Interscholastic Athletic Guide

STARPOINT SPARTANS

Interscholastic Athletic Guide

Vincent P. Dell’Oso

Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics

Jane Wilson

Athletic Secretary

Phone: (716) 210-2304

Fax: (716) 210-2380

A Guide for Parents and Student Athletes

Parents and Student Athletes:

On behalf of the entire professional staff, welcome to the Starpoint Central High School District Interscholastic Athletic Program. This guide is designed to provide you with a brief overview of our high school and middle school (modified level) teams. Together with the Board of Education, it is our hope to meet the needs of our students and to ensure an opportunity for all to participate.  Starpoint is a member of the Erie County Interscholastic Conference (ECIC) and Section VI of the NYSPHSAA, and as a district, offers a diversified athletic program consisting of 29 varsity and junior varsity sports in the high school and 17 modified sports teams in the middle school.

This guide provides necessary information concerning our Interscholastic Athletic Program. We also have an athletic link on the school’s official website, www.starpointcsd.org. Game schedules and directions are posted, as well as, results of competition and any important notices. If further information is needed, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 210-2304 for additional assistance.

To each athlete and all teams, I wish you the best of luck and much personal satisfaction. Work hard and always strive for excellence in your efforts. To all parents/guardians, we appreciate your loyal support, enthusiasm, dedication, patience, and sportsmanship to your child’s athletic endeavors.

With Spartan Pride,

Vincent P. Dell’Oso

Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics

STANDARDS OF ELIGIBILITY

ACADEMICS

Starpoint Central School District Academic Eligibility Policy for Extracurricular Activities

The Starpoint Central School District extends the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities to students who recognize their obligation to themselves, their teammates and their school community while striving for academic excellence. Students must adhere to the District's policy regarding academic eligibility, attendance, and good citizenship in and out of the classroom. Extracurricular activities are defined as any school function NOT grade dependent (e.g. athletics, intramurals, school musicals, and all clubs/group meetings, activities, tryouts and performances held before or after school). The Academic Eligibility Policy will affect participation in all extracurricular programs and activities.

Standard

The eligibility standard will apply to students in grades 7-12.

Students are considered eligible when they have a passing average in all subjects at each time that eligibility is determined (typically every 5 weeks). Students transferring into the district at any time shall have a clean slate for eligibility purposes.

Students who are failing one course (exclusive of Physical Education - for athletics only) at each 5-week marking period will be placed on probation, but will retain eligibility. This includes being able to practice and compete in contests.

Students who are failing two or more courses, or Physical Education (for Athletics) at each 5-week marking period will automatically be ineligible to participate in any interscholastic contests, intramurals, or any extracurricular activities during the next 5-week period. Incomplete grades that are not changed to a passing grade within ten school days in the high school or 14 school days in the middle school after the report cards and/or progress reports are issued will be considered failing grades for eligibility purposes. Ineligible students may have the opportunity to attend and participate in practices but not in contests. Ineligible students will not be able to sit on the bench for contests and will not be able to travel with the team to away contests or attend any extracurricular sponsored activities.

Terms of Probation

Probation is the 5-week time period where a student must seek remediation with the teacher of his/her failed/INC course(s).

Each student on probation will be issued a Starpoint Eligibility Evaluation Form from Student Services.

Students on probation or ineligible students must seek remediation with the teacher/teachers of his/her failed/INC course(s) during the teacher’s office hours.

Teachers must sign-off on the eligibility form each time verifying that the student sought remediation that day(s).

Students must present their signed form to his/her coach and/or advisor prior to the start of practice, game, or meeting/activity to be eligible to participate on that day. Failure to do so will result in the student not being able to participate in practice or play in their game (if there is a game scheduled on that day) or attend any extracurricular sponsored activities.

Restoring Eligibility

At the end of the second full week of remediation, an ineligible student may have their eligibility reinstated by submitting proof of successful remediation using the Starpoint Academic Eligibility Evaluation Form.

In order for this to occur the student must show the proper motivation and work ethic/effort to be successful in class, and/or elevate his/her grade to a passing grade of 65 or higher.

An ineligible student may re-establish eligibility at any time after the second full week of remediation. All students on probation will remain on probation for the entire five week period until a new eligibility list has been issued.

Students forging his/her teachers’ initials/signature will lose his/her privileges to participate in the extra-curricular activity for the remainder of the current sports season/semester.

In case of academic difficulties, extra help is available in all subject areas in each building. Practices or games do not begin until after the extra help period has been completed. Academic success and athletic achievement can be realized together making for a more well-rounded individual, a “student athlete”.

Academic Study Period (Sports Study Hall)—2:25 pm-3:10 pm—Student athletes must be in a supervised place by 2:25 pm everyday. Sports study hall is provided in both buildings. Athletes will receive a pass from the study hall that must be presented to their coach in order to practice that day. If a student/athlete is meeting with an individual instructor, they must get a pass from that teacher at the end of the extra period to be admitted to practice.

BEHAVIORAL

Anti-social behavior on school property, in classrooms, and on school athletic fields is UNACCEPTABLE and will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the District’s Code of Conduct.

A student athlete whose misbehavior leads to an out-of-school suspension will not be permitted to practice, participate in, or attend a game/contest until reinstated by the principal and/or the results of a superintendent hearing, if necessary. Such actions may result in permanent removal from athletic participation.

Any student athlete who violates the school discipline code regarding use of alcohol, drugs, and/or tobacco may be summarily removed, and such actions may result in permanent removal from athletic participation. (see Student Handbook)

Any student athlete who is ejected from a game or contest because of misconduct will automatically serve a one game suspension according to the rules of ECIC and Section VI Interscholastic Athletics.

Remember, participation in Interscholastic Athletics is a privilege — not a right. A student athlete is a representative of his/her school, team, and family. Their actions and activities should be held in high regard on the field/court, in the classroom, on campus, and in the community as they are “always” representing Starpoint.

CODE OF ETHICS

It is the DUTY of all concerned with school athletics:

To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.

To respect the integrity and judgment of sports’ officials.

To achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and the standard of eligibility.

To encourage leadership, interaction, and good judgment by the players on the team.

To recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well-being of the individual player.

To demonstrate self-control and mutual respect at all times. Uncontrolled emotions can be self-defeating.

To remember that any athletic contest is not a matter of life and death for players, coaches, officials, home and school, or community.

To be able to accept victory with grace and defeat with dignity. Poor winners or losers do a disservice to themselves and their community.

The use of crude or abusive language or gestures in dealing with opponents, officials, or spectators will NOT be permitted at any time.

HAZING/BULLYING—in any form by an athlete prior to, during school, or in any setting outside regular team activities is unacceptable and prohibited. If observed, one or more of these actions will be taken:

Coaches’ discipline

Administrative school action

Dismissal from team

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

A student shall be eligible for middle school athletic competition in a sport commencing with the student’s entry into seventh grade. Students may be eligible for high school teams beginning in the 7th grade if they have passed the State Education Department’s Athletic Placement Process (APP) test. Only the most highly skilled and talented student athlete(s) will be considered. Students should be recommended by the middle school physical education staff, or by a coach. All criteria of the New York State Education Department and the Starpoint Central School District Board of Education must be met.

LADDER OF COMMUNICATION

Any athlete on a team who feels they have a problem or concern should meet with the coach. Encourage the athlete to communicate honestly, politely, and openly with the coach in a private setting. Parents should do the same in a respectful, timely, & private setting, but never immediately after a game when emotions may be high. If a problem gets to a parent level or possibly begins there, the parent/guardian should request a meeting either by phone or face to face with that coach. The coach will provide a written report to the Athletic Director after the meeting. If a parent still feels further discussion of the matter is warranted, they should contact the Athletic Office.

SPORTSMANSHIP

It is the responsibility of all coaches, staff, athletes, parents, spectators, and community members to exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship and fair-play at all times. We ALL assume the responsibility of teaching our children at all levels about the positive aspects of respect, fair-play, and ethical conduct under all circumstances. The values to be derived from playing the game fairly should be stressed, and any action which tends to destroy these values must be discouraged. Courtesy should be shown towards coaches, opponents, officials, supervisors, spectators, and administrators.

Most of all it is the duty of all involved in athletics at all levels to remember that an athletic contest is a game and should be kept in that perspective by all concerned. The lessons and values taught will leave lasting impressions; therefore, we need to make every effort to have these experiences be POSITIVE.

Sportsmanship is a goal for everyone — athletes, coaches, officials, spectators, and community.

PARENT SUPPORT

We encourage family members to share in our athletes’ education by attending games, and showing positive, constructive support. It is the responsibility of the parent/spectator to:

Keep cheering in a positive, supportive manner.

Avoid actions, language, and gestures that may offend visiting teams, coaches, or individual players.

Show appreciation for good play by both teams.

Learn the game rules in order to become a better informed spectator.

Treat all visiting teams the way you would want your child’s team treated.

Accept the judgment of coaches and officials.

Encourage all spectators to participate in proper behavior.

PARENT CONSENT

At the start of each season, you will be asked to sign consent forms during the registration process on FamilyID before your child may participate. This includes important information and acknowledges you understand Starpoint’s athletic policies and that your child will abide by these rules. This will include our concussion management policy.

ISSUING OF SCHOOL CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

It is the responsibility of the student athlete to return to the coach ALL clothing and equipment issued. Failure to do this will result in the student athlete paying for the missing articles. Student athletes not paying for the missing articles will forfeit their right to receive any school equipment or clothing in the next sport season or be eligible for any award. A list of violators will be sent to the Athletic Department and further action will be taken.

CONTESTS/PRACTICE SESSIONS

The coaching staff of the Starpoint Central School District is an extremely hard-working and dedicated group of professionals. Although individual coaching styles are varied, the coaching staff believes that responsibility, dedication, commitment, sacrifice, and pride are necessary ingredients for successful seasons. With that in mind, ALL STUDENT ATHLETES are expected to attend each and every practice and contest. This is extremely important for the development of individual and team skills. If there are extenuating circumstances regarding the need to be absent, the student athlete should discuss them with his/her coach as soon as possible. If a student athlete is sick, he/she should contact his/her coach, especially the day of a game.

At the high school and modified levels, most athletic teams DO practice or play games over the various vacations and holidays during the school year. The coach will give each student athlete a practice/game schedule at the start of the season specifically noting the days of practice/game(s) over vacation/holiday periods.

Please note: In order for a student athlete to participate in practice(s) or a game(s), he/she must be in school for a minimum of 5 class periods during the day. Parental notes will be honored to excuse lateness to school, but the rule stated above will still apply. College interviews or visitations may apply, and school-sponsored trips are considered school attendance as long as they are approved by the Attendance Office. Student athletes who are unprepared for or do not participate in physical education classes may not practice or play in a scheduled contest that day.

RISK FACTORS IN SPORTS

Participation in athletics involves a certain degree of risk. Injuries can occur. In order to minimize risk of injury, student athletes can prepare themselves before going out for a team by taking part in preseason conditioning programs. The chances of a healthy, injury-free season can only be enhanced by proper preparation — a basic conditioning program, knowledge of skills and techniques, as well as the rules and safety factors concerning the sport of participation. All protective gear required for games should be used at all times, in practices and games, to reduce the risk of injury.

DOMINIC MURRAY SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST PREVENTION ACT

The Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act is a new law as of July 1, 2022. This law requires schools, students, and parents/guardians to have information on sudden cardiac arrest risks, signs, and symptoms. Please note that sudden cardiac arrest in children and youth is rare. The incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) on the playing field is 0.61 in 100,000.¹

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is an emergency that happens when the heart suddenly stops working. SCA can cause death if not treated immediately, and even with treatment death may occur. Immediate treatment is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED). All public schools must have a staff member trained in the use of CPR and AED in school and at all school athletic events.

Preventing SCA before it happens is the best way to save a life[1]. Both your family health history and your child’s personal history must be told to healthcare providers to help them know if your child is at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Ask your child if they are having any of the symptoms listed below and tell a healthcare provider. Know your family history and tell a healthcare provider of any risk factors listed below.

The signs or symptoms are:

Fainting or seizure, especially during or right after exercise or with excitement or startled

Racing heart, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or extreme fatigue with exercise

Chest pain or discomfort with exercise

Excessive shortness of breath during exercise

Excessive, unexpected fatigue during or after exercise

Student’s Personal Risk Factors are:

Use of diet pills, performance-enhancing supplements, energy drinks, or drugs such as cocaine, inhalants, or “recreational” drugs. [2]

Elevated blood pressure or cholesterol

History of health care provider ordered test(s) for heart related issues

Student’s Family History Risk Factors are:

Family history of known heart abnormalities or sudden death before 50 years of age

Family members with unexplained fainting, seizures, drowning, near drowning or car accidents before 50 years of age

Structural heart abnormality, repaired or unrepaired

Any relative diagnosed with the following conditions:

Enlarged Heart/ Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy/Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

Heart rhythm problems, long or short QT interval

Brugada Syndrome

Catecholaminergic Ventricular Tachycardia

Marfan Syndrome- aortic rupture

Heart attack at 50 years or younger

Pacemaker or implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD)

SCA in students at risk can be triggered by athletic activities. To decrease any chance of SCA in a student, the Interval Health History for Athletics must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian before each sports season unless a physical examination has been conducted within 30 days before the start of the season. This form has questions to help identify changes since the last physical examination or health history was completed. School personnel may require a student with health or history changes to see a healthcare provider before participating in athletics.

Finally, the law requires any student who has signs and symptoms of pending SCA be removed from athletic activity until seen by the student-athlete’s primary care physician or a cardiologist. The physician must provide written clearance to the school for the student to be able to return to athletics.

What is the district doing to comply with the new law?

Starpoint Central School District currently has a variety of ways that ensure compliance with this new state requirement. Many of these actions are already in place as part of our standard operating procedures, such as:

Requiring student-athletes to obtain an annual physical with their pediatrician prior to engaging in any interscholastic athletic practices and/or games

District nursing staff and the athletic trainer review all health histories for potential risk factors of SCA and may require clearance from the student-athletes pediatrician or a cardiologist prior to full, unrestricted participation

The district contracts an athletic trainer to be on-site for home events and some away contests. The athletic trainer is CPR/AED certified and has additional training to provide care to an athlete or spectator experiencing a cardiac episode

Requirement of all coaching staff to obtain CPR/AED training

AEDs readily available for all on-site events, portable AEDs are provided to coaches when an off-site location does not have an AED readily accessible and available

Please contact the State Education Department’s Office of Student Support Services for questions at studentsupportservices@nysed.gov or 518-486-6090.

TRANSPORTATION

Student athletes will be transported to away contests by school authorized vehicles ONLY. Students wishing to return home from away games will be allowed to leave only with their own parents. You must notify your coach of this choice. *Exception—A parent may give written permission for their child to return with another parent or adult if a signed note is presented to the athletic office prior to the contest. The office will give a signed approval to the athlete to be given to their coach after the contest. Under NO circumstances is a student to arrange his/her own transportation to or from a game.

SPORTS PHYSICALS

Starpoint will schedule physical examinations by the school’s doctor prior to the start of each sport season. A student athlete must have a sports physical on record in order to practice or participate in a game/contest. If you choose to use a personal physician, the Sports Candidate Questionnaire form is available in all High School offices. The school physician is required to review and sign the form in addition to your own doctor. All athletic physicals are valid for a period of 12 months through the last day of the month the physical was conducted. However, if the 12-month period for the physical elapses during a sports season, participants can complete the season as long as a health history was conducted prior to the season. If a student has not participated in a sport for 30 days, an Interval Health History Form needs to be completed. The student athlete must see the school nurse to update his/her medical records to ensure that no injuries or medical problems have occurred since the last physical examination—any injury needs medical clearance.

Prior to the beginning of each sport season, coaches will meet their prospective student athletes and reinforce that all student athletes MUST have their parents complete all necessary paperwork before they can begin the season. Forms are also available online on the Starpoint website under athletics.

Fax numbers: Athletics (716)210-2380, HS Nurse (716)210-2361, MS Nurse (716)210-2231

INSURANCE/INJURIES

Insurance—In the event of an injury or if medical attention is required, it will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide coverage for any medical charges.

Injuries—The student athlete must report to his/her coach or the school trainer at the time of an injury. School district coaches have been trained to handle a variety of situations as they occur. If medical treatment is required, a trainer and/or the coach will provide assistance, and the school nurse should be notified by the trainer as soon as possible. An accident report will be filed immediately after the incident occurs.

All student athletes who are injured and visit a doctor must be released (signed statement) by that doctor prior to resuming athletic participation. The release should be brought to the athletic office where copies will be sent to the school nurse as well as the coach. No student athlete will be allowed to participate without such a release.

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

As required by N.Y.S. Law (July 2012), Starpoint has a concussion management plan in place. The plan consists of a concussion management team and specific steps that must be taken if a concussion is observed.

ATHLETIC TRAINER

Starpoint provides a full-time trainer on our athletic staff. The trainer will be available each day from approximately 1:45 pm until the end of practices or games that day. The training room and the trainer’s workstation is in the High School Physical Education wing. Information on our trainers and important contact numbers will be available in the training room or the athletic office—L16.

STATE LAWS

The Board of Education of the Starpoint Central School District and New York State Law prohibits smoking/vaping or the use of tobacco products on any school property including all indoor and outdoor athletic activities. Also, dogs are not allowed on campus.

JEWELRY POLICY

No jewelry, including visible body piercing objects, shall be worn in any sport. Any piece of jewelry, that is visible at the start of or during a contest, is in violation of the NYSPHSAA Jewelry Rule. Religious medals must be taped to the body and under the uniform. Medical medals must be taped to the body so they are visible. Soft, pliable barrettes are permissible, body gems are not.

PARKING/PICKUP

Parking should be done only in designated lots when picking up and dropping off athletes. Please observe “No Parking/No Standing” areas.

STARPOINT ATHLETIC PROGRAM

The athletic program is divided into three sport seasons. The fall season begins in August and ends in November. The winter season begins in November and ends in February. The spring season begins in March and ends in June. Listed below are the sports seasons and those activities which are offered by Starpoint within each season.

FALL SEASON

Cheerleading—Varsity, Junior Varsity

Cross Country—Boys—Varsity, Modified

Cross Country—Girls—Varsity, Modified

Field Hockey—Girls—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

Football—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

Golf—Varsity

Soccer—Boys—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

Soccer—Girls—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

Swimming/Diving—Girls—Varsity

Tennis—Girls—Varsity

Volleyball—Boys—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

Volleyball—Girls—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

WINTER SEASON

Basketball—Boys—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

Basketball—Girls—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

Bowling—Boys—Varsity

Bowling—Girls—Varsity

Cheerleading—Varsity, Junior Varsity

Hockey—Boys—Varsity

Hockey—Girls—Varsity

Indoor Track—Boys—Varsity

Indoor Track—Girls—Varsity

Swimming/Diving—Boys—Varsity

Swimming—Co-Ed—Modified

Unified Bowling—Co-Ed—Varsity

Wrestling—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

SPRING SEASON

Baseball—Boys—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

Lacrosse—Boys—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

Lacrosse—Girls—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

Softball—Girls—Varsity, Junior Varsity, Modified

Tennis—Boys—Varsity

Track & Field—Boys—Varsity, Modified

Track & Field—Girls—Varsity, Modified

Unified Basketball—Co-Ed—Varsity