ATHLETIC HANDBOOK - Horace Mann School

Horace Mann School 

ATHLETIC 

HANDBOOK 

For 

STUDENT-ATHLETES 

AND PARENTS 

2013 - 2014

This handbook has been developed with the intent of helping to make 

interscholastic athletics at Horace Mann as simple, effective, and as enjoyable as 

possible. It is hoped that by assembling all the material that relates to the 

administration of athletic programs in one central volume, parents and student 

athletes will have a better understanding of these practices, policies, and procedures 

with a more convenient reference to them. 

This handbook is intended to clearly state and define methods for 

accomplishing specific tasks, to outline basic goals, and to recommend guidelines for 

the maintenance of high standards in the overall athletic program. It is also intended 

to be a practical tool that answers more questions than it creates and which parents 

and student athletes find to be a usable resource and not just another item to be filed 

away. 

This handbook is designed to supplement and not replace direct 

communication among all members of the athletic community. The Athletic 

Director will always be available to provide whatever assistance is required in pursuit 

of common goals. 

Finally, any suggestions you might have for improving this handbook or any of 

its content is welcome.

Horace Mann Athletics Page 1 

HORACE MANN ATHLETIC OFFERINGS 

FALL VARSITY JV MOD-A MOD-B 

Boys’ Cross Country X X 

Girls’ Cross Country X X 

Girls’ Field Hockey X X 

Boys’ Football X X X 

Boys’ Soccer X X X X 

Girls’ Soccer X X X 

Girls’ Tennis X X X 

Girls’ Volleyball X X X X 

Mixed Water Polo X X X (club) 

WINTER VARSITY JV MOD-A MOD-B 

Boys’ Basketball X X X X 

Girls’ Basketball X X X X 

Boys’ Fencing 

X 

Girls’ Fencing 

X 

Girls’ Gymnastics 

X 

Boys’ Squash 

X 

Boys’ Swimming X X 

Girls’ Swimming X X 

Boys’ Indoor Track 

X 

Girls’ Indoor Track 

X 

Wrestling X X X 

Boys’ Skiing 

X 

Girls’ Skiing 

X 

SPRING VARSITY JV MOD-A MOD-B 

Baseball X X X 

Boy’s Golf 

X 

Boys’ Lacrosse X X X 

Girls’ Lacrosse X X 

Girls’ Softball X X X 

Boys’ Tennis X X X 

Boys’ Track & Field X X 

Girls’ Track & Field X X 

Mixed Ultimate Frisbee 

X 

Boys’ Crew 

X 

Girls’ Crew 

X


PHILOSOPHY OF INTERSCHOLASTIC 

ATHLETICS 

Interscholastic athletics at the Horace Mann School is a component of the 

physical education program where credit is given for completion of a sport season. 

Therefore, all policies governing academic requirements shall be extended to 

athletics. Participation in athletics promotes a positive self-image, development of 

physical, mental, and social skills, understanding of team cooperation, and a sharing 

of personal experiences. 

A well-coordinated program is vitally important to the morale of the school. 

Everyone involved in the delivery of athletics possesses a unique opportunity to 

teach positive life skills and values. Therefore this educational experience demands 

highly qualified coaches. 

Desire, dedication, and self-discipline need to be developed to ensure 

commitment and personal sacrifice required by athletics. Making such a 

commitment helps to nurture integrity, pride, loyalty and overall character. The 

final outcome is a better citizenry carrying these values throughout their lives. 

It is the nature of athletic competition to strive for victory. However, the 

number of victories is only one criterion for measuring a season’s success. Guiding 

the team to attain maximum potential is the ultimate goal to this end. The coaching 

staff must teach student athletes to prepare their minds and bodies to reach 

maximum potential, to be modest in victory and steadfast in defeat.


MODIFIED PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY 

A modified program is available to all students in the seventh and eighth 

grades. Sport activities offered are determined by the existence of leagues, student 

interest, and the relationship to the upper division program. It is a competitive 

program designed to meet the developmental needs of its participants. At this level, 

the focus is on learning athletic skills, game rules, fundamentals of team play, socioemotional 

growth, physiologically appropriate demands on the adolescent body and 

healthy competition. 

Coaches are instructed to make every effort to provide each child an 

opportunity to play in each game or develop a rotation of players for different games 

that will ensure quality playing time in as many games as possible. 

The modified program is designed to take place during the academic calendar. 

Normally, sign-ups occur the first few days of each trimester during physical 

education class with tryouts lasting three to five days immediately following. Once 

selected, student athletes in the modified program will practice during scheduled 

physical education class. Only contests take place after school. Students in the 

seventh and eighth grades are prohibited from practicing with a junior varsity or 

varsity team.


JUNIOR VARSITY PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY 

The junior varsity level is intended for those students who display the 

potential of continued development into productive varsity level performers. 

Although team membership varies according to the structure of each program, 

freshman and sophomores occupy the majority of roster positions. In certain 

situations, juniors who are judged to make contributions at the varsity level will be 

considered for junior varsity participation. 

At this level, athletes are expected to have committed themselves to the 

program, team and continued self-development. To this end, increased emphasis is 

placed on physical conditioning, refinement of fundamental skills, elements and 

strategies of team play in addition to socio-emotional development. Junior varsity 

programs work towards achieving a balance between continued team and player 

development and striving for victory. The outcome of the contest becomes a 

consideration at this level. 

The realization that practice sessions are important is a premise that is vital 

to a successful junior varsity team and player. For all team members, meaningful 

contest participation will exist over the course of a season; however, a specified 

amount of playing time is never guaranteed. Participants at this level are preparing 

themselves for the six day-a-week commitments that are expected of them at the 

varsity level. While contests and practices are seldom held on holidays and Sunday’s, 

games are sometimes scheduled during vacation periods and on Saturday’s. With the 

goal of becoming a varsity athlete clearly in sight, a high level of dedication and 

commitment is expected at the junior varsity level.


VARSITY PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY 

Varsity competition is the culmination of each sport’s program. Normally, 

seniors and juniors make up the majority of the roster. Occasionally, a sophomore 

and infrequently a freshman may be included on the team providing that evidence of 

advanced levels of physical development, athletic skill and appropriate socioemotional 

development is demonstrated. 

Squad size at the varsity level is limited. The number of participants on any 

given team is a function of those needed to conduct an effective and meaningful 

practice and to play the contest. It is vital that each team member has a role and is 

informed of his/her individual role in pursuit of the team’s goals. While contest 

participation over the course of a season is desirable, a specified amount of playing 

time at the varsity level is never guaranteed. 

A sound attitude and advanced level of skill are prerequisites for a position on 

a varsity team, as is the realization that a varsity sport may require a six-day-a-week 

commitment. This commitment is often extended into vacation periods for all sport 

seasons. While contests and practices are seldom held on Sundays and holidays, the 

dedication and commitment needed to conduct successful varsity programs should 

be taken seriously. 

The varsity coach is the leader of that sport’s program and determines the 

system of instruction and strategy for implementation. The communication among 

the modified, junior varsity and varsity programs is the responsibility of the varsity 

coach. 

Preparing to win, striving for victory in each contest and working to reach the 

group’s and individual’s maximum potential are worthy goals of a varsity level team.


GETTING READY TO PLAY 

ATTEND THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING 

A few weeks before each season, an organizational meeting will be conducted 

for each sport. At this time, the coach of the sport will distribute important 

information that is pertinent to participating in that sport. Note: Meetings for fall 

sports are held during the spring. 

SEASON STARTING DATES 

Fall Sports 

August 19, 2013 

Football, Boys & Girls Soccer, Volleyball, Girls Cross Country 

August 21, 2013 

Girls Tennis. Field Hockey, Girls JV Soccer, JV Volleyball, Boys Cross Country 

August 22, 2013 

Girls Tennis 

August 26, 2013 

Water Polo 

Winter Sports - November 4, 2013 

Spring Sports - March 1, 2014 

TURN IN ALL PAPERWORK 

The Athletic Registration Form must be submitted before a student athlete 

will be declared eligible for participation. The electronic form will be made available 

each season on the athletic website. 

BECOMING MEDICALLY CERTIFIED OR RECERTIFIED 

The medical form required by the school nurse will serve as the primary 

certification for athletic participation. Fall athletes are reminded to have the 

medical form in early as to not jeopardize participation in the August preseason 

selection process. 

Recertification of medical status each season is required in addition to the medical 

on file. The Athletic Health History and Emergency Contact Form serves 

the purpose of updating any change in a student’s medical condition from the 

beginning of the school year and season-to-season.


Athletic Heath History and Emergency Contact Form 

Every athlete at Horace Mann must complete the Athletic Heath History and 

Emergency Contact Form seasonally. It is essential that we not only have your 

emergency contact information and your consent to treat but also any special 

medical conditions that we should be aware of. 

ATHLETIC CODE 

Code of Conduct and Training Rules 

No student athlete will be permitted to participate in any athletic contest 

until the Athletic Code of Conduct is acknowledged and agreed to. The Code and 

Training Rules apply to all teams and athletic personnel including managers and 

statisticians. All players placed in a position of leadership (captain, etc.) will be 

removed from their position if they violate the Athletic Code. Any violation of the 

Athletic Code may jeopardize consideration for a future leadership position, an 

athletic letter, and athletic awards, including the Varsity Club. 

Hazing 

Horace Mann student athletes shall not participate in any form of hazing or team 

rituals. Activities that produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, 

harassment or ridicule have absolutely no place in the Horace Mann athletic 

program. Any student who encounters hazing should inform his/her parents, coach, 

teacher, advisor, dean and athletic director. In addition, any use of language or 

reference to race, religion, sexual identification, or gender identification will not be 

tolerated. 

Assumption of Risk 

While the coaching staff and other responsible school officials will do 

everything within reason to protect your child against injury, participation in 

athletics includes a risk of serious injury, permanent paralysis or death. Parents and 

student athletes should carefully discuss and consider these risks before 

participation. 

ATTEND SELECTION PERIOD 

In accordance with our philosophy of athletics and our desire to see as many 

students as possible participate in the athletic program while at Horace Mann, 

coaches are encouraged to keep as many students as they can without unbalancing 

the integrity of their sport. Time, space, facilities, personal preference, and other 

factors will place limitations on the most effective squad size for any particular sport. 

However, when developing policy with respect to squad selection, coaches will strive 

to maximize the opportunities for our students only without diluting the quality of 

the program.


SELECTION POLICY 

Choosing the members of athletic teams is the sole responsibility of the 

coaches of those teams. Non-varsity coaches shall take into consideration the 

policies established by the head coach in that particular program when selecting final 

team rosters. 

Prior to team selection, the coach shall provide the following information to all 

candidates: 

• extent of selection period 

• criteria used to select the team 

• number to be selected 

• practice commitment if they make the team 

• game commitments 

The selection process will include three important elements. Each candidate shall: 

• have participated in (2) tryout sessions. 

• have performed in at least one intra squad experience, if 

possible. 

• be personally informed of not being selected by the coach and the 

reason for the action. 

Selection lists are not to be posted. Coaches will discuss alternative possibilities for 

participation in the sport, or other areas of the program. 

ATTEND THE PLAYER/PARENT PRESEASON MEETING 

One of the most important ingredients for a successful sport season is effective, 

open, and appropriate communication between the coach, student athlete and 

parent. In order to ensure that this communication takes place, preseason meetings 

are scheduled by the athletic department. 

Topics of these meetings include athletic department policies, individual team 

expectations and rules, the health safety of the student athlete and a variety of other 

subjects. When preseason meetings are scheduled, student athletes and parents are 

expected to attend. 

ATTEND PRACTICE SESSIONS 

Student athletes are expected to attend all scheduled practice sessions and 

games unless excused by the coach. The importance of practice is clearly stated in 

the Philosophy section of this handbook. It is important to note that fall practices 

for varsity and junior varsity teams begin in the third and fourth weeks of August. A 

pre season calendar for the following year will be available after Winter Recess.


SPORT STANDARDS 

The New York State Association of Independent Schools Athletic 

Association (NYSAISAA) Sports Standards outlines the minimum number of 

required practices an individual or team shall need before participation in a 

scrimmage or contest. 

Sport 

Required Practices Before 1st Scrimmage 

Team 

Individual 

Baseball 8 6 

Basketball 8 6 

Crew Training Training 

Cross Country 10 8 

Fencing 10 8 

Field Hockey 8 6 

Football 11 11 

Golf Training Training 

Gymnastics 10 8 

Indoor Track 10 8 

Lacrosse 8 6 

Outdoor Track 10 8 

Skiing 8 6 

Soccer 8 6 

Softball 6 4 

Squash 4 2 

Swimming 12 10 

Tennis 6 4 

Ultimate Frisbee Training Training 

Volleyball 6 4 

Water Polo Training Training 

Wrestling 10 8


Sport 

Required Practices Before 1st Contest 

Team 

Individual 

Baseball 10 8 

Basketball 10 8 

Crew Training Training 

Cross Country 10 10 

Fencing 12 10 

Field Hockey 10 8 

Football 15 (3-2-6-4) 15 (3-2-6-4) 

Golf Training Training 

Gymnastics 15 13 

Indoor Track 10 10 

Lacrosse 10 8 

Outdoor Track 10 10 

Skiing 10 8 

Soccer 10 8 

Softball 8 6 

Squash 6 4 

Swimming 10 10 

Tennis 8 6 

Ultimate Frisbee Training Training 

Volleyball 8 6 

Water Polo Training Training 

Wrestling 15 13


ATTENDANCE 

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICIES 

A student absent from school may not participate on that day unless 

permission is granted by the athletic director. Because of health and safety reasons, 

absences and tardiness due to illness will exclude student athlete from practice or 

contests on that day. Clearance is usually granted for college visits only, permission 

otherwise is rare. Students absent from school on Friday with a contest the 

following day (Saturday) will be eligible to participate provided the absence is an 

excused absence in the eyes of the athletic director. 

SCHOOL SPONSORED PROGRAM CONFLICTS 

Every effort will be made to schedule athletic events in a manner to avoid 

disturbances to the academic program. Release time for home and away events will 

be reasonable to limit the amount of class time missed. Students are responsible for 

academic material due or assigned. 

The athletic department recognizes that each student should have the 

opportunity for a broad range of experiences in the area of extracurricular activities, 

and to this end, will attempt to schedule events in a manner to minimize conflicts. 

Students need to recognize, however, that absences from practices will hinder 

skill development and physical conditioning, as well as jeopardize team unity. Time 

missed from practice inherently will influence an athlete’s performance, and 

potentially his/her playing time and/or position with the team. 

Students have a responsibility to do everything they can to avoid continuous 

conflicts. This would include being cautious about belonging to too many activities 

where conflicts are bound to occur. Where conflicts arise, the sponsors, advisors, 

and coaches must cooperate to devise a solution that will be in the best interest of 

the student and that the student not be “caught in the middle”. The student ‘s 

decision as to which event or activity he/she will participate in should be based on 

the following: 

• the related importance of each event 

• the individual importance of each event to the student 

• the contribution the student can make to each event. 

• the time at which the events were scheduled 

• discussion with the parent 

• discussion with the student 

Conflicts, such as a student participating in more than one extracurricular 

activity during a particular season should be discussed with coaches and sponsors as 

soon as participation in more than one activity is evident. Keeping all informed in 

advance will lead to the best possible solutions.


COMPETING ON NON-SCHOOL TEAMS IN SEASON 

Opportunities exist for Horace Mann student athletes at all levels to 

participate on non-school sponsored teams while participating on school-sponsored 

teams. When these situations occur, sound communication between the student 

athlete, parent or guardian, coaches and athletic administration is mandatory. 

Participation on the school team must be primary to all other obligations. 

FAMILY VACATIONS 

When parents and student athletes choose to take family vacations during 

sports seasons, it must be understood that the time missed by the student athlete 

can affect team chemistry and personal conditioning. Student athletes who miss 

practices or competition for any reason may have their position or playing time 

adjusted. Coaches shall make every effort to inform parents and student athletes of 

the season’s schedule as far in advance as possible. Conversely, parents and student 

athletes should inform the coach of potential schedule conflicts as far in advance as 

possible. 

TEAM EXPECTATIONS 

Coaches may establish additional rules and regulations with the approval of 

the athletic director for their respective sports. These team expectations pertaining 

to a particular sport must be given by the coach in writing to all team members and 

explained fully after final team selection. Penalties for violation of team rules will 

also be in writing and shall be administered by the coach. 

EQUIPMENT 

It is the responsibility of the student athlete to care for and return to the 

coach all clothing and equipment he/she has been issued. If any equipment is lost or 

has abnormal usage, the student athlete will be charge replacement costs. 

Any additional equipment or apparel other that furnished by the school that 

is desired to be worn during practice or contests is prohibited and must receive 

approval by the Director of Athletics otherwise.


SCHEDULES 

The Horace Mann School is a member of the New York State Association of 

Independent Schools Athletic Association (NYSAISAA). The primary contest 

schedules are within the Ivy Preparatory School League and each is expected to be 

followed throughout the year. Occasionally, changes to the schedules are necessary 

due to school conflicts, inclement weather, etc. For the most part every effort will be 

made to complete the assigned schedules. 

Every effort is made to accommodate student athletes during exam periods, 

school functions and school vacations, but contests and practices may be necessary 

during these times in order to keep the program competitive and meet schedule 

obligations. 

Individual team schedules are available on he website approximately 2 weeks 

prior to the start of each athletic season. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Student athletes shall be transported to and from away contests (games and/or 

scrimmages) by school authorized vehicles only. 

All transportation provided by the school will originate from the corner of 

246th Street and Tibbett Avenue. Return trips will be direct with no stops, having 

the guard booth on Tibbett Avenue as the final destination and drop-off site. 

The late bus for all after school activities departs from Tibbett Avenue at 

6:00 p.m. sharp. As a general rule, due to the length of games, athletes will more 

than likely miss the late bus and must make own arrangements to arrive home. 

Under certain circumstances where it creates an inconvenience to the family, 

students may be excused from riding back to school from an athletic event on school 

authorized transportation. In such cases, the request must be made in writing and in 

advance to the student athlete’s coach. Should a parent approach the Head Coach at 

an away contest and request that their son/daughter ride home with them without 

written notification, the Head Coach may agree upon receiving written release onsite. 

(See Athletic Transportation Waiver found on website)


SPORTS SCHEDULE WEBSITE 

Log on to www.horacemann.org for both daily and seasonal information. 

Changes in schedule are inevitable. Every effort is made to update information on a 

daily basis. Normally, changes are listed as cancellations or postponements. In the 

case of the latter, the postponed date is the newly rescheduled date. A cancellation 

will appear only as a new date if rescheduled. Check back often for the most up-todate 

information. 

SPORTS SCHEDULE ALERT SYSTEM 

To receive an email alert message for changes in your child’s team schedule, you must 

sign up on the website. 

In order to do this, go to the HM Website. Click on “Quicklinks” and then Athletics. 

Select your child’s team. You will see a blue box with a bell symbol and “Alerts”, 

click on this box the screen below will appear. Follow the Finalsite directions. 

POST SEASON COMPETITION 

Post Season competition is limited to the outstanding individuals or teams, 

whose performance during the regular season merits consideration for participation 

in tournament and meets against equally strong competition. Final decision of 

declaration to participate in post-season competition will rest upon the coach and 

athletic director.


REPORTING OF INJURIES/ILLNESS 

It is the student athlete’s responsibility to immediately report any injury to 

his/her coach or the athletic trainer. If the injury requires medical attention by a 

doctor or treatment center, it will be necessary to have an injury report form 

completed. Once a physician treats an athlete, the athlete must obtain the doctor’s 

permission to return to the activity. 

SPORTSMANSHIP STATEMENT 

Horace Mann School, in association with the Ivy Preparatory School League, 

promotes good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches and fans alike. We 

request your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive 

manner. Profanity, racial or ethnic slurs, fighting or other inappropriate behavior will 

not be tolerated, and are grounds for removal from the site of competition and 

further disciplinary action. In addition, the use of artificial noisemakers is not 

permitted. 

MESSAGE TO SPECTATORS 

We appreciate fan support for members of the Horace Mann athletic teams 

as long as the cheers are positive and directed toward our teams’ athletes. At no time 

should spectators be speaking directly to participants in an athletic event or to their 

coaches during athletic contests. It is both distracting and dangerous. Please 

remember that these are high school students participating in an extension of the 

classroom environment, not professional athletes. Lets keep the games competitive 

but above all, fun and friendly for everyone. Let the players play, let the coaches 

coach, let the officials officiate and let the fans cheer in a positive manner. 

PARENT COACHING DURING CONTESTS 

Horace Mann coaches are educators who endeavor to provide an opportunity 

for the School’s student-athletes to experience meaningful growth, accomplishment, 

and success through the development of sound habits of mind, heart, and work that 

allow each student to realize his/her fullest potential through participation in 

competitive sports. 

As they coach during contests, they do so while teaching lessons in 

sportsmanship, teamwork, goal setting, competition, overcoming adversity, and 

winning and losing while maintaining behavior consistent with the School’s core 

values. 

Parents are to respect the position and mission of the coach and should never 

coach the students (their child or others) from the sidelines or the stands during 

contests.


CAPTAINS 

The selection of captains falls under the team policy of each coach. Selection 

process and eligibility varies from team to team and coach to coach. The position of 

captain is not an inherent one reserved for seniors. All team members are eligible. 

Student athletes are advised to discuss expectations with a coach prior to accepting 

either a nomination or appointment. 

As a captain, you assume a leadership role. Your coach, teammates, the 

Horace Mann and visiting communities judge our school by your conduct and 

attitudes, both on and off the field. Because of this leadership role, you can 

contribute greatly to school spirit and pride. 

ATHLETIC AWARDS 

Letter Awards 

Earning a Varsity HM Letter Award is the fulfillment of an early ambition for 

many students. It is a one-time presentation along with a Varsity Letter Certificate 

given to an athlete who receives the recommendation of his or her coach and 

satisfies the participation requirements. 

*In the case where a team member is injured for part or for the entire season, a coach’s discretion 

to award a letter will be considered. 

Participation Awards 

Awards are given to an athlete for each sport year of participation. 

1st year - Metal Sport Pin. 

2nd year - Metal Sport Pin. 

3rd year - Hooded Sweatshirt with tackle twill HM logo on back. Metal Sport Pin. 

Senior year – Varsity Plaque with Chenille HM Letter and Letter Certificate. Metal 

Sport Pin. 

Team Awards 

A Varsity Awards Banquet will be held for all varsity letter winners at the conclusion 

of each sport season. Senior letter winners are invited to attend the spring banquet to receive 

their Varsity Plaque. 

Awards other than those presented by the Athletic Department are discouraged. 

Most Valuable Player Award 

Each varsity team is afforded the opportunity to select through ballot, a most 

valuable player at the conclusion of the sport season. In the case of a tie, the coach 

will vote.


Coaches Award 

Varsity coaches in all sports will select a team member for the Coaches Award. This 

award is highest award given by a coach, which reflects the School’s belief that a 

“quality athlete” possesses both good athletic skills and a positive attitude. 

Special Awards 

Sirena Wu Dunn Award (Volleyball) 

This award is in honor of a 1981 Horace Mann graduate and a recipient of the 

Coaches Award for the Varsity Volleyball team during her senior year. To be 

considered for this award, a player must represent the good sportsmanship, dedication 

to skills, motivation and team oriented spirit that was shown by Sirena. 

Robert Buzzell Medal (Football and Track) 

The Robert Buzzell Memorial Award was founded in honor of Bob Buzzell 

who was fatally stricken with polio in 1950. Bob, who had three years of Varsity 

Football and Track experience, was a strong competitor and an exemplary sportsman. 

Each year, Buzzell Medals are given to a member of the football and track team who 

best typify Bob’s sportsmanship. 

William Quinn Award (Wrestling) 

William Quinn was the Horace Mann Wrestling Coach from 1958 to 1976. 

During this period of time, many young students became outstanding and champion 

wrestlers. Young men quickly matured under his guidance and leadership. Bill Quinn 

instilled within all of his wrestlers, the faithful observance of the disciplines of life and 

of athletic training. Un-answering devotion, the consistent will to improve, and the 

rules of good sportsmanship were qualities that he expected of his student athletes. 

Joseph Wikler, captain of the 1959 Wrestling Team, established the William Quinn 

award. The recipient of this award will be the individual who best exemplifies all or 

some of these qualities. 

Stanley Shier Award (Baseball) 

The Stanley Shier Memorial Baseball Award is presented annually to a member of the 

varsity baseball team. Mr. Shier was one of the original founders and a past President 

of the Horace Mann Boosters Club. This award is presented to a senior who 

exemplifies the qualities of dedication, loyalty, enthusiasm and a concern for others.


Year-end / Class Day Awards 

Thomason Cup (Senior) 

This award was established by the 1956 Senior Class in honor of Robert A. 

Thomason, former Horace Mann teacher and track coach. It is awarded to a 

member of the senior class who maintains the highest academic average and 

otherwise best typifies the ideals of Bob Thomason. 

Lud Bock – Bill Rowley Award (Senior) 

This award is a combination of the former Barnard MVP Award and the 

Sportsmanship Award. Lud Bock was a former Athletic Director of Barnard and Bill 

Rowley was the Business Manager. It is given here at Horace Mann to an 

outstanding athlete – usually a participant of three sports - who emulates the spirit of 

good sportsmanship. 

Jonathan Kleier Leadership Award (Senior) 

This award was established in 2009 in memory of Jonathan Kleier ’01 by his 

family and friends to promote and award leadership in athletics and support student 

filmmaking at Horace Mann School. 

Varsity Club (Seniors) 

The Varsity Club is an honorary organization for athletes who have shown 

leadership and demonstrated a high level of performance during their senior year. 

In all circumstances, they must be good citizens and conduct themselves as 

gentlemen and ladies, on and off the field of play. 

Seniors elected shall be all around athletes with letters won in two or more 

sports and the level of performance outstanding in one of the sports. In the case 

where a student participates in only one sport, the level of performance must be 

extraordinary. These seniors will have their names permanently inscribed in bronze 

on the varsity Club Plaque located in the Gordon “Moose” Miller Room. 

Walter H. Bernson Male and Female Athlete of Year Award (Varsity Club) 

The Athlete of the Year Award represents the highest athletic honor a 

Horace Mann student may receive. This award is presented to a senior who has been 

selected as a member to the Varsity Club. These athletes will have their names 

permanently inscribed in bronze on the Athlete of the Year Plaque located in the 

Gordon “Moose” Miller Room.


TEAM APPAREL 

The Athletic Department has gone to great length to provide funding and the 

support necessary to outfit each varsity athlete in travel attire. 

Policy: Travel to and from contests, athletes shall wear the option of: warm 

up top and pant along with hoody or any combination of the three items in a 

uniformed manner. Coach/captains will determine dress for that day. Warm up and 

hoody is considered uniform apparel and should only be worn to, during and from 

contests. 

TEAM TRAVEL DURING WINTER/SPRING RECESS 

Many varsity programs supplement either their pre-season preparation or 

competitive schedule by virtue of team travel during summer, winter or spring 

recesses. 

All costs associated with team travel is to be incurred by the participants. 

Fundraising becomes a major source of revenue to help offset costs. 

It is the coach’s responsibility to provide the following information regarding 

team travel: 

1. Purpose of trip 

2. Date and time of departure 

3. Date and time of estimated time of arrival home 

4. Mode of transportation 

5. Location of team housing 

6. List of special items students may need to take with them 

7. List of expenses that students will incur 

8. Printed copy of team travel rules, regulations 

and itinerary 

9. Parents permission form 

DROPPING OR TRANSFERRING SPORTS 

Quitting is an intolerable habit to acquire. An athlete who chooses to leave a 

team may forfeit the privilege of participating on a future team and jeopardize their 

grade in physical education. On occasion, however, an athlete may find it necessary 

to drop a sport for a good reason. If this is the case, the following procedure must be 

followed: 

• consult with your immediate coach. 

• check in all equipment issued to you. 

• report to Director of Physical Education for assignment into academic 

class.


COACH / PARENT RELATIONSHIP 

Parents and coaches are important role models for students; they provide necessary 

guidance to young adults in their Parents and coaches are important role models for 

students; they provide necessary guidance to young adults in their development and 

their understanding of the world in which they live and work as adults. By 

understanding and respecting each other, parents and coaches, working together can 

greatly benefit children. When your child becomes involved with the athletic 

program at Horace Mann School, you, as parents, have a right to understand the 

expectations that will be placed upon them. Clear communication between parents 

and coach facilitates this understanding. 

The following information is intended to be used as a guideline to establish an 

environment in which open communication and mutual respect are fostered. 

STUDENT / PARENT COMMUNICATION WITH COACHES 

As your child becomes involved in the athletic program at Horace Mann 

School, he/she will experience some very rewarding moments. It is important to 

understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way your child 

wish. At those times discussion with the coach is encouraged. 

Parents should avoid contacting the coach about their child’s issue 

or concern until after their child has met with his/her coach first. It is our 

experience that most issues are resolved with open, honest 

communication between the athlete and coach. 

Should a meeting with the athlete and coach not resolve the issue or concern, 

there are situations that require a conference between the coach and the parent. It is 

important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other person’s 

position. When conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be used 

to help promote a resolution of the issue of concern. 

Procedure To Follow When You Discuss A Concern With A Coach. 

1. Call or send an email to set an appointment. 

2. Please do not confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These 

can be emotional times. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution. 

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss With Coaches 

1. The treatment of your child – mentally and physically. 

2. Ways to help your child improve. 

3. Concerns about your child’s behavior. 

4. It is very difficult to accept that your child may not play as much as you had 

hoped. Coaches make judgment decisions based on what they believe is best 

for all students involved. As you may have seen from the list above, certain 

things can be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things may be left to 

the discretion of the coach. 

Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss With Coaches 

1. Playing time. 

2. Play calling. 

3. Other student athletes.


What Can A Parent Do If The Meeting With The Coach Did Not Provide A 

Satisfactory Resolution 

1. Call and set up an appointment with the athletic director, Robert 

Annunziata, to discuss the situation. 

2. At this meeting the next appropriate step can be determined. 

Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly 

those that will promote a successful life after high school. We hope the 

information provided here helps make your family’s experience with the 

Horace Mann School Athletic program


GUIDE FOR THE PROSPECTIVE COLLEGE BOUND ATHLETE 

Every year, a small number of Horace Mann students are recruited by college 

coaches as prospective college athletes. In most cases, these student-athletes find 

colleges that are good fits for them, athletically, academically, and socially. 

Sometimes the coaches' interest in these students gives them an advantage in the 

admissions process as well. For prospective college athletes the college search is 

often a little bit different - and a little more complicated - than for the rest of their 

peers; it requires more effort, communication and organization, and sometimes at an 

earlier point in their high school career. 

Self-Assessment 

The first step in considering your future as an athletic recruit is assessing your 

interest. Are you sure that you want to play the sport in college? Could you make a 

commitment to a coach that you would play all four years in college? Would you be 

willing to make a year-round commitment to training (often required on the most 

competitive teams), or would you prefer to take some time off? Coaches are not 

interested in prospective athletes who aren't firmly committed to pursuing the sport 

in college. The level of commitment you are willing to make should also inform your 

choice of NCAA Division (more on NCAA Divisions later). 

Talent Assessment 

If you are committed to playing a sport in college, the second step is to consider your 

athletic ability. There are three general levels of prospective athletes for a particular 

college athletic program. Keep in mind that you might be a highly recruited athlete 

for one particular college but not for another college, depending on the team's 

strength and needs. 

• Highly recruited athletes. These students are "star" athletes whom the college 

coach sees as among his or her strongest recruits. Coaches will often lobby 

admissions offices for applicants of this caliber. 

• Recruited athletes. These students are of interest to the college coach but are 

not among the coach's strongest recruits, even if they are among the best 

athletes at Horace Mann: A coach may encourage these students to apply and 

may expect these students to make the college squad, but generally these 

students are admitted based on their academic records and other personal 

qualities, without special help from the athletic office. 

"Walk-on" athletes. These students are not strong enough to receive much attention 

from college coaches during the college search process, but they go to open tryouts 

for the teams, once they are attending college. Division III 

• teams are more likely to take walk-ons in tryouts than Division I or II teams, 

since there is often less competition for spots on the Division III team 

rosters. Given that the competition is significant at almost all levels of college 

athletics, the average 

Horace Mann athlete is not likely to be recruited by college coaches; college 

coaches recruit only the very best high school players. The "walk-on" athlete 

applies to colleges with no assurance as to his or her chances of playing at the 

varsity level.


NCAA Divisions 

The NCAA has three main Divisions, designated by Roman numerals, commonly 

referred to as D-I, D-II, and D-Ill. Generally speaking, D-I teams are the most 

competitive and D-I1I teams are the least competitive. Division I also has 

subdivisions for some sports. D-I and D-II colleges are allowed to offer athletic 

scholarships (though not all D-I colleges or teams do), while D-III teams cannot 

offer athletic scholarships at all (though D-I1I colleges may offer strong financial aid 

and/or academic scholarship programs). The different Divisions also have different 

rules and limitations regarding the recruitment of prospective athletes. 

Most of the colleges Horace Mann students attend are either D-I or D-I1I colleges 

(some are D-I1 or hybrid colleges, but these are not very common). A common 

mistake for strong prospective athletes is to assume that they should aspire to D-I 

athletic programs, since those programs are "better." In fact, since college athletics 

are so much more competitive than high school athletics, most of Horace Mann's 

top athletes go on to compete at the D-III level. Whether a college team is D-I or 

D-III is usually not the most important criterion, since only the rare Horace Mann 

athlete is likely to have the talent for or interest in an athletic scholarship. Instead, 

students should choose athletic programs based on where they think their talent 

might allow them to have a good athletic experience -- whether it's D-I, D-II or D- 

III. Since few serious athletes want to attend a college where they sit on the bench 

for four years, they are more apt to pick a school where they are likely to make a 

significant contribution to the team and see a good deal of playing time. 

So how does the prospective athlete assess his or her talent? We recommend that 

you start with your own coaches. Let your coaches know that you're curious about 

playing in college and ask for their feedback. "Do you think I might play in college?" 

"Do you think I'm good enough to play D-I, or should I think more about D-III?" 

Remember that there may be little difference in competition between some strong 

D-III teams and weaker D-I teams. If you're a runner or a swimmer, go on-line and 

see what times various college swimmers or runners are posting. In the long run, only 

the college coaches themselves will be able to tell you whether or not you're a strong 

recruit for their program. In the meantime, however, you can learn a lot from talking 

to your own coaches and doing a little investigation. 

Showcase Teams, Tournaments, Competitions and Summer Camps 

As most strong athletes already know, your athletic career doesn't stop at the end of 

the high school season. Off-season training is important and outside or "travel" 

teams are common in many sports. Some sports hold tournaments throughout the 

year and have ranking systems based on age and performance. Other sports have 

competitions that give you an opportunity to post strong times and records among 

the best athletes of your age. "Showcase" teams earn their names because they allow 

coaches to assess an individual's talent when playing a team sport against strong 

competition. Summer camps help athletes work on their skills while also providing a 

showcase for their talents. 

Camps, tournaments and the like serve three purposes. They help you improve as an 

athlete. They help you to continue to assess your own ability to play in college. And 

they allow college coaches to assess your ability. Some athletes have participated in 

outside athletic programs from an early age. Others start in high school. In any case, 

if you 're serious about competitive college athletics, you should speak to your own 

coach about these opportunities by the winter of your sophomore year.


Camps, tournaments and the like serve three purposes. They help you improve as an 

athlete. They help you to continue to assess your own ability to play in college. And 

they allow college coaches to assess your ability. Some athletes have participated in 

outside athletic programs from an early age. Others start in high school. In any case, 

if you 're serious about competitive college athletics, you should speak to your own 

coach about these opportunities by the winter of your sophomore year. 

Communication with College Coaches 

Once you have a rough idea about your talent level and potential to compete in 

college athletics, it is important to start a process of communication with college 

coaches. For the vast majority of Horace Mann's prospective athletes, this process 

doesn't need to start until the college counseling process begins during the winter of 

junior year. Once in a while, however, for D-I "team sport" (as opposed to individual 

sport) prospects, it may be wise to start a bit earlier. If your coach thinks you have 

the ability and commitment to playa D-I "team sport," we recommend that you talk 

to your coach during the winter of sophomore year - to consider camps, showcases, 

and appropriate college contacts that will let colleges know of your interest and 

ability. 

The purpose of communication with coaches is to let them know of your interest 

and talent, and to learn about the coach, the team, and your prospects for competing 

on the team. A good way to start communication with college coaches is to send 

them a cover letter, expressing your interest in the college and desire to play your 

sport, along with an athletic resume. (We have sample letters and resumes in the 

athletic office.) This will let the coach know you're interested and put you on his or 

her "radar." 

Giving coaches the ability to assess your talent may be easy or tricky, depending on 

the sport. The athletic resume is a start. For athletes in "record" sports, such as 

swimming, track, or field events, it is relatively easy to provide college coaches with 

an assessment of your talent. Just give them your "numbers" (along with your age and 

grade level, of course), and they can figure out your strength as an athlete. For 

athletes who play tournament sports, such as squash or tennis, your ranking will serve 

the same purpose. 

For athletes who play team sports, it is a bit more complicated. Some coaches 

encourage you to send videos or DVDs, while other coaches don't use them. In 

either case, it is always best to be seen playing live, by the college coach, one of his 

assistants, or another coach he or she trusts. For this reason, the showcases, 

tournaments or camps a prospective athlete attends during the spring and summer of 

junior year are particularly important. Choosing a mostly-D-I camp, for instance, 

may not be very helpful to a prospective D-III athlete, while the opposite is also 

true.


The NCAA Clearinghouse 

For athletes who want to play at the D-I or D-II level, the NCAA requires that your 

academic record be approved in order for you to participate. At the end of your 

junior year, go online to www.eligibilitycenter.com to begin the process. You will 

need to submit some information, pay a fee, and print out and sign two transcript 

release forms to give to the College Counseling Office. We will then send your 

transcript to the Clearinghouse for their use in the process. D-I and D-II coaches 

will be anxious for you to complete this process, as they don't want to spend time 

recruiting students who may not be eligible to play. Don't worry: for the vast 

majority of Horace Mann athletes, this is a mere formality. But it is important for D- 

I and D-II athletes. D-III athletes need not worry about the Clearinghouse. For 

more information on the Clearinghouse and for important information regarding 

NCAA recruitment rules and regulations, go to the website listed above. 

Unofficial Transcripts 

Starting in late June of your junior year, Horace Mann can provide you with an 

unofficial transcript. Coaches often ask prospective athletes for transcripts, and you 

can copy and send this unofficial transcript to college coaches. (Official transcripts 

are sent only directly to admissions offices, in the fall of senior year.) College coaches 

may also ask for a copy of your SAT or ACT scores; since you receive these scores at 

home, you can make copies at will. Some coaches may ask for academic records 

before June of your junior year; in this case, just visit the College Counseling Office, 

and they will provide you with unofficial interim academic records to send. 

Outside Experts 

Since many prospective athletes feel a little confused by the recruitment process, a 

small industry of "experts" has sprung up to offer their services to families. The 

watch phrase, as always, is caveat emptor - buyer beware. While some advisors may 

have helpful experience and advice, services that promise to market prospective 

athletes to college coaches may actually have an adverse effect on the process. 

College coaches often say that they want to hear directly from interested studentathletes, 

and that they discard materials received from professional "promoters." 

Often, these promoters will tout their "connections" to various coaches and 

universities. The truth is that connections don't matter to coaches; they certainly 

won't help an athlete play better in college. What the coach really cares about is your 

interest in the school and your talent, and they are often skeptical of prospective 

athletes who use promoters. 

The "Recruitment Dance" 

Once you've found some colleges where you may be a good athletic "fit," and once 

those coaches have a sense of your athletic ability, academic viability, and interest in 

the colleges, an odd sort of "dance" begins - usually during the late summer before 

senior year. At this point, coaches try to decide whom to recruit most heavily, whom 

to "push" for in the admissions process, and whom to invite to campus. Obviously, 

coaches don't want to waste their time recruiting even the most talented player if the 

player is not interested in attending the college. On the other hand, the coach needs 

to focus on the most talented players in the positions/events they need from among 

those who do profess interest in the college. At this time prospective athletes need 

to reconcile their interest in attending various colleges with the interest the college 

coaches are showing in them.


The early fall is both an exciting and difficult period for prospective athletes. 

Planning a strategy for this jockeying is very difficult; you have to "take it as it 

comes." The two rules of thumb are 1) be sure you've already visited the colleges by 

this time and have assessed your interest in attending the college, and 2) keep in 

close communication with your college counselor. Also, be sure you understand the 

NCAA regulations: www.eligibilitycenter.com. 

Early Decision 

If and when a coach has established a strong interest in a prospective athlete and the 

athlete has expressed a strong interest in the college, the coach will often bring up 

the issue of an early application. Most colleges have an Early Decision ("ED") 

application process, for students who have made a binding commitment to attend 

the college. It is in the coach's interest to have his top recruits apply ED, since the 

coach is then assured that these students will accept an offer of admission. In point 

of fact, the vast majority of athletic admits are made in Early Decision, and most 

coaches won't go to bat for many athletes - or don't have much influence - in the 

regular admission round. While not all colleges have Early Decision, some have Early 

Action or other special application processes that serve essentially the same purpose. 

Since an Early Decision commitment is binding, and since coaches and colleges vary 

in the sort of assurances they can give recruits regarding admissions, it is very 

important to keep in touch with your high school counselor. 

The Bottom Line 

Like most things in life, there are up-sides and down-sides to being an athletic 

recruit. If you're a strong athlete, you know about the pleasures of competing, and of 

contributing to a team. There is also an advantage, in admissions terms, if you're one 

of a coach's top recruits. On the down-side, the process can be a little more timeconsuming 

and confusing. Sometimes athletic recruits can lose sight of their own 

educational and personal goals when they are in the midst of the "recruitment dance" 

with coaches. Fortunately, you have lots of help to navigate the process: your 

coaches, your parents, and your college counselor. Please get in touch with us if we 

can be of any help. 

Freshman Year 

Prospective College Athlete Timeline 

• Work on your skills and your physical training. Ask your coach(es) for help. 

• Ask your coach(es) for advice about the possibility of joining club teams 

outside of Horace Mann. 

• During January and February, think about summer programs, summer camps, 

tournaments or training to help you in your best sport(s). At this stage, these 

camps are not an important part of the athletic recruitment process, but they 

may help you become a better athlete and understand your abilities compared 

to other young athletes. 

• Get the best grades you can! College coaches may not be interested in 

recruiting you if your grades are not strong enough for their particular 

colleges.


Sophomore Year 

• As you continue working on your skills, teamwork, and physical training, start 

thinking about your role on the team. If you were a coach, what qualities 

would you like to see in a player's participation and attitude? What makes for 

a good team leader or captain? College coaches prize attitude and leadership, 

in addition to talent. 

• During January and February, think about summer programs. If you play 

more than one sport, which one or two are most important to you? Ask your 

coach(es) if they think you might play in college. If your coach(es) think you 

might play a "team sport" in college, which camps, showcases, travel teams, 

showcase teams, leagues or tournaments would give you the best exposure to 

college coaches over the next year? 

• If you play an individual sport, what competitions, ranking, or records should 

you aim for over the summer? 

• What physical goals do you have: speed, strength, size, cardiovascular fitness, 

agility? Ask your coaches to help you establish goals and to suggest work-out 

and nutrition regimens to attain your goals. 

• Keep your grades up! Being a top athletic recruit could increase your college 

options to a degree, but not without strong grades. 

Junior Year 

• Consider doing a small amount of preparation for the PSAT test just to 

become comfortable with the exam and practice a little. That way, the PSAT 

will serve as a more accurate indicator of your potential on the SAT test. 

• If you play a team sport, consider making a video of your play that you can 

send to coaches who cannot see you play in person. Most coaches prefer a 

recording of whole games or halves, rather than highlights, but check with 

your coach. Some of our coaches routinely videotape games and can often 

make these available to you. 

• Consider playing in showcases, tournaments and camps during the school year 

and/or during the following summer. See your coach for suggestions. 

• Start compiling an athletic resume. There are samples in the Athletic Office. 

• Start the college counseling process in January. Meet with your counselor to 

talk about your academic, athletic and personal goals. Create a list of colleges, 

with the help of your counselor and your parents. Make sure the list includes 

some colleges where your admission would be very likely based on your 

academic record alone - whether you become a top athletic recruit or not. 

Contact the admissions offices on-line and ask them for information about 

the programs that interest you. Send your cover letter and resume to the 

coaches at all of the colleges on your initial list. 

• Take the SAT in March. 

• Visit colleges over spring break of junior year. Be sure to make an 

appointment for a tour and information session in the admissions office. Call 

or e-mail coaches to make appointments to meet them before or after your 

admissions office appointments. Bring an unofficial record of your grades to 

date. 

• Meet with your counselor after spring break to discuss what you saw and 

learned and how you felt about your visits.


• Before summer break, start the NCAA Clearinghouse process at 

www.eligibilitycenter.com. Print out and sign (and have your parent or 

guardian sign) the two transcript "release" forms, and bring them to the 

College Counseling Office. 

• Summer is very busy, with further college visits and athletic activities. Stay in 

contact with college coaches at your favorite colleges throughout the summer. 

You may start hearing coaches ask you to come on "official visits" in the fall 

(refer to the NCAA rules: www.eligibilitycenter.com). Coaches may start 

asking you specific questions about your level of interest in their colleges. 

This is when the "recruitment dance" often begins. 

Senior Year 

• By now, you should have a short list of colleges and know which are your 

favorites. You should also have an idea of which of these colleges are very 

interested in you as an athlete. During September and October, you are likely 

to make a few more college visits, to meet team members and get to know the 

college and athletic program better. (These may be "official" visits for 

Division I colleges. Again, check the rules for campus visits at 

www.eligibilitycenter.com.) These visits are often the last chance for you and 

the coach to assess your interest in one another. 

• Work hard on your college applications. Remember, it is always the 

admissions office that admits prospective athletes, not the coach. A coach 

may strongly support an applicant, but the admissions office may balk at an 

application form done without great care or an applicant who doesn't 

communicate his "fit" for the academic institution through his application 

form. 

• College coaches may start making unofficial assurances ... "if you apply Early 

Decision." If your first-choice college starts making such overtures, you're in 

luck! Remember, however, that some coaches are more reliable than others; 

be careful about promises and predictions and see your college counselor! 

• By mid-December, Early Decision applicants hear back from admission 

offices and most of the college athletic recruitment is over. Athletic recruits 

denied admission in the Early Decision round may apply to another college in 

a later, Early Decision II round. See your counselor if you were denied Early 

Decision and have a definite second-choice college. 

• While coaches have less influence on admissions decisions in the "regular" 

admissions round, it's not too late to consider how you communicate with 

coaches about your commitment to a particular school. Again, see your 

college counselor.

ATHLETIC HANDBOOK - Horace Mann School

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