Between the Lines
The official newsletter of Dartmouth HS Athletics
Volume 2. No 2 *** September 7, 2021
FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR'S DESK...
As we move into the first official week of interscholastic competition, we're excited to start what should be a more "traditional" Fall sports season.
Although we are still navigating school and sports during a worldwide pandemic, DHS is able to move forward with very few restrictions (in comparison to last year). Our sports will be played with no safety adaptations and our fans have the ability to return to our fields and courts!
It's extremely important that our school community aligns with the existing safety protocols (masks while indoors/traveling on buses, and reporting all possible COVID-19 situations at their infancy) in an effort to keep all participants safe and healthy.
This newsletter communication shares important information concerning current COVID-19 restrictions, fall coach roster and emails, coach communication, user fees, athletic handbook (with highlighted rules, regulations and expectations), parent/spectator code of conduct, DHS athletics website, our new state scheduling program "ArbiterLive" and much more!
I sincerely appreciate your continued support and understanding...we look forward to an great fall season!
ANDREW D. CRISAFULLI
Director of Athletics
CURRENT COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS & INFORMATION
**this information is subject to change if policies and restrictions are updated**
Coaches & Student-Athlete Restrictions
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) provides the following direction in accordance with the recent action taken by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and set forth by the Commissioner of Education.
In order to safely maximize full participation of fall sports:
- Masks shall be required for any activity for student-athletes and coaches who are indoors
- Masks are not required and will remain optional for any activity for student-athletes and coaches outdoors
These are minimum required safety standards that are consistent with the practice of indoor and outdoor recess and indoor and outdoor physical education classes during the school day.
These standards will be reviewed prior to October 1st. You may view Commissioner Riley’s statement HERE.
**In addition, student-athletes must wear masks while traveling on a bus**
"Changing Rooms" (Locker Rooms)
Locker rooms are available to use at Dartmouth High School and Dartmouth Middle School...we are calling them "changing rooms".
If your son/daughter's practice/game is at Dartmouth Middle School, those student-athletes will be dropped off at DMS and report to the changing rooms (doors are located at ground level behind the school...next to the DMS track) if needed.
If your son/daughter's practice/game is at Dartmouth High School, those student-athletes can report directly to the A level changing rooms if needed.
Student-athletes will be required to wear a mask at all times while in the room and must change quickly, as we always need to keep in mind "close contact" rules. There will be no social gatherings in the changing rooms, the area is being used to just change clothes and exit immediately.
If families have the ability to transport their respective student-athlete home to change before practice, that is also encouraged.
Fans/Spectator Restrictions
For outdoor events...masks are not required and will remain optional.
Student-Athletes who experience COVID-19 Symptoms
We ask that families/staff monitor for COVID-19 symptoms on a daily basis.
If a student-athlete is experiencing one or more of the various flu-like symptoms associated with COVID-19, please stay home and contact our school nurse Marisha Wildrick (508.961.2700 or marishawildrick@dartmouthschools.org)
The current list of COVID-19 symptoms are:
● Fever (100.0 Fahrenheit or higher), chills, or shaking chills
● Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
● New loss of taste or smell
● Muscle aches or body aches
● Cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)
● Sore throat, when in combination with other symptoms
● Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when in combination with other symptoms
● Headache when in combination with other symptoms
● Fatigue when in combination with other symptoms
● Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies) when in combination with other symptoms
Note: The first five “stand-alone” symptoms in bold are more likely to be connected with COVID-19, particularly in vaccinated individuals.
COVID-19 Positive - Medical Clearances
A student-athlete who tests positive for COVID-19 will also need a medical clearance from their PCP in order to return to participation. DHS will follow any/all guidelines stated by the student-athlete's doctor (clearances, return to play protocols, etc) in the return to participation documentation.
**We ask that families communicate with our school nurse's department if there are any questions and/or concerns**
Close Contact Information
A close contact is defined as an individual who has been within 6 feet of a COVID-19 positive individual while indoors, for at least 15 minutes during a 24-hour period.
Although one may be identified as a close contact, the following individuals are exempt from testing and quarantine-response protocols:
Asymptomatic, fully vaccinated close contacts: Individuals who are asymptomatic and fully vaccinated are exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols. However, fully vaccinated individuals are expected to monitor for symptoms and then stay home and get tested if they experience symptoms.
Bus close contacts: Individuals on buses must be masked, regardless of vaccination status, according to current federal requirements. As such, individuals who are masked on buses when windows are open are exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols.
Close contacts who have had COVID-19 within the past 90 days: An individual who has been previously diagnosed with Covid-19 and then becomes a close contact of someone with COVID-19 is exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols if - the exposure occurred within 90 days of the onset of their own illness AND the exposed individual is recovered and remains without COVID-19 symptoms.
Students who are masked in the classroom and at least 3 feet apart.
Testing Programs
FALL COACH ROSTER & CONTACT EMAILS
COACH COMMUNICATION (Information, practice schedules, changes, etc)
Each coach has created their own mode of communication with student-athletes (and families) within their respective program(s). Some of these communication methods include, but not limited to; email, Google Classroom, RemindHQ app, Twitter, etc.
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.
USER FEES
At this time, we are soliciting the student-athlete "user fee" payment for the Fall season.
We ask that the $50 user fee is paid ASAP using one of the following options:
- Pay on-line by clicking on the "Athletic User Fee - On-Line Payment" tab on our athletic department's website: www.BigGreenSports.org
- Pay by check (made payable to "Town of Dartmouth/Athletics" and either mailed or dropped off to 555 Bakerville Road.
Please disregard this request if you have already provided payment.
ATHLETIC HANDBOOK - (HIGHLIGHTED RULES, REGULATIONS & EXPECTATIONS)
**Please be sure to read the handbook in its entirety**
**by clicking on the Athletic Handbook and it will bring you to our athletic department website**
Academic Eligibility Standards **(new)**
In order for a student to remain eligible for participation in extracurricular clubs, activities and interscholastic athletics, the student must earn a passing grade (65) in a minimum of five (5) classes at the time of the most recent marking period.
To be eligible for the fall period, the student must earn a passing grade (65) in a minimum of five (5) classes that met during Semester 2 of the previous school year and/or earned a passing grade(s) during summer school.
Daily School Attendance & Tardiness
In order for a student to be eligible for daily participation in extracurricular clubs, activities and interscholastic athletics, students must attend a minimum of three (3) full class periods (out of five).
Any student-athlete who does not meet the three (3) full class period minimum is not allowed to participate that said day.
Student-athletes absent from school for reasons approved by Administration, such as medical appointments, may be permitted to participate in school-sponsored activities. Exceptions may be made only by the Administration.
Absences
Commitment to the team is a major component of the educational athletic program at Dartmouth High School. This should be taken into consideration by every student-athlete before trying out for a 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.
Student-athletes who need to be absent during the season are required to speak with their coach ahead of time, this is the student-athlete’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.
Individual arrangements/needs for planned absences will be addressed on a case by case basis. Coaches will work with student-athletes on developing a shared plan for the student-athlete’s conditioning and plans for the student-athlete’s return. 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 noted previously, decisions regarding playing time, team strategy and/or circumstances involving other student-athletes, remains with the coach exercising their judgment and discretion.
Unexcused and/or chronic absences from practices or games will affect a student-athlete’s 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
Perhaps the most emotional part of a student-athlete’s being involved in high school athletics centers around playing time. Playing time is determined using many factors (and not limited to); attendance, attitude, commitment, athletic skill, team needs, practice and game performances.
There are many decisions made on a regular basis by the Dartmouth High School coaching staff. It is the coach’s responsibility to decide which student-athletes start a contest, play what position and how long each student-athlete plays for. These coaching decisions, often difficult to make, are made by the coaching staff and are approached seriously after having observing student athlete performances in the aforementioned evaluation areas.
*Payment of the user fee does not guarantee playing time.
Bona fied Team Rule (MIAA Rule 45)
A bona fide member of the school team is a student who is consistently present for, and actively participates in, all high school team sessions (e.g. practices, tryouts, competitions).
Bona fide members of a school team are precluded from missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a non-school athletic activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA.
Students cannot be given special treatment (late arrival, early dismissal, etc.) for non-school athletic programs. First Offense: Student-athlete is suspended for one (1) contest and shall not participate in the next scheduled interscholastic competition that is part of their regular season schedule or in tournament play. Second Offense: Student-athlete is suspended for an additional 25% of the season, and is ineligible for tournament play immediately upon confirmation of the violation.
Chemical Health (MIAA Rule 62)
From the earliest fall practice date, to the conclusion of the academic year or final athletic event (whichever is latest), a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product (including e-cigarettes, vape pens and all similar devices); marijuana (including synthetic); steroids; drug paraphernalia; or any controlled substance. This policy includes products such as “NA or near beer,” inhalants (defined as any substance that produces a mind-altering effect when inhaled), and misuse of over-the-counter medications and substances used for the purposes of altering one’s mental state. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by their doctor.
This MIAA statewide minimum standard is not intended to render “guilt by association”, e.g. many student-athletes might be present at a party where only a few violate this standard.
This rule represents only a minimum standard upon which schools may develop more stringent requirements.
If a student-athlete in violation of this rule is unable to participate in interscholastic sports due to injury or academics, the penalty will not take effect until that student-athlete is able to participate again.
Minimum PENALTIES (percentage chart can be found on pages 58 & 59 of MIAA Handbook):
First violation: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student-athlete to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student-athlete shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests (regular season and tournament) totaling 25% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. No exception is permitted for a student-athlete who becomes a participant in a treatment program. It is recommended that the student-athlete be allowed to remain at practice for the purpose of rehabilitation. During the suspension the disqualified student-athlete may not be in uniform and attendance at the competition site is determined by the high school principal. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 25% of the season.
Second and subsequent violations: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student-athlete to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student-athlete shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests (regular season and tournament) totaling 60% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 60% of the season.
If after the second or subsequent violations the student-athlete of own volition becomes a participant in an approved chemical dependency program or treatment program, the student-athlete may be certified for reinstatement in MIAA activities after a minimum of 40% of events provided the student was fully engaged in the program throughout that penalty period. The high school principal in collaboration with a Chemical Dependency Program or Treatment Program must certify that student-athlete is attending or issue a certificate of completion. If the student-athlete does not complete program, penalty reverts back to 60% of the season. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 40% of the season.
Penalties shall be cumulative each academic year, but serving the penalty could carry over for one year. Or, if the penalty period is not completed during the season of violation, the penalty shall carry over to the student-athlete’s next season of actual participation, which may affect the eligibility status of the student-athlete during the next academic year (e.g. A student-athlete plays only football: he/she violates the rule in winter and/or the spring of same academic year: he would serve the penalty (ies) during the fall season of the next academic year).
If a student-athlete is not an athletic participant for one full year after affirmation of a violation, then the penalty period would close and the student-athlete would face no consequence. Prior to any chemical health violation a student-athlete’s request for and enrollment in a substance abuse treatment shall not in and of itself constitute a violation of the chemical health/alcohol/drugs/tobacco (MIAA Rule 62).
Parent/Guardian Role
The following expectations are highly encouraged:
- Be publicly supportive not only of your player and his/her role, but also all players 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-athletes’ 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.
Conflict Resolution - Guidelines for Parent/Coach Communication
Policy for Parents of Student-Athletes in contacting a Dartmouth High School Athletic Coach:
There are situations that may require a meeting between the coach and parent. This is to be encouraged. It is important that both parties have a clear understanding of each other’s position.
- The first contact should be between the student-athlete and the coach. The athletic experience at DHS 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.
- Parents should not try to approach a coach about an issue after a game, when emotions could still be high. Call the coach and make an appointment.
- If parents want to pursue an issue beyond that, they should inform the coach and call the athletic department to set up a meeting with the student-athlete, parent, coach and director of athletics.
It is understood that there are some issues that parents of student-athletes should contact the coach about. These could include:
- The treatment of your child mentally or physically.
- Concerns about your child’s academic progress.
- Ways to help your child to improve individually and as a team member
- Concerns about your child’s behavior.
There are also some issues that will remain under the coaches’ judgment and/or discretion.
These could include:
- Playing time
- Team Strategy
- Other student-athletes
Other issues may be brought to the attention of the Director of Athletics.
PARENT / SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT
The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these "six pillars of character."
As a parent and/or spectator:
- I will not force my child to participate in sports.
- I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
- I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
- I will learn the rules of the game.
- I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
- I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, student-athlete, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
- I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the student-athletes.
- I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
- I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
- I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
- I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
- I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
- I agree not to criticize, belittle, antagonize, berate or otherwise incite the opposing team, its players, coaches, cheerleaders, fans or officials/judges by word of mouth or by gesture.
- I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the student-athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
- I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
- I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sporting events.
- I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.
- I will park my car only in assigned parking spots and not in illegal areas such as emergency lanes or handicapped spots.
It is understood if parents/spectators that fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, they will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:
- Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or administration
- Written warning by administration
- Parental/Spectator game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file
- Parental/Spectator season suspension
NEW GAME SCHEDULING PROGRAM - ARBITER LIVE
We have also linked Arbiter Live to our athletic department website www.BigGreenSports.org. By clicking on the "team schedules" tab, you will find each sport offering, level and current game schedule. You can also click the link below or download the Arbiter Live application.
You also have the ability to sign-up to receive notifications of game changes through the site and application.
Please be patient, as this is a new program to all high schools in Massachusetts and there are still tweaks that need to be made.
SOME GAME SCHEDULES ARE STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The DHS Athletic Department continues to make every effort to schedule as many games as we can. Any/all game schedule updates will be posted on Arbiter Live.
ONE FINAL THOUGHT...
Dartmouth High School - Department of Athletics
ANDREW D. CRISAFULLI, M.Ed., CAA, AIC
Director of Athletics & Wellness
@ACrisafulli02
DOLORES CONSOLETTI
Athletics Administrative Assistant
doloresconsoletti@dartmouthschools.org
Email: andrewcrisafulli@dartmouthschools.org
Website: www.BigGreenSports.org
Location: 555 Bakerville Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 961-2700
Twitter: @BigGreenSports