Athletic Handbook for Student-Athletes and Parents

Royalton-Hartland is committed to promoting the proper idea of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play at all sport activities. We will oppose instances and activities which run counter to the values of athletic competition in order to ensure the well-being of all individual players. We will expect acceptable standards of good citizenship and propriety with proper regard for the rights of others.

We believe that the coaching of athletic teams is considered beneficial to student-athletes when emphasis is placed on developing good attitudes. We view winning as a team accomplishment that is supported by positive attitude reinforcement through work and coordinated effort. We believe the learning that takes place measures the success of that squad, not their record of wins and losses.

We are committed to the belief that schools participating in interscholastic athletic activities should be held responsible for the conduct of their players, coaches, faculty members and spectators at both home and away contests. Conduct which is detrimental to the educational value of athletic activities may be deemed just cause for the schools to reprimand the person(s) involved.

Athletics have the potential to play a significant role in the personal development of a student’s life. Royalton-Hartland is committed to teaching life-long values, skills and lessons such as:

• Achieve personal happiness
• Productive use of leisure time
• Learn new games
• Improve playing skills
• Improve physical fitness
• Make lasting friendships
• Become acquainted with members of opposing teams
• Visit and play in other communities
• Assume responsibilities of athletic competition as a representative of the school and community
• Observe and exemplify good sportsmanship
• Develop leadership qualities and characteristics
• Set, strive for, and reach individual and team goals
• Learn and experience teamwork

The Royalton-Hartland Central School District offers a varied inter-scholastic athletic program for our students. The athletic program is designed to maximize participation and promote lifelong physical fitness, self-discipline, confidence and teamwork through interscholastic competition.

School sports are a part of the entire school program and a continuation of the learning process. All expectations and responsibilities of student-athletes remain the same during practice and competition as during the normal school day.

It is essential to the success of the athletic program that our parents and student-athletes know and understand all of the information in this handbook including, but not limited to, the athletic program goals, philosophy, rules, expectations and responsibilities. We expect the parents to assist the District in enforcement of all the rules of the NYSPHSAA, Section VI, the Niagara-Orleans Athletic League, participating schools and the Royalton-Hartland Central School District.

At the beginning of each season, at a Parent/Student-Athlete Team Orientation meeting, your child’s coach will communicate the expectations of our student-athletes regarding information on alcohol, drugs, tobacco, hazing, academic eligibility, attendance eligibility, the importance of being in school, etc. Parents and student-athletes must acknowledge that all expectations have been reviewed by the coach and then sign off that they understand such expectations.

To be eligible to participate in the athletic program, the parent and student-athlete must sign the “Athletic Program Affidavit and Consent to Participate” form stating they have read, understand and pledge to abide by all of the contents in the RHCSD Athletic Handbook.

Parents need to be aware of all the appropriate paperwork regarding sports physicals, selection classification and permission slips. To be fair to all athletes, practices are closed to spectators/parents. It is expected that parents make arrangements for their child to attend all practices and games.

We consider parents to be an integral part of the total athletic program. We hope you will take an active interest in your son/daughter this season and support our teams this year. Any questions or concerns regarding the athletic program should be directed to the Athletic Director at 735-2000 ext. 5223.

Jill Heck, Superintendent  ·  John Grzymala, Athletic Director

All student participants and spectators are expected to abide by the District’s Code of Conduct. Any violation of the Code of Conduct may result in suspension from participation in any District athletic program or activity as well as the possible imposition of additional sanctions as determined by the District.

Prior to the imposition of any suspension or dismissal from further participation in any athletic activity, the student-athlete and his or her parent/guardian will be given the opportunity to discuss the charges with the Athletic Director and/or Principal.

Student-athletes who are suspended or dismissed from participation in District athletic programs as a result of being found guilty of a violation of the District’s Code of Conduct will lose rights to athletic awards during the term of the suspension.

All students must realize that their main purpose for attending school is to receive an education. In order to participate in extra-curricular programs, students are expected to maintain an average of 65% or higher in all subject areas and adhere to the code of conduct.

What happens when a student is failing 2 or more subjects

1. Notification. Notification is sent home outlining the student’s participation status. School officials notify coaches/advisors, who enforce participation regulations.
2. Academic probation (first occurrence in the school year). The student may participate in all events only if they follow the procedures for academic remediation and get a teacher sign-off.
3. Academic ineligibility (failing 2+ subjects after the initial probation). The student may practice but cannot participate in contests for a minimum of 10 academic calendar days, when progress is re-evaluated. The student must receive remediation and a teacher sign-off to be reinstated.

For any student affected due to extra-curricular participation, grades are reviewed every 10 academic days to ensure students are meeting academic standards for participation. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they are meeting and maintaining passing grades in all subject areas.

Royalton-Hartland Central School District believes that student attendance and classroom participation are critical ingredients to facilitate the growth of successful students. Regular school attendance is a critical factor in student success.

New York State Education Law requires that students enrolled in this District attend school every day. Royalton-Hartland will comply with all New York State laws in the application of its attendance policy.

Recordkeeping and data collection

The record of each student’s presence, absence, tardiness and early departure is recorded daily, electronically, consistent with Commissioner’s Regulations. An absence, tardiness, or early departure is entered as “excused” or “unexcused” along with the District code for the reason.

Definitions

• Absent: The student is not in the school building for the entire day or does not attend the assigned class during the entire period of time allotted for that class.
• Tardy: A student enters the building after the designated arrival time or a student enters a class after the designated start time.
• Early dismissal: A student leaves the building prior to the designated dismissal time or a student leaves a class prior to the designated dismissal time.

Attendance at practices and games is expected. Student-athletes are expected to be at practices and games on time. All excused absences require a note from the parent to the coach. It must be understood that any time missed may affect the team chemistry and/or personal conditioning, which may result in adjusted playing time.

Being a member of an athletic team or extracurricular program is a privilege and honor. Students should recognize that they have an obligation to themselves, their school, and community to strive for excellence.

Students found to be in possession of and/or to have used tobacco products, alcohol, or controlled substances/illegal drugs (in-season, off-season, summer) are subject to the following:

Student-athletes who are suspended from school (in-school or out-of-school suspension) are not eligible for participation or attendance at practices or contests for the duration of the suspension.

Hazing activities are demeaning, abusive and/or illegal behaviors that harm victims and are inconsistent with the educational goals of the District by negatively impacting the school environment. Hazing of a student by another student or group of students is strictly prohibited on school property, in school buildings, on school buses, by school sponsored groups, clubs or teams, and at school sponsored events and/or activities whether occurring on or off-campus.

Hazing is defined as any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of their willingness to participate. Hazing is against District policy, the District’s Code of Conduct and an illegal criminal offense according to New York State law.

Degrees of hazing (per the Section VI website)

• Subtle hazing: Behavior that emphasizes a power imbalance between new members and veterans, often seen as harmless or meaningless.
• Harassment hazing: Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort in order to feel like part of the group.
• Violent hazing: Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical, emotional, and/or psychological harm.

More: Section VI website

Diversity is the presence of difference within a given setting. Differences typically refer to identity such as but not limited to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation.

Inclusion has to do with people with different identities feeling and/or being valued, leveraged, and welcomed within a given setting (whether that’s a team, group, or school).

Equity is an approach that ensures everyone has access to the same opportunities. Equity is a process that acknowledges uneven starting places and seeks to correct the imbalance.

At Royalton-Hartland High School a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school community is one where all, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for all students and their programs. We respect and value diverse life experiences and are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire school community.

Any student-athlete caught stealing or vandalizing District property or the property of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property, or while representing the Royalton-Hartland School District at another school or place, will receive the appropriate disciplinary consequences. The District is authorized to seek full restitution of goods stolen or vandalized.

If a student-athlete is dismissed from a team for disciplinary reasons they cannot join another team within the same season.

Student-athletes serve as role models and ambassadors for the District both at school and at away contests. This responsibility also extends to social Internet sites, chat rooms and online bulletin boards. It is unacceptable for any student-athlete to post or communicate anything that disrupts the educational or athletic environment. Student-athletes will be held accountable for their actions displayed over the Internet when such actions interfere with the operation of the school.

A student-athlete who does not participate in physical education may not practice or participate in an athletic contest on that same day.

Any time a student moves from one level to another, for example from JV to Varsity, the coach needs to communicate with the parent. The decision will be based on what is best for the individual and the program.

It is important that students try out for sports where they will have success. Student-athletes may not transfer from one sport to another once a team has been selected, without permission from both coaches. The approval of the Athletic Director is also required.

When a coach finds it necessary to eliminate candidates from the squad, the coach shall be available to meet with those candidates to tell them why they have not made the team and allow them to ask questions. If a team has cut a student, then it is legitimate for them to try out for another team/sport.

New York State enables some seventh and eighth graders to participate in interscholastic sports at the freshman, junior varsity and varsity levels provided they are judged physically mature enough by the school physician and are able to pass a physical fitness test prescribed by the state.

Per our Medical Director, WorkFit Medical Group, regarding APP testing (updated July 2026):

1. School initiates invite. Identify student-athletes based on Readiness Standards: personal and social responsibility, sport-specific skill development, knowledge of the game, physical fitness.
2. Parent/guardian accepts. Parent/guardian reviews and accepts the invitation to try out.
3. Student approved. Health examination conducted (up-to-date physical) and student cleared for participation.
4. Try-out period. All required skill/fitness assessments for 7th/8th graders must be applied to all athletes.

More information (updated July 2026, NYSED): Section VI APP page

If a student-athlete plans to stay on school property because of practice, the student-athlete needs to be supervised by an adult. Student-athletes who are unsupervised after school will be referred to the Athletic Director and/or Building Principal. The District is not responsible for student-athletes who go off-campus while they wait for the start of their practice or game.

At the beginning of each season the coach will provide student-athletes with school-issued uniforms and equipment. To be in compliance with all of the rules and regulations, the coach must approve any piece of uniform or equipment that was purchased by the student-athlete.

It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to return to the coach all clothing and equipment issued to them during the season. Failure to do so will result in the student-athlete paying for the missing articles. The student-athlete is responsible for maintaining proper care of equipment.

Any school uniform worn by a student-athlete for a Section VI or N/O League athletic contest is required to be purple and white only. In addition, the purchase of all uniforms must be approved by the Athletic Director or his designee prior to purchase.

It is understood that outside funding is often used to purchase various articles of clothing for the team and coaches (t-shirts, warm-up jackets, etc.). Once again the colors should only be purple and white and the design approved prior to purchase.

Student-athletes must use school transportation when traveling to and from an away contest. A student-athlete who misses a scheduled bus for an away athletic event will not be permitted to participate in that event.

In extenuating circumstances, student-athletes may seek permission to go to a game or ride home from a game with another parent/guardian or an adult family member. A note must be written by the parent/guardian and signed off by the Athletic Director or the Building Principal. This note should be given to the Athletic Director or Building Principal as early in the school day as possible.

Alternative return trip transportation may be arranged in writing to the coach by a parent/guardian if the student-athlete is to be released directly to his/her parent(s) after a game.

Release for non-District transportation

I understand and agree that the District has and will have no responsibility or liability whatsoever with respect to any non-District transportation provided to my child to/from/during the sport or activity. I release the District, its Board of Education, administrators, employees, volunteers (including chaperones) and agents, both in their official capacities and individually, from any and all liability and/or claims that may arise out of and/or due to the non-District transportation of Student. This release includes, but is not limited to, any claim for and/or related to property damage, property loss, personal injury, and/or death. I understand that the District makes no selection or representation whatsoever with respect to the skill or qualification of any non-District driver, the insurance coverage (if any), or the condition or suitability of any vehicle used or to be used by the driver.

Communicable diseases / COVID-19 (coronavirus): I understand that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is considered to be extremely contagious and can result in a range of symptoms, which include, but are not limited to, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and nausea or vomiting. These symptoms can be mild or severe, sometimes resulting in death. For additional information on the spread and effect of COVID-19 please visit: CDC coronavirus information.

I acknowledge that COVID-19 is primarily spread by person-to-person contact. A person does not have to be showing signs of illness in order to spread this virus. I understand that the risk of person-to-person spread of the virus is increased by close physical contact and activities associated with athletic events, such as perspiration and the touching of sports equipment. I acknowledge that participation in sporting events and athletic activities could increase the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

I affirm that I (the Student) will not participate in any sport or activity if diagnosed with COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms. I also affirm that I (the Student) will adhere to all safety precautions communicated by the coach/school administration when engaging in athletic activities. By signing this Agreement, I acknowledge that I understand the risks related to COVID-19 and other communicable diseases and understand that the risk of contracting COVID-19 may be increased by participation in athletic activities.

I voluntarily assume all risk and release and discharge the District, its Board of Education, its employees, agents, representatives, coaches and volunteers from, without limitation, any and all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses, compensation, and/or suits at law or in equity, on account of or relating to any act or omission by the Board of Education, its employees, agents, representatives, coaches or volunteers. I also agree to defend, indemnify and save the District, its Board of Education, its employees, agents, representatives, coaches and volunteers from, without limitation, harmless from and against any and all liability, actions, causes of action, debts, claims, demands, or suits at law or in equity of any kind and nature whatsoever which may arise, directly or indirectly, by or in connection with Student’s participation in the above indicated sport. The terms hereof shall serve as a release for me, and that of the Student, parents, heirs, estate, executor, administrator, and assignees, and for all members of our family.

The NYSPHSAA allows outside participation in other athletic clubs. Student-athletes must understand that commitment to the school team takes precedence over outside participation. Club participation should not be detrimental to an individual or the team.

There may be circumstances where a student-athlete should not participate in an outside activity due to the possible effect on the team. A student-athlete should not participate unless he/she checks with the Royalton-Hartland coach first.

The primary focus of the Royalton-Hartland Athletic Department is to teach life-long values, skills and lessons, not to produce scholarship athletes. A small minority of athletes goes on to play at the collegiate level and/or receive athletic scholarships. It is important for parents and athletes to communicate with the coach if there is potential for the athlete to play at the next level. The coaches and Athletic Director will be able to give the athlete an honest evaluation of the appropriate level of play that may be suitable for the athlete. The Guidance Counselor, Athletic Director and coach can also guide the parents and athlete through the recruiting process (NCAA Clearinghouse, college visitations, etc.).

The Athletic Department award system has been established for the purpose of acknowledging the young men and women who participate on any varsity, junior varsity or modified sports team. Individual coaches and teams may give out other awards specific to their team or sport.

Varsity letters will be awarded for participation in varsity sports only. A varsity “RH” will be issued by the coach at the conclusion of that season. Student-athletes must finish the season in good standing and meet the criteria of the coach to receive a letter. Each student-athlete will receive only one “RH” during his/her career, which will be issued at the completion of their first varsity sport.

Each time thereafter when a student-athlete has met the criteria to earn an additional letter in any sport, they will receive a sport-specific pin / Varsity Year Patch to attach to their previously earned “RH”.

Athletic physical examinations will be given and approved by the school doctor before a student is allowed to try out or participate in any interscholastic sport.

The sports physical is valid for a period of 12 months through the last day of the month in which the physical was conducted. If the 12-month period for the physical expires during a sports season, participants may complete the season as long as an Interval Health History form was completed prior to the season.

In addition to a valid physical, an Interval Health History Form must be completed and signed by the student’s parent/guardian and returned to the coach before the beginning of each season.

If the student does not have an athletic physical exam done by the school physician, the student must have the Health Certificate/Physical Appraisal completed by his or her own physician at their own cost and returned to the school nurse before they may try out for any team.

Participation in sports involves a certain degree of risk for injury. Before going out for the team, we want student-athletes and parents to be aware of the risk so everyone will be better able to reduce the chance of injury. Preseason conditioning, skills training, knowledge of rules and safety will help reduce the risk of injury and sustain a healthy season. Parents are encouraged to contact the coach if they have any questions or concerns regarding potential risk factors.

All injuries must be reported to the coach immediately. The coach must contact the parents and fill out an accident report as soon as possible so the facts are clearly in mind when recorded.

Any injury requiring a visit to a doctor or emergency room must be reported by the coach to the Athletic Director and the school nurse as soon as possible. After any injury where the student-athlete has visited a doctor, the student-athlete may not play or practice until a written physician’s approval to return has been submitted.

All medical expenses incurred from any injury must be submitted to the family’s primary insurance carrier prior to submitting to the District’s insurance carrier. The plan will reimburse claimants for eligible expenses only and is subject to exclusions and limitations. Anything not covered is the parents’ responsibility.

Reconditioning after missed practices

• Missed 3 or 4 consecutive days of practice: one day of reconditioning may need to take place before participating in a game or scrimmage.
• Missed more than 5 consecutive days: a minimum of two days’ practice for reconditioning may be needed before a game or scrimmage.

It is the duty of all concerned with interscholastic athletics:

1. To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.
2. To eliminate all possibilities which tend to destroy the best values of the game.
3. To stress the values derived from playing the game fairly.
4. To show cordial courtesy to visiting team and officials.
5. To establish a happy relationship between visitors and hosts.
6. To respect the integrity and judgment of the sports officials.
7. To achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and standards of eligibility.
8. To encourage leadership, use of incentive and good judgment by the players on the team.
9. To recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well-being of the individual players.
10. To remember that an athletic contest is only a game… not a matter of life and death for player, coach, school, official, fan, community, state or nation.

Any member of a squad disqualified by a sport official for unsportsmanlike conduct, including taunting, or for a flagrant foul shall not participate in that sport in the next previously scheduled contest with a member school or in NYSPHSAA tournament play. In individual sports a multi-day contest is considered to be a contest. The contest in which the athlete was disqualified must count in the total maximum number of contests permitted. Disqualifications from one season carry over to the next season of participation.

Note: “Member of the squad” includes player, manager, score keepers, timers, and statisticians.

A student is eligible to participate:

• If they are a high school student in regular attendance in grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 and taking three (3) or more subjects plus physical education.
• If the age of 19 years is reached on or after July 1, the student may continue to participate during that school year in all sports.
• If their parents and doctor approve.
• If they have not played more than four consecutive sports seasons after first entering grade 9.
• If they have not played or practiced with a college team.
• If they are an amateur and have never used their athletic skill for gain (received a payment of any form) and if they have never competed under an assumed name.
• If they are familiar with the rules of the game and the standards of sportsmanship.
• If the student-athlete has the appropriate amount of practices prior to the scrimmage/game.

Also

• A student in grades 9–12 who transfers, with a corresponding change in residence of his or her parents, shall become eligible after starting regular attendance in the second school.
• A student who participates in any unapproved all-star contest shall be ineligible to compete in interschool athletics in all sports for a period of one year from the date of such participation.
• Student-athletes must compete in a minimum amount of contests to be eligible for post-season play.
• Student-athletes who represent the Royalton-Hartland Central School District can only compete in NYSPHSAA-sanctioned interscholastic contests and are allowed to participate in a maximum amount of contests.
• A student in grades 7 and 8 is eligible for Modified competition. One is ineligible when the 16th birthday is attained; however, if a student attains the 16th birthday during a sport season, he or she may complete that season.