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Athletics

Sayville Athletics
Home of the Golden Flashes


Dr. Ryan T. Cox, CAA 

Coordinator for Health, Physical Education & Interscholastic Athletics
631-244-6625
rcox@sayvilleschools.org

MISSION STATEMENT

The Sayville School district has developed an interscholastic program with educational value for all students. It focuses on the development of self-esteem and individual skills as well as fostering an atmosphere of teamwork, citizenship and sportsmanship. In addition, we believe our sports program emphasizes discipline, leadership, respect, loyalty and cooperation. The athletic program does emphasize lifelong activities where participation by as many student-athletes as possible is a goal. It is a competitive and not a recreational program. Winning is neither the most important nor only outcome of the program but it is a focus especially at the varsity and junior varsity levels. The district has set high goals and standards. All personnel and students are encouraged to strive to achieve them while maintaining a proper perspective on sports, school and life.

 Our programs are governed by the rules, regulations and procedures prescribed by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Section XI and the Sayville School District.

 NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, INC 

CODE OF ETHICS

  1. To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.
  2. To eliminate all possibilities which tend to destroy the best values of the game.
  3. To stress the values derived from playing the game fairly.
  4. To show cordial courtesy to visiting teams and officials.
  5. To establish a happy relationship between visitors and host.
  6. To respect the integrity and judgment of the sport officials.
  7. To achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and the standards of eligibility.
  8. To encourage leadership, use of initiative and good judgment by players on the team.
  9. To recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well-being of the individual players.
  10. To remember that an athletic contest is only a game-not a matter of life or death for the player, coach, school, fan or community.

ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

The requirements for participation are the students must be a bona fide student registered and taking at least 4 subjects plus physical education.

Each student must follow, adhere and abide by the regulations set forth by the Sayville School District Athletic Student ode of Conduct.

Each student must pass an athletic physical designated by the school appointed physician or family physician. The physical must be dated after June 1st for the upcoming Year.  When the physical is complete and all the proper paperwork is submitted to the school nurse, she will issue a clearance card to the athlete who then will submit it to his/her coach on the first day of practice.  All athletes MUST have a clearance card from the school nurse to be eligible to participate on a team.  Prior to beginning of each season, the student and parent must fill out and return an updated medical interval form given to them by his/her coach.

TRYOUTS AND SELECTION OF TEAMS

As an athletic department, we try to keep as many students on our Varsity and JV teams as possible. Size of the team is determined by safety factors such as how many athletes a coach can adequately supervise. Additionally, team members are determined by the amount of athletes who can positively contribute in some way. Unfortunately, some teams have to make “selections or cuts”. This is a decision that is one of the most difficult for a coach to make. When athletes are evaluated during a tryout period, coaches are asked to utilize as many “objective factors” as possible. These factors differ from sport to sport. Some subjective elements come into play like effort and attitude.

PRACTICE SESSIONS

Generally, practices are held from 2:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some teams in winter (i.e. basketball) because of limited gym space practice as late at 9:00 p.m. Practices may also vary in location based on the availability of gyms and fields. Additionally, in the spring because of poor weather indoor practices may utilize gyms from 2:45 p.m. through 9:00 p.m...  Being a member of the Varsity or JV teams means a greater commitment than on the middle school level. Many teams practice and have contests on Saturdays. Sunday practices are avoided unless for an extenuating circumstance. Teams may only practice 6 days in a week during the course of the regular season. You are expected to attend every scheduled practice, scrimmage and contest (not to exceed 6 days per week). If you must miss a scheduled practice, scrimmage or game, it is your responsibility to give prior notice to your coach, in writing, if possible dated and signed by your parent (s)/guardians (s). Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the coach. Students absent from school for an excused absence i.e. death in the family must receive written permission from the School Principal and/or Athletic Director to participate in practice, scrimmage or contest on the day they are absent from school. All student-athletes must be present for a minimum of five class periods to be eligible for any practice, scrimmage or contest.

CLUB TEAMS

It is recognized that many times an athlete may have numerous commitments. Some of these may include participation on outside club teams. It is important that the athlete and their parents understand that as a member of an interscholastic team, their primary commitment is to the school team.

SPORTS SPECIALIZATION

We encourage our athletes to play sports year round. There are some students who choose to “focus” on one sport in order to increase their chances for athletic participation on the collegiate level. It has been our experience that a well-rounded athlete is one who can exhibit a variety of athletic skills which multi-sport involvement fosters. Most of our athletes who have gone on athletically to the college ranks have been two or three sport athletes.

STUDENT ATHLETE ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

The primary focus for all student athletes is their work in the area of academics. Those students not attending classes or performing up to their ability in their school work can be temporarily or permanently suspended from athletic participation at any time. 

FAMILY VACATIONS

When parents and student athletes choose to take their family vacations during sport seasons it must be understood that the time missed by the student-athlete can affect team chemistry and physical conditioning. At the high school level, family vacations will impact the student’s ability to make the team and/or playing time. Coaches will make every attempt to inform parents and student-athletes of the season schedule as far in advance as possible. Each coach has his or her own team policy on this that must be followed.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

All uniforms and equipment must be returned to the coach at the end of the season. Students who lose equipment or uniforms will be billed for replacement pieces. Be aware that a replacement jersey or sweat top can be very costly because of the special order that must be placed. Students who have not returned school issued equipment or uniforms will not be given another in the next season until the previous uniform and/or compensation has been received.

SECTION XI TEAM, COACHES, FANS, SCHOOL SPORTSMANSHIP

Every contest played in Suffolk County is rated by coaches and officials for sportsmanship. Ratings are collected after each game and sent to Section XI. Results are then tabulated for each team relative to other teams in their league. Additionally, each school receives a post season general rating. Student-athletes and parents must recognize that their conduct plays an important role in establishing the reputation of their school and that their positive actions can relate directly to the success of their teams.

RETURNING TO PRACTICE FOLLOWING AN INJURY

You must report every injury and illness to your parent (s)/guardian (s) and to your coach. If you receive medical attention for any injury or illness, you may not return to practice, scrimmage or compete in any contest until you receive a written medical release from a doctor or health care facility where you were treated. The note must include the date of the injury/illness, a diagnosis, any restrictions and a date to return to participation. The note must be verified through the nurse’s office who then will pass it along to your coach.

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

Sayville athletes who compete in contact sports (Football, Soccer, Cheerleading, Field Hockey, Basketball, Wrestling, Lacrosse) will be mandated to participate in the districts Impact Concussion Management Program. If a head injury is sustained, the student-athlete will not be released until the Schools Chief Medical Officer and/or Impact Medical Doctor has cleared the individual for participation.

TRANSPORTATION

Student-Athletes will be transported to and from school sponsored activities by school authorized vehicles only. A parent/guardian may request in writing (form can be obtained from the Athletic Office) to drive their son/daughter from an event due to a special circumstance. Under no circumstance will an athlete be permitted to travel home from an away contest with another parent. All requests must be approved by the athletic director and made at least one day prior to the scheduled activity.

PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIP

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each role, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefits to athletes. As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s program.

COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR CHILD’S COACH

  1. Philosophy of the coach
  2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all players on the squad
  3. Locations and times of all practices and contests
  4. Team requirements, team rules, special equipment, off season programs
  5. Procedure, should your child be injured during participation
  6. Disciplinary action if needed

COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM PARENTS

  1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach
  2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
  3. Specific concerns in regard to a coach’s philosophy

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES 

  1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically
  2. Ways to improve your child’s skill
  3. Concerns about your child’s behavior

It is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgments based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain topics can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other topics, such as those described in the next segment must be left to the discretion of the coach.

ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES 

  1. Playing time
  2. Team Strategy
  3. Play Calling
  4. Other Student-Athletes

Coaches are making decisions that are in the best interest of all members of the team or program. Please be supportive of their decisions.

PROCEDURES FOR DISCUSSING A CONCERN WITH A COACH 

  1. Call to set up an appointment with the coach
  2. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Office to leave a message for the coach
  3. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after practice or contest. These can be emotional times and may not benefit either party to attempt to resolve concerns at these times.
  4. If you cannot resolve the problem after meeting with the coach, call to speak with the Athletic Director

ATHLETIC BEHAVIORAL CODE OF CONDUCT

Note: This policy is in effect year round (12 months)

The Sayville School District heartily embraces the New York State goals of Education through athletics called the Educational Framework for Athletics or the 4C’s.

The Mission Statement of the Sayville School District Athletic Program is to foster the quest for excellence by creating an educational and competitive experience within an atmosphere of sportsmanship. Successful programs develop individual and team potential by promoting high standards of competence, character, civility and citizenship. Each of these qualities is defined as follows:

COMPETENCE - A student athlete in a quality program is competent in terms of: skill          development, knowledge of the game/strategies, fitness/conditioning/healthy behavior.

CHARACTER - A student athlete in a quality program demonstrates: responsibility to self,    team and school, accountability, dedication, trustworthiness/fair play, self-control.

CIVILITY - A student athlete in a quality program demonstrates civility towards other          showing: respect, fairness and caring.

CITIZENSHIP - A student athlete in a quality program demonstrates citizenship through      actions show evidence of loyalty, commitment, teamwork, role modeling.

Being a member of a Sayville School District athletic team is a privilege, not a right. You are responsible, as a member of a team with your coaches, parents, and teachers to continually strive to better yourselves in all the 4C’s.

BEHAVIOR VIOLATIONS 

  1. Sayville athletes are to avoid taking, selling, consuming any type of alcohol or drug not prescribed by a physician including cigarettes or tobacco products. Students found in violation of this policy may be suspended from athletic participation.
  2. Sayville athletes are not to engage in any behavior inside or outside of school that is illegal or an embarrassment to the team. Students in violation of this clause are subject to the Student Code of Conduct and may be suspended or eliminated from athletic participation.
  3. It is our goal to learn and teach in a healthy, vibrant and safe environment where all are valued, welcomed and accepted. To that end, all adults are expected to: (1) To model acceptable behavior with other students and adults at all times. (2) To be diligent in identifying unacceptable behavior. (3) To bring to the attention of school officials those who violate these rules.
  4. The use of Facebook and other social networking sites to disseminate negative information or photographs is strictly prohibited by the athletic department. Students in violation of this clause are subject to the Student Code of Conduct and may be suspended or eliminated from athletic participation.

HAZING POLICY

In the Sayville School District engaging in “HAZING” in any form by an athlete prior to, during school or in any setting outside the regular team activities is unacceptable and prohibited. It shall be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct as well as dangerous, compromising to an athlete’s well-being and counter-productive to a team’s positive growth.

Hazing shall be defined as any intentional action; situation created; growth conduct or method of intimidation to/by a group (or individual) that is designed to deny (or results in denying) a person (his/her) rights within the school society or member of the team.

This shall include any action that seriously impacts or compromises an athlete’s physical or psychological safety, (demeaning by nature) by inflicting mental anguish, physical discomfort/pain severe embarrassment, harassment, hurtful pranks, psychological pressure, intimidation, ridicules or endangers another person whether in public or private.

This definition shall also include any action or coercion that typically pressures an individual to agree to be involved in a humiliating action/task (s) that suggests the athlete will be more fully accepted into a group/team irrespective of team status or playing time.

Any student found to have committed an act of hazing or harassment against any student in the district, including team members will face disciplinary action as well as possible criminal charges. Team members are fully responsible to notify a coach or other school officials if any such behavior is observed.

The Sayville Interscholastic Athletic Program teaches respect for all athletes and this policy embraces this lesson

WHAT DOES UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR LOOK LIKE?

Specific examples/terms that we wish to prevent are found below. Please understand that some of these may belong to other categories or infractions/offenses. Additionally, this list is not fixed or complete. Here are some terms that we in the Sayville School District have discussed and identified as bullying, hazing or harassment:

Verbal Infraction: Mocking, name calling, coercion, taunting, negatively teasing, threats    (verbal, written or electronic).

Physical Infraction: Pushing, shoving, kicking, hitting, spitting, extortion, stalking, restraining, humiliating acts, defacing property, demeaning, use of violence or threats

Social Alienation and Shunning: Gossiping, rumor spreading, ridicule, slurs (ethic, religious, sexual or racial) social rejection, grudge carrying, threatening looks, public humiliation and maliciously excluding.

Students are asked to report all inappropriate actions immediately to a teacher, coach, administrator or parent.

PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS

As a parent who is committed to the education, maturity and athletic success of your child, we encourage you to make a formal commitment as described below. Our partnership together will increase the likelihood of a successful season, regardless of the final win/loss record of the team.

I understand that as a parent I play a vital role in the development of my child’s athletic ability and character and, therefore, in the success of the Sayville School District’s Athletic Program. Recognizing this role, I, therefore commit as a parent: 

  1. Be a positive role model so that through my own actions I can help to make sure that my child has the best athletic experience possible
  2. Be a “team” fan not “my kid” fan.
  3. Weigh what my child says in controversy and work with coaches/athletic department to gather all the facts.
  4. Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators and support groups.
  5. Be respectful of all officials’ decisions.
  6. Not instruct my child before or after a game because it may conflict with the coach’s plans and strategies.
  7. Gain an understanding and appreciation for the rules of the sport.
  8. Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
  9. Take time to talk with coaches in an appropriate manner, including proper time and place, it I have a concern. I will respect the coach by following the designated chain of command.
  10. Support the alcohol, tobacco and other drug free policies of our school by refraining from the use of any such substances before or during athletic contests. I will also support my child and hold him/her accountable for their commitment to non-use of substances, improper behavior inside and outside of school including hazing, harassment, and bullying as outlined in the Athletic Code.

 Any questions or concerns, feel free to contact my office.

Thank you,

Dr. Ryan T. Cox, CAA

Coordinator for Health, Physical Education & Interscholastic Athletics

631-244-6625

rcox@sayvilleschools.org