William Monroe High School

“Home of the Dragons”

Athletic Department Handbook

WE ARE MONROE!

William Monroe High School Athletic Handbook

A Guide for William Monroe High School Student-Athletes and their Parents

• Athletic Department Roster and Message
• Virginia High School League
• Assumption of Risk
• Additional Requirements for Student-Athletes/Managers
• AAU/Independent Teams
• Hazing/Bullying
• Social Media
• Training Rules
• Sportsmanship and Code of Ethics and VHSL consequences
• Name, Image, and Likeness Policy  (NIL)
• Academics
• Awards
• Transportation
• Tryouts
• Two Sport Athlete
• WMHS Athletic Boosters
• College Athletic Participation
• Injured Athlete Return to Play Protocol and Expectations
• Media Consent
• Parent Signature Form

William Monroe High School

Kris Wimmer, Principal

Brian Collier, Athletic Director

Andy Kelly, Athletic Trainer

Web Address: http://www.greenecountyschools.com

Athletics Web Address: http://www.williammonroe.rschoolteams.com

Athletic Department Phone: (434) 939-9004

Athletic Department Fax: (434) 985-1461

VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOLS:

Broadway 269 Gobbler Dr, Broadway, VA 22815

Harrisonburg 1001 Garbers Church Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

East Rockingham 250 Eagle Rock Rd, Elkton, VA 22827

Spotswood 368 Blazer Dr. Penn Laird, Va. 22846

Turner Ashby 800 N. Main Street Bridgewater VA 22812

Rockbridge 143 Greenhouse Rd, Lexington, VA 24450

William Monroe 254 Monroe Dr.  Stanardsville, VA 22973

Rocktown HS (Fall of ‘24)

VHSL REGION 3B SCHOOLS:

James Monroe 2300 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Skyline 151 Skyline Vista Dr, Front Royal, VA 22630

Warren County 155 Westminster Dr, Front Royal, VA 22630

Manassas Park 8200 Euclid Ave, Manassas Park, VA 20111

Brentsville 12109 Aden Rd, Nokesville, VA 20181

Meridian 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA 22043

Kettle Run 7403 Academic Ave, Nokesville, VA 20181

Fauquier 705 Waterloo Rd, Warrenton, VA 20186

Armstrong 2300 Cool Ln, Richmond, VA 23223

Goochland 3250-B, 3250 River Rd W, Goochland, VA 23063

Maggie Walker 1000 N Lombardy St, Richmond, VA 23220

Thomas Jefferson 4100 W Grace St, Richmond, VA 23230

Culpeper 14240 Achievement Dr, Culpeper, VA 22701

William Monroe 254 Monroe Dr.  Stanardsville, VA 22973

William Monroe Athletic Teams and Coaching Staff

A Message from the AD

Welcome to William Monroe High School, home of the DRAGONS. As another school year begins, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you back and encourage your participation in the many extracurricular activities here at William Monroe. It is only through your involvement that we can achieve excellence. 

As a member of theValley District and Region 3B, we currently compete in 26 different VHSL sponsored varsity activities. From the playing field to the stage and everywhere in between, I believe our students gain valuable, life-long experiences through involvement in such activities that help mold them into responsible, positive members of our community. 

As we begin a new year, I encourage you to take part in as many extracurricular events as you can. Whether it is as a player or a fan, these moments shared with classmates and community members will form memories that will last a lifetime. Through the support of our student body, parents, faculty and staff, and the community as a whole, I am confident we can provide quality opportunities for our students to perform at the highest levels. 

I look forward to meeting each and every one of you and would like to thank you in advance for your hard work and dedication to William Monroe High School. It is these qualities that will ensure the success of our extracurricular activities. Should you have any questions now or throughout the year, please feel free to contact me at 939-9004 or bcollier@greenecountyschools.com. 

T (together) E (everyone) A (achieves) M (more)

Brian Collier, Activities Director

A Message From the Coaches and Sponsors of VHSL Activities at WMHS

It is our philosophy that not only are we here to teach students the skills and strategies needed to be successful in our activities, but that we should also to the best of our abilities prepare our students to be competitive in the game of life. We feel that rules and policies for participation in VHSL activities are an important key to achieving this. Self-discipline, responsibility, commitment, attendance in school, success in academics, decision making, and dealing with consequences will be the results of these policies and combined, can build character and self-esteem. It is our hope that not only will this help our student participants to be successful during their years here at William Monroe, but that they will leave with a sense of pride and confidence that will carry over and contribute to their being successful, productive adults with positive memories of high school activities. As always, we appreciate your ongoing support of William Monroe High School and our VHSL programs.

Virginia High School League (VHSL)

The Virginia High School League (VHSL) is an organization of public high schools in Virginia. The league seeks to encourage student participation in desirable school activities by conducting or supporting programs of interscholastic activities. VHSL was developed in 1913 and is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It publishes annually a code of rules for all VHSL activities in the state, and this handbook is available for reference by contacting your Activities Director or by viewing their website at www.vhsl.org.

VHSL INDIVIDUAL ELIGIBILITY RULES: 

To be eligible to represent your school in any VHSL interscholastic contest, you: 

• Must be a regular bona fide student in good standing of the school you represent.
• Must be enrolled in the last four years of high school (8th graders are eligible for JV). 
• Must have enrolled no later than the fifteenth day of the current semester. 
• For the first semester must be currently enrolled in no fewer than five subjects, or their equivalent, offered for credit and which may be used for graduation and have passed five subjects, or their equivalent, offered for credit and which may be used for graduation the immediately preceding year or the immediately preceding semester for school that certify credits on a semester basis. (Check with your principal for equivalent requirements). May not repeat courses for eligibility purposes for which credit has been previously awarded. (Note: For schools using block scheduling, three semester block courses satisfy the five subject requirements).
• For the second semester must be enrolled in not fewer than five subjects, or their equivalent, offered for credit which may be used for graduation requirements.
• Must sit out all VHSL competition for 365 consecutive calendar days following a school transfer unless the transfer corresponded with a family move. (Check with principal for exceptions).
• Must not have reached your nineteenth birthday on or before the first day of August of the current school year. 
• Must not, after entering the ninth grade for the first time, have enrolled in or been eligible for enrollment in high school more than eight consecutive semesters. For this student, the eight consecutive semesters shall be counted continuously beginning with his/her first semester in the ninth grade or the first semester in which he/she becomes “ungraded,” whichever comes first.
• Must have submitted to your principal or designee before any kind of participation, including tryouts or practice as a member of any school athletic or cheerleading team, and athletic participation/parental consent/ physical examination form, completely filled in and properly signed attesting that you have been examined during this school year and found to be physically fit for athletic competition and that your parents consent to your participation. 
• Must not be in violation of the VHSL amateaur, awards, allstar or college team rules. (Check with principal for clarification regarding cheerleading).

Eligibility to participate in interscholastic athletics/activities is a privilege you earn by meeting not only the above listed minimum standards, but also all other standards set by your League, district and school. If you have questions regarding your eligibility or are in doubt about the effect an activity might have on your eligibility, check with your principal for interpretations and exceptions provided under League rules. Meeting the intent and spirit of League standards will prevent you, your team, school and community from being penalized. When allowing their son/daughter to join a VHSL team, parents also give their consent and approval for his/her picture and name to be printed in any high school or VHSL athletic program, publication, or video. Local school divisions and VHSL districts may require additional standards to those listed above.

Note: 

Any student academically ineligible at the beginning of a season, may not gain eligibility during that season and join a team. Example: A student ineligible during the first semester may not become eligible at the end of the semester and join a winter team. That student would be eligible to try out for a spring team. 

Any student who misses the entire prescribed tryout period due to school disciplinary action will not be allowed to tryout. 

Any student who must miss the prescribed tryout period due to an injury or illness may be given a tryout when cleared by a medical professional as long as the time period is within reason. Any prolonged instances must be approved by the coach and Athletic Director.

VHSL ENERGY DRINK BAN

On September 22, 2012, the VHSL Executive Committee passed an energy drink policy which is in effect immediately for all VHSL member schools. The basics of this policy are as follows: - A recommendation that athletes not consume energy drinks during participation in VHSL practices and competition - The penalty for violation of this rule is a warning to the member school. Energy Drinks are defined as drinks advertised as boosting energy. These drinks do not emphasize energy derived from the calories they contain but rather through a choice of caffeine, vitamins and herbal supplements the manufacturer has combined. Some common examples of energy drinks are Amp, Monster, and Red Bull. Fluid Replacement Drinks or drinks used to replenish body fluid after exercise are defined as drinks that are designed to replace energy and electrolytes, used especially to assist the body in recovering from exercise. Some common examples of fluid replacement drinks are Gatorade and Powerade. Soft drinks such as Coke and Pepsi, while not fluid replacement drinks, are not classified as energy drinks.

VHSL Participant Training Rule (Substance Abuse Policy)

Athletic training rules are in effect for all VHSL participants at William Monroe during any activity season whether they are on or off school property (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). VHSL participants who are found to have possessed and/or used alcohol or illegal drugs, including tobacco products, e-cigarettes, juuls, and vaping, while as a member of a current VHSL activity will be prohibited from participating for the remainder of the activity. Return to any VHSL participation after the season will be at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee, Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach. Information regarding an alleged violation of a training rule should be reported to the activity’s coach. After reviewing and investigating the actual and concrete facts, a decision will be determined by the coach, the Athletic Director, and the Principal. 

Assumption of Risk

By allowing your child to participate in a sport, you understand and assume the risk of injury. You understand that the risk of injury varies significantly from one sport to another and that contact and collision sports carry a higher risk. Injuries may range from minor to catastrophic, resulting in permanent damage or even death (rare). By allowing your child to participate you assume all financial responsibilities that may occur from an injury. If you would like more specific information about a particular sport, it will be provided on request.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES/MANAGERS

Participation in interscholastic athletics is a PRIVILEGE, not a right, earned by the student who meets eligibility requirements set by the VHSL, the District, the school board, and the school coach. Questions pertaining to the following additional requirements should be directed to the Athletic Director. 

1. Academic: All participants shall exhibit good citizenship as well as maintain the VHSL scholastic requirement of “Take 5, Pass 5,” in addition to any further standards prescribed by the Athletic Department or Team. 

2. Physicals - Medical Examination: All athletes shall have on file in the Athletic office a completed VHSL Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physician’s Certificate Form. No student may participate in practices or games unless he/she has a physical on file which is dated after May 1 of the current year. Conditioning for each sport and proper fundamentals will be taught by the coach. Coaches will abide by the Virginia High School League rules regarding the number of practice sessions required before an athlete is allowed to compete in an athletic contest. In the event of an injury, first aid will be provided by the team doctor, athletic trainer, coach, or other designated medical personnel. Follow-up treatment may be necessary on subsequent days in the training room. If a participant is treated by a physician or trainer he/she will not be allowed to practice or play in any VHSL contest unless the physician or trainer provides written approval. Students MAY NOT try out for any of our activities without a physical on file. 

3. All students at William Monroe wanting to participate in any pre or post season workouts or conditioning (including weight room training run by our coaching staff members) must have a completed physical on file, must have medical insurance, and may not neglect obligations made to current school activities. 

4. William Monroe High School does NOT carry an insurance policy for student injuries which occur while a student is involved in interscholastic sports in or out of season. This may be provided through a personal policy or through the student insurance program. Parents or guardians of a student participating in sports will need to purchase the student insurance plan provided through the school, if their son/daughter is not covered under a personal family plan. Student insurance may be purchased throughout the school year. The student insurance program does not normally provide coverage for an athlete participating in varsity football. A special rider will need to be purchased to provide this coverage. William Monroe High School and the School Board of Greene County will not accept the responsibility of payment for the treatment of injuries resulting from a student involved in interscholastic sports in or out of season.

5. Attendance Requirements: All participants are expected to maintain their daily schedule on a regular basis. Repeated absences or early dismissal may affect participation and ultimately membership on the team. A participant must be present in school to practice or participate in any school activity unless approved by the school Athletic Director or Principal. You must be in attendance no later than 10:00 AM and be present the remainder of the day. If for some reason you need to leave early, you must be present until 1:00 PM in order to participate that day and have been in attendance from the beginning of school. We understand that circumstances will arise that require a student to be absent for things such as Dr.’s appointment, funerals, etc. In these cases the coaches and administration may allow participation on those days. We ask that we be given prior notice so that we are prepared. Please email the Coach, Mr. Collier, and the attendance office at least a day prior to the planned absence. The current tardy policy is in effect for all students at William Monroe High School and failure to follow regulations will result in social probation which will affect participation in after school activities including athletic activities, practices, games, etc. 

6. Bona Fide Student Rule: To be eligible to represent the school in any VHSL, Inc. sponsored interscholastic contest a student shall meet the following requirements: (1) A “regular” student is considered a full-time student who is in regular attendance and is carrying a schedule of subjects which, if successfully completed, will render him/her scholastically eligible for League participation the ensuing semester. 28-1-1 Bona FIDE STUDENT RULE - The student shall be a regular bona fide student in good standing of the school which he/she represents. Policy Manual 28-1-2 Exception: A student who through school board assignment attends a non-member public school from which he/she will graduate. Such a student shall be eligible to represent the high school serving the school district in which his/her parents reside. (2) Any student who is under penalty of suspension, or whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon his/her school, is not considered in good standing. (3) Any student is permitted to take coursework outside the VHSL high school building provided he/she is enrolled in the high school and is eligible in all other respects.

7. Out-Of-School Suspension: Any participant given out of school suspension will be ineligible during the suspension. In addition, they may be disciplined further by the Principal, Athletic Director, or the Coach by temporary or permanent suspension from the team. Note: For the purposes of extra-curricular activities, students that are out of school suspended are ineligible to participate the day of the disciplinary action is taken. 

8. In-School-Suspension (ISS): Any participant serving ISS may not participate in practice or a contest on the day they are serving ISS. (If a student athlete is assigned an ISS on a game day, the student will not be allowed to participate in that contest. Any conflict due to a rescheduling of the ISS will be handled on a case by case basis by the administration.)

9. After School Detention: Any participant assigned after school detention will be required to attend the detention. If a detention conflicts with a practice or a game, the student may not participate while serving after school detention, unless approved by the assigning Principal or Athletic Director. The student will not be excused from the detention. 

10. School Debts: Students owing a debt to the school will be ineligible to participate in athletics until the debt is paid. This includes but is not limited to fees for lost books, uniforms and equipment. 

11. Equipment Distribution and Return: Athletic equipment and uniforms will be issued to team members by the coach at the beginning of a season. Equipment and uniforms are for use by William Monroe High School participant teams only. They should not be used by anyone at any time other than VHSL in-season scheduled contests and practice sessions. Damaged equipment should be returned to the head coach immediately for replacement or repair. Equipment and uniforms will be checked in at the conclusion of a season. Participants will be held responsible for lost equipment and uniforms, as well as items showing (excessive wear) abuse. All equipment and uniforms must be turned in before a participant is eligible for postseason awards or eligible to receive equipment/uniforms for another activity. VHSL participants are placed on social probation if equipment is not returned or paid for within a week after the last activity. 

12. Vandalism or Theft: Any VHSL participant who vandalizes and/or steals from a student or teammate, on school property or from another school will be disciplined and may be dismissed from the team. 

13. Dismissal/Quitting Policy: If an athlete decides to quit or is released from a team before the completion of the season, he/she will not be allowed to join another team during that same season.   There will be no participation in any out of season conditionings, activities, etc. until the conclusion of the season that was quit. If a student decides to remove themselves from a team before an actual competition has occurred there may be consideration to allow that student to begin off-season conditioning with another program with approval from the Athletic Director. 

14. Student Manager: A student interested in becoming a student manager for a Dragon activity or team should contact the coach/sponsor of that team. A student manager will be expected to be at all practice sessions/games during the season of that activity. He/She will need to fill out an emergency permission form (which can be obtained in the Athletic Office) and must meet all the requirements for a VHSL participant at William Monroe High School. He/She will not be required to have a physical according to the VHSL rules and, therefore, will not be covered under the VHSL catastrophe insurance plan. A student manager will need to be covered by a personal health insurance plan or by the student insurance policy. A student manager will be expected to abide by the policies and rules for VHSL participants at William Monroe High School. A student manager can be assigned the following duties: 
    1. Assist the coach/sponsor in issuing, caring for, and receiving all equipment
    2. Record, compile, and maintain records deemed necessary by the coach/sponsor
    3. Be used as an official scorekeeper or timekeeper
    4. Help prepare the activity area

15. Parking: Student drivers participating in after school activities are to leave their automobiles in their assigned parking spaces. NO ONE SHOULD DRIVE UP TO THE FIELD HOUSE without permission. 

16. Eighth Grade Participation: The purpose of Junior Varsity sports is to develop future athletes for varsity teams and to introduce as many students as possible to the athletic program at William Monroe High School. In keeping with these standards, the coaches of Junior Varsity teams will enforce the following rules: The coach will make every effort to encourage as many students as possible to try out for a team. The number of participants on a Junior Varsity team will be determined by the nature of each sport. Eighth grade students may participate on a Junior Varsity team if the coaches feel this participant can play at the JV level. All eighth graders are expected to abide by all policies set forth by the athletic department. It is up to the discretion of the coach of an individual activity whether or not their program keeps eighth graders, regardless of ability.  Eighth graders must be considered a student in “Good Standing” at the middle school or they may not be allowed to participate in JV sports at the high school.  They must maintain their grades as though they were fully under the VHSL guidelines.  

17. Practice sessions for athletic teams are scheduled outside of normal school hours and may also be scheduled on Saturday at the discretion of the coach. No team meetings or practices can be scheduled on a Sunday. Practice sessions will be scheduled to prevent conflict with the regular school day. A VHSL participant is expected to be present at every practice session unless he/she is absent from school or has received prior approval from the coach. Coaches must be notified in advance if a VHSL participant will miss practice because of academic work, appointments, vacations, etc. Any VHSL participant who misses a practice without prior approval may be subject to disciplinary action by the coach with the Athletic Director’s approval. A VHSL participant may be dismissed from the team for excessive absences from practice, games, or continued violations of established team rules. 

18. Parents will receive a practice schedule via their student athlete. These schedules are subject to change. The Athletic Department will try to keep parents aware of such occurrences. 

19. An athlete who is cut from one team during the tryout period may try out for another team that season if time permits. 

20. It is understood that all matters involving the selection/playing time of our athletes is at the discretion of our coaching staff. 

21. Additional team rules may be established by the coaching staff. Failure to follow these rules may result in the removal of the participant from the team.

AAU/INDEPENDENT TEAM PARTICIPATION

Any student participating on a WMHS/VHSL athletic/academic team may not be excused or permitted to miss a scheduled team practice or event to meet, practice or compete with a non-school/independent team. Each absence or early dismissal for participation in a non-school/independent team function may result in suspension from the next scheduled school/VHSL sanctioned competition. Consistent infractions may result in elimination from the high school team and/or loss of eligibility for district competition in accordance with team rules and attendance policies.

• A student athlete who chooses to do AAU, travel team, rec. League sport: 
• Must inform his/her in season coach of his/her decision to participate in an out of school sport. 
• Must complete ALL duties pertaining to his/her current in season sport. 
• Cannot miss practice/game/meeting/etc. Due to out of school sport participation. Likewise, he/she should not arrive late or leave early from in season practice either. 
• Should view his/her participation in a school sport as more important than the out of school sport.
• Coach and player have the ability to arrive at a mutual arrangement at the coach’s discretion. Any conflicts should be addressed with the coach at least 2 weeks prior to the event, preferably earlier. 

HAZING/BULLYING/HARASSING

Hazing/Bullying/Harassing by WMHS/VHSL student athletic and activities participants is strictly prohibited! Hazing/Bullying/Harassing occurs when an act is committed against a student or a student is coerced into committing an act that creates a substantial risk of harm to the student (physical or mental) or to any third party in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with any school group, club, athletics team, grade level, activity, or organization. Hazing/Bullying/Harassing includes but is not limited to: 

• Any activity involving risk of physical harm, including paddling, beating, whipping, branding, electric shock, sleep deprivation, exposure to weather, placement of harmful substances on the body, and participation in physically dangerous activities. 
• Any activity involving consumption of alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, or any other food, liquid, or other substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of physical harm.
• Any activity involving touching or actions of a sexual nature or the simulation of actions of a sexual nature. 
• Any activity that subjects a student to embarrassment, shame, or humiliation or which creates a hostile, abusive, or intimidating environment for the student to include social media. 
• Any activity involving any violation of federal, state, or local law, or any violation of School District policies or regulations.

SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS

• Athletes need to understand that pictures, messages, or anything that is posted on a social media network that is deemed in violation of a school or athletic policy can result in dismissal or suspension from athletic teams. Anything brought to the attention of the WMHS administration or coaching staff can be investigated. WMHS recognizes and supports its student athletic/activities participants’ and coaches’ rights to freedom of speech, expression, and association, including the use of social networks. In this context, however, each student athlete must remember that playing and competing is a privilege, not a right. As a student athlete/activities participant, you represent the high school and are expected to portray yourself, your team, and the high school in a positive manner at all times. Any online postings must therefore be consistent with federal and state laws and team, department, school, WMHS and VHSL rules and policies (including the Guidelines listed below). If you participate on a social networking site, you must keep the following guidance in mind: 
• Everything you post is public information - any text or photo placed online is completely out of your control the moment it is placed online - even if you limit access to your site. Information (including pictures, videos, comments, and posters) may be accessible even after it is removed. 
• Limit information about your whereabouts or plans to minimize the potential of being stalked, assaulted, or the victim of other criminal activity. 
• What you post may affect your future. Many employers and school admissions officers review social networking sites as part of their overall evaluation of an applicant. Carefully consider how you want people to perceive you before you give them a chance to misinterpret your information (including pictures, videos, comments, and posters). 
• You are representing your family, your school, and your school division. GCPS and the Department of athletics will not tolerate:
  • Comments made in person that are disrespectful and behavior online, such as: derogatory, defamatory, or vulgar language. 
  • Comments that create a serious danger to the safety of another person or that constitute a credible threat of serious physical or emotional injury to another person. 
  • Comments or photos that describe or depict unlawful assault, abuse, hazing, harassment, or discrimination; selling, possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other illegal or prohibited conduct, including violating the GCPS policy on prohibited harassment and discrimination.
  • Comments or photos that do not represent Greene County Public Schools in a positive manner.

William Monroe High School Sportsmanship and Code of Ethics

It is the ultimate goal of the William Monroe High School Athletic Department that our coaching staff, student-athletes, parents, and spectators exemplify positive sportsmanship behavior at all times. Developing pride in our athletic programs requires a united effort of dignity and accountability for all of our actions. This responsibility lies with each of us. However, should there be any action on the part of our student-athletes or spectators that counteract our goal, please know that the VHSL and the WMHS administrators and the WMHS coaching staff reserve the right to mandate appropriate consequences in order to insure a safe and positive athletic experience for all. As a member of the VHSL and the William Monroe Athletic community, each of us has a responsibility to encourage and insist upon the following actions at all of our athletic events. 

1. Be courteous to all: participants, coaches, officials, staff, and fans. Desirable Behavior: Applause during introductions, shaking hands of opponents, showing concern for an injured player, extending hospitality to visiting players, coaches, cheerleaders, and fans. Treat our opponents like we expect to be treated. 
2. Know the rules, abide by and respect the officials’ decisions. Desirable Behavior: Utilizing every opportunity to promote understanding of the rules of the contest with the school and community; accept the official’s decisions without displays of temper, arguing, or derogatory remarks. 
3. Win with character and lose with dignity. Desirable Behavior: Regardless of outcome, handshakes between opposing players and coaches; treating competition as a game, not a war; applause at the end of a contest for performance of all players. 
4. Exercise self-control and reflect positively upon yourself, your team, and WMHS. Desirable Behavior: Supporting the activity by displaying TOTAL UNITY as fans, as opposed to boasting or using antics which draw attention to yourself instead of the contest.
5. Permit only positive sportsmanlike behavior to reflect on WMHS and our programs. Desirable Behavior: Positively encourage those around you to display only sportsmanlike conduct; discouraging use of profanity, taunting, or other destructive mannerisms. 

TO OUR WMHS SUPPORTERS/SPECTATORS: 

We appreciate your support and POSITIVE encouragement! We ask that your behavior be for and not against the visiting teams, our coaches, the officials, and of course our own student athletes. Should you have a concern, please be respectful enough to discuss that concern with the coach or Athletic Director at the appropriate time and place. 

Any spectator attending a WMHS event that is removed by the game officials or school administration (Home or away event) may not attend another WMHS event until a meeting has occurred with the Principal and Athletic Director to discuss the situation and review our Sportsmanship expectations.  A second offense will result in a No Trespass issued for GCPS.  Anyone removed by Law Enforcement will be No Trespassed. 

TO STUDENT-ATHLETE:

 As a William Monroe  student athlete you are expected to conduct yourself with integrity, sportsmanship, honesty, pride, and humility. Your conduct is closely scrutinized as you sit in the classroom, as you travel, and as you compete at home and on the road. You are looked upon as a role model, particularly by your peers and younger children, and it is important that your personal conduct be above reproach at all times. Realize that you are representing yourself, your family, your team, and William Monroe High School. Do so with class. Players will dress appropriately for away contests. Coaches are responsible for advising players of the proper attire. 

The VHSL, the Valley District, Region 3B, and the William Monroe Athletic Department support and mandate the following consequences: 

SECTION 27: School Regulations 27-11-6 Ejection of Player and/or Coach-Players and coaches who are ejected from a contest, scrimmage, jamboree or Benefit Game for unsportsmanlike conduct and are ineligible for the team's next scheduled contest must be reported to the VHSL office on the form provided on the VHSL website.

For any WMHS student athlete/coach that is ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike behavior the school administration will assess a 2nd contest suspension.  (Examples: 2 Technical fouls in basketball, 2 unsporting yellow cards in soccer, 2 unsportsmanlike flags in football, etc.) 

For engaging in fighting (including throwing punches as an instigator, in retaliation, or intentionally kicking or stomping an opponent), biting or aggressive physical contact shall result in a three-game suspension from contests totaling a minimum of 30% of the total contest limitations for that sport. (a player shall be ineligible for the team's next three scheduled contests until the suspension is completed.) and a coach for a minimum of the team's next three scheduled contests from contests totaling a minimum of 30% of the contest limitations. 

Profanity directed at a game official will result in a two-game suspension from contests totaling a minimum of 20% of the total contest limitations for that sport. Student/athletes who leave the bench area and become actively involved in an altercation will result in a two-game suspension from contests totaling a minimum of 20% of the total contest limitations for that sport.

 Coaches ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct will not be physically present or communicate in any way with the team at that next scheduled contest. (For the purposes of this rule, a basketball player who collects five personal fouls and must therefore leave the game is not considered to be ejected and is not automatically guilty of a sportsmanship violation.) Any player assessed two technical fouls is considered to have committed a sportsmanship violation and must sit out the next contest. The decision to eject and therefore suspend from the next scheduled contest(s) may be appealed by conforming with the following procedure.

 A school whose substitute team members or bench personnel enter the playing field/ court during a verbal or physical altercation will be automatically subject to League discipline. Student/athletes who leave the bench area and become involved in an altercation will be suspended for the next two games from contests totaling a minimum of 20% of the total contest limitations for that sport. Based on the severity of the incident, a program or school may be warned, placed on probation or suspended. 

27-16-1 Use of Hate Speech, Ethnically or Racially Insensitive Expressions-Any coach, team personnel and/or contestant who confronts or addresses a coach, contestant or official using hate speech, ethnically or racially insensitive expressions will be disqualified for the contest and will be ineligible for the team's next scheduled contest from contests totaling a minimum of 30% of the total contest limitations for that sport and/or subsequent contests until penalties and educational/restorative interventions are completed. Penalties-The following represents degrees of VHSL discipline which will be referred to in interpreting a violation of using hate speech, ethnically or racially insensitive expression. 9 January 31, 2023 -- Minutes (1) Ejection-Any coach, team personnel and/or contestant who confronts or addresses a coach, contestant, or official using hate speech, ethnically or racially insensitive expression will be disqualified for the remainder of the contest. (2) Player/Coach Suspension-Any coach, team personnel and/or contestant who is ejected from a contest for using hate speech, ethnically or racially insensitive expression will be ineligible for the team’s next scheduled contest from contests totaling a minimum of 30% of the total contest limitations for that sport. If a coach or player commits a second offense, he/she will be ineligible for the remainder of that sport/activity season.

WMHS: Athletes - any athlete that is ejected will be required to attend a meeting with the school’s athletic director and Principal (including a guardian).  William Monroe has the ability to increase the above listed suspensions depending on the circumstances involved.

WMHS: Coaches - any coach that is ejected will be required to attend a meeting with the school’s athletic director. Principal, and District representative. William Monroe has the ability to increase the above listed suspensions depending on the circumstances involved.

VHSL NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness)  policy:

28B-2-4 Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

Students may receive compensation for the commercialization of their own name, image and likeness (NIL). 

Common NIL activities include, but are not limited to commercials, product endorsements, personal appearances, autograph sessions, merchandise or apparel sales, group licensing, and acting as a social media influencer.

Schools and teams may not use NIL opportunities to incentivize a student’s enrollment at a school or membership on a team.

A student may not receive compensation, endorsements or gifts of monetary value for Intellectual Property of the VHSL or any member school.  Intellectual Property includes, but is not limited to, a school’s district’s, region’s and VHSL name, uniform, mascot, and logo.  

         (a) This provision is not intended to restrict the right of any student and

their family to engage in NIL activities for financial gain, except as

 prohibited by this guidance.

(b)   Student-athletes are prohibited from engaging in the following while participating in NIL activities.

•  Making any reference to a school team, school, district, region or VHSL. 
• Appearing in the uniform of the student’s school.  Students may not utilize the marks, logos, etc. of their school team or any school’s team during NIL activities.
• Endorsing or promoting goods or service of any third-party NIL partner during school-based team activities and events, including but not limited to wearing third-party apparel, displaying a third-party logo or brand, and displaying insignia or identifying mark unless it is part of the standard school uniform for that sport.

(c)    Students may not engage in any NIL activities involving, displaying or endorsing the following categories of products and services:

·       Adult entertainment products and services

·       Alcohol products

·       Tobacco and electronic smoking products and devices

·       Opioids and prescription pharmaceuticals

·       Controlled dangerous substances

·       Casinos and gambling, including sports betting

·       Weapons, firearms and ammunition

(d)   No school or anyone employed by or affiliated with a member school, 

including booster clubs, coaches, administrators, alumni or an NIL

 Collective*, may solicit, arrange, or negotiate compensation for a student’s 

NIL , other than their own child.

*NIL Collective: A group of alumni, supporters parents, or other people who form a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, non-profit organization foundation, or other entity to provide NIL opportunities to student-athletes of  a specific school.

Students must notify the Principal or Athletic Director in writing of the student’s school upon entering into any type of NIL contract within 72 hours of entering into the contract.

  28B-2-5Penalty: A pupil who has lost his/her amateur standing through violation of this rule shall be ineligible for interscholastic athletic competition. Such student may be reinstated as an amateur by the Executive Committee, provided his/her principal requests in writing his/her reinstatement as an amateur and certifies that the student has not during that one-year period violated this rule, and that the student is not now under contract to, or owned by, any professional athletic organization.

Academic Support System

The William Monroe Athletic Department stresses the importance of a well balanced athletic and academic program for student athletes and realizes that many hours are given for practice, study and total participation in any athletic activity or endeavor.

Our purpose is to monitor student academic progress during the course of the sports season. All head coaches and their staff will be responsible for monitoring the grades of students during the school year.. If your athlete is in need of help, please let us know. 

Awards

Athletes should receive only those awards sanctioned by the VHSL or approved by the school administration. Awards which are symbols of achievement, traidition, and school spirit shall be made to members of athletic teams, team managers, and cheerleaders as well as student trainers. The coach shall consider the fulfillment of the following requirements in recommending a student for an award:

• Attendance and punctuality at practice; 
• Observance of training rules as formulated by the coach; 
• Cooperation in upholding group regulations; 
• Attitude in and out of the group;
• Good school citizenship and team conduct
• Completion of regular and postseason play - unless injured; and 
• Return of all school equipment, uniform and materials. 

1. Certificates will be awarded to Junior varsity participants. 
2. Varsity letters are issued the first time a student earns a letter in any sport. What constitutes earning a letter is at the discretion of each individual coach.
   1. A pin signifying the sport in which the letter is earned will be issued the first time a student letters in that sport. 
   2. Each subsequent year a student letters in a sport they will receive a Service Bar to signify years of lettering in that sport. 
3. Manager’s awards are issued as above
4. The coach shall submit to the Athletic Director the list of recommended participants to receive awards. 
5. Team Banquets: Awards are presented by respective coaches during the team awards event at the coaches discretion.
6.  

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is provided via school buses for all athletic teams for all away trips. 

Away Contests: Departure times are determined by the Head Coach and Athletic Director with final approval by the Principal. Departure times are set so that it does not interfere with the regular school day, unless absolutely necessary. Student participants are responsible for work missed or assigned. 

Expected return times should be provided by the accompanying coach prior to the trip. Please note that these times are estimated. Several factors can cause the times to change. (Overtime, weather, injuries, etc.). 

All members of the team are required to depart and return with their team. This includes team members, bona fide scorekeepers, managers, and trainers. Team members, scorekeepers, managers, and trainers may be signed out after away games at the coach’s discretion by the student’s parent ONLY.  Students may ride home with another adult if prior notice is made to the coach. If there are special circumstances you must contact the Athletic Department prior to the trip to make arrangements.

After Event Transportation

Participants must provide their own transportation home once they return to William Monroe High School. Each participant should make arrangements for his transportation home upon arrival back to WMHS in  a timely manner.

Pick Up: Each coach will establish a pick up area. We expect all athletes to remain in this designated area until they are picked up.

Overnight Stay Supervision Notification

Due to the location and/or schedule of some events, it may be necessary for participants to stay overnight. During this time there will be a clearly defined time of “lights out” when all students will be expected to be in, and stay in, their designated room. Room checks will be made at this time to assure all students are in their designated room. A morning expectation time of awakening will also be given to the students. Between these times, students are expected to remain in their designated room. Students are reminded they are to conduct themselves as leaders and role models of our team, our school, and our community. The location of the supervisor’s rooms will be made clear to all students so they may make contact in the event of an emergency or if other needs arise during the night time hours.

BEHAVIOR AND ACCOUNTABILITY: 

1. The school has the right to revoke the right of the student athlete to use school transportation,  in the event of inappropriate behavior. The consequences may or may not also include suspension from their athletic team. 
2. Cleats, clean or dirty, are not permitted to be worn on GCPS buses. The student is financially responsible for any damage done, intentionally or unintentionally, to a William Monroe school bus or charter bus. 
3. WMHS is NOT responsible for players until the designated time set by coaches for them to report for practices or games.

Participant Discipline Policy Disclaimer: Any areas or situations not listed or overlooked in this handbook or the WMHS Student Handbook will be addressed by a meeting with player, parents, coach, Athletic Director, and administration. Consequences will be established and an addendum may be made to the handbook.

Tryouts

Our coaching staff will provide feedback to each participant individually upon request about being selected on that particular team. The tryout period will be 3 days and may be longer depending on the sport and the number of participants, etc. 

Two Sport Athletes

Any athlete that wishes to participate in two sports during the same season should follow the procedures listed below:

1. Permission from both coaches and parents to participate confirmed in writing.
2. Designate a primary sport.
3. Practice at least 3 times a week with the secondary sport.
4. Participates in 50% of scheduled regular season contests
5. Final approval from Athletic Director

William Monroe High School Athletic Boosters

The William Monroe High School Boosters is an organization designed to provide an additional source of financial support for all student-athletes. The William Monroe High School Booster Club is governed by its constitution/by laws in order to become a more efficient organization. 

The Athletic Boosters club at William Monroe High School is a volunteer group of dedicated parents and community members that works to support our Athletic programs. All the monies raised go directly back to the programs here at WMHS. We need all the parents' support. If every family volunteers for two events throughout the year, everything will be covered. Please join and support the Athletic Boosters.

COLLEGE ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

Any student athlete that is interested in participating in college athletics needs to meet specifically with the school guidance counselor and register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at the following web address: http://www.eligibilitycenter.org. 

Any student athlete receiving an athletic scholarship will be able to have a solo signing day during the NCAA signing period if they so choose. All other athletes continuing their athletic careers in college will “sign” on the designated Commitment Day in the spring.

Department of Athletics and Sports Medicine

Injured Athlete Return to Play Protocol and Expectations

In the event an athlete becomes injured while participating as a William Monroe athlete the following process will take place: 

1. The injured athlete reports injury to the coaching staff immediately. 
2. The coaching staff then refers the athlete to the certified athletic trainer (ATC) for further evaluation. 
3. Following the examination, the ATC will then determine if the athlete can be treated at school or must be referred to a physician for more testing and further evaluation. 
4. If it is determined that hte athlete can be treated at school, then the ATC will devise return to play criteria based on the athlete’s tolerance to exercise, functional capabilities and the use of bracing/taping to support the injured area. This plan will be communicated to the athlete and coaching staff. 
5. If the athlete is referred to a physician  OR the athlete seeks evaluation by a physician without first consulting the ATC, then written documentation MUST be presented to the ATC prior to participation. The orders of the physician will be followed as instructed. That plan may be deviated from ONLY with documentation from the treating physician. The plan the physician has implemented will be communicated to the coaching staff. 

Injured Athlete Expectations: 

• Communicate ALL injuries to your coach and Athletic Trainer
• Attend all practices and games while injured. Travel with the team to away contests. (Exceptions can be made if circumstances warrant). 
• Follow the instruction of the doctor and/or Athletic Trainer on return to activity protocol.

Media Consent: Throughout the sports seasons there are opportunities for our student-athletes to be videoed, have their picture taken, etc. by local media, coaches, and other school personnel. These products can be used to promote our schools programs by being published by the local media or used on school based publications and websites. A Media Consent form is sent home with your student at the beginning of the school year. Please verify your approval on the consent page at the back of this handbook.

WE ASK THAT THE PARTICIPANT AND THEIR PARENT(S) CAREFULLY READ THESE POLICIES BEFORE INITIALING AND SIGNING BELOW. EVEN IF PARTICIPANT/PARENTS CHOOSE NOT TO SIGN, THE PARTICIPANT STILL REMAINS SUBJECT TO THESE RULES.

______ Handbook Acknowledgement

______ Assumption of Risk

______ Media Consent (If opting out, do not initial)

______ Concussion awareness (You have viewed the video and understand the risks)

_____________________

Date

_______________________________ ____________________________

Student Signature Printed Name

_____________________

Date

_______________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature

**PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR COACH OR SPONSOR**

EVEN IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO SIGN IT.