Middle School Athletic Program Overview

Athletics Parent & Athlete Meeting

Spartan Athletic Mission The Sossaman Middle School Athletic Program is committed to uphold a positive culture which ignites athletes' passion for sports, nurtures skill development and fosters triple- impact characteristics.

Why do We do this Develop skills and physical abilities Increase resilience to overcome challenges Build relationships with teammates Learn from other positive adult role models To become champions in the game and in life

SPORTS At SMS Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 1 Quarter 4 Wrestling (Non- cut) Softball Boys Soccer Girls Soccer Girls Volleyball Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Boys Volleyball Baseball XC (Non-cut) Flag Football Track and Field (Non-cut) Cheer Cheer Cheer Golf (Club) Tennis (Club)

Governing Policies Expectations of play outlined in EVC constitution. Rules not specifically stated in the EVC constitution are covered by NFHS game play rules. Students/parents are required to complete registration process through RMA/Aktivate. Parents and students should be aware of the risks of being involved in sports as well as other information provided by HUSD.

Our competition We are members of the East Valley Conference (EVC). For schedule, standings, and maps to away games: www.eastvalleyconference.org The conference includes a total of 13 schools from Queen Creek, Higley, and Chandler.

Goals for Athletes and Coaches Coaches Our coaches have the goal of winning while teaching life lessons through sports Athletes Be competitors who work hard to make themselves better, their teammates better and the sport better.

Where to start Create an account at: Registermyathlete.com

Paperwork for RMA Physical forms must be completed each year. physicals after March 1stare good for the following academic school year Link to complete concussion course: AZ365 Tutorial for how to complete the concussion course

What to Expect Tryouts at the beginning of each quarter. Season schedule includes home and away games and a playoff tournament. All students who suit up will have game time in the regular season. Coaches are responsible for determining the duration of play and play time will not be equal. Coach will give a contract with team expectations for the season. Participation in the school s program can run concurrently with club teams/practices.

Student safety Coaches are first aid/CPR trained. First Aid kits are at every game/practice. Heat guidelines are followed. Trainers present at games. Emergency action plans are in place. Athletes are required to get clearance from a physician if they seek treatment at a medical facility. Follow HUSD s bullying and hazing policies.

Athlete Responsibilities There is a $100 non-refundable athletic fee per season, with a $350 family cap per year Families will need to let us know when they approach the cap. Uniforms are loaned from the school and must be returned in good condition at the end of the season or you will be charged to replace it. Stay a positive leader on campus. Pass your classes

Eligibility Coaches may choose to conduct their own grade check as early as they would like. FIRST OFFICIAL GRADE CHECK is approximately 4 weeks into the season. After that, grade checks will be run every Friday, to determine eligibility for the following week. Any student with an F will not travel with the school to away contests or participate in any competition Coaches may decide to limit game time if a student has a D .

eligibility Continued Any student who is failing a course will be ineligible until all of the following occurs: Student misses at least one athletic competition Grade is raised to a passing mark in all classes Form must be submitted to Mr. Keeling indicating a passing grade signed by the teacher of record for that class.

eligibility Continued Students with behavior concerns at school may not be eligible for participating in games as determined by the coach and athletic director. Students who serve ISS during the school day may not be allowed to participate in any games that day. Students must be present at least 3 class periods to be eligible to participate on a game day.

Transportation Transportation for athletic competitions: Busses depart from SMS before dismissal Team must travel to athletic events together Parents may pick up THEIR STUDENT ONLY at an away location but must sign out the student with the coach. No transportation is provided to practices. Off campus practices will have transport to the destination, but athletes will need to be picked up there.

How Can You Help? Tax credit donations Run our scorebook/table Arrange carpools for practices Help coach organize the end of season banquet Support a positive team culture Be a good example of sportsmanship Cheer for our players without coaching Stay positive about coaches, players, and officials Do not approach coaches at or immediately after an athletic competition

Help students succeed in sports and in life BE A DUAL GOAL PARENT Encourage your child to give maximum effort Use sports as a learning experience Help your child get past mistakes Be an example- respect the rules, opponents, officials, teammates, and self Encourage your student to self-advocate for their athletic and academic needs.

Athletic Recognition Team Pictures Coach and weekly school newsletter will announce dates Please help student to remember their uniform Morning announcements Assemblies Quarterly athletic banquet SMS Athlete of the Week

Fundraising Spartan Gear - https://www.sossamanspiritwear. com/ Banner Sponsorships Tile Sponsorships Tax Donations

Communication Follow us on Twitter @Sossaman_HUSD Facebook @ Sossaman Spartans @Sossaman Sports Instagram @sms_husd_sports

Athletic Director Brandon Keeling Athletic Director/Assistant Principal Brandon.Keeling@husd.org 480-279-8511 Pam Stone Administrative Assistant Pamela.Stone@husd.org 480-279-8513