Welcome Athletes and Families to the Duluth High School Boys Swim & Dive Team!!         

The boys team is a combined team of Duluth East and Duluth Denfeld. 

The boys swim team has experienced a lot of growth
and success over the last several years and we expect
that growth and success to continue well into the
future. Last year we were undefeated in dual meets
with a tie vs St. Michael-Albertville. We placed second
in two invitationals, one in Prior Lake and one in Brainerd by narrow margins (we were missing several top athletes at both meets), and we placed first at the Hibbing Invitational and Taconite Invitational. We also represented our Section 7AA at the “True Team”
state swim meet, finishing 7th in the State. We were Section 7AA Champions for the first time ever, (East last won their Section in 1993 when they were in Class A) and finished the year with a ranking of 7th in Class AA in the State of Minnesota- our highest ranking ever! 

Our Swim and Dive Team is broken into two general subgroups:  Varsity and Junior Varsity (JV).  There are different expectations for Varsity vs JV swimmers when it comes to practices, and some swim meets are varsity only meets.  Exactly which team members are Varsity or JV can fluctuate from meet to meet. 

At dual swim meets, we are allowed three varsity individual swimmers in each event. In addition, we can have three entries of every four-swimmer relay (200 Medley relay, 200 Free relay, 400 Free Relay).  We are typically allowed a junior varsity heat or heats as well. 

At larger multi-school invitationals, we are typically allowed 3-4 swimmers per individual event, and there are no JV entries allowed. At invitationals, we are allowed 1-4 relays per relay event, depending on the meet hosts requirements.   On occasion, we may be allowed to enter a jv swimmer or relay if there are open lanes and we are allowed to fill out heats. THERE ARE NO INVITATIONALS IN 2010-2021 DUE TO COVID-19

2020-2021 Season

Season

TBD

Winter Sports/Parent Meeting – DECEMBER 22, 2020 Via Google Meet

Every athlete and at least one parent are required to attend.

Quick Links

• Contact Information
• Captains
• Web Site
• High School Registration - East and Denfeld
• Team Fees and Purchases 
• Program Definition
• Expectations
• Practice Schedule
• Meet Schedule
• Meet Transportation
• Lettering Criteria
• Required Equipment
• Attendance Requirements
   

Contact Information

Assistant Coaches

Jack Jarvela, Assistant Swim Coach

Alec Gritzmacher, Assistant Swim Coach           

Alex Nater, Diving Coach                   
 

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Captains

Ezra Schomberg

Joe Rudd

Reid Jarvela

Sam Saftner

Web Site

The website serves as the "go-to" for many questions that might arise. Links to the schedule, results, contact information, and more will be available. Additionally, the website is used to send out team reminders and notifications. The volunteers coordinators will rely on the website to sign up workers for all home meets. Food signup for potlucks etc. will become available.

If you have questions about the website, please contact Cliff Knettel at [email protected] or 218-260-0209 .

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Duluth Registration & Fees

In order to participate on the first day of practice, the following must be completed:

• Team Asessment – Once per school year: TBD
  • This fee helps cover the cost of transportation upgrades to coach busses so that swimmers can study before and after meets while riding the bus. It also helps cover cost of swim caps, training equipment and end of season banquet.  This fee will be paid by cash, or check and given to the coaches during the first week of practice. We can also take credit/debit card payments or Venmo.
• School District Activity Fee – Swimming and Diving:         $235

You can fill out registration forms and pay fees online by going to:  http://www.isd709.org/activities-registration

• Click on the School you attend
• Student and parents must be present to register
• Must use Google Chrome account
• Payment occurs online through the Parent Portal

*Transfer/Foreign Exchange Students and Home Schooled students cannot register online and must come in to the Activities Office to begin their registration process.

All students participating in MSHSL sanctioned sports are required to have a Sports Qualifying Physical on file with the school you attend Duluth East and Duluth Denfeld High Schools. This form is good for THREE YEARS of participation from the date of the exam and must be current through the end of your sport participation season. 

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Team Fees and Purchases

1. Assessment - We have a team fee of $TBD that goes directly to the team to help pay for transportation upgrades, custom silicone team swim caps, equipment purchases and other team expenses. 
2. Team Suit and warmups – must be purchased by the swimmer/family. These suits are worn throughout the year at our meets only.  Elsmore team store is open until January 6th at midnight:  https://elsmoreswim.com/teams/minnesota/highschool/duluth-hs-boys-denfeld-east.html
3. Swim Cap – The Team provides swim caps with school logo and swimmer last name
4. Team Apparel (optional).  Team captains have designed items and set up a team store at Big Frog to purchase team spirit wear. Orders due by Jan 10th at midnight.    https://dulutheastswim-dive.itemorder.com/sale
    
   Sent from my iPhone

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Our program will be defined by the following:

• Perseverance
• Self-discipline
• Ethical behavior
• Ability to work with others
• Leadership qualities
• An understanding of the importance of physical health and fitness
• Goal-setting and follow-through skills
• Positive self-image
• The experience of competition
• Good sportsmanship

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Expectations

Athlete Expectations

Our athletes will be committed to upholding themselves to these standards. Athletes will...

1. Attend and be on time to all practices required of them.
2. Maintain a high level of commitment to themselves, their team, and their school.  They will make positive decisions that will help them to achieve their goals.
3. Treat their teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, and themselves with respect.
4. Respect our facilities.
5. Maintain a positive attitude and a growth mindset; always striving to reach new heights with each day.
6. Understand the importance of the TEAM.
7. Follow all team, school district, MSHSL, MDE and MDH COVID-19 Protocols. (see additional info at the end of this document).

Parent Expectations

Parents are expected to provide:

1. Volunteers for home meets: Organizing and running concession stands, ticket table, coaches room (invitational), back up timers, etc. 
2. Support for pot lucks/spaghetti feeds prior to Saturday meets and Section Prelims.
3. Support for team fundraising activities.
4. Support for the team, the coaching staff, and their athlete.
5. End of year banquet
6. Follow all team, school district, MSHSL, MDE and MDH COVID-19 Protocols. (see additional info at the end of this document).

Coaches Expectations

1. Be respectful to everyone.
2. Follow all rules and policies of the MSHSL and ISD 709, they are part of the forms you signed.
3. BE ON TIME!
4. Captains are extensions of the coaches. Captains, you are leaders. Make decisions based on rules and policies and what is good for all.
5. Complete all of the workout unless special circumstances arise (other commitments, extra studying or attention to homework needed).
6. Open Communication.

Away Trips/Meets

1. There will be no overnight trips with exception of the State Meet held one week after the sections.
2. High School Swimmers:Coaches are responsible for releasing kids from school.This only applies to swimmers in High School, grades 9 -12.
3. Middle schools students--it is THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT TO CALL IN TO EXCUSE SWIMMERS AND GET THEM TO PICK UP POINTS.
4. Bus pick- up and Drop off points: Duluth East Main Entrance and Duluth Denfeld Gym Doors.  Middle school students/parents will need to arrange for rides to pick up points.
5. Parents PLEASE be at the school when we return. It is normally late and cold (we do not have access to school when we get back). No one likes to wait outside. It’s easier for you to wait in a warm car versus your child waiting for you in the cold. Coaches will tell the kids when we are approx. ½ hour from school so they may contact parents for timely pick-up.

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Practice Schedule

SWIMMING & DIVING

• All in-the-pool practices, except for Saturdays are at Ordean East Middle School
• All meets will be held at Lincoln Park Middle School (LPMS)
• Athletes will participate in practice until after their final competition.

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Meet Schedule/State Meet

The meet schedule and results will be posted on the home page of this Website. 

To qualify for the State Meet, an athlete must do one of two things:

1. Place 1st or 2nd in a swimming event at the Varsity Section Meet
2. Place 1-4th in diving at the Varsity Section Meet
3. Swim a qualifying time in the Finals at the Varsity Section Meet
4. AT THE PRESENT TIME THERE IS NO STATE MEET SCHEDULED DUE TO COVID-19, BUT IT IS UNDER CONSIDERATION.

Click HERE to see this year's qualifying standards to for the State Meet.

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Meet Transportation

All athletes are expected to ride with the team to and from away meets.  The team bus will leave from and return to Duluth East for all away meets unless otherwise noted. 

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Lettering and Awards

Letters stand for commitment, performance, and leadership. Coach has final say on the earning of a letter. The coaching staff will use the following requirements:

• Be a swimmer in good standing and with the program for a full season.
• Have zero drug, alcohol, and tobacco violations as according to MSHSL.
• Demonstrate proper behavior and sportsmanship throughout the season.

Swimmers must score 35 points to earn a letter. Divers must score 15 points to earn a letter. Points are awarded as follows:

• Dual meet varsity points (individual):  1^st-6 pts, 2^nd-4 pts, 3^rd-3 pts, 4^th-2 pts, 5^th-1 pt
• Dual meet varsity points (relay):  divided by two for dual meets
• Athletes who swim a Section top 16 time or finish in the top half of all divers participating at Sections will earn a letter. 

Awards voted on by team members:  

• Most Improved 
• Most Dedicated/Hardest Worker
• Rookie of the Year
• Most Valuable 
• Coaches Award - given to a team member that deserves special recognition for achievement, resiliency or perseverance.

Awards sponsored by other organizations: 

• All State 
• All American

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Required Equipment

Required Equipment

• Practice suit - no current year team suits (use your previous year team suit)
• Cap and at least two pairs of goggles - no current year team caps at practice
• Snorkel (if you have one)
• Water bottle - stock up on these, they get lost often

At meets: Please only wear Duluth Team apparel at meets. 

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Attendance Policy

Being a member of the team demonstrates that you have made a commitment to the success of the program.  This success requires each member to be reliable and work towards our goals.  Attending all practices, meets, and team functions is mandatory and the first part of this commitment.  The head coach has the final say on all absences and any repercussions. 

• All team members must arrive on time for all practices, meets, and team functions.
• If you know in advance that you wont be attending a meet, you must write your name next to that meet name on the white board at Ordean 
• The coaching staff must be notified by noon the day of an absence and earlier if known prior.  Coach contact information is found on this page.  Include your name when sending texts.
•  Excused absences are defined as the following:
  • Illness/injury requiring the athlete to miss school or leave school early or not physically be able to complete the workout or meet.
  • Other school or swimming and diving reasons communicated and approved in advance with the head coach.
• Unexcused absences can result in the athlete not being able to compete and removal from the team.
  • Following the 1^st and 2^nd unexcused absences, the athlete and head coach will meet.  The athlete will not be able to compete in the next meet.

Following the 3^rd unexcused absence, the athlete and head coach will meet to determine the consequences.  Team removal is possible following the 3^rd unexcused absence.

Competition Policy

This competition policy applies for all meets except Sections and State:

• Illness, injury, and school-related absences
  • You must attend and complete practice prior to competition in order to compete.  The head coach has the final say in this decision.
• Serious injury or illness
  • If practice isn’t completed for more than three days consecutively, you must attend and complete three days of practices after the absences in order to compete. The head coach has the final say in this decision.
• Holiday and winter break extended absences-
  • Athletes are required to practice during the time away.   Swimming workouts can be provided by the coaches.  If a pool is not available, dryland workouts are good substitutes.  Jogging, biking, weightlifting or combination workouts can be provided.  If expectations of the head coach are met, no competitions will be missed.

DISTRICT #709 BEHAVIOR REGULATIONS

STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY 

• Students must serve a consequence in each activity in which they participate – MSHSL, Duluth High School Intramurals, Activities, and Fine Arts. Penalties may be served concurrently.

• Due Process including appeals procedure as defined in the MSHSL bylaw 213.02,8. 

All penalties: 

1. Are in effect year round (including summer and off-season.)

2. Carry over from school year to school year.

3. Carry over from sport/activity to sport/activity.

4. Are applied to MSHSL violations that occur anywhere and any time.

5. Student fully agrees to fully cooperate in any investigation honestly and truthfully.

Determination and notification of violations:

1.  Any violation(s) of the MSHSL or ISD 709 policy known to a coach/advisor must be reported to the Activities Director and/or Principal in writing immediately upon learning of the violation. 

2.  The Principal and Activities Director are responsible for administering this policy and declaring a student ineligible.  The Principal and Activities Director will conduct a thorough investigation prior to reporting findings in the case. 

3.  Written notification of a student’s ineligibility and the reason for such should be provided to the parent, student, and the coach/advisor. 

4. Serving a penalty: Students who are not in good standing due to suspension, expulsion, injury, illness, family vacations, etc are not able to be placed in a game, meet or contest and are therefore not able to count those contests toward the penalty).

5.  A copy of this notification must be kept on file in the High School Activity Director’s Office until the student graduates.  All and any paperwork will be shredded immediately after the student no longer participates. 

*MOOD-ALTERING CHEMICALS - Reference MSHSL Bylaw 205

Twelve (12) months of the year, a student shall not at any time, regardless of the quantity: (1) use or consume, have in possession a beverage containing alcohol; (2) use or consume, have in possession tobacco; or, (3) use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell, or give away any other controlled substance or drug paraphernalia, (4) use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell or give away products containing or products used to deliver nicotine, tobacco products and other chemicals.  “Tobacco products” means: any product containing, made, or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption, whether chewed, smoked, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, or any component, part or accessory of a tobacco product, (5) use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell or give away any substance or product where the intent of such use of the substance or product is to induce intoxication, excitement, or stupefaction of the central nervous system, except under the direction and supervision of a medical doctor.  Such substance or products shall include, but are not limited to, synthetic drugs, gasoline, glue, aerosol devices, bath salts, and any substances addressed by Minnesota or Federal law.

Student Code of Responsibilities - Reference MSHSL Bylaw 206

    As a student participating in my school’s interscholastic activities, I understand and accept the following responsibilities:

1.  I will respect the rights and beliefs of others and will treat others with courtesy and consideration.

2.  I will be fully responsible for my own actions and the consequences of my actions

3.  I will respect the property of others.

4.  I will respect and obey the rules of my school and the laws of my community, state and country.

5.  I will show respect to those who are responsible for enforcing the rules of my school and the laws of my comm., state and country.

A student ejected from a contest shall be ineligible for the next regularly scheduled game or meet at that level of competition and all other games or meets in the interim at any level of competition, for the first ejection.  All subsequent ejections shall result in ineligibility for four (4) regularly scheduled games or meets.This suspension can be deemed longer or shorter based on the violation and is up to the discretion of the building principal. 

SEXUAL/RACIAL/RELIGIOUS HARASSMENT / VIOLENCE and HAZING - Reference MSHSL Bylaw 209.00

A student shall not engage in the sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing during the school year or any portion of an activity season that occurs prior to the start of the school year or after the close of the school year.

Reporting Procedures:

1.  Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct, which may constitute hazing, shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy.

2.  The building principal is the person responsible for receiving reports of sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing at the building level.  Any person may report hazing directly to a school district human rights officer or to the superintendent.

3.  Teachers, administrators, officials, volunteers, and employees of  the school district shall be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances or events which might include sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing.  Any such person who receives a report of, observes, or had other knowledge or belief of conduct, which may constitute sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing, shall inform the building principal immediately.

4. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing will not affect the complainant or reporter’s future employment, grades or work assignments.

Reprisal

                   The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, coach, official contractor or employee of the school district who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, or against any person who testifies, assists or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing.  Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment. 

FAIR HEARING PROCEDURE — The League Constitution provides a Fair Hearing Procedure for the student or parent contesting a school’s determination of ineligibility for a student.  The student has 10 calendar days in which to appeal the school’s decision.  The appeals process includes an appeal before a hearing panel at the school and the right, if desired, to appeal that decision to the League’s Board of Directors.  An independent hearing examiner will hear the appeal and make written findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation for the Board of Directors following the hearing.  The Board’s decision shall be final.  A complete listing of the Fair Hearing Procedure may be obtained from the athletic director or principal of the high school or on Web at www.mshsl.org in the Publications section.

First Offense

1. After confirmation of the first violation, the student shall lose eligibility for the next two (2) consecutive activities (performances, contest, events) or two (2) weeks of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater if the student athlete notifies the coach, AD, or school principal within 48 hours (summer & off-season included) after the violation occurred. If the student athlete does not notify their coach, AD, or Principal within 48 hours after the violation the student shall lose eligibility for the next three (3) consecutive activities (performances, contest, events) or three (3) weeks of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater.  No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program.

2. The student shall make arrangements with the respective coach or advisor to establish a plan for reentry with the team or group. 

A team/group/club, in conjunction with the coach/advisor as well as the knowledge and approval of the activities director and principal, may increase the severity of a penalty.  The coach/advisor shall clearly communicate in writing any changes or additional consequences to the parents and students prior to the season.  

Second Offense

1. After confirmation of the second violation, the student shall lose eligibility for the next six (6) consecutive interscholastic contests in which the student is a participant or three (3) weeks, whichever is greater if the student athlete notifies the coach, AD, or school principal within 48 hours (summer & off-season included) after the violation occurs. If the student athlete does not notify their coach, AD, or Principal within 48 hours the student shall lose eligibility for the next eight (8) consecutive activities (performances, contest, events) or four (4) weeks of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater.  No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program.

2. The student shall make arrangements with the respective coach or advisor to establish a plan for reentry with the team or group. 

Third Offense (and subsequent):

1. Student will be ineligible for 12 weeks for any elected or appointed positions and for all school-sponsored MSHSL athletic teams and activities. Student will be reinstated after a twelve (12) week or twelve (12) game suspension, whichever is greater. The student shall lose eligibility for the next 12 consecutive interscholastic contests or four weeks, 28 calendar days, whichever is greater, in which the student is a participant. This bylaw is aligned with the MSHSlL. 

2. The student shall make arrangements with the respective coach or advisor to establish a plan for reentry with the team or group. 

3. If after the third or subsequent violations, the student has been assessed to be chemically dependent and the student on her/his own volition becomes a participant in a chemical dependency program or treatment program, then the student may be certified for reinstatement in MSHSL activities after a minimum period of six (6) weeks. Such certification must be issued by the director or a counselor of a chemical dependency treatment center.

Penalties for Category II Activities and Clubs

Definition - Category II Activities:  Those League-sponsored activities in which a member school does not have a schedule of interscholastic contests, exclusive of League-sponsored tournaments. Includes Fine Arts Activities:

1. Speech, Debate, Drama,  Knowledge Bowl, Robotics, and Math Team,  and One Act Play 

2. Music Activities.

3. Visual Arts Activities.Each member school shall develop penalties which it will apply to the participants in these activities.

Denial Disqualification: A student shall be disqualified from all interscholastic athletics for nine (9) additional weeks beyond the student’s original period of ineligibility when the student denies violation of the rule, is allowed to participate and then is subsequently found guilty of the violation.

I understand that this policy works in conjunction with the MSHSL policy and will supersede the State League’s policy. There also may be other ramifications due to the violation, some being, but not limited to: consideration being eliminated for All Conference, Team Awards, and School Awards.

ISD #709 Academic Eligibility 

A.  Academic Eligibility -

At the conclusion of each grading period, a student cannot have an F on report card and must not have a “U” in conduct given by the administration. If a student receives an F on report card, the student is ineligible as described below. Students must be making progress towards graduation. 

 No “F” for a grade period or final grade for a class.

B.  Ineligibility Status - 

Report card issuance day is the Monday starting the second week of the marking period. Ineligibility is described as a period of time in which the student may practice but not participate in activities/games/contests.   Grades will be reviewed the Friday of the fourth week of the marking period.  

• The student must have no F’s and no administrative “U” in conduct on that day to gain eligibility.  

• For consecutive grade period violations, a student is ineligible to participate until the issuance of the next report card.  

• Ineligibility is described as a time the student may continue to practice but may not participate in varsity games or contests.

• If an “F” is changed to a passing grade, the student can become eligible immediately

Fall 2019:

Note: NEW - fall of 2019, students may no longer take summer school to regain eligibility from a class failed in the spring. 

Eligibility review date for students who failed a class in Quarter 4 of the previous school year 

Eligibility review date – September 13

End of 1st grade period November 1

Winter 2019-20:

Eligibility review date for students who failed a class in Quarter 1 – December 2

End of 2nd grade period – January 16 (All grades checked when report cards are issued)

Eligibility review date for students who failed a class end of Quarter 2 – February 14

End of 3rd grade period – March 27 (All grades checked when report cards are issued)

Spring 2020:

Eligibility review date for students who failed a class in Quarter 3– May 1

End of 4th grade period – June 5 (All grades checked when report cards are issued)

Note: A student who fails a class during the fourth grading period, but passes the class for the semester will be ineligible in the fall. NEW - fall of 2019, students may no longer take summer school to regain eligibility from a class failed in the spring. Term grades only count  when considering penalties. 

Credit Eligibility

At the conclusion of the first semester and end of the school year, students must be making satisfactory progress toward graduation based on the credit schedule listed below. If a student falls below the credit requirements, they may be deemed ineligible for a period of time as determined by the building principal.

1. Incoming 10th grader (sophomore) – 5.25 credits, 8.0 credits at semester

2. Incoming 11th grader (junior) – 11.25 credits, 13.75 credits at semester

3. Incoming 12th grader (senior) – 16.50 credits, 19.00 credits at semester

4. 22.25 credits needed to graduate in 2018; 22.50 credits to graduate in 2019 and beyond

• Have not dropped out of school or repeated a grade while in high school and will not participate in more than six (6) seasons in any sport in grades 7-12

• Will not have turned 20 before the start of the season in which I participate.

Less Than A Normal Course Load

All students must be fully enrolled (as defined by the Minnesota Department of Education) – minimum of four classes and one study hall. This includes students enrolled in PSEO classes. Students must be on track to meet the school’s  graduation requirements in six years (12 consecutive semesters) beginning with the first day of attendance in the 7th grade.

Duluth Public Schools - Return to Play Procedure:

 Coach/Certified Athletic Trainer evaluates and assesses the injury.

1. If, after the initial evaluation, the injury seems minor and the athlete wants to return to participation, the re several criteria and functional tests that will help assess the athlete’s physical ability to return.

·         The injured athlete has complete range of motion of the affected body part.

·         The injured athlete should have nearly full strength of the uninjured side.

·         The injured athlete should have NO significant swelling or fever in the affected body part.

·         The injured athlete should have NO significant pain in the injured area.

2. The injured athlete should be able to perform a series of tests which will test his/her ability to participate in the activity. If there is any concern about an injury, DO NOT return a student to play. Refer the injured athlete to the Certified Athletic Trainer or Doctor.

3. Coach/Certified Athletic Trainer will immediately contact parents in the event of a significant injury.

4. If a PLAYER gets injured and they go to the doctor or professional they must be cleared to play by filling out the "resume participation" form by their doctor. The district “return to play” form must be used. Coaches will not accept a hand written note, or a note from a family friend or parent that is a doctor. The note must come from their primary doctor or the doctor that oversaw the student athlete.

 NOTE:

• Injuries and sickness must be reported to coaches and trainers immediately by parents and players. Failure to do so could result in additional missed games or practices.

• The coach, in conjunction with the Certified Athletic Trainer, is responsible for making the "return to play" determination. The Certified Athletic Trainer (Jennie Koelling [email protected]‎) will read and evaluate the “return to play” form and make a determination to which activities student athletes can participate in.

• If the Certified Athletic Trainer is not present, the coach must make a determination to the best of their ability. Coaches are instructed to always error on the side safety; this directive comes from the MSHSL and is directly tied to reducing the chance for re-injury.

• No form = No play

• Injured players will not be permitted to drive. Coaches will contact parents, parents will arrange for transportation. 

• The return to play form should be handed in 24 hours prior to a game or practice. The Coach, Certified Athletic Trainer, and AD should all participate in this process.

Fundamental reminder about this rule

It has always been the ultimate responsibility of the coaching staff, in all sports, to ensure that players are allowed to compete in practice or contests only if they are physically capable of doing so. WHEN IN DOUBT…SIT THEM OUT. Coaches are responsible for determining playing time, this protocol does not supersede that responsibility.

• The "return to play" form can be found in the activities office, trainer’s room, or online.

Hazing

Hazing" means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose. 

Coaches will make sure that the team does not engage in the following:

1. Initiation rites that includes face-painting or unusual costumes

2. Any physical activities (paddling, blindfolds, obstacle courses, etc.)

3. Any public activities that would embarrass or single out a member. (singing in a restaurant, standing on a street corner waving at cars, making purchases which may embarrass the individual)

4. Any activity that involves putting up signs or toilet paper on any buildings or homes or anything in a yard.

5. Any activity that separates team members and treat them in an embarrassing way.

Social Media

As a student in the Duluth Public Schools, you are expected to follow the student handbook guidelines, even though an event may happen off school property or after school hours.  

Social network sites, other digital platforms (including cell phones) and distribution mechanisms that facilitate students communicating with other students are considered “Social Networking” platforms. Participation in such networks has both positive appeal and potentially negative consequences. It is important that as a student in the Duluth Public Schools, you are aware of these consequences and exercise appropriate caution if they choose to participate.

Students are not restricted from using any online social network sites and/or digital platforms. However, users must understand that any content they make public via online social networks or digital platforms is expected to follow acceptable social behaviors and also to comply with federal, state and local laws, as well as, your Student Handbook. As a student in the Duluth Public Schools, you must be aware of your Student Handbook regulations and expectations of our said extracurricular programs. Ignorance of these regulations does not excuse students from adhering to them.

Guidelines for Students Using Social Media:

These guidelines are intended to provide a framework for students to conduct themselves safely and responsibly in an online environment.  As a student and athlete in the Duluth Public Schools you should:

1. Be careful with how much and what kind of identifying information you post on social networking sites. Virtually anyone with an email address can access your personal page. It is unwise to make available information such a full date of birth, social security number, address, phone number, cell phone numbers, class schedules, bank account information, or details about your daily routine. All of these can facilitate identity theft or stalking. Social Media sites provide numerous privacy settings for information contained in its pages. Use these settings to protect private information. However, once posted, remember the information becomes property of the website and public record.

2. Be aware that community members, family and potential current and future employers and college admissions offices often access information you place on online social networking sites. You should think about any information you post on sites or similar directories that potentially portrays an image of you to a prospective employer or school. The information is considered public information. Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image that you can be proud of years from now. 

3. Be careful in responding to unsolicited emails asking for passwords or PIN numbers. Reputable businesses do not ask for this information in emails. 

4. Don’t have a false sense of security about your rights to freedom of speech when using Social Media. Understand that freedom of speech is not unlimited. The online social network sites are NOT a place where you can say and do whatever you want without repercussions or personal accountability. 

5. Remember photos once put on the social network site's server become their property and public record.  You may delete the photo from your profile but it still stays on their server.  Internet search engines like “Google” or “Yahoo” may still find that image long after you have deleted it from your profile.  Think long and hard about what type of photo you want to represent you. 

6. Whoever is the “adult” (over 18) responsible for the contracts, computers, phone lines, etc…is liable (civil and criminal) for your actions as a minor as well.

Things students should avoid when using Social Media:

1. Derogatory language or remarks about our students, teammates, school personnel and our community at-large; as well as, teachers, or coaches; student-athletes, administrators or representatives of other schools. 

2. Demeaning statements about or threats to any third party- (Including support of demeaning statements and threats.) Don’t respond to these.

3. Distribution and possession of unauthorized videos and photos or statements depicting violence; hazing; sexual harassment and content; vandalism, stalking; underage drinking, selling, possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other inappropriate behaviors. 

4. Creating a serious danger to the safety of another person or making a credible threat of serious physical or emotional injury to another person. 

5. Indicating knowledge of an unreported felonies, crimes, thefts or damage to property or unethical behavior. 

6. Indicating knowledge of an unreported school or team violation—regardless if the violation was unintentional or intentional. 

• One of the biggest lessons social network users can learn is that anything you post online enters the public record. You never know who may be looking and when. 

• Students, Parents and Guardians, let it be known that any students in violation of said conduct is subject to consequences to be determined by the Administration, Principal and/or Activities Director.

• The Minnesota State High School League Student Code of Responsibilities, Bylaw 206.00, is applicable and relevant in all student related issues and concerns in such matters.