
The school district cares about the well-being of student-athletes; however, the school
district does not assume liability for injuries incurred in athletics. CISD Students are covered under secondary accident insurance. Parents must request the claim form.
OFF SEASON PROGRAM
The purpose of the off-season program is to improve the athletic program by enhancing
each student-athlete’s abilities. Drills and activities to improve speed, strength, and
agility will be utilized. It is mandatory for all student-athletes to participate in the off-season program if they wish to participate in athletics. The exceptions are students who
wish to participate only in tennis or golf. An off-season program will
be used for those student-athletes that do not wish to participate in the in season sport
during basketball season. During the spring (post-Basketball season) all
athletes will go through off-season (TRACK) workouts, and then go to practice for their spring sport(s). Student-athletes will be encouraged to compete in multiple sports. Student-athletes will not be required to participate in one sport to play another.
PARTICIPATION WHEN ILL OR INJURIED
Any student-athlete that is injured during the course of the season or has an illness of a
minor nature and is unable to participate due to this injury or illness must continue to
follow all expectations, rules, and regulations, if the student-athlete wishes to remain a
part of the team. The student-athlete will not participate but will be required to attend all
practice sessions and sit with the team during competitions. Failure to attend practices
and competitions can result in dismissal from the team. Athletes learn from each
practice session, whether they are actually working out or simply observing.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Student-athletes should not leave personal items, especially jewelry or money, in areas
unsupervised. The Athletic department does have locks available upon request. Cisco ISD and the Athletic Department are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
PRACTICE TIMES/SCHEDULES
According to UIL rules, school teams shall be prohibited from practicing team skills
before or after school except during specified practice dates set forth by the UIL, and
during the one allowable period during the school day. The respective coach in
conjunction with the Athletic Director/Coordinator and other coaches of in season sports will arrange practice schedules for each sport. Attempts will be made to insure that practice times for one sport will not interfere with practice times for a coinciding sport. Student-athletes competing in multiple sports may at times be subject to overlapping practice schedules. The sport in competition season has priority. Conflicts between two sports in competition season will be handled by the head coaches of those sports.
TEAM TRAVEL
All regular school transportation rules and regulations apply when on an athletic trip. All student-athletes are expected to ride the transportation provided by Cisco
ISD to all competitions. The approval of the head coach must be obtained for
a student-athlete to return home with his/her parent/guardian.
UNIFORMS
Student-athletes will be issued a set of practice clothes that may include but not limited to
shirt, shorts, sweats, or wind-suits. These clothes will be worn during participation in
athletic practice or competition only. At the end of the season/year, the issued clothes
will be returned. Student-athletes will pay a replacement fee for all clothing or
equipment not returned at the end of the year. Student-athletes will not be allowed to
participate at the next grade level until outstanding fines are paid in full. Consequences
for not being dressed out in proper practice attire will be at the discretion of the head
coach.
Thank you for taking the time to review the policies of the CISD
Athletic Department. Please contact the Athletic Director/Coordinator or any member of the coaching staff with additional questions or concerns regarding the
contents within the Athletic Handbook. Please sign the acknowledgement
form attached below and return it to a member of the coaching staff.
