COUGAR CHRONICLE 2023

This newsletter features the following helpful topics:

• Fall Coach Roster & Contact Emails
  
• Coach Communication
• Fall Sports Game Schedule
• MIAA Heat Modifications
• MIAA Fall Power Ratings
• MIAA Fall Tournament Alignments
• MIAA Fall Tournament Formats
• Athletic Handbook w/ Highlighted Rules, Regulations & Expectations
• Daily School Attendance & Tardiness
• Absences
• Playing Time
• Bona fide Team Rule
• Chemical Health
• Parent/Guardian Role & Expectations
  
• Conflict Resolution Guidelines
  
• Athletic Event Expectations for Fans and spectators
• Athletic Department Website
• Game Schedule Program
• Athletic Trainer
• No Pets Allowed on School Grounds and/or Athletic Facilities
  
• Twitter - AKA "X"
  
• One Final Thought

In closing, our Athletic Department's goal of offering a first-class educational athletic experience remains in the forefront of every decision that we make. Once again we look forward to serving the people of this great community the best way we can!

Sincerely,

Matthew J. Trahan, CMAA

Director of Athletics

Old Colony RVTHS

Old Colony Athletics

Head Coach Contact Information

Volleyball:

Head Coach Lauren McGowan

lmcgowan9510@gmail.com

Boys Soccer:

Head Coach Alex Soares

asoares@oldcolony.info

Girls Soccer:

Head Coach Paul Soucy

psoucy@oldcolony.info

Cross Country:

John Oldham

joldham@oldcolony.info

Golf:

Head Coach Kathy Peterson

kpeterson@oldcolony.info

Cheerleading:

Kelly Taveira

ktaveira@oldcolony.info

Football:

Head Coach Brandon Mendez

bmendez@oldcolony.info

Patrons and fans attending Old Colony games, as well as other events in the stadium, will not be permitted to stand inside the restraining ropes, behind or near the team areas (softball/baseball backstops.) Spectator seating will be clearly marked. At no time should patrons or fans interact with team members or coaches. All patrons will be required to enter the stadium and be seated in the stands.

Each coach has created their own mode of communication with student-athletes (and families) within their respective program(s). These communication methods include; email, Google Classroom, and SportsYou.

As of this publishing, if you are unaware of how your son/daughter's respective coach plans to communicate, please contact them using the email address provided above.

All student-athletes must be a student in “good standing” in order to participate in athletics. “Good standing” is defined, but not limited to, adherence to school rules that regulate behavior and attendance - including, but not limited to a major suspension or multiple minor suspensions, detentions or class cuts.

A student-athlete who receives one or more major suspensions and/or multiple minor suspensions, detentions or class cuts prior to the season of play, but in the same school year, may be considered not to be in good standing.

Adherence to Pursuing Victory with Honor and the Six Pillars of Character:

1. Trustworthiness

• Trustworthiness – be worthy of trust in all you do!

• Integrity – Do what’s right even when it’s unpopular!

• Honesty – Live and compete honorably.

• Reliability – Do what you say you will do! Be on time!

• Loyalty – Put your team above personal glory.

2. Respect

• Respect - Treat all people with respect all the time.

• Class – Be a good sport. Be gracious in victory and accept defeat with dignity.

• Disrespectful Conduct – Do not engage in trash-talking, taunting, or other actions that demean individuals or the sport.

• Respect for Officials – Treat officials with respect. Don’t complain or argue about calls or decisions.

3. Responsibility

• Importance of Education – The primary responsibility of a student-athlete is academic achievement.

• Role Model – Remember that participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right. Be a positive role model.

• Self-Control – Don’t fight or show excessive displays of anger.

• Healthy Lifestyle – Safeguard your health. Don’t use illegal or unhealthy substances.

4. Fairness

• Fairness and Openness – Live up to high standards of fair play. Be open-minded, always be willing to listen and learn.

5. Caring

• Concern for Others – Put safety and health considerations above the desire to win. Never permit student-athletes to intentionally injure any player or engage in reckless behavior that might cause injury to themselves or others.

• Teammates – Help promote the well-being of teammates through positive encouragement. Report unhealthy or dangerous conduct to your coaches.

6. Citizenship

• Playing by the Rules – Have a thorough knowledge of and abide by all applicable game and competition rules. Demonstrate and demand integrity.

• Spirit of Rules – Honor, observe and enforce the spirit and letter of the rules. Do not engage in or allow any conduct designed to evade the rules governing fair competition.

A student found not to be in good standing might be denied the privilege of participation

In order for a student-athlete to be eligible for daily participation in extracurricular clubs, activities, and interscholastic athletics, they must attend at least ½ day (3 hours - 15 minutes) of school.

Old Colony school day is 7:45 am - 2:21 pm

Any student-athlete who does not meet the minimum requirement of a ½ day is not allowed to participate that said day.

Student-athletes absent from school for reasons approved by the Administration, such as medical appointments, may be permitted to participate in school-sponsored activities.

Commitment to the team is a major component of the educational athletic program at Old Colony High School. This should be taken into consideration by every student-athlete before trying out for any team. Commitment includes the belief that every team member will make every effort to be present for all team practices and games. This includes weekends and during scheduled school vacations due to various scheduling parameters.

Excused absences (with proper documentation) will not prevent a student-athlete from participating in interscholastic athletics. Examples of exempt absences include: when a student is absent for medical reasons (doctor’s note required), religious observance (parent call required), court appearance (court documentation required), funeral, college visit (juniors and seniors only) - letter from college or university required, and field trips. Further information concerning excused absences can be found in the Old Colony High School student handbook.

Student-athletes who need to be absent during the season are required to speak with their coach ahead of time. This is the student’s responsibility. This may be done after a student-athlete tries out for a team, but in all cases before the first game/event. The Athletic Director will be notified (by the coach) of any extended absences. These planned absences may include pre-arranged college visits (the student-athlete must fulfill all of the requirements of a documented college visit as stated in the student handbook), school sponsored trips, family vacations or other “once in a lifetime” events. While such absences shall be allowed and excused, it should be understood that they may have a detrimental effect on the team and are discouraged. Upon return to the team they will sit for a period of time based on the length of vacation.

In general, a student-athlete may expect to sit out the equivalent number of games/events that they missed as a result of their absence. In all cases, when a student-athlete is excused for a trip, a vacation or extended absence, they will have to continue to compete for their position upon their return. As previously noted, decisions regarding playing time, team strategy and/or circumstances involving other student-athletes, remain with the coach exercising their judgment and discretion.

Unexcused and/or chronic absences from practices or games will affect a student-athletes place on the team and may result in suspension or exclusion from continued participation and team membership.

Religious Obligations; There is no penalty for any student-athlete who misses a practice or game due to a religious obligation. Student-athletes should notify the coach prior to the day of the religious obligation.

Playing time is determined by practice attendance, attitude, commitment, athletic skill and team needs. It is the coach's responsibility to decide which student-athlete should start a contest, which position, and how long each student-athlete should play. These coaching decisions are made only by the coaching staff and are approached very seriously after having observed the student-athletes in practice sessions, game-like situations, scrimmages, and actual games.

The following expectations are highly encouraged

• Be publicly supportive not only of your player and his/her role, but also all student-athletes and their roles and the program.

• Be respectful and supportive to coaches at practice, games and at home. It is very important that a positive atmosphere is fostered concerning your student-athlete’s role on a team. Many successful teams are destroyed when parents are not supportive of fellow players or coaches.

• Stay away from the sideline, bench and/or dugout, as it is a place where student-athletes and coaches can focus, communicate, strategize and defuse.

• Let the coaches coach the student-athletes

• Be a model of good sportsmanship and appropriate, adult-like fan behavior at games. Please do not engage in confrontational behavior with, or direct negative comments or actions towards coaches, opposing coaches, players, fans, officials or anyone else in attendance at games.

Parental Role In Assisting Student-Athletes To Achieve Success in Athletics

• To attend informational meetings offered by the Athletic Department

• To work closely with school personnel to assure an appropriate academic as well as athletic experience for your child while he/she is in high school

• To assure that your child will attend all scheduled practices and athletic contests

• To require your child to abide by the Athletic Department’s training rules

• To acknowledge the authority of the coach in determining strategy and player selection

• To model mature behavior as well as expect the same from your child

• To work cooperatively with other parents and school personnel to ensure a wholesome and successful Athletic Program for Old Colony High School

• To identify a reasonable and realistic future for your child as a student-athlete

Conflict Resolution - Guidelines for Parent/Coach Communication

Guidelines for Parent / Coach Communication

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 all children. As parents, when your child becomes involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s program.

Adhering to the communications guidelines provided, we are better able to understand each other's roles and thereby provide greater benefit to our student-athletes. To be successful, communication is vital and requires involvement, dedication, sacrifice, and commitment from parents, student-athletes, and coaches.

COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR STUDENT-ATHLETE’S COACH

• Coach and program’s philosophy

• Individual and team expectations

• Location and times of all practices, special equipment required, off-season conditioning

• Any discipline that may result in the denial of your student-athletes participation

COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM PARENTS

• Concerns expressed directly to the coach

• Notification of schedule conflicts well in advance

• Specific concerns with regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations

• Support for the program and the attributes of dedication, commitment, and responsibility that are essential ingredients for success and excellence

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

• The treatment of your son/daughter, mentally and physically

• Ways to help your son/daughter improve & develop

• Concerns about your student-athletes’ behavior

ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

• Playing time

• Team strategy

• Team selection

• Other student-athletes

Please use the following communication protocol to resolve conflicts regarding student-athlete team participation.

• Step 1

• The first contact should be between the student-athlete and the coach. The athletic experience at OCHS provides the opportunity for young people to develop communication skills with adults and those in positions of authority.

• The student-athlete and coach must develop a mutual respect and understanding that allows them to discuss issues openly and honestly while striving to gain a better understanding of each other’s roles, responsibilities and perspectives. If that doesn’t work, the parent of the student-athlete should set up a meeting involving the student-athlete, parent and coach.

• Step 2

• If step 1 didn’t provide a satisfactory resolution, parent/guardian should contact the coach (through email) to set up a meeting with the student-athlete, parent and coach

• Step 3

• If step 2 didn’t provide a satisfactory resolution, the student-athlete contacts the athletic department and meets with the athletic director to discuss the matter and work towards a resolution

• Step 4

• If step 3 didn’t provide a satisfactory resolution, parent/guardian contacts the Athletic Director and a meeting is scheduled with the student-athlete, parent, coach and Athletic Director

• Athletic Director will listen carefully to concerns and mediate a resolution between all parties involved

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONFRONT A COACH BEFORE OR AFTER A CONTEST OF PRACTICE. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings under these circumstances do not promote resolution.

• DO NOT CALL A COACH AT HOME. (Unless the coach has made his/her home phone available to parents and athletes). A coach’s time with family is severely limited during the season. The family’s privacy should be respected.

OLD COLONY REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

SPORTSMANSHIP IS AN EXPECTATION

ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

• Accept all decisions of contest officials.

• Applause during player, coach, or official introductions.

• Cheerleaders leading fans in positive cheers.

• Handshakes between participants and coaches at the end of the contest regardless of the outcome.

• Everyone showing concern for an injured player, regardless of team.

• Encourage surrounding people to display only sportsmanlike conduct.

• During the National Anthem, students, participants, and fans should stand, remove hats, face the flag, not talk, and remain still until the end of the anthem.

• Thanking coaches for their time and help.

• Helping up a teammate or opposing players who have fallen or been hurt.

• Thanking officials for their effort and work.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

• Yelling or chanting at opponents.

• Making disrespectful or derogatory yells, chants, songs, or gestures.

• Booing or heckling officials or opponents.

• Refusing to shake hands or to recognize good performance.

• Blaming losses on contest officials, coaches, or participants.

• Using profanity or displays of anger that draw attention away from the contest.

• Taunting or name-calling to distract an opponent.

• Hand-held signs containing derogatory language.

REMINDER

· Dogs are not allowed on the school premises.

· Vehicles are not permitted at the athletic fields.

· All fans are required to remain behind the restraining ropes at all times.

Ejection from a game (home or away):

(same MIAA policy that our student-athletes follow)

• 1st offense: 2-game suspension + completion of the NFHS Parent Course and/or NFHS Sportsmanship Course (as directed by the athletic department. Said course completion certificate must be printed and forwarded to the athletic department before game attendance reinstatement is revisited.

• 2nd offense: event attendance is suspended for a calendar year.

With the exception of service animals, dogs are not allowed on school district grounds or sports fields at any time throughout the calendar year. The presence of pets is simply not appropriate at any time. The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, and fans is paramount!

Please be advised that at no time should vehicles be driven down to the athletic complex. If the access gate is open it is for good reason. We take player and fan safety very seriously. In the event, a player, patron, or fan is in need of a ride due to injury, illness or disability, please contact the Old Colony athletic department in advance and a ride will be provided

At high school sporting events, parents and fans are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship and respect for all players, coaches, officials, and other spectators. Parents/Fans should cheer on their team in a positive manner, avoid using derogatory language or gestures, and follow all rules and regulations set forth by the school and event organizers. It's important for parents and fans to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone involved, and to remember that high school sports should be a fun and enjoyable experience for all.

John Furtado, MS, PT, LAT, ATC, CSCS, PES

Old Colony has a part-time, licensed Athletic Trainer (ATC) to evaluate, treat and rehab injuries as they occur.

All injuries must be reported to a coach and/or athletic trainer as soon as possible.

Training room rules and regulations must be respected.

Contact e-mail: jfurtado@oldcolony.info

Email: jfurtado@oldcolony.info
Phone: 5087638011 200

Email: mtrahan@oldcolony.info
Website: ocathletics.info
Location: 476 North Avenue, Rochester, MA, USA
Phone: 5087638011
Twitter: @AthleticCougars