MOUNT SAINT DOMINIC ACADEMY

Department of Athletics

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     MOUNT SAINT DOMINIC ACADEMY

3 RYERSON AVENUE 

  CALDWELL, NEW JERSEY 07006

 

Athletic Office (973) 226-0660  x19

        Fax   (973) 226-7810 

 

Athletics Hotline (973) 226-0660 x77

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Academic Policies

 

Athletic Trainer

 

Attendance/Tardiness

 

Booster Club “Lions Paw”

 

College Visits

 

Directions

 

Medical Forms/Physicals

 

Mission Statement

 

Northern Hills Conference (Code of Spectator Behavior)

 

Physical Education Classes

 

Practices

 

Schedule Changes

 

Sites (Competitions)

 

Student-Athlete Participation Form

 

Team Managers

 

Team Travel

 

Tryouts

 

Uniforms/Equipment

 

Varsity Letters

 

Weight Room/Gymnasium/Facility

 

Game Day Dress Attire

 

 

 

 

 

ACADEMIC POLICIES:

The athletic department of Mount Saint Dominic Academy will adhere to all of the policies outlined in the Student Handbook.  (See handbook for specific policies governing failures).

 

ATHLETIC TRAINER:

The athletic trainer (part-time) covers one contest per week.  The trainer  will be available to evaluate injuries and recommend treatment when present.

 

ATTENDANCE/TARDINESS:

A student must be present from the opening of the school day to the close in order to participate in an athletic competition, practice or team sponsored activity for that calender day. 

 

BOOSTER CLUB “LIONS PAW”:

The booster club is an organization made up of supporters of Lion Athletics.

The functions and activities of the group will be determined by its membership led by the following officers: President, Vice President Membership, Vice President Special Projects, Secretary, and Treasurer.  Meetings will be held once a month, or as needed and all club activities must be reported to the principal and athletic director.

 

COLLEGE VISITS:

It is recommended that junior and senior student-athletes schedule college visits in the summer or “off” season in order to avoid any schedule conflicts.  However, if this is not possible, a college visit is an acceptable excuse for missing a team activity.

 

DIRECTIONS:

Directions to all athletic contests can be obtained through the athletic office or the coaching staff and also on the MSDA home page on the internet. (msdacademy.org)   A booklet is also available listing all of Mount Saint Dominic Academy’s opponents in the Northern Hills Conference and surrounding schools played on a regular basis.

 

MEDICAL FORMS/PHYSICALS:  ( Pink Form )

All Mount Saint Dominic Student-Athletes must submit an official physical form to the nurse’s office prior to the first day of tryouts.  YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE WITHOUT A PHYSICAL FORM, THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.  In order to participate in interscholastic athletics, a student-athlete must have a physical form on file in the nurses office.  Forms can be obtained in the nurses office or athletic directors office and will also be mailed home over the summer.  Under no circumstances will students be allowed to tryout without a MSDA physical form signed by a doctor.

 

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT:

The purpose of the interscholastic athletic program at Mount Saint Dominic Academy is to promote participation in the area of athletics for those students who qualify to participate.  Participation is a privilege that will be granted on the basis of good academic standing and behavior on and off the field of play, which is monitored by the administrators of the school.  Student participation in the athletic program will provide the young women with the opportunity to experience high level competition with schools throughout the state of New Jersey as part of the NJSIAA and the Northern Hills Conference.

The coaching staff will be chosen on his/her ability to promote the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, dedication and commitment, four qualities that are important in all areas of life.

Mount Saint Dominic Academy prides itself in preparing the total woman to achieve her maximum potential.  The athletic department will work simultaneously to help our students reach these goals.

 

PHILOSOPHY:

The athletic program is an integral part of the total educational process at Mount Saint Dominic Academy.  Young women learn a great deal participating in interscholastic athletics.  Determination, perseverance, sportsmanship and teamwork are some of the valuable lessons that can be attained through athletic participation.  Athletics play an important role in helping the individual student develop a positive self-image as well as a healthy body.  Competition in the athletic arena fosters school spirit and develops pride in the school and community for participants, students and spectators.

Through athletics we seek to provide a wholesome form of physical activity for as many students as possible.  We will make every effort to offer our student-athletes the best in equipment, facilities and coaching, in order to provide them with an enjoyable and rewarding athletic experience.  While the reputation of our school and community is enhanced whenever its representatives excel, by far those who actually participate on our athletic teams derive the greatest rewards and satisfactions.

We believe that the soul of our school can be reflected in what occurs before and after the school bells ring.  This extension of the school day, whether it is in athletics, the arts or clubs, will set the tone for the school year.  If we can keep students involved and interested beyond the classroom, we are aware of the tremendous obligations we have as coaches to the student athletes in our care.  Parents can entrust their daughters to us and we will always strive to earn their trust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NORTHERN HILLS CONFERENCE (CODE OF SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR):

 

Mount Saint Dominic Academy competes in the Northern Hills Conference against the following teams:

           

Skyline Division                                         Suburban Division

 

Wayne Valley H.S. (Indians)                    Butler H.S. (Bulldogs)

Lakeland Reg. H.S. (Lancers)                   Caldwell H.S. (Chiefs)

West Orange H.S. (Mountaineers)           DePaul H.S. (Spartans)

West Milford H.S. (Highlanders)             Madison Boro H.S. (Dodgers)

Orange H.S. (Tornadoes)                           Millburn H.S. (Millers)

Passaic Valley H.S. (Hornets)                    Montville Twp. H.S. (Mustangs)

West Side H.S. (Roughriders)                   Villa Walsh Academy (Vikings)  

Passaic County Tech (Bulldogs)              Pequannock H.S. (Panthers)

Mt. St. Dominic (Lions)                              Delbarton (Green Wave)

                                                                        St. Elizabeth Academy(Panthers)

                                                                                               

This is alignment for the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 Athletic Seasons.

                                               

The Northern Hills Conference is committed to promote good sportsmanship by players, coaches and spectators and has designed a ‘code of spectator behavior’:

 

-Cheer for your team in a positive manner

not against your opponents.

-Do not use abusive remarks, obscene gestures,

or profane or unduly provocative language or action

towards officials, participants, or spectators.

-Noisemakers are not permitted at any indoor event.

-All signs and banners shall be of a positive nature.

-Spectators are not allowed on the playing arena at any time

during any scheduled event.

-DISPLAY GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AT ALL TIMES.

 

ANY PERSON FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THIS CODE OR THE SPIRIT OF THESE RULES IS SUBJECT TO EJECTION AND MAY BE PROHIBITED FROM ATTENDING FURTHER ATHLETIC EVENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES:

In order to participate in any type of after-school competition, a student-athlete must participate in physical education class.  However, if a student is unprepared for physical education class, they will graded accordingly and thus allowed to participate. 

 

PRACTICES:

All practices are mandatory, unless otherwise noted by the coaching staff.   Tardiness will not be tolerated.  If you must miss a practice for any reason it is your responsibility to notify the coaching staff as soon as possible before the absence, it is then up to the coach’s discretion whether or not the excuse is valid.  Coaches reserve the right to sit any player who misses a practice.

 

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

Notification of a schedule change will come from the athletic office in the form of a notice.  If at any time you are unsure, please call the athletic office for exact time and place 973-226-0660 ext. 77. (Athletics Hotline)  Information may also be available on MSDA home page on the Internet.  (msdacademy.org)

 

SITES:

The following are possible sites for MSDA home events, please be aware that these may change (see schedule for exact sites):

 

SPORT                      SITE                                                               ABBREVIATION

 

Soccer                                   MSDA Field                                                                       MSDA

JV Soccer                             Roseland Rec. Field (Roseland Ave.)                        

                                                Lynn DeBell Field ( Fernwood Ave.)    

 

Volleyball                           MSDA Gym                                                                       MSDA

 

Cross Country                    Grover Cleveland Park                                                  GC

                                                Delbarton School                                                             DS

 

Tennis                                  Grover Cleveland Park                                                  GC

                                                Roseland Recreation Complex ( Harrison Ave.)

 

Basketball (Frosh.)           MSDA Gym                                                                       MSDA

Var./JV                                 Verona Comm. Center (Bloomfield Ave./Lynn Dr.)                                            

                                                Caldwell College Student Center Gym                    CC                         

 

Swimming                          Clifton Boys/Girls Club                                  CBGC

 

Softball                                MSDA Field (Varsity)                                                     MSDA #1

                                                MSDA Field (JV)                                                              MSDA #2

                                                Roseland Rec. Field (Roseland Ave.)                         RR

 

 

 

 

 

 

STUDENT-ATHLETE PARTICIPATION FORM: ( Blue Form )

All students and a parent/guardian participating in the athletic program must sign a student-athlete participation form prior to the start of the season.  It is important that each student understands the contract and realizes that they are responsible for their actions throughout the school year.  The contract deals with school policies and rules governing athletics.

 

TEAM MANAGERS:

Managers for all levels (Varsity, JV, and Freshman) will attend all games and practices (when needed).  Managers are considered members of the team and will attend all team activities.  Duties include; keeping statistics during games, keeping track of statistics throughout the year, and aiding the coaching staff in any way.

 

TEAM TRAVEL:

All team members are required to travel to and from all away games under the supervision of the coaching staff on the team bus.  On a special occasion that a student must leave with a parent, it is required that advanced notification is given to the coach.  Athletic events held off the school premises are considered school trips. 

 

TRYOUTS:

Tryouts for all team sports will be held on the following dates:

 

            Fall Sports                             Monday of the Third week of August

 

            Winter Sports                       The day following Thanksgiving

                                                            Swimming November 15th

           

Spring Sports                                   First Friday in March

 

All tryouts are mandatory and all dates and times will be announced prior to the start of the season.  It is imperative that all interested athletes attend tryouts.  In the event that a student cannot attend the tryout for a reason deemed acceptable by the athletic department, an alternative date may be arranged.  This is possible only when prior notification has been given to the coach and athletic director.

 

UNIFORMS/EQUIPMENT:

Each athlete will be issued a uniform / equipment at the beginning of the season.  They will be responsible for taking care of the uniform / equipment until it is handed in at the end of the season.  If the uniform /equipment is damaged it is the players responsibility to make the necessary repairs or pay for the damaged item.

 

 

 

VARSITY LETTERS:

Upon the conclusion of a season, a list of all varsity letter winners will be submitted to the athletic office.  Requirements for earning varsity status for those players not on the official roster are:

                                     

On the freshmen and JV level, a certificate is presented to a student involved with the team, who is in good standing and who has returned all equipment and her uniform.

 

The criteria for awarding a letter will be based upon an evaluation by the coach or coaches concerning the amount of playing time accumulated by the athlete along with the following criteria:

 

  1. Attitude
  2. Attendance
  3. Self-discipline
  4. Character
  5. Skill development
  6. Leadership qualities
  7. Loyalty qualities

 

Guidelines for Varsity Letter Awards

 

1.                  Soccer / Volleyball – 50% of total game time

2.                  Cross Country   Runner must place in the top 7 for MSDA in a Championship race.

3.                  Tennis – 50% of Varsity matches

4.                  Basketball – 40% of total quarters

5.                  Softball – 50% of total innings of regular season ( pitchers must accumulate total number of innings equal to total number of regular season games – ex. 20 games games require 20 innings pitched. )

6.                  Track – Must accumulate total number of points equal to number of regular season meets ( ex. 10 meets requires minimum of 10 points for season)

7.                  Golf – 50% of regular schedule

8.                  Swimming – 50% of varsity meets, accumulated at least 15 points from individual events or scored in any championship meet.

9.                  Winter Track – Place in the top 3 for MSDA in your event in 50% of the meets.

 

Note:   The awards for seniors who do not meet the above criteria will be based on the recommendation of the Coach.  The Coach’s recommendation will supersede any or all the above criteria in evaluating game time.  Exceptions to the criteria will be reviewed with the Athletic Director.

 

After receiving a varsity letter / a pin will be awarded in each sport in place of a letter, every time an athlete meets the requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

GYMNASIUM/WEIGHT ROOM/FACILITIES:

Students may use the facilities only with supervision from a member of the athletic staff of Mount Saint Dominic Academy. 

 

GAME DAY DRESS ATTIRE:

Students can change into their game uniforms during their lunch period for all away games, unless there is formal event that day. 

 

Students can wear the Mount Sport T - Shirt for either a Home or Away game in place of their regular uniform top.

 

Sport T-Shirt are avaliable in the athletic office.