Handbook of Athletic Competition (April 2009)
1.1.0 The purpose of the following League Handbook is to standardize policy between member schools with regard to:
A. Hosting of Competitions
B. Responsibility of Visiting Schools
C. Duties of Coaches and Officials
D. Administration of Exhibition Competitions
E. The League and Its Convenors
G. Sports, Divisions, and Seasons
H. Athlete’s Code of Conduct and Coach’s Code of Ethics
I. Awards
A. Hosting of Competitions
1.2.0 Prior to any scheduled League competition or tournament the host school shall provide a notice of game times to the visiting school(s). Such notice should be directed to the Athletic Director of the travelling school at least one week prior to the competition.
1.2.1 At the start of each season the Athletic Director of each member school should provide all fellow Athletic Directors, and League Secretary, with a list containing the following information:
(a) coaches names for all sports
(b) school address and phone number
(c) names and e mails of male and female NorWOSSA Representatives
1.2.2 Dressing rooms should be provided and clearly marked at least 45 minutes prior to all athletic competitions.
1.2.3 The host school should make every effort to maintain the markings of their playing fields and courts at an up-to-date level. In the event that less than regulation sized courts or fields are used the differences should be indicated to the visiting coach. Local rules thus resulting must be agreed upon prior to competition.
1.2.4 In all athletic competitions, the host school must make every effort to provide adult, qualified officials (accredited where required by League). Students should not be used except in minor officiating capacities (e.g. downsbox and chainsmen for football; linesmen and umpire in volleyball; linesmen in badminton; and scorers and timers in all sports).
1.2.5 If a host school is forced to use a student official, they must notify the visiting school 24 hours prior to the start of the game. The visiting school will have the choice to provide their own official or play the game using student officials.
1.2.6 Practice balls should be made available for warmup by host schools for volleyball and basketball only. Courts should be vacant and balls provided 15 minutes prior to game time. (1/2 hour in the case of hockey games.)
1.2.7 Entry fees may not be charged for regularly scheduled NorWOSSA League competitions.
1.2.8 Immediately following any regularly scheduled League competition (within 24 hours) the host school must forward copies of the game score sheet to the Convenor or the sport and League Secretary.
1.2.9 The host school should provide transportation, in the case of injury, to the nearest hospital or clinic at the request of either coach.
1.2.10 The host school is responsible for notifying the Convenor if the dates of any competition must be changed.
1.2.11 For all NorWOSSA sports students are not allowed to wear jewellery of any form. Medical alert bracelets are not considered jewellery and can be covered by an arm band or taped down.
1.2.12 No artificial noise makers are allowed in any gymnasium during a NorWOSSA competition.
B. Visiting Schools
1.3.0 Visiting teams should plan to arrive at the host school one hour prior to game time for any sport.
Should a team arrive earlier than 1 hour before game time it is the responsibility of the coach to supervise the team until they are able to occupy their dressing rooms. They should not be left to wander throughout the schools. A check with the host coach as to where they might wait would be advisable.
1.3.1 If cheerleaders are to accompany athletic teams, the host school should be informed in advance in order to provide changing facilities.
1.3.2 As soon as it is apparent that the visiting team will be delayed the coach in charge must immediately notify the host school by phone, even if this means stopping along the way to do so.
1.3.3 Visiting teams must be dressed, warmed-up and ready to play at the time scheduled for the start of the game.
1.3.4 The line-up must be completed and presented to the official scorer a minimum of 5 minutes prior to the start of any competition.
1.3.5 To aid schools in preparing programs for tournaments or competitions schools should attempt to exchange player lists (including numbers) prior to the start of each session.
1.3.6 It is the duty of the visiting coach to see that his/her team is aware of and complies with the rules and regulations of the host school, e.g. smoking on school grounds, footwear in gymnasia, etc. Teams must respect the property of the host schools.
1.3.7 Coaches (not managers) should check change rooms to see that they are left in a respectable manner with showers turned off and debris such as orange peels, paper towelling, and discarded tape placed in waste containers.
C. Coaches and Officials
1.4.0 At no time should a coach criticize the personality of the opposition coaches, players or game officials. Differences of opinion should be cleared away from the concerned ears of either team. A coach who seeks sympathy from or fails to demand sportsmanship from his/her team should question his/her motives for coaching. See Appendix for the Coaches Code of Ethics and the Athlete’s Code of Conduct
1.4.1 Officials have a clear responsibility to stay up-to-date and retain a thorough knowledge of the rules. They should make every opportunity to attend or initiate clinics in their sport and achieve the highest level of accreditation possible.
1.4.2 It is recommended that schools publish rules of conduct for athletes covering:
(a) accident coverage and risks of the sport.
(b) smoking or drinking regulations.
(c) absenteeism (school practices).
(d) expenses–accommodation–meals.
(e) travel–conduct, dress, etc.
(f) eligibility.
1.4.3 When the losing coach and the game officials feel that it is in the best interests of the team competing to move to straight time in a game they may do so.
D. Exhibition Competitions
1.5.0 Exhibition competitions should be sanctioned at Spring or Fall NorWOSSA meetings. (League sanctions prohibit competition by member schools on the date of the sanction in the particular sport.)
Sanctions must be obtained for all exhibition competitions with teams from outside of our conference.
O.F.S.A.A. regulations require provincial sanction for invitational tournaments with schools from outside Ontario.
If competitions are not sanctioned at League meetings permission must be sought from the NorWOSSA Executive.
1.5.1 Tournament entry fees may be charged by host schools for exhibition tournaments to defray expenses. Such fees must be stated in an information sheet sent to VISITING schools prior to the competition. They must be paid no later than the date of the tournament. Any team that cancels out of a tournament shall be required to pay the tournament fee within 2 weeks after the tournament (Spring 2004).
E. The League and Its Convenors
1.6.0 The NorWOSSA League is not responsible for underwriting or defraying expenses incurred by member schools in hosting, or travelling to, any athletic competition. The cost of officials, awards, and other expenses involved for League or Championship competitions is the responsibility of the schools involved.
1.6.1 Any phone calls by the NorWOSSA Executive for League business shall be paid by NorWOSSA.
1.6.2 Expenses incurred in hosting (coaching and/or officiating) clinics are the responsibility of the host school. Entry fees as in 1.5.1 must cover these costs. Application can be made for a grant from NorWOSSA to assist in hosting a clinic (normally $200.00).
1.6.3 It is the responsibility of each Athletic Director to attend Spring meetings prepared to commit his/her school to scheduling arrangements. The desire to host League competitions, clinics and sanctioned exhibition games should be presented at this meeting.
1.6.4 After the Spring meeting Athletic Directors will have one week in which to present schedules to school administrations for final approval. If no changes are requested (in writing to the Scheduling Committee Chairman) by the end of this week, the schedules are to be considered final.
1.6.5 Once finalized, the dates or times of scheduled competitions may only be changed by the mutual consent of the schools involved. Date changes must be forwarded to the convenor and the league office by the host school as soon as possible.
1.6.6 Following any League or exhibition competition involving NorWOSSA teams a copy of the results must be forwarded to the Convenor within 24 (twenty-four) hours of the game. Tournament results should be similarly forwarded. A summary of team standing (and individual) will be sent from the Convenor to member schools no later than the last day of each month. Final statistics will be distributed following N.W.O.S.S.A.A. championships in each sport by the Convenor.
1.6.7 Convenors must send out up-to-date playing regulations to all coaches along with the final schedule before the start of their season. Athletic Directors must ensure that their officials are aware of NorWOSSA rules that are changes from the accepted rule book.
F. Discipline
1.7.0 In the event of serious misconduct or disrespect toward an official, coach, player, spectator or teacher at any time during a NorWOSSA competition (whether the person’s team is playing or has finished), the conduct of that person will be reported to the Athletic Directors of the schools involved and the League Executive. If the
Athletic Directors of the two schools involved cannot agree upon a workable solution, the League Executive, upon consultation with the Principal of the (person’s) school involved, shall be empowered to impose such penalties as they feel are warranted.
1.7.1 In accordance with Article #10 of the NorWOSSA By-Laws–Protest and Arbitration–protests may be made providing they are consistent with the By-Law and in accordance with the following Guidelines:
(a) Anyone–player, coach, official, parent, spectator, or principal may protest inappropriate conduct at a NorWOSSA event.
(b) The conduct of any player, coach or official may be protested. Fan behaviour should be reported to his/her Athletic Director for handling by the fan’s principal.
(c) Complaints should first be made to the Athletic Director of the host school.
(d) Report incidents in writing to Athletic Director. Be sure to include accurate description of the incident and the names of witnesses.
(e) The Athletic Director will obtain written descriptions from witnesses and should these substantiate the complaint, forward copies of all information to the League Executive.
(f) The Athletic Director should contact the Athletic Director of the person’s school to explain the nature of the complaint and to indicate that the League has been asked to handle the matter.
(g) Should a coach or an official’s conduct be protested a copy of the complaint will be sent to the Athletic Director and the coach or official.
(h) The letter of protest should contain only the details of the incident as witnessed. Any personal comments or opinions should not be included.
1.7.2 Students suspended in accordance with League regulations are ineligible to practice or compete with their team in any League or exhibition game for the duration of the suspension.
G. Sports, Divisions, and Seasons
1.8.0 The following is a chart indicating the sports sanctioned by NorWOSSA for League or Exhibition competition among member schools:
|
Sport
|
Girls Division
|
Boys Division
|
Seasons
|
League
|
Exhibition
|
||||||
|
Jr.
|
Sr.
|
Var.
|
Jr.
|
Sr.
|
Var.
|
F
|
W
|
S
|
|||
| Badminton |
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
|||
| Basketball |
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
|||
| Curling |
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
||||||
| Football |
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
|||||||
| Hockey |
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
||||||
| Volleyball |
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
|||
| Soccer |
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
•
|
||||||
| Cheerleading |
•
|
•
|
|||||||||
H. Awards
Mike Smith Award
The member school of the recipient of this award is responsible for the upkeep of adding the student’s name to the League Award (plaque). The member school is also responsible if they choose to present any other form of this award to the recipient student. The League is responsible for the plaque should it become filled and need to be replaced.
The Secretary/treasurer will send out nomination forms with the agenda 30 days before the annual spring meeting. At the spring meeting a committee will be formed of 3 members whose schools are not involved in the competition. During the day they will review the applications and determine the winner of the award to be announced in the afternoon portion of the meeting.
NorWOSSA Recognition Award
Criteria:
1. Has a longstanding career as a teacher-coach within NorWOSSA.
2. Has shown leadership in a sports program(s) by serving as a coach, builder, convenor, hosting/organizing tournaments, clinics, and/or developmental activities for students.
3. Is respected by students, colleagues, and fellow coaches.
4. Exemplifies the values of fair play and sportsmanship which are reflected in the behaviour of those coached by the individual.
5. Has demonstrated a commitment to his/her overall school sports program.
6. Has shown support to other coaches and players outside of his/her areas of expertise as; a spectator at games; by giving words of encouragement to others; with a sincere follow-up to the success or defeats of others.
7. Treats all students and student athletes with respect.
8. Is a good role model for student athletes.
Process to be followed:
The sec/treasurer will send out nomination forms with the agenda and notices of motion 30 days before the spring meeting to every AD, Principal, and Rep. The certificate of achievement will be NorWOSSA sponsored, while a present for the recipient will be provided by the host school. Nominations will be accepted prior to the spring meeting and the decision will be made by a committee at the spring meeting. The award will be presented by a representative of NorWOSSA at an appropriate time at the home school.
I. Appendix A
NORWOSSA CODE OF ETHICS FOR COACHES
I. RESPECT FOR PARTICIPANTS
The principle of respect for participants challenges coaches to act in a manner respectful of the dignity of all participants in sport. Fundamental to this principle is the basic assumption that each person has value and is worthy of respect.
Acting with respect for participants means that coaches:
(i) do not make some participants more or less worthy as persons than others on the basis of gender, race, place of origin, athletic potential, colour, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, socioeconomic status, marital status, age or other considerations;
(ii) have a responsibility to respect and promote the rights of all participants;
(iii) interact with others in a manner that enables all participants in sport to maintain their dignity;
(iv) build mutual support among fellow coaches, officials, spectators, athletes and their family members.
II. RESPONSIBLE COACHING
The principle of responsible coaching carries the basic ethical expectation that the activities of coaches will benefit society in general and participants in particular and will do no harm. Fundamental to the implementation of this principle is the notion of competence—responsible coaching (maximizing benefits and minimizing risks to participants) is performed by coaches who are “well prepared and current” in their discipline.
In addition, responsible coaching means that coaches:
(i) act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person;
(ii) recognize the power inherent in the position of coach;
(iii) are aware of their personal values and how these affect their practice as coaches;
(iv) acknowledge the limitations of their discipline; and
(v) accept the responsibility to work with other coaches and professionals in sport.
III. INTEGRITY IN RELATIONSHIPS
Integrity means that coaches are expected to be honest, sincere and honourable in their relationships with others. Acting on these values is most possible when coaches possess a high degree of self-awareness and the ability to reflect critically on how their perspectives influence their interactions with others.
In being faithful to the principle of integrity in relationships, coaches would adhere to the following ethical standards:
(i) explore mutual expectations with athletes in an honest and open manner, giving due consideration to the age and experience of individuals;
(ii) accurately represent personal coaching qualification, experience, competence and affiliations in spoken and written communication, being careful not to use descriptions or information that could be misrepresented;
(iii) notify other coaches when working with those coaches’ athletes;
(iv) honour all promises and commitments, both verbal and written;
(v) act with an enthusiastic and genuine appreciation of sport.
IV. HONOURING SPORT
The principle of honouring sport challenges coaches to recognize, act on and promote the value of sport for individuals and teams and for society in general.
Honouring sport means that coaches:
(i) act on and promote clearly articulated values related to coaching and sport;
(ii) encourage and model honourable intentions and actions in their coaching practice; and;
(iii) show high regard for and promote the value of sport in Canadian society and around the world;
accept both the letter and the spirit of the rules that define and govern sport.
Appendix B
NORWOSSA CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ATHLETES
Congratulations on being selected to your high school’s athletic team. NorWOSSA, the School Board and your school consider it to be a privilege to represent your school in an athletic competition. Therefore, certain behavioural expectations come with this selection. This Code of Conduct for Athletes will inform you and your parents what these expectations are.
ATHLETES HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:
1. Treat everyone fairly within the context of their activity, regardless of gender, place of origin, colour, sexual orientation, religion, political belief or economic status.
2. Consistently display high personal standards and project a favourable image of their sport.
3. Refrain from public criticism of other athletes, coaches or officials.
4. Uphold the rules of the sport, spirit of such rules and encourage other athletes to do the same.
5. Treat opponents and officials with due respect both in victory and defeat. Encourage other athletes to do the same.
ATHLETES MUST:
1. Participate in a manner that insures the safety of fans, athletes, coaches and officials also participating in the game.
2. Respect other athlete’s dignity: verbal or physical behaviour that constitutes harassment or abuse is totally unacceptable.
3. All athletes are required to keep a shirt or uniform on at all times on the field of play or on the indoor surface of play.
4. Where there has been a request for sexual favours or use of threats of reprisal for rejection, it must be reported to the school administration.
UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR
The following are some examples of unacceptable behaviour that could involve suspension or other disciplinary action from the NorWOSSA league or your school administration. Please be aware that these are merely examples and other forms of unacceptable behaviour not on this list could be subject to disciplinary action.
Any vulgarity, profanity or intimidation directed to fellow players, other players, coaches, officials, or minor officials.
Use or possession of laser pointers in any school or facility used by the school (this includes hockey arenas, curling rinks, etc.).
Any unacceptable behaviour while being transported to and from the event (not picking up garbage, swearing, disobedience to a coach or bus driver, disrespect to other students).
Any unacceptable behaviour in a motel/hotel and/or restaurant while on a school trip (unnecessary mess, failure to pay phone bills or other payments).
Any vandalism or theft when visiting another school (includes leaving showers plugged or water running, theft of any item belonging to another student or the school).
The consumption of any drugs not prescribed by a doctor (this includes alcohol).
Negative cheering from the stands (instead of calling the other team down, boost your team up!).
Any form of hazing or other initiation activities will not be tolerated.
Any action or behaviour which would bring discredit to your team or your school.