Athletic Handbook - University Liggett School

upper school
Athletic
Handbook
Information
for athletes and parents
2010-11
University Liggett School

Liggett Mission Statement
The school’s aim is to develop the total personality
on a base of unquestioned academic excellence.
(Founding Mission – 1878)
To empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, the courage to lead,
and the confidence to thrive in a complex and changing world, University
Liggett School:
Challenges students to excel academically, to cultivate intellectual
freedom and instill a sense of cultural competency.
Creates opportunities for individual discovery and achievement
in academics, art, athletics and service to the community.
Entrusts talented and dedicated teachers to foster the strengths
and passions of each student through a dynamic and academically
rigorous curriculum.
Shares the values of respect, responsibility, trustworthiness and
compassion in an emotionally and physically safe community.
Adopted by the ULS Board of Trustees, June 4, 2008

WELCOME to Liggett ATHLETICs
Welcome to University Liggett School. Interscholastic athletics play an important
role in a student’s educational experience. Participation in athletics provides
students the opportunity for personal growth in a number of areas including:
commitment, leadership, sportsmanship, responsibility and teamwork. In addition,
athletics provide an avenue for common experiences to be shared by students,
coaches, faculty, parents, alumni and friends - all of which build school spirit and
community.
All students, regardless of experience, are encouraged to participate in athletics.
It’s my hope that through their participation, students will reap the benefits that
result from being a member of a team, learn to deal with success as well as adversity,
and realize that winning, although a goal, is only one of many.
As a University Liggett School athlete, respect for teammates, coaches, officials and
opponents is expected at all times. Sportsmanship does matter and will be expected
of all involved in Liggett athletics. Verbal abuse of officials, coaches, players or fans
will not be tolerated. Instead, positive cheering and support for all who participate
will be welcomed.
This handbook is meant to be a guide for parents and students. There is a great deal
of important information included in it and I strongly encourage you to read this
handbook and become familiar with its contents.
University Liggett School is a special place and has much to offer its students.
Liggett athletics offer students an opportunity to continue their education beyond
the typical school day. I look forward to seeing you on the fields, at the courts and
rink, celebrating the efforts and successes of our student-athletes.
sincerely,
michelle R. Hicks, Athletic Director
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UNIVERSITY LIGGETT SCHOOL
2010-11 ATHLETIC OFFERINGS
boys
cross Country
football
Soccer
Tennis
BOYS
Basketball
Ice Hockey
swimming
BOYS
Baseball
Golf
lacrosse
track
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
girls
cross Country
field Hockey
Volleyball
GIRLS
Basketball
Ice Hockey
swimming
GIRLS
lacrosse
soccer
softball
tennis
track
UNIVERSITY LIGGETT SCHOOL
ATHLETIC POLICIES
A University Liggett School student’s education includes participation in
extracurricular activities. Life long lessons and skills are benefits of participation in
athletics. The successes and accomplishments achieved in the classroom are often
enjoyed in the athletic arena as well.
Participating in athletics is a privilege and with this privilege comes responsibility.
Athletes are expected to abide by all Michigan High School Athletic Association
and University Liggett School rules, as well as those specific to the Liggett Athletic
Department.
Athletic Council
Four students from each class (two boys and two girls) are elected to the Upper
School Athletic Council. In addition, a senior boy and a senior girl are elected as
Athletic Council Presidents. The Athletic Council is responsible for organizing
and supporting various activities in which the student body can participate. These
activities include but are not limited to: organizing Spirit Week, creating weekly
game posters, promoting “Knights Nights” and “Senior Nights” and talking with
Middle School students about Upper School Athletic programs.
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TEAM CAPTAINS
It is an honor to be selected team captain or assistant captain. Along with this honor
comes responsibility to teammates, coaches and the school. Captains may be elected
by their teammates, with the approval of the coach, or he/she may be appointed
solely by the coach. It is critical that captains possess:
• The respect and trust of teammates.
• The ability to lead by example both on and off of the field.
• The ability to listen to teammates and to communicate effectively
with the coach.
• The desire to be an ambassador for Liggett on and off the field.
TEAM MANAGERS
The team manager is a vital member of any team. The effectiveness of practices and
games depends upon his/her ability to carry out duties specified by the coach. Some
of these duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Demonstrate respect for teammates, coaches, officials and opponents.
• Fulfill commitment to the team by attending practices and contests.
• Be responsible for practice and game equipment.
• Take attendance.
• Provide water and ice for practices and games.
• Assist the coach with drills.
• Record statistics.
• Run the clock and/or keep the scorebook at games.
ATHLETIC AWARDS
Athletes may be honored in a variety of ways: certificates of participation, varsity
letters, various coaches’ awards, or recognition through a particular conference
or state association. The Most Improved Player (M.I.P.) and Most Valuable Player
(M.V.P.) awards may be chosen by the coaches, the players, or a combination of
both. Coaches choose the criteria necessary to earn recognition specific to their sport
and should communicate this criteria to their athletes at the beginning of the season.
TEAM SELECTION
Team selection is the responsibility of the coach. Although coaches develop their
own criteria for team selection, the following criteria are commonly used: ability,
effort, attendance, attitude, and “coachability.” Sub-varsity programs are meant to
prepare and develop athletes for the varsity level. This is accomplished through
sport-specific skill and strategy work. Assuming athletes attend practices, display
appropriate effort and attitude, playing time can be expected. At the varsity level,
athletes will continue to strengthen skills but there is an increased emphasis on
winning. Playing time at the varsity level will vary from athlete to athlete and is
determined by the head coach.
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ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
A freshman having a GPA below a 1.5 or a sophomore, junior or senior having a
GPA below a 1.75 at the end of a quarter has four (4) weeks to improve his/her
grades. If his/her grades still average below the required 1.5 or 1.75, the student is
ineligible to participate in athletics until the end of the quarter and will remain so
until grades reflect a 1.5 /1.75 or better. A student receives only one such four-week
grace period per 12 months. Please note that this is a 12-month system and stays in
effect for a full year after the start of academic difficulty. Students with a GPA less
than 1.0 are ineligible to participate in sports immediately and must achieve a GPA
of at least a 1.5/1.75 to regain eligibility.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
An athlete must attend at least 50% of his/her classes in a day to be eligible to
participate in a contest or practice in that same day. An athlete may not leave school
after attending 50% of his/her classes and return for a contest or practice. There will
be no penalties due to school sponsored field trips or absences due to appointments
or family obligations. A student that has four classes must attend two, a student
that has five classes must attend three and a student that has six classes must attend
three in order to be eligible to participate in a contest or practice. (Please see the
Liggett Parent-Student Handbook for additional details.)
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance at practices and games is expected of all athletes. Should
situations, such as illness or injury, occur that make it impossible for an athlete
to attend practice or a game, he/she must make every effort to contact the coach.
It is ultimately the decision of the coach to determine how an absence will affect
a player’s playing time. Should an athlete accumulate a significant number of
absences, he/she may be removed from the team and forfeit credit for participation
in that season (Please refer to the Liggett Parent-Student Handbook for the extracurricular
participation requirements).
Following the first two weeks of scheduled practice, an athlete may not be allowed
to quit one team and join another. Athletes are encouraged to carefully consider their
decision to participate in a sport and are expected to fulfill their commitment.
It is strongly suggested families take athletic schedules, including state sponsored
tournaments, into consideration when planning family vacations, college visits and
standardized testing dates. Fulfilling one’s commitments is an important life skill
and athletes are expected to fulfill the commitment made to their teams.
There are to be no practices or contests on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or Good
Friday. Coaches should communicate with families as soon as possible regarding
practices or contests scheduled for long weekends or during vacations. If teams
practice during vacation, only one of the two weeks may be designated as a
mandatory practice week.
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BEHAVIOR
Student-athletes have the opportunity to represent themselves, their teams and the
greater school community in very positive and powerful ways. Student-athletes
are viewed as role models and ambassadors for our school and are held to a high
standard in terms of behavior and sportsmanship.
Any athlete whose actions/behavior are deemed inappropriate or requires police
intervention may be subject to, but not limited to, suspension or dismissal from
the team.
Any athlete ejected from a game will automatically be suspended from the
next contest. The athlete may be subjected to additional school, league or state
consequences. Subsequent ejections may result in multiple contest suspensions or
removal from the team. It is expected that Liggett athletes demonstrate self-control
and sportsmanship at all times.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Any athlete found to be using/consuming/providing drugs, alcohol and/or
cigarettes while in-season, whether on school property or not, will be suspended
from the team for one week (no participation in practices or contests). A second
offense will result in dismissal from the team for the remainder of the season and the
Athletic Director and Head of Upper School will review eligibility for participation
on future Liggett teams. If the athlete is a team captain or a member of the Athletic
Council, his/her title or position will be revoked. Additional school consequences
are stated in the Liggett Parent-Student Handbook.
HAZING
Under no circumstances is hazing accepted as part of Liggett athletics. Teammates
are expected to treat one another with respect and compassion. Students
participating in hazing may be subject to suspension or removal from a team.
TRANSPORTATION
Following an away contest, it is expected all athletes will return to Liggett on
school-provided transportation. This is an important time for the coach to speak
with the team about the contest or other issues that may need to be addressed. The
only exception to this is if a parent makes prior arrangements with the coach or a
school administrator for the athlete to leave the away contest with the parent or an
adult designated by the parent. In either case, written permission from the student’s
parent must be given to the coach or school administrator. Athletes will not be
allowed to transport one another to off-site games.
If an athlete is not present at the time of team departure, he/she will be considered
absent and transportation will leave. If he/she is able to get to the away contest, it
will be the decision of the coach whether or not the athlete participates in the contest.
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It is the responsibility of the athlete to inform his/her parents of the estimated time
of return from away contests, and the responsibility of the parents to be at school on
time to pick up their child. Coaches will provide this information to their teams.
Upon returning to school, it is the responsibility of the athletes to clean the vehicle.
All food, trash, and equipment are to be removed from the vehicle.
DIRECTIONS TO AWAY CONTESTS
Directions to away sites can be found on the Liggett website (www.uls.org) using
the athletics link, or on www.arenamaps.com. Directions are also printed on the back
of each team’s schedule. Coaches should distribute these schedules to their athletes
prior to the season. Schedules are also available in the athletic office.
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
All school policies are in effect during any school-sponsored trip. Should an athlete’s
behavior warrant, he/she may require transportation home at the parents’ expense.
Coaches will provide a letter of information for parents when taking their team on
an overnight trip. This letter will include the following:
• Contact information for the coach, hotel and host school.
• A schedule of departure and arrival times.
• A schedule of contests and their locations.
• A list of rules/expectations for the trip.
In most cases, the cost of lodging and meals is the responsibility of the athletes.
Coaches will communicate the lodging cost and athletes will give a check, made
payable to University Liggett School, to their coach prior to the day of departure.
Athletes are encouraged to bring money for meals.
UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
Athletes are responsible for the care, security and use of all uniforms and equipment
issued to them through the Athletic Department. Athletes will be charged
replacement costs for any uniforms and/or equipment damaged or not returned
in a timely manner. Coaches will make arrangement for the collection of uniforms
and equipment.
In some cases, athletes will be required to purchase uniforms, accessories or
equipment. The costs for these items, if purchased through school accounts, will be
billed to the student’s school account and families will receive billing statements
from the Liggett Business Office. At the end of the season, athletes keep all items
they have purchased.
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SUMMER AND OFF-SEASON PROGRAMS
There are numerous sports camps, clinics and training programs available for high
school athletes during the summer or off-seasons. These programs provide the
athletes opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge in a given sport. These
programs are voluntary. A coach cannot require enrollment in these programs as a
condition for membership or placement on a team.
AUGUST PRACTICES
Fall sport practices typically begin the first or second week of August (the MHSAA
sets beginning practice dates). These practices are essential for athletes to prepare
for contests scheduled for late August (before school is in session). Specific starting
dates and times will be communicated to families at the beginning of summer.
Placement on teams (i.e.: varsity or junior varsity) may be determined by pre-season
practice attendance and performance.
TRAINING ROOM
Athletes requiring attention for an injury should see the athletic trainer. The training
room is located in the upper school gym near the boys’ locker room and is usually
open by 3:00 p.m.
COMMUNICATION AND EXPECTATIONS
Parents and coaches are two of the most important role models in an athlete’s life.
Therefore, clear communication between parents and coaches is essential. Coaches
make decisions based on what they believe to be best for all athletes involved.
The guidelines listed below are intended to clarify expectations for channels of
communication between parents and coaches.
Communication parents can expect from coaches:
• Coach’s expectations for the athletes and the team.
• Locations and times of all practices and contests and any changes
in locations and times of practices and contests.
• Team requirements: practices, training rules, attendance policy,
criteria for earning a varsity letter, etc.
• Consequences for not following team requirements.
• Coach’s contact information: phone numbers, e-mail, etc.
Communication coaches can expect from parents:
• Questions regarding a coach’s expectations.
• Discussion regarding an athlete’s academic performance.
• Notification of illness, injury or family commitment that will affect the
athlete’s attendance at practices and/or games (if possible, athletes, rather
than parents, are encouraged to communicate with the coach).
• Discussion about ways an athlete might improve his/her skill level.
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Coaches are to be treated with the same respect accorded any other professional. It
is important that conversations at home regarding the coach or his/her decisions be
positive in tone. Children learn respect when it is modeled appropriately for them.
If you have a concern you’d like to bring to the attention of the coach, expressing it
at the appropriate time and in the appropriate place is extremely important.
Please do not confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be
emotional times for all parties involved and meetings of this nature often do not
promote positive resolutions.
If you have a concern, please use the following procedures:
• Ask your child to speak with the coach. It is important that athletes learn to
have conversations with adults and to advocate for themselves.
• Schedule a meeting to speak with your child’s coach.
• Schedule a meeting to speak with the Athletic Director and the coach.
Athletes, coaches and fans are expected to represent Liggett with dignity. When
attending Liggett athletic events, all involved are expected to conduct themselves
appropriately. Abuse, whether verbal or physical, of the athletes, coaches, officials
or fans will not be tolerated. Such action will result in, but is not limited to, removal
from the contest and possible future contests.
Athletes are expected to:
• Demonstrate respect for teammates, coaches, officials and opponents.
• Exercise self-control at all times.
• Fulfill their commitment to the team.
• Attend all practices and contests.
• Arrive to practices and contests on time and be ready to give their best.
• Put team goals ahead of personal goals.
• Remember academic obligations.
• Communicate with the coaches.
• Report any injury to the coach or the athletic trainer.
• Represent Liggett, teammates and oneself with class and pride.
• Accept the results, learn from mistakes, and never quit.
• Adhere to all policies found in this handbook.
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Parents are expected to:
• Support their child’s commitment to and participation in athletics
through attendance at contests.
• Remind their child of the importance of his/her commitment.
• Attempt to understand and be informed of the rules of the game.
• Not instruct your child during a contest. (Leave this responsibility
to the coach.)
• Display good sportsmanship while attending contests and expect
the same from your child.
• Recognize and show appreciation for outstanding play by either team.
• Respect the coach’s many responsibilities during a contest and share
concerns at a later time.
How adults can encourage sportsmanship:
• Set a good example. Rise above poor sportsmanship when displayed by
other teams or fans.
• Look for teachable moments. Use incidents that occur in a game or practice
to stimulate discussion.
• Make sure the athletes know the school’s expectations regarding
sportsmanship and that these rules will be enforced.
• Give the athletes unconditional support whether they are winning
or losing.
• If an athlete displays poor sportsmanship/behavior, he/she should be
removed from the contest which should be followed by a conversation
with the coach.
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How To Be A “Successful Sports Parent”
• Model honesty, respect and sportsmanship regardless of what others
are doing.
• Model a “team first” attitude.
• Teach your child to overcome adversity or disappointment, e.g., dealing
with not making the varsity squad or not receiving as much playing time
as desired.
• Encourage your child to speak with the coach regarding a concern.
• Be respectful of other parents and their children. Making negative
comments about other athletes is inappropriate.
• Police one another regarding inappropriate behavior.
• Allow the coaches to coach. Instructions shouted from the sidelines by
fans only confuse and distract the athletes.
• Refrain from speaking negatively about a coach in front of your child.
This causes a division of loyalties and confusion for the athlete.
• Praise effort and attitude rather than results.
• Avoid basing your self-esteem on your child’s success.
• Encourage your child to participate in more than one sport.
• Support all of your child’s interests.
• Following a loss or poor performance, allow a period of time before
asking your child to talk about it.
• Avoid comparing your child to another athlete.
Appropriately communicate concerns with the coach:
• Never discuss concerns in front of others.
• Use the 24-hour rule if a “cooling off” period is needed (wait 24 hours
before contacting the coach).
• Schedule a meeting or phone conversation with the coach.
• Do not discuss other athletes with the coach.
Model a healthy, realistic perspective. High school sports are meant:
• To be fun.
• To teach life skills.
• To provide young people an avenue for healthy competition and
physical activity.
Provide unconditional love, regardless of the outcome!
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The following eligibility requirements, as set by the Michigan High School
Athletic Association (MHSAA), must be observed in order to participate
in the University Liggett School athletic program.
MHSAA RULES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION
ENROLLMENT
A student must be enrolled in the school for which he/she competes no later than
the fourth Friday after Labor Day (first semester) or the fourth Friday of February
(second semester).
Academic Eligibility
Students must have received credit for at least the equivalent of 66% of full
class load potential for a full-time student in the previous semester/trimester of
enrollment, and must be currently passing the same on the transcript of the school
they represent in competition.
TRANSFERS
A student enrolled in grades 9-12 who transfers from one high school to another
high school is ineligible to participate in an interscholastic athletic contest or
scrimmage until Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (1st semester transfer) or August 1
(2nd semester transfer). There are some exceptions to this rule. Please see the
“TRANSFERS” section of the MHSAA handbook (available in the Athletic Office).
SEMESTERS OF COMPETITION
A student, once enrolled in grade nine, shall be allowed to compete in only four (4)
first-semester seasons and only four (4) second-semester seasons. For example, a
student may not compete in more than four (4) seasons of a particular sport: football,
soccer, tennis, swimming, etc.
SEMESTERS OF ENROLLMENT
A student who has been enrolled in grades nine through 12 for more than eight
semesters shall not be eligible to compete in any level of athletics. The seventh and
eighth semesters must be consecutive.
AGE
A student in grades nine through 12 who participates in any interscholastic athletic
contest must be under nineteen (19) years of age. When a student’s 19th birthday
occurs on or after September 1 of a current school year, he/she is eligible for
participation for the balance of that school year.
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INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS PARTICIPATION FORM (IAPF)
A student must have a physical examination form signed by a physician certifying
the student is fully able to participate in athletics. This form, which is mailed to
families in late spring, must be on file in the Athletic Office prior to the student
participating in practices or competitions. Athletes participating in Fall sports must
give their IAPF to their coach at their first practice. Athletes not participating in
Fall sports but participating in Winter and/or Spring sports may mail their IAPF to
the Athletic Department.
In case of an injury, every attempt will be made to contact the parents. If the
parents are unavailable, an attempt will be made to contact the doctor listed on
the IAPF or, if deemed necessary, the injured athlete will be transported to a hospital
for advanced medical care.
Liggett does not provide medical or dental insurance for its students. Medical and
dental insurance is the responsibility of each family.
AWARDS
A student will not accept, from any source, anything for participation in athletics
other than an emblematic award. An emblematic award would include, but not
be limited to any medal, ribbon, badge, plaque, cup, trophy, banner, pictures or
Varsity letter award. Acceptance of such items as cash, merchandise, memberships,
privileges, services, athletic equipment, clothing or jewelry would be a violation.
No acceptable award shall exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00) in value with the
exception of the regular letter award of the school. The cost of engraving a medal
or similar award need not be included in determining the value of the award.
No one, such as a parent, friend or other person may accept an award on behalf of
the athlete at any time prior to graduation from high school.
MAINTAINING AMATEUR STATUS
Students participating in athletics or planning to do so in his/her high school career,
will not: (1) accept any money for participating in athletics, sports or games; or (2)
sign a contract with a professional team.
ATHLETIC COMPETITION OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL
A student who has participated in any contest as a member of a school team may not
participate in the same sport in the same season in any athletic competition outside
of and not sponsored by the school. The exception to this rule is the individual sport
athlete who may participate in a maximum of two (2) individual sports meets or
contests during that sports season while not representing his/her school. A student
may not participate in any “all-star” contest at any time in any sport sponsored by
the MHSAA during the school year.
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General information
School Name:
university Liggett School
Address:
1045 Cook Road
Grosse Pointe Woods
M mI 48236-2509
Athletic Office: (313) 884-4444 ext. 370 or 371
Fax Number: (313) 884-1775
McCann Ice Rink: (313) 343-0947
Head of School:
Head of Upper School:
Athletic Director
Administrative Assistant:
School Colors:
School Mascot:
Web Site:
Joseph P. Healey, Ph.D.
Trey Cassidy
tcassidy@uls.org
michelle R. Hicks
mhicks@uls.org
Mary Jo Campo
mjcampo@uls.org
red & Blue
Knight
www.uls.org

University Liggett School
Directions to away games can be found using the following sites:
www.uls.org
www.arenamaps.com
If you would like to receive the weekly athletic schedule and updates
via e-mail (these are sent in Excel format), please call the
Athletic Office at (313) 884-4444, ext. 371,
and give Athletic Office Secretary, Mary Jo Campo, your e-mail address.
You may also sign up to receive schedule changes
through the “Athletic Schedules” link on the Liggett web site.