Maple Crest STEM Middle School

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of the Kokomo Middle School Athletic Department is to offer the opportunity to be a part of a team to as many of our students as possible.  We feel strongly that athletics are extremely important in the development of the mind as well as the body.  Leadership skills can be developed through athletic participation.  Being an athlete in the Kokomo Middle School Athletic program is a privilege, we therefore have the right to expect higher standards of behavior from our athletes than we do the general student body.  We expect positive leadership as well as high levels of achievement academically and athletically.  Winning is important to our athletic programs; however, handling loss is equally important.  Being a winner is not always recorded on the scoreboard or in the win-loss records. 

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS for Students-Athletes in the Kokomo Middle School Athletic Program

1. Academic Requirement:  A student receiving more than one “F” in a nine-week grading period is ineligible the following nine-week period.  If a student receives three 5’s in citizenship from two or more teachers in any nine weeks grading period, the students will be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for a maximum of the next grading period.  If a student receives a 5 in citizenship from two teachers in any nine weeks grading period, the student will be on a weekly contract for a maximum of the next grading period.    
2. IHSAA Athletic Physical: This IHSAA form must be completed and on file in the office of your home school, including parent consent and insurance information requested.  The entire packet needs to be fully filled out and returned before the athlete may participate.
3. Age Requirements: An eighth grade student whose sixteenth birthday is prior or on the scheduled date of the IHSAA State Finals in a sport shall be deemed ineligible for that sport.  A seventh grade student whose fifteenth birthday is prior to or on the scheduled date of the IHSAA State Finals in a sport shall be deemed ineligible to participate in that sport.  A sixth grade student whose fourteenth birthday is prior to or on the scheduled date of the IHSAA State Finals in a sport shall be deemed ineligible to participate in that sport.
4. Student-Athlete Expectations:   Student-athletes at BAMS, CMIS and MCMS are expected to be positive role models for the school and community.  The student-athlete must display a respect for figures of authority, and take an active role in the classroom and school.  As a student-athlete representing the Kokomo Middle School Athletic Program, you will be held to a higher standard of expectations than the general student body.  

TRANSPORTATION POLICY

The Kokomo Middle School Athletic Department schedules buses/vans through the Kokomo-Center Schools Transportation Department.  Athletic trips will be made on safety-checked buses or vans driven by an adult-licensed bus driver with coaches on board for supervision.  A student-athlete is required to travel to the athletic event by the provided form of transportation.  Written requests from parents are required in order to release your athlete to you after an athletic event.  Without a written request from parents, students will be required to travel from the athletic event by the provided form of transportation. 

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INSURANCE

Bon Air Middle School, Central Middle School and Maple Crest Middle School do not carry medical/hospitalization insurance for their student-athletes.  This is considered a parental responsibility. 

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ATTENDANCE POLICY

It is mandatory that all students at BAMS, CMIS and MCMS who are members of an athletic team attend all practices and games.  Student-athletes are required to personally contact or phone any of the following school officials (in advance) to report the date and time they will be absent from a particular practice or game: Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or Athletic Director.  Any student who has missed five consecutive days of school and practice must have a doctor’s statement clearing them to resume practices.  In order to participate in an athletic event the student-athlete must either be present at school during the first half or second half of a school day.  That means the student-athlete must attend school from either 8:10-11:35 or 11:35-3:00.    

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ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

Participation in athletics at BAMS, CMIS and MCMS is considered a privilege.  Participation also requires certain responsibilities of the student-athlete.  Students and parents should be made aware of the following:

1. Every student-athlete is expected to follow the rules.
2. Every student-athlete is a representative of BAMS, CMIS & MCMS and the community of Kokomo.  We expect each athlete to act responsibly. 
3. Participation in athletics brings the possibility of injury.  The coaching staff in each sport will teach proper techniques for each skill and provide safe areas of practice and competition. 
4. Once an athlete makes a team, he or she may not leave that team for any reason or start practice with another team.  In some instances a coach may release an athlete to begin practice with another team.  The release must be approved by the Athletic Director.
5. The student-athlete should report all injuries to their coach.
6. All athletic equipment is the property of the Kokomo Middle School Athletic Program.  Student-athletes who have been issued equipment during the season will be held responsible for this equipment at the conclusion of the season.
7. Fees may be associated with certain sports. 
8. Student-athletes who violate team rules may be dismissed from a team at any time.
9. Student-athletes are expected to participate in athletic fundraisers during their season. 

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SPORTSMANSHIP

It is a privilege to participate and represent BAMS, CMIS & MCMS in interscholastic competition.  The student-athlete who represents BAMS, CMIS & MCMS is expected to exhibit the highest standards of good sportsmanship.  Legitimate expectations of the student-athlete include: 1) Gain an understanding and appreciation of the rules; 2) Exercise representative behavior at all times; 3) Recognize and appreciate skilled performances regardless of affiliation; 4) Exhibit respect of the officials; 5) Display open respect for the opponents at all times; 6) Display pride in your actions.