Athletics
The Student Athletics Program is an integral part of the total school educational program. Charles County Public Schools embraces the importance of providing a well-balanced athletics program to augment the learning activities of the classroom. Student athletics programs teach and reinforce, through empirical learning, lessons consistent with the CCPS student achievement goals of academics, essential life skills, and responsibility to the community.
Life lessons such as teamwork, goal setting, time management, sportsmanship, commitment, and leadership are taught through daily experiences and prepare students for future life challenges.
Contact Information
Richard Pauole
Director of Student Activities, Athletics and Aquatics
rpauole@ccboe.com
301-934-7323
School |
Athletic Director |
|
Phone |
---|---|---|---|
Lackey | John Lush | jlush@ccboe.com | 301-743-5431, 301-753-1753 |
La Plata | Chris Butler | cbutler@ccboe.com | 301-934-1100, 301-753-1754 |
McDonough | Pamela Thornton-Miller | pthorntonmiller@ccboe.com | 301-934-2944, 301-753-1755 |
North Point | Andy Shattuck | ashattuck@ccboe.com | 301-753-1759 |
St Charles | Jennifer Smith | jsmith@ccboe.com | 301-753-2090 |
Thomas Stone | Kevin Heider | kheider@ccboe.com | 301-843-0074, 301-753-1756 |
Westlake | Andrew Dutrow | adutrow@ccboe.com | 301-645-8857, 301-753-1758 |
- Athletic Events Safety Plan
- Eligibility
- Emergency Action Plans
- Forms and Guidelines
- Handbooks
- Insurance
- Physicals
- Resource Links
- Schedules
- Team Registration
Athletic Events Safety Plan
CCPS strives to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants at all athletic and school events. Additional supports will continue to be implemented throughout the athletic seasons and the regular school year. Strategies and decisions will be made that center around the safety of all students, staff, and spectators at our events and that promote positive experiences for all.
Decision Making Guidelines
- Collaboration between all stakeholders which include, school administration, athletic directors, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Director of Student Activities, Athletics, Aquatics, and the Office of School Administration and Leadership.
- Predicted spectator attendance.
- Facility limits, parking lot layout, and lighting.
- Incidents in the school community that may impact school activities.
- School rivalries and history of incidents between schools and athletic teams.
Essential Actions
- Emergency Action Plans on file.
- School personnel will enforce the expectations of sportsmanship and spectator behavior as outlined in the Parent/Student.
Extra Curricular Handbook
- Media must present credentials and stay in designated areas.
- Inappropriate behavior at athletic events can result in suspension from all subsequent CCPS athletic events.
- Student sections will have a designated area that will start no closer that the second row of bleachers in indoor settings. Spectator seating should separate team supporters whenever possible.
- Teams must be supervised at all times. Teams participating in multiple game level competitions should sit behind team benches of their respective school.
- Only official team personnel will only be allowed on playing surfaces, at/near bench/designated areas, or in the locker rooms.
- Protocols for crowd control and end of game safety procedures will be implemented.
- All facilities will be cleared in a timely fashion immediately following the end of contest. Areas will be designated (inside or outside) for parents/guardians to wait for student-athlete participants.
School Event Action Plan Levels
Each action plan level is an individual school-based decision. Some actions are subject to change based on the
latest security information available.
Level 1
- School-aged spectators may be subject to ID checks and must have their student ID cards available when attending athletic events.
- Bags, backpacks, coolers, outside food or drink, and sports equipment are not permitted.
- Spectators must pay to re-enter. Spectator capacity and ticket limits may apply.
- Time constraints may be enforced for admission to the event. (i.e., schools may publish admission deadlines). Parents/guardians of student-athletes may be admitted after these posted times.
- Entrances and exits may be staggered and additional security coverage should be provided in congested areas.
- No gatherings outside of seating areas and concession stands will be allowed before, during, or after the event. All spectators must be seated in the bleachers during the event.
- Spectators should take advantage of online ticketing to gain admission.
Level 2
- All conditions from level 1 above apply, AND:
- Students at all participating schools will be allowed to attend with proof of an online ticket purchase along with a valid school ID or StudentVue verification of their current schedule. All other school-aged spectators must be accompanied by a chaperone 21 years of age or older who has purchased a ticket. Chaperones are required to stay and supervise students for the length of their stay at the event.
- Concession stand sales may be limited.
- Game times and dates may be changed to provide assistance with event management.
Level 3
- All conditions from level 1 above apply, AND:
- Only students of the home school will be allowed to attend with proof of an online ticket purchase along with a valid school ID or StudentVue verification of their current schedule.
- Immediate family members (those who reside in the home of a participating student-athlete) of both home and away school student-athletes may attend. Family members under 21 must be accompanied by a chaperone 21 years of age and older who has purchased a ticket. Chaperones are required to stay and supervise students for the length of their stay at the event.
- Concession stand sales may be limited or suspended.
- Game times and dates may be changed to provide assistance with event management.
Level 4
- All conditions from level 1 above apply, AND:
- Immediate family members (those who reside in the home of a participating student-athlete) of both home and away school student-athletes may attend. Family members under 21 must be accompanied by a chaperone 21 years of age and older who has purchased a ticket. Chaperones are required to stay and supervise students for the length of their stay at the event.
- Concessions stand sales may be limited or suspended.
- Game times and dates may be changed to provide assistance with event management.
- In some cases, spectators will not be allowed.
Eligibility
The Charles County Board of Education extends the privilege of extracurricular activities and athletics to students who recognize their obligation to themselves, their co-participants and their school community while striving for academic excellence.
Extracurricular activities are defined as any activity pursued outside of a student’s class enrollment. Examples of extracurricular activities include athletics, clubs, and student government associations. Extracurricular programs help provide valuable experiences and are considered an integral part of the total educational program. Involvement in extracurricular activities often have a positive influence on the academic achievement of students. It is the goal of this policy to help students successfully balance academics and extracurricular activities in order to provide opportunities for a well-rounded educational experience.
Activities that support specific content curriculum would not fall under the eligibility policy as long as the student is enrolled in the credit bearing class. Examples of activities that do not fall under the eligibility criteria include fine and performing arts, J.R.O.T.C. drill competitions, and Skills U.S.A.
Extracurricular Activities and Athletics Eligibility Requirements
Grade |
Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|
9 |
|
10-12 |
|
Lawful Absences as Defined by COMAR 13A.08.01.03
- Illness of a student documented by a parent or doctor’s note
- Pregnancy and parenting related issues
- Court summons
- Death of family member
- Other emergency as approved by the principal
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Work approved or sponsored by the school
- Observance of a religious holiday
- State of emergency
- Lack of authorized transportation
The Superintendent shall adopt rules concerning how a student’s absence during a school day affects the student’s ability to participate in extracurricular and/or athletic activities that school day.
In addition, the following guidelines will be adhered to when determining eligibility for each quarter:
- Except for students promoted from eighth grade to ninth grade, students who wish to participate in fall extracurricular and/or athletic activities will need to meet eligibility requirements based on their final grade-point average at the end of the previous year.
- Except for students promoted from eighth grade to ninth grade, students who wish to participate in winter extracurricular and/or athletic activities will need to meet eligibility requirements based on their first quarter grade-point average.
- Students who wish to participate in spring extracurricular and or athletic activities will need to meet eligibility requirements based on their second quarter grade-point average.
- Except for students promoted from eighth grade to ninth grade in their first semester, if a student received a failing grade in quarters 1,2, or 3, she/he is ineligible for the remainder of the season, for post-season play, and for the following quarter.
- Students academically ineligible at the end of the school year due to a failing grade may regain eligibility by attending and passing any/all summer school class(es) that caused the student’s ineligibility. Students may regain eligibility only by taking the same summer school class to improve a failing grade or the corresponding equivalent that meets graduation requirements. Grade point average requirements will be recalculated after the completion of summer school.
- Summer school classes taken for original credit do not count towards or against eligibility.
- Students cannot gain or regain eligibility at interim or at any time during the quarter and/or season.
Emergency Action Plans
Forms and Guidelines
Charles County Public Schools requires the following forms to be printed, read, and completed in order for a student to be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics. All forms must be submitted to the school athletic director for final clearance prior to student tryouts or practice.
Sudden cardiac arrest information for parents and students
A Parent's Guide to Concussion
Charles County Public Schools has adopted heat acclimatization guidelines for all student-athletes, beginning fall 2012. A copy of guidelines developed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and adopted by CCPS, is linked below.
Handbooks
Student/Parent Handbook
- Charles County Athletic Council
- Purpose
- Sportsmanship
- Parent and Spectator Conduct
- Spectator Code of Conduct for Sports Events
- Parent/Guardian Communication Guide
- Social Media
- Squad Membership
- Required Athletic Forms/Information: Submitted online
- Student Insurance
- Physical Examinations
- Eligibility
- Participation Limitations
- Out of Season Programs
- Residence
- Academic: Charles County Player Eligibility Code
- Extracurricular Activities and Athletics Eligibility Requirements: High Schools
- Superintendent’s Rule 6431
- Attendance
- Practice
- Conduct Eligibility
- Reinstatement of Suspended Students
- Outside Team Membership
- Admission Policy
- Care and Prevention of Sports Injuries
- Sports Related Concussions
- Heat Acclimatization
- Fact Sheets and Forms
- Awards
- Lettering Criteria
- Team Championship Awards
- Scholarship Signings
- Equipment
- Photographs
- Inclement Weather
- Practice Regulations
- Transportation
- Unified Sports Addendum
- 2024-2025 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test Dates (PSAT) Administered by CCPS at School
Charles County Athletic Council
The Charles County Athletic Council is composed of an Executive Director, high school principals, vice principals, athletic directors, head coaches, parents, and student athletes and acts in a policy making advisory capacity to the Director of student activities. The council, chaired by the Director of student activities, should meet a minimum of two times per year or as necessary to discuss athletic program details and make recommendations concerning the interscholastic program and budget. Recommendations of the council are referred through the Director of student activities to the Chief of Schools and the Superintendent of Schools. The athletic council consists of the following staff members:
High School Athletics Contact Information
High School | Address | Principal | Athletic Director |
---|---|---|---|
La Plata | 6035 Radio Station Rd La Plata, MD 20646 (301) 934-110 |
Douglass Dolan | Christopher Butler, RAA |
Henry E. Lackey | 3000 Chicamuxen Rd Indian Head, MD 20640 (301) 743-5431 |
Cheryl Davis | John Lush, RAA |
Maurice J. McDonough | 7165 Marshall Corner Rd Pomfret, MD 20675 (301) 934-2944 |
Darnell Lewis-Russell | Pamela Thornton-Miller, CAA |
North Point | 2500 Davis Road Waldorf, MD 20603 (301) 753-1759 |
Daniel Kaple | Andy Shattuck, CAA |
St. Charles | 5305 Piney Church Road Waldorf, MD 20602 (301) 753-2090 |
Tammika Little | Jennifer Smith, CMAA |
Thomas Stone | 3785 Leonardtown Road Waldorf, MD 20601 (301) 645-2601 |
Shanif Pearl | Kevin Heider, RAA |
Westlake | 3300 Middletown Road Waldorf, MD 20603 (301) 645-8857 |
Dana Fenwick | Andrew Dutrow |
Purpose
This handbook has been prepared to serve as a guide to student athletes and parents (which shall be defined in this Handbook to include the legal guardian of the child). The intention of this Handbook is to provide information that will facilitate successful participation in the athletic program. If questions should arise which are not covered in this Handbook, please address them to the appropriate individual (Coach or Athletic Director).
Note: While much of the information expressed in this handbook reference athletics, the basic rules, guidelines and expectations will apply to all extra-curricular activities, including those non-athletic clubs and activities. See the tab for Extra-curricular Activities and Athletics Requirements.
Sportsmanship
All athletes and parents shall exhibit good sportsmanship. (Sportsmanship is an overt display of respect for all the rules of the sport and all others--players, coaches, officials, and fans [National Federation News, March 1995, p. 10]. Sportsmanship involves a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, and integrity.) The following statement may be read before all Charles County Athletic Events when a public address system is used:
As members of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association and Southern Maryland Athletic Conference, we remind everyone of the high standards of sportsmanship we expect from those in attendance towards the participants and officials for tonight’s contest. Spectators, please always stay off the playing area, cheer positively for your team and not against the opponents or officials. Parents are reminded that the (Gym /Stadium) is an inviting place for children to play. However, the facilities can be very dangerous so please supervise your children at all times. Our schools are a smoke free campus and we appreciate you not lighting up during the event or on campus. We also remind everyone that the use of a laser pointer and flash photography during play is strictly prohibited. In the event of an unusual circumstance or facility emergency, please listen to the public address announcer for directions. Finally, we remind you that the administration reserves the right to remove anyone for inappropriate behavior, so cheer long and hard for your team and not against the opponent or officials.
Parent and Spectator Conduct
One mission of the Charles County Public Schools Extra-Curricular programs is to teach appropriate conduct to our students and to reinforce values relating to wholesome performance, competition, good sportsmanship and fair play.
It is our expectation that spectators assist in this goal by exhibiting appropriate behavior at all events. Often spectators fail to remember the primary role of interscholastic extra-curricular activities is to prepare students to be good citizens, become better adults, learn new skills, and have fun! Spectators must act as role models of sportsmanship for all athletes and promote a healthy perception of success.
Admission to interscholastic events in Charles County entitles spectators to enjoy a competitive exhibition of skills in an educational setting as an extension of the learning process. The event is a unique opportunity for spectators to be a part of a positive and productive learning environment and to model appropriate behavior in a high school setting.
Spectators are asked to provide students with positive encouragement and support and show respect for opposing players, coaches, spectators and support groups. Spectators should also refrain from badgering, taunting, or intimidating the officials and opponents. Such behavior is unfriendly, unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Student athletes are not professional athletes. They will make errors in the course of competition, as will officials and coaches. However, all participants are trying their best. Negative criticism and “booing” will not bring about positive results and Student/Parent Extra-Curricular Handbook 2024-2025 2 are unacceptable forms of expression. Assistance may be given to students by focusing attention on the positive aspects of their performance. Your cooperation is important and appreciated.
A condition of entry into any Charles County Public Schools event is that all spectators agree to recognize the event, and that all in attendance have the responsibility to model appropriate behavior.
Failure to abide by this spectator code of ethics will result in the spectator privileges being revoked for the remainder of the school year.
Interscholastic athletics and extra-curricular activities can provide a wonderful opportunity for students to learn valuable life lessons. Parents, guardians and spectators along with Charles County Public Schools, have a responsibility to ensure that this happens.
Spectator Code of Conduct for Sports Events
“Our goal is to provide a safe environment for all those involved (players, students, sponsors, coaches, and spectators) and to preserve the integrity of the contest.
All participants / spectators are expected to exhibit good behavior (sportsmanship) at all sports events.
- No swearing or use of vulgar language
- No taunting
- No causing a public disturbance or fighting
- No threats of physical harm or acts of aggression
- Treat all participants, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect
- CCPS may impose the following penalties for violating these expectations:
- Immediate eviction from the event
- Ban from future contests/events
- Ban from all CCPS/SMAC events
- Ban from all MPSSAA events
- CCPS also reserves the right to take the following action to preserve the safety and integrity of a contest:
- Suspend student from participating in a contest
- Dismiss student from team/club
CCPS are not in the practice of enforcing a court ordered Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). It is the responsibility of the parties involved to contact the police and have the TRO enforced. Parents should be aware that if athlete(s) are involved in a TRO against member(s) of the opposing team the following action may be taken by the police:- Removal of one of the parties from the event
- Removal of both parties from the event
If the dispute causes (or may cause) a significant disturbance or safety risk The game may be:
- Terminated and not rescheduled
- Played at a secured sight with no spectators
LET THE PLAYERS PLAY. LET THE COACHES COACH. LET THE OFFICALS OFFICIATE. LET THE SPECTATORS BE POSITIVE.
Parent/Guardian Communication Guide
The following section is designed for parents of athletes participating in the Charles County Public Schools Athletic Program. Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to children. As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communications from the coach of your child’s program.
Communication you should expect from your child’s coach/sponsor
- Philosophy of the coach/sponsor
- Expectations the coach/sponsor has for your child as well as all the students in the program
- Locations and times of all practices and events
- Team requirements (i.e., fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning)
- Procedure should your child be injured during participation
- Discipline that results in the denial of your child’s participation
Communication coaches expect from parents
- Concerns expressed directly to the coach
- Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
- Specific concern regarding a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations
As your children become involved in the program in the Charles County Public Schools, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach/sponsor is encouraged.
Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches/sponsors
- The treatment of your child, mentally and physically
- Ways to help your child improve
- Concerns about your child’s behavior
Coaches/sponsors make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach/sponsor. Other things, such as those that follow, must be left to the discretion of the coach/sponsor. There are situations that may require a conference between the coach/sponsor and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
Issues that are not appropriate to discuss with coaches
- Playing time
- Team strategy
- Play calling
- Other students
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach/sponsor, student, and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
The following procedures should be used if there is a concern
- Students should first discuss concerns directly with coach/sponsor.
- If parents/guardians still have concerns, they should contact the coach/sponsor to make an appointment. DO NOT confront a coach/sponsor before, during or after a practice or event. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach/sponsor. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.
- If the conversation / meeting did not provide a satisfactory resolution, call and set up an appointment with the Principal/Athletic Director to discuss the situation with the coach/sponsor. At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.
Never hesitate to follow the above procedures to make your concerns known.
Retribution
Students and parents must be confident that the voicing of an opinion or a concern, using the proper forum and method, is not only free from penalty or retribution, but also is strongly encouraged. The Principal/Athletic Director and sponsors are committed to ensuring that after a student or parent raises an issue or concern, there shall be no “retribution” in any form within the athletic department at your school. If at any time, a student, or his / her parent suspects that some form of retribution is surfacing as a result of the voicing of a concern, opinion, or issue, using the proper forum and method, he or she should contact the Principal/Athletic Director immediately.
Pre-season Meeting for Students and Parents/Guardians
Each head coach of a sport is required to have a meeting to cover team rules and regulations (including code of conduct, expectations, sportsmanship, and chain of command), selection of team members, practice schedules, pregame and post-game procedures, emergency first aid procedures to include concussion symptoms and travel policy.
Social Media
Superintendent Rule 1111
Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) recognizes that students, parents, and other stakeholders use differing methods of communication, and strives to reach as many of our community as possible. Social media is one of those methods. Social media is defined as on-line technologies such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat, as well as all electronic communications, including but not limited to texting, emailing, instant messaging, group messaging and chat rooms. CCPS allows the use of social media and other technologies as avenues to communicate school system messages, encourage social media visitors to visit the CCPS website, and create opportunities for two-way dialogue.
Employee Use of Social Media
Approved social media sites may be used to facilitate communication among employees, groups of students and members of the school community to further the instructional program. Employees are expected to conduct all social media communications in accordance with Board policies, guidelines in the Employee Handbook, and directions from their supervisors, as they would in any professional situation. Social media accounts used by employees of CCPS shall be approved annually by the school principal. The approval process will include the sharing of log in and password information. Social media accounts established by schools and affiliated clubs are property of CCPS. Except as provided in this Rule, CCPS prohibits communications between students and staff through social media.
Transparency:
- Employees may communicate with students or groups of students as long as the communication is intended for and available to the general public and parents have access to the platform.
- If a teacher has approval and wants to use social media as a form of communication to students as part of the instructional program, information about the use of any social media shall be included in the classroom syllabus or extracurricular information, and department supervisors and school administration shall approve any social media tools being used. The classroom syllabus will include a clear statement of the purpose and outcomes for the use of any networking tool.
- Parents/Guardians have the right to opt-out of using social media or from having their children in CCPS use social media. This can be done by formal, written direction to their child’s school. Teachers cannot require social media as part of their instructional program and must provide equal alternatives as needed.
- The principal has the authority to deny or revoke any teacher’s use of social media as part of the educational process.
- Teachers should enforce clear rules and expectations for students on social media related to the classroom, including proper language and respect. These rules should be clearly and explicitly stated in the classroom syllabus.
- Teachers must inform parents of the social media tools being used, how their children are being contacted online, and the expectations for appropriate behavior.
- Employees may not communicate one-on-one with individual students through social media, including but not limited to texting, emailing, instant messaging, group messaging, commenting, “liking,” or following of student’s social media pages and the use of chat rooms, except through Synergy Mail or other CCPS authorized platform. Any authorized communication must be directly related to an educational purpose or activity connected to the school setting. This provision does not apply to communication with employees’ relatives outside of the school setting. Any other one-on-one communication for any other purpose shall be deemed to be outside the scope of employment and may subject the employee to disciplinary action.
General Conduct:
- Employees should be aware that they will be identified as working for and representing the school in what they do and say online.
- Employee communications with students should be professional and appropriate within the context of the teacher/student relationship.
- Employee should treat social media as an extension of the classroom and should weigh every posting for how it reflects their effectiveness as CCPS employees.
- Employees who use social media for CCPS purposes may NOT include personally identifiable information about a student in any posting made available to anyone who is not legally entitled to the information.
- Employees may not use inappropriate language, or images including language deemed to be defamatory, obscene, proprietary, or libelous. Caution must be exercised with regards to exaggeration, inappropriate language, legal conclusions, and derogatory remarks or characterizations.
- All laws pertaining to copyright and intellectual property must be obeyed.
- All online communications must be retained according to the Charles County Public Schools Record Retention Rule and can be monitored.
- Violation of the Superintendent’s Rules may be grounds for discipline up to and including termination as well as a loss of the teacher’s certification.
Privacy and Content:
- Users must pay close attention to the site's security settings and allow only approved participants access to the site.
- Employees must adhere to CCPS guidelines when posting student pictures and using student names. Images that include students whose parents have opted out of media exposure should not be posted.
- If an employee learns of information on a social networking site that falls under the mandatory reporting guidelines, they must report it as required by law.
Student Use of Social Media
- CCPS may provide access to designated social media sites deemed appropriate for students, solely for instructional purposes, on CCPS computers, tablets, or other mobile devices. CCPS reserves the right to discontinue access to any designated social media site and/or provide access to additional social media sites as necessary and appropriate for legitimate instructional purposes for students to use. In instances where access to designated CCPS social media sites is provided, CCPS administration shall have access to and may regulate such use.
- Student misuse of social media may have a negative and/or severe impact on a school learning environment, or risk the safety of staff and students, and shall be addressed by CCPS under the Code of Student Conduct guidelines.
- Moreover, student use of social media off school grounds having a nexus to, or having an impact on, the normal operations of a school, learning environments, or the safety of students or staff, shall be addressed by CCPS as a violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
- Students shall not use social media to communicate with employees except in cases where such use is regulated and monitored by CCPS administration and the students’ parents/guardians for the purpose of furthering a bona fide CCPS educational initiative.
- Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to report any improper communication from a CCPS employee to the school principal or other staff member.
Reporting Misuse of Social Media
- When an employee becomes aware of an incident that involves the misuse of social media, the staff member shall immediately report the incident to the principal. If the incident involves the safety or security of a student or staff member, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office may be called.
- If it is determined that the incident is a direct result of misuse of social media, the school administrator will address the incident according to Code of Student Conduct.
- The school administrator/designee should be aware that some acts pertaining to the misuse of social media could also be delinquent acts. If they are delinquent acts, they shall be reported promptly to the responsible law enforcement agency.
- Students, parents/guardians, and staff are encouraged to report the misuse of social media to CCPS administrators.
- Students who violate any of the rules on social media may be subject to discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion.
Squad Membership
- The tryout/selection period will be a minimum of three days commencing with the first day of practice. Any student who joins the team on/after the three-day tryout/selection period is not guaranteed three days before final team selection.
- A student must be on the roster for seven calendar days before participating in outside competition.
- Any student who has been cut from an athletic team will meet privately with each coach. The coach will discuss with the student why he/she was cut from the team and ways to improve to be better prepared for the following year's try-out.
- A student being shifted from a junior varsity team to a varsity team and vice versa, may not in a week or a season play in a number of games to exceed the maximum allowed for a varsity team in a sport, in a week or in a season; nor may he or she play in more than one game on one day, i.e., he or she may not play in a varsity and junior varsity game on the same day. Likewise, a freshman to junior varsity.
- Twelfth grade students may not participate on a junior varsity or freshman team. It is recommended that eleventh grade students participate on the varsity team. Tenth grade students are prohibited from playing freshman sports. Freshmen repeating the 9th grade are not eligible to participate on a freshman team.
- Any student-athlete who quits a team, or is dismissed from a team, after the first contest will not be cleared to participate in off-season workouts with another sports team until the previous sport’s regular season has been completed.
- Students who wish to play two sports during the same season may do so under the following guidelines: a. The student must have the signed approval of both coaches, the student, and the parent, and on file with the athletic director. b. Upon granting approval, the approval coaches must develop a practice schedule suitable to the situation. c. The student must list one sport as the primary sport, in order to avoid problems and confusion if rescheduling, playoffs, or other reasons cause a conflict.
- Upon the official start of the sports season, and at the conclusion of one calendar week thereafter, all applicable tryout opportunities will close, cuts will be made as appropriate, and the roster set. Students are responsible for contacting the Athletic Director or Head Coach of the sport in question if there are any questions about the specific dates of the tryouts. No additions to the team will be accepted once final cuts have been made. Any special consideration otherwise, will be subject to final approval by the Athletic Director and the Head Coach of the sport in question.
Required Athletic Forms/Information: Submitted online
Student athletes must submit completed forms to the Athletic Director and receive clearance before they can try out for any team. These forms must be completed for each season the student participates.
- Student/Parent Athletic Handbook
- Parental Consent/Physical Form
- Athletic Emergency Medical Card
- Pre-Season Athletic Eligibility Clearance Form
- Concussion Forms
Students must be cleared of all financial obligations before trying out for a sport or activity.
Student Insurance
All students who participate in interscholastic sport programs are required to have medical insurance coverage prior to admission and for the duration of all programs. This requirement can be met through participation in either a family health insurance plan or Charles County Public Schools’ approved student accident insurance plan.
For SY22-23, Charles County Public Schools allows an insurance carrier to offer a student accident insurance plan. The forms are available on the school system website at: https://www.ccboe.com/students/athletics#fs-panel-3876. The plan does not replace a primary health insurance plan and should be considered as a supplement to other health and accident insurance coverage. CCPS does not handle claims or related issues. Parents are responsible for sending in premiums and for filing claims with the insurance carrier. Visit www.bobmccloskey.com/K12Voluntary.
Freshman playing on a varsity football team must purchase Grades 10-12 football coverage. If you wish to purchase this insurance, please go to www.bobmccloskey.com/K12Voluntary to complete the form and purchase online. Once you have completed the enrollment, please provide proof of insurance to the athletic director. The school will not collect enrollment applications from the students.
If you have any questions, please contact Glenn Belmore at (301) 934-7275.
Physical Examinations
All students must be examined and determined to be physically fit to participate in any tryout, practice or contest of a school team. A licensed physician or a physician’s assistant under the supervision of a licensed certified physician must perform the exam. Certification of the exam must be provided to the high school principal and on file with the school’s athletic director before a student may participate in a school-sponsored athletic activity. A parent/guardian and healthcare provider must sign and date the physical form (MPSSAA/Charles County Physical Form available at all high schools). All incoming ninth graders must also have a physical prior to participating in any high school athletics, including any pre-season or summer weight training sessions.
A physical is valid for one year from the date of the examination. The anniversary date of the physical should be prior to the beginning of any sports season. Parents and students are responsible for keeping physicals up to date.
Eligibility
All student-athletes must conform to eligibility policies listed in the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association Handbook (a copy of the Handbook is available in all Charles County High Schools.) Student-athletes must take a minimum of four classes to be eligible to participate in athletics. The coach in each sport is responsible for determining squad membership.
Participation Limitations
A student shall only be eligible for participation on any interscholastic athletic team for four (4) consecutive years of participation after entering the ninth grade and eight consecutive semesters. The eight consecutive semesters are counted from the time the student first enters ninth grade in any CCPS school or any other public school, private school, charter school, parochial school, or equivalent home school setting in any jurisdiction.
Out of Season Programs
Residence
- Beginning July 1, 2011, students with pending housing occupancy within the school zone may enroll for academics but may not participate in athletics until the home is occupied. Students whose guardianship is pending may enroll for academics but may not participate in athletics until court documents are received by the school. Students whose custody is jointly held are ineligible until primary residency is established. Students paying tuition are ineligible for one year from the date of enrollment. High school students who transfer from out of zone at any time during the school year are ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at the new school for one calendar year from the date of transfer. (Students of a CCPS employee, see Superintendent’s Rule 5126, item 6 for eligibility).
- Any new transfer student or student not listed on the athletic computer program must have a transcript or report card indicating the grades and attendance for the prior semester. Students will not be cleared to tryout until this guideline has been met. Students are considered ineligible until this clearance process is met.
- No school personnel are to discuss transfers or guardianship arrangements with any student for the purpose of facilitating athletic participation.
Please respond to the following residency questions: A. I reside at ____________________________, ____________MD
B. This residence is within the boundaries of ________________High School Attendance Zone
C. I reside at this residence with a parent or guardian: yes no
D. My current address is the same as last year: yes no
E. I have only played at my current high school: yes no
F. I agree to notify the coach / school of any changes in residence: yes no
Academic: Charles County Player Eligibility Code
Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Subtitle 05, chapter 03.02 Eligibility
Each local school system shall establish standards of participation which assure that students involved in interscholastic athletics are making satisfactory progress toward graduation.
Extracurricular Activities and Athletics Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
First Quarter |
Eligibility is based on the final grade (23-24) report card |
2.00 Final GPA, fewer than 5 days absence (Q4), no failing Final grades |
All incoming 9th grade students are automatically eligible for the first semester (first and second quarters) |
---|---|---|---|
Second Quarter |
Eligibility is based on the first quarter (24-25) report card |
2.00 GPA, fewer than 5 days absence, no failing grades |
|
Third Quarter | Eligibility is based on the second quarter (24-25) report card | 2.00 GPA, fewer than 5 days absence, no failing grades |
|
Fourth Quarter | Eligibility is based on the third quarter (24-25) report card | 2.00 GPA, fewer than 5 days absence, no failing grades |
In addition to the eligibility regulations set forth in the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association Handbook, the following regulations shall apply to all students of Charles County.
- An individual must be a registered full-time student in Charles County Public Schools to participate in any extracurricular activity. A full-time student, for this purpose, is defined as a student registered in four (4) or more courses or in an approved college or principal waiver program, except in special circumstances.
- Academic Eligibility: Based on Policy #6431 (Adopted February 9, 2014; Last Revised April 17, 2018; Last Reviewed April 17, 2018, Revised August 9, 2022), General Curricula: Extra-curricular Activities and Athletics Eligibility Requirements for Grades 6-12
The Charles County Board of Education extends the privilege of extracurricular activities and athletics to students who recognize their obligation to themselves, their co-participants and their school community while striving for academic excellence.
Extracurricular activities are defined as any activity pursued outside of a student’s class enrollment. Examples of extracurricular activities include athletics, clubs, and student government associations. Extracurricular programs help provide valuable experiences and are considered an integral part of the total educational program. Involvement in extracurricular activities often have a positive influence on the academic achievement of students. It is the goal of this policy to help students successfully balance academics and extracurricular activities to provide opportunities for a well-rounded educational experience.
Activities that support specific content curriculum would not fall under the eligibility policy if the student were enrolled in the credit bearing class. Examples of activities that do not fall under the eligibility criteria include fine and performing arts, J.R.O.T.C. drill competitions, and Skills U.S.A.
Grade |
Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|
First Time 9th Graders |
|
Repeat 9th Graders & 10-12th Graders |
|
Lawful Absences as Defined by COMAR 13A.08.01.03
- Illness of a student documented by a parent note
- Court summons
- Death of family member
- Other emergency as approved by the principal
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Work approved or sponsored by the school
- Observance of a religious holiday
- State of emergency
- Lack of authorized transportation
In addition, the following guidelines will be adhered to when determining eligibility for each quarter:
- Except for students promoted from eighth grade to ninth grade, students who wish to participate in fall extracurricular and/or athletic activities will need to meet eligibility requirements based on their final grade-point average at the end of the previous year.
- Except for students promoted from eighth grade to ninth grade, students who wish to participate in winter extracurricular and/or athletic activities will need to meet eligibility requirements based on their first quarter grade-point average.
- Students who wish to participate in spring extracurricular and or athletic activities will need to meet eligibility requirements based on their second quarter grade-point average.
- Except for students promoted from eighth grade to ninth grade in their first semester, if a student received a failing grade in quarters 1,2, or 3, she/he is ineligible for the remainder of the season, for post-season play, and for the following quarter.
- Students academically ineligible at the end of the school year due to a failing grade may regain eligibility by attending and passing any/all summer school class(es) offered that caused the student’s ineligibility. Students may regain eligibility only by taking the same summer school class to improve a failing grade or the corresponding equivalent that meets graduation requirements. Grade point average requirements will be recalculated after the completion of summer school.
- Summer school classes taken for original credit do not count towards or against eligibility.
- Students cannot gain or regain eligibility at interim or at any time during the quarter and/or season.
Extracurricular Activities and Athletics Eligibility Requirements: High Schools
Eligibility requirements must be met for students to participate in competitions, non-curricular performances and in activities which represent a CCPS school or district. Activities include, but are not limited to:
Competition | Performance (non-curricular) | Club/Other (representing the school/school system) |
|
---|---|---|---|
All Athletics | |||
Band Fronts | Cheerleading | SGA: Officers, Reps and CCASC | |
Black Saga | Dance Team | Class Officers | |
Cheerleading | Pep Band | Key Club | |
Debate Team | Fine & Performing Arts (if not enrolled in class) |
National Honor Society | |
DI | Jazz Band | ||
Educators Rising | Poms | ||
Envirothon | Marching Band (non-competition) | ||
FBLA | Modeling | ||
It’s Academic | Show Troupe | ||
Math Counts | Step Team | ||
Fine & Performing Arts (if not enrolled in class) | |||
Math Team | |||
Marching Band (if not enrolled in class) | |||
MESA | |||
Mock Trial | |||
Model UN | |||
Poms | |||
Rifle Team (if not enrolled in JROTC) | |||
Sea Perch | |||
Spelling Bee | |||
Step Team | |||
Unified Sports | |||
Vex Robotics |
Superintendent’s Rule 6431
General Curricula: Extra-Curricular Activities and Athletics Eligibility Requirements for Grades 9-12
Legal Adopted November 10, 2015, modified April 17, 2018.
For the purposes of determining eligibility of students to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics under Board Policy 6431, the following definitions shall be used.
Extracurricular activities are defined as any school activity that is non-credit bearing including athletics. Extracurricular activities are limited to an activity that is not directly connected to the school’s academic program, and where students:
- compete with students from other schools (such as intramural athletics or a robotics team); or
- represent the school (such as in student government); or
- perform (such as in a school play or musical group).
Extracurricular activities do not include academic support and supervised, structured skill-development activities, such as fine and performing arts workshops, tutoring programs, mentoring programs, and open gyms.
Days absent are defined to include any absence from school for a full day or any portion of the day for any reason other than those directly related to the following:
- Death in the immediate family, limited to a parent/guardian, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, first cousin, or any individual who has regularly shared the household with the student;
- Illness of the student supported by a physician’s certificate;
- Up to five parent notes will be accepted per quarter to excuse absences. Parent notes must be submitted within five days of the absence in order for absence to be excused.
- Illness of the student sent home due to the illness at the recommendation of the school nurse for the remainder of that school day. An additional one or two consecutive school days immediately following that first day may be excused if supported by a written explanation from the student’s parent/guardian;
- Health exclusion, as determined by the school;
- Court summons; or
- Other emergency or set of circumstances, which in the judgment of the principal constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence from school, including educational trips and college visits, as defined by Superintendent’s Rule 5122.
The principal retains the authority to require documentation of any days absent.
Any determination of ineligibility under Board Policy 6431 shall be listed on the student’s report card from the previous quarter. Parents may appeal the determination of ineligibility to the principal of the school by completing an Extra-Curricular Eligibility Appeal form. If the principal upholds the ineligibility, parents may appeal that decision by addressing the appeal in writing to the Office of School Administration no later than 30 days after principal’s decision. A decision by the Office of School Administration to uphold an ineligibility determination may be appealed to the Board of Education in writing within 30 days of the date of the written decision by the Office of School Administration. The student shall be ineligible during the appeal unless and until the ineligibility determination is reversed, in which case the student shall immediately become eligible.
This Rule shall apply to determining eligibility for the second quarter of the 2015-2016 school year and beyond. Specifically, any student who is absent, as defined by this Rule, for more than 4.5 days in the first quarter of the 2015-2016 school year shall not be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities or athletics in the second quarter of the 2015-2016 school year. In future eligibility determinations, absences in the previous quarter shall be the determining factor. Nothing in this Rule shall be interpreted to override any other factor in determining eligibility, including the minimum required GPA as stated in Board Policy 6431.
Attendance
- If a student is unlawfully absent five (5) or more school days during the 9-week grading period, he/she becomes ineligible. All absences count against eligibility except those coded M2 for medical reasons, 01 for death in the immediate family, or 04 for court appearance. Days absent are defined to include any absence from school for a full day or any portion of the day for any reason other than those directly related to the following:
- Code 01, Death in the immediate family, limited to a parent/guardian, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, first cousin, or any individual who has regularly shared the household with the student;
- Code M2, Illness of the student supported by a physician’s certificate; Illness of the student sent home due to the illness at the recommendation of the school nurse for the remainder of that school day. An additional one or two consecutive school days immediately following that first day may be excused if supported by a written explanation from the student’s parent/guardian; Health exclusion, as determined by the school
- Code 02 or 03, Up to five parent notes will be accepted per quarter to excuse absences. Parent notes must be submitted within five days of the absence in order for absence to be excused.
- Code 04, Court summons; or
- Code 08 work approved or sponsored by the school
- Code 13, Other emergency or set of circumstances which in the judgment of the principal constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence from school, including educational trips and college visits, as defined by Superintendent’s Rule 5122.
The principal retains the authority to require documentation of any days absent.
- If a student is absent the entire day due to illness, he/she may not practice, compete, or perform.
- If a student is absent in afternoon classes, he/she may not practice, compete, or perform.
- If a student is absent in the morning, he/she must attend at least ½ of their classes.
- Students on Principal Waiver – Students must attend class a minimum of 2 hours of class in order to participate in that day’s activities.
- Students absent for lawful reasons other than illness have no restriction on that day’s practice or game. However, the principal must approve the absence prior to participation.
- Students suspended from school for any reason shall not be eligible for practice, competitions or performance during the time of the suspension unless reinstated by the principal and they attend more than ½ of their class periods for one day. This includes in-school suspension programs. A copy of the policy for Reinstatement of Suspended Student/Athletes is included in the handbook.
- A student may participate in interscholastic athletics only if regularly enrolled in school the previous semester. The only exception to this rule would be withdrawal due to physical disability.
Practice
Conduct Eligibility
Participation in athletics is a privilege and carries with it the responsibility of exhibiting good behavior.
- Students who violate rules set forth by the county, school and coach (team expectations) could be temporarily suspended from the team or permanently dismissed from the team. Students permanently dismissed shall forfeit their right to any awards at the end of the season. Any student who is permanently dismissed from a Charles County sports/season team forfeits the right to play that sport at any other high school during that school year.
Conduct of coaches and players during interscholastic competition:
- Any coach removed from a game by the game officials, must leave the game site immediately and will be suspended for the next game played. Coaches suspended for a game are not allowed at the game site on the day or night of the succeeding contest. The coach MUST take the *“NFHS Teaching and Modeling Course for Disqualification Coaches” on the NFHS website (www.nfhslearn.com) prior to returning to coach in any capacity. (*$20 fee). A certificate of completion must be filed with the athlete director.
- Any player or players removed from a contest by game officials due to a flagrant foul/ unsportsmanlike conduct infraction will be suspended for the next game played. Players suspended for a game are allowed to participate in practice sessions but will not be allowed to accompany the team to the game or represent the team on the sideline or bench areas. Players suspended for a game are not allowed at the game site on the day or night of the succeeding contest. The student athlete MUST view the “NFHS Sportsmanship v2.0” video on the NFHS website (www.nfhslearn.com) under the supervision of a school official prior to returning to play in any capacity. A certificate of completion must be filed with the athlete director.
- Any egregious ejection (example: physical altercation leading to ejection), as determined by the officials will carry with it a minimum two-game suspension. Depending upon the severity of the situation, the length of suspension may be increased.
- A second egregious ejection within the same season could lead to removal from the team.
Egregious behavior is being defined as:- Violent conduct
- Examples include fighting or attacks on opposing players towards the conclusion of a contest in attempt to injure or bait them into retaliation,
- Vulgar, profane language, spitting, insulting/abusive language/gestures,
- Racial language or gestures, or Physical or verbal personal attacks towards an official.
- Any game ejection penalty occurring at the last played game/contest of the previous year will invoke disqualification or removal from the 1st game the following year (or the following season, in the case of a senior).
- A student or coach who has been ejected from an MPSSAA playoff contest will be disqualified for the next MPSSAA contest in that sport (or the next MPSSAA contest, in the case of a senior).
- Ejections are not appealable decisions.
- Violent conduct
- Coaches should be aware of the influence they have on their players and realize that player behavior is a direct extension and result of the behavior of the coaches with whom they have been associated. Unacceptable behavior by players is a direct reflection on their coaches. Good sportsmanship must be promoted at all times.
Reinstatement of Suspended Students
SUSPENSION:
- Once the student is suspended by the principal for violation of school rules and regulations, he/she is automatically suspended from participation in all school activities pending reinstatement.
- The student will serve the length of the suspension as determined by the principal.
- After the suspension has been served, the student will be reinstated to school by the principal who issued the suspension if all conditions have been met.
- Prior to return to his/her sports team, the student will then meet with the principal (or their designee) and the athletic director/club sponsor. The purpose of the meeting will be to decide whether to reinstate the student for participation. The parent and sponsor could also be included in this meeting.
- If a second suspension during a sport season occurs, the student/athlete will not be reinstated to the sports team after return to school from the suspension.
HAZING, ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT:
Charles County Public Schools does not condone or allow any verbal, written, or physical assaults or harassment in
any form, including hazing or similar activities. Any activities that humiliate, tease, harass, injure, or potentially injure
as part of a ritual of belonging to any club, team, gang, or group are strictly forbidden in any form. Any student who
is exposed to an assault, harassment, or hazing, or suspects that such activities are occurring, should immediately
report the matter to a coach, teacher, or administrator.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
The Charles County Board of Education policies concerning substance abuse are outlined in the Student Code of
Conduct Handbook. Violations of the Substance Abuse Policy will be handled according to the discipline matrix
already in place. Students may not use, or be in possession of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. Students may not
distribute or use any over the counter prescription drugs or dietary and nutritional supplements for the
purpose of enhancing performance. Failure to comply with the Student Code of Conduct may result in dismissal
from sports teams.
Outside Team Membership
Students, while participating on a school team, are permitted to participate in the same sport outside of school during
the sports season. Such participation must meet the following criteria:
- The outside participation may not conflict with the sports schedule of the school including district, regional and state championship play. (Sports schedules include games and practices.)
- A student who elects to participate on an outside team and does not participate on the school team during the designated sport’s season is ineligible to represent his/her school in all meets and games that determine a county, district, regional, or state championship.
Admission Policy
- When an admission fee is charged, admission to SMAC sporting events shall be at the following rates:
- Varsity $6.00
- Freshman/Junior Varsity Double Header $6.00
- Freshman $6.00
- Junior Varsity $6.00
- Tri-County Board of Education employees (with appropriate ID), shall be admitted free for regular season events. An MPSSAA pass is the only pass recognized during playoffs.
- All individuals seven years of age or older will be charged admission. Any child younger than seven years of age will be admitted free of charge if accompanied by his/her parent or guardian.
- Any paying guest attending an athletic contest who leaves the site (gymnasium, specific field area) must pay again to re-enter. Exception – While we support the general policy of not allowing spectators to leave athletic events and re-enter without paying another entry fee, good judgment should be used under certain circumstances.
- No dogs or other pets are permitted in school buildings or on school grounds without the direct permission of the school administration. Exceptions are guide dogs, assistance animals and animals used for public schoolsponsored programs approved by school administration. Anyone bringing an animal on to school property for a permitted and approved purpose must have the animal on a leash at all times and must clean up after the animal.
Care and Prevention of Sports Injuries
Athletic Trainers are assigned to each high school to cover athletic practices and games. In the event of an injury, the student athlete should inform the athletic trainer and/or coach as soon as possible so proper treatment may occur in a timely manner. The athletic trainer will perform an on-site evaluation of the injury and determine the proper treatment. If necessary, the injured athlete may be referred to their family physician or other qualified health care professional for further evaluation. Any athlete who receives treatment from a doctor or emergency room as a result of an injury suffered during practice or a game must have a signed and dated written document from a qualified health professional giving a date the student athlete may continue to participate. This note must be given to the athletic director or athletic trainer prior to the athlete returning to play. The athletic director and athletic trainer and/or coach have the authority to withhold an athlete from participation in the absence of a physician release. In the event the athletic trainer is not on-site, the athlete should inform the head coach and/or athletic director of the injury. All accidents or injuries shall be reported by either the athletic trainer or head coach to the parents immediately and to the athletic director and/or principal.
Although there are risks involved in athletic participation, there is no reason for parents or students to be apprehensive. Charles County Public Schools coaches and athletic trainers place a great deal of emphasis on training and conditioning, injury prevention and management, proper use of equipment, and maintenance of safe playing areas. Student athletes and parents can take steps to ensure they are physically prepared for practices and games by:
- Eating three well-balanced, nutritious meals each day. In between meals, eat healthy snacks that are low in fat and sugar.
- Drinking plenty of fluids (preferably water) each day – especially before practices and games.
- Getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Warming up thoroughly before exercising.
- Reporting all injuries to your coach and the athletic trainer. Never let injuries go untreated.
- Always wearing the prescribed uniform, including protective gear, for practices and games.
- Washing your uniform, protective gear and practice clothing after each use to avoid growth of bacteria and staph infections. Do not share equipment, uniforms or other clothing, towels or personal items such as razors.
Universal Immediate Care of Athletic InjuriesThe following procedure (R.I.C.E.) will be used in response to injuries incurred during an athletic practice or game. Rest: Do not use the injured body part until pain free activity can be resumed. Ice: Apply ice directly to the injured area 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for the first three hours. After 72 hours, 20 minutes on, 40 minutes off, one time. Do not use chemical packs directly on facial injuries. Do not apply heat if swelling, inflammation or pain persists. Compression: Wrap from below the injured area and toward the body and use a pad under the wrap to add compression forces to retard swelling and activate absorption. When sleeping, loosen the wrap, but do not remove it. Elevation: Elevate to a level above the heart to reduce bleeding and swelling. Every injury that requires the use of this procedure should be evaluated by the athletic trainer, the athlete’s family physician or by an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. Athletes referred to a doctor by the athletic trainer or coach must present a doctor’s note giving permission to return to play or practice. |
---|
Sports Related Concussions
A concussion is an injury to the brain as a result of a force or jolt applied directly or indirectly to the head. Concussions can occur in any sport. Parents will be notified on the day as soon as possible of the injury about the known or possible concussion.
If a student athlete exhibits any sign of concussion or reports any symptom, he/she will be removed from practice or play, and parents notified immediately. The student athlete will not be allowed to participate in a practice or game while experiencing any lingering or persisting symptoms of a concussion, no matter how slight, until cleared by a qualified health care professional. The student must be completely symptom free at rest and during physical and mental exertion prior to return to sports activities. For more information, please visit: http://www.nfhslearn.com
Heat Acclimatization
Each year high school athletes experience serious injury and even death resulting from heat-related illnesses. It is a major concern in that the number of deaths over the last 15 years has remained constant. That statistic becomes more alarming given that heat-related illness and death are almost entirely preventable. The need to dramatically increase awareness of the issue, recognize the symptoms of heat illness and treatment of suspected cases has become a primary consideration for early season practice routines.
The Maryland General Assembly recognized the risk and has provided legislation to address the problem. The guidelines were developed through a collaborative effort of the representatives from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Department of Health and mental Hygiene (DHMH), Local School Systems, Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA), Maryland Athletic Trainers Association (MATA), and Licensed Physicians who treat student athletes.
The contents detailed in this document include education of coaches, parents, athletic administrators and student athletes; heat acclimatization timeline; and refer to each school’s athletic Emergency Action Plan (EAP). The guidelines attempt to strike a safe balance between a graduation introduction and assimilation into athletic practice and competition with the need to properly teach safe playing techniques. The mitigation of other serious injuries must be considered in any pre-season practice format.
Coaches, parents, and student play a critical role in understanding the dynamics associated with heat related illnesses. For many, the concept of heat acclimatization is a vague term. Likewise, the awareness of hydration and/or heat related emergency procedures are also limited amongst the general population. Raising the awareness of heat related illness is a priority of each school’s athletic department.
A proper heat-acclimatization plan in secondary school athletic programs is essential to minimize the risk of exertional hear illness during the preseason practice period. Gradually increasing the athlete’s exposure to the duration and intensity of physical activity and to the environment minimizes exertional heat illness risk while improving athletic performance.
Progressive acclimatization is especially important during the initial 3 to 5 days of summer practices. When an athlete undergoes a proper heat-acclimatization program, physiologic function, exercise heat tolerance, and exercise performance are all enhanced. In contrast, athletes who are not exposed to proper heat acclimatization programs face measurable increased risks for exertional heat illness.
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 is better than one break an hour. Probably the best method is to always have water available 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.
There is considerable danger concerning heat stress/exhaustion during fall and late spring outdoor physical activities. All students should be monitored closely. Because students are involved in physical activity are particularly susceptible to water depletion in the body. Please consider temperature and humidity should be monitored when scheduling outside activities.
When a code red/orange weather advisory for the Washington Metropolitan area is issued, and the heat index (air temperature plus relative humidity) reaches 100+ degrees, CCPS places weather advisory to all principals and athletic directors by email. This advisory, when issued, MUST be followed. During these heat advisories, students involved in physical activity should always have water available to them.
- Temperatures below 32º (Real feel temperature)
The following guidelines can be used in planning activity depending on the real feel temperature. Conditions should be constantly re-evaluated for change in risk, including the presence of precipitation:- 30 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Be aware of the potential for cold injury and notify appropriate personnel of the potential.
- 25 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Provide additional protective clothing; cover as much exposed skin as practical; provide opportunities and facilities for re-warming.
- 15 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Consider modifying activity to limit exposure or to allow more frequent chances to re-warm.
- 0 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Consider terminating or rescheduling activity. When the real feel temperature is at 30 degrees Fahrenheit or below rules/regulations regarding undergarments should be waived.
- Guidelines during heat advisories
- In addition to the County Weather Advisories, all high schools will be equipped with digital psychrometers for on campus monitoring of weather conditions by the athletic director to be able to adjust practices accordingly.
- Heat Index 105⁰ plus – All outdoor activities are canceled. Practice indoors is permitted.
- Heat Index 94⁰ - 104⁰ - Recommend no equipment during practices. Modify practice with mandatory water/rest breaks every 10-15 minutes. Water should be always available and in unlimited quantities.
- Heat Index 84⁰ - 93⁰ - Recommend helmets and shoulder pads only. Recommend equipment be removed as often as possible during non-contact drills and water/rest breaks. Water available always. Provide a 10 min rest per 45 min of activity.
- Below 84⁰ - Recommend adequate water supply at all practices and competitions with breaks every 30 min for rehydration. Water available at all times. Monitor the heat index for increases.
- 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. There is considerable danger concerning heat stress when fall athletic practices begin. All athletes should be monitored closely. Because of the equipment worn, football players are particularly susceptible to water depletion in the body. However, all athletes are at risk and the necessary precautions need to be taken for all sports. The following is background information regarding practice in hot and/or humid weather.
***THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR HEAT STROKE DEATHS TO OCCUR IF THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN.*** Under such conditions, the athlete is subject to the following:
Heat Cramps – acute, painful, involuntary muscle contractions that presents during or after intense exercise sessions. Can be due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, neuromuscular fatigue, or any combination of the above factors.
Heat Syncope – weakness, fatigue, and fainting after standing for long periods of time, immediately after cessation of activity, or after rapid assumption of upright posture after resting or being seated. Will occur with exposure to high environmental temperatures.
Heat Exhaustion – inability to continue exercise associated with any combination of heavy sweating, dehydration, sodium loss, and energy depletion. Signs and symptoms can include pale skin, muscle cramps, weakness, fainting, dizziness, headache, and increased core body temperature between 97⁰ - 104⁰F.
Heat Stroke – an elevated core temperature of >1040F associated with signs of organ failure and central nervous system changes. Signs and symptoms are increased heart rate, low blood pressure, sweating or lack of sweating, hyperventilation, altered mental status, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or coma. This may occur suddenly and without being proceeded by other clinical signs. This is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Hyponatremia (instead of heat exhaustion –salt depletion) – low blood sodium levels due to hydrating with water only and not replacing electrolytes or by not drinking enough to replace the amount of sodium lost in sweating. Also known as water intoxication. May present with disorientation, altered mental status, headache, vomiting, fatigue, muscle cramping and extremity swelling.
National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Exertional Heat illnesses. Journal of Athletic Training. 2002; 37(3):329-343.
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% acclimatization can be expected to occur after the first 7 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 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.
- 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 three percent weight loss through sweating is safe and over a 3 percent weight loss is in the danger zone. Over a three percent weight loss, the athlete should not be allowed to practice in hot and humid conditions. Observe the athletes closely under all conditions.
- Observe athletes carefully for signs of trouble, particularly athletes who lose too much 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.
Activity Guidelines for Athletics related to Heat Index and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
CCPS Color Code for practices and outside contests |
Heat |
WBGT (°F) Range |
Guidelines based on a localized Heat Index Reading and/or WBGT Please refer to SMAC Heat Acclimatization Guidelines and school emergency plan for further information:
|
---|---|---|---|
GREEN |
< 85.0
|
< 82.0 |
NO RESTRICTIONS All sports
|
YELLOW |
85.0 - 95.0
|
82.0 - 86.9 |
CAUTION All sports
|
ORANGE |
95.1 - 104.9
|
87.0 - 89.9 |
INCREASED CAUTION All sports
Contact sports and activities with additional required protective equipment
Preparedness
|
RED | ≥ 105 | 90.0 - 92.0 |
EXTREME CAUTION - (Heat Index ≥105 and WBGT b/w 90.0 - 92.0) All Sports
Preparedness
|
BLACK | ≥ 105 | ≥ 92.1 |
DANGER - (Heat Index ≥105 and WBGT ≥92.1) All Sports
|
Activity Guidelines for Athletics related to Wet Bulb Globe Temperature
The WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is a measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight, which takes into account: temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover (solar radiation). This differs from the heat index, which takes into consideration temperature and humidity and is calculated for shady areas. WBGT may be taken (in addition to our Heat Index notifications) by the athletic trainers or athletic directors at each school as often as is necessary to monitor heat conditions for our athletes.
NATA Guidelines
WBGT (F) | Activity Guidelines and Rest Break Guidelines |
---|---|
<82.0 | Normal activities- Provide at least three separate rest breaks of minimum duration of 3 min. each during workout. |
82.0-86.9 | Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise. Watch at-risk players carefully. Provide at least separate three rest breaks of minimum 4 min. each. |
87.0-89.9 | Maximum practice time of 2 hours. For football, players are restricted to helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts during practice. All protective equipment must be removed for conditioning athletes. For all sports, provide at least 4 separate rest breaks of minimum duration of 4 min. each |
90.0-92.0 | Maximum practice time of 1 hour. No protective equipment may be worn during practice, and there may be no conditioning activities. There must be 20 minutes of rest breaks provided during the hour of practice. |
>92.1 | No outdoor workouts, cancel exercise, delay practices until a cooler WBGT reading occurs. |
Heat stroke/heat exhaustion emergency plan - know your EAP and follow your EAP
In the event of a heat illness, the following steps should be taken.
- Remove athlete from competition/practice.
- Move athlete to a shaded or cool area and begin to cool them down.
- Remove all equipment and clothing as appropriate
- Begin Cooling the Athlete
- Cooling Methods
- Cold Water Immersion is the most effective
- Ice Towels
- Ice bags over the athlete’s torso, neck
- Cold shower
- Cooling Methods
- If Heat Stroke is suspected immediately activate the school’s athletic emergency plan.
- If the athlete is conscious and able, begin rehydration with cold fluids.
- Monitor ABC’s, vital signs; watch for signs of Central Nervous System changes.
- If the athlete does not respond to cooling treatment activate the school’s athletic emergency plan for transport to the nearest hospital.
- Notify parents/guardians and proceed with Charles County incident procedures.
Heat Stroke - this is a medical emergency - delay could be fatal
Immediately cool body while waiting for transfer to a hospital. Remove clothing and use cool water on body. 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.
- Heat Acclimatization Period
Heat acclimatization guidelines should take into account an acclimatization period that defines the duration, intensity and number of required practices to acclimatize each individual student-athlete. The duration and intensity for practices are suggested to gradually increase the student-athlete’s heat tolerance, enhance their ability to participate safely in warm and hot conditions and minimize their risk for heat related illnesses. - Heat Acclimatization Guidelines: for all Fall Sports
- On single-practice days, one walk-through is permitted.
- Double practice days (beginning no earlier than practice day 6) must be followed by a single-practice day or rest day. When a double-practice day is followed by a rest day, another double-practice day is permitted after the rest day.
- All practices and walk-through sessions must be separated by three hours of continuous rest.
- If a practice is interrupted by inclement weather or heat restrictions, the practice should recommence once conditions are deemed safe, but total practice time should not exceed its limitations.
- Equipment Restrictions
- Football
- Practice days 1 and 2 – helmets only, and shorts/t-shirts
- Practice days 3 through 5 – helmets and shoulder pads only. Contact with blocking sleds and tackling dummies may be initiated.
- Beginning practice day 6 – full protective equipment and full contact may begin.
- Field Hockey
- Practice days 1 and 2 – Goalies in helmet and goalie kickers, athletes may wear shin guards, goggles and mouthpieces.
- Practice days 3 through 5 – Goalies in helmet, chest protection and goalie kickers.
- Beginning practice day 6 – full protective equipment may be worn.
- Soccer – Shin guards and goalie gloves can be worn beginning day 1
- Volleyball - Knee pads may be worn beginning day 1
- Football
- The heat-acclimatization period is designed for students on an individual basis. Days in which athletes do not practice due to a scheduled rest day, injury, illness or other reasons do not count towards the heat-acclimatization period.
- Practice Days 1-5
- School teams shall conduct all practices within the general guidelines above as well as the following guidelines for practice days 1-5.
- School teams are limited to one practice per day not to exceed three hours in length.
- One walk-through session is permitted per day no longer than 1 hour in duration.
- Practice Days 6-14
- School teams shall conduct all practices within the general guidelines above as well as the following guidelines for practice days 6-14.
- Total practice and walk-through time per day should be limited to five hours with no single session longer than three hours in duration.
- School teams may participate in full contact practices with all protective equipment worn.
Sample Practice Calendar
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | |||
Rest Day | Day 5 | Day 6 Full Contact 1st two-a-day |
Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 |
Rest Day | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14 | Day 15 | Day 16 |
Rest Day | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19 | Day 20 | First Play Date |
Note: Shaded days reflect Heat Acclimatization Period
Fact Sheets and Forms
Awards
- A student must successfully complete the criteria for lettering in order to be awarded a letter.
- In addition to achieving the minimal practice and playing criteria as specified by the Charles County Public Schools, the student must complete the season in good standing unless medically unable to do so in order to be eligible for awards
Lettering Criteria
- A student must be eligible and in good standing at the end of his/her sport season. If for any reason the school deems the student not eligible at the end of the sport season, the student will not be eligible for any post-season.
- The first varsity award earned will be the approved school letter including appropriate emblem.
- For awards for subsequent years and sports/activities, participants will receive stars, pins, or similar school related insignias.
- All junior varsity and freshman team members will receive certificates of participation.
- Participation in fund raising activities by the student and his or her parents shall in no way be a factor for one to achieve a school letter.
- Parent (volunteer) involvement in a program shall in no way be a factor for one to achieve a school letter.
- Listed below are the criteria for earning a letter in Charles County High School Athletics. All coaches shall adhere to the standards. Item #1 must be met; however, it does not guarantee the student a letter unless II, III, and IV are fulfilled to the satisfaction of the coach. Letters will be awarded only to those players who meet all four of the requirements. A player must complete the season in good standing, unless medically unable to do so. Any student, after participating on the varsity team for two or more years1, may receive a letter award without meeting the requirement of I if he/she has met standards II, III, and IV.
- Participation in Contests - Has met requirements
Football 50% of quarters Baseball 50% of innings/25% pitchers
Cross Country 80% of meets Spring Track 80% of meets
Field Hockey 50% of halves Soccer 50% of halves
Tennis 50% of matches Golf 50% of matches
Basketball 50% of quarters Softball 50% of innings/25% pitchers
Wrestling 50% of matches Indoor Track 80% of meets
Volleyball 50% of matches Cheerleading 80% of games
Swimming 50% of matches Lacrosse 50% of halves
Bocce 50% of matches - Attitude Toward Practice and Training
- Attends practice regularly
- Follows training rules
- Listens to and follows instructions during practices and contests
- Sportsmanship/Citizenship
- Accepts coach’s decision
- Shows respect for the coaches, officials, team and spectators
- Displays an excellent attitude while competing
- Care of Facilities and Equipment
- Demonstrates concern for equipment
- Returns all assigned equipment
- Respect of home facility and visitor facility
- Participation in Contests - Has met requirements
Team Championship Awards
- SMAC CONFERENCE / COUNTY CHAMPIONS
Team members for conference champions will receive an award for their particular sport. The Charles County Public Schools athletic department and or athletic booster organization will fund these awards. - MPSSAA / MPSSCC SECTIONAL / REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
Each team member winner, will receive an award inscribed with “MPSSAA/MPSSCC Sectional Champion”, “Regional Champion” or “MPSSAA/MPSSCC State Finalist”. The Charles County Public Schools athletic department and or athletic booster organization will fund these awards. - MPSSAA / MPSSCC STATE CHAMPIONS
Each team member will receive an award with the shape of the state of Maryland inscribed with “MPSSAA/MPSSCC State Champions” or “MPSSAA/MPSSCC State Finalist”. The Charles County Public Schools athletic department and or athletic booster organization will fund these awards. - TEAM PICTURE PLAQUES
Each team member will receive a picture plaque signifying MPSSAA / MPSSCC State Championship Team. The Charles County Public Schools athletic department and or athletic booster organization will fund these awards. - RINGS/JACKETS/PENDANT
Any team that is an MPSSAA / MPSSCC “State Champion” will have the opportunity to purchase the ring from JOSTENS. The same holds true for individual “Champion”, Runner-Up”, or “Finalist”. State “Qualifiers” do not qualify for rings. The Athletic Department and athletic booster will not purchase any jackets, pendent or rings. This is not an award, but an item that may be purchased by an athlete. No school or booster funds can be used to purchase this items:- MPSSAA - Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association
- MPSSCC – Maryland Public Schools State Cheerleading Committee
- COUNTY - Charles County Public Schools
Scholarship Signings
The NCAA (Division One and Two) and the NAIA are the only institutions that have a national signing date in which athletic scholarships are included with the financial aid offer and binding on the institution and the student athlete. Charles County Public Schools will host “signing” ceremonies for the student athlete and their families when the signing becomes official and the scholarship offer is verified. A picture opportunity will be held by the schools in May upon confirmation from the institution that the student athlete will be participating in a sport at the college (NCAA Division Three or NAIA Division Two) or invited walk-on student athlete.
Equipment
It is the responsibility of the student/athlete to maintain and return all equipment and uniforms issued. Parents will be financially responsible for equipment and uniforms that are lost, stolen, or misplaced. The price of replacing these items will be the actual cost to the school for purchasing new replacement items. Student athletes who do not return equipment in time to be professionally reconditioned for the next season will be charged the reconditioning fee. (i.e.,football/lacrosse helmets and shoulder pads.) Until any charges for lost equipment or reconditioning have been paid,the student athlete will not receive a letter award or be eligible to participate on any other school athletic team including the next school year. Students must be cleared of all financial obligations before trying out for a sport or activity.
Photographs
Inclement Weather
Practice Regulations
Transportation
- Team members shall be required to go to the host school together and return together by bus provided by Charles County Public Schools.
- Students are not permitted to transport team members.
- Parents/guardians who wish to take their student home from an away event must sign the student out on a form provided by the coach, after the game/match.
- Students are expected to be picked up at the end of practices or games in a reasonable amount of time from the end of the event.
Unified Sports Addendum
Purpose
This addendum has been prepared to serve as a guide to student/ athletes and parents. The intention of this addendum is to provide information that will facilitate successful participation in the athletic program as well as clarifying differences between the Interscholastic Program and the Unified Sports Program. Unless otherwise indicated below, students participating in the Unified Sports Program must abide to the same policies listed in the handbook. If questions should arise which are not covered in this addendum, please address them with the appropriate individual (Coach, Athletic Director, or Unified Sports Coordinator).
Squad membership
A student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) may participate on a Unified Sports team until the expiration of their IEP as long as they are enrolled in Charles County Public Schools.
Required Athletic Forms/Information
Student athletes must submit completed forms to the Athletic Director and receive clearance before they can try out for any team. These forms must be completed for each season the student participates.
- Student/Parent Athletic Handbook signed permission form within item (d)
- Parental Consent/Physical Form
- Athletic Emergency Medical Card
- Pre-Season Athletic Eligibility Clearance Form
- COVID-19 Awareness Form (Parent/Student-Athlete Participation Acknowledgement Statements)
- Application for Participation in Special Olympics Maryland* *Required by Special Olympics Maryland
Students must be cleared of all financial obligations before trying out for a sport or activity.
Eligibility
- Residence
- Students participating in a regionalized program within Charles County Public Schools (i.e., Lifeskills, TAASC) will participate at the school in which they are enrolled.
- Academics
- students pursuing a High School Certificate of Completion are not required to meet academic requirements for eligibility.
- Attendance
- The Unified Sports Program will follow the same attendance policy as the Interscholastic Program.
- Lettering Criteria
- Unified Tennis 50% of matches
- Unified Bocce 50% of matches
- Unified Track & Field 50% of matches
2024-2025 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test Dates (PSAT) Administered by CCPS at School
Students don't register for the PSAT/NMSQT through College Board. Schools and districts choose whether and when to offer it. PSAT/NMSQT testing may occur on a school day between these dates:
- October 1–October 31, 2024
- Schools may also choose to administer the PSAT/NMSQT on Saturday, October 12, 2024, or Saturday, October 26, 2024.
(Note: For fall 2024 only, the PSAT/NMSQT will be offered on two Saturdays to accommodate schools or students who cannot test on October 12 due to Yom Kippur.)
2024-2025 SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST DATES (SAT)
August 2024–June 2025 Test Dates
These test dates and deadlines apply to all students—U.S. and international—taking the SAT:
SAT Test Date* |
Registration Deadline |
Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, |
Aug 24, 2024 |
Aug 9, 2024 Register |
Aug 13, 2024 |
Oct 5, 2024 |
Sept 20, 2024 Register |
Sept 24, 2024 |
Nov 2, 2024 |
Oct 18, 2024 Register |
Oct 22, 2024 |
Dec 7, 2024 |
Nov 22, 2024 Register |
Nov 26, 2024 |
Mar 8, 2025 |
Feb 21, 2025 Register |
Feb 25, 2025 |
May 3, 2025 |
Apr 18, 2025 Register |
April 22, 2025 |
June 7, 2025 |
May 22, 2025 Register |
May 27, 2025 |
*Students who need to borrow a device from College Board will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline—at least 30 days before test day.
**Late registration is available worldwide.Additional fees apply.
2024-2025 ACT ASSESSMENT Schedule
Test Date |
Regular Registration Deadline |
Late Registration Deadline |
|
September 14, 2024 |
August 9 |
August 25 |
|
October 26, 2024 |
September 20 |
October 7 |
|
December 14, 2024 |
November 8 |
November 22 |
|
February 8, 2025 |
January 3 |
January 20 |
|
April 5, 2025 |
February 28 |
March 16 |
|
June 14, 2025 |
May 9 |
May 26 |
|
July 12, 2025* |
June 6 |
June 20 |
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.
Test Information Release for the 2024-2025 testing year will occur in September, December, and February. See www.act.org/the-act/tir for more information.
Sports schedules are accessible from the Charles County Public Schools website: https://www.ccboe.com
(Highlight Students tab, select Athletics, select Schedules
Coaches Athletic Handbook
- Athletic Directors
- Sportsmanship
- MPSSAA Quick Reference Calendar
- 2024-2025 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test Dates (PSAT) Administered by CCPS at School
- 2024-2025 ACT Assessment Schedule
- Introduction
- Constitution and By-Laws
- Coach Evaluation
- Extra Pay for Extra Duties
- Interscholastic Athletics in Charles County
- Addition or Deletion of Sports to the School Program
- Cheerleading
- Player Eligibility
- Insurance
- Training Rules, Coaches and Player Conduct
- Parent/Guardian Communication Guide
- Athletic Injuries
- HEAT ACCLIMATION
- SCHEDULING
- TRANSPORTATION
- Security Coverage for Athletic Events
- Lettering Criteria
- Individual Awards
- Financing Athletics
- Approval Procedure by School Sponsored Building and Grounds Improvements
Athletic Directors
Sportsmanship
All athletes and parents shall exhibit good sportsmanship. (Sportsmanship is an overt display of respect for all the rules of the sport and all others--players, coaches, officials, and fans [National Federation News, March 1995, p. 10]. Sportsmanship involves a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, and integrity.) The following statement may be read before all Charles County Athletic Events when a public address system is used:
As members of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association and Southern Maryland Athletic Conference, we remind everyone of the high standards of sportsmanship we expect from those in attendance towards the participants and officials for tonight’s contest. Spectators, please stay off the area of play at all times, cheer positively for your team and not against the opponents or officials. Parents are reminded that the (Gym /Stadium) is an inviting place for children to play. However, these locations can be very dangerous so please supervise children at all times. Our schools are smoke free campuses, and we appreciate you not lighting up during the event or on campus. We also remind everyone that the use of a laser pointer and flash photography during play/participation is strictly prohibited. In the event of an unusual circumstance or facility emergency, please listen to the public address announcer for directions. Finally, we remind you that the administration reserves the right to remove anyone for inappropriate behavior, so cheer long and hard for your team and not against the opponent or officials.
Thank you for your cooperation and enjoy the game.
MPSSAA Quick Reference Calendar
Sport | Practice Begins | First Contest | Last Plan Date for Seeding | Entry Deadline | Seeding / Org. Mtg. | Last Play Date | Region Quarter finals | Region Semi finals | Region Finals | State QF Region Meets Tourney Comp. Date | State Semi Finals | State Finals |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cross Country | Aug. 9 | Sep. 1 | ____ | Oct. 23 | Nov. 5 | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | Nov. 2 | ____ | Nov. 11 |
Field Hockey | Aug. 9 | Sep. 1 | Oct. 21 | Nov. 2 | Oct. 23 | Oct. 25 | Oct. 26 | Oct. 30 | Nov. 1 | Nov. 3/4 | Nov. 8&9 | Nov. 11 |
Football | Aug. 9 | Sep. 1 | Oct. 28 | Nov. 13 | Oct. 30 | Nov. 4 | ____ | Nov. 3/4 | Nov. 10/11 | Nov. 17/18 | Nov. 24/25 | Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 |
Golf | Aug. 9 | Aug. 9 | Oct. 19 | Oct. 19 | Oct. 20 | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | Oct. 19 | Oct. 25&26 | Oct. 27 |
Soccer | Aug. 9 | Sep. 1 | Oct. 21 | Nov. 1 | Oct. 23 | Oct. 24 | Oct. 25 | Oct. 27/28 | Oct. 31 | Nov. 3/4 | Nov. 10&11 | Nov. 16-18 |
Volleyball | Aug. 9 | Sep. 1 | Oct. 28 | Nov. 9 | Oct. 30 | Nov. 1 | Nov. 2/3 | Nov. 6 | Nov. 8 | Nov. 10/11 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 15-16 |
Basketball | Nov. 15 | Dec. 5 | Feb. 19 | B: Mar. 1 G: Mar 2 |
Feb. 20 | Feb. 22 | B: Feb. 23 G: Feb 24 |
B: Feb. 26 G: Feb. 24 |
B: Feb. 28 G: Feb. 29 |
March 1-2 | March 5-6 | March 7-9 |
Wrestling Duals | Nov. 15 | Dec. 5 | Feb. 3 | ____ | Feb. 5 | Feb. 17 | Feb. 8 | Feb. 8 | Feb. 8 | ____ | Feb. 10 | Feb. 10 |
Indoor Track | Nov. 15 | Dec. 5 | Entry Deadline | 7 days prior to Region | Feb. 17 | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | Feb. 3-14 | ____ | Feb. 19, 20 |
Swimming & Diving | Nov. 15 | Dec. 5 | Entry Deadline | Feb. 12 | Feb. 20 | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | Feb. 15-17 | ____ | Feb. 23-24 |
Wrestling Tournament | Nov. 15 | Dec. 5 | Feb. 17 | ____ | Feb. 25 | Feb. 17 | ____ | ____ | ____ | Feb. 23-24 | ____ | Feb. 29-Mar. 2 |
Baseball | March 1 | March 21 | May 6 | May 15 | May 7 | May 8 | May 9 | May 11 | May 14 | May 17-18 | May 21 | May 24,25 |
Lacrosse | March 1 | March 21 | May 4 | May 14 | May 6 | May 7 | May 8 | May 10 | May 13 | May 15 | May 17, 18 | May 21-23 |
Softball | March 1 | March 21 | May 6 | May 16 | May 7 | May 8 | May 9 | May 13 | May 15 | May 17,18 | May 21 | May 24, 25 |
Tennis | March 1 | March 21 | May 13 | May 20 | May 21 | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | May 18 | May 24, 25 | May 26 |
Track & Field | March 1 | March 21 | Entry Deadline | 7 days prior to Region | May 19 | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | May 14-18 | ____ | May 23, 24, 25 |
2024-2025 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test Dates (PSAT) Administered by CCPS at School
Students don't register for the PSAT/NMSQT through College Board. Schools and districts choose whether and when to offer it. PSAT/NMSQT testing may occur on a school day between these dates:
- October 1–October 31, 2024
- Schools may also choose to administer the PSAT/NMSQT on Saturday, October 12, 2024, or Saturday, October 26, 2024.
(Note: For fall 2024 only, the PSAT/NMSQT will be offered on two Saturdays to accommodate schools or students who cannot test on October 12 due to Yom Kippur.)
2024-2025 SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST DATES (SAT)
August 2024–June 2025 Test Dates
These test dates and deadlines apply to all students—U.S. and international—taking the SAT:
SAT Test Date* |
Registration Deadline |
Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, |
---|---|---|
Aug 24, 2024 |
Aug 9, 2024 Register |
Aug 13, 2024 |
Oct 5, 2024 |
Sept 20, 2024 Register |
Sept 24, 2024 |
Nov 2, 2024 |
Oct 18, 2024 Register |
Oct 22, 2024 |
Dec 7, 2024 |
Nov 22, 2024 Register |
Nov 26, 2024 |
Mar 8, 2025 |
Feb 21, 2025 Register |
Feb 25, 2025 |
May 3, 2025 |
Apr 18, 2025 Register |
April 22, 2025 |
June 7, 2025 |
May 22, 2025 Register |
May 27, 2025 |
*Students who need to borrow a device from College Board will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline—at least 30 days before test day.
**Late registration is available worldwide. Additional fees apply.
2024-2025 ACT Assessment Schedule
Test Date |
Regular Registration Deadline |
Late Registration Deadline |
---|---|---|
September 14, 2024 |
August 9 |
August 25 |
October 26, 2024 |
September 20 |
October 7 |
December 14, 2024 |
November 8 |
November 22 |
February 8, 2025 |
January 3 |
January 20 |
April 5, 2025 |
February 28 |
March 16 |
June 14, 2025 |
May 9 |
May 26 |
July 12, 2025* |
June 6 |
June 20 |
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.
Test Information Release for the 2024-2025 testing year will occur in September, December, and February. See www.act.org/the-act/tir for more information.
Sports schedules are accessible select the Schedules tab on this webpage.
Introduction
This handbook has been prepared to provide a guideline for the policies, procedures and regulations governing the interscholastic athletic program in Charles County. Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) and Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC) policies and procedures are included in separate publications. Principals, athletic directors, and coaches are reminded that the Charles County regulations are in some cases more restrictive than the MPSSAA or SMAC regulations. It is most important to remember that some situations may require interpretation. Please contact the director of student activities for Charles County when questions arise.
Note: While much of the information expressed in this handbook reference athletics, the basic rules, guidelines, and expectations will apply to all extra-curricular activities, including those non-athletic clubs and activities. See page 22 for sample groups.
Constitution and By-Laws
All schools participating in the interscholastic program shall abide by these county rules and regulations, the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference Constitution and By-Laws, and the Rules and Regulations Governing Interscholastic Athletics in the State of Maryland.
- Philosophy
- Charles County Athletic Council
- Director of Student Activities, Athletics, & Aquatics
- Responsibilities of the Principal
- Responsibilities of the Athletic Director (AD)
- Code of Ethics for Coaches
- MPSSAA/CCPS Coaching Eligibility and Requirement
- Volunteer Coach
- What is A "Credentialed Coach"
- Head Coaches and Activity Sponsor Responsibilities
- Assistant Coach/Sponsor Responsibilities
Philosophy
The primary purpose of the interscholastic program is to provide activities for students that will enhance their overall education. Academics are the most important phase of every student's learning experiences. However, participation in athletics should develop important lifetime essentials of self-discipline, self-concept, fitness, interpersonal relations, skills, and sportsmanship. In addition, success in athletic endeavors should be employed to promote academic excellence. The player/coach relationship should be extensively utilized to encourage all participants to perform better in all facets of their education.
The impact of interscholastic athletics goes far beyond the players and coaches. The student body, community, and scheduled opponents are all strongly affected by the quality of the programs at each school. The tremendous exposure of the athletic programs should be carefully managed to promote constructive support and interest for our education system.
Charles County Athletic Council
The Charles County Athletic Council is composed of high school principals, assistant principals, athletic directors, head coaches, parents, student athletes, and the executive director of schools. This group acts in a policy making advisory capacity to the director of student activities, who is chairman of the council. The council meets a minimum of two times per year and is on-call as necessary to discuss athletic program details and make recommendations concerning the interscholastic program and budget. Recommendations of the council are referred through the director of student activities to the executive director of schools and the superintendent of schools.
Director of Student Activities, Athletics, & Aquatics
Responsibilities of the Principal
The principal is responsible for the administration of the athletic program in the school. The principal should:
- See that the athletic program is closely aligned with the other programs in the school.
- Make sure all rules and regulations, as set forth by the county, Southern Maryland Athletic Conference, and the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association, are adhered to and enforced.
- See that there is adequate administration and security supervision at all games.
- The home school is responsible for game supervision in all areas of their school. Visiting administrators are not responsible for normal crowd control related to hosting a contest.
- Visiting administrators are there only if needed to help deal with their team or fans. If an emergency arises then visiting administrators should respond as needed.
- Adequate supervision should be present for both home and away games.
- It is recommended the visiting school provide two or three administrators (more if it is a rival school) to assist at varsity football games.
- It is recommended visiting schools provide one or two administrators (more if it is a rival school) to assist at varsity boys’ basketball and boys’ lacrosse games.
- It is recommended the visiting school call the home school to notify as to who will attend. This allows the home school to alert the admission/ticket gate personnel.
- Ensure rules governing coaching practices, as stated in the Charles County Handbook, Southern Maryland Athletic Conference Constitution and By-Laws, and the Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association Handbook, are followed.
- Promote good sportsmanship by the student body.
- Provide effective evaluation of all coaches.
Responsibilities of the Athletic Director (AD)
The athletic director is the executive officer and the resource person for the individual school in athletics. He/she attempts to build an athletic program based on sound educational objectives. It is essential for the athletic director to cooperate with the principal of the school. The principal must be informed at all times on all athletic activities that affect the school.
- Review and verify all student eligibility criteria before any student participates in tryouts.
- Interpret the county and state athletic association rules and regulations. If in doubt, consult with the director of student activities.
- In cooperation with the principal, assume the role of leader in the development of the school athletic program (new activities, junior varsity, etc.).
- Have on file all official forms required by Charles County Public Schools’ regulations governing athletics.
- Coordinate a mandatory pre-season meeting for all student athletes and parents to review CCPS and school expectations, and communications with students (social media rule).
- Attend all meetings involving the school in the area of athletics or appoint a representative to act in the absence of the athletic director.
- Attend all home games, contests, and meets in which the school is involved or appoint a representative to act in the absence of the athletic director.
- File and have access to all contracts and all other correspondence pertaining to athletics.
- Keep a record of the results of all games, meets, and contests (score, attendance, expenses, etc.) in which the school is involved.
- Provide and account for tickets that are used for admissions to athletic contests. Count and secure all gate receipts.
- With the assistance or recommendation of the coach, select and secure the officials for each and every athletic contest.
- Prior to each contest, inspect or have inspected the building, grounds, stands, athletic fields, etc., to ensure the safety of spectators and contestants.
- Arrange for police, ambulance, and other public safety departments to have representatives at all home games as necessary.
- In cooperation with the coach, plan the schedules for each athletic activity.
- Approve all press releases concerning the total athletic program for student publications or community newspapers.
- Standardize and enforce a minimal set of training rules in cooperation with the coaching staff.
- Ensure all coaches (including volunteer and emergency) have been certified by the human resources office before starting their assignment.
- Evaluate all varsity coaches and assist varsity head coaches with all assistant coaches’ evaluations.
- Have on file all certifications regarding coaches.
- Affix signature, along with that of the principal, to all athletic documents. Date the documents at the time of signing.
- Arrange for all athletic transportation.
- Stimulate interest in students and adults in the athletic program through such media outlets as posters, bulletin boards, club programs, social media, and the sale of refreshments and/or souvenirs.
- Supervise the arrangements for cleaning, repairing, and maintaining of all uniforms and equipment.
- Keep a file of physical examination results for all students who participate in the interscholastic athletic program.
- Secure and strategically schedule practice areas for activities occurring at the same time.
- Give assistance in planning pep rallies.
- Have information on the availability and the source of films for the various sports.
- Cooperate with the sponsors of the band, cheerleaders, and other faculty members for pre-game and half-time entertainment.
- Ensure the National Anthem is played/sung before all games in a doubleheader, tournament contests or any contest where a sound system is available.
- Be responsible for developing and implementing rules and regulations governing the receiving of visiting teams.
- Be responsible for initiating procedures for care and use of locker rooms and all physical facilities.
- Be familiar with and implement rules governing awards.
- Maintain a record of proof of the age of each candidate for each athletic activity.
- Verify residency of student athletes with the Pupil Personnel Workers (PPW’s)
Athletic Directors are also responsible for safety, security, and crowd control at all athletic events
Participation in sound and wholesome athletic programs is an extension of the educational experience. Cooperation and competition are both important components of life and as such it is important for administrators, athletic directors, and coaches to do everything possible to create a climate conducive to good sportsmanship. A crowd subject to a disorganized event is more prone to become disruptive. These procedures are designed to help promote a wholesome atmosphere, encourage good sportsmanship, and provide a safe experience for all students, athletes, officials, and spectators at athletic events.
Counties, local schools, and sports statewide have a wide variety of different needs. The following checklist was prepared for the athletic director/game manager to be used and modified as needed.
Contact the visiting school to discuss upcoming contests (AD/principal)
- Contact police to discuss needs, supervision, and assignments
- Coaches discuss with teams the expectations and responsibilities of players as county and school representatives
Communicate with school administrators the expectations with students, parents, community members, boosters and PTSO.
- Announcements the week of the game, and prior to the game emphasizing positive sportsmanship
- If there are serious concerns, consider limiting the number of tickets sold or selling tickets only by advance sale (requires notification of all parties)
Prepare a diagram or map of school/gym/stadium for visiting school. Send the following to the visiting school:
- Directions/routes
- Seating (signs designating special sections, home/visitors, band, cheerleaders, poms, etc.)
- An emergency plan (inside and outside)
- An evacuation plan (weather, disruptive behavior)
Create a parking plan
- Traffic direction – pre-game and post-game
- Reserved areas for buses, special guests, etc. (use of barrels, sawhorses, etc.)
- Handicap access/parking
Prepare a supervision chart
- Solicit additional help from parents, PTSO, Boosters
- Clearly define duties, expectations, responsibilities, i.e.: staying the whole game or until everyone leaves
- Prepare a site plan designating who is assigned where
- Issue sideline tags/passes to limit access to field/court
- Consider not admitting elementary and junior high/middle school students unless accompanied by an adult
- Clearly identify what passes are to be accepted at the gate
- Prepare a plan for acquiring police back-up if necessary
Identify key people
- Provide each person on duty with easily identifiable arm band, hat, button, etc., labeled “event staff”
- Identify representatives from each school
- Identify cheerleader sponsor/coaches
- Identify band directors
- Identify administrators from host schools
- Identify poms sponsors
Establish guidelines for cheerleading
- Do not allow taunting, inflammatory, or insulting cheers
- Request sponsors/coaches to identify themselves to the game manager
- Designate special seating
- Give mascots specific directions and limitations (Note: mascots are under National Federation Spirit Rules)
Secure equipment that may be helpful
- Access to phone
- Communication devices such as bull horn, walkie talkies
- Rope/tape
- Signs/sawhorses/barrels
- Flashlights/lanterns/batteries
- Money bags for frequent pickups (secure area for deposit)
- Consider availability and access of medical personnel and supplies
- Paramedic, trainer, or doctor
- Plan emergency vehicle access to site
- Ice/water
- First aid kit
Analyze and prepare the facility
- Have designated home and visitor dressing rooms
- Know seating capacity, do not exceed
- P.A. system (announcements should be positive, helpful, and impartial)
- Maximum available lighting should be utilized during any contest and not restricted to the area of competition
- At sold-out contests, clear the site of fans that could not gain admission
- Evaluate the conditions and factors of on-site construction projects and the resultant impact
- Instruct the operator of the videotaping equipment to record all incidents of inappropriate behavior
- Consider announcing that fans will not be allowed on the field/court at half-time or post-game
Follow up
- Evaluate procedures (update information/resolve issues)
Pre-Season Meeting - Athletic Director's Checklist
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR’S PRE-SEASON MEETING CHECKLIST
CHARLES COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PRE-SEASON MEETING
WELCOME
- Sportsmanship Expectations
- Game Ejection
CHAIN OF COMMAND
- Assistant Principal for Athletics
- Athletic Director
- Head Coach
- Assistant/JV Coach
- Players
- If there are any questions or concerns, the athlete/parent should first contact the appropriate coach. If there is no resolution, he/she should then go to the head coach, etc.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH PARENTS, COACHES, AND ADMINISTRATORS
- Social Media Rule
ELIGIBILITY
- Grade Point Average
- Number of Failing Grades
- Attendance
- Appeal Process
COMPLETION OF FORMS (Online/Electronic)
- Pre-Season Athletic Eligibility Clearance Form
- Emergency Card
- Parental Consent/Physical Form
ROLE OF THE ATHLETIC TRAINER
LETTERING CRITERIA (Policy)
GATE ADMISSION – TICKET OPTIONS
- Re-entry Policy
- Substances Policy
- Pets
ATHLETIC HOTLINE
- School Secretary
- Voice Mail
- Emergency Weather
- School website or SMAC website (www.smacathletics.org)
BOOSTER CLUB
- Purpose
- Membership
End-of-Season Review with Coaches
Example Checklist
- Collect and check equipment/uniforms. Complete Inventory.
- Make list of missing equipment/uniforms including player responsible.
- Equipment/uniforms should be placed in proper storage.
- Put aside equipment/uniforms needing repair and give list to the athletic director.
- Collect cost of missing equipment/uniforms from players to be turned into athletic director or follow school policy.
- Provide a list of all players who qualify for letter awards, etc.
- Provide a list of special honors achieved by individuals or the team.
- Attend coach’s meetings, clinics, etc.
- Evaluate varsity assistants, junior varsity head and assistants, freshman head and assistant coaches.
- Complete list of school’s records including new records.
- Budget request for next year. Items should be in priority order.
Code of Ethics for Coaches
The function of a coach is to properly educate students through participation in interscholastic competition. The interscholastic program is designed to enhance academic achievement and never should interfere with opportunities for academic success. Each child should be treated as though he/she were the coaches own and the child’s welfare shall be uppermost at all times. In recognition of this, the following guidelines for coaches have been adopted by the National Federation and NIAAA Board of Directors.
- The coach shall be aware of the tremendous influence, for either good or ill, on the education of the student-athlete and, thus, shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character.
- The coach shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession. In all personal contact with student-athletes, officials, athletic directors, school administrators, the state high school athletic association, the media, and the public, the coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.
- The coach shall take an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse.
- The coach shall avoid the use of alcohol and tobacco products when in contact with players in any situation.
- The coach shall promote the entire interscholastic program of the school and direct his or her program in harmony with the total school program.
- The coach shall master the contest rules and shall teach these to the team members. The coach shall not seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules.
- The coach shall exert a positive influence to enhance sportsmanship by spectators, both directly and by working closely with cheerleaders, pep club sponsors, booster clubs, and administrators.
- The coach shall respect and support contest officials. The coach shall not indulge in conduct that would incite players or spectators against the officials. Public criticism of officials or players is unethical.
- The coach should meet and exchange cordial greetings with the opposing coach to set the correct tone for the event before and after the contest.
- The coach shall not exert pressure on faculty members to give student-athletes special consideration.
- The coach shall not scout opponents by any means other than those adopted by the league and/or state high school athletic association.
- The coach shall follow the county social media rule.
MPSSAA/CCPS Coaching Eligibility and Requirement
- Member MPSSAA schools shall employ as coaches:
- Teachers or certificated professional educators employed by the local Board of Education.
- Persons certifiable as professional educators by the State Department of Education according to 13A.12.01.
- Credentialed coaches who meet the following requirement:
- Are eligible to hold a Maryland certificate under COMAR 13A.12.01;
- Possess a MPSSAA/MSDE Coaching Certification;
- Have completed two years of successful coaching as an emergency coach; and
- Have spent the previous one year as a successful emergency coach at the school of hire in the position of hire.
- If no acceptable and qualified coaches are available from the teachers or certifiable professional educators employed by the Board of Education, a temporary emergency coach may be employed if the following procedures are followed:
- The person shall be officially appointed by the local superintendent of schools on a one-season basis for a specific coaching assignment;
- The coaching salary of the appointed coach shall be paid exclusively by the local school system;
- After July 1, 2010, an emergency coach is required to possess an MPSSAA/MSDE coach certification prior to the start of his or her fourth year as an emergency coach;
- For teams with more than one coach, emergency coaches may not comprise more than 50 percent of that sport staff;
- The emergency coach shall be at least 21 years old and possess a high school diploma.
- Be knowledgeable of the contents of the Charles County Public Schools Athletic Handbook and adhere to and enforce all policies pertaining to athletics.
- Complete the Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries Course as defined in COMAR .04B (3) All coaches shall have completed or be enrolled in a one-credit course in the prevention of care of athletic injuries in the first year of his/her employment. Recertification must be obtained every five years.
- Complete certification and maintain re-certification in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation (CPR/AED).
- Complete all required Safe Schools Training programs required by Charles County Public Schools.
- Complete the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Concussion in Sports Management Course. www.nfhslearn.com (required annually) or Safe Schools Training equivalent.
- Complete the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Guide to Heat Illness Prevention Course. www.nfhslearn.com (required annually) or Safe Schools Training equivalent.
- Complete the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Sudden Cardiac Arrest Course, www.nfhslearn.com (required annually) or Safe Schools Training equivalent.
- Complete the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Mental Health Training Course, www.nfhslearn.com (required annually) or Safe Schools Training equivalent.
- All certifications must be on file with the director of athletics.
- Member MPSSAA schools may permit volunteer athletic coaches to assist their coaching staff. The volunteer coaches may not serve as head coaches at any level and shall work only under the direction of the head coach.
Volunteer Coach
Member MPSSAA schools may permit volunteer athletic coaches to assist their coaching staff. The volunteer coaches may not serve as head coaches at any level and shall work only under the direction of the head coach. The volunteer coach may be used if the following procedures are followed:
- Section 5-561 of the Family Law requires that fingerprinting and criminal background investigation be made on all new employees. No coach shall report to his or her assignment until he or she has been fingerprinted.
- The volunteer coach shall be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma.
- The volunteer coach shall have completed or be enrolled in a one-credit course in the care and prevention of athletic injuries, concussion, heat acclimatization, and sudden cardiac arrest.
- The volunteer coach shall be formally appointed on a one-season basis for a specific coaching assignment.
- The volunteer coach may be asked to end his/her duties at any time by the head coach, athletic director or principal.
What is A "Credentialed Coach"
In the MPSSAA By-laws, under the requirements for “MPSSAA Coaching Eligibility”, provisions are made for those instances where no acceptable and qualified coaches are available from the teachers or certifiable professional educators employed by the local Board of Education, for temporary “Emergency Coaches” to be employed by following the prescribed procedures.
Emergency Coach is required to possess an MPSSAA/MSDE coach certification prior to the start of his or her fourth year as an Emergency Coach. Credentialed coaches should not only retain all proof of course completions and certification for their own recordkeeping but should also provide copies to the athletic director at the school of hire.
- The requirements for an Emergency Coach to attain Credentialed Coach status are as follows:
- The individual may NOT have been convicted of, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere with respect to, or received probation before judgment for a crime against children or a crime of violence.
- The individual MUST complete the National Federation of State High School Association’s (NFHS) “Level I Coaching Certification”.
- The NFHS Level I Coaching Certification is obtained by receiving credit for completing three online courses at www.nfhslearn.com:
- NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching.
- NFHS First Aid for Coaching (or a school system‐approved Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries course completed within the past 3 years. NOTE: Taking the NFHS First Aid course does NOT replace the State requirement for a one credit course in the Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries.).
- Fundamentals of Coaching Sport‐specific course (In the event that a course for coaching your particular sport is not yet available, the Teaching Sports Skills course may be substituted.).
- The NFHS Level I Coaching Certification is obtained by receiving credit for completing three online courses at www.nfhslearn.com:
Head Coaches and Activity Sponsor Responsibilities
- Provide the athletic director all coaching certifications required by the MPSSAA and Charles County Public Schools.
- Complete forms as required by Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association and the Board of Education (eligibility roster, player address, accident report, etc.).
- Only permit student/athletes who have been cleared (eligible) by the athletic director to begin tryouts. Student/athletes who have been cleared shall present proper paperwork to the head coach or his or her designated staff.
- Equipment can be issued prior to a sport season, but only to athletes who have been cleared for tryouts by the athletic director.
- Conduct a mandatory pre-season meeting with students and parents to review written team responsibilities and expectations.
- Check all equipment used in the sport. Make any necessary repairs.
- Be responsible to the principal through the athletic director for the entire program (varsity, junior varsity, and freshman).
- Hold pre-season meeting with students and discuss philosophy of program and inform them of responsibilities and regulations. Included should be guidelines related to tryouts and team selections.
- Check practice area – list any facility needs or improvements.
- List equipment needs including first aid supplies.
- Supervise assistant coaches and assign their respective duties.
- Make recommendations for improvements, new equipment, etc.
- Make sure that all coaches (paid and volunteer) are approved and cleared by Human Resources before performing any coaching responsibilities.
- Review Superintendent Rule 1111 with staff – Communications with Students
Superintendent Rule 1111
Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) recognizes that students, parents, and other stakeholders use differing methods of communication, and strives to reach as many of our community as possible. Social media is one of those methods. Social media is defined as on-line technologies such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat, as well as any and all electronic communications, including but not limited to texting, emailing, instant messaging, group messaging and chat rooms. CCPS allows the use of social media and other technologies as avenues to communicate school system messages, encourage social media visitors to visit the CCPS website, and create opportunities for two-way dialogue.
EMPLOYEE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Approved social media sites may be used to facilitate communication among employees, groups of students and members of the school community to further the instructional program. Employees are expected to conduct all social media communications in accordance with Board policies, guidelines in the Employee Handbook, and directions from their supervisors, as they would in any professional situation. Social media accounts used by employees of CCPS shall be approved annually by the school principal. The approval process will include the sharing of log iPS. Except as provided in this Rule, CCPS prohibits communications between students and staff through social media.
Transparency:
- Employees may communicate with students or groups of students as long as the communication is intended for and available to the general public and parents have access to the platform.
- If a teacher has approval and wants to use social media as a form of communication to students as part of the instructional program, information about the use of any social media shall be included in the classroom syllabus or extracurricular information, and department supervisors and school administration shall approve any social media tools being used. The classroom syllabus will include a clear statement of the purpose and outcomes for the use of any networking tool.
- Parents/Guardians have the right to opt-out of using social media or from having their children in CCPS use social media. This can be done by formal, written direction to their child’s school. Teachers cannot require social media as part of their instructional program and must provide equal alternatives as needed.
- The principal has the authority to deny or revoke any teacher’s use of social media as part of the educational process.
- Teachers should enforce clear rules and expectations for students on social media related to the classroom, including proper language and respect. These rules should be clearly and explicitly stated in the classroom syllabus.
- Teachers must inform parents of the social media tools being used, how their children are being contacted online, and the expectations for appropriate behavior.
- Employees may not communicate one-on-one with individual students through social media, including but not limited to texting, emailing, instant messaging, group messaging, commenting, “liking,” or following of student’s social media pages and the use of chat rooms, except through Synergy Mail or other CCPS authorized platform. Any authorized communication must be directly related to an educational purpose or activity connected to the school setting. This provision does not apply to communication with employees’ relatives outside of the school setting. Any other one-on-one communication for any other purpose shall be deemed to be outside the scope of employment and may subject the employee to disciplinary action.
General Conduct:
- Employees should be aware that they will be identified as working for and representing the school in what they do and say online.
- Employee communications with students should be professional and appropriate within the context of the teacher/student relationship.
- Employee should treat social media as an extension of the classroom and should weigh every posting for how it reflects their effectiveness as CCPS employees.
- Employees who use social media for CCPS purposes may NOT include personally identifiable information about a student in any posting made available to anyone who is not legally entitled to the information.
- Employees may not use inappropriate language, or images including language deemed to be defamatory, obscene, proprietary, or libelous. Caution must be exercised with regards to exaggeration, inappropriate language, legal conclusions, and derogatory remarks or characterizations.
- All laws pertaining to copyright and intellectual property must be obeyed.
- All online communications must be retained according to the Charles County Public Schools Record Retention Rule and can be monitored.
- Violation of the Superintendent’s Rules may be grounds for discipline up to and including termination as well as a loss of the teacher’s certification.
Privacy and Content:
- Users must pay close attention to the site's security settings and allow only approved participants access to the site.
- Employees must adhere to CCPS guidelines when posting student pictures and using student names. Images that include students whose parents have opted out of media exposure should not be posted.
- If an employee learns of information on a social networking site that falls under the mandatory reporting guidelines, they must report it as required by law.
STUDENT USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
- CCPS may provide access to designated social media sites deemed appropriate for students, solely for instructional purposes, on CCPS computers, tablets, or other mobile devices. CCPS reserves the right to discontinue access to any designated social media site and/or provide access to additional social media sites as necessary and appropriate for legitimate instructional purposes for students to use. In instances where access to designated CCPS social media sites is provided, CCPS administration shall have access to and may regulate such use.
- Student misuse of social media may have a negative and/or severe impact on a school learning environment, or risk the safety of staff and students, and shall be addressed by CCPS under the Code of Student Conduct guidelines.
- Moreover, student use of social media off school grounds having a nexus to, or having an impact on, the normal operations of a school, learning environments, or the safety of students or staff, shall be addressed by CCPS as a violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
- Students shall not use social media to communicate with employees except in cases where such use is regulated and monitored by CCPS administration and the students’ parents/guardians for the purpose of furthering a bona fide CCPS educational initiative.
- Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to report any improper communication from a CCPS employee to the school principal or other staff member.
REPORTING MISUSE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
- When an employee becomes aware of an incident that involves the misuse of social media, the staff member shall immediately report the incident to the principal. If the incident involves the safety or security of a student or staff member, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office may be called.
- If it is determined that the incident is a direct result of misuse of social media, the school administrator will address the incident according to Code of Student Conduct.
- The school administrator/designee should be aware that some acts pertaining to the misuse of social media could also be delinquent acts. If they are delinquent acts, they shall be reported promptly to the responsible law enforcement agency.
- Students, parents/guardians, and staff are encouraged to report the misuse of social media to CCPS administrators.
- Students who violate any of the rules on social media may be subject to discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion.
During the Season and Activity
- Issue equipment and maintain the appropriate records.
- Make available to every player a copy of Team Expectations for Practice Sessions and Games.
- A signed (student and parent) copy should be on file with the athletic director.
- Assume responsibility for enforcing the rules mentioned in Item #2.
- Set an example of good moral and physical behavior.
- Submit to the athletic director a complete list of players at the end of the first day of practice.
- Keep an emergency medical card readily accessible at all practices and games for each student-athlete.
- Check attendance and keep record of absences.
- Report all injuries to the athletic director immediately.
- Proper accident reports should be completed as necessary.
- Coaches are responsible for supervision of their athletes before, during, and after practice and/or games, until all students have been picked up by parents/guardians.
- Promote sportsmanship.
- Assign times for participants to report to the dressing room for home games.
- Assign times for participants to report to the bus for away games.
- See that practice is held regularly so that participants are in good physical condition.
- Conduct practices only under supervision of authorized personnel.
- Develop a player list, including uniform number, for use in an effective program.
- Select reliable student managers for each sport.
- Check school absentee lists to determine if absences are lawful or unlawful.
- Personally supervise the dressing room and shower areas. Stress safety in these areas.
- Report to practice thirty minutes before announced practice time on non-school days.
- Secure building and/or locker facilities during practice, after practice and after each game.
- Help keep coaches’ offices clean.
- Teach fundamentals.
- Report immediately any damage or loss in property and equipment to the proper authority and AD.
- Make sure all players fulfill the eligibility requirements of the state, county and school.
- Assume responsibility for conduct and well-being of every player.
- Conduct self and manage team in a manner to be a credit to the school and the community.
After the Season/Activity:
- Collect and check in all equipment. A complete inventory must be turned in to the athletic director/Principal.
- Make a list of missing equipment, including the student responsible.
- See that equipment is placed in proper storage area.
- Put aside any equipment needing repair and give a list of this equipment to the athletic director.
- Collect cost of lost equipment from players. Turn in money collected to athletic director.
- Make a list of all players who qualify for letter awards, etc.
- List of special honors received by team members.
- Attend coaches' meetings, clinics, etc.
- Evaluate varsity assistant coaches, junior varsity head coaches, junior varsity assistant coaches, freshman head coaches and freshman assistant coaches.
- Complete list of school records for each sport including new records set for the season, etc.
- Budget request for next season. Items should be listed in order of priority.
COACH’S PRE-SEASON MEETING CHECKLIST
CHARLES COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS - PRE-SEASON MEETING
TEAM RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Code of Conduct
- Expectations
- Sportsmanship
- Chain of Command
- Eligibility
COMMUNICATIONS WITH TEAM
- Social Media Rule
SELECTION OF TEAM MEMBERS
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
- Times and Dates
- Inclement Weather Adjustments
PRE-GAME AND POST-GAME PROCEDURES
TRAVEL POLICY
Assistant Coach/Sponsor Responsibilities
- Be knowledgeable of the contents of the Charles County Public Schools Extra-Curricular Handbook and adhere to and enforce all policies pertaining to athletics and organization sponsorship.
- Assist head coach/sponsor with pre-season meeting.
- Report directly to head coach/sponsor.
- Set an example of good moral and physical behavior.
- Make recommendations to the head coach for improvements, new equipment, etc.
- Report to practice thirty minutes before announced practice time on non-school days.
- Secure building during each practice.
- Secure building after each practice and game.
- Help keep coach's office clean.
- Inform players of their responsibilities and enforce all rules set up by the school, county, and state.
- Teach fundamentals.
- Promote sportsmanship.
- Check constantly for damaged property and equipment and report damage immediately to the proper authority.
- Make sure all players fulfill the eligibility requirements of Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association and the Charles County Board of Education.
- Provide the athletic director/principal with all pertinent certifications required by the MPSSAA and Charles County Public Schools.
- Supervise every minute of every practice/activity.
- Assume responsibility for conduct and well-being of every player/student on trips.
- Delegate duties to student managers but retain responsibility for their action.
- Conduct self and team in a manner to be a credit to the school and the community.
- Attend all varsity games and assist head coach or scout for the varsity.
Coach Evaluation
Coaching evaluations in Charles County are performed for three reasons. First, if expectancies are clear and concise, there should be an improvement of coaching techniques and overall professional performance. Second, the evaluation process insures a direct communication of the professional standing of the coach. Most often this will be a positive reinforcement for a job well done. Third, the evaluation process can provide documentation on the system needs for coaching personnel.
Included in the Handbook is an example of the Head Coach Evaluation. Coaches should study it carefully and pay particular attention to the overall rating system. Coaches can easily determine that all categories of evaluation are important, but that "Coaching Effectiveness" and "Administrative Responsibility" receive more emphasis.
Also provided is a schedule indicating when each coach is to be evaluated. The athletic director in conjunction with the school principal is to evaluate head coaches. The athletic director and head coach are to evaluate the assistant coach.
Any coach can be evaluated in any year. The minimum evaluations must be done according to the following schedule:
Last Name
- A-L Must be evaluated in even fiscal years.
- M-Z Must be evaluated in odd fiscal years.
All first-year coaches are to be evaluated.
Extra Pay for Extra Duties
Compensation for teachers provided by the Extra Pay Scale for Extra Duties shall be applicable under the following conditions:
- The assignment to each extra-curricular position shall be made annually in writing and shall be for one school year.
- It is understood that the principal determines the assignment's scope and the teacher/coach accepting it is directly responsible to the principal.
- The specific extra-curricular programs and the number of teachers/coaches assigned to each activity in each school shall be determined and approved by the superintendent of schools.
- No teacher/coach may coach more than two activities per year for compensation, except as authorized by the superintendent of schools or his/her designee.
- No coach may receive compensation for more than one head coaching and one assistant coaching assignment per year, except as authorized by the superintendent of schools or his/her designee.
- No coach may receive compensation for more than one sport per season.
- Payment will be made for each activity. Such payment will be included in the end of the month salary check following receipt of verification from the school principal that the teacher/coach has discharged his/her responsibilities as outlined in the job description.
- The assignment of administrative personnel to extra duty positions is discouraged because effective administration of a school is considered a full-time assignment. Approval of the superintendent of schools or his designee will be necessary for the appointment of an administrator to extra duty positions.
- A teacher of one school coaching an activity in another shall have the approval of both principals and is strongly discouraged.
The positions listed below have been approved for extra pay at the designated rate listed. The rate of pay represents a maximum stipend and is contingent upon the individual fulfilling all the provisions of the Extra Pay for Extra Duty contract. In the event the principal reduces a stipend because all provisions have not been fulfilled, the decision shall be made after a conference between the principal and the employee. The schedule for extra pay is as follows:
EPED Position |
Season |
Activity Type |
Pay Category |
Amount |
---|---|---|---|---|
Athletic Director |
Year |
Athletics |
0 |
5270 |
Football Coach - Head Varsity |
Fall |
Athletics |
2 |
3266 |
Band Director (HS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
3 |
2722 |
Basketball Coach - Head Varsity (boys and girls) |
Winter |
Athletics |
3 |
2722 |
Wrestling Coach - Head Varsity |
Winter |
Athletics |
3 |
2722 |
Football Coach - Head JV |
Fall |
Athletics |
4 |
2450 |
Baseball Coach - Head Varsity |
Spring |
Athletics |
5 |
2312 |
Outdoor Track Coach - Head Varsity (boys and girls) |
Spring |
Athletics |
5 |
2312 |
ROTC Activities Sponsor |
Year |
Academic Club |
5 |
2312 |
Softball Coach - Head Varsity |
Spring |
Athletics |
5 |
2312 |
Theater Manager (HS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
5 |
2312 |
Choral Director (HS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
6 |
2178 |
Drama Sponsor (HS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
6 |
2178 |
Volleyball Coach - Head Varsity |
Fall |
Athletics |
6 |
2178 |
Wrestling Coach - Head JV |
Winter |
Athletics |
6 |
2178 |
Basketball Coach - Assistant JV (boys and girls) |
Winter |
Athletics |
7 |
2042 |
Basketball Coach - Assistant Varsity (boys and girls) |
Winter |
Athletics |
7 |
2042 |
Basketball Coach - Head JV (boys and girls) |
Winter |
Athletics |
7 |
2042 |
Field Hockey Coach - Head Varsity |
Fall |
Athletics |
7 |
2042 |
Football Coach - Assistant, all levels |
Fall |
Athletics |
7 |
2042 |
Lacrosse Coach - Head Varsity (boys and girls) |
Spring |
Athletics |
7 |
2042 |
Soccer Coach - Head Varsity (boys and girls) |
Fall |
Athletics |
7 |
2042 |
Unified Sports District Rep |
Year |
Athletics |
7 |
2042 |
Wrestling Coach - Assistant Varsity/JV |
Winter |
Athletics |
7 |
2042 |
AVID Coordinator (MS, HS) |
Year |
Staff Support |
8 |
1906 |
CCASC Advisor |
Year |
Student Government |
8 |
1906 |
Cheerleading (Fall) Coach - Head |
Fall |
Athletics |
8 |
1906 |
Cheerleading (Winter) Coach - Head |
Winter |
Athletics |
8 |
1906 |
NHS Sponsor (HS) |
Year |
Academic Club |
8 |
1906 |
PBIS Coordinator (ES, MS, HS) |
Year |
Staff Support |
8 |
1906 |
Tennis Coach - Head |
Spring |
Athletics |
8 |
1906 |
Marching Band Director |
Fall |
Fine Arts |
9 |
1770 |
Outdoor Track Coach - Assistant Varsity (boys and girls) |
Spring |
Athletics |
9 |
1770 |
Yearbook Sponsor (HS) |
Year |
Service Club |
9 |
1770 |
Baseball Coach - Assistant |
Spring |
Athletics |
10 |
1633 |
Baseball Coach - Head JV |
Spring |
Athletics |
10 |
1633 |
Cross Country Coach - Head |
Fall |
Athletics |
10 |
1633 |
Golf Coach -Head |
Fall |
Athletics |
10 |
1633 |
Indoor Track Coach - Head |
Winter |
Athletics |
10 |
1633 |
Junior/Senior Class Sponsor |
Year |
Student Government |
10 |
1633 |
Newspaper Sponsor (HS) |
Year |
Service Club |
10 |
1633 |
SGA Sponsor (HS) |
Year |
Student Government |
10 |
1633 |
Softball Coach - Head JV |
Spring |
Athletics |
10 |
1633 |
Softball Coach -Assistant Varsity |
Spring |
Athletics |
10 |
1633 |
Band Director (MS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
11 |
1496 |
Cheerleading (Fall) Coach - Assistant/Head JV |
Fall |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Cheerleading (Winter) Coach - Assistant/Head JV |
Winter |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Choral Director (MS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
11 |
1496 |
Dept Chair/Team Leader 15+ members |
Year |
Staff Support |
11 |
1496 |
Drama Sponsor (MS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
11 |
1496 |
Field Hockey Coach - Assistant |
Fall |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Field Hockey Coach - Head JV |
Fall |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Lacrosse Coach - Head JV (boys and girls) |
Spring |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Lacrosse Coach - Assistant Varsity (boys and girls) |
Spring |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Orchestra Director (HS, MS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
11 |
1496 |
Poms |
Fall |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Poms |
Winter |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Soccer Coach - Assistant Varsity (boys and girls) |
Fall |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Soccer Coach - Head JV (boys and girls) |
Fall |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Soccer Coach- Assistant JV |
Fall |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Unified Track and Field Coach - Head |
Spring |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Volleyball Coach - Assistant Varsity |
Fall |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Volleyball Coach - Head JV |
Fall |
Athletics |
11 |
1496 |
Dept Chair/Team Leader 10-14 members |
Year |
Staff Support |
12 |
1360 |
Swimming Coach - Head |
Winter |
Athletics |
12 |
1360 |
Track Coach - Assistant JV |
Winter |
Athletics |
12 |
1360 |
Yearbook Sponsor (MS) |
Year |
Service Club |
12 |
1360 |
Art Event Lead Teacher (ES, MS, HS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
13 |
953 |
Band Event Lead Teacher (ES, MS, HS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
13 |
953 |
Band Front Units |
Fall |
Fine Arts |
13 |
953 |
Basketball Coach - Freshman |
Winter |
Athletics |
13 |
953 |
Cheerleading Coach- Freshman |
Fall |
Athletics |
13 |
953 |
Cheerleading Coach – Freshman |
Winter |
Athletics |
13 |
953 |
Chorus Event Lead Teacher (ES, MS, HS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
13 |
953 |
Cross Country Coach - Assistant |
Fall |
Athletics |
13 |
953 |
Dept Chair/Team Leader 6-9 members |
Fall |
Staff Support |
13 |
953 |
DI Sponsor (ES, MS, HS) |
Year |
Academic Club |
13 |
953 |
Freshman/Sophomore Class Sponsor |
Year |
Student Government |
13 |
953 |
Golf Coach - Assistant |
Year |
Athletics |
13 |
953 |
Inclusion Support Coordinator |
Fall |
Staff Support |
13 |
953 |
Orchestra Event Lead Teacher (ES, MS, HS) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
13 |
953 |
Swimming Coach - Assistant |
Year |
Athletics |
13 |
953 |
Tennis Coach - Assistant |
Winter |
Athletics |
13 |
953 |
Theater Event Lead Teacher (ES, MS, HS) |
Spring |
Fine Arts |
13 |
953 |
Unified Bocce Coach - Head |
Year |
Fine Arts |
13 |
953 |
Unified Tennis Coach - Head |
Winter |
Athletics |
13 |
953 |
Weight Room Monitor |
Fall |
Athletics |
13 |
953 |
Best Buddies (ES, MS, HS) |
Year |
Service Club |
13 |
953 |
Dept Chair/Team Leader 1-5 members |
Year |
Staff Support |
14 |
817 |
Educators Rising Sponsor |
Year |
Academic Club |
14 |
817 |
It's Academic Sponsor (HS) |
Year |
Academic Club |
14 |
817 |
Key Club Sponsor (HS) |
Year |
Service Club |
14 |
817 |
Math Team/MathCounts Sponsor (HS, MS) |
Year |
Academic Club |
14 |
817 |
MESA Sponsor (ES, MS, HS) |
Year |
Academic Club |
14 |
817 |
Mock Trial Sponsor (HS) |
Year |
Academic Club |
14 |
817 |
Public Relations Liaison |
Year |
Staff Support |
14 |
817 |
SADD/Just Say No Sponsor |
Year |
Service Club |
14 |
817 |
SGA Advisor (MS) |
Year |
Student Government |
14 |
817 |
Skills USA Sponsor (HS) |
Year |
Academic Club |
14 |
817 |
SSL Coordinator (MS, HS) |
Year |
Staff Support |
14 |
817 |
Synergy Coordinator |
Year |
Staff Support |
14 |
817 |
Itinerant Instrumental Music Teacher - 2+ schools |
Year |
Fine Arts |
14 |
817 |
Math Team Sponsor (ES) |
Year |
Academic Club |
15 |
680 |
NJHS Sponsor (MS) |
Year |
Academic Club |
15 |
680 |
Robotics Team Sponsor (ES) |
Year |
Academic Club |
15 |
680 |
Yearbook Sponsor (ES) |
Year |
Service Club |
15 |
680 |
All County Chorus Program Director - East |
Year |
Fine Arts |
15 |
680 |
All County Chorus Program Director - West |
Spring |
Fine Arts |
16 |
379 |
Instrumental Music Teacher (ES) |
Year |
Fine Arts |
16 |
379 |
MS Tournament Coach - Archery |
Spring |
Athletics |
16 |
379 |
MS Tournament Coach - Basketball |
Winter |
Athletics |
16 |
379 |
MS Tournament Coach - Golf |
Fall |
Athletics |
16 |
379 |
MS Tournament Coach - Track & Field |
Spring |
Athletics |
16 |
379 |
MS Tournament Coach - Volleyball |
Fall |
Athletics |
16 |
379 |
Builders Club Sponsor (MS) |
Year |
Service Club |
17 |
137 |
Environmental Science Sponsor (ES) |
Spring |
Academic Club |
17 |
137 |
General Music Teacher |
Year |
Fine Arts |
17 |
137 |
K-Kids Club Sponsor (ES) |
Year |
Service Club |
17 |
137 |
Spelling Bee Sponsor (MS Only) |
Winter |
Academic Club |
17 |
137 |
Musical Production Orchestra Director |
Varies |
Fine Arts |
$400 |
|
Musical Production Vocal Music Coach |
Varies |
Fine Arts |
$500 |
|
Musical Production Director |
Varies |
Fine Arts |
$700 |
|
In the event an athletic director is assigned to coach a listed sport, he/she would be limited to receiving the stipend for serving as athletic director and coaching one sport per year. All vacancies for extra pay positions will be adequately publicized. Assumption of all extra pay duties shall be voluntary, and the signature of the employee shall be required on the contract prior to performing the duties.
Interscholastic Athletics in Charles County
The following athletic programs may be organized and conducted on the high school level.
Boys |
Girls |
Co-Ed |
Unified Sports |
---|---|---|---|
Football |
Field Hockey |
Tennis |
Bocce |
Basketball |
Basketball |
Cheerleading |
Track |
Baseball |
Softball |
Golf |
Tennis |
Cross Country |
Cross Country |
|
|
Track and Field |
Track and Field |
|
|
Soccer |
Soccer |
|
|
Wrestling |
Volleyball |
|
|
Indoor Track |
Indoor Track |
|
|
Swimming |
Swimming |
|
|
Lacrosse |
Lacrosse |
|
Addition or Deletion of Sports to the School Program
Addition of a Sports/Team Activity
The following procedures are to be used when considering a sport to be added to the athletic program. No club or team activity may be added without being sanctioned/approved through these procedures. The sport must be recognized by the MPSSAA as a sport in Maryland.
- A written report should be submitted to the director of student activities by a school through the principal indicating the sport to be added and a rationale. This report must be submitted by September 1 of the year prior to a sports implementation.
The report should include the following information:- name of sport
- justification
- budget
- student interest
- availability of coaches
- availability of facilities
- equipment/supplies
- scheduling
- transportation
- officials
- impact on Title IX
- recommended implementation date/timeline/level of competition
- insurance
- The director of student activities should forward this report to the Charles County Athletic Council for consideration and discussion.
- The Charles County Athletic Council should review the report and forward a recommendation to the Executive Director of Schools.
- The Executive Director of Schools should review the Charles County Athletic Council recommendation and submit the report to the Superintendent of Schools.
- If the recommendation of the Charles County Athletic Council is for approval and the Superintendent of Schools agrees, the report should be forwarded to the Board of Education as an action item.
- At any time, the written report of the initiating school/principal should be returned if more information is needed.
- For any sport that is added, there must be an adequate number of students to make up the team(s). A recommended number is two times the number of players needed to field a team, not including current grade 12 students.
- All high schools with a senior class will offer a sport on the varsity level before a junior varsity team is offered in the sport. Any new school that is opened, the sports level of play at the school will be determined based on the class breakdown.
- Approval by the Board of Education should be by December 1 of the year prior to the addition of the sport.
Dissolving of a sport/Team Activity
Any written request to dissolve sport, club, organization, or activity must outline the reasons why the deletion is desired and pertinent background facts and information that support the reasoning. The principal will send the written request to the director of student activities. The director of student activities will forward this information to the Charles County Athletic Council. The Council will review and forward a recommendation to the Chief of Schools for review.
Cheerleading
Cheerleading squads are approved school teams recognized by the Charles County Board of Education. They comprise an integral part of the Charles County Athletic Program.
The purpose of cheerleaders is to convey school spirit while supporting the competitive sporting events of the school. Cheerleaders act as liaisons to motivate and unite spectators of other athletic teams that are competing by incorporating cheers, dances, and other crowd involvement techniques. They are also representatives of the school and community. The cheerleading squads are team-based activities that promote fitness, trust, self-esteem, enthusiasm, and fun! As a cheerleader, students will perform cheers, stunts, dances, tumbling, and many other activities that involve spectator involvement. Additional activities include cheerleading camps, team-building courses, and cheerleading competitions to improve skill level, teamwork, and self-confidence.
- Objectives for Cheerleaders - A cheerleader will be able to:
- Promote school spirit.
- Control crowds through organized leadership.
- Provide support and recognition for all athletic teams and other school groups as appropriate.
- Practice and always encourage good sportsmanship and mature behavior.
- Lead organized cheers and chants to the student body and other spectators.
- Acquaint students with a variety of appropriate cheers to be used in different situations.
- Become knowledgeable of the sports for which they are going to cheer.
- Ensure visiting teams are always welcomed and courteously treated.
- Standards and Procedures for Cheerleading:
- Squad members must try out each season to qualify for a position on that season’s squad.
- All skills and spotting techniques should be in accordance with National Federation of High Schools Spirit rules for cheerleading. All pyramids will be limited to "two high" levels involving no more than 3 levels. (1-1/2-1/2 no 4-1/2's). Individual schools may decide not to use any pyramids. Stunts, which require skill beyond the ability of the squad, should be eliminated.
- Cheerleading must follow all MPSSAA rules and guidelines pertaining to out of season practices and summer camps.
- All cheerleaders should respect the integrity and judgment of sports officials and display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.
- It is expected that practices will be held frequently in preparation for the season.
- Each squad will cover a minimum number of events as determined by the school administrator.
- Cheerleaders should be dressed appropriately for all practices, including proper shoes, loose fitting shorts and full T-shirts.
- All those eligible for tryouts will receive a schedule of tryout dates, words and guidelines for cheers, a sample evaluation sheet, and a detailed description of the selection criteria and tryout procedures, expectations of behavior in various situations, safety in dress for practice, etc.
- The coach is responsible for the selection of the cheerleading squad.
- Twelfth grade students may not participate on the junior varsity squad. It is recommended that eleventh grade students participate on the varsity squad.
- Cheerleading Responsibilities:
- At away games, the squad will sit in the area designated by the athletic director of the host school.
- The members of the cheerleading squad shall:
- Conduct themselves in a courteous, polite, and considerate manner, reflecting good sportsmanship.
- Extend courtesy toward spectators, teams, and cheerleaders of the other school.
- Refrain from the use of profanity or any other unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Practice sessions, events, and activities shall be attended by all squad members unless excused by prior consent of the coach.
- Uniforms shall be worn at all cheerleading and related activities and only for official school functions as approved by the coach.
- Uniforms shall be always kept clean and in good condition.
- The captain shall have the responsibility to communicate with the coach concerning all activities of the squad.
- Each squad shall have current team expectations.
- Cheerleaders are not to wear any jewelry while participating in cheerleading practices, games, and competitions.
Player Eligibility
- Maryland State Eligibility Code
- Charles County Player Eligibility Code
- Squad Membership
- Enforcement of the Code
- Eligibility Roster Form
- Unified Sports
- Out of Season Programs and Activities
- Out of Season Participating Guidelines
Maryland State Eligibility Code
Section 1 - Student eligibility for participation in interscholastic athletics at the secondary level shall be based on the following criteria:
- Students must be officially registered and attending the member MPSSAA School they are authorized to attend under regulations of the local school system. They may represent only the school in which they are registered and at which it is anticipated they will complete their graduation requirements.
- Students who are 19 years of age or older as of August 31 are ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for the school year ahead.
- Students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 may participate in interscholastic for a maximum of four (4) seasons in any one sport.
- Seventh and eighth grade students are not eligible to compete or practice with or against varsity and/or junior varsity athletic teams.
- Students must maintain an amateur status as defined by the National Federation of High Schools.
- Students, while participating on a school team, are permitted to participate on sports teams outside of school during the high school sports season. Such participation must meet the following criteria:
- The outside participation may not conflict with the sports schedule of the school including district, regional and state championship play. (Sports schedule includes games and practices.)
- A student who elects to participate on an outside team and does not participate on the school team during the designated sport's season is ineligible to represent his/her school in all meets and games that determine a county, district, regional, or state championship.
- All students must be examined and determined to be physically fit to participate in any tryout, practice, or contest of a school team. A licensed physician or a physician’s assistant under the supervision of a licensed certified physician must perform the exam. Certification of the exam must be provided to the high school principal and on file with the school’s athletic director before a student may participate in a school-sponsored athletic activity. A parent/guardian and healthcare provider must sign and date the physical form (MPSSAA/Charles County Physical Form available at all high schools). All incoming 9th graders must also have a physical prior to participating in any high school athletics, including spring or summer weight training.
A physical is valid for one year from the date of the examination. The anniversary date of the physical should be prior to the beginning of any sports season. Parents and students are responsible for keeping physicals up to date. - The following forms need to be completed and turned into the athletic director for clearance before a student can try-out: (submitted online/electronically)
- Student/Parent Athletic Handbook signed permission form within item (d)
- Parental Consent/Physical Form
- Athletic Emergency Medical Card
- Pre-Season Athletic Eligibility Clearance Form
- A student may participate when he or she has legally transferred to another school. "Legally Transferred" means a change of residence or a transfer from one school to another by action approved by the local superintendent of schools.
- A student must present to his or her high school principal a certificate from his or her parent or guardian indicating their permission for participation.
- Any student who has been awarded a high school diploma shall be ineligible to compete in athletics.
Charles County Player Eligibility Code
Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Subtitle 05, chapter 03.02 Eligibility Each local school system shall establish standards of participation which assure that students involved in interscholastic athletics are making satisfactory progress toward graduation.
Extracurricular Activities and Athletics Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
First Quarter |
Eligibility is based on the final grade (23-24) report card |
2.00 Final GPA, fewer than 5 days absence (Q4), no failing Final grades |
All incoming 9th grade students are automatically eligible for the first semester (first and second quarters) |
---|---|---|---|
Second Quarter |
Eligibility is based on the first quarter (24-25) report card |
2.00 GPA, fewer than 5 days absence, no failing grades |
|
Third Quarter | Eligibility is based on the second quarter (24-25) report card | 2.00 GPA, fewer than 5 days absence, no failing grades | |
Fourth Quarter< | Eligibility is based on the third quarter (24-25) report card | 2.00 GPA, fewer than 5 days absence, no failing grades |
In addition to the eligibility regulations set forth in the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association Handbook, the following regulations shall apply to all students of Charles County.
- An individual must be a registered full-time student in Charles County Public Schools to participate in any extracurricular activity. A full-time student, for this purpose, is defined as a student registered in four (4) or more courses or in an approved college or principal waiver program, except in special circumstances.
- Academic Eligibility Based on Policy #6431 (Adopted February 9, 2014; Last Revised April 17, 2018; Last Reviewed April 17, 2018, Revised August 9, 2022), General Curricula: Extra-curricular Activities and Athletics Eligibility Requirements for Grades 6-12
The Charles County Board of Education extends the privilege of extracurricular activities and athletics to students who recognize their obligation to themselves, their co-participants and their school community while striving for academic excellence.
Extracurricular activities are defined as any activity pursued outside of a student’s class enrollment. Examples of extracurricular activities include athletics, clubs, and student government associations. Extracurricular programs help provide valuable experiences and are considered an integral part of the total educational program. Involvement in extracurricular activities often have a positive influence on the academic achievement of students. It is the goal of this policy to help students successfully balance academics and extracurricular activities to provide opportunities for a well-rounded educational experience.
Activities that support specific content curriculum would not fall under the eligibility policy if the student were enrolled in the credit bearing class. Examples of activities that do not fall under the eligibility criteria include fine and performing arts, J.R.O.T.C. drill competitions, and Skills U.S.A.
Extracurricular Activities and Athletics Eligibility Requirements
Grade | Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|
First Time 9th Graders |
|
Repeat 9th Graders & 10-12th Graders |
|
Lawful Absences as Defined by COMAR 13A.08.01.03
- Illness of a student documented by a parent note
- Court summons
- Death of family member
- emergency as approved by the principaL
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Work approved or sponsored by the school
- Observance of a religious holiday
- State of emergency
- Lack of authorized transportation
In addition, the following guidelines will be adhered to when determining eligibility for each quarter:
- Except for students promoted from eighth grade to ninth grade, students who wish to participate in fall extracurricular and/or athletic activities will need to meet eligibility requirements based on their final grade-point average at the end of the previous year.
- Except for students promoted from eighth grade to ninth grade, students who wish to participate in winter extracurricular and/or athletic activities will need to meet eligibility requirements based on their first quarter grade-point average.
- Students who wish to participate in spring extracurricular and or athletic activities will need to meet eligibility requirements based on their second quarter grade-point average.
- Except for students promoted from eighth grade to ninth grade in their first semester, if a student received a failing grade in quarters 1,2, or 3, she/he is ineligible for the remainder of the season, for post-season play, and for the following quarter.
- Students academically ineligible at the end of the school year due to a failing grade may regain eligibility by attending and passing any/all summer school class(es) offered that caused the student’s ineligibility. Students may regain eligibility only by taking the same summer school class to improve a failing grade or the corresponding equivalent that meets graduation requirements. Grade point average requirements will be recalculated after the completion of summer school.
- Summer school classes taken for original credit do not count towards or against eligibility.
- Students cannot gain or regain eligibility at interim or at any time during the quarter and/or season.
Extra-curricular Activities and Athletics Requirements: High Schools
Eligibility requirements must be met for students to participate in competitions, non-curricular performances and in activities which represent a CCPS school or district. Activities include, but are not limited to:
Competition |
Performance |
Club/Other |
---|---|---|
All Athletics |
|
|
Band Fronts |
Cheerleading |
SGA: Officers, Reps and CCASC |
Black Saga |
Dance Team |
Class Officers |
Cheerleading |
Pep Band |
Key Club |
Debate Team |
Fine & Performing Arts (if not enrolled in class) |
National Honor Society |
DI |
Jazz Band |
|
Educators Rising |
Poms |
|
Envirothon |
Marching Band (non-competition) |
|
FBLA |
Modeling |
|
It’s Academic |
Show Troupe |
|
Math Counts |
Step Team |
|
Fine & Performing Arts (If not enrolled in class) |
|
|
Math Team |
|
|
Marching Band (if not enrolled in class) |
|
|
MESA |
|
|
Mock Trial |
|
|
Model UN |
|
|
Poms |
|
|
Rifle Team (if not enrolled in JROTC) |
|
|
Sea Perch |
|
|
Spelling Bee |
|
|
Step Team |
|
|
Unified Sports |
|
|
Vex Robotics |
|
|
Superintendent’s Rule 6431
General Curricula: Extra-Curricular Activities and Athletics Eligibility Requirements for Grades 6-12
Legal Adopted November 10, 2015
For the purposes of determining eligibility of students to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics under Board Policy 6431, the following definitions shall be used.
Extracurricular activities are defined as any school activity that is non-credit bearing including athletics. Extracurricular activities are limited to an activity that is not directly connected to the school’s academic program, and where students:
- compete with students from other schools (such as intramural athletics or a robotics team); or
- represent the school (such as in student government); or
- perform (such as in a school play or musical group, unless enrolled in the class).
Extracurricular activities do not include academic support and supervised, structured skill-development activities, such as fine and performing arts workshops, tutoring programs, mentoring programs, and open gyms.
Days absent are defined to include any absence from school for a full day or any portion of the day for any reason other than those directly related to the following:
- Death in the immediate family, limited to a parent/guardian, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, first cousin, or any individual who has regularly shared the household with the student.
- Illness of the student supported by a physician’s certificate.
- Illness of the student sent home due to the illness at the recommendation of the school nurse for the remainder of that school day. An additional one or two consecutive school days immediately following that first day may be excused if supported by a written explanation from the student’s parent/guardian.
- Health exclusion, as determined by the school.
- Court summons; or
- Other emergency or set of circumstances which in the judgment of the principal constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence from school, including educational trips and college visits, as defined by Superintendent’s Rule 5122.
- Up to five parent notes will be accepted per quarter to excuse absences. Parent notes must be submitted within five days of the absence for absence to be excused.
The principal retains the authority to require documentation of any days absent.
Any determination of ineligibility under Board Policy 6431 shall be listed on the student’s report card from the previous quarter. Parents may appeal the determination of ineligibility to the principal of the school by completing an Extra-Curricular Eligibility Appeal form. If the principal upholds the ineligibility, parents may appeal that decision by addressing the appeal in writing to the Office of School Administration no later than 30 days after principal’s decision. A decision by the Office of School Administration to uphold an ineligibility determination may be appealed to the Board of Education in writing within 30 days of the date of the written decision by the Office of School Administration. The student shall be ineligible during the appeal unless and until the ineligibility determination is reversed, in which case the student shall immediately become eligible.
This Rule shall apply to determining eligibility for the second quarter of the 2015-2016 school year and beyond. Specifically, any student who is absent, as defined by this Rule, for more than 4.5 days in the first quarter of the 2015-2016 school year shall not be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities or athletics in the second quarter of the 2015-2016 school year. In future eligibility determinations, absences in the previous quarter shall be the determining factor. Nothing in this Rule shall be interpreted to override any other factor in determining eligibility, including the minimum required GPA as stated in Board Policy 6431.
- Attendance Eligibility:
- If a student is unlawfully absent five (4.5) or more school days during the 9-week grading period, he/she becomes ineligible. All absences count against eligibility except those coded M2 for medical reasons, 01 for death in the immediate family, or 04 for court appearance.
- Up to five parent notes will be accepted per quarter to excuse absences. Parent notes must be submitted within five days of the absence for absence to be excused.
- If a student is absent the entire day due to illness, he/she may not practice, compete, or perform.
- If a student is absent in afternoon classes, he/she may not practice, compete, or perform.
- If a student is absent in the morning, he/she must attend at least ½ of their classes.
- Students absent for excused reasons other than illness have no restriction on that day’s practice or game. However, the principal must approve the absence prior to participation.
- Students suspended from school for any reason shall not be eligible unless reinstated by the principal and they attend more than ½ of their class periods for one day. This includes in-school suspension programs. A copy of the policy for Reinstatement of Suspended Student/Athletes is included in the handbook.
- A student may participate in interscholastic athletics only if regularly enrolled in school the previous semester. The only exception to this rule would be withdrawal due to physical disability.
- Participation Limitations: A student shall only be eligible for participation on any interscholastic athletic team for eight consecutive semesters, absent unusual hardship as determined by the Superintendent or designee. The eight consecutive semesters are counted from the time the student first enters ninth grade in any CCPS school or any other public school, private school, charter school, parochial school, or equivalent home school setting in any jurisdiction
Reinstatement of Suspended Student-Athletes
FIRST SUSPENSION:
- Once the student is suspended by the principal for violation of school rules and regulations, he/she is automatically suspended from participation in all school activities pending reinstatement.
- The student will serve the length of the suspension as determined by the principal.
- After the suspension has been served, the student will be reinstated to school by the principal who issued the suspension if all conditions have been met.
- Prior to return to his/her sports team or extra-curricular organization, the student will then meet with the principal (or his/her designee) and the athletic director. The purpose of the meeting will be to decide whether to reinstate the student for athletic participation. The parent and coach could also be included in this meeting.
SECOND SUSPENSION:
- If a second suspension during a sport season occurs, the student/athlete will not be reinstated to the sports team after return to school from the suspension.
- A student may participate in interscholastic athletics only if regularly enrolled in their home school or enrolled in any approved alternative CCPS educational program the previous semester.
- Students may not participate in junior varsity athletics if they are in attendance more than six (6) semesters.
- Athletic eligibility forms will be provided to the schools. These forms are to be completed and returned to the director of student activities prior to the opening game in each sport.
- Requests to make exceptions to the eligibility requirements may be considered through an appeal to the athletic director and then the school principal. The final decision concerning exception shall be made by the director of student activities.
- Residence Eligibility:
- Beginning July 1, 2011, students with pending housing occupancy within the school zone may enroll for academics but may not participate in athletics until the home is occupied. Students whose guardianship is pending may enroll for academics but may not participate in athletics until court documents are received by the school. Students whose custody is jointly held are ineligible until primary residency is established. Students paying tuition are ineligible for one calendar year from the date of enrollment. A student who is transferred to a high school other than the zoned school on or prior to the first day of school shall not be eligible for interscholastic athletics for one calendar year. A student who is transferred to a high school other than the zoned school after the first day of school shall not be eligible for one full calendar year from the date the student is initially enrolled. Residency violations occur when a student is found to be illegally attending an out of zone school. A student who is found to be illegally out of zone at any time shall not be eligible for interscholastic athletics for the remainder of the current season and the subsequent season regardless of CCPS school enrollment.
- Students of a CCPS employee, see Superintendent’s Rule 5126, item 6 for eligibility.
- Any new transfer student or student not listed on the athletic computer program must have a transcript or report card indicating the grades and attendance for the prior semester. Students will not be cleared to tryout until this guideline has been met. Students are considered ineligible until this clearance process is met.
- No school personnel are to discuss transfers or guardianship arrangements with any student for the purpose of facilitating athletic participation.
- Any new transfer student or student not listed on the athletic computer program must have a transcript or report card indicating the grades and attendance for the prior semester. Students should not be cleared to try-out until this guideline has been met. These students shall be ineligible until this part of the clearance process is met.
- Please respond to the following residency questions:
- I reside at ____________________________, ____________MD
- This residence is within the boundaries of ________________High School Attendance Zone
- I reside at this residence with a parent or guardian: yes no
- My current address is the same as last year: yes no
- I have only played at my current high school: yes no
- I agree to notify the coach / school of any changes in residence: yes no
Squad Membership
- Upon the official start of the sports season, and at the conclusion of one calendar week thereafter, all applicable tryout opportunities will close, cuts will be made as appropriate, and the roster set. Students are responsible for contacting the Athletic Director or Head Coach of the sport in question if there are any questions about the specific dates of the tryouts. No additions to the team will be accepted once final cuts have been made. Any special consideration, otherwise, will be subject to final approval by the Athletic Director and the Head Coach of the sport in question.
- Any student who has been cut from an athletic team will meet privately with each coach. The coach will discuss with the student why he/she was cut from the team and ways to improve to be better prepared for the following year's try-out.
- A student being shifted from a junior varsity team to a varsity team and vice versa, may not in a week or a season play in a number of games to exceed the maximum allowed for varsity team in a sport, in a week or in a season; nor may he or she play in more than one game on one day, i.e., he or she may not play in a varsity and junior varsity game on the same day. Same as for play in a freshman to a junior varsity game in the same day.
- Twelfth grade students may not participate on a junior varsity or freshman team. It is recommended that eleventh grade students participate on the varsity team. Tenth grade students are prohibited from playing freshman. Freshman repeating the 9th grade are not eligible to participate on a freshman team.
- Students who wish to play two sports during the same season may do so under the following guidelines:
- The student must have the signed approval of both coaches, the student, and the parent, and on file with the athletic director.
- Upon granting approval, the approval coaches must develop a practice schedule suitable to the situation.
- The student must list one sport as the primary sport to avoid problems and confusion if rescheduling, playoffs, or other reasons cause a conflict.
Enforcement of the Code
- The head coach of each team must certify to the principal, via the athletic director of the school, the scholastic eligibility of each student he or she maintains in his or her squad.
- The principal of the school assumes overall responsibility for the certification of Interscholastic Athletics and for enforcement of the Scholastic Eligibility Code.
- Violations, Penalties, and Appeals
- Schools failing to comply with the Handbook for Interscholastic Athletics for the Charles County Public Schools are subject to censure, sanctions, or penalties against a school and against either a student or coach or both. Depending upon the severity of the violations, more than one penalty may be imposed against a school, student, or coach. Penalties that may be imposed include the following:
- Against a School
- Letter of censure
- Loss of practice time
- Probation for period of time
- Forfeiture of a game
- Additional penalties if justified
- Against a student
- Probation for a period of time
- Loss of practice time or suspension
- Declare ineligible for a period of up to one year
- Additional penalties if justified
- Against a Coach
- Censure
- Probation for a period time
- Suspension from coaching
- Declare ineligible to coach for a period of time
- Additional penalties if justified
- Against a School
- Procedure for Violations
- Violations of the CCPS Handbook may be either self-reported by the athletic director and principal of the school in violation or reported by the athletic director and principal of another county high school. No one other than an athletic director and principal may formally report violations.
- Violations (alleged) should be reported in writing, signed by the principal to the director of student activities. The director of student activities may require an investigation and written, signed report from the principal of the school where the violation allegedly occurred.
- The director of student activities will meet with the respective parties involved in the alleged violation. These meetings should take place within five school days of receipt of the reported violation.
- The director of student activities will render a decision based on the information within ten school days of the receipt of the alleged violation. The written decision will be provided to the principal and athletic director of both the complaining and investigated schools. The director of student activities will also provide copies of the decision to the Executive Director of School Administration and to the Superintendent of Schools.
- Any violation of the MPSSAA Handbook would be handled by the Bylaw .05 Violations, Penalties, and Appeals of the MPSSAA Handbook.
- Appeals
- An appeal of the decision of the director of student activities may be filed by the principal of the investigated or complaining school.
- Any appeal needs to be submitted to the Executive Director of School Administration within five school days of the receipt of the decision.
- Schools failing to comply with the Handbook for Interscholastic Athletics for the Charles County Public Schools are subject to censure, sanctions, or penalties against a school and against either a student or coach or both. Depending upon the severity of the violations, more than one penalty may be imposed against a school, student, or coach. Penalties that may be imposed include the following:
Eligibility Roster Form
Unified Sports
PURPOSE: This addendum has been prepared to serve as a guide to student/ athletes and parents. The intention of this addendum is to provide information that will facilitate successful participation in the athletic program as well as clarifying differences between the Interscholastic Program and the Unified Sports Program. Unless otherwise indicated below, students participating in the Unified Sports Program must abide to the same policies listed in the handbook. If questions should arise which are not covered in this addendum, please address them with the appropriate individual (Coach, Athletic Director, or Unified Sports Coordinator).
SQUAD MEMBERSHIP: A student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) may participate on a Unified Sports team until the expiration of their IEP as long as they are enrolled in Charles County Public Schools.
REQUIRED ATHLETIC FORMS/INFORMATION: Student athletes must submit completed forms to the Athletic Director and receive clearance before they can try out for any team. These forms must be completed for each season the student participates and submitted online.
- Student/Parent Athletic Handbook signed permission form within item (d)
- Parental Consent/Physical Form
- Athletic Emergency Medical Card
- Pre-Season Athletic Eligibility Clearance Form
- Application for Participation in Special Olympics Maryland*
*Required by Special Olympics Maryland
ELIGIBILITY:
- Residence
- Students participating in a regionalized program within Charles County Public Schools (i.e., Lifeskills, TAASC) will participate at the school in which they are enrolled.
- Academic
- Students pursuing a High School Certificate of Completion are not required to meet academic requirements for eligibility.
- Attendance
- The Unified Sports Program will follow the same attendance policy as the Interscholastic Program
- Lettering Criteria
- Unified Tennis: 50% of matches
- Unified Bocce: 50% of matches
- Unified Track & Field: 50% of matches
Out of Season Programs and Activities
Out of season programs and activities can be conducted only under the following guidelines:
- Athletes should be encouraged to participate in more than one sport. Coaches are not to encourage athletes to get involved in off-season programs, instead of in-season school sponsored programs. In planning and approving summer programs, the athletic director and coaches should take into consideration that many students participate in more than one sport during the year and cannot be expected to be committed to all during the summer months.
- Participants in out of season programs must have current physical, parent permission, emergency medical card, and insurance forms on file in the athletic director's office.
- Out of season programs cannot be mandatory. A roster of participants must be on file with the athletic director.
- All out of season programs and activities must be approved in advance by the athletic director and principal. Any rules that pertain to these programs should be given to participants in writing and a copy should be on file with the athletic director. The school shall not be involved if the activity is not a school-sanctioned activity.
- All out of season programs must be supervised by a faculty member or a coach. Coaches may supervise open gyms in the sport they coach as long as there is no instruction/coaching. This person must meet all requirements to be eligible to coach in Charles County and the State of Maryland and approved by the administration.
- Attendance must be taken at each session (this is for liability purposes only)
- Athletes in Season with another sport should not take part in out of season workouts for another sport (if they are it is only with the approval of both coaches and the Athletic Director)
- If you are looking to use a field or gym and the In-Season team has it scheduled ‐ YOU CAN’T BUMP THEM
- Eighth grade weight training will be permitted with the following guidelines:
- Eighth grade activity must be a separate activity from the high school activity.
- No high school students can instruct, model, or participate during the 8th grade activity.
- The program must follow guidelines 2, 3, 4, and 5.
- No activity can begin until March 15th of the school year.
- No more than 90 minutes of instruction is permitted.
- Only students in a high school zone will be permitted to be a part of the program at that high school.
- Current physical, proof of insurance, and student emergency card, must be on file with the athletic director.
Out of Season Participating Guidelines
- OPEN GYM:
- Contracted coaches may supervise open gyms or activity programs.
- No open gyms will be allowed for one week after a sports season practices start.
- Coaches supervising open gym or activity programs may not perform any on the floor or on the field instruction in the skills of activity except when allowed by MPSSAA.
- Any organization must be limited to informal organization designed and to ensure that all participants may play.
- The coach may not organize teams or squads or organize intramural teams for league play.
- Open gym should be available to any student that wants to participate and should be so announced. The school should supply NO equipment. Permanent gymnasium equipment is not considered part of the equipment being provide i.e., basketball hoops, volleyball nets, etc. balls, gloves, pitching machines, tennis machines are not to be issued.
- All supervision of activities involving school coaches paid or volunteer is to follow the guidelines for the beginning date per season the MPSSAA has established. The key elements are Coaches are not to coach, instruct, or organize-only supervise!
- Contracted coaches may supervise open gyms or activity programs.
- OUT OF SEASON CONDITIONING PROGRAMS:
- POSITION STATEMENT: Charles County Public Schools will strongly enforce MPSSAA Handbook. CCPS athletic directors and principals support the position that student athletes be encouraged to participate in a variety of athletic activities and feel that these guidelines support that position
- For the purpose of defining weight training, running, and exercising for the conditioning of out-of-season athletes, CCPS takes the following position.
- Conditioning. Weight training is the use of free weights and stationary apparatus. Cardiovascular conditioning is distance and interval training. Plyometric is the use of pre-set conditioning programs. Conditioning IS NOT teaching sport specific skills and drills and DOES NOT involve the use of sport specific equipment (i.e., starting blocks, hurdles, rebounders, ball machines, bats, balls, rackets, etc.).
- Any off-season conditioning program including weight training, running, and exercising must be open and available to any interested students and must be advertised as such. Weight training and conditioning programs are allowed all school year except for one week after the beginning of a sports practice season (tryouts)
Insurance
- Students shall be eligible for practice or participation in athletics ONLY when there is on file with the principal/athletic director a Verification of Insurance that is signed by their parent or legal guardian.
- A student may not practice for or participate in any athletic activity until certified by a physician and the certificate is on file with the principal.
- Charles County Public Schools does not offer insurance for athletes but has approved a Student Accident Insurance Plan underwritten by Student Insurance, a division of UICI. A letter will be sent to the parents explaining the Board's policy and the forms that must be signed by the parent or legal guardian. The signed form is to be placed on file before a student will be permitted to practice or participate.
- Charles County Public Schools requires all participants in athletics to provide evidence of adequate insurance.
- No one except players, officials, cheerleaders, and faculty members assigned as coaches, and others approved by the principal and the director of student activities may be on the playing field or court areas during a contest.
Training Rules, Coaches and Player Conduct
Participation in athletics is a privilege and carries with it the responsibility of exhibiting good behavior. Students who violate rules set forth by the county, school and coach (team expectations) could be suspended from the team or permanently dismissed from the team. Students permanently dismissed shall forfeit their right to any awards at the end of the season. Any student who is permanently dismissed from a Charles County sports/season team may not play that sport at any other high school during that school year.
Conduct of coaches and players during interscholastic competition:
- Any coach removed from a game by the game officials must leave the game site immediately and will be suspended for the next game played. Coaches suspended for a game are not allowed at the game site on the day or night of the succeeding contest. The coach MUST take the *“NFHS Teaching and Modeling Behavior Course for Disqualification Coaches” on the NFHS website (www.nfhslearn.com) prior to returning to coach in any capacity (*$20 fee). A certificate of completion must be filed with the athlete director.
- Any player or players removed from a contest by game officials due to a flagrant foul/ unsportsmanlike conduct infraction will be suspended for the next game played. Players suspended for a game are allowed to participate in practice sessions but will not be allowed to accompany the team to the game or represent the team on the sideline or bench areas. Players suspended for a game are not allowed at the game site on the day or night of the succeeding contest. The student athlete MUST view the “NFHS Sportsmanship” video on the NFHS website (www.nfhslearn.com) under the supervision of a school official prior to returning to play in any capacity. A certificate of completion must be filed with the athlete director.
- Any egregious ejection (example: physical altercation leading to ejection), as determined by the officials will carry with it a minimum two-game suspension. Depending upon the severity of the situation, the length of suspension may be increased.
- A second egregious ejection within the same season could lead to removal from the team.
Egregious behavior is being defined as:
- Violent conduct
- Examples include fighting or attacks on opposing players towards the conclusion of a contest in attempt to injure or bait them into retaliation,
- Vulgar, profane language, spitting, insulting/abusive language/gestures,
- Racial language or gestures, or Physical or verbal personal attacks towards an official.
- Any game ejection penalty occurring at the last played game/contest of the previous year will invoke disqualification or removal from the 1st game the following year (or the following season, in the case of a senior).
- A student or coach who has been ejected from an MPSSAA playoff contest will be disqualified for the next MPSSAA contest in that sport (or the next MPSSAA contest, in the case of a senior).
- Ejections are not appealable decisions.
- Coaches should be aware of the influence they have on their players and realize that player behavior is a direct extension and result of the behavior of the coaches with whom they have been associated. Unacceptable behavior by players is a direct reflection on their coaches. Good sportsmanship must be promoted at all times.
- All athletes should be given a copy of team/individual expectations, player conduct rules/guidelines and training rules.
- Coaches will be responsible for establishing their own rules and player conduct guidelines, but the following will be included in every coach's set of rules:
- Students must adhere to the Charles County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct at all times.
- Participants may not use, possess, or distribute drugs (including steroids and dietary nutritional and food supplements), alcohol, or controlled paraphernalia at any time.
- Participants may not use tobacco products at any time.
- Participants shall refrain from hazing, assaulting or harassing other students as defined in the Code of Student Conduct.
- Participants are to attend practice sessions regularly unless legally absent from school or excused by the coach.
- Participants must be courteous and respectful to opponents, teammates, officials, and spectators and refrain from the use of profanity.
- Participants are to refrain from fighting and physical altercations at all times.
- Participants are to refrain from the destruction or theft of school or personal property.
- Athletes who violate any of the rules listed above or set by the coach could forfeit their right to any awards at the end of the season and could be suspended or permanently removed from the team.
- Any student who is permanently dismissed from a Charles County sports team forfeits the right to play that sport/season at any other high school during that school year.
- Any rule infraction that permanently removes an athlete from the team must be reported to the athletic director and principal.
Parent/Guardian Communication Guide
The following section is designed for parents of athletes participating in the Charles County Public Schools Athletic Program. Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to children. As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communications from the coach of your child’s program.
Communication you should expect from your child’s coach/sponsor
- Philosophy of the coach/sponsor.
- Expectations the coach/sponsor has for your child as well as all the players on the squad.
- Locations and times of all practices and contests.
- Team requirements, (i.e., fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning).
- Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
- Discipline that result in the denial of your child’s participation.
Communication coaches/sponsors expect from parents
- Concerns expressed directly to the coach/sponsor.
- Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
- Specific concern regarding a coach’s/sponsor philosophy and/or expectations.
As your children become involved in the program in the Charles County Public Schools, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.
APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES/SPONSORS:
- The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
- Ways to help your child improve.
- Concerns about your child’s behavior.
Coaches make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those that follow, must be left to the discretion of the coach. There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
ISSUES THAT ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES/SPONSORS:
- Playing time
- Team strategy
- Play calling
- Other student-athletes/club members
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach/sponsor, student, and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES SHOULD BE USED IF THERE IS A CONCERN:
- Student-athlete should first discuss concerns directly with coach/sponsor
- If parents/guardians still have concerns, they should contact the coach/sponsor to make an appointment.
DO NOT confront a coach/sponsor before, during or after a practice or game/event. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.
- If the conversation / meeting did not provide a satisfactory resolution, call and set up an appointment with the athletic director or administration to discuss the situation with the coach/sponsor. At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.
Never hesitate to follow the above procedures to make your concerns known.
RETRIBUTION:
Students and parents must be confident that the voicing of an opinion or a concern, using the proper forum and method, is not only free from penalty or retribution, but also is strong encouraged. The principal/athletic director and coaches/sponsors are committed to insuring that after a student or parent raises an issue or concern, there shall be no “retribution” in any form within the team/club at your school. If at any time, a student or his / her parent suspects that some form of retribution is surfacing as a result of the voicing of a concern, opinion, or issue, using the proper forum and method, he or she should contact the principal/athletic director immediately.
SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SPORTS EVENTS:
“Our goal is to provide a safe environment for all those involved (Players, Coaches, and Spectators) and to preserve the integrity of the contest.
- All participants / spectators are expected to exhibit good behavior (sportsmanship) at all sports events.
- No swearing or use of vulgar language
- No taunting
- No causing a public disturbance or fighting
- No threats of physical harm or acts of aggression
- Treat all players, coaches, spectators with respect
- CCPS may impose the following penalties for violating these expectations:
- Immediate eviction from the event
- Ban from future contests/events
- Ban from all CCPS/SMAC events
- Ban from all MPSSAA events
- CCPS also reserves the right to take the following action to preserve the safety and integrity of a contest:
- Student suspended from participating in a contest
- Student dismissal from team/club
CCPS are not in the practice of enforcing a court ordered Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). It is the responsibility of the parties involved to contact the police and have the TRO enforced. Parents should be aware that if athlete(s) are involved in a TRO against member(s) of the opposing team the following action may be taken by the police:
- Removal of one of the parties from the event
- Removal of both parties from the event
If the dispute causes (or may cause) a significant disturbance or safety risk
The game may be:
- Terminated and not rescheduled
- Played at a secured sight with no spectators
LET THE PLAYERS PLAY. LET THE COACHES COACH. LET THE OFFICALS OFFICIATE. LET THE SPECTATORS OBSERVE IN A POSITIVE MANNER.
Athletic Injuries
- All athletes, if possible, shall be referred to their family physician when injured.
- The head coach shall report all accidents or injuries to the athletic trainer and to the athletic director and/or the principal. The appropriate accident form must be filled out on any injury sustained during the game or practice by the coach involved and submitted to the principal. Please notify Glenn Belmore at (301) 934-7275 of any athletic related accident.
- Any athlete who received treatment from a doctor or emergency room as a result from an injury suffered during practice or a game must have a signed and dated written document giving a date the student athlete can return to participate. The athletic director retains the ability to withhold an athlete from participation in the absence of a physician release. The athletic director shall report the accident or injury to the principal and the principal in turn will notify school administration.
- A first responder, EMS or Physician will be required prior to the start of all football games. No football game can begin or continue without an EMS present.
- Coaches shall pay particular attention to extreme weather conditions and adjust in their practice schedules when appropriate.
Care and Prevention of Sports Injuries
All athletes, if possible, shall be referred to their family physician when injured. All accidents or injuries shall be reported by the head coach to the athletic director and/or the principal. Any athlete who received treatment from a doctor or emergency room as a result from an injury suffered during practice or a game must have a signed and dated written document giving a date the student athlete can return to participate from a qualified health professional. The athletic director retains the ability to withhold an athlete from participation in the absence of a physician release. The athletic director shall report the accident or injury to the principal and the principal in turn will notify School Administration.
Although there are risks involved in athletic participation, there is no reason for parents or students to be apprehensive. Charles County Public Schools coaches place a great deal of emphasis on training and conditioning, injury prevention and management, proper use of equipment, and maintenance of safe playing areas. Student athletes and parents can take steps to ensure they are physically prepared for practices and games:
- Eat three well-balanced, nutritious meals each day. In between meals, eat healthy snacks that are low in fat and sugar.
- Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) each day – especially before practices and games.
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Warm-up thoroughly before exercising.
- Report all injuries to your coach. Never let injuries go untreated.
- Always wear the prescribed uniform, including protective gear, for practices and games.
- Wash your uniform, protective gear and practice clothing after each use to avoid growth of bacteria and staph infections.
- Do not share equipment, uniforms or other clothing, towels or personal items such as razors.
Sports Related Concussions
A concussion is an injury to the brain because of a force or jolt applied directly or indirectly to the head. Concussions can occur in any sport. Parents will be notified immediately about the known or possible concussion.
If a student athlete exhibits any sign of concussion or reports any symptom, he/she will be removed from practice or play. The student athlete will not be allowed to participate in a practice or game while experiencing any lingering or persisting symptoms of a concussion, no matter how slight, until cleared by a qualified health care professional. The student must be completely symptom free at rest and during physical and mental exertion prior to return to sports activities. For more information, please visit: http://www.nfhslearn.com
Universal Immediate Care of Athletic Injuries
The following procedure (R.I.C.E.) will be used in response to injuries incurred during an athletic practice or game.
- Rest: Do not use the injured body part until pain free activity can be resumed.
- Ice: Apply ice directly to the injured area 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for the first three hours. After 72 hours, 20 minutes on, 40 minutes off, one time.
- Do not use chemical packs directly on facial injuries. Do not apply heat if swelling, inflammation or pain persists
- Compression: Wrap from below the injured area and toward the body and use a pad under the wrap to add compression forces to retard swelling and activate absorption. When sleeping, loosen the wrap, but do not remove it
- Elevation: Elevate to a level above the heart to reduce bleeding and swelling. Every injury that requires the use of this procedure should be evaluated by the athlete’s family physician or by an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. Athletes referred to a doctor by the athletic director or coach must present a doctor’s note giving permission to return to play or practice.
Fact Sheet
HEAT ACCLIMATION
Each year high school athletes experience serious injury and even death resulting from heat-related illnesses. It is a major concern in that the number of deaths over the last 15 years has remained constant. That statistic becomes more alarming given that heat-related illness and death are almost entirely preventable. The need to dramatically increase awareness of the issue, recognize the symptoms of heat illness and treatment of suspected cases has become a primary consideration for early season practice routines.
The Maryland General Assembly recognized the risk and has provided legislation to address the problem. The guidelines were developed through a collaborative effort of the representatives from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Department of Health and mental Hygiene (DHMH), Local School Systems, Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA), Maryland Athletic Trainers Association (MATA), and Licensed Physicians who treat student athletes.
The contents detailed in this document include education of coaches, parents, athletic administrators and student athletes; heat acclimatization timeline; and refer to each school’s athletic Emergency Action Plan (EAP). The guidelines attempt to strike a safe balance between a graduation introduction and assimilation into athletic practice and competition with the need to properly teach safe playing techniques. The mitigation of other serious injuries must be considered in any pre-season practice format.
Coaches, parents, and student play a critical role in understanding the dynamics associated with heat related illnesses. For many, the concept of heat acclimatization is a vague term. Likewise, the awareness of hydration and/or heat related emergency procedures are also limited amongst the general population. Raising the awareness of heat related illness is a priority of each school’s athletic department.
A proper heat-acclimatization plan in secondary school athletic programs is essential to minimize the risk of exertional hear illness during the preseason practice period. Gradually increasing the athlete’s exposure to the duration and intensity of physical activity and to the environment minimizes exertional heat illness risk while improving athletic performance.
Progressive acclimatization is especially important during the initial 3 to 5 days of summer practices. When an athlete undergoes a proper heat-acclimatization program, physiologic function, exercise heat tolerance, and exercise performance are all enhanced. In contrast, athletes who are not exposed to proper heat acclimatization programs face measurable increased risks for exertional heat illness.
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 is better than one break an hour. Probably the best method is to always have water available 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.
There is considerable danger concerning heat stress/exhaustion during fall and late spring outdoor physical activities. All students should be monitored closely. Because students are involved in physical activity are particularly susceptible to water depletion in the body. Please consider temperature and humidity should be monitored when scheduling outside activities.
When a code red/orange weather advisory for the Washington Metropolitan area is issued, and the heat index (air temperature plus relative humidity) reaches 100+ degrees, CCPS places weather advisory to all principals and athletic directors by email. This advisory, when issued, MUST be followed. During these heat advisories, students involved in physical activity should always have water available to them.
- Temperatures below 32º (Real feel temperature)
The following guidelines can be used in planning activity depending on the real feel temperature. Conditions should be constantly re-evaluated for change in risk, including the presence of precipitation:- 30 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Be aware of the potential for cold injury and notify appropriate personnel of the potential.
- 25 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Provide additional protective clothing; cover as much exposed skin as practical; provide opportunities and facilities for re-warming.
- 15 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Consider modifying activity to limit exposure or to allow more frequent chances to re-warm.
- 0 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Consider terminating or rescheduling activity. When the real feel temperature is at 30 degrees Fahrenheit or below rules/regulations regarding undergarments should be waived.
- Guidelines during heat advisories
- In addition to the County Weather Advisories, all high schools will be equipped with digital psychrometers for on campus monitoring of weather conditions by the athletic director to be able to adjust practices accordingly.
- Heat Index 105⁰ plus – All outdoor activities are canceled. Practice indoors is permitted.
- Heat Index 94⁰ - 104⁰ - Recommend no equipment during practices. Modify practice with mandatory water/rest breaks every 10-15 minutes. Water should be always available and in unlimited quantities.
- Heat Index 84⁰ - 93⁰ - Recommend helmets and shoulder pads only. Recommend equipment be removed as often as possible during non-contact drills and water/rest breaks. Water available always. Provide a 10 min rest per 45 min of activity.
- Below 84⁰ - Recommend adequate water supply at all practices and competitions with breaks every 30 min for rehydration. Water available at all times. Monitor the heat index for increases.
- 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. There is considerable danger concerning heat stress when fall athletic practices begin. All athletes should be monitored closely. Because of the equipment worn, football players are particularly susceptible to water depletion in the body. However, all athletes are at risk and the necessary precautions need to be taken for all sports. The following is background information regarding practice in hot and/or humid weather.
***THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR HEAT STROKE DEATHS TO OCCUR IF THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN.*** Under such conditions, the athlete is subject to the following:
Heat Cramps – acute, painful, involuntary muscle contractions that presents during or after intense exercise sessions. Can be due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, neuromuscular fatigue, or any combination of the above factors.
Heat Syncope – weakness, fatigue, and fainting after standing for long periods of time, immediately after cessation of activity, or after rapid assumption of upright posture after resting or being seated. Will occur with exposure to high environmental temperatures.
Heat Exhaustion – inability to continue exercise associated with any combination of heavy sweating, dehydration, sodium loss, and energy depletion. Signs and symptoms can include pale skin, muscle cramps, weakness, fainting, dizziness, headache, and increased core body temperature between 97⁰ - 104⁰F.
Heat Stroke – an elevated core temperature of >1040F associated with signs of organ failure and central nervous system changes. Signs and symptoms are increased heart rate, low blood pressure, sweating or lack of sweating, hyperventilation, altered mental status, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or coma. This may occur suddenly and without being proceeded by other clinical signs. This is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Hyponatremia (instead of heat exhaustion –salt depletion) – low blood sodium levels due to hydrating with water only and not replacing electrolytes or by not drinking enough to replace the amount of sodium lost in sweating. Also known as water intoxication. May present with disorientation, altered mental status, headache, vomiting, fatigue, muscle cramping and extremity swelling.
National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Exertional Heat illnesses. Journal of Athletic Training. 2002; 37(3):329-343.
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% acclimatization can be expected to occur after the first 7 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 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.
- 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 three percent weight loss through sweating is safe and over a 3 percent weight loss is in the danger zone. Over a three percent weight loss, the athlete should not be allowed to practice in hot and humid conditions. Observe the athletes closely under all conditions.
- Observe athletes carefully for signs of trouble, particularly athletes who lose too much 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.
Activity Guidelines for Athletics related to Heat Index and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
CCPS Color Code for practices and outside contests |
Heat |
WBGT (°F) Range |
Guidelines based on a localized Heat Index Reading and/or WBGT Please refer to SMAC Heat Acclimatization Guidelines and school emergency plan for further information:
|
---|---|---|---|
GREEN |
< 85.0
|
< 82.0 |
NO RESTRICTIONS All sports
|
YELLOW |
85.0 - 95.0
|
82.0 - 86.9 |
CAUTION All sports
|
ORANGE |
95.1 - 104.9
|
87.0 - 89.9 |
INCREASED CAUTION All sports
Contact sports and activities with additional required protective equipment
Preparedness
|
RED | ≥ 105 | 90.0 - 92.0 |
EXTREME CAUTION - (Heat Index ≥105 and WBGT b/w 90.0 - 92.0) All Sports
Preparedness
|
BLACK | ≥ 105 | ≥ 92.1 |
DANGER - (Heat Index ≥105 and WBGT ≥92.1) All Sports
|
Activity Guidelines for Athletics related to Wet Bulb Globe Temperature
The WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is a measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight, which takes into account: temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover (solar radiation). This differs from the heat index, which takes into consideration temperature and humidity and is calculated for shady areas. WBGT may be taken (in addition to our Heat Index notifications) by the athletic trainers or athletic directors at each school as often as is necessary to monitor heat conditions for our athletes.
NATA Guidelines
WBGT (F) | Activity Guidelines and Rest Break Guidelines |
---|---|
<82.0 | Normal activities- Provide at least three separate rest breaks of minimum duration of 3 min. each during workout. |
82.0-86.9 | Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise. Watch at-risk players carefully. Provide at least separate three rest breaks of minimum 4 min. each. |
87.0-89.9 | Maximum practice time of 2 hours. For football, players are restricted to helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts during practice. All protective equipment must be removed for conditioning athletes. For all sports, provide at least 4 separate rest breaks of minimum duration of 4 min. each |
90.0-92.0 | Maximum practice time of 1 hour. No protective equipment may be worn during practice, and there may be no conditioning activities. There must be 20 minutes of rest breaks provided during the hour of practice. |
>92.1 | No outdoor workouts, cancel exercise, delay practices until a cooler WBGT reading occurs. |
HEAT STROKE/HEAT EXHAUSTION EMERGENCY PLAN – KNOW YOUR EAP AND FOLLOW YOUR EAP
In the event of a heat illness, the following steps should be taken.
- Remove athlete from competition/practice.
- Move athlete to a shaded or cool area and begin to cool them down.
- Remove all equipment and clothing as appropriate
- Begin Cooling the Athlete
- Cooling Methods
- Cold Water Immersion is the most effective
- Ice Towels
- Ice bags over the athlete’s torso, neck
- Cold shower
- Cooling Methods
- If Heat Stroke is suspected immediately activate the school’s athletic emergency plan.
- If the athlete is conscious and able, begin rehydration with cold fluids.
- Monitor ABC’s, vital signs; watch for signs of Central Nervous System changes.
- If the athlete does not respond to cooling treatment activate the school’s athletic emergency plan for transport to the nearest hospital.
- Notify parents/guardians and proceed with Charles County incident procedures.
HEAT STROKE - THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY - DELAY COULD BE FATAL
Immediately cool body while waiting for transfer to a hospital. Remove clothing and use cool water on body. 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.
- Heat Acclimatization Period
Heat acclimatization guidelines should take into account an acclimatization period that defines the duration, intensity and number of required practices to acclimatize each individual student-athlete. The duration and intensity for practices are suggested to gradually increase the student-athlete’s heat tolerance, enhance their ability to participate safely in warm and hot conditions and minimize their risk for heat related illnesses. - Heat Acclimatization Guidelines: for all Fall Sports
- On single-practice days, one walk-through is permitted.
- Double practice days (beginning no earlier than practice day 6) must be followed by a single-practice day or rest day. When a double-practice day is followed by a rest day, another double-practice day is permitted after the rest day.
- All practices and walk-through sessions must be separated by three hours of continuous rest.
- If a practice is interrupted by inclement weather or heat restrictions, the practice should recommence once conditions are deemed safe, but total practice time should not exceed its limitations.
- Equipment Restrictions
- Football
- Practice days 1 and 2 – helmets only, and shorts/t-shirts
- Practice days 3 through 5 – helmets and shoulder pads only. Contact with blocking sleds and tackling dummies may be initiated.
- Beginning practice day 6 – full protective equipment and full contact may begin.
- Field Hockey
- Practice days 1 and 2 – Goalies in helmet and goalie kickers, athletes may wear shin guards, goggles and mouthpieces.
- Practice days 3 through 5 – Goalies in helmet, chest protection and goalie kickers.
- Beginning practice day 6 – full protective equipment may be worn.
- Soccer – Shin guards and goalie gloves can be worn beginning day 1
- Volleyball - Knee pads may be worn beginning day 1
- Football
- The heat-acclimatization period is designed for students on an individual basis. Days in which athletes do not practice due to a scheduled rest day, injury, illness or other reasons do not count towards the heat-acclimatization period.
- Practice Days 1-5
- School teams shall conduct all practices within the general guidelines above as well as the following guidelines for practice days 1-5.
- School teams are limited to one practice per day not to exceed three hours in length.
- One walk-through session is permitted per day no longer than 1 hour in duration.
- Practice Days 6-14
- School teams shall conduct all practices within the general guidelines above as well as the following guidelines for practice days 6-14.
- Total practice and walk-through time per day should be limited to five hours with no single session longer than three hours in duration.
- School teams may participate in full contact practices with all protective equipment worn.
Sample Practice Calendar
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | |||
Rest Day | Day 5 | Day 6 Full Contact 1st two-a-day |
Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 |
Rest Day | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14 | Day 15 | Day 16 |
Rest Day | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19 | Day 20 | First Play Date |
Note: Shaded days reflect Heat Acclimatization Period
SCHEDULING
- General Guidelines
- Number of Contests
- Starting Times and Days Contests are to be Played
- Scrimmages
- Starting and Ending Dates
- Other Scheduling/Practice Regulations
- Rescheduling Postponed Contests
General Guidelines
There are a few basic guidelines that all athletic directors should review prior to scheduling. The following are felt to be the most pertinent:
- Scheduling guidelines in the Rules and Regulations Governing Interscholastic Athletics for Charles County, SMAC, and the State of Maryland shall be followed.
- No school can participate in the following contests unless sanctioned by the State Association:
- Any inter-state tournament or meet in which three or more schools participate.
- Any inter-state two schools contest that involves a round trip exceeding 600 miles.
- Any inter-state two schools contest (regardless of the distance to be traveled) that is sponsored by an individual or an organization other than a member high school.
- Scheduling shall be a coordinated effort between the athletic director, the director of student activities, and the principal.
- Each school shall have contracts for non-conference athletic contests.
- All completed schedules are to be sent to the director of student activities prior to the first contest in each sports season.
- Postponed contests:
- Decision to postpone contests should be made no later than 12 noon the day of the scheduled contest, if possible. The athletic director of the host school will make time determination.
- Inclement weather that causes closing of schools involved in the contest will automatically cancel all athletic contests and/or practices scheduled.
Number of Contests
- Extra games that are required to determine a county entry into district, regional, or state competition and participation in district, regional, or state competition may not count in the number of games permitted.
- All school schedules shall be established by the start of each sports season according to the following restrictions that are specified in the MPSSAA guidelines:
- Baseball - 18 regular season games or 20 with designated optional tournament.
- No more than three games per week.
- A team may elect to play in one designated optional two or three-game tournament. If a team elects to play in a designated optional three-game tournament, only 17 regular season games may be scheduled.
- If a team elects to play in the designated optional two or three-game tournament, a fourth game may be played during that week.
- Basketball - 20 regular season games or 22 with designated optional tournament.
- No more than two games per week.
- Three games in one week may be scheduled twice during the season.
- A team may elect to play in one designated optional two or three-game tournament. If a team elects to play in a designated optional three-game tournament, only 19 regular season games may be scheduled.
- Cross Country - 10 regular season meets
- No more than two meets per week.
- Three meets in one week may be scheduled once during the season.
- Field Hockey – 12 regular season or 14 with designated tournament.
- No more than two games per week.
- Three games in one week may be scheduled twice during the season.
- A team may elect to play in one designated optional two or three-game tournament. If a team elects to play in a designated optional three-game tournament, only 11 regular season games may be scheduled.
- Football - 9 regular season games.
- No more than one game per week.
- Golf - 12 regular season matches.
- No more than three matches per week.
- Indoor Track - 10 regular season meets.
- No more than two meets per week.
- Three meets in one week may be scheduled once during the season.
- Lacrosse - 12 regular season games or 14 with designated optional tournament.
- No more than two meets per week.
- Three meets in one week may be scheduled twice during the season.
- A team may elect to play in one designated optional two-game tournament.
- Outdoor Track - 10 regular season meets.
- No more than two meets per week.
- Three meets in one week may be scheduled once during the season.
- Soccer - 12 regular season games or 14 with designated optional tournament.
- No more than two games per week.
- Three games in one week may be scheduled twice during the season.
- Team may elect to play in one designated optional two or three game tournament. If a team elects to play in a designated optional three-game tournament, only 11 regular season games may be scheduled.
- Softball - 18 regular season games or 20 with designated optional tournament.
- No more than three games per week.
- A team may elect to play in one designated optional two or three-game tournament. If a team elects to play in a designated optional three-game tournament, only 17 regular season games may be scheduled.
- If a team elects to play in the designated optional two or three-game tournament, a fourth game may be played during that week.
- Swimming – 12 regular season meets.
- No more than two games per week.
- Three games in one week may be scheduled twice during the season.
- Tennis - 18 regular matches
- No more than three matches per week.
- Volleyball – 15 regular season matches or 14 with designated optional tournament.
- No more than two matches per week.
- Three matches in one week may be scheduled twice during the season.
- A team may play elect to play tri-matches provided the total number of opponents does not exceed 15 during the season.
- Teams may schedule 14 matches plus one designated optional multi-team tournament.
- Wrestling - 14 regular season contest including dual meets and a maximum of three tournaments and tri-meets.
- No more than two contest per week including a maximum of one tournament.
- Multi-team events may be used to make up postponed contest between teams originally scheduled.
- A city/county/conference tournament required to qualify for the state tournament will not be counted as one of the three allowed tournaments.
- Wrestling tournament and meets are defined by Regulation.
- Cheerleaders – 3 outside competitions in season, 2 Charles County competitions. Cheerleading teams may be permitted to participate in an advanced state level competition beyond the 2 competitions per season. Principals may use cheerleaders for school-sanctioned programs such as “It’s Academic.”
- Baseball - 18 regular season games or 20 with designated optional tournament.
Starting Times and Days Contests are to be Played
- Any daytime athletic contest played on school days will begin no earlier than 3:30 p.m.
- The scheduled start of a contest may begin no later than:
- JV – 7:00 p.m.
- Varsity - 7:30 p.m.
- The director of student activities shall determine the site of any county playoff game.
- Any exceptions should be with the approval of the principal and the director of student activities.
- Games are not permitted during the school day.
Scrimmages
A scrimmage game is defined as a practice game with another school under the following conditions: The scrimmage is not to be publicized and no admission is charged. Transportation guidelines shall be the same as for regular games. Scrimmages are not to be scheduled during the regular school day.
- The first scrimmage may be scheduled on the 9th calendar day including the first practice (example – First fall practice is Wednesday August 11, 2022, counting the first practice until the 9th calendar day will allow teams to scrimmage on Friday, August 21, 2020, at the earliest).
- Football only: The second scrimmage may take place on the 6th calendar day starting the day after the first scrimmage (example First scrimmage is Friday, August 19, 2022, or Saturday, August 20, 2022, starting your calendar day count on Saturday, August 20, 2022, or Sunday, August 21, 2022, your second scrimmage could not take place any earlier than Thursday, August 25, 2022, or Friday, August 26, 2022).
- Varsity sport teams may participate in two (2) scrimmages with other schools. Teams may participate in multi-team scrimmages. Multi-team scrimmages will count as one (1) scrimmage date.
- JV teams may participate in two scrimmages per season following all guidelines pertaining to varsity scrimmages. One home, one away or two home. JV teams must use same busses as varsity. Freshman teams may have one (1) inter-county scrimmage.
- Basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, field hockey, and volleyball teams qualifying for state or regional competition may have one additional scrimmage at the end of the season if time permits. The director of student activities must approve this additional scrimmage.
- No regular game, practice or scrimmage shall be scheduled during or on any school holiday (Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 24 & 25, and Good Friday). Coaches should avoid practicing on Labor Day if possible. Practice on this day should be voluntary.
- No games shall be scheduled on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover from sunset to sunrise.
Starting and Ending Dates
- Fall sports will begin on the 6th Wednesday following the first Sunday of July, (example – The first Sunday in July is July 5 we count to August 9, 2024, which is the sixth Wednesday after July 5) until the final date of the local, conference, district, regional or state tournaments.
- Winter Sports – November 15 until the final date of the local, conference, district, regional, or state tournament.
- Spring Sports – March 1 until the final date of the local, conference, district, regional, or state tournament.
- When November 15, or March 1 fall on Sunday, practice will start the preceding Saturday.
- Required Practice. A member MPSSAA school may not participate in a regularly scheduled game until at least 20 calendar days have elapsed after and including the first day of practice. Golf is the only exception to this regulation.
Other Scheduling/Practice Regulations
- Teams may not practice when schools are closed because of inclement weather or other emergencies. When schools are closed for an extended period, practice could be permitted if authorized by the Director of Student Activities through School Administration.
- Practice times will be limited to three-hour sessions and will be established by the principal and athletic director in consultation with the coach of the respective sport. Cut-off time for practice shall not be later than 9:00 p.m. unless approved for a later time by the principal and director of student activities. Practices are not to be scheduled during the regular school day unless approved by the building principal and director of student activities. NOTE: Parents are to be advised in writing regarding the entire sports program, including practice time, prior to a student entering participation in any sport. A copy of the standard communication for every sport sent to the parent shall be on file with the director of student activities through the athletic director.
- Thunder and Lightning Policy – If thunder and/or lightning can be heard or seen, participants, spectators and staff are in danger. Contests must be stopped, and protective shelter sought immediately. In the event that either situation should occur, 30 minutes will be allowed to pass after the last sound of thunder and/or lightning. All athletic directors in Charles County are equipped with thunder and lightning detectors.
Rescheduling Postponed Contests
- Basketball
- Rescheduled contests are to be played on the following school day if possible.
- All scheduled contests are to be rescheduled in the chronological order of postponement. No more than one (1) postponed game shall be played in any one week, i.e., two (2) regular scheduled and one (1) postponed or one (1) regular scheduled and one (1) postponed. (See MPSSAA Guidelines)
- Baseball/Softball
- Rescheduled games are to be played on the following school day if possible.
- All games should be made up in the chronological order of postponement.
- Football
- When a school must postpone a Saturday contest, the game should be moved to Monday if possible.
- When a school must postpone a Friday contest, the game should be moved to Saturday if possible.
- Soccer - Same procedures utilized to reschedule basketball contests.
- All sports not listed should be rescheduled on the next playable date if possible. However, all rules concerning time lapse between contests should be enforced. When in doubt, check with the MPSSAA handbook, the SMAC schedules and the director of student activities.
- Saturdays may be used as a make-up date if both teams agree or if SMAC committees decide to use Saturday. Games should be made up in chronological order.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation of an athletic team is one of the most important considerations in connection with games away from home. The following regulations shall apply in making arrangements for transportation of athletic teams:
- Under no circumstances are student drivers allowed to transport athletic teams or team members. Under extenuating circumstances, students can ride home with their parents or guardians if the request is in writing and approved by the coach one day in advance.
- Team members shall be required to go to the host school together and return together. Exception to this rule is when parents personally request permission of the coach that they are allowed to take the student home with them. This request shall be in writing.
- No one except school officials, team members, student managers, and cheerleaders, when accompanied by their coach, shall be permitted to ride the team bus.
- The coaches will always accompany athletic teams on the bus.
- It should be an axiom with all coaches that team members must be clean and dressed neatly when going on athletic trips.
- Coaches are permitted to drive players to contests when a small number of contestants are involved. This is only with Central Office approval and when using a Board of Education vehicle.
- At the conclusion of each bus trip, coaches are to sign the mileage sheet that is provided by the bus driver. Coaches are also to record the time returned to the school.
- All buses transporting athletic teams must carry bonded carrier insurance.
Minivan Transportation – The system has minivans available for use by school system personnel and for the transporting of small groups of students by school system personnel. Any request for use must be made through the Transportation Department. When calling in your requested date(s), please include the name of the driver and the number of passengers to be transported. When system personnel arrive at the central office to pick up the minivan, they must have their current driver’s license for use to copy and a copy of their automobile insurance card. The driver will be orientated by transportation staff on use of the van and how to return it to the transportation office. Requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure there is a need for use of the minivan before calling in your request. - Only drivers with valid Maryland licenses may operate Charles County Public school vehicles.
- Rental vans or cars are not permitted to transport CCPS students.
Security Coverage for Athletic Events
The Charles County Sheriff's Office provides security coverage for athletic events at a rate of $75 per officer per hour. Principals and athletic directors are responsible for security at their respective schools. All games must have the proper coverage as determined by the principal and athletic director.
- Officer in charge is to report to school administrators in charge of activity at prescribed time for purpose of outlining duties required.
- All officers are to sign in and sign out on forms provided by the athletic director or school administrator.
- Officers are expected to help with disbursement of crowd prior to signing out.
- School administrators and officers assigned to an activity will work cooperatively to prevent disruptive incidents from taking place through high visibility and effective supervision.
- School administrators are expected to notify your schools resource officer (SRO) as soon as possible if the activity is canceled for any reason other than inclement weather. Failure to notify the resource officer of cancellation of activity results in the officers being paid one hour for reporting.
- If schools are closed due to inclement weather, all after school activities are cancelled.
- It is the responsibility of the host school to provide proper administrative and staff support for games, matches, etc.
- Schools will pay the officer at the event based on the $75.00 hourly rate.
Lettering Criteria
- The first varsity award earned will be the approved school letter including appropriate emblem.
- For awards for subsequent years and sports/activities, participants will receive stars, pins, or similar school related insignias.
- All junior varsity and freshman team members will receive certificates of participation.
- Participation in fund raising activities by the student and parents shall in no way be a factor for one to achieve a school letter.
- Parent (volunteer) involvement in a program shall in no way be a factor for one to achieve a school letter.
- Any student athlete who does not complete the sports season shall not be eligible for end of season awards.
- Refer to the standards for lettering criteria located in the forms section of this manual. This form may be used at the discretion of the athletic director.
Individual Awards
Each school should establish guidelines for the recognition of students participating in interscholastic athletics. Emphasis should be placed on participating for earning a varsity letter award. Lettering criteria will be consistent for all sports. Award guidelines must be formulated within the rules set forth by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association. These rules are provided for your reference.
-
SMAC CONFERENCE / COUNTY CHAMPIONS
Team members for conference champions will receive an award for their particular sport. The Charles County Public Schools athletic department and/or athletic booster organization will fund these awards. -
MPSSAA / MPSSCC SECTIONAL / REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
Each team member winner will receive an award inscribed with “MPSSAA/MPSSCC Sectional Champion”, “Regional Champion” or “MPSSAA/MPSSCC State Finalist”. The Charles County Public Schools athletic department and/or athletic booster organization will fund these awards. -
MPSSAA / MPSSCC STATE CHAMPIONS
Each team member will receive an award with the shape of the state of Maryland inscribed with “MPSSAA/MPSSCC State Champions” or “MPSSAA/MPSSCC State Finalist”. The Charles County Public Schools athletic department and/or athletic booster organization will fund these awards. -
TEAM PICTURE PLAQUES
Each team member will receive a picture plaque signifying MPSSAA/MPSSCC State Championship Team. The Charles County Public Schools athletic department and/or athletic booster organization will fund these awards. -
RINGS/JACKETS/PENDANT
Any team that is an MPSSAA / MPSSCC “State Champion” will have the opportunity to purchase the ring from JOSTENS. The same holds true for individual “Champion”, Runner-Up”, or “Finalist”. State “Qualifiers” do not qualify for rings. The Athletic Department and athletic booster will not purchase any jackets, pendent or rings. This is not an award, but an item that may be purchased by an athlete. No school or booster funds can be used to purchase this item.
- MPSSAA - Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association
- MPSSCC – Maryland Public Schools State Cheerleading Committee
- COUNTY - Charles County Public Schools
Awards and Recognition
- Awards may be made as follows:
- A school may purchase and present to a student for athletic improvement a school insignia, medal, pin, or similar article of intrinsic value.
- Only non-profit and non-commercialized individuals may give awards from outside the school to individual school athletes or group donors, provided the school approves the awards and the presentation is made at a school-approved function.
- A symbolic award of appreciation may be given to a school team by an outside non-profit organization, and the award becomes the permanent possession of the school. Team awards may be presented to schools by recognized newspapers, radio, and television stations.
- Awards may be presented to seniors when athletic ability, athletic achievement, or contributions to school sports are among the criteria established for the award. These awards will be presented at a school-approved function.
- Recognition of individual school athletes and teams, other than through awards, shall be limited to appreciation banquets given by outside individuals or non-profit organizations with the approval of the school principal.
Financing Athletics
The interscholastic athletic program is partially financed by funds from the Board of Education that, for the most part, go toward transportation and officiating expenses. Additional financial support for the interscholastic athletic program is furnished by fees from clubs and activities such as: varsity clubs, concessions, booster organizations, dances, and admission fees.
- Guidelines
- Admission Charge - Accounting Procedures
- Accounting for Co-Curricular Student Activity Events
Guidelines
- Each high school has its own accounting or bookkeeping system. This system must operate within the guidelines as established by the Board of Education. All income and expenses related to this program must be accounted for within these guidelines and are subject to an audit by the Board's appointed auditors.
- The athletic director, with approval of the principal, guides the disbursement of funds for athletics. Coaches should present an itemized budget to the athletic director for consideration and approval, and purchases of all equipment and supplies should be presided over by him/her with the approval of the principal. The school principal has the authority to review all purchases and practices within the athletic department, and in the final analysis, all subordinates are responsible to the principal.
- All expenses incurred in the operation of the interscholastic athletic program shall be the responsibility of the school.
- Certain interscholastic athletic expenses may be underwritten by the Board of Education. These items will be listed in writing with set limitations and submitted to the principal.
- Invoices for expenses underwritten by the Board of Education must be submitted with a requisition for reimbursement to the director of student activities for Charles County.
- Gate receipts from all sports shall be retained by the schools in their athletic accounts.
- Schools will purchase their own supplies and equipment.
- The Board of Education policy requires that athletic accounts be audited at the end of each school year.
Admission Charge - Accounting Procedures
- When an admission fee is charged, admission to SMAC sporting events shall be at the following rates:
Event | Rate |
---|---|
Varsity | $6.00 |
Freshman/Junior Varsity Double Header | $6.00 |
Freshman | $6.00 |
Junior Varsity | $6.00 |
Tri-County Board of Education employees (with appropriate ID.) shall be admitted free.
- All individuals seven (7) years of age or older will be charged admission. Any child younger than seven (7) years of age will be admitted free of charge if accompanied by his/her parent or guardian.
- Any paying guest attending an athletic contest who leaves the site (gymnasium, specific field area) must pay again to re-enter. Exception – While we support the general policy of not allowing spectators to leave athletic events and re-enter without paying another entry fee, good judgment should be used under certain circumstances.
- No dogs or other pets are permitted in school buildings or on school grounds without the direct permission of the school administration. Exceptions are guide dogs, assistance/service animals and animals used for public school-sponsored programs approved by school administration. Anyone bringing an animal on to school property for a permitted and approved purpose must have the animal on a leash at all times and must clean up after the animal.
Accounting for Co-Curricular Student Activity Events
Organizations of the Student Activity Fund (SAF) will often sponsor events or other activities that charge admissions or fees to the participants. Usually, tickets are sold to patrons, which are used for admittance to the event. These activities require an initial cash box to start off. This cash box is to be used for change.
For athletic events, the athletic director will be responsible for the completion of an "Athletic Financial Report."
For all other activities, the activity sponsor will be responsible for the completion of an "Athletic Financial Report."
If the money is counted and deposited by the activity sponsor, the report forms must still be completed by the game manager/athletic director or the activity sponsor and reviewed by the financial secretary. The form will be attached to the deposit slip and given to the financial secretary. The financial secretary will still follow the receipt policy of writing out a 3-part pre-numbered receipt. One part of the receipt will still be given to the person who turned in the deposit slip. The cash bank should be counted by the financial secretary to verify the balance on the Activity or Athletic Financial Report. For example, if the athletic director is in control of entrance receipts during basketball season, and he/she carries a $200 cash bank from game to game, then he/she could directly deposit the profit from the weekend’s games, leaving $200 in cash in the safe until the next game. This cash box is accounted for on the Athletic Financial Report. At no time should a cash box go unaccounted (financially or physically) for during the entire season. Remember that any amount over $100 should be maintained in the safe or vault, therefore a $200 cash box should not be in a locked drawer of the game manager/athletic director or activity sponsor.
Approval Procedure by School Sponsored Building and Grounds Improvements
A committee has been formed to revise and expand the current process required of principals to obtain approval to construct anything on school grounds, move any structure onto school grounds, alter in any way athletic fields maintained by Charles County Public Schools, or make changes to scheduled Public Facilities activities at schools. The committee will be known as the Athletic Facilities Committee and will be composed of the following personnel:
- Chief of Support Services
- Supervisor of Maintenance
- Director of Student Activities
- Chief of Parks & Grounds, Public Facilities
The committee will meet as needed. The director of student activities will make that determination and convene the committee.
- Changes to Athletic Fields
- Contact Person Between Board of Education and Public Facilities
- Condition of Athletic Fields/Facilities
- Scheduling of High School Athletic Fields
Changes to Athletic Fields
- The existing form, "Approval Procedure for School Sponsored Buildings and Grounds Improvement," has been revised.
- The previous form covered requests for construction projects only. The revised form should be used to address changes to fields in addition to construction projects; i.e., location of sea containers for storage, dumping mulch or topsoil, selecting a field for temporary parking, etc.
- Requests will be submitted to the Athletics, Physical Education and Health Department for concept approval, followed by School Administration, also for concept approval. The request then goes to the Maintenance Department, and finally, Public Facilities. When all four departments approve, the assistant superintendent of supporting services grants written permission for the project.
- Proper bidding procedures, if applicable, must be followed for all projects. Three quotations should be obtained for projects that exceed $2,500, and projects over $15,000 must be bid through the purchasing department.
Contact Person Between Board of Education and Public Facilities
- The Director of Student Activities is the CCPS contact person with Public Facilities for all athletic field projects.
- If a principal has a question regarding the process, feasibility of a project, status of a project. etc., calls should be directed to the director of student activities.
Principals, if in doubt of a project, should speak to the director of student activities. He/she has the authority to authorize, in writing, minor projects without the need to complete the form.
Condition of Athletic Fields/Facilities
If, in the process of routinely inspecting the condition of any athletic field/facility (that is bleachers, gates, fencing, etc.) located at one of our schools, it is determined that the athletic field/facility needs repair or unsafe, then the director of student Activities will be contacted immediately. The director of student activities will convene the facilities department to address the concern(s) if necessary.
Scheduling of High School Athletic Fields
Every effort must be made not to cancel or move previously approved and scheduled games away from school athletic fields, especially high schools that the youth of our community look forward to playing on for months. In addition, finding other locations and rescheduling hundreds of players and parents is a major concern. In the event an emergency or conflict arises, and it is recognized that true emergencies will occur on occasion, all changes to the schedule involving Public Facilities activities must be approved in advance by director of student activities.
The committee will come to consensus on all projects. Projects will be approved as is, approved with modifications, or disapproved. Projects not approved will be forwarded to the superintendent of schools who will make the final decision. Periodically, the director of student activities will report to the committee on school requests that he alone has taken action on.
Note: All field use must be “By Permit Only.”
Insurance
The school system allows an insurance carrier to offer a student accident insurance plan. The plan does not replace a primary health insurance plan and should be considered as a supplement to other health and accident insurance coverage. CCPS does not handle claims or related issues.
Parents are responsible for sending in premiums and for filing claims with the insurance carrier. For insurance information and to enroll, visit
https://www.bobmccloskey.com/k12voluntary/
Questions can be directed to:
Glenn R. Belmore, Risk Manager
Charles County Public Schools
P.O. Box 2770
La Plata, Md., 20646
gbelmore@ccboe.com
Phone: 301-934-7275
Fax: 301-392-5581
Physicals
Charles County Public Schools students who plan to try out for any school-sponsored interscholastic sports team are required to have a physical performed by a licensed physician.
A Charles County Public Schools physical form must be turned in to the school athletic director prior to the first day of practice. No student is allowed to practice or try out for a team without a completed physical form signed and approved by a licensed physician. A physical is valid for one year. Parents and students are responsible for keeping physicals up-to-date.
Other forms needed before a student is permitted to try out are: authorization for participation in interscholastic athletics, emergency medical card, verification of insurance and a Statement of the Student-Parent Handbook. All high schools have an online Team Registration link that can be used to submit the forms. Click on the Team Registration tab to find the link for your high school. If access to the internet is unavailable, please contact your school's athletic director for accommodations.
The school system recommends that the student's primary care physician perform the required physical, as this physician knows the student and is familiar with the student's medical history. If a family physician is not available, the clinics listed below may be able to provide a sports physical. Call ahead to get specific costs and times.
Clinic |
Phone Number |
---|---|
UM CRMC - Primary Care at Bryan's Road | 301-609-5350 |
Convenient Health Care | 301-645-8550 |
Hollywood Medical Center | 301-373-2116 |
Med-Surg Walk-in Clinic | 301-934-2299 |
Western County Family Medical Center | 301-609-6906 |
Resource Links
Schedules
To view updated schedules, calendars and scores for a specific school, click on the school name below.
From this page you have the option to view a school's sports schedule, scores, team roster and much more. Please note that links are to an external site not hosted by Charles County Public Schools. Athletic Directors at the school level are responsible for maintaining these pages. If you have a question or concern about the sports schedules, please contact your school's athletic director.
Team Registration
Note for registrants: If access to the internet is unavailable, please contact your school's athletic director for accommodations.