Expectations for Athletes at Jimtown
By Scott Hamstra | May 13, 2024 9:43 AM
Below is information from our handbook about what is expected from a Jimtown athlete in terms of behavior on and off the competition surface. Consequences can be given when not upheld. All this information and more can be found in our athletic handbook found on our athletic page www.jimtownathletics.org under Other Info and then Athletic Handbook. Section 1: Core Values In order to support athletes in accomplishing the mission and goals of the athletic program, we have set forth guidelines and expectations for each athlete. This is not a “gotcha” or a way to punish, but is really a useful tool to help adolescent athletes grow and develop to become the best person and athlete possible. THE Jimmie WAY - Core Values I. We don't whine or complain because we are tough. This person handles any situation and never complains about anything on or off the competing arena. We do not worry about the competition We embrace tough situations because tough situations will improve our situation Challenges are an exciting opportunity When we are pushed or challenged by a player, coach, or opposition; it may not be fun, but we understand it is a chance to get tougher and better II. We work hard. This person embodies the "indefatigable human spirit" and never stops pushing ourselves. We will be absolutely relentless in practice and games. Everyday is a try-out We don’t worry what was said or done to us, we work harder to get better to prove outside influences have nothing to do with the way we work III. We choose to be positive and embrace adversity with a stoic intensity Nothing can depress or upset this powerful and positive person - no mood swing, not even negative circumstances can affect this "rock." Tough times, tough opposition will make us stronger so we love it We are always looking for ways to be challenged We don’t freak out, get too down, or pout for mistakes or when bad situations happen We don’t get over excited when good things happen We control the controllables! IV. When we don't play as much as we would like or have the role we would like, we are noble and still support the team. This remarkably noble, self-sacrificing, generous human being always places the team before him or herself. Team above self We continue to support our teammates because we want to see them succeed We cheer from the sidelines during games We pay attention and help each other during practices and games to achieve success together V. We play and care for each other as teammates and as human beings. This is a non-judgmental, inclusive teammate that never says a negative thing about anyone and embraces everyone. His/her effort and care (verbal encouragement) make him/her a pleasure to play with and his/her selflessness helps everyone around him/her be a better player. We encourage and cheer for teammates during practice even when they are our direct competition We help our teammates through drills by telling them how and what to do no matter if they are our position or younger; we help any Jimmie player through situations We help those struggling through drills, when negative things happen to them, or when the coach is getting on them. We do this through verbal encouragement, fist bump, clap, or pat on back We listen and understand that our teammates care and encourage by listening with direct eye contact and giving verbal reinforcement of understanding How does this look…. On the bus We keep it clean. It looks BETTER than when we arrived We thank the bus driver It is quiet - focused on the game on the way to the competition In Locker rooms (home/away) Leave it cleaner than we found it Help with packing/cleaning up Keep things in good order; take care of what we have been given including the space In the Classroom We sit up front We listen and work to the best of our ability We encourage other students to be involved We help whenever there is need On Social Media We represent ourselves, our family, our sport, and the Jimtown community well We do not post anything that puts the above statement in question We are positive and do not post anything that would demean or put down another person, team, or community. In the Community We represent ourselves, our family, our sport, and the Jimtown community well We excuse ourselves from any situation that could misrepresent the above statement incorrectly. We are sure to be in the right places at the right times An inability to consistently perform to these core values, can result in team/athletic sanctions that can include but not be limited to suspensions from practices and/or games or even dismissal from the team. Anything that can be perceived by the coach or athletic director to put Jimtown athletics, Jimtown High School, and/or the Jimtown community in a bad light can result in these consequences. As an athletic program, we represent our community and should behave accordingly in all situations. Basically…DO WHAT IS RIGHT! Represent Jimtown, The Baugo School Corporation, JHS, their team, coaches, teammates, and parents in a positive manner at all times. Section 2: Code of Conduct Jimtown High School is fully committed to abiding by all rules and regulations of the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), with particular emphasis on Rule B. Section 1: Contestants conduct, in and out of school, shall be such as not (1) to reflect discredit upon their school or the IHSAA, or to not (2) to create a disruptive influence on the discipline or good order, moral, or educational environment of Jimtown High School. It is recognized that principals, by the administrative authority vested in them by their school corporation, may exclude such contestants from representing their school. Tobacco: Athletes shall not be in possession of, consume or use any tobacco products including vapes. Alcohol: Athletes shall not be in the possession of, consume, or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage. Controlled Substances: Athletes shall not be in the possession of, use, or be under the influence of any controlled substances, which include but is not limited to, a narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drugs, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana/THC, or anabolic steroids. Items that closely resemble or are represented to be any of the above mentioned items will also be deemed to be a violation of this policy. Acts of Delinquency: An athlete shall not commit a delinquent act. A delinquent act includes but is not limited to harassment or any other conduct that is not in accord with acceptable behavior, or in violation of state or federal law. Grounds for Suspension or Exclusion First Offense: An athlete may be suspended and/or excluded from athletic participation for up to 365 days for any of the following violations: Fails to comply with the directions of his/her coach or school personnel. Fails to adhere to the IHSAA constitution or by-laws. Conduct that interferes with the purposes of the team and/or school. Fails to pass and/or comply with the Jimtown High School substance abuse policy. Suspensions and/or exclusions from athletic participation may be from 1 to 365 days. A meeting with the coach, athletic director, or principal may be requested. Recommendations from the meeting while being consistent with past practices may vary because of the degree or severity of the offense. These recommendations should include, but are not limited to, drug and/or alcohol assessment and appropriate programs for help. Second Offense: A student who commits another subsequent offense shall be ineligible for athletic participation for a term of 365 days from the time of the second offense. After a term of no less than 2 complete sports seasons, the athlete may request reinstatement. Reinstatement of the suspended student will only be considered in special circumstances upon the mutual consent and agreement of the principal, athletic director, superintendent of schools, and the Baugo Community Schools Board of Trustees. Before eligibility is reestablished, the student and parents or guardians shall provide documentation of good behavior, or treatment for his/her problem. The coach in those sports missed may have the athlete practice but he/she will not be allowed to participate in contests. Third Offense: On the third offense, the student/athlete will be excluded from athletic participation for the duration of their high school career. Under special circumstances, a student/athlete, and/or parent may request a review by the principal, athletic director, superintendent of schools, and the Baugo Community Schools Board of Trustees. The final decision concerning the continued athletic eligibility of the student will rest solely with the Baugo Community Schools Board of Trustees.