Author: slhahn

University High School
Student-Athlete Guide

Follow the Creed...Knowledge, Strength, Courage, Respect

Principal
Mrs. Karen Chenoweth
kchenowe@volusia.k12.fl.us
Asst. Principal for Athletics & Facilities
Mr. Ben Carter
bwcarter@volusia.k12.fl.us
Athletic Director
Mrs. Staci Hahn
slhahn@volusia.k12.fl.us
Certified Athletic Trainers
Mr. Perry Revlett
plrevelett@volusia.k12.fl.us
School Phone—386—968-0013
School Fax - 386-968-0019
School Website—www.uhstitans.com
Athletic Department Mission Statement
To provide a variety of athletic programs that aide in developing & preparing students to be positive, productive citizens in a 21st century world.
Athletic Department Vision Statement
Athletics will strive to create opportunities that will allow all students to grow physically, mentally, and personally; to create a caring, supportive and respectful environment for all to succeed.

Athletic Philosophy
The Volusia County School Board and University High School recognize the value of athletic participation and the values and skills that can be gained by such participation. Our interscholastic athletic program is designed to be part of the overall school curriculum and serves to aid in the education and personal development of the student-athlete. Athletics are seen as an extension or “extra” curricular part of the total educational program and should never place the academic program in a secondary role.
Athletic competition can add to our school spirit and encourages students, spectators, and participants alike the opportunity to develop pride in their efforts, their peers, their school, and their community.
At no time should the Athletic Program place the total educational curriculum secondary in emphasis, the Athletic Program should constantly strive for the development of well rounded individuals capable of taking their place in modern society.
The major objective of this Athletic Program is to provide wholesome opportunities for students to develop habits and attitudes for future participation in our democratic society.
The opportunity to participate in the athletic program should be regarded as a privilege that carries responsibilities to one’s self, his or her family, school and community.
Getting Involved
University High School handles paperwork via an online platform called FinalForms. Information about FinalForms and a link to the FinalForms website. This paperwork includes medical history, insurance information, Athletic Code of Conduct, completion of 3 mandatory NFHS videos by the student, Student Transportation Waiver, Permission to Participate, and likely individual team packets. This process begins with the parent or guardian creating an account on behalf of the student. During the creation of the account, you will have the opportunity to select what sports you are potentially interested in. Sport selection for the following year will open by May 1 the year prior.
Students must have up-to-date paperwork, including the actual physical prior to participating in any open gym, conditioning, try-outs, or participation on a team. Paperwork must be resigned each school year. An actual sports physical must be completed every 365 days. You may print the form to take to the physician from your FinalForms account. It is the very last form from the forms list.
Please visit www.uhstitans.com, select the “Athletics” tab followed by the “More” tab to find additional information.
Eligibility
According to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), Volusia County School Board, and University High School Policies Student-Athletes must meet and maintain the following eligibility requirements:
Student-Athletes must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative unweighted GPA at the conclusion of each academic semester.
2) Students must be a resident zoned for University High School, be accepted into one of the school board approved academies offered at University High School, or otherwise granted an approved variance to attend University High School.
3) Once a student has reached the age of 19 years and 9 months, a student athlete will become ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics.
4) Each student is given 4 years of participation beginning the fall immediately after the conclusion of their 8th grade year or age 19 years, 9 months whichever occurs first.
5) Maintain satisfactory attendance and disciplinary status.
6) Be in class for more than half of the school day.
This list is an overview and not all inclusive. Please visit www.fhsaa.org for a detailed listing of all eligibility requirements.
Eligibility requirements are subject to state and school district change.

Coach/Athlete/Parent Communication
Involvement in athletics will allow students to experience some of the most rewarding and enjoyable times in their lives, they will experience an immense amount of personal growth, and be provided a well-rounded high school experience. However, there will likely be times when things do not go their way or they disagree with a coach or staff. It is important that parents and athletes realize that these situations are as much a part of the learning process as are the good times. The UHS coaching staff works hard to ensure the success of every athlete in our programs and we ask that you respect their position on issues within the team. We strongly encourage the athlete and not the parents to talk with coaches regarding team issues. This is not only the most direct and productive means of communication, but also a valuable method of teaching responsibility. If after your athlete has brought their concerns to the coach, and there is still a concern, please schedule an appointment with the coach. Please do not confront a coach before or after a game or practice. These are emotional times and coaches have duties that require their attention during these times and will not be able to give you full consideration.
Appropriate concerns to address: Treatment of your child, ways you can help your child improve, or your child’s behavior.
Inappropriate concerns to address: Playing time, Playing position, Team strategies, Play calling, Other athletes.
Cut Policies
While not every team needs or requires “making cuts”, for those that do it is one of the most difficult and unpleasant tasks of coaching. Before you tryout for any program, be prepared to accept the fact that you may not make the squad. No one enjoys informing any student that s/he has not made a team, but in many instances it is necessary to reduce the number of participants to a manageable number, to adhere to maximum participants as allowed by FHSAA, and to ensure the most rewarding experience possible for the athletes. You can expect the coach to provide you with an outline of evaluation criteria to be used in the decision making process on the first day of tryouts. All roster decisions made by the coaching staff are final. No one, including seniors is guaranteed a spot on a team.
Playing Time
Decisions regarding playing time are made solely by the coaching staff of each program. Playing time on all levels is based upon the following:
1. Performance at practice sessions—leadership, sportsmanship, coachability, desire, respect, effort, abilty
2. Discipline issues and team rule violations.
3. Physical preparedness to play—risk of injury
Athletes with questions regarding playing time should address them to the coaching staff of the program with the understanding that there is no playing time guarantee on any level.
Attendance & Commitment
Please understand that participation on any interscholastic team requires a commitment both from the athlete and the parent. Coaches will outline the general practice schedule and attempt to publish a practice and competition schedule at the beginning of the season. However, there are circumstances that do arise that will require changes in the schedule, sometimes at the last minute and usually that are out of the coaches and schools control. Every effort will be made to communicate these changes to you in the most timely and efficient way possible. Sudden changes to practice or competition schedule will be posted on the school website. Each coach has an attendance policy that outlines the consequences for missing practices. Most are contingent on prior contact by the athlete and/or parent before the absence. It is expected that athletes will commit to being at all practice and competition events. Specific questions regarding team policies in this area should be directed to the Head Coach.

Multiple Sport Participation
Athletes are encouraged to participate in a wide range of athletic opportunities during high school. When planning your participation please keep the following items in mind:
1. You may not join a team for the next season until participation in the first season is complete or that team has completed their season, if you are no longer participating on it. i.e. you may not quit one sport to start the season for the next season early.
2. Communication between all the parties involved is essential. If you are interested in participating in a sport for the next season and have try-outs, please communicate with both coaches to establish a plan of action that will meet everyone’s need—for example, an alternative try-out, condensed try-out, etc. The best way to avoid conflicts is to communicate with all the parties involved.
3. No coach should provide undue influence to any athlete about participation on their team or the non-participation on another team . It is the school philosophy that students be able to participate in as many activities as possible and that sponsors/coaches will aide in accomplishing that.
4. Be Realistic. It is impossible to physically participate in everything. You will need to prioritize your time and make commitments based upon what you can realistically handle and still maintain your academic work.
Code of Conduct
It is expected that all student-athletes will act in a manner deserving of respect both in and out of school. Violations of school rules are unacceptable. It is expected that student-athletes serve as leaders within the school. School rules are clearly outlined online and during discipline assemblies. Additionally, it is expected that students will not violate the law either. This pertains specifically to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, steroid, criminal mischief and the like. Violations of either of these areas will most likely result in some team discipline as well. Considerations such as severity, timing, prior acts, attitude, etc will be considered. The Athletic Director, Discipline Office, and SRO (if appropriate) will be involved in these situations.
Harassment & Hazing
University High School and the Coaching Staff make every attempt to provide a safe learning environment for all. To that end, it is expected that student-athletes will not harass other students in any way. Hazing and Harassment will not be tolerated and will be dealt with appropriately according to the guidelines provided for by Volusia County Schools and Florida Legal Code. If an athlete feels they have been harassed or hazed in any way, they should report it immediately to their coach. No action can be taken unless a formal complaint has been made immediately. If they feel they have been harassed or hazed by a member of the coaching staff, students may report it to the Athletic Director or Discipline Office.
Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship is considered to be showing Respect to the Game and all of its Participants—Coaches, Athletes, Officials, Parents, and Spectators. University High School asks that everyone involved in Athletics act in a respectful way. Please demonstrate good sportsmanship by cheering your team, not belittling or questioning the opposing team, its players, or our team. Please remain hospitable to opposing teams and officials and allow the game to be played between the lines. Every athlete playing is someone’s child, every coach and official is someone’s child, someone’s parent, someone’s spouse. Please treat them as you would wish your own child, parent or spouse to be treated.
Attendance
Each athlete is expected to be in attendance in at least 50% of the classes they take at UHS on any given day in order to participate in any practice or competition. If a child is suspended in any way, they are also suspended from practice and competition.