This folder contains information about the policies and procedures of the Newtown High

SchoolAthletic Department. I hope that you find the following information helpful and never

hesitate to call me if you have any questions or concerns.

Gregg Simon

Newtown High School,Athletic Director

Newtown High School Gregg Simon,Athletic Director

12 Berkshire Road Office Phone: 426-7655

Sandy Hook, CT 06482 Fax Number: 426-7655

Main Office: 426-7646

Our web site has schedules, directions to school, links to individual team

websites, and many other interesting features.

FALL SPORTS WINTER SPORTS SPRING SPORTS

Football JV/F Basketball (Boys) JV/F Baseball JV/F

Cheerleading Basketball (Girls) JV/F Golf

Cross Country (Boys) Cheerleading Lacrosse (Boys) JV/F

Cross Country (Girls) Dance Lacrosse (Girls) JV

Dance Indoor Track (Boys) Softball JV/F

Field Hockey JV/F Indoor Track (Girls) Tennis (Boys)

Soccer (Boys) JV/F Swimming (Boys) Tennis (Girls)

Soccer (Girls) JV/F Wrestling JV Track (Boys)

Swimming (Girls) Ice Hockey JV Track (Girls)

Volleyball JV/F

FRESHMEN - Freshmen sports act as an introduction for many athletes to interscholastic

practice and play.  At this level, coaches focus on the development of basic skills, rules, strategies,

team play, and sportsmanship. Coaches make every attempt to keep as many freshmen as

possible and to share playing time among the members of the team.

JUNIOR VARSITY- The junior varsity level is intended for those students who display the

potential to develop into varsity athletes.  At this level, coaches strive to refine fundamental

skills and strategies of team play.  An attempt will be made to play all participants, but it is recognized

that all athletes may not play equally, both in individual games and over the course of

the entire season. Coaches will make every attempt to find meaningful playing time for all eligible

players based on the degree of effort and skill improvement.

VARSITY- The varsity level of competition is the culmination of the high school athletic program.

Varsity teams are comprised of the best players in that sport regardless of class. Team

play, sportsmanship, individual physical ability, motivation, and mental attitude are very

important aspects of competition at the varsity level. Squad size at the varsity level is limited.

The number of participants on any given team is a function of those needed to conduct an

effective and meaningful practice and to play a contest.  While contest participation over the

course of the season is desirable, a specified amount of playing time is never guaranteed.

The Newtown High SchoolAthletic Department strongly encourages our student-athletes to

advocate for themselves when dealing with the coaching staff. This chain of command allows

a coach to work first with a student-athlete to resolve any playing time issues or other differences

of opinion.

*Student-athlete discusses situation with coach.

*Parent discusses situation with coach.

*Student-athlete/parent discuss situation withAthletic Director.

*Student-athlete/parent discuss situation with building administrator.

Newtown High School’s athletic teams are governed by the rules and regulations of the

Connecticut InterscholasticAthletic Conference (CIAC). Newtown High School is a member

of the SWC which was formed in 1995 and has sixteen member schools. The SWC has two

The following code of conduct was approved for all S.W.C. schools on May 12, 2000. It will

be displayed and enforced at all S.W.C. contests.

- Respect decisions made by contest and school officials.

- Refrain from taunting, booing, heckling and the use of inappropriate language.

- Attendance at this contest is not a license to verbally assault others or to be generally offensive.

- Respect athletes, coaches, officials and fans.

- Obey all local school regulations.

The CIAC Board of Control has issued the following statement concerning captain’s practices:

The CIAC does not in any way sanction, encourage, or condone “Captain’s Practice” in any

sport. “Captain’s Practice” depending upon the member school’s involvement, may be a clear

violation of eligibility rule II D. (season limitations) or certainly a violation of the spirit of rule

II D.

The Newton High School Athletic Department clearly warns all coaches that they are in no

way to condone, encourage, or sanction captain’s practices.

Each parent/guardian is required to complete an emergency card indicating pertinent medical

information, emergency phone numbers and a contact person in case of accident or injury.

These emergency cards are kept in the first aid kit and accompany teams to all practices and

games. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact the coach and revise this information if it

changes during the course of the season/year.

All members of N.H.S. teams must have a complete physical examination before they can try

for 13 months from the date on the form. These forms can be found in the nurse’s office, athletic

the physical examination during the summer so that the form is valid for all three sport seasons.

All members of N.H.S. teams must have a complete parent permission form before they can

try out for a sport. This form is located on the back of the yellow health form and must be

completed and signed by a parent for each new sports season.

All members of N.H.S. teams must submit a NON-REFUNDABLE pay to participate fee

each sports season once the final teams are selected. Checks should be made out to Newtown

High School. This fee is used to help offset the cost of the sport and in no way guarantees a set

amount of playing time. There is a $450 family cap per year. The scale for the fees is located

below.

CHEERLEADING $150

DANCE $100

X-COUNTRY  $150

FIELD HOCKEY  $200

VOLLEYBALL $200

SOCCER $200

SWIMMING  $200

FOOTBALL  $200

INDOOR TRACK  $200

BASKETBALL  $200

CHEERLEADING  $150

WRESTLING  $200

SWIMMING  $200

DANCE  $100

SPRING SPORTS

All students and parents must sign the bottom of the parent permission form indicating that

they have read and understand the N.H.S. Student-Athlete SubstanceAbuse Policy before they

can play a sport.

The Connecticut InterscholasticAthletic Conference provides academic standards and eligibility

guidelines for all member schools. Newtown High School maintains high expectations for

all student-athletes and, therefore, has adopted a more stringent policy for academic eligibility.

Students entering the high school from the middle school or any other eighth grade class are

automatically eligible to participate in fall sports regardless of their previous academic record.

However, in order for students to remain academically eligible, students may not fail more

than one credit-bearing course per quarter AND must maintain at least a 70 grade point average

each quarter.  Any student who does not meet these minimum eligibility standards will be

winter sport.

for a spring sport.

*Third quarter grades determine eligibility for continuance of a spring sport.

have also received eight credits toward graduation for which he/she has not previously

received credit. Semester courses completed earlier in the school year may be counted

toward the eight credits used in determining eligibility for the fall season. Successful completion

of summer school work counts toward academic eligibility.

According to CIAC rules, students who receive an incomplete in a class must complete the

work and receive a grade within ten (10) school days of receiving the report card. It is the athlete’s

responsibility to request the teacher to submit his/her grade within this timeline.

The CIAC determines athletic eligibility requirements for students transferring into Newtown

High School. Transfer students should consult the Athletic Director concerning applicable

rules in effect at the time of their enrollment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe learning environment that is free

from hazing for students and staff. Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational

goals of the school district and are prohibited at all times.

Any student who engages in hazing is subject to discipline up to and including expulsion

and/or referral to law enforcement officials.  Any board employee who permits hazing is subject

to discipline, up to and including termination of employment and/or referral to law

enforcement officials.

A. No student, administrator, volunteer, contractor or other employee or agent of the school

district (here and after collectively referred to as “staff”) shall plan, direct, encourage, aid

or engage in hazing.

B. No staff member of the school district shall permit, condone, or tolerate hazing.

C. Implied or expressed consent by a person being hazed does not lessen the prohibitions

contained in this policy, and will not be considered as a defense or mitigation of any

alleged violation of this policy.

D. A person who engages in an act that violates school policy of law in order to initiate

another person or to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization shall be subject

to discipline for that act.

E. The school district will investigate complaints of hazing and take appropriate action

including but not limited to discipline against any student or staff member of the district

who is found to have violated this policy.

F. Hazing activities are seriously disruptive of the education process. This policy applies to

behavior that occurs on or off school property and during, before or after school hours.

DEFINITIONS:

A. “Hazing” means committing an act that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person or

property for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with or continued membership

or affiliation with a student organization, or for any other purpose. The term “hazing”

includes, but is not limited to:

1. Any type of physical brutality including but not limited to whipping, beating, striking,

branding, electronic shocking, or requiring an ingestion or placing a harmful

substance in or on the body.

2. Any type of physical activity including but not limited to sleep deprivation, exposure

to weather, confinement in a restricted area, calisthenics, or other activity that

subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the

mental or physical health or safety of the student.

3. Any activity involving the consumption of any alcoholic beverage, drug, tobacco

product, or any other food, liquid, or substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable

risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety

of the student.

4. Any activity that intimidates, bullies, or threatens the student with ostracism, that

subjects the student to unreasonable stress, embarrassment, shame, or humiliation,

that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student, or discourages the

student from remaining in school.

5. Any activity that causes or requires the student to perform a task that involves violation

of state or federal law or school district policies, rules or regulations.

B. “Student organization” means any group having students as its primary members or participants.

It includes, but is not limited to, grade levels, classes, teams, clubs, activities, or

particular school events.  A student organization need not be recognized as an official

school organization to come within the terms of this definition.

A. Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of hazing or any person with

knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute hazing shall report the alleged acts

immediately to the building principal.

B. Staff members of the school district shall be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances,

or events that might include hazing.

C. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of hazing will not be used by the school

district to affect the complainant's or reporter’s future employment, grades, or work

assignments.

The school district will investigate reports of hazing and will take action deemed appropriate

to rectify the situation and protect the individuals involved. Such action may include discipline

of students up to and including expulsion and/or discipline of staff up to and including termination

and the reporting of such staff or students to law enforcement officials.

The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against any student or staff member

of the school district who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of

alleged hazing against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, or

against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in a proceeding or hearing related to

such alleged hazing. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation,

reprisal, or harassment.

The Newtown Board of Education recognizes the serious societal problem of substance abuse.

As the central developmental institution of community’s youth, the schools play an important

role in the early detection of substance abuse, the protection of children from the use, promotion

and sale of alcohol and controlled substances, the improper use and sale of prescription

drugs, and a partnership role with families and other institutions seeking treatment for substance

abusers.

Student athletes will be subject to board policies, NHS administrative policies, disciplinary

actions and suspension or removal from an athletic team for the possession, use, dispensing,

sale or distribution, aid in the procurement, under the influence of:

*Alcohol

*Illicit Drugs

*Mood Altering or Controlled Substances

*Stimulants

*Anabolic Steroids

*Hormones or Analogues

*Diuretics

*Performance Enhancements

*Any substance purported to be a restricted substance

Per Board Policy # 7-701.1, a student that is under the influence of or in possession of drugs

and/or alcohol during school, on school grounds, or during school activities, will be excluded

from all school related extra-curricular activities for a period of (60) sixty calendar days. If the

60-day period is not concluded by the end of the school year, the remaining days will resume

at the start of the next school year.

If such student engages in any prohibited activity listed above off school grounds, at any time,

seven days a week, regardless of whether or not prohibited conduct occurs during the student’s

actual participation in interscholastic sports or whether other school-related disciplinary action

has occurred.  A student, after confirmation of the offense, will be placed on probation for (14)

fourteen calendar days. This response, that includes collaboration with the Athletic Director

and coach, is for consistency with all student athletes at NHS.

During this FIRST OFFENSE probationary period, the student:

1. will not practice or travel with the team

2. will not participate in any competition/performances

3. will not be present at or in the close vicinity of games/competitions/performances

4. will lose all awards for the season

5. will lose their position of leadership/captain

6. will attend a meeting with parent/guardian, coach/adviser, and the

athletic director/administrator before reinstatement to the team

During the SECOND OFFENSE and subsequent over the course of their high school experience,

the student:

1. will be suspended from participation for the remainder of the current sport

2. will be considered for removal of future participation in this current sport

3. will face a behavioral contract for substance abuse treatment that requires documentation

of a treatment plan and does not limit the student to school counseling. This behavioral

contract will require a meeting with the Athletic Director/Administrator,

Parent/Guardian, Student, Substance Abuse Counselor, Guidance Counselor, School

Psychologist, and any supportive resource that will benefit the student’s counseling experience.

NOTE: The CIAC may impose further sanctions beyond those applied by the LEA(Local

Educational Authority) for use of substances by athletes. Similarly, a student whose conduct

off school grounds is in violation of the substance abuse policy and is seriously disruptive of

the educational process shall be subject to severe disciplinary action, up to and including

expulsion from school. In accord with Newtown High School policies and expectations, this is

applicable to all CIAC controlled activities sponsored by the school. Participation in high

school athletics is a privilege, not a right.

The Newtown Board of Education, Newtown Administrators, and NHS Athletic Department

are committed to achieving an environment free of substance abuse in our schools.While this

goal cannot be achieved by the school district alone, regardless of funding, staff ability, or program

development, the NHS Athletic Department and NHS Administrative Team will provide

student athletes with preventive and intervention support and education. The family, church,

community health services, mental health and treatment facilities, and concerned citizens must

play a role if our goal is to be accomplished.  We support sharing approaches and programs

with other districts and institutions and recognize that these problems neither begin at the

school door nor end at the district’s boundaries. The solutions to the difficult problems of substance

abuse need to be approached by society as a whole.

Astudent must be in school for a minimum of four hours in order to participate in any practice

or game that day. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to tell his/her coach if he/she was

absent from school that day.  Appropriate consequences will be applied for any violation of this

rule up to and including suspension from the team.

Astudent-athlete who is a member of a school team after the first scheduled contest in any

season shall not practice or compete with an outside team, or participate as an individual in

non-CIAC tournaments, meets, tryouts, skills assessment or games in the same sport.

If school is on an early dismissal schedule or if school is cancelled, all practices, scrimmages,

games, etc. are cancelled. Information about a cancellation or postponement will be promptly

posted on the white board outside the main gym and on nighthawksports.com

Although Senior Nights are some of the most important events of each sport's season, the

Newtown High School Athletic Department does not choose the dates for these nights or plan

the activities that will place on these special evenings. Senior nights are usually planned by

the underclassman as a way of honoring our senior student-athletes. Decorations for these

night should be limited to the site of the event (pool, stadium, gym, etc.), as well as the front

doors and the windows in the gym foyer.  No other parts of the building should be decorated.

The student-athletes who decorate for senior nights are also responsible for completely cleaning

up at the conclusion of the event.

Transportation will be provided to student-athletes for out of town contests and in-town games

and practices that must occur at sites other than at the athlete’s school.  In-town trips will be on

a drop off basis only and parents or guardians are asked to pick up their sons/daughters at the

designated site.  All student-athletes must travel to out of town contests by the transportation

provided by the school.  Student-athletes will not be allowed to participate in any contest if

they do not travel with the team unless approved by the Athletic Director. Student-athletes

who do not travel back to school on the provided transportation must provide a note from their

parent/guardian stating their intentions. This note must be given to the coach at least 24 hours

in advance.

If a student-athlete should become injured during the course of participating in a school sponsored

sporting or athletic event, the injury must be reported to the coach immediately.  Failure

to provide notification to the coach within 24 hours may violate the terms and conditions of

the insurance coverage carried by the town.

The primary insurance that will provide coverage for any medical expenses incurred will be

the medical/health insurance that applies to the student-athlete (which in most cases is the coverage

that applies to the family of the student-athlete). Any insurance carried by the town will

apply only on an excess basis over all other collectible insurance. Note that the insurance coverage

carried by the town only applies to injuries that arise out of a specific and identifiable

occurrence that happened at a specific and identifiable place and time. No coverage would

apply for any sort of chronic condition that did not arise out of a specific and identifiable

occurrence.