Student-Athlete & Parent Handbook

Islands High School Administration & Athletic Staff 

Name	Title
Jimmie Cave	Principal
Kera Grant	Assistant Principal (Athletic Administrator)
Angela Grosse	Assistant Principal
Athletic Director	Adelyn Bankston
Athletic Trainer	Auburn McCrary

Islands High School Coaches

Sport	Coach
Baseball	Brandon Collins
Basketball Boys	Jacob Inness
Basketball Girls	John Cutter
Cheer	Ryann Carter
Cross Country	Robert Gillette & Stephen Tisinger
Football	DeShawn Printup
Flag Football	David Miller
Lacrosse	Vacant
Soccer Boys	Justin Brantley
Soccer Girls	David Miller
Softball	Brandon Collins
Tennis	Elizabeth Williams
Track Boys	Stephen Tisinger
Track Girls	Shelley Caesar
Volleyball	Jessica Decker
Wrestling	Vacant
eSports	Johnathan Saxon

 

Welcome to the Islands High School Athletic Program. Research indicates that students involved in extracurricular activities benefit students in several ways. Participation in extracurricular activities helps to provide the opportunity for social, emotional and physical growth. It also provides the opportunity for development of skills necessary to be successful in life. Student athletes who are successful in the classroom and on the playing field have developed life skills such as self-discipline, time management and goal setting. We applaud the efforts of our student athletes as they represent Islands High School Sharks in competitive sports arenas while working to develop physically and grow personally. Please remember that in the phrase 'student athlete' the word 'student' comes first. Academic success must be our priority.

Islands High School is committed to providing a diversified, participatory and successful athletic program that is available to all students. Our school believes that such a program is a vital and integral part of the total school environment as well as playing a key role in the overall development of each student who is involved in the athletic program. It is our belief that the athletic program at Islands High should assist students in developing positive self-esteem and the qualities of good citizenship as well as promoting school spirit, fellowship and pride in serving and positively representing the institution.

It is the purpose of this handbook to set forth the operating procedures for the students, parents and athletic staff at Islands High School. It is designed as a reference source that will facilitate the process of seeking and clarifying information concerning administrative and athletic policies and procedures as well as promote a framework that will lead to the 4 effective and efficient application of those policies and procedures.

When a student chooses to become a member of a team, the choices he/she makes impacts personal goals and the goals of the team. For this reason, athletics is one of the most significant tools in the educational process of character development and helps to encourage students to lead by example. While each program has goals specific to the nature of the sport, all Sharks sports programs share the following three goals:

1. Work to Improve: Improving through practice and game experience is vital to success.
2. Work to Have Fun: Fun is a function of commitment. An athlete is having "fun" when he or she is improving both as an individual and as a member of a team.
3. Work to Win State Championships: All athletes should be preparing for the day when, as varsity athletes, they have the opportunity to compete for state championships.

The athletic program at Islands High School will provide each participating student adequate opportunities for:

• Physical, mental and emotional growth and development
• The acquisition and development of special skills in the activities of each student's choice
• Directed leadership and supervision that stresses self-discipline, self-motivation, excellence and the ideals of good sportsmanship exemplified through winning and losing graciously
• Being a part of a unified team composed of the student body, faculty and community
• The achievement of goals established by the individual student, the team and school
• The development of skills and an appreciation of sports that may be used throughout life as a participant and\or spectator

All schools are members of the Georgia High School Association and compete only with member schools that are approved by the GHSA. As a member school, we agree to abide by and enforce all rules and regulations set forth by the GHSA. To obtain the entire GHSA constitution and by-laws go to www.ghsa.net. The primary role of the GHSA, which is empowered by the Georgia State Board of Education, is to maintain rules and regulations that ensure equity in competition for the students and a balance with other educational programs. The GHSA solicits input and is responsive to requests for the modification from member schools, appointed committees and coaches associations.

GHSA Sportsmanship Statement

"The GHSA and its member schools have made a commitment to promote good sportsmanship by student/athletes, coaches, and spectators at all GHSA sanctioned events. Profanity, degrading remarks, and intimidating actions directed at officials or competitors will not be tolerated, and are grounds for removal from the event site. Spectators are not allowed to enter the competition area during warm-ups or while the contest is being conducted. Thank you for your cooperation in the promotion of good sportsmanship at today's event."

Dr. Robin Hines, Executive Director Georgia High School Association

Students are eligible to participate in interscholastic activities at Islands High School if they:

• Attended school last semester
• Passed 2.5 Carnegie units the previous semester
• Have earned course units that count toward graduation equivalent to years you have been in high school
• Have been in high school no more than four consecutive years after your first entry into ninth grade
• Have not attained your 19th birthday prior to May 1st preceding the year of participation
• Had a bona fide move into the school district as a transfer student or have met the GHSA exceptions
• Have completed the Islands High School Athletic Physical/Concussion Form
• Are in compliance with the Athletic Code of Conduct

A transfer student who has established eligibility at a former school in grades 9-12 shall be immediately eligible at Islands High School if:

• The student moved simultaneously with the entire parental unit or persons he/she resided with at the former school and the student and parent(s) or persons residing with the student live in the attendance area of Islands High. This is known as a "bona fide move".
• The student must be enrolled in Islands High before he/she can begin athletic participation in workouts or practices.
• The student must be approved by GHSA before he/she can participate in any varsity contests. The official form B document to GHSA for clearance to participate in varsity activities must be filed by the athletic director.
• Non-resident students who enter Islands High School on the first day of their 9th grade year are automatically eligible for varsity sports

1. GHSA Forms: An annual physical is required per GHSA and may be downloaded via the athletics page or picked up in the school office. Physicals are valid for one year from the date issued. Students may not try out or participate without a valid GHSA physical form on file.
2.  Preseason Recommendations: Each program has recommendations for preseason preparation. See head coach for details.
3. A commitment to adhere to the tenets of the Athlete/Parent Handbook. Please pay particular attention to policies related to the ethical use of technology, use of alcohol, drugs and other substances.
4. Review the Athletics calendar and guidelines.

Guidelines Regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

The GHSA does not specifically prohibit students from engaging in certain commercial activities as individuals. These activities, commonly referred to as name, image and likeness (NIL), will not put a student’s amateur status at risk provided the student meets all the requirements for maintaining amateur status in compliance with GHSA by-law 1.92-c and providing there is no violation of by-laws prohibiting influencing a student to attend or remain at a member school under GHSA by-law 1.70 (Recruiting/Undue Influence/Following The Coach).

A student-athlete may benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) in compliance with GHSA by-law 1.92-c provided:

• The compensation is not contingent on specific athletic performance or achievement.
• The compensation is not provided as an incentive to enroll or remain enrolled at a specific school.
• The compensation is not provided by the school or any person acting as an agent for the school.

The following guidelines are in effect for NIL activities:

• Intellectual property - No “marks” may be used including, but not limited to, school logos, school name, school uniforms, school mascot, or any trademarked GHSA logo or acronyms.
• No school apparel or equipment shall be worn, which includes school name, school uniforms, school logo, school mascot or any apparel displaying trademarked GHSA logos or acronyms.
• No member school facility may be used for the purpose of name, image and likeness activities.
• No activities in conflict with a member school’s local school district policy may be endorsed. (Examples include, but are not limited to, tobacco products, alcohol products and controlled substances.)
• Students and their families should seek professional guidance as to how NIL activities could impact collegiate financial aid and/or tax implications, among other issues. 
• Within seven (7) calendar days after entering into any type of NIL contract/agreement, a student, or the student’s parents/guardians, must notify the Principal or Athletic Director of the student’s school of entering into that agreement.

The Athletic Department of Islands High School strives to keep open lines of communication between athletes, parents, coaches and the general public. Much of the information needed to keep current with events and policies of various Islands teams can be accessed by using the school website, islands.sccpss.com or Islands High Facebook page.

Parental Support

Both parenting and coaching are extremely challenging vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we strive to be able to better accept the actions of the other for the benefit of the student-athlete. As parents, when your child becomes involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed upon your child/athlete. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child's program.

It is essential that parents and athletes demonstrate respect for coaches. The coach has been appointed to a leadership and decision making position. His/her responsibility is to the individual participant, the team and the school. As a result, all coaches have been instructed to make the best decisions they can and not to bow to parent or fan pressure relative to athletic and/or coaching decisions. In all instances, an environment of mutual respect and civility should prevail and appropriate steps for a solution should be followed.

Communication Athletes Can Expect from Coaches

1. Philosophy of the coach
2. Expectations the coach has for the team
3. Locations and times of all practices and contests
4. Team requirements: off-season conditioning, community service projects, fees
5. Procedures should your athlete be injured during participation
6. Discipline that results in the denial of your child's participation
7. The availability of the coach to speak with you about your child if you have a concern
8. Concerns expressed directly to the coach
9. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance 
10. Specific concerns with regard to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations.

* As your child becomes involved in programs at Islands High School, the experience will be some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times respectful discussion with the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with Coaches

1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically
2. Ways to help your child improve
3. Concerns about your child's behavior.

It is difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child's coach. Other things, such as those that follow, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues not appropriate to discuss with Coaches

1. Playing time
2. Team strategies
3. Game play-calling
4. Other student-athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other's position. When these conferences are necessary, please follow the steps outlined in the Chain of Communication, to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

Solving Conflicts - Chain of Communication

• Athlete and Coach
• Athlete, Parent and Coach
• Parent and Athletic Director
• Parent, Athletic Director and Athletic Administrator

The correct procedure to contact a coach is to email him/her or by phone. Parents are urged to contact the coach first. Please do not contact the coach at home unless requested to do so.

Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest, practice or event. These can be emotional times for both the parent and coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution. If the coach does not respond to your phone call or email within 48 hours of your communication attempt, contact the Athletic Director at 912-395-2000.

The school system of Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools believe that sports programs serve purposes in the lives of the students. One of these purposes is the development of good sportsmanship. The primary focus of the challenge of achieving good sportsmanship is on the student-athlete, but others are involved.

Individuals who are representing Islands High School should make every effort to meet the following expectations:

• Provide appropriate supervisory personnel for athletic events
• Recognize exemplary behavior and actively discourage undesirable conduct by participants, coaches and fans
• Show commitment to students and school activities by regular attendance
• Apply sportsmanship policies and rule equitably
• Be prepared to address fan and participant behavior at both home and away events
• Accept decisions of the officials
• Avoid offensive gestures and language
• Display modest in victory and graciousness in defeat
• Avoid public criticism of game officials
• Lead by example: respect rules, officials and opponents
• Show respect at all time for coaches, opponents and game officials
• Accept decisions of the officials
• Avoid offensive gestures and language
• Display modest in victory and graciousness in defeat
• Show respect for public property and equipment

Remember that as a participant you are representing Islands High School

Spectators

• Avoid criticism and harassment of game officials and coaches
• Appreciate good performances by opposing players and teams
• Respect and show appreciation for coaches
• Stay off the playing area
• Show respect for public property and equipment