Fall Sports

The objective of the athletic program at Nease High School is to provide student-athletes with a satisfying and challenging athletic environment that emphasizes the development of physical skills and solid character. The program aims to develop sportsmanship, work ethic, enthusiasm, teamwork, cooperation, leadership, integrity, loyalty, humility, wisdom, and responsibility. We also believe that preparation and competition are critical to our school and community spirit and further believe that this spirit is substantially enhanced by our overall commitment to excellence.

Preamble to the Arizona Sports Accord – Pursuing Victory With Honor

At its best, athletic competition can hold intrinsic value for our society. It is a symbol of a great ideal: victory with honor. The love of sports is deeply embedded in our national consciousness. The values of millions of participants and spectators are directly and dramatically influenced by the values conveyed by organized sports. Thus, sports are a major social force that shapes the quality and character of the American culture. In the belief that the impact of sports can and should enhance the character and uplift the ethics of the nation, we seek to establish a framework of principles and a common language of values that can be adopted and practiced widely. The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and the six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.

Athletics is an important part of the total school program in the St. Johns County Schools and works in conjunction with the other educational experiences to provide students the environment and opportunity to develop the values of character and ethical decision-making. This opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics is an extracurricular activity and privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, the sport, other students, the family, and the community, as well as the student-athlete.

The Student-Athlete Code of Conduct governs all student-athletes in the SJCSD who participate in interscholastic athletics. These standards of conduct shall supplement, and not supplant or replace, the Code of Conduct or any additional or more stringent rules and standards of conduct that the Head Coach of each athletic team lawfully imposes as a condition of participation in such activity. Discipline imposed as a result of a violation of the Student Athlete Code of Conduct shall not preclude additional discipline or consequences under the SJCSD Student Code of Conduct or the rules and bylaws of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). It is recognized that some of the expectations for athletes exceed the expectations for the general student body. Student athletes must remain aware that being a part of interscholastic athletics is considered an honor and a privilege and not a right. Therefore, it requires observance of all aspects of the codes of conduct at school, school-related activities, off campus, or outside-the-school day activities and events. It is also the intent of the Student - Athlete Code of Conduct to provide a clearly defined course for student/athletes to follow and instill a belief that a onetime infraction need not result in a permanent pattern in life.

Participation in athletics at Nease High School is completely voluntary.

1. Regular, punctual attendance in all classes at Nease High School is essential to participation in the athletic programs. A student-athlete who cuts a class will be ineligible to participate in the next scheduled contest. Three violations of this policy during the season will result in dismissal from the team. If an athlete is absent from school on a particular day, he/she may not be present or take part in athletic activities on that day without express consent from the Athletic Director.
2. Without exception athletic participants must turn in to the coach a completed FHSAA Pre-Participation Physical Form, with physician's signature PLUS a FHSAA Consent & Release Form properly signed and executed - No athlete may participate in practice or competition until all required forms are completed and submitted.
3. Athletes are financially responsible for all school equipment furnished to them. Grades and diplomas will not be issued until all equipment is returned. The student's family will be billed for any items not returned at the end of the season.
4. Athletes are to be dressed in the official team uniform when representing Nease High School in an athletic contest. Teams are expected to be UNIFORMILY dressed while representing Nease.
5. Athletes may NOT transfer from one sport to another in the same season, unless authorized by the Principal and the Athletic Director. No student may quit one sport and go out for another after the season has begun without mutual consent of both coaches and the Athletic Director.
6. OTHER ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES - NON_NEASE SPORTS TEAMS - "CLUB" TEAMS - Activities outside of normal practice times and contest times shall not be governed by Nease Athletics. No student-athlete can be forced NOT to participate in outside activities on his/her own time. Nease Coaches may counsel his/her team members regarding the importance of maintaining a proper commitment to Nease teammates during season but no open restrictions are permitted.
7. DURING SEASON - No student athlete shall participate in practices with another Nease team or Nease coach without the express written consent of both coaches and the Athletic Director. This type of crossover is discouraged by the Athletic Director's office and will only be considered in emergency or extraordinary circumstances. This rule applies to the overlap at the end of one season and the beginning of another season.
8. School personnel will make every effort to keep the locker rooms secure: however the student-athlete is responsible for issued school equipment as well as his/her own personal belongings.
9. The locker area is to be kept neat and clean.
10. Athletic Training/Medical supplies are very expensive and must be used wisely and carefully. Tape and pre-wrap are for care and prevention of injuries ONLY. Athletes requiring taping on a daily basis will be expected to purchase a brace or tape for themselves.
11. Students and coaches are responsible to know and meet the eligibility requirements of the FHSAA.
12. Students involved in several activities should know their schedules so conflicts can be resolved early. This might include athletics, music, community service, drama, college entrance exams, etc.
13. All student athletes are valuable members of their respective teams. If students have concerns regarding their position on the team, the issues should first be taken up with their coach. If necessary and in rare circumstances, the Athletic Director may also become involved.
14. Please see the Nease High School Transportation Policy.

All spectators shall conduct themselves in such a way as to support and advance the values of fair play and sportsmanship. Jeering, harassing of players, coaches, or officials, or any negative behavior will not be tolerated.

Clearly, good parenting is extremely important and sometimes trying. Good coaching, although to a lesser degree, is also important and sometimes difficult. Coaches and parents both want student-athletes to have a positive experience as they participate in a sport or activity.

Communication is the key to making the positive experience become a reality. Athletes, parents, and coaches are all responsible for cooperative communication.

As your child becomes involved in the programs at Nease High School, he/she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of his/her life. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes.

We are all a part of the team. Everyone on the team makes valuable contributions toward the success of the TEAM. Some of the most valuable players we have are players who do not start. Not everyone can start, be all-conference, and all-state, but everyone can have a significant role.

The decision of who starts and who plays is solely the responsibility of the coaching staff. The coaches are at practice every day and they will be considered by the Athletic Department as the only experts at Nease High School.

As a matter of policy, if there is a concern, the following steps of communication should be followed:

1. THE PLAYER SHOULD TALK TO THE HEAD COACH. Don't miss this step - it is often skipped and could solve most of these types of issues. If a resolution is not reached, then:
2. The parents should discuss their concerns with the coach:
3. The parents should contact the head coach if it is not a varsity squad or if the first attempt was made with an assistant coach. If there is still a concern:
4. The parents should then talk to the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director will make sure that the parents have spoken DIRECTLY to the coach. If more discussion is necessary:
5. A meeting with parents, Athletic Director, and coach can be held.

Communication Coaches Expect From Players:

1. Athletes should privately express concerns directly to the coach.
2. Athletes should notify the coach of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
3. Athletes should privately notify the coach of specific concerns in regard to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations.

Communication Parents Should Expect From Coaches:

1. Expectations the coach has for your child and the team as a whole.
2. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
3. Team requirements, i.e. fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning.
4. Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
5. Discipline that results in the denial of your child's participation.

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss With Coaches:

1. Concerns regarding your child's skill level and development.
2. Ways to help your child in the sport.
3. Concerns about your child's behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your child's not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make decisions based on what they believe to be best for all student-athletes involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain issues can and should be discussed with your child's coach.

Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss With Coaches

1. Team Strategy
2. Play Calling
3. Other student-athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other's position.

If you have a concern to discuss with a coach:

Again, DO NOT attempt to meet with a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not generally promote resolutions.

Any student/athlete who feels they have the ability to receive a scholarship from a Division I or Division II University should contact his/her counselor to make sure he/she is taking the appropriate course work to meet the NCAA eligibility guidelines.

Trustworthiness

• Be Honest
• Don't deceive, cheat or steal
• Be reliable - Do what you say you'll do
• Have the courage to do the right thing
• Build a good reputation
• Be loyal - Stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect

• Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule
• Be tolerant of differences
• Use good manners, not bad language
• Be considerate of the feelings of others
• Don't threaten, hit, or hurt anyone
• Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility

• Do what you are supposed to do
• Persevere: keep on trying!
• Always do your best
• Use self-control
• Be self-disciplined
• Think before you act - consider the consequences
• Be accountable for your choices

Fairness

• Play by the rules
• Take turns and share
• Be open-minded; listen to others
• Don't take advantage of others
• Don't blame others carelessly

Caring

• Be kind
• Be compassionate
• Express gratitude
• Forgive others
• Help people in need

Citizenship

• Do your share to make your school and community better
• Cooperate
• Stay informed
• Vote
• Be a good neighbor
• Obey laws and rules
• Respect authority
• Protect the environment