Athletics

As  required by Public Chapter 272, athletes and parents must review, sign and submit a Cardiac Arrest Understanding Form.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Signs and Symptoms

Freedom Middle School would like to emphasize to all of those involved in athletic events (players, coaches, school administrators, parents and other spectators) the importance of your leadership role in sportsmanship, appropriate behavior, and integrity. The professional manner in which you conduct yourself prior to, during, and following an event, as well as any time during school hours, impacts the behavior of everyone involved.

Athletic code of conduct
(Printable pdf)

Freedom Middle School Athletic Code of Conduct

Freedom Middle School has established guidelines for sportsmanship, citizenship, and an Athletic Code of Conduct for all to follow. Please read these carefully so we can enjoy the athletic events to the fullest and set a good example for others.

Sportsmanship

The National Federation of State High School Association views good sportsmanship as a commitment  to  fair  play,  ethical  behavior,  and  integrity.  In  perception  and  practice,  sportsmanship  is  defined  as  those  qualities,  which  are  characterized,  by  generosity  and genuine concern for others: 

• Fair Play: accept a loss without complaining and win with humility
• Treat others as you wish to be treated
• Respect others
• Recognize and appreciate good play from both teams
• Displaying good character traits
• Be an excellent role model

Players’ Code of Conduct 

• I will encourage good sportsmanship from teammates, coaches, officials, and others through my actions.
• I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.
• I will treat everyone with respect and expect to be treated accordingly.
• I will do my best in all of my classes and set a good example for other students to follow.
• I will work to maintain a C average or higher in all my classes throughout the school year.
• I will lead a healthy lifestyle by adopting good nutritional habits, getting adequate rest, and exercising.
• I will play by the rules and in the spirit of the game. I  will  acknowledge  all  good  plays  or  performances  by  both  my  teammates  and opponents.
• I  will  remember  that  coaches  and  officials  are  there  to  help  me.  I  will  respect  and abide by their decisions.
• Any  form  of  hazing  or  bullying  will  not  be  tolerated  and  will  be  grounds  for immediate dismissal from the team.

Coaches’ Code of Conduct 

• I  will  place  the  emotional  and  physical  well-­‐being  of  the  players  ahead  of  any personal desire to win.
• I will do my best to provide a safe playing environment for the players.
• I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all players.
• I will ensure that all athletes get equal instruction, support, and opportunities.
• I  will  not  make  demeaning  statements  to  the  athletes  for  making  mistakes  or performing poorly.
• I  will  remember  that  they  play  to  have  fun  and  should  be  encouraged,  which  will help them gain self-­‐confidence.
• I  will  remember  that  the  athletes  need  a  coach  they  can  respect  and  give  praise when appropriate.
• I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.

Parents’ Code of Conduct 

• I  will  encourage  good  sportsmanship  by  demonstrating  positive  support  for  all players, coaches, and officials at every game and practice.
• I  will  place  the  emotional  and  physical  well-­‐being  of  my  child  ahead  of  a  personal desire to win.
• I will support coaches and officials working with my child to promote a positive and enjoyable experience.
• I will do my best to make participating in athletics fun for my child.
• I will encourage my child to show respect and display excellent sportsmanship traits to all.
• I will remember that the game is for athletes and not the adults.
• I  will  do  my  best  to  assist  the  coaches  and  school  when  help  or  volunteers  are needed.

Parents’ Role in Interscholastic Athletics: Communicating with your Children 

• Make  sure  your  children  know  that  you  appreciate  their  efforts  regardless  of  the score. Be the one in the stands they can look to for positive reinforcement.
• Be  honest  about  your  child’s  athletic  ability,  competitive  attitude,  and sportsmanship.
• Do  not  relive  your  athletic  life  through  your  child  in  a  way  that  creates  pressure. Athletic children need their parents. If the child is comfortable with you regardless of the outcome of the game, then they will enjoy participating in athletics.
• Do  not  compare  skill,  courage,  or  attitude  of  your  child  with  other  players  on  the team.
• Teach  them  to  enjoy  the  thrill  of  competition  and  working  to  improve  their  skills and attitudes.

Communication Parents Should Expect from the Coach: 

• Expectations the coach has for all of the players
• Schedules for practices and games (please note: schedules for practices and games are subject to change, even at the last minute)
• Team requirements
• Discipline procedures, which affect your child’s participation
• What  role  parents  play  to  help  the  coach  or  team (i.e.  volunteer,  transportation, fundraising, or help with tournaments)

Communication Coaches Should Expect from Parents: 

• Concerns expressed directly to the coach
• Phone number(s) and/or email(s) to use in an emergency, or if there is a last-­‐minute change in scheduling
• Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
• Illness and/or injuries of your child

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches: 

• The treatment of your child, mentally and physically
• Areas and ways to help your child personally improve
• Concerns about your child’s behavior

Issues NOT Appropriate to Discuss with Coaches: 

• Playing time
• Team strategy
• Other players on the team

Procedure to Follow if You Have a Concern to Discuss with a Coach: 

• Call or email the coach to set up an appointment
• If  the  coach  cannot  be  reached,  call  the  Athletic  Directors to set up a meeting place and time
• It  is  important  not  to  confront  a  coach  before  or  after  a  contest  or  practice. These are emotional times for parents and coaches and are not wise times to make an attempt toward a resolution of a problem.

Displaying  good  sportsmanship  will  help  everyone  enjoy  athletic events and appreciate all of the hard work these young men and women put forth. All parties should follow the Codes of Conduct. By adhering to these guidelines, the athletic teams at Freedom Middle School will represent our school with class and  dignity  and  will  earn  the  respect  of  their  opponents  and  their fans. 

(adapted from Poplar Grove Middle School Code of Conduct)

Public Chapter 148, effective January 1, 2014, requires that school and community organizations sponsoring youth athletic activities establish guidelines to inform and educate coaches, youth athletes and other adults involved in youth athletics about the nature, risk and symptoms of concussion/head injury.

Concussion Form

All student athletes are required to have a sports physical on file. Click the button below to download this form.

Sports Physical Form