Goals and Objectives

The OES Athletic program strives:

• To promote and contribute to the goals of the total educational program, through the development of physical fitness and realization that a healthy body increases the probability of effective learning, and by providing a strong program that attracts student body interest and contributes to a positive learning atmosphere.
  
  
• To develop good citizenship and respect for rules and authority by inculcating principles of justice, fair play, and good sportsmanship, and by providing the opportunity to adjust individual roles to community goals.
  
  
• To develop physical excellence and understanding of the value of competition in our society, through recognition of outstanding performances by emphasizing the educational value of striving for excellence and learning to compete.
  
  
• To promote community interest and involvement in School athletics by providing enjoyable experiences for participants and spectators, as well as establishing rules and standards for athletes that reflect the behavior approved by the larger community.

Commitment
Students who choose to come out for sports must understand the commitment of the program. They should review the schedule as well as the practice times so they can commit to the entire season.

Practice Time
Practices are scheduled for two hours a day during the school year. The practices will take place between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. A Saturday or Sunday practice can be called if approved by the Director of Athletics.

Practice Rules
Students are expected to attend practice. The second unexcused absence earns the student a one-game suspension. The third unexcused absence will force the student off the team. Students who wish to be excused must see the coach personally, have an excused absence on the daily absentee list or see the Director of Athletics. A student player who is injured must come to practice and watch or be excused by the coach or the Director of Athletics.

Participation
A student must be in school all day in order to participate in practice or games. While it is the policy of the school that students attend school all day in order to participate in after-school activities, including sports, we recognize that there may be short-term, excused absences during the school day, e.g. doctors’ appointments, which do not violate the spirit of the rule and which comply with the OSAA rule that a student should be in class at least half a day. In these cases, and if the student has attended at least half of his or her commitments for the day (including community events such as chapel and X period), the student may obtain permission from the US Head, a Grade Dean, or the Residence Director or Dean to participate. It is the responsibility of the student, not the coach or activity director, to seek such permission. Failure to do so can result in future restriction of participation, as well as potential league penalties for athletic teams.

Sportsmanship
OES conducts an extensive interscholastic athletic program in the belief that competitive team experiences contribute significantly to the development of character and school spirit. Sportsmanship and fair play are important parts of this training.

OES expects its coaches, players, faculty, staff, and students to represent the School in a manner that is respectful of others on and off the field of play. It is our aim and desire that we develop and maintain the highest standards of courtesy, control of emotions, good sportsmanship, and the ability to act as good hosts and guests.

OES encourages and endorses the enthusiastic support of parents and friends of the School. In the process, we expect adults to uphold the same high standards that we ask of our students.

OES will not tolerate any spectator, either student or adult, whose behavior is disrespectful toward players, officials, coaches, or other spectators. Neither will OES permit any type of spectator behavior that either detracts from the proper conduct of the game or disadvantages a player or team. Thus, all concerned will have the opportunity to look forward to our athletic contests and enjoy them to the fullest extent.

Health and Safety
Students must have a physical examination prior to Ninth and Eleventh Grades. Physicals are also required of students new to OES. Before a student may participate in any practice or game, the required physical examination form and an Emergency Information Form must be on file.

• Students will warm up before practices and games.
  
  
• OES will provide suitable and well-maintained sports facilities.
  
  
• Coaches will enforce the rules of safety.
  
  
• Coaches will have players’ Emergency Information Forms at practice and games.

Alcohol, Nicotine, and Other Drug Policies
The OES Athletic Department believes that student athletes, as student leaders, should be expected to behave in an exemplary manner which serves as a role model to their peers.

Any verifiable use of alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs by an athlete will result in the following consequences. This includes non-school-related events, weekends and vacations, excluding summer vacation. These consequences will occur regardless of the recommendations of the Upper School Discipline Committee (DC).

1. The first violation of this policy will result in the following consequences:

• The student will be suspended from the next two contests. The student will participate in practices and be present at the contests, but may not participate.
  
  
• A student who violates the school’s alcohol and illicit drug policy must obtain a drug/alcohol assessment by a trained professional.
  
  
• A student who violates the school’s nicotine policy must comply with the requirements in the Major Rules section of the handbook.

2. The second violation of this policy within the year will result in the student being asked to leave the team.

3. Should a third violation occur, the student will appear before a review board including at least the Athletic Director and the Coach. The consequences could include permanent suspension from participation in sports at OES.

If any students come forward with concern about their own alcohol, nicotine, or other drug use, the use will be dealt with as a health issue, not a disciplinary issue. Seeking health care for a substance abuse problem demonstrates responsible behavior. However, the student must comply with the school rules regarding alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs while receiving assistance. If a violation is confirmed before or after the student requests assistance, disciplinary action will result. (See Behavioral Expectations for substance abuse information.)

Coaches
The Director of Athletics will hire coaches who will, at a minimum, have basic skill in First Aid, have an extensive knowledge of the sport and be responsible for following all goals and guidelines set by the School and the league. Note: A coaches’ handbook is published for all coaches.

Letters
Coaches will set their own standards for giving athletic letters to Varsity players and give their procedure to the Director of Athletics. Coaches look for loyalty, attitude, and diligence from players to whom they wish to award a letter. The coaches will turn in a list of players who will receive letters to the Director of Athletics at least one week before the completion of the season.

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