MISSION

The Accomack County Public School system considers participation in organized athletics
to be an important and desirable part of the high school program. Through athletic
competition, students are able to experience, learn, and develop many personal traits that
will benefit them in the future.

GOAL

The goal of the Accomack County Public School system is to operate an athletic program
within the guidelines of the Virginia High School League (VHSL), which meets the needs
and interests of the students and community. During participation in interscholastic
competition and practice sessions, athletes are to display appropriate behavior, dignity,
poise, and sportsmanship. These qualities are held in high regard by the administration and
determine the success of any team’s season. Academic success should be foremost in every
student’s goals and be reinforced by each coach.

ARCADIA HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to provide a foundation that fosters a nurturing, diversified, and quality
learning environment for students to attain their full potential as respectful, educated, and
productive citizens of society.

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 OBJECTIVES OF THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM

 To ensure that interscholastic athletics are a vital element in the overall school
curriculum.
 To encourage participation of the largest number of students possible.
 To set standards of sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for the rules which will
cultivate friendly relationships with other schools and communities.
 To safeguard the health of the participants in the athletic program
 To develop interest in physical activities which will serve the participant’s present
and future leisure time.
 To develop the mental emotional, and social qualities of the individual as well as the
physical qualities.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

The athletic director is appointed by the principal. The director is responsible for the
athletic program at the school. The athletic director answers to the principal.

Responsibilities:

 Bidding, completing purchase orders for approval, and overseeing the coaches’
completion of equipment inventory and storage.
 Assisting in the development of a budget with the principal.
 Assisting the principal with the selection of coaching assignments and the
evaluation of head coaches.
 Assisting the principal in recruiting/employing/scheduling personnel necessary to
hold an athletic contest. For Example: ticket takers, chain crew, announcers, clock
operator, police, concession workers, custodians, etc.
 Assisting the principal in any other VHSL activities.
 Supervising the maintenance and preparation of athletic fields and facilities.
Coaches are responsible for their preparation of their playing field.
 Recommending athletic policy.
 Ensuring that all athletes meet eligibility requirements as outlined by the VHSL and
Accomack County Public Schools.
 Assisting the coach in completing all forms, eligibility lists, and contracts as required
by the VHSL and the Accomack County Public Schools.
 Scheduling athletic contests for all sports teams and VHSL activities as well as
transportation to and from athletic competitions.

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 VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE

ELIGIBILITY RULES

In order to represent Arcadia High School in any VHSL interscholastic contest, a

student shall meet the following VHSL requirements:

Bona Fide Student Rule – The student must be a regular bona fide student in good
standing at Arcadia High School. Any student under penalty of suspension, or whose
character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon Arcadia, is not considered in good
standing.

Grade Rule – The student must be enrolled in the last four years of high school.

Semester Rule – The student is eligible for eight consecutive semesters from the date that
they enter the ninth grade for the first time. The eight semesters count whether the student
is enrolled in school or not.

Age Rule – The student shall not have reached the age of 19 on or before the first day of
August of the school year that he/she wishes to compete.

Scholarship Rule – The student shall have passed 3 of 4 subjects offered for credit and
which may be used for graduation for the immediately preceding semester, and shall be
enrolled in three credit subjects for the current semester.

 Multiple credit classes count as multiple subjects (i.e. welding, auto mechanics,
cosmetology, etc.)
 Classes taken over that the student has previously passed may not be used as a
credit subject.

Athletic Participation/Parent Consent/Physical Examination Rule – Prior to trying out

for/or beginning practice with any team, the student must turn in a completely filled in and
properly signed VHSL Parental Consent/Physical Form. The form must attest that the
student has been examined by a physician and found physically fit to participate and that
they consent to their participation. The student must have a new physical (dated after May
1) for each school year.

Transfer Rule – The student shall not have enrolled in one high school and subsequently
transferred to and enrolled in another high school without a corresponding move on the
part of their parent(s) or guardian.

Sportsmanship Rule – The student shall conduct his/herself in a sportsmanship manner

at all times. Any student who in protest lays hands or attempts to lay hands on an official
may be declared ineligible for up to one year. Any student who strikes an opponent, coach

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or spectator during or following an athletic contest may be declared ineligible for a
specified period of time, up to one year, depending on the seriousness of the act.

Ejection of a Player – Any player ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct shall
be ineligible for the team’s next contest. A player ejected for fighting shall be ineligible for
the team’s next two contests. Any player involved in a fight may be subject to further
disciplinary action as deemed necessary by the school administration.

Penalty for Giving False Information – Any student, or his parents, who give false
information, either written or verbal, that affect his/her eligibility, shall become ineligible
at any VHSL school for a period of one year.

Questions concerning VHSL rules and eligibility should be directed to Mr. Trey
Haynie, Athletic Director. (Office 824-5613)

CHAIN OF COMMAND

Coach/Activities
Sponsor

Principal Athletic Director

Coaches are required to report any findings not in compliance with school, county, or
VHSL rules immediately to the principal. Failure to do so may result in termination.

COACHING POSITIONS

Athletic coaches and extra-curricular sponsors are appointed by the principal. They are
under contract to coach or sponsor a specific sport or activity. Such contracts are separate
from the teaching contract. Appointments are made on a year-to-year basis. Physical
education teachers are expected to coach. Teachers in the building and county have priority
when filling coaching vacancies.

STIPENDS

The Accomack County School Board will determine the stipends for all athletic directors,
coaching positions and extra-curricular activities sponsors. The stipends will be paid at the
end of the season.

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 ARCADIA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

REGULATIONS AND POLICIES

School Attendance

Student-athletes must be in attendance for a minimum for two blocks per day in order to
practice or play in a contest. Family emergencies and medical appointments must be
excused by the Athletic Director and/or Principal.

Student Discipline

Student-athletes must model appropriate behavior at all times, both in the classroom and
at school sponsored events. Should a student-athlete receive In-School Suspension, they
will not be permitted to compete in the next contest. Multiple In-School Suspensions in the
course of a week or season may result in a student-athlete not being permitted to play in
more a number of games, out-of-school suspension, and/or removal from the team.

If a student-athlete is suspended out of school, they will not compete in the next contest
and may be removed from the team. Student-athlete conduct during contests that reflects
negatively on themselves, the team, the coaching staff, or the school can result in
suspension and removal from the team.

Transportation

Transportation will be provided to all athletic events and activities by the school. Student-
athletes must ride the bus to and from all contests. When approved by the head coach,
student-athletes may ride home with a parent. Parents must sign-out their child with their
team’s coach and may only take their child home. Student-athletes will not be permitted to
ride home with anyone other than their own parent.

Equipment

The athletic director will issue all athletic equipment to the coaches. It is the responsibility
of the coach to maintain the equipment during the course of the season. Coaches are
responsible for inventorying and distributing of equipment to the athletes. All uniforms
are to be collected after each athletic event, washed, and properly stored. Student-
athletes are financially responsible for lost equipment. Student-athletes will be charged the
replacement cost of any equipment not returned. No athletic awards or letters will be given
to any student-athlete with outstanding equipment.

Any equipment that needs to be replaced, repaired, or refurbished needs to be submitted to

the athletic director at the end of each season.

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Do not purchase or order any equipment and/or supplies without prior approval of the
athletic director and the principal. Requests need to be brought to the athletic director who
will present the request to the principal for approval. Coaches will be held accountable for
purchases or commitments made without prior authorization. The principal is the only
individual who can authorize purchase orders.

Medical Procedures and Warning

The Arcadia High School department attempts to make participation in our athletic
programs as safe as possible. However, injuries do occur in athletics and athletes and
parents are warned that serious injury may result from participation in our athletic
programs. In the event of an injury to an athlete the following procedures will be used:

1. First aid will be administered to the injured athlete.

2. If the injury is of a serious nature, the parents and if necessary, the rescue squad will
be called. If the student is transported, the coach or responsible adult will travel
with the student if the parent is not present.
3. Athletes under a doctor’s care must be released by the doctor before returning to
competition.
4. All injuries need to be reported to the athletic director or principal. They will
in turn contact the parent or direct the coach to do so.

Schedules

Practice

When conflicts arise or are anticipated over the use of facilities, a practice schedule will be
developed by the athletic director, with the principal’s approval. The practice schedule is
usually done on a weekly basis and time slots will be rotated among the sports and
activities.

Game

All schedules for scrimmages, regular season games, or tournaments must be approved by
the athletic director and the principal. The district and VHSL determine all factors
(distance, finance, time, opponent, etc.) in the approval or disapproval of athletic contests.

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 Coaches

Requirements

 Fingerprinting (new coaches)

 OSHA Training
 Child Abuse Recognition
 Mandatory Concussion Recognition Training
 Annual VHSL Rules Clinic (Head coach must attend)
 VHSL Coaches Education Requirement (3 years to complete)
 VHSL State and Local Knowledge Requirement (3 years to complete)

There is a $50 fine for coaches who do not attend the annual VHSL Rules Clinic or
complete the Coaches Education Requirements and State and Local Requirements
within the allotted time frame. Coaches will be responsible for any fines assessed to
the athletic department/educational institution.

Responsibilities

HEAD COACH

1. To see that all policies and procedures set forth in this manual, the Accomack
County School Board manuals, and the Virginia High School League Handbook are
executed by you or a member of your staff.
2. To have pre-season meetings:
a. With assistant coaches to assure that he/she understands their duties and
responsibilities.
b. With parents and athletes to assure that they understand all expectations set
forth in all policies.
3. To be responsible for the conduct of your athletes and coaching staff by
establishing an atmosphere of sportsmanship and respect.
4. To see that all forms are properly prepared and submitted at the specific time.
5. To keep the athletic director informed of normal and abnormal happenings
surrounding your team and coaching staff:
a. Including prior discussion of suspensions and dismissal of athletes from your
team.
b. Including any injuries to staff or athletes.
c. Including any anticipated problems with staff and athletes.
d. Including prior discussions of cuts at the beginning of the season.
e. Including any plans of not returning the next year.
6. To report all home events scores to the proper newspaper. (Greg Merritt 787-1200
x123)

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7. To attend a VHSL rules clinic (Failure of a coach to attend results in a fine
payable to the VHSL and coach is responsible for this payment. The clinics are
posted on the VHSL website and it is the responsibility of the coach to make
arrangements to attend the clinics.)
8. To follow all procedures set forth by the athletic director and principal to be assured
that all athletes receive the best possible care if an injury should occur”
a. Fill out all forms necessary for the administration and/or nurse.
b. To make no athlete participates in open gym, try-outs, practice, weightlifting,
and events without a VHSL physical form on file.
c. To see that an injured athlete does not participate until their physician gives
his/her permission.
9. To see that VHSL physical form and an Emergency Medical Card is on file in the
nurse’s office for each athlete on your team. (Athletes are not allowed to practice
unless forms are on file.)
a. Provide the athletic director with a list from your preseason meeting.
b. Provide the athletic director with a list from your first day of practice.
c. Provide the athletic director with any additional athletes that appear after
the first day.
10. To have approval of the athletic director before:
a. He/she schedules any invitational meets/matches.
b. He/she schedules any scrimmages.
c. He/she suspends or dismisses an athlete.
d. He/she sends any written/verbal information to parents, teachers, athletes,
and press.
e. He/she uses any alternate means of travel.
f. He/she establishes lettering policies.
11. To see that the playing area for your activity is:
a. Marked and prepared for all home events one hour before the scheduled
start time.
b. Cleared and cleaned after the event.
12. To see that the yearbook staff receives your season scoreboard.
13. To see that all athletes have a set of individual team rules that include any coaching
expectations not included in the school rules as well as the lettering policies.
14. To see that all student-athletes remain in good academic standing throughout the
sport season. Students in jeopardy of becoming ineligible should be brought to the
attention of the athletic director and/or principal where an academic contract will
be created to provide the necessary supports for the student to become successful in
the classroom.

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 15. Collect, clean, and properly store all uniforms and equipment at the conclusion of
the season.
16. Submit to the athletic director a final roster with letter winners, awards, and other
accolades necessary for student-athlete recognition.

ASSISTANT COACH

1. To assist the head coach in executing the policies and procedures set forth in this
manual, Accomack County Public School manuals, and the VHSL Handbook.
2. To execute all assignments to you by the head coach, athletic director, or principal.
3. To attend all athletic department meetings.
4. To understand all policies as written in this manual.

Coach Conduct

1. To read and abide by VHSL standards.

2. To demonstrate professional behavior at all times:
a. Control emotions and language
b. Demonstrate a positive attitude, and establish a team concept with the
administration, with all coaching staffs, faculty, office staff, parents, and
athletes.
c. Dress in a professional manner.
3. To proceed through the chain of command with all requests and complaints.

Coaches’ Dress

Coaches are required to set a model for the athletes with respect to dress and grooming.
Your practice and game attire may not advertise or support tobacco, alcoholic beverages,
illegal drugs, and/or violent activity. Coaches are not permitted to wear jeans while
coaching games.

Golf Collared shirt and appropriate pants are required according to golf
course regulations.
Football Coaching clothes may be worn at games.
Cheerleading Coaches must wear regular classroom school attire.
Volleyball Coaches must wear regular classroom school attire.
Cross Country Coaching clothes must be worn.
Boys’ Basketball Coaches must wear ties at home and away games.
Girls’ Basketball Coaches must wear regular classroom school attire.
Wrestling Coaches must wear ties at home and away games.
Theatre Coaches must wear regular classroom school attire.
Forensics Coaches must wear regular classroom school attire.
Track Coaching clothes must be worn.

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 Softball Coaching clothes must be worn.
Baseball Coaching clothes must be worn.
Scholastic Bowl Coaches must wear regular classroom school attire.

Supervision of Athletes and Managers

1. An athlete must be provided supervision in the locker rooms before, during, and
after practice and games.
2. An athlete must be supervised throughout the entire practice and game.
3. A coach must stay until all of his/her team members have left the building and the
parking lot areas after practice.
4. All coaches must ride the bus to and from all events.

Security of Locker Rooms

A coach is responsible for the security of the locker room. The coach or activities sponsor is
to be in the locker room when players are getting dressed. (Exception: The coach is of the
opposite sex of his/her players.) Lock the door when all the players have left the locker
room. All valuables should be stored in a safe location. Locker rooms will be inspected
by the administration during and after the games.

Game Results

A coach is responsible for reporting game results to the local newspaper and other local
media. Cooperation is essential in this matter. The athletic director or the coach will report
scores to AP, UPI, or VHSL when necessary.

Media

When the situation arises, the head coach should be the only member of the coaching staff
to address the media.

At the beginning of the season, educate your team about what is appropriate/not
appropriate to say to the media. (See TIPS FOR SPEAKING WITH THE NEWS MEDIA)

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 Student Eligibility Requirements

Any student who wishes to participate in any VHSL contest must meet the required
standards set by the VHSL handbook, the regulations on the physical form, and the
Accomack County School Board policy. NO WAIVER CAN BE USED FOR ANY VHSL
INFRACTION.

In accordance with Accomack County School Board policy (JR-R), a minimum GPA
requirement of 2.0 for all students participating in all extra-curricular activities including
sports and activities sanctioned by the VHSL during the years that they are eligible to
participate. The grades for this requirement are the final semester grades. Eligibility for a
semester is determined by the previous semester’s grades.

If a student falls below a 2.0 GPA, he/she may use a one-time waiver in their high school
career. A waiver entitles that person to play a semester but they must have a 2.0 GPA by the
end of the semester that the waiver was granted.

A semester ends on the last day of the semester as identified on the county calendar. A
student may not play on the first day of the new semester if he/she has not met the
eligibility requirements.

Procedure for a Waiver

A student and/or coach may request a waiver through the athletic director. The athletic
director forwards the request to the principal. Then, the principal asks for approval from
the Secondary School Instructional Coordinator.

It is highly recommended that you do not advise ninth or tenth grade students to use
their one-time only waiver. They might need it as an eleventh or twelfth grade
student. The students and the parents make the ultimate decision on the waiver.

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 Pre-Season Meeting and Tryouts

The VHSL establishes a date at which a team may begin practice. Tryouts are considered to
be practices.

A coach should schedule a pre-season meeting at least two weeks in advance of the day that
tryouts will begin. This is to allow prospective candidates to complete a physical
examination and to secure or verify insurance. Physical and insurance forms are provided
by the school. Do not permit any candidate to try out until the athletic director has
certified that the student has submitted a completed physical and insurance form.

In addition, you are to submit a list of candidates for your team, so a preliminary check on
eligibility requirements can be completed.

At your pre-season meeting, be sure to explain eligibility rules, your team rules, and the
athletic participation policy. When you have chosen your team members, send the list of
members to the athletic director one week after the first practice. The athletic director
must prepare and complete a VHSL master eligibility list to be submitted to the VHSL office
and opponents one day before the first contest.

Practice

All practices for all sports are subject to the following guidelines:

 A coach must be present.

 VHSL guidelines must be followed.
 All participants must have a VHSL physical and documentation of medical insurance
on file in the athletic office before any student may be permitted to practice.
 Players are not to be in the locker rooms unsupervised. (Managers are not
supervisors.)
 Practices must be well-planned, highly structured, and orderly.
 The length of any practice should not exceed two (2) hours from the start of practice
until the dismissal of the students, including calisthenics. (Football will follow the
summer practice rules as outlined by the VHSL.)
 Medical kits must be available at all practices.
 Spectators are not permitted. Only coaches, team members, trainers, and managers
may attend practice sessions.
 A coach must be present until all players have departed.
 Proper attention must be given to the weather conditions and the conditions of the
playing surface.

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  If severe weather conditions have been advised, the superintendent/designee may
cancel all practices.
 Uniforms and equipment must be properly stored before coaches leave the school.
 All athletic facilities must be properly secured prior to the coach leaving the school
building and school grounds.

Facilities

General Information

1. All facilities/fields should be kept neat and clean.

2. Fields will be marked by staff members. This will not be done during class time.
3. Your area is your responsibility. You should inform the athletic director of any
problems or improvements that need to be made.
4. All gates, doors, and windows must be secured after each practice and each game by
the coaching staff.
5. All lights must be turned off after each practice and each game by the coaching staff.

Weight Room

1. An athlete should never be in the weight room without supervision

2. Weights should be placed on the racks when they are not being used. Do not leave
weights on the bars or on the floor.
3. The room should be kept neat and clean. The team that uses the facility is in
charging of cleaning it when that team leaves.

Locker Rooms/Locks

1. Locker rooms are to be supervised whenever you open them. If you share the locker
room with another team, do not assume the other coach will supervise. You are
responsible for your team.
2. Coaches are responsible for opening locker rooms for the student-athletes before
and after practice. Rooms are to be locked when not in use.
3. Locker rooms are to be kept neat, clean, and organized. It is the coaches’
responsibility to see that the student-athletes clean up after themselves.
4. All lockers should be cleared the day after the season ends. All locks need to be
removed from the lockers.
5. A coach should check the locker rooms at the end of each day after all the
athletes have departed to assure the locker rooms remain in top shape.

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Storage Rooms

1. Storage rooms are to be kept neat, clean, and well organized.

2. Storage rooms should not be left open during practice.
3. Athletes/managers should not be in storage areas without a coach present.

Stadium Field

1. Practice time should be limited on the stadium field. All drills should be run on the
practice field. Scrimmage time may take place on the stadium field.
2. The stadium field is defined as all the grass within the fence surrounding the track.
3. Athletes should not jump the fence or exercise on the fence.
4. Athletes should not run laps on the grass.

Press Box

1. The press box should only be used by authorized personnel. Do not allow student-
athletes to gather in this area.
2. The press box is not a storage facility.
3. The press box is to be kept neat, clean, and orderly.
4. Both press box doors are to be locked when the area is not in use.

Main Gym

1. Only court approved/non-marking shoes on the gym floor.

2. No equipment in this area besides basketballs, volleyballs, and volleyball standards.
3. Athletes should never be left alone in this area.
4. Food or drink is not permitted on the playing surface area of the gym.
5. Tables are not permitted in the gym.

Miscellaneous

Keys

1. Head coaches will have access to areas needed for their activity. Keys will be
provided at the discretion of the athletic director and principal.
2. Keys should not be loaned to students, managers, or non-school personnel.
3. If keys are issued, they are to be returned at the end of the season. Any lost keys are
the responsibility of the coach. A replacement fee of $50 will be charged for any
lost keys.

Reimbursable Expenses

1. Only expenses approved in advance will be reimbursed.

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Inclement Weather

1. When school is canceled because of inclement weather, all school activities are
canceled.
2. When school is dismissed early due to inclement weather, all practices and
games are canceled.
3. The lightening policy is as follows: If thunder is heard within 20 seconds of
visible lightening, all outdoor events should immediately be suspended. All
teams will be removed from the field to a protective area. After a twenty minute
time period without lightening, the event may resume.

rSchoolToday

VSHL has reached an agreement with rSchoolToday to synchronize scheduling between

VHSL members. This tool will be utilized by all high schools throughout the state. Please
become familiar with this scheduling component. It will be utilized to update
announcement, schedule changes, post scores/outcomes, etc. The Eastern Shore District
page can be found at the following address: http://www.easternshoredistrictva.org. From
there one can navigate to the Arcadia High School page and our information.

End of Season Form

At the completion of a season, coaches are required to complete the End of Season form
located at the back of the Athletic Handbook (page 21). This form will facilitate the athletic
director in recognizing and awarding the student-athletes for their efforts. Please make
sure this form is submitted to the Athletic Director in a timely manner.

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 Code of Ethics for Coaches

 Coaches will in no way jeopardize the wellbeing of any athlete.

 Coaches will not allow relationships of special interest to influence their
professional judgments (i.e. playing time). Relationships that are nepotistic or
associate a team with a club team will be avoided.
 Coaches will honor and emphasize the importance of the student athlete training
rules (i.e. regulations on drugs and alcohol) and will not turn them into “don’t ask,
don’t tell” policies.
 Coaches will initiate honesty, encourage open communications, and be good role
models.
 Coaches will uphold confidentiality when necessary.
 Ethical standards for all athletes will be consistent, as well as the punishment for
not meeting those standards.
 Coaches will commit to the improvement of all athletes on a team, not only the
starters.
 Coaches will communicate to all team members about opportunities for skill
development (e.g. clinics) and opportunities to represent the school and community
(i.e. all-star games).
 Coaches will be aware of their authority and demand respect from their athletes.
 Coaches will treat opposing teams, officials, and fans honorably, respectfully, and
with courtesy. Coaches will demand that their players do the same.
 Coaches will be aware of disputes between players and work to solve them when
team dynamics are affected.
 Coaches will represent their players in a fair fashion in the media.
 Coaches will display good sportsmanship on and off the field at all times, and teach
student athletes to display good sportsmanship.
 Coaches will be respectful to athletes, officials, parents, and administrators.
 Coaches will hold student athletes on their team accountable for abiding by all
Accomack County Public School Rules and Regulations.
 Coaches will abide by and respect the rules set by the VHSL, Accomack County
Public Schools, and Arcadia High School.

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 TIPS FOR SPEAKING WITH THE NEWS MEDIA

 Perception is reality
 In sports and politics, opinions are usually treated like facts
 You are speaking on behalf of Arcadia High School, not yourself, yet you are giving
your opinion
 Pause two seconds before answering every question
 Non-verbal communication often speaks louder than words
 Be passionate
 Take advantage of brief window of opportunity to help shape how the story is told
 Be the most reliable source
 Be a good interview
 Use the word “We” when discussing the team
 Provide timely and accurate information
 Take control of the interview, share what you know before being interviewed, it
brings the reporter up to speed and subconsciously helps frame the story line
 Think in terms of 8-10 second sound bites
 Answer the question and stop talking – dead air isn’t your concern
 Before being interviewed think of two or three key messages to share
 Bridge back to the key messages over and over again
 Don’t repeat negative questions or comments
 Immediately stifle all rumors without repeating them
 Clarify or refute any potentially damaging innuendo left hanging
 Don’t allow yourself to be baited into responding, especially when it involves
rumors
 If you don’t know the answer, then say so
 Never speculate or guess
 Never say, “No Comment,” simply say something like, “ it is inappropriate to discuss
at this time” and bridge back to key messages
 Remember, the longer you talk the more likely you are to say something you wish
you hadn’t
 If you don’t want to see it, hear it, or read it, Don’t say it
 Assume everything written and shared will get to a reporter
 Interviews should be conversational, not a debate
 Never lose your cool, or argue with a reporter – simply end the interview
 Nothing is “Off the Record”
 Most reporters are just doing their job
 Make yourself available – don’t send an assistant when it’s you they want to
interview
 If they like you they will treat you better
 Don’t try and spin the story
 Be the bearer of good and bad news
 Work hard at building good relationships with the media
 Focus on your audience – if the purpose of the interview isn’t clear, ask what it’s
about

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 If the reporter makes inaccurate assumptions, don’t react, bridge back to facts and
key messages
 When asked multiple questions within one question, take each as an individual
question and answer one at a time
 Don’t be afraid to ask the reporter to repeat the question if you want more time to
formulate an answer
 The rules are the same, but interviews about competition should be viewed
differently than investigative reporting
 Don’t allow yourself to become the story
 Tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, tell them what you told them
 Be proactive, not reactive
 Once you’ve lost your reputation it is difficult to regain
 Always tell the truth, a half truth is a half lie
 Speak with pride
 Listen carefully to questions being asked
 Share stories to drive home a point, create a mental picture worth remembering

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 The 6 Pillars of Character
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do
• Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal —
stand by your family, friends and country

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use
good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t
threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best
• Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the
consequences • Be accountable for your choices

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t
take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive

others • Help people in need

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get
involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey
laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment

Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.

– John Wooden

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20
 Accomack County Public Schools
Concussion Regulations

The goal of Accomack County Public Schools and the Virginia High School League is to
ensure that student-athletes who sustain concussions are properly diagnosed, given
adequate time to heal, and are comprehensively supported until they are symptom free.

Prevention:

1. A standardized concussion education program will be presented by the Athletic Director as

a part of the Athletic Department's player/coach/parent meeting at all high schools each
season. Proof of completion will be submitted by the Athletic Director to the High School
Coordinator.
2. A concussion fact sheet and a letter to the parents outlining the Accomack County Schools
Concussion Policy will be distributed and requires a signature prior to the athlete
participating in practice or competition.
3. Every athlete will take a baseline computerized neurocognitive assessment prior to
participation in athletic practice or competition. This assessment will be completed by the
athletic director at each school.
4. All coaches, including volunteers, are required to take the online concussion education
program mandated by the Virginia High School League (VHSL) prior to the first day of
practice.
5. Each athletic director will keep statistics regarding head injuries for the purpose of
improving care and prevention. This will include the number of concussion per sport per
season so that the percentage of athletes sustaining concussions may be calculated.
6. The concussion policy and return to play guidelines will be available on the Accomack
County Public Schools web site in addition to each high school's website.
7. This information will be shared with the Principals, Assistant Principals, Athletic Directors,
and coaches for all middle school sports prior to the beginning of practice each season.
8. All organizations using the Accomack County Public School buildings or grounds for the
purpose of athletic practices or sports events are mandated to attend the standardized
concussion education program and will have to maintain documentation that all parents
have received the Accomack County Public Schools concussion fact sheets.

Athletic Regulations:

1. A student- athlete suspected by the coach, athletic trainer, or physician of sustaining a

concussion or brain injury will be removed from the activity at that time.
2. A student-athlete who has been removed from play, evaluated, and suspected to have a
concussion or brain injury will not return that same day nor until:
a.) He/she has been evaluated by an approved licensed health care provider. The
approved health care providers are: a physician, physician assistant ,
osteopath or athletic trainer licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine; a

21
 neuropsychologist licensed by the Board of Psychology; or a
nurse practitioner licensed by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
b.) He/she no longer exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a
concussion, at rest or with exertion.
c.) He/she has written clearance to return to practice and play from a licensed health
care provider.
d.) He/she is asymptomatic during or following periods of supervised exercise that is
gradually intensify.
3. If an athlete suffers a concussion at practice or competition the athlete will undergo a
clinical evaluation using a Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) or Sideline
Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-II) by a licensed Health Care Provider prior to returning
to any physical activity.

Academic Procedures:

Research states that mental exertion should be avoided until concussion symptoms have cleared.
The school's child study team will develop a "Health Care Plan" or an Emergency 504 Plan outlining
his/her academic schedule while under the supervision of a licensed health care provider. The
child study team may recommend some of the following in the plan in accordance with the Journal
of Athletic Training 2010:
1. Attend school for shorter periods of time gradually increasing to a full day
2. Limit the use of computers for any length of time,
3. Extend deadlines of assignments,
4. Postpone or stagger tests,
5. Extend testing time,
6. Make accommodations for oversensitivity to light, noise, or both,
7. Excused from physical education classes or Career and Technical activities,
8. Class notes made available,
9. Preferential classroom seating to lessen distractions,
10. Use of a tutor to assist with organizing and prioritizing assignments.

Training:

1. The School Health Advisory Board (SHAB) shall ensure training amongst the coaches and
healthcare professionals are current and consistent with best practice protocols.
2. The Health and Physical Education Supervisor will maintain a tracking system to ensure
compliance with the annual training requirement.
3. Annual training on concussion management will be required for all coaches and volunteers
through the National Federation of State High School Associations' (NFHS) online coach
education program- Concussion in Sports-What You Need to Know.
a.) This is the center for disease control endorsed program,
b.) Provides a guide to understanding, recognizing, and properly managing
concussions in high school sports.

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 STUDENT-ATHLETE CONCUSSIONS DURING EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Accomack County Public School Division desires the safe return to activity for all
student-athletes participating in extracurricular physical activities following an injury, but
particularly after a concussion. The goal of this policy is to ensure (i) that coaches, school staff,
volunteers, student-athletes, and their parents or guardian are aware of the short-term and long
term effects of concussions; (ii) that concussed student-athletes are identified, removed from play
immediately, and referred appropriately; and (iii) that concussed student-athletes are returned to
play only after receiving appropriate medical care, given adequate time to heal, and are symptom
free.

Definitions

Concussion: a brain injury that is characterized by an onset of impairment of cognitive and/or

physical functioning, and is caused by a blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that
causes a sudden jarring of the head (i.e., a helmet to the head, being knocked to the ground). A
concussion can occur with or without a loss of consciousness, and proper management is essential to
the immediate safety and long-term future of the injured individual.

Licensed Health Care Provider: a physician, physician assistant, osteopath or athletic trainer
licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine; a neuropsychologist licensed by the Board of Psychology;
or a nurse practitioner licensed by the Virginia State Board of Nursing.

Return to Play: to participate in a non-medically supervised practice, game, or athletic competition.

I. Accomack County Public School Division Concussion Management Team

a. The Concussion Management Team (“CMT”) shall be appointed by the Superintendent of

Schools and shall consist of a school administrator, an athletic administrator, a licensed
health care provider, a coach, a parent or guardian of a student-athlete, a student athlete,
and any such other person the Superintendent determines will assist the CMT in its actions.

b. The CMT shall develop concussion training materials for school personnel, volunteers,
student-athletes, and parents of student-athletes. The CMT shall also develop concussion
reporting, management, and review protocols for the school division. The CMT shall
maintain a record of all incidents where a student-athlete has been removed from a game,
competition, or practice because he or she has been suspected of sustaining a concussion.

c. The CMT shall meet at least once per semester and shall evaluate the division’s training
materials, concussion reporting, management, and review protocols annually.

II. Required Concussion Training for School Personnel and Volunteers:

a. Every Coach, Assistant Coach, School Staff, Adult Volunteer, or other person serving in a
coaching or advisory role over student-athletes during games, competitions, or practices

23
 shall receive training in the signs and symptoms of sports-related concussions, strategies to
reduce the risk of concussions, how to seek proper medical treatment for concussions, and
the process by which a concussed student-athlete may safely return to practice or
competition. Each school and the CMT shall maintain a written record of the names and
dates of completion for all persons completing the school’s concussion training.

b. Each school shall ensure that no person is allowed to coach or advise a student-athlete in
any practice, game, or competition who has not completed the school’s concussion training
within the previous twelve months.

III. Distribution of Training Materials to Student-Athletes and Parent/Guardian:

a. Prior to participating in any extracurricular physical activity, each student-athlete and the
student-athlete's parent or guardian shall review concussion training materials developed
by the CMT and sign a statement acknowledging receipt of such information. The
concussion training materials shall describe the short-and long-term health effects of
concussions.

b. The signed statements acknowledging the receipt of concussion training materials shall be
valid for one calendar year and will satisfy the concussion training requirements for all of a
student-athlete’s extracurricular physical activities for a calendar year.

IV. Removal from Extracurricular Physical Activities

a. A student-athlete suspected by a student-athlete's coach, athletic trainer, or team physician

of sustaining a concussion or brain injury in a practice, game, or competition shall be
removed from the activity immediately, evaluated, and if necessary referred for further
treatment. A student-athlete who has been removed from play, evaluated, and suspected to
have sustained a concussion shall not return to play that same day.

b. In determining whether a student-athlete removed from play is suspected of having

sustained a concussion, an appropriate licensed health care provider or other properly
trained individual, shall evaluate the student-athlete at the time of removal utilizing a
standardized concussion sideline assessment instrument (e.g., Sideline Concussion
Assessment Tool (SCAT-II), the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC), or the
Balance Error Scoring System (BESS)).

c. The determination of whether a student-athlete removed from play is suspected of having

sustained a concussion shall be the sole determination of the licensed health care provider
or other properly trained individual conducting the concussion sideline assessment. Such
determination is final and may not be overruled by another licensed health care provider or
other properly trained individual, coach, assistant coach, school staff, or other person
serving in a coaching or advisory role, the student-athlete, or the parent or guardian of the
student-athlete.

d. The coach of a student-athlete may elect not to return the student-athlete to play, even if
after the concussion sideline assessment it is determined that the student-athlete is no
longer suspected of having sustained a concussion.

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V. Return To Play Protocol

a. No student-athlete shall be allowed to return to extracurricular physical activities, which

includes the student-athlete’s practices, games, or competitions, until the student presents a
written medical release from the student-athlete’s licensed health care provider. The
written medical release shall certify that (i) the provider is aware of the current medical
guidance on concussion evaluation and management; (ii) the student-athlete no longer
exhibits signs symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion at rest or with exertion;
and (iii) that the student-athlete has successfully completed a progressive return to sports
participation program. The length of progressive return to sports participation program
shall be determined by the student-athlete’s licensed health care provider but shall last a
minimum of five calendar days.

b. The coach of a student-athlete may elect not to allow a student-athlete to return to

extracurricular physical activities, even after the production of written medical release from
the student-athlete’s licensed health care provider, if the coach observes signs and
symptoms of sports-related concussions. If the student-athlete’s coach makes such a
decision, the coach shall communicate the observations and concerns to the student-
athlete’s parent or guardian within one day of the decision not to allow such student-athlete
to return to extracurricular physical activities.

VI. Helmet Replacement and Reconditioning

a. All helmets used in school physical activities must conform to the National Operations
Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) and certified as conforming by
the manufacturer at the time of purchase.

b. Reconditioned helmets that have been purchased must be recertified as conforming to the
NOCSAE by the reconditioner.

Adopted:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________

Legal Ref.: Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, § 22.1-271.5

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 ACCOMACK COUNTYS SCHOOLS

Parent/Guardian and Student-Athlete Guide

Beginning July 1, 2011, the Code of Virginia §22.1-271.5 requires all school districts to develop
guidelines and procedures to ensure that student -athletes who sustain concussions are properly
diagnosed, given adequate time to heal, and are comprehensively supported until they are
symptom free. The following information outlines the Accomack County Public Schools procedures
for appropriate care of athletes who may experience a concussion.

Facts:

1. A concussion is a brain injury that is characterized by an onset of impairment of cognitive

and/or physical functioning, and is caused by a blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to
the body that causes a sudden jarring of the head.
2. You cannot see a concussion.
3. All concussions are serious.
4. Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness.
5. Some athletes may not experience and/or report symptoms until hours or days after the
injury.
6. Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent
injury or even death.

Signs and Symptoms

Listed below are suggested observations and questions that a non-medical individual can use to
help determine whether an athlete has suffered a concussion from the National Federation of State
High School Associations.

Problems in Brain Function

a. Confused state – a dazed look, a vacant stare or confused about what has happened or is
happening.
b. Memory problems- can’t remember assignment on play; opponent, score of game, or
period of game; can’t remember how or with whom he or she traveled to the game, or what
he or she was wearing. What was eaten for breakfast, etc?
c. Symptoms reported by athlete- Headache, nausea or vomiting; blurred or double vision;
oversensitivity to sound, light or touch; ringing in ears; feeling foggy or groggy; dizziness.
d. Lack of sustained attention- difficulty sustaining focus adequately to complete a task, a
coherent thought or a conversation.

Speed of Brain Function

Slow response to questions, slow slurred speech, slow body movements and slow reaction
time.

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Unusual Behaviors

Behaving in a combative, aggressive or silly manner; atypical behavior for the individual;
repeatedly asking the same question over and over; restless and irritable behavior with
constant motion and attempts to return to play; reactions that seem out of proportion and
inappropriate; and having trouble resting or “finding a comfortable position.”

Problems with Balance and Coordination

Dizziness, slow clumsy movements, inability to walk a straight line or balance on one foot
with eyes closed.

Athletic Regulations

1. A student-athlete suspected by the coach, athletic trainer, or physician of sustaining a

concussion or brain injury in any athletic event or practice will be removed from the
activity at that time.
2. A student-athlete who has been removed from play, evaluated, and suspected to have a
concussion or brain injury will not return to practice or play that same day nor until
a. He/she has been evaluated by an appropriate licensed health care provider. The
approved health care providers are: a physician, physician assistant, osteopath or
athletic trainer licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine; a neuropsychologist
licensed by the Board of Psychology; or a nurse practitioner licensed by the Virginia
State Board of Nursing.
b. He/she no longer exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a
concussion, at rest or with exertion.
c. He/she has written clearance to return to practice and play from a licensed health
care provider.
d. He/she is asymptomatic during or following periods of supervised exercise that is
gradually intensifying.

Academic Procedures

Research states that mental exertion should be avoided until concussion symptoms have cleared.
An athlete should not study, play video games, do computer work, or phone texting until his or her
symptoms are clearing.
While under the supervision of a physician, the parent may request an Individual Health Care Plan
or a Temporary 504 Plan be developed until the student-athlete is released from the physician’s
care.

27
Arcadia High School

8210 Lankford Hwy

PO Box 69

Oak Hall, VA 23416

757-824-5613

757-824-0767 (fax)

Dear Athlete Director/Coach:

I have read the information about “Concussions.” I fully understand that my child will
be removed immediately from a practice or a game if the coach suspects a concussion or brain
injury. Also, I understand that my child will not be able to return to the activity until he/she is
released from a certified health professional. If you have any questions, please contact the
athletic director at your child’s school.

Sport(s) ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

Student/Athlete Name: _____________________________________________

Student Signature: _____________________________________________

Parent Signature: _____________________________________________

School: _____________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________

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 IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Ms. Rose Taylor, Principal (443) 614-0369

Dr. Marge Rosati, Assistant Principal (443) 783-2621
Mr. Shaun O’Shea, Assistant Principal (757) 710-8609

Mr. Trey Haynie, Athletic Director (757) 709-2618

Arcadia High School (757) 824-5613

Nandua High School (757) 787-4514

Chincoteague High School (757) 336-6166
Northampton High School (757) 678-5151
School Board Office (757) 787-5754
Bus Garage (757) 665-5032
VHSL (434) 977-8475

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NOTES

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 End of Season Form

Sport:

Head Coach:

Assistant
Coaches:
Captains:

Overall Record:

District Record:

Student Athlete Varsity Bar Pi All- All- All- Senior

Letter n District Region State Award

Total

Please place a  in the appropriate boxes regarding your student athletes.

If a student athlete has received a letter in the past, for your sport or another, do not mark
them to receive another letter.

If a student athlete has lettered in the past, but this is the first time for your sport, represent
this with a pin.

If they have lettered in your sport in the past, represent this with a bar.

31