Policy #309

HINCKLEY/FINLAYSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
COACHING HANDBOOK
POLICY #309

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that athletics at Hinckley/Finlayson High School is considered an integral part of the school’s program which provides the opportunity for participation in a wide variety of student- selected activities. Consequently, athletics is a vital part of the student/educational experience. Such participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, to the activity, to the student body, to the community and to the individual student. These experiences contribute to the development of learning skills and emotional patterns that enable the student to make maximum use of his/her education.

Hinckley/Finlayson student activities are considered co-curricular to the school’s program of education which provides experience that will help to develop boys and girls physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.
The spirit of competition and winning is inevitable but should be controlled to the point that it does not determine the nature of the program. We believe this philosophy is educationally and psychologically sound because of the training it offers for living in a competitive society. Students are stimulated to want to win and excel but the principles of good sportsmanship prevail at all times to heighten the educational values of contests.

DISTRICT GOALS

To provide a superior program of student activities that includes appropriate activities for every boy and girl.
To provide opportunity for a student to experience success in an activity he or she selects.
To provide enough activities to have an outlet for a wide variety of student interests and abilities.
To provide those student activities which offer the greatest benefits for the greatest number of students.
To create a desire to succeed and excel.
To help the student develop leisure activities for now and in the future.
To develop high ideals of fairness in human relationships.
To practice self-discipline and emotional maturity in learning to make decisions under pressure.
To be socially competent and operate within a set of rules, thus gaining a respect for the rights of others.
To develop an understanding of the value of activities in a balanced educational process.
To promote better health and physical fitness.
To promote an appreciation of wholesome recreation and entertainment.
To create an atmosphere of unity and promote a school spirit.
To stimulate interest in and support for the entire school program.

CODE OF ETHICS
Minnesota State High School Coaches Association

AS A PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR I WILL:

Strive to develop in each athlete the qualities of leadership, initiative and good judgement.
Respect the integrity and personality of the individual athlete.
Encourage the highest standards of conduct and scholastic achievement among all athletes.
Seek to promote good health habits including the establishment of sound training rules.
Fulfill responsibilities to provide health services and an environment free of safety hazards.
Exemplify the highest moral character, behavior and leadership.
Promote ethical relationships among coaches.
Encourage a respect for all athletics and their values.
Abide by the rules of the game in letter and spirit.
Respect the integrity and judgement of sports officials.
Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.
Demonstrate a mastery of and continuous interest in coaching principles and techniques through professional development.

HINCKLEY/FINLAYSON HIGH SCHOOL-Coaching Regulations
Any coach in charge of athletes at any level and in any sport will be expected to maintain a high degree of integrity for carrying out assigned duties and responsibilities. Listed below are those most often encountered.

A. Coaches’ Duties:

Assign managers and the duties each is expected to perform.
Be first to arrive and make sure you are the last to leave. Check to be sure that showers, lights and doors are secure. Only items you want in the waste basket should be left on the floor.
Be certain that each boy/girl has a medical examination form before participating in your activity. (Physicals are good for 3 years)
Be sure that each boy/girl has an eligibility form signed by a parent or guardian, student and on file.
Be sure each player has a parental permission form on file.
Be sure that each player has either an insurance waiver form on file or has enrolled in the school sponsored insurance program.
Be sure that each athlete has a potential danger awareness form signed by the parent or guardian and student on file before participating.
Collect participation fee from each athlete. Must be paid before participation. Hardship cases will be reviewed, individually by the A.D. Turn in money daily. If a player quits before the end of the 1st week of practice, the participation fee will be refunded. Please inform athletes (in writing/verbally) at the beginning of your season.
Check all players for scholastic eligibility.
Prepare an alphabetical list of all players for our eligibility list that may be provided to the MSHSL upon their request. Include any player that may participate at the Varsity level. This needs to be prepared 1 week prior to the first contest.
Prepare a list of all athletes that may need to ride the activity bus. Please indicate whether they are from Hinckley or Finlayson. This should be turned into the Superintendent’s office at the earliest possible date. The activity list needs to be updated periodically throughout the season.
Head coaches must enter their roster and schedule on the MSHSL website. Programs are made from that information. Opponents will have access to that information on the league site for constructing their programs as well.
Prepare a complete list of departure and approximate arrival times after athletic contests. This information goes in the school newsletter and needs to be as accurate as possible.
Prior to your first practice, hold a team meeting to fully explain the Athletic Eligibility Information Bulletin (pink sheet). Also, address the potential danger awareness form. Spell out, in very specific terms, the dangers and possible injuries that may occur in your sport. When going over eligibility information, emphasize to your athletes that “behavior” issues with athletes is the Principal’s decision. If there are behavior issues that are not covered by the Minnesota State High School League, it is entirely up to the High School Principal to assess an appropriate penalty. The penalty may be more or less severe than League penalties.
Parent’s Night should be scheduled well in advance of the date for that event. Please inform the Principal and A.D. at the earliest possible time so it may be placed on calendars.
Make sure first aid equipment (med. kit) is handy at all times. Take portable A.E.D. when necessary (to home fields or opponent’s site)
Demonstrate the manner in which equipment is to be worn, how to take care of it and emphasize that equipment is loaned and belongs to the school district.
Assign lockers and locks to your athletes. Keep an accurate record of the locks, combinations and locker assignments.
It would be wise to conduct weekly inspections of lockers for unnecessary equipment, clothing and dirty clothes.
To supervise practices with particular emphasis on safety. This includes the supervision of the locker room/shower area, travel to and from athletic fields, the elementary school and the community center.
To handle all injuries with care and fill out an injury report form promptly.
It is the duty of the head coach to assist all levels below varsity with regard to direction and coordination of teaching methods for that particular sport.
To report scores and summaries of contests to newspapers and radio stations and scores must appear in the announcements the next morning. This is the responsibility of each coach at each level. Seeding results must be reported to the H.S. Principal, Sup’t. and A.D. the morning after the seeding meeting.
To enforce the “no driving or riding” policy to and from practice.
To check your equipment to see that it meets proper safety guidelines and that it is marked or numbered before being issued.
To assume responsibility for all equipment furnished by the school in the sport coached. Please keep good records when issuing equipment.
To encourage students to go out for the sport of their choice.
Coaches should not emphasize their sport at the expense of other sports.
Coaches must set the example necessary to encourage good sportsmanship.
To emphasize victory with honor and teach players that when a loss occurs it must be accepted gracefully. Any act of unsportsmanlike conduct reflects on the entire Hinckley/Finlayson athletic program.
To collect game equipment at the earliest possible time after a contest. (Game equipment and duffle bags have a way of disappearing)
To fully explain to your squad members what their responsibilities are during the time period they are waiting for the activity bus in the cafeteria. If the students will not or do not accept this responsibility, it may be necessary to have coaches supervise this time period.
To fully explain the awards policy, your attendance at practice policy (this should be in writing) and the school attendance policy.
To assume responsibility for allowing the student to use the whirlpool. No student is to use the whirlpool unless they are under the direct supervision of a competent adult. Try to encourage students to use the whirlpool before or after school.
All weight training must be supervised by a competent staff member who is directly in attendance. The students will change into proper clothing and are encouraged to shower after each workout.
Has the responsibility for striving to build good sportsmanship and developing good public relations in the school and community.
Has the responsibility to report MSHSL violations to the school administration.
If one of your athletes is on the verge of being dismissed from your team, it is the responsibility of the coach to contact the parent and arrange for a face to face meeting with the parent or parents. Please be specific and document. The athlete will not be allowed to participate until the meeting is held. Example: Your rule is, three unexcused absences and you are off the team. After the second unexcused absence, arrange for the meeting.
Has the responsibility to be familiar with and adhere to the “Competition Index for Heat and Cold.” (attached )
If college classes are taken during a sports season in which a coach has coaching responsibilities, those responsibilities are primary. If a coach wants to miss practice or a game/match, it must be cleared by the Superintendent.
If a coach is home ill during the school day, he/she will not have coaching responsibilities that afternoon/evening. There could be exceptions, if there are extenuating circumstances.
The CER (Coaches Education Requirement) must be completed by Varsity, JV and 9th coaches every three years according to MSHSL rules. As of now that would be 2014, 2017, etc. Ex. If you were a new coach last year (2013) and completed the CER requirement, you would have to complete the CER again in 2014.

B. Coaches’ Dress:
Coaches should be dressed in appropriate workout gear during practices and for all contests and trips.
C. Coaches Responsibilities on Trips:

Hold a group meeting before each departure to firm up general directions. Have each player check equipment and assume responsibility for it throughout the trip.
Prepare ahead a checklist of needed equipment so nothing is forgotten by the managers.
When players arrive back at school, the coach must be sure that each individual has a way home.
Make provision for safekeeping of all valuables. Athletic combination locks are not to leave our school. One possibility would be to keep a valuables bag at your bench.
The coach or designated assistant should check the dressing rooms, hotel rooms, restaurant and bus as soon as the athletes have left the facility. This will help prevent the loss of clothing and equipment and give the coach information as to the condition of the property.
Impress upon the students that rowdyism and the use of obscene language or gestures will not be tolerated. Set the standards of behavior and hold to them.
Check the athletes out on the type of clothing to wear; the address of the motel where the team is to stay, including phone number; the exact time of departure from home and the approximate time of arrival back home. This information should get to the parents at least 24 hours before departure.
Bus Conduct

Players and manager must see that the bus is clean at the end of a trip.
Do not tolerate horseplay, loud talking and players shouting out windows. One coach may have to ride in the back of the bus.
No beverages or food will be allowed on the bus. An exception would be an all-day wrestling tournament or a long trip. (a long trip refers to distance or time)

9. Use of opponent’s dressing facilities: Coaches should discuss with team members the appropriate conduct when using the dressing facilities of the opponent. Note the general condition of the dressing room both upon arrival and departure to help prevent vandalism. It may be necessary, at times, to hold a bag inspection after returning from a trip to check against souvenirs taken by the players. Coaches should ask to have their dressing room locked during their team’s absence. Carrying out these procedures may save the school and the district some unfavorable publicity.

D. Attendance at Rules Meetings:
All MSHSL rules meetings are held online at mshsl.org. All coaches (9th, JV and varsity) are required to complete the online rules meeting. The rules meeting schedule and deadlines are published on the mshsl public website.

E. Practices - Days and Times:
General comment - Start on time and end on time. You are not improving your athletic program by jeopardizing your responsibility with parents and administrators by holding late practices. The less you disrupt the family dinner hour with practice, the more apt you are to have a favorable reaction from parents to the athletic program. Practice must end in time for athletes to catch the activity bus. Consideration of the role and responsibility of the family, church, community and individual participant must be acknowledged.

1. All practices are to be supervised by coaches at all times. If a coach is unable to be present, his/her practice should not be held.

PRACTICES SHOULD NOT EXCEED 2 1/2 HOURS.
Team sports are to be limited to one practice per day during the student school year. Activities which have individual events may be authorized to practice twice per day on a voluntary basis if approved by the athletic director and the practice is properly supervised.
Sundays and Special Holidays: Sunday meetings or practice for squad members is prohibited by the Minnesota State High School League. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Easter should be treated the same as a Sunday. Practice during the more extended vacations and on Saturdays may be scheduled at the discretion of the coach with the approval of the athletic director, providing that student attendance and participation at practice on these days is strictly voluntary. Consequences will not be given to those who do not attend.
If practice is going to be cancelled, you must go through the athletic director prior to that cancellation. Lower level coaches must go through the head coach for that sport who, in turn, will go through the A.D. Cancellation of practice can affect many things, including the need for an activity bus.

F. Substitute Policy:
At the junior high level, all members of the team who are in good standing are to participate in the games. At the varsity and junior varsity level, it is strongly encouraged that all members of the team who are in good standing are to participate in the games. Coaches are encouraged to make an effort to play everyone on “parent’s night.” Our philosophy has not changed, in light, of activity fees.

G. Facilities:

Make recommendations to the Athletic Director concerning new facilities and improvement of existing facilities.
Do all you can to improve and keep up your existing facility. This may, at times, involve coaches, managers and players doing maintenance on the facility.
If you should encounter an “unsafe” condition at your facility, be sure to report this immediately.

H. Coaching Clinics:
If clinics are conducted during a school day, a day off will not be granted for attendance. Coaches may, however, take a personal day.

I. Reporting of Scores:
It is the responsibility of the head coach (may be delegated) to report all varsity scores to the media and to ensure coaches at all levels put scores in the daily announcements.

J. Tournament Brackets:
After tournament seeding meetings, it is the responsibility of the head coach to give a copy of the tournament brackets to the athletic director the next morning

K. Completion of Season:

The head coach is directly responsible for a complete inventory of the equipment used for their sport.
A squad roster and seasons record form shall be completed.
The head coach, at the end of their season, shall write an annual report evaluating the program and making recommendations for improvement.
Shall turn in a requisition of equipment and supplies needed for the following year and a list of repairs to be made on existing equipment.
Head coaches will complete an evaluation of all assistant coaches including junior high.

L. NUMBER OF COACHES:
The board of education each spring/summer will assign the coaching positions for the
following school year. The following general guidelines will be followed.

Minimum Number of Participants

Volleyball - Need 26 with a minimum of 5 in the 9th grade for a third coach. (9-12)
Football - Need a minimum of:
1. 26 players in 9-12 to have a JV football team.
2. 40 players for a fourth senior high coach
3. 30 players in 7-8 for a third junior high coach
Cross Country - Need 18 to have a second coach. (7-12)
Boys & Girls Basketball - Need 26 with a minimum of 5 in the 9th grade for a 3rd coach. (9-12)
Wrestling - Need 34 of which 10 must be in grades 7-8 to get a 3rd (junior High) coach. (7-12) (This applies if HF hosts the wrestling program in the future)
Boys & Girls track - Need 64 combined to get a 5th (combination) coach. (7-12)
B and G Golf - Need 34 to get the 3rd (junior high) coach, of which 10 need to be 7-8. (7-12)
Baseball and Softball - Need 25 to (9-12) to get a 3rd (senior high) coach.

The following guidelines will also be followed:
Scenario 1: The coach is hired as of the first day of the season because there were enough kids out last year to warrant starting the season with a coach. By the first game the number of players has dropped below the minimum. The coach is let go and is paid pro rata for the practice days up to the first game.
Scenario 2: The coach is assigned to coach a team even though there were not enough players the previous season to have a team. The coach may volunteer to coach players up to the first game and if enough players are on the team at that time, their season continues with the coach paid for the whole season. If it becomes obvious to this coach that the minimum number of players is not going to be reached by the first game, the coach may elect to dissolve the team at any time before the first game.
The above are minimum guidelines. Administrative discretion may be used in the event there are extenuating circumstances. (Ex. – VB or BB. There are a large number of 9th graders but the total number (9-12) falls short of 26.
Ex. – There is an exceptional 8th grader moved up to the 9th, JV or varsity level.) In such situations, the administration reserves the right to examine each individual case and may allow a third coach.
(The board reserves the right to modify the above guidelines if needed.)

M. Wednesday Practices:
Winter sports junior high teams will not practice on Wednesday nights.

N. Section 504-
Section 504 Coordinator                                             Section 504 Coordinator - Alternate
Rob Prater                                                                    Brian Masterson
PO Box 308 PO Box 308
Hinckley, MN 55037 Hinckley, MN 55037
320-384-6277                                                                        320-384-6132

O. Title IX-
Title IX Coordinator                                                   Title IX Coordinator - Alternate
Rob Prater                                                                  Brian Masterson
PO Box 308 PO Box 308
Hinckley, MN 55037 Hinckley, MN 55037
320-384-6277                                                                        320-384-6132

COACHES CHECKLIST
Beginning of Season

Collect all forms for participation. (eligibility, physical exam, parent’s permit, insurance waiver, injury awareness)
Turn in alphabetical eligibility list to A. D. (Head only) This should include anyone who may participate at the varsity level.
Turn in a list to the District Office of students that need to ride the activity bus.
Turn in departure times and approximates times of arrival following contests to the District Office.
Practice times for non-school days turned into A.D. (Head Only)
Rosters and schedules must be posted on the mshsl website one week prior to the first contest. (Head only)

End of Season

Athletic inventory complete and all equipment cleaned and put away.
Athletic awards list turned into H.S. office.
Year-end report turned into A.D. (Head only)
Requisition/budget for next year.
Season record and roster sheets filled out for permanent record book.
Mark athletes permanent record card.
Coaches locker cleaned and vacated.
All team lockers cleaned and vacated.
All coaches evaluations completed.
Arrange for repair of equipment and practice/game clothing.

Heat Stress and Athletic Participation
Early fall football, cross country, soccer and field hockey practices are conducted in very hot and humid weather in many parts of the United States. Due to the equipment and uniform needed in football, most of the heat problems have been associated with football. During the 1998 season there were four heat stroke deaths in football. There are no excuses for heatstroke deaths if the proper precautions are taken. During hot weather, the athlete is subject to the following:

HEAT CRAMPS — Painful cramps involving abdominal muscles and extremities caused by intense, prolonged exercise in the heat and depletion of salt and water due to profuse sweating.
HEAT SYNCOPE — Weakness, fatigue and fainting due to loss of salt and water in sweat and exercise in the heat. Predisposes to heatstroke.
HEAT EXHAUSTION (WATER DEPLETION) — Excessive weight loss, reduced sweating, elevated skin and core body temperature, excessive thirst, weakness, headache and sometimes unconsciousness.
HEAT EXHAUSTION (SALT DEPLETION) — Exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness due to profuse sweating and inadequate replacement of body salts.
HEATSTROKE — An acute medical emergency related to thermoregulatory failure. Associated with nausea, seizures, disorientation, and possible unconsciousness or coma. It may occur suddenly without being preceded by any other clinical signs. The individual is usually unconscious with a high body temperature and a hot dry skin (heatstroke victims, contrary to popular belief, may sweat profusely).
It is believed that the above mentioned heat stress problems can be controlled provided certain precautions are taken. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Sports Medicine, heat related illnesses are all preventable. (Sports Medicine: Health Care for Young Athletes, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1991). The following practices and precautions are recommended:

Each athlete should have a physical exam with a medical history when first entering a program and an annual health history update. History of previous heat illness and type of training activities before organized practice begins should be included. State high school association’s recommendations should be followed.
It is clear that top physical performance can only be achieved by an athlete who is in top physical condition. Lack of physical fitness impairs the performance of an athlete who participates in high temperatures. Coaches should know the PHYSICAL CONDITION of their athletes and set practice schedules accordingly.
Along with physical conditioning, the factor of acclimatization to heat is important. Acclimatization is the process of becoming adjusted to heat and it is essential to provide for GRADUAL ACCLIMATIZATION TO HOT WEATHER. It is necessary for an athlete to exercise in the heat if he/she is to become acclimatized to it. It is suggested that a graduated physical conditioning program be used and that 80 percent acclimatization can be expected to occur after the first seven to 10 days· Final stages of acclimatization to heat are marked by increased sweating and reduced salt concentration in the sweat.
The old idea that water should be withheld from athletes during workouts has NO SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATION. The most important safeguard to the health of the athlete is the replacement of water. Water must be on the field and readily available to the athletes at all times. It is recommended that a minimum of 10 minutes be scheduled for a water break

Below 64 Unlimited activity
65-72 Moderate risk
74-82 High risk
82 plus Very high risk
There is also a weather guide for activities that last 30 minutes or more (Fox and Mathews, 1981) which involves knowing the relative humidity and air temperature:
AIR TEMP DANGER ZONE CRITICAL ZONE
70° F 80 % RH 100 % RH

every half hour of heavy exercise in the heat. WATER SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN UNLIMITED QUANTITIES. Check and be sure athletes are drinking the water. Cold water is preferable. Drinking ample water before practice or games has also been found to aid performance in the heat.

Salt should be replaced daily. Modest salting of foods after practice or games will accomplish this purpose. Salt tablets are not recommended. ATTENTION MUST BE DIRECTED TO REPLACING WATER — FLUID REPLACEMENT IS ESSENTIAL.
Know both the TEMPERATURE and HUMIDITY. The greater the humidity, the more difficult it is for the body to cool itself. Test the air prior to practice or game using a wet bulb, globe, temperature index (WBGT Index) which is based on the combined effects of air temperature, relative humidity, radiant heat and air movement. The following precautions are recommended when using the WBGT Index (ACSM’s Guidelines for the Team Physician, 1991):

75° F 70 % RH 100 % RH
80° F 50 % RH 80 % RH
85° F 40 % RH 68 % RH
90° F 30 % RH 55 % RH
95° F 20 % RH 40 % RH
100° F 10 % RH 30 % RH
RH = RELATIVE HUMIDITY
One other method of measuring the relative humidity is the use of a sling psychrometer, which measures wet bulb temperature. The wet bulb temperature should be measured prior to practice and the intensity and duration of practice adjusted accordingly.

Recommendations are as follows:
Under 60° F Safe but always observe athletes
61°-65° F Observe players carefully
66°-70° F Caution
71°-75° F Shorter practice sessions and more frequent water and rest breaks
75° plus F Danger level and extreme caution

Cooling by evaporation is proportional to the area of the skin exposed. In extremely hot and humid weather reduce the amount of clothing covering the body as much as possible. NEVER USE RUBBERIZED CLOTHING.
Athletes should weigh each day before and after practice and WEIGHT CHARTS CHECKED. Generally a 3 percent weight loss through sweating is safe and over a 3 percent weight loss is in the danger zone. Over a 3 percent weight loss the athlete should not be allowed to practice in hot and humid conditions. Observe the athletes closely under all conditions. Do not allow athletes to practice until they have adequately replaced their weight.
Observe athletes carefully for signs of trouble, particularly athletes who lose significant weight and the eager athlete who constantly competes at his/her capacity. Some trouble signs are nausea, incoherence, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, cramps, weak rapid pulse, visual disturbance and unsteadiness.
Teams that encounter hot weather during the season through travel or following an unseasonably cool period should be physically fit but will not be environmentally fit. Coaches in this situation should follow the above recommendations and substitute more frequently during games.
Know what to do in case of an emergency and have your emergency plans written with copies to all your staff. Be familiar with immediate first aid practice and prearranged procedures for obtaining medical care, including ambulance service.

HEAT STROKE — THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY — DELAY COULD BE FATAL. Immediately cool body while waiting for transfer to a hospital. Remove clothing and place ice bags on the neck, in the axilla (armpit), and on the groin area. An increasing number of medical personnel are now using a treatment for heat illness that involves applying either alcohol or cool water to the victim’s skin and vigorously fanning the body. The fanning causes evaporation and cooling. (Source — The First Aider — September 1987)
HEAT EXHAUSTION — OBTAIN MEDICAL CARE AT ONCE. Cool body as you would for heat stroke while waiting for transfer to hospital. Give fluids if athlete is able to swallow and is conscious.
SUMMARY — The main problem associated with exercising in the hot weather is water loss through sweating. Water loss is best replaced by allowing the athlete unrestricted access to water. Water breaks two or three times per hour are better than one break an hour. Probably the best method is to have water available at all times and to allow the athlete to drink water whenever he/she needs it. Never restrict the amount of water an athlete drinks, and be sure the athletes are drinking the water. The small amount of salt lost in sweat is adequately replaced by salting food at meals. Talk to your medical personnel concerning emergency treatment plans.

Re-Approved 08/24/2016

HINCKLEY/FINLAYSON PUBLIC SCHOOLSCOACHING HANDBOOK​POLICY #309

HINCKLEY/FINLAYSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
COACHING HANDBOOK
POLICY #309