Student Athletic Handbook

Student Athletic

Handbook

Superintendent: Dr. Douglas Killian Athletic Director:

Mike McEachern

Board President: Vernagene Mott Assistant Athletic Director: Deena Bosier

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK -------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

NOTICE OF DISCRIMINATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPECTATIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

SERIOUS MISCONDUCT --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OC/JJAEP PLACEMENT RETURN POLICY -----------------------------------

HAZING ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

UIL ELIGIBILITY (High School) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

UIL ELIGIBILITY (Middle School) -------------------------------------------------------------------------

TESTING --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

PHYSICAL GUIDELINES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

TRAINING ROOM GUIDELINES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

HEALTH AND WELFARE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13

HEALTH AND HYDRATION GUIDELINES ----------------------------------------------------------------

MULTIPLE SPORT PARTICIPATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

SEPARATION FROM TEAM (QUITTING) ---------------------------------------------------------------- 14

EQUIPMENT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

AWARDS/LETTERING --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

SOCIAL MEDIA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIPS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT CHAIN OF COMMAND ----------------------------------------------------- 18

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS FOR SPECTATORS ------------------------------------------------------- 19

VIRTUAL LEARNING (COVID) UPDATE ------------------------------------------------------------------

RECEIPT OF PFISD ATHLETIC HANDBOOK ------------------------------------------------------------ 21

STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK

The establishment of a uniform athletic handbook reflects the district’s concern for the

safety, well-being, and conduct of its athletes participating in all athletics. Since

extracurricular athletics are optional, those who choose to participate will be held to higher

standards of behavior and performance in and out of school. This handbook is neither a

contract nor a substitute for the official district policy manual. PfISD policies and procedures

can change at any time. Additionally, athletes and parents are reminded that

participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege, not a right. In addition to obeying

rules set forth in the PfISD Student Code of Conduct, all athletes in grades 6 through 12

participating in PfISD athletics will be required to comply with the following guidelines and

disciplinary regulations.

ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

Athletics is not a requirement for graduation and participation is strictly voluntary. Athletics,

as a discipline, stresses work ethic, teamwork, sportsmanship, integrity and sacrifice. Should

the actions of an athlete fail to exhibit these same characteristics, the privilege of

participating in athletics may be revoked. All coaches will work within the guidelines of the

athletic department to help every athlete succeed. However, when an athlete violates the

guidelines it is up to the appropriate coach to address the situation. Because participation in

athletics is a privilege and not a right, Pflugerville ISD is authorized to set higher standards

for athletic activities than it would for those who choose not to participate. Therefore, this

Athletic Code of Conduct extends beyond the Pflugerville ISD Student Code of Conduct not only

in types of behavior prohibited, but also in corresponding consequences and jurisdiction for

imposing discipline.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

It is the policy of the PfISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,

age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and

activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the

Education Amendments of 1972, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the

Age Act of 1975, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. No provision

of an extracurricular behavior standard shall have the effect of discriminating on the basis of

the athlete’s sex, race, disability, religion, or ethnicity.

STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPECTATIONS

As representatives of PfISD, athletes in grades 7 through 12 who participate in

extracurricular activities are expected to demonstrate exemplary behavior and dedication,

whether at school or away. Nothing in the Extracurricular Code limits or otherwise restricts

the authority of the coach or administrator to limit or restrict participation, or assign

consequences for offenses included and not included in this handbook. Before an athlete is

suspended or removed from participation in an extracurricular activity, and before any other

consequence is imposed as provided in this handbook, the alleged infraction will be

documented and a reasonable investigation of the allegation shall occur. The coach shall then

schedule a conference with the athlete and the athlete’s parent/guardian to explain the

reasons for which the action is being taken and to offer the athlete an opportunity to discuss

the matter. An athlete may appeal the decision through the procedures set forth in PfISD

Board Policy FNG (Local). Note: The athlete may not participate in the activity during the

appeal process.

An athlete in grades 7 through 12 participating in any PfISD extracurricular activity

shall comply with the following rules of conduct 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and

52 weeks per year in addition to obeying the rules set forth in the PfISD Student Code of

Conduct, the particular extracurricular activity’s constitution, handbook, rule book, and/or

regulations, if any, or rules otherwise communicated to the athlete by the activity’s coach.

Athletes who participate in extracurricular activities shall comply with the following rules

at all times, on or off campus, regardless of whether school is in session:

1. Demonstrate respect for all PfISD employees and staff;

2. Participate in every practice, competition and event required by the coach, unless

the coach has granted an excused absence;

3. Arrive promptly and properly attired to every practice, competition, etc., unless

the coach has granted an excused absence;

4. Do not possess or use any tobacco or tobacco-related products, this includes e-

cigarettes/vaping;

5. Demonstrate sportsmanlike behavior at all sporting events;

6. Demonstrate a positive attitude;

7. Be courteous and polite to others;

8. Respect possessions of others;

9. Display academic integrity.

Dress and Grooming

Athletes who participate in any sport shall comply with the district’s policy on athlete dress

and grooming and the coach’s specific requirements for the activity in-season.

Attendance

An athlete must be in attendance as a full-time student at a PfISD school in order to

participate in any sport, including tryouts, at their PfISD campus of enrollment or in the case

of an 8th grade athlete being promoted to high school, at their PfISD middle school campus

of enrollment, which must be within the feeder pattern of the PfISD high school of enrollment

during the athlete’s 9th grade year.

Practice regulations

 Athletes are responsible for:

o Informing his/her coach of any anticipated absence prior to any practice or

games. Failure to do so may result in suspension from the team. Unexcused

absences and/or failure to communicate with a coach about any absence may

result in the loss of playing time at the next game.

o Following all expectations given by the coach

o Refraining from the use of profanity, vulgar or disrespectful language

o Contributing their best at all times

Athletes engaged in extracurricular activities are expected to participate in all practices,

competitions, and other events identified by the coach. Academically ineligible athletes can

practice with other athletes, but are restricted to travel and participate in a competition.

Athletes’ absences from extracurricular activities shall be excused only for those reasons set

forth in the student handbook. Excessive unexcused absences may result in suspension or

dismissal from the activity. Such decisions shall be made in consultation with the campus

principal and are subject to appeal through PfISD Board Policy FNG (Local).

Athletes with injuries will be allowed to attend any practice, competition, or other events

relating to the activity and allowed to participate only to the extent authorized by written

order of the athlete’s physician. All documentation from a physician must be given to the

athletic trainer or the coach at the particular campus.

Athletes will be excused from participation in any practice or competition if they are

observing holy days, including days of travel to or from a site where the athlete will observe

holy days. Excused days for travel shall be limited to not more than one day for travel to and

one day for travel from the site where the athlete will observe the religious holy days.

Athletes are responsible for notifying the coach of any need to be absent for religious reasons

prior to the absence.

Athletes should make every effort to schedule health care appointments at times that will

not interfere with school or activity participation. If a conflict is unavoidable, the athlete

shall inform the coach prior to the appointment.

Travel

Athletes who have the opportunity to travel in connection with the PfISD athletic event are

representatives of the district and must exhibit exemplary behavior at all times. Athletes who

dress or act inappropriately while traveling to or from a PfISD activity may be suspended or

removed from the event, depending upon the nature.

All athletes who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to ride in transportation

provided by the school to and from the event. An exception can be granted if a parent makes

arrangements for their student to ride with the parent. Athletes are not allowed to drive

themselves to out-of-district events.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

An athlete who is involved in Serious Misconduct is subject to disciplinary consequences

in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and may also receive consequences or

experience loss of privileges in athlete organization(s). Athletes who are removed from

the home campus for disciplinary reasons are not eligible to represent their home campus

during the period of removal. Athletes who are placed in In-School Suspension (ISS) may

practice but may not participate in extracurricular activities until the completion of their ISS

placement.

An athlete in grades 7 through 12 shall lose the privilege of participation in

extracurricular activities during any period of suspension, placement in a

disciplinary Alternative Education Program, or Expulsion.

In order for an athlete to be considered in violation, one or more of the following must

occur:

 Athlete admits to the violation

 Parent of the athlete admits to the violation

 A PfISD staff member witnesses the athlete in violation

 A PfISD administrator has reason to believe that an athlete has committed an

offense

 A local agency report or violation is filed

 A local agency of the law makes a verbal report of a violation

Theft (on campus)

Taking things from other players, students, school, etc. will not be tolerated. Head Coach

and Athletic Coordinator will handle individual consequences, in addition to school

consequences received.

Arrests

Citations or arrests on and off campus may result in suspension or dismissal from the

program. The head coach must be notified immediately upon any arrest or citation.

Suspensions

The following infractions are strictly prohibited:

1. Using, possessing, or being under the influence of marijuana, a controlled

substance, a dangerous drug, abusable glue, aerosol paint, steroids, or any other

mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-affecting drug;

2. Using, possessing, or being under the influence of an alcoholic beverage;

3. Engaging in lewd, disruptive, or other offensive conduct that affronts school

district standards of propriety;

Upon the administration’s determination that a PfISD athlete in grades 7 through 12 has

violated any one of the three infractions enumerated above, the athlete shall be subject to

disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and shall lose the privilege of

further participation in that activity as provided below:

 1st Offense in athlete’s attendance at PfISD (measured from Grade 7): 30 hours of

community service approved by the campus coordinator

**Note: On a first offense only, if a student self-reports, the community

service will be reduced to 15 hours..

 2nd Offense in athlete’s attendance at PfISD (measured from Grade 7): 100 hours of

community service approved by the campus coordinator

 3rd Offense in athlete’s attendance at PfISD (measured from Grade 7): the athlete

shall be suspended from further participation for one calendar year. An athlete may

be referred to counselors, and/or drug and alcohol education programs, as

appropriate. An athlete or parent may appeal the athlete’s loss of extracurricular

privileges through PfISD Board Policy FNG.

Loss of privilege-selling or delivering

Selling or delivering marijuana, alcohol, a controlled substance, a dangerous drug, abusable

glue, aerosol paint, steroids, or any other mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-

affecting drug is strictly prohibited and will result in consequences as outlined in the PfISD

Student Code of Conduct and an athlete’s elimination from further participation in all

extracurricular activities for:

• 1st Offense, one calendar year

• 2nd Offense, for the remainder of the athlete’s school career

Loss of privilege-Deferred Adjudication, Felony or Class A Misdemeanor

An athlete in grades 7 through 12 shall lose the privilege of participation in extracurricular

activities during any period of:

• deferred adjudication in connection with either a felony or any offense punishable

as a Class A Misdemeanor, whether the felony or offense was committed on or off

campus.

• while under indictment for a felony, or while awaiting a final determination of guilt

or innocence in connection with either a felony or any offense punishable as a Class

A Misdemeanor, whether the felony or offense was committed on or off campus.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OC/JJAEP PLACEMENT RETURN POLICY

I. Complete assigned period of placement in OC/JJAEP

II. Cases involving a felony or Class A Misdemeanor:

A. In incidents involving felony or Class A Misdemeanor cases extracurricular

privileges will be lost from the time the athlete is charged until all legal obligations

are fulfilled (e.g. released from incarceration, fines and restitution paid; probationary

periods completed; deferred adjudication completed)

B. Where tryouts are applicable – Meet the requirements of (A) above as well as:

1. The athlete must complete the required days of suspension and required

number of school approved community service hours before they can

participate in inter-school competition.

2. If tryouts are completed before their release from the alternative

placement the athlete will not be able to compete on the team during the

current season, because no extension of tryouts will be offered.

3. If the athlete is back on campus before tryouts begin, they can participate

in tryouts while completing their suspension and school approved

community service, but they cannot participate in inter-school competition

including scrimmages.

C. Where tryouts are not required – Meet the requirements of (A) above as well as:

1. Athletes may participate in practices and intra-school competition during

the time they are completing their suspension and school approved

community service hours.

2. Athletes will regain the privilege of participating in inter-school

competition when they have completed their suspension and school

approved community service hours.

HAZING

Hazing is defined as an act that subjects a student to potential harm and is affiliated with

initiation into a student organization or team. Hazing may involve an act committed against

a student or a situation in which a student is coerced into committing an act.

These acts run counter to the educational mission of athletics, regardless of the victim’s

willingness to participate. The list below provides examples of some types of hazing. This list

is not meant to be comprehensive.

 Being yelled, cursed or sworn at;

 Being publicly harassed;

 Being expected to act as a personal servant to an older group member;

 Being coerced/forced to eat certain foods;

 Being thrown or forced to go into a pond, ocean, toilet or other body of water;

 Being pressured to be tattooed, pierced or shaven

 Being coerced/forced to participate in drinking contests to the point of intoxication;

 Being forced/coerced to participate in any physical or illicit activity that causes the

victim to pass out;

 Being forced/coerced to destroy or vandalize property;

 Being forced/coerced to inflict pain on yourself or others

UIL ELIGIBILITY (High School)

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is the governing body for public school

interscholastic athletics in Texas. The following guidelines are from the University

Interscholastic League Constitution and Contest Rule Manual.

First 6 Weeks

UIL participants are eligible to participate in contests during the first 6 weeks of the school

year provided the following standards have been met:

 Students beginning grade 9 and below, must have been promoted from the previous

grade prior to the beginning of the current school year.

 Students beginning their second year of high school must have earned 5 credits which

count toward state high school graduation requirements.

 Students beginning their third year of high school either must have earned a total of

10 credits which count toward state high school graduation credits or have earned a

total of 5 credits which count toward state high school graduation requirements

during the 12 months preceding the first day of the current school year.

 Students beginning their fourth year of high school either must have earned a total of

15 credits which count toward state high school graduation credits or have earned a

total of 5 credits which count toward state high school graduation requirements

during the 12 months preceding the first day of the current school year.

Exceptions:

a) When a migrant student enrolls for the first time during a school year, all criteria

cited above applies. All other students who enroll too late to earn a passing grade for

a grading period are ineligible.

b) High school students transferring from out-of-state may be eligible the first six

weeks of school if they meet the criteria cited above or school officials are able to

determine that they would have been eligible if they had remained in the out-of-state

school from which they are transferring. Students who are not in compliance with

these provisions may request a hardship appeal of their academic eligibility through

the UIL state office. Local school boards may elect to adopt these standards for all

activities in order to avoid having different standards for student participants (e.g.,

football, drill team, cheerleading, and all other extracurricular activities as defined by

Commissioner of Education rule [19 TAC Chapter §76]).

After First 6 Weeks

A student who receives, at the end of any grading period (after the first six weeks of the

school year), a grade below 70 in any class (other than an identified class eligible for

exemption) or a student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the Individual

Education Plan (IEP) may not participate in extracurricular activities for 3 school weeks. An

ineligible student may practice, however. The student regains eligibility after the 7 calendar

day waiting period has ended following a grading period or the 3 school week evaluation

period when the principal and teachers determine that he or she has earned a passing grade

(70 or above) in all classes, other than those that are exempted.

Additional UIL rules and regulations may be found in the TEA-UIL Side by Side

Advanced Courses for Possible Waivers

High School students who fail a Pre-AP/AP course with a grade between 60 and 69 may apply

for a waiver which will allow them to continue to participate in extracurricular activities.

Waiver requests require parent and teacher signatures. The principal may approve the

waiver and communicate with the appropriate coach. Courses for which a waiver may be

requested are as follows:

 English Language Arts – Pre/AP classes

 Languages Other than English – Pre/AP classes

 Mathematics – Pre/AP classes

 Science – Pre/AP classes

 Social Studies – Pre/AP classes

Extracurricular Absences

PfISD Board Policy provides that no distinction shall be made between absences for UIL

activities and absences for other extracurricular activities. A student shall be allowed, in a

school year, no more than ten extracurricular absences not related to post-district

competition, five absences for post-district competition prior to state, and two absences for

state competition.

**This section on eligibility does not include all eligibility standards. Additional

explanation of eligibility requirements can be found in the UIL Side By Side publication,

or the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules.**

UIL ELIGIBILITY (Middle School)

 Students are eligible so long as they have been in attendance and are passing all

classes in accordance with state law and rules of the State Board of Education and the

Texas Education Agency.

 Eighth grade students who are over-age for eighth grade athletics may participate on

the freshman team at the high school in their attendance zone.

 A player on the eighth-grade team may not have reached his/her fifteenth birthday

on or before September 1 of the current school year.

 A player on the seventh-grade team may not have reached his/her fourteenth

birthday on or before September 1 of the current school year. Only over-age seventh

grade students may compete on the eighth-grade team. In addition, a student must

meet the following academic requirements:

o Beginning at the seventh-grade year, has been promoted from the sixth grade

to the seventh.

o Beginning at the eighth-grade year, has been promoted from the seventh grade

to the eighth.

TESTING

STARR Testing – State Board of Education

A school may not schedule an extracurricular activity or a public performance to occur on

the day immediately preceding or evening immediately preceding the day on which the

administration of the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STARR) test is

scheduled for Grades 3-12.

PfISD policy regarding practice during the STARR testing period; all athletic practices will

end by 6:00 p.m. and students must be off the campus by 6:30 p.m. on the day prior to a

STARR testing day. Practice during the week of final exams shall be limited to teams whose

sport is in season and must conclude by 6:00 p.m. the day before an exam.

Extracurricular Activities during Final Exams

For grades 7-12 there shall be no school-sponsored extracurricular activities scheduled the

day before or during final examination days in the fall and spring semesters, except those of

advancing state playoff teams. Care and consideration should be taken to avoid conflicts

whenever possible.

PHYSICAL GUIDELINES

Each athlete must be cleared by the athletic trainer prior to participation at the high school

level. Each athlete must be cleared by one of the coordinators prior to participation at the

junior high level.

 All required forms must be completed in their entirety and returned to the athlete’s head

coach or athletic trainer before a student participates in any try-out, practice, athletic

competition, travels, etc. with an athletic team for any purpose.

 All Physicals with a Date of Examination PRIOR to April 15, 2022 will EXPIRE at the end

of the 2021-2022 school year.

 All Physicals with a Date of Examination after April 15, 2022 will cover the athlete for

the FULL 2022-2023 school year.

The required forms include:

High School

 UIL Pre-Participation Physical

 Steroid Acknowledgement Form

 UIL Cardiac Awareness Form

 Concussion Acknowledgement Form

 UIL Acknowledgement of Rules

 Athletic Student Handbook Signature Page

 Medical Records Release

 Emergency Release Form

Middle School

 UIL Pre-Participation Physical

 UIL Cardiac Awareness Form

 Concussion Acknowledgement Form

 Athletic Student Handbook Signature Page



TRAINING ROOM GUIDELINES

1. Treatments are to be administered only to athletes from a PfISD high school or middle

school that are injured during certain school sponsored activities.

2. Only athletes who are involved in a UIL activity will be treated.

3. Any athlete who is under the care of a physician must provide written documentation

of treatment protocol, restrictions, and/or release for return to play.

4. Athletes who are members of a school sponsored activity who are injured in non-UIL

activities will only receive first aid care until they are evaluated by a physician. The

physician must provide, in writing, a treatment protocol for the athletic trainer to

follow.

Non-Athletic Injuries

Non-athletic injuries will be seen in the athletic training room under the following

guidelines:

1. Due to liability concerns, the athlete must first see a medical doctor prior to being

treated by the athletic training staff.

2. The athlete must provide a prescription for treatment/rehabilitation from the

medical doctor. The information must be specific as to what type of rehabilitation is

to be done.

3. No injuries that are the result of a motor vehicle accident will be seen.

HEALTH AND WELFARE

Every athlete involved in extracurricular athletics must have a medical emergency

information sheet on file with the coach. All athletes must obtain an annual physical,

recorded on the UIL designated form, before practicing or participating in any sport.

All injuries should be reported immediately to the coach. Doctor’s notes should also be made

available to the coach.

HEAT AND HYDRATION GUIDELINES

Practice or competition in hot and humid environmental conditions poses special problems

for student-athletes, heat stress and resulting heat illness is a primary concern in these

conditions. Although deaths from heat illness are rare, constant surveillance and education

are necessary to prevent heat-related problems. The following practices should be observed.

General Considerations for Risk Reductions

1. Encourage proper education regarding heat illnesses (for athletes, coaches, parents,

medical staff, etc.) Education about risk factors should focus on hydration needs;

acclimatization, work/rest ratio, signs and symptoms of exertion related heat

illnesses, treatment, dietary supplements, nutritional issues, and fitness status.

2. Assure that onsite medical staff has authority to alter work/rest ratios, practice

schedules, amount of equipment, and withdrawal of individuals from participation

based on environment and/or athlete’s medical condition.

MULTIPLE SPORT PARTICIPATION

Participation in multiple sports is encouraged as it creates cross-training and increases the

ability for the athlete to be more coachable. In cases where a sport overlaps, an athlete must

complete that season’s sport before entering the next sport unless agreed on by both head

coaches. No coach shall discourage any athlete from participating in multiple sports.

SEPARATION FROM TEAM (QUITTING)

There will be times when an athlete finds it necessary to quit playing a sport before, during,

or after the season. The following steps should be taken in order to quit a sport:

 The athlete should meet with the coach. If needed, the coach should also have a face

to face conversation with the athlete’s parent regarding this decision.

 The student may need to be placed into a Physical Education class in order to

complete the credit begun in athletics or stay in the athletic period until such time as

a schedule change can occur, which could be the next semester.

 All equipment issued must be returned or paid for.

 It shall be the coach’s decision whether to allow that student to return to the sport

in the future.

 An athlete shall not join another sport until the end of the season of the sport he/she has

quit.

o If an athlete chooses to begin a new sport during the next season, there must

be a mutual decision between both sport’s coaches.

EQUIPMENT

Any district equipment issued to an athlete is the financial responsibility of the athlete and

for the athlete’s use while participating in a school-related activity. At no time is district

equipment for personal use.

Athletes must care for district-issued equipment as if it were their own. Equipment must be

stored in a proper location and shall be kept clean and maintained. Athletes who lose or

damage district equipment due to negligence will be required to pay for the cost of

replacement.

All district equipment must be returned at the end of the season or school year, as directed

by the coach.

Individually owned equipment is the sole responsibility of the athlete; PfISD will not be

responsible for any loss or damage that occurs to athlete-owned equipment.

As uniforms are required for all sports, the athlete shall be required to ensure that the

uniform is worn only at appropriate times and is neat and clean for the practice,

performance, and/or competition.

AWARDS/LETTERING

All awards to athletes for participation in any sport must meet criteria set forth in the

individual activity guidelines, as established by the coach leading the activity and approved

by the appropriate district level official. Awards must be in accordance with UIL guidelines

for those activities governed by the UIL. This information will be distributed to athletes and

parents before the season begins.

If at any time an athlete quits or is eliminated from athletics in or out of season, he/she gives

up all rights to any honors/awards which he/she has earned, but not yet received.

Any athlete may receive a letter in any one of the four years in high school if they fulfill the

lettering requirement for that sport. A participant may letter at the coach’s discretion if the

participant is considered to have been of exceptional value to the team.

General requirements for lettering:

 Must complete season and school year at the Varsity level following all school and

athletic procedures and policies.

 All issued equipment must be accounted for.

 Severe disciplinary action can forfeit letter award.

 Special consideration will be given to injured players and seniors not receiving

proper playing time.

 Head coaches may add additional requirements if necessary.

Middle School Program

A participation certificate may be awarded to each athlete for every sport he/she

participates. Criteria for these awards will be set by each campus coordinator.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Everything posted in social media is public information – any text or photo placed online is

completely out of your control the moment it is placed online – even if security settings are

listed as “private”. Information (including pictures, videos, and comments) may be accessible

even after removed. Once a photo or comment on a social networking site has been posted,

that photo or comment becomes the property of the site and may be searchable even after

being removed.

Similar to comments made in person, Pflugerville ISD will not tolerate disrespectful

comments and behavior online, such as:

 Derogatory language or remarks that may harm other teammates, coaches, athletes,

or representatives of other schools, including comments that may disrespect

opponents.

 Incriminating photos or statements depicting violence; hazing; sexual harassment,

full or partial nudity; inappropriate gestures; vandalism, stalking; underage drinking,

selling, possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other inappropriate

behaviors.

 Creating a serious danger to the safety of another person or making a credible threat

of serious physical or emotional injury to another person.

 Indicating knowledge of an unreported school or team violation—regardless if the

violation was unintentional or intentional.

Violations of the Student Code of Conduct will also be handled by campus administration in

conjunction with the PfISD athletic discipline process.

ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUBS

Booster clubs can be extremely important when managed correctly. Athletic booster clubs

are under the supervision of the campus athletic coordinator and director of athletics.

Booster clubs must operate within the guidelines and procedures as set forth by PfISD. Head

coaches will be held responsible for UIL/PfISD compliance.

UIL Rules and Regulations – UIL Website

PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIPS

Both parenting and coaching are very difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding

between coaches and parents, both are better able to accept the actions of the other and

provide a more positive experience for everyone. Parents have the right to know, and

understand, the expectations placed on them and their children. Coaches have the right to

know that if parents have a concern, they will discuss it with the coach at the appropriate

time and place.

Communication parents should expect from their child’s coach:

1) Coach’s philosophy.

2) Expectations the coach has for your son or daughter, as well as other players on the team.

3) Locations and times of practices and contests.

4) Team requirements, i.e., fees, special equipment needed, school & team rules, off-season

expectations.

5) Procedures that will be followed if your child becomes injured during participation.

Communication coaches expect from parents:

1) Concerns regarding their son or daughter expressed directly to the coach at the

appropriate time and place.

2) Specific concerns in regard to the coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.

3) Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.

As your child becomes involved in interscholastic athletics, they will experience some of the

most rewarding moments of their lives. It’s important to understand there may be times

when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. These are the times discussion with

the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with a coach:

1) The mental and physical treatment of your child.

2) What your child needs to do to improve.

3) Concerns about your child’s behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your child is not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches make

decisions based on what they believe is in the best interests of all students participating. As

you can see from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s

coach. Other things, such as those listed next, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues NOT appropriate for discussion with your child’s coach:

1) How much playing time each athlete is getting.

2) Team strategy.

3) Play calling.

4) Any situation that deals with other student-athletes.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and parent. These are

not discouraged, as it is important for each party to have a clear understanding of the other's

position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure is suggested to

help promote resolution to the issue.

If a parent has a concern to discuss with the coach, the following procedure should be

followed:

1) Call the coach to set up an appointment.

2) If the coach cannot be reached, call the athletic coordinator and ask him or her to set up a

meeting with the coach for you.

3) Think about what you expect to accomplish as a result of the meeting.

4) Stick to discussing the facts, as you understand them.

5) Do not confront the coach before, during or after a practice or contest. These can be

emotional times for both the parent and coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote

resolution of the situation, but often escalate it. Wait 24 hours before contacting the coach.

What should a parent do if the meeting with the coach didn’t provide satisfactory resolution?

1) Schedule a meeting with the campus athletic coordinator, coach, and parent present.

2) At this meeting, an appropriate next step can be determined, if necessary.

Athletic

Director

Assistant Athletic

Director

Head

Coach

Middle School

Coordinator

Middle School

Coaches

Athletic

Trainer

Chain of

Command

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS FOR SPECTATORS

Remember that you are at the contest to support and yell for your team, and to enjoy the skill

and competition-not to intimidate or ridicule the other team or its fans.

Remember that school athletics are a learning experience for students and that mistakes are

sometimes made. Praise student-athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as

students, as athletes, and as people, just as you would praise a student working in the

classroom.

Learn the rules of the game, so that you may understand and appreciate why certain

situations take place.

Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators and support groups.

Respect the integrity and judgement of game officials. Understand that they are doing their

best to help promote the student-athlete, and admire their willingness to participate in full

view of the public.

Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.

Use only cheers that support and uplift the teams involved.

Be a positive role model at events through your own actions and by censuring those around

you whose behavior is unbecoming.

Parents and spectators should be aware that the school can (and should) remove them from

the premises and can prohibit them from attending future contests due to undesirable

behaviors.

Game officials can ask that school administrators have unruly fans removed from a contest

facility.

The school is responsible for the behavior of their spectators. The school district can be and

will be punished for actions of patrons in violation of UIL standards and rules.

VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION (COVID)

PfISD will make all athletic courses available to all PfISD secondary students. All courses will be

offered and taught by the PfISD coaching staff both virtually and on campus.

If in person instruction is not permitted, courses will have daily strength and conditioning

assignments along with periodic sport specific skill development. These workouts will not

require any additional equipment. Coaches will distribute that information through multiple

platforms such as Hudl, Google Classroom, and the SportsYou App. How to sign up for these

platforms will be communicated at the beginning of the course.

Once in person instruction is permitted, all athletics classes will be offered on campus and

students enrolling in those classes will be expected to attend the class and practice in person

regardless of the student's choice of virtual or in person schooling. PfISD will not provide

transportation for those students choosing virtual schooling and participation in athletics.

Athletics is a very fluid situation at this time. Please refer to the PfISD website for the most up

to date information along with the UIL website.

PfISD:

https://www.pfisd.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=87&ModuleInstanceID=9629

&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-

3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=25439&PageID=508

UIL:

https://www.uiltexas.org/athletics

PFLUGERVILLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Receipt of PfISD Athletic Handbook

Acknowledgement of Athlete

I acknowledge that a copy of the PfISD Athletic Handbook has been issued to me. I have read,

understand, and shall abide by the information contained in the handbook.

Athlete’s Name (please print): _

Student ID#: __

Sports:

Athlete’s Signature: Date:

Acknowledgement of Parent/Guardian

I understand and consent to the athlete responsibilities set forth in the PfISD Athletic

Handbook. I also understand and agree that my child shall be held accountable for the

behavior expectations and consequences set forth in the PfISD Athletic Handbook.

I understand that in addition to obeying rules set forth in the PfISD Student Code of Conduct,

all athletes participating in PfISD athletics will be required to comply with the guidelines and

disciplinary regulations contained in the PfISD Athletic Handbook.

I understand that the PfISD Athletic Handbook is not a substitute for the PfISD Student Code

of Conduct or the official PfISD policy manual. I understand that the PfISD policies and

procedures can change at any time. Additionally, I have been advised that my child’s

participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege, not a right. Since athletics are optional,

I understand and agree that those who choose to participate will be held to higher standards

of behavior and performance in and out of school.

Parent/Guardian’s Name (please print):

Parent/Guardian’s Signature: Date:

Please fill out and return this form to your coach