CAPE COD LIGHTHOUSE
CHARTER SCHOOL

Athletic Policy

 

Athletics

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CCLCS’ Interscholastic Athletic Program fosters self discipline, respect for self and others and ethical competitiveness so as to promote personal responsibility, skill development, physical fitness, moral courage, altruism, as well as an appreciation for team and school spirit. The program operates under the guidance of adult school community members. 

School teams compete against other public and private middle schools, as scheduled by the Athletic Director. The school offers interscholastic middle school competition in boys/girls cross country, boys/girls soccer, field hockey, boys/girls basketball, baseball and softball.  Students are entitled to self-select the team they would like to participate on based on their gender identity.  

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The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Middle Level Athletic Committee states that “Interscholastic schedules at the middle level should include all middle level grades within the building”. In order to accommodate this directive, CCLCS follows the procedures below: 

• For each sport season, a limit of the number of participants allowed on the team will be set by the Athletic Director. This number will be determined by the resources available each season. 

• Seventh and eighth grade students will be allowed to sign up for the team automatically, without the possibility of being cut. 

• Sixth grade students will be eligible for competing for any remaining spots on the team. If more students sign up than available spots, the coach will need to cut students to reduce the team to the number that can be accommodated. 

 

Please note: A fee of $70 is charged, per athlete per sport. 

 

Playing Time Guidelines

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Student athletes at CCLCS bring a wide range of abilities and commitment levels to their sports. Some athletes are amongst the elite at their age levels. Other athletes may be trying a sport for the first time. The playing time guidelines outlined here are designed to honor both kinds of athletic team participation. Committed competitive athletes deserve an experience that will hone their skills and keep them on track to meet their future athletic goals. Novice team members deserve the chance to experience the many benefits that result from successful participation at school based team sport. 

All eligible student athletes have the right to participate equally in practice sessions. Although coaches may at times “split squads” for smaller practices experiences, students of all ability levels should have equal practice time. 

All eligible students suiting up for a specific contest are guaranteed to get playing time, as long as they are behaving appropriately, but playing time may not be equal. Coaches reserve the right to apportion playing time in a game in response to the flow of the contest. Coaches have the right to set playing rosters that differ from game to game. Coaches should set game rosters in an attempt to balance competitiveness and inclusiveness.
 

All policies outlined in this section of the Handbook are in accordance with rules and regulation of the MIAA Council. 

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Academic Requirements for Student Athletes 

 

In order to participate on a team, student athletes are expected to maintain strong academic performance. During each sport season the Executive Director and/or Associate Director or their designees will review athletes’ academic data and when necessary generate an academic progress report. The report will generate a “Pass”, “Borderline” or “Fail” score, based on the following criteria: 

• Pass = a C average or higher in all classes

• Borderline = a D average in one or more classes

• Fail = an F average in one or more classes

 

Any student athlete who receives a “Fail” score may result in a temporary suspension from the team until the grade is raised. A student must demonstrate academic progress in order to continue to participate. Any student athlete who receives a “Borderline” will be given a timeline by which they must demonstrate academic progress. If a student does not meet said timeline, they may be suspended from the team. The suspension will remain in effect until academic progress has been demonstrated.

 

Any student with an unexcused absence from school on the day of a meet/game may not participate in the competition. Final decisions regarding academic eligibility and participation in athletics will be determined by school administration. 

 

Behavior of Student Athletes

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Student athletes are representatives of CCLCS and are expected to maintain proper school behavior at all times. Inappropriate behavior or poor sportsmanship, either in school or at a game or team function, is subject to the disciplinary code in the Student Responsibilities section of the CCLCS Student Handbook, and may additionally include suspension or dismissal from the team. Any student who receives community services or other disciplinary action on the day of a game will be held responsible for that consequence.

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