ROYAL OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY and EXPECTATIONS 2023-24                                                                   

Philosophy 

As a Royal Oak Middle School athlete you will have the opportunity to grow as a student, community member and athlete. There will be a focus on skill development, sportsmanship, commitment, cooperation and competition. As coaches, we will give our 100%, and we expect in return, the same from our athletes.  Our goal is to foster a love for the sport and prepare ROMS student-athletes for the next level of competition.

For the safety of all athletes and to keep a positive culture, it is essential we have high expectations in place. Athlete’s who do not adhere to our policies may face removal from the team at any time. Please familiarize yourself with our “three-strike” system. 

Expectations

• Practice Policy

  • Be on time prepared to listen and work! 

  • Have a growth mindset.  Commit to getting better everyday! 

  • Be a great teammate, building others up through cooperation and competition.

• You are NOT to leave practice without checking out with a coach! 

• Inclement weather:  Please be at practice unless an announcement is made that instructs you otherwise. Also, please bring layers for practice, as weather can change at any time.  

• Communication

• Athletes: Feel free to come to a coach with questions at any time. 

• Parents: As we appreciate your support and concerns we will promote athletes to self-advocate.  If there is a matter that your athlete cannot discuss with the coaches himself/herself, call or email.  Please keep in mind and respect the coaches time during practice or athletic events. 

• Parents:  Please communicate via email when your athlete will be absent from practice or a contest. 

• Nutrition/Sleep

  • Breakfast and lunch need to be eaten! We cannot stress this enough that athletes need to stay fueled in order to be safe, injury free, improve, and be happy throughout the season. Eating breakfast will kick-start the day, and get you started on a positive note. Even if it is something as small as an apple, banana, or granola bar… ANYTHING is better than nothing! :] 

  • Lunch- Choose healthy options. Pizza, bosco sticks, etc are not ideal.. Look for carbohydrates to sustain a higher level of energy throughout the day. Consume protein after competition to promote muscle growth and recovery.

  • Consider bringing a snack for after school, you want to make sure you have enough energy for practice or competition days.

  • Hydration – Staying hydrated is always a tough one for athletes. I suggest bringing a water bottle or keeping one in your locker. Make sure to refill it before practice too. 

  • Sleep: 8-10 hours of sleep is ideal for proper recovery. This can make a large difference in improving.

3 STRIKE SYSTEM

Three strikes or more will result in an athlete sitting out competition and/or removal from the program based on coach and or athletic director discretion. Behavior and academics for the entire 2022-2023 school year are taken into account.

• Academics

  • Student athlete is the first and foremost priority. Notify the coaches as soon as possible if there is an academic conflict with practice, so that we do not have to search and/or wonder where you are. 

    • Behaviors that constitute a STRIKE

      • 3 or more D or lower (checks at quarter/semester end)

      • Excessive Tardies/Skipping class

      • Multiple missing assignments/assessments

• School Behavior

  • Remember you are a representative of Royal Oak athletics 24 hours a day, 7 Days A Week. You represent our teams while at school, during competition, and out in the community. Let’s make sure any feedback we receive is positive! 

  • School violations, detentions, and misbehavior will be monitored and coaches will be notified. It is also your responsibility to talk to the coach about any issues. 

    • Behaviors that constitute a STRIKE

      • Suspension anytime during the 2023-2024 school year

      • Poor citizenship mark on report card at mid-year mark

      • Teacher/s contact coach about misbehavior in class

      • Detention anytime during the season

• Practice and/or Competition Decorum and Attendance  

  • Be on time. Be prepared. Be ready to learn. Be respectful. 

    • Behaviors that constitute a STRIKE

      • Leaving practice without notifying a coach

      • Negativity towards teammates (words or actions)

      • Inappropriate behavior on bus

      • Disrespectful comments or actions towards opposing teams

      • Not notifying coaches of absences 

      • Missing your event or being found off premises

      • Multiple absences from practice without documentation (3 or more)

Royal Oak High School PHILOSOPHY 

The interscholastic athletic program in Royal Oak is an integral part of the total educational program. Research indicates a student involved in extracurricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood. Representing the Royal Oak School District in interscholastic athletics is a privilege, not a right. As an integral part of the educational process, the athletic program should always conform and support the objectives and standards of the school. Athletes should strive for educational excellence and demonstrate good sportsmanship at all athletic contests. 

ROYAL OAK ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES

1. To provide a positive image of school activities in Royal Oak. 

2. To provide students with opportunities for physical, mental, and emotional development. 

3. To experience team play along with loyalty, cooperation and fair play. 

4. To create a desire to exceed and excel. 

5. To practice self-discipline and emotional maturity while learning to make decisions under pressure. 

6. To develop an understanding of the value of extracurricular activities in a balanced educational experience. 

7. To demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. 

8. To develop leadership qualities and skills.