ATHLETICS
Students at Monroe Middle School are offered opportunities to participate in both competitive and intramural athletics. The following competitive sports are available throughout the school year: football, girls’ volleyball, co-ed soccer, girl’s & boys’ basketball, swimming, wrestling,baseball, competitive cheer, cross country, softball and track.
· All students must have a valid, completed physical prior to trying out for or participating on any competitive team. A valid physical is one dated April 15th, or later, of the previous school year.
· IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY COMPETITIVE TEAM, STUDENTS MUST MAINTAIN A 1.8 AND BE PASSING 4 OUT OF 6 CLASSES AND MAINTAIN SATISFACTORY CITIZENSHIP AND BEHAVIOR FOR THE ENTIRE ATHLETIC SEASON. MMS TEAM COACHES WILL MAKE STUDENTS AWARE IF THEY ARE INELIGIBLE.
· Student athletes will be assessed a Pay to Participate fee in accordance with MPS Athletic Department policy, for each sport in which they participate. The fee is $75 per sport or $50 per sport for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch
· Students who are members of a competitive team will receive additional information and specific rules from their coaches once their season begins. Any questions or concerns regarding athletic issues should be directed to Dr. John Ray, MPS Athletic Director.
Above all, students and parents must understand that participation on any athletic team is a privilege and not a right. Whether on your home field or court, or visiting another school’s venue, players and spectators have a responsibility to represent Monroe Middle School in a way which exemplifies good sportsmanship.
PARTICIPATION IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS
The following is a summary of those sections of the Monroe Public School’s Athletic Department’s ‘Uniform Code of Conduct for Athletes that specifically apply to middle school students. The entire Code of Conduct is available from the Athletic Director’s Office, and should be used for the interpretation of specific eligibility concerns.
The Monroe Public Schools have developed a common set of rules by which all students participating in athletics in the district must abide. The code combines the rules and regulations of the Michigan High school Athletic Association pertaining to the student athlete, as well as specific district rules governing athletic participation. Student athletes are to comply with all aspects of the code if they desire continued eligibility participation status.
AGE An eighth grade athlete must be under 15 years of age, or turn 15 after September 1 in that school year.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION An athlete must have a physical examination completed by a physician certifying that the student is fully able to compete in athletics. The physical must take place April 15 or later to be used for the following school year. The athlete shall not practice or compete in any contests until the physical has been turned in to the athletic office.
PARENT/CONSENT/MEDICAL HISTORY FORM The athlete must submit to the coach of the sport a signed parent consent form also signed by the athlete. This card contains a statement of insurance, a valid physical examination and a medical treatment consent form. This must be completed prior to any athletic participation.
INITIAL ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for athletics a student must pass a minimum of four classes and have a minimum 1.8 G.P.A. for the semester. The GPA and grades are based on the report card issued the nearest to the beginning of the season.
CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY To ensure MMS athletes are maintaining academic eligibility, students’ grades will be checked at the midpoint of the season. If at that time, any student proves to be ineligible (GPA below 1.8 or failing 2 or more classes) they will be ineligible for one week. These students will have their eligibility checked, on a weekly basis, for the remainder of the season.
TRAVELING TO ATHLETIC EVENTS Athletes traveling to ‘away’ athletic contests as a member of a team must return to the home school in the school-approved vehicle at the conclusion of the contest. An athlete’s parents may provide transportation for their son/daughter if they notify the coach 24 hours in advance and have a parent permission note signed by a MMS Administrator. Forms must be turned in to the main office.
PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETIC CONTESTS AND PRACTICES All team members are expected be at all practice sessions and contests. Situations may occur where attendance is not possible, such as illness, injury, or family commitments. In those cases, the coach must be notified of the absence in advance.
Practices or contests over vacation are voluntary. Any contests or practice sessions missed because of the extension of a vacation when school is in session may result in suspension or dismissal for the squad unless prior approval is received from the coach.
Athletes are to be in attendance at school at least one-half of the school day in order to participate in an athletic contest during the same day. If there is a situation where an athlete does not attend school on the day of a contest, because of a funeral, doctor’s appointment, etc, the athlete may participate in the contest that day, with the approval.