Michael Denise, CAA – Director of Athletics & Student Activities
Mr. Denise graduated from Springfield College in 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a minor in Business. Following graduation, he worked in professional baseball for the Prince William Cannons (affiliated with the White Sox and Yankees) in Woodbridge, VA, as their Director of Community Relations. Mike has proudly worked for two school systems throughout his career – Blackstone Valley Tech (2003–2007 and 2021–present) and Braintree High School (1996–2003 and 2007–2021). Mr. Denise also holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Cambridge College.

mrdenise@valleytech.k12.ma.us
P: 508–529–7758  x3015
F: 508–529–3586

Molly Awiszus McLean, MS, LAT, ATC – Athletic Trainer
Ms. (Awiszus) McLean majored in Athletic Training and obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College, worked at Lawrence High School from 2016–2017, and went back to get her Master’s degree in Human Physiology from Boston University. She has been a Massachusetts-licensed AT since 2016.

mmclean@valleytech.k12.ma.us
P: 508–529–7758  x2754
F: 508–529–3586

• Provide an opportunity for maximum athletic development of players across the spectrum of ability.
• Promote the social, intellectual, emotional, and physical development of our students.
• Develop an understanding of the value of cooperation and competition.
• Develop good citizenship and respect for rules and authority.
• Have fun.

Objectives of Our Program

• Provide an athletic program that reflects a level of expertise comparable to the school-wide curriculum.
• Provide all students with an opportunity to participate as competitors or as spectators.
• Learn to respect our opponent teams and players.
• Sponsor a sports program in accordance with the number of available student athletes, adequacy of facilities, equipment, and competent instruction.
• Involve the student athlete and the student body in wholesome recreational and entertaining activities.
• Develop a sense of school spirit, morale, and loyalty.

The Interscholastic Athletic Program at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT) is committed to the total physical, emotional, social, and mental development of its participants. The program is an extension of the values and ideals developed in the instructional programs and constantly strives towards the development of a well-rounded individual. Our goal is to teach, through athletics, the ideals and values that are consistent with the principles of sportsmanship. BVT athletes take pride in themselves, their team, school, and community while learning to work together towards common goals. Every athlete should enjoy the experience of being a team member.

The athletic program must be flexible and reflect BVT’s values and culture in order to address the needs of its entire student population. Athletics teaches an appreciation of another’s skills and contributions, commitment towards a common goal, and enjoyment in physical activity. Athletics promotes physical and mental health and contributes to the ability to interact socially. It nurtures friendship where one might not expect it and fosters a sense of pride in self and the community that lasts far beyond life at BVT.

Tryouts for programs are open to all students, provided they meet the standards of academic eligibility, school citizenship, parental permission, and basic physical/health qualifications. Participation in the program, therefore, is a privilege earned by students who meet and maintain these standards.

Athletic programs are an extension of the academic day, and our coaching staff is responsible for challenging and developing players, both technically and emotionally, in a positive manner, using both praise and constructive criticism.

As members of the BVT Athletic Program, students are expected to demonstrate proper respect for all coaches, teammates, officials, spectators, and equipment. Student athletes are expected to exhibit the highest level of conduct, either on or off the playing field, as they are, at all times, representatives of their team, school, and community.

The Athletic program at BVT is comprised of 60 teams in 28 sports. Sports teams compete at any of three levels – Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity. BVT’s Athletic Program is under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and the School Committee of the district and is a member of the Central Mass Athletic Conference (CMAC). The athlete must be a student and comply with the rules and regulations of these organizations to maintain their eligibility.

The Central Mass Athletic Conference (CMAC) is comprised of thirty-five (35) schools: Abby Kelly Charter School, Advanced Math & Science Academy, Assabet Valley, Auburn, Bartlett, Bay Path, Blacktone-Millville, Blackstone Valley Tech, Burncoat, Claremont Academy, David Prouty, Doherty, Douglas, Hopedale, Keefe Tech, Leicester, Millbury, Monty Tech, Nipmuc, North, Northbridge, Notre Dame Academy (Worcester), Oxford, Parker Charter, Quaboag, Saint Paul Diocesan, South Community, Southbridge, St. Bernard’s, Sutton, Tantasqua, University Park (Main South), Uxbridge, Whitinsville Christian, and Worcester Technical.
 
We offer a very diversified choice of sports to each student for their participation:

FALL
Practice begins in mid to late August.*
Cheerleading
Cross-Country 
Field Hockey 
Football 
Soccer
Girls Volleyball 
Golf

WINTER
Practice begins on the Monday after Thanksgiving.*
Alpine Skiing 
Basketball 
Cheerleading 
Ice Hockey
Indoor Track & Field
Swim & Dive 
Wrestling

SPRING
Practice begins on the third Monday of March.*
Baseball 
Boys Volleyball
Lacrosse
Softball
Track & Field 

* Please check with the Athletic Office for the exact date of individual sports.

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association
The BVT Athletic Department is a member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and is therefore governed by Association Rules and Regulations. Additional policies, regulations, and rules are set by the BVT School Committee. Under the MIAA guidelines, local communities are allowed to set their own policy, rules, and/or regulations as long as they are more restrictive than stipulated by the MIAA. Rules governing MIAA-sanctioned sports shall be played under the rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations, as modified by the MIAA, with the exception of Boys Gymnastics (USGA) and Rugby (Laws of the Game Rugby Union). Copies of the completed set of MIAA rules and regulations are available in the Athletic Office or online at www.miaa.net.

One of the primary functions of the MIAA is to sponsor and conduct post-season tournaments leading to the determination of divisional statewide champions. When our varsity teams qualify for them and enter such tournaments, we are completely subject to specific rules and regulations that govern each tournament, as set by the MIAA. Power ranking, tournament qualification, and divisional placement criteria are sport-specific.

Some of our teams may qualify for regional tournaments beyond the MIAA tournaments, which are sponsored and conducted by the combined state associations that make up the region of competition. Some of our varsity teams may host and/or play in seasonal tournaments that are sponsored by local school districts or other qualified agencies. MIAA regulations specify that such tournaments be sanctioned by the Association and be conducted totally under their policies, rules, and regulations. The MIAA does not sanction or sponsor any sub-varsity tournament competition. The MIAA is a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations and is bound by its set of rules, policies, and regulations.

The Central Massachusetts Athletic Conference
BVT is very proud to be a member of the thirty-five-school conference known as the Central Massachusetts Athletic Conference (CMAC). The conference is governed by the MIAA and its own bylaws. A copy of the By-laws is available for your review in the Athletic Office. Most of our game schedules, at all levels of competition, are set by the conference. The athletic department will also schedule some non-league contests against other vocational schools or schools from surrounding communities.

We urge you to support the BVT Athletic Program by:

• Attending games both home and away.
• Lending positive support to our teams and coaches.
• Encouraging all players, regardless of their role on the team.
• Helping other spectators and parents to maintain an appropriate sportsmanlike attitude.
• Showing respect for the authority of the game officials. 
   

The following is a list of important policies, practices, regulations, and rules that govern our athletic department. Take the time to read and understand them. If any questions and/or concerns arise during your athletic experience at BVT that are not addressed or answered in this booklet, please contact the athletic office at the school.

Commitment
Every player who is chosen to be on the athletic team is expected to demonstrate a positive, winning attitude toward every task, whether it be a practice or game situation. Each player will be expected to contribute to the total team effort, whether it be from the bench or on the playing field. Indifference stifles success and, therefore, will not be tolerated in any form. Attitude is a key ingredient in the selection process for candidates for all teams. 

Each member of our athletic teams, Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity, MUST:

1. Commit to be present at all team activities, including tryouts, practices, meetings, and contests with other schools.
2. Dedicate his/herself to becoming an excellent team member and school citizen.
3. Strive to continually improve as an athlete.
4. Demonstrate pride in team performance and in him/herself as a member of that team.

Recognizing that these four qualities are necessary to achieve “BVT Pride,” we expect a high level of commitment from all ur student athletes within the broader context of their lives as Valley Tech students.
 
Daily Commitment
When trying out for a team, and after being selected to be a member of a team at BVT, students are expected to make at least a five-day, two to three-hour daily commitment to the team each week. At the sub-varsity level, some of our teams do not typically practice or play on the weekends, but students may expect practices or games each school day. Normally, practices will consist of an average of two hours of team activity per day, taking place sometime between the hours of 2:00 and 8:00 pm. The preparation time before and after practices or games brings the usual total time to three hours.

At the varsity level, weekend and/or evening practices and games are more commonplace, and students should expect regular involvement during these times. Because many of our teams share facilities, or because some teams may use facilities off campus, practice and game hours may vary considerably.  Contact the coach or the athletic office for more specific information concerning practice and game times.

Squad Selection
In accordance with our philosophy of athletics and our desire to see as many students as possible participate in the athletic program while at BVT, we encourage coaches to keep as many students as possible without having a negative impact on the integrity of their sport. Obviously, time, space, facilities, equipment, and other factors may place limitations on the possible size for some sports. However, when developing policy in this regard, we strive to maximize the opportunities for our students without diluting the quality of the program.

Tryouts
Tryouts for programs are open to all students, provided they meet the standards of academic eligibility, school citizenship, parental permission, and basic physical/health qualifications.

Participation in athletics is a privilege; students try out voluntarily and, for some of our teams, risk being cut.  During the tryout period, the coach will explain their expectations. It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate to the coach that he/she can meet them.

Students cut from one team are encouraged to try out for another team if there is space on that team.  Students who are cut from a team will be informed as to the reason for the cut. After tryouts begin, no athlete may voluntarily leave one team and try out for another without the consent of both coaches involved.

Daily Team Attendance
It is extremely important that a coach be notified if a student is not going to be present at a practice or game, if the student is not absent from school. The coaches in our program expect their athletes to be present at ALL team-related activities and may suspend a team member from contests for absences. Students are excused from team activities for illness, injury, academic, family, or religious reasons, but prior notification is strongly recommended and expected.
 
Attendance Policy
1. Attendance will be kept daily. This includes any scheduled practices or contests during vacation periods. Daily attendance is imperative for the basic development of individual skills and fundamentals, as well as for a sound foundation in team discipline, unity, spirit, commitment, and loyalty.

2. Attendance at Practice 
a.  On the first unexcused absence from practice, a suspension of up to 1/2 of the next athletic contest.
b.  On the second unexcused absence from practice, a suspension from the next athletic contest.
c.  On the third unexcused absence from practice, a suspension from the next two consecutive athletic contests.
d.  On the fourth unexcused absence from practice, an expulsion from the team for the remainder of the season.

3. Attendance at Contest 
a.  First unexcused absence from contest, a suspension from the team on each date of offense for a minimum period of one contest (allowed to practice, not allowed to participate in contests).
b.  Second unexcused absence from a contest is expulsion from the team for the remainder of the season.

School/Family Vacations, Extended Absences
Every team member is expected to be present for all team practices and contests. Because of scheduling parameters, many of our teams practice and/or play during scheduled school vacations.

Vacation Policy
All student-athletes are expected to attend all practices, scheduled scrimmages, and games at the varsity and sub-varsity levels during all school times.

The only exceptions to this policy are as follows:
a.  Planned family vacations in which the student/athlete will be in the company of their parents and have so informed the coach in writing at least two weeks in advance of the scheduled vacation dates.
b.  At the individual coaches’ discretion because of unforeseen or extenuating circumstances.

It is understood that enforcement of this policy is to encourage commitment by the student-athlete to their team and teammates.

The first priority of the athletic department is to those student-athletes who are faithful to the adherence to the fairness and tradition of being a team player.

In addition to being willing to make the above commitment, a student must be declared eligible by the athletic director according to the standards listed in this section to be a candidate for a team.

MIAA Scholastic/School Membership Requirements
(See “Athletic Eligibility”)

Physical Examination
According to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, all students must pass a physical examination prior to participation in High School Athletics. A physical exam covers the student for 13 months from the exam date. A student’s eligibility will terminate once a physical has reached the 13-month limit. Physical examinations must be performed by a duly registered physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.  

The sports physical is part of the comprehensive health care received by a student from their health care provider. The student’s health care provider’s familiarity with the student's family history and medical history is important in assessing sports participation. A student must have on file in the Athletic Director’s and Health Center’s offices written proof of a current physical examination, signed and dated by a physician. In order for an exam to be considered current and valid, it must be dated within thirteen months of the date of any athletic involvement. It is strongly recommended that an annual examination be scheduled between June 15th and August 20th of each school year. An exam administered during this period will cover a student for the entire school year. Please ask your physician to mail a signed and dated copy of the completed exam to the Health Center office at BVT, or you can deliver it to the school personally.

Any new student entering BVT must have a copy of a current physical (within the last school year) on file in the Health Office. Immunizations, including Tetanus, must be up to date. Hepatitis B immunization is mandatory for all students. Any student wishing to try out for a sports team must have a current physical on file, or they will NOT be allowed to play.  

Any student who is unable to schedule a physical examination with their primary care physician may sign up in the Health Center to have a “sports physical” performed by the nurse practitioner. Students should see the Athletic Director for preliminary paperwork that must be completed and to schedule an appointment with the dates and times specified by the nurse practitioner. These sports physicals are offered on a limited basis, and students should make every effort to plan ahead to schedule an appointment with their primary care physician prior to anticipated participation.

School Based Health Center
Our School Based Health Center is a collaborative effort between BVT and Milford Whitinsville Regional Hospital and is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

The School Based Health Center offers preventive care and treatment for health issues. The School Based Health Center will not replace a student’s primary care doctor, but it will work with a student’s provider to make accessing health care for our students easier.

Many services will be offered, but students must have a signed parental consent form (also known as an “enrollment form”) prior to visiting the School Based Health Center. If a student does not have permission to visit the Health Center, the school nurses will always be available to assess medical issues.

Medication Policy 
Our school district requires that the following forms be on file in a student’s health record before we begin to give any medicine at school or at an athletic contest, event, or practice, either prescription or over-the-counter:

1. Signed Emergency Form in the Nurse’s Office.
2. Signed Permission Form for Prescribed Medications
3. Specific note from the physician indicating that the athletic trainer may distribute medication to the student-athlete
4. Students are not allowed to take any form of narcotic before or during school. Even with a note from their physician, it is discouraged during the technical aspect of BVT school programs. (Examples of narcotic drugs: Vicodin, Percocet, Tylenol, Codeine)

Your parent or a responsible adult you designate should deliver medicines to the school in a pharmacy- or manufacturer-labeled container. Your pharmacist should provide separate bottles for prescription medications for school and home. No more than a thirty-day supply of the medicine should be delivered to the school. 

Students are not allowed to be in possession of medications (prescriptions and/or over-the-counter drugs) during the course of the school day or at an athletic contest, event, or practice. All medications must be kept in the Health Office or with the Athletic Trainer.

Any student who uses an inhaler for asthma or an EpiPen for allergic reactions must have a supply of this medication for school as well as home. These medications must be kept in the Health Office or with the Athletic Trainer unless otherwise directed by your physician.

Injury Policy and Extended Illness Policy
If your teen is injured and has been seen by an emergency room technician, any type of clinician, or sports injury specialist, or will be out of school for any length of time, a note from your primary care physician is needed to clear him/her for full participation. Examples include X-rays taken, sprains, fractures, diagnosis of mono, back injuries, mental health reasons, etc., if handled by any individual or practice other than the Athletic Trainer at BVT. If full clearance cannot be granted, all limitations must be listed for proper rehabilitation to take place by the BVT Athletic Trainer. Students will not be allowed to participate without an MD note. Under no circumstances will a parental note suffice for return to participation.

Athletic Parental Consent Form
A student must submit a completed, signed Athletic Parental Consent Form prior to their first practice session. This form will be completed for each of the three athletic seasons in which a student participates. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to contact the Athletic Director with a change of any pertinent information throughout the school year (re: insurance carrier, insurance policy number, home address, phone, emergency contact, allergies, medical conditions, or medications). This form can now be completed online at ArbiterSports.

Emergency Medical Information Form
A student must submit a completed, signed Emergency Medical Information Form prior to their first practice session. This form will be completed for each of the three athletic seasons in which a student participates. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to contact the Athletic Director with a change of any pertinent information throughout the school year (re: insurance carrier, insurance policy number, home address, phone, emergency contact, allergies, medical conditions, or medications). This form can now be completed online at ArbiterSports.

Health Insurance
All student athletes should be enrolled in an HMO or similar health insurance plan. Information on personal insurance coverage is requested on the Athletic Parental Consent Form and the Athletic Emergency Information Form. In addition, it is strongly recommended that each family purchase the school insurance when it becomes available at the school in September. We also have separate insurance coverage for all athletes in grades 9-12 in all sports. This is a backup insurance policy to the students’ family health insurance plan, which should be listed on the athlete’s permission form (name of company and number). 

Insurance claims should be filled out right away and given to the student for their parents to mail to the Insurance Company. All subsequent bills sent to the parents should be mailed to the Insurance Company. It should be emphasized that the school insurance covers only what the parents’ insurance does not. (Blue Cross, etc.) 

It is the family’s responsibility to file all claims under its own plan or supplemental policy within three months of the date of the injury. Filing forms are available from the Business Office, and, upon request, the Athletic Trainer will assist with filing these papers.

Concussion Training & Acknowledgment
The Massachusetts State Legislature enacted a law in July 2010 requiring all parents/guardians of student-athletes to be educated on head injuries prior to students participating in contests. As part of the law, all parents/guardians must provide annual documentation that they have been provided with information prior to the first day of practice. For our purposes, we ask you to perform the following:   

1. Please read the information found in Appendix A of this handbook 
2. Please take the online course provided free of charge by the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS). 

1. A student must secure, during the last marking period preceding the contest, a passing grade and full credit in the equivalent of four traditional year-long major English courses and a passing grade in the student's vocational technical area of study. A transfer student may not gain academic eligibility if they were not, or would not be, eligible at the sending school, unless the transfer was necessitated by a move of parents, and then eligibility would be determined by the receiving school's eligibility standards. (see Rule 57.7.1, MIAA Handbook).
2. A student cannot at any time represent a school unless that student is taking courses that would provide Carnegie Units equivalent to four traditional year-long major English courses and a passing grade in the student's vocational technical area of study.
3. To be eligible for the fall marking period, students are required to have passed and received full credits for the previous academic year, the equivalent of four traditional year-long major English courses, and a passing grade in their vocational technical area of study.
4. The academic eligibility of all students shall be considered official and determined only on the published date when the report cards for that ranking period are to be issued to the parents of all students within a particular class.
5. Incomplete grades may not be counted toward eligibility. 
6. A student who repeats work upon which they have once received credit cannot count that subject a second time for eligibility.
7. A student cannot count for eligibility any subject taken during summer vacation unless that subject has been previously pursued and failed. 
8. Note: Previous reference to special education students with 502.4 prototypes is rendered valueless given current special education law. Academically ineligible special education students may not participate unless a waiver has been requested and granted by the MIAA.

Procedures to Determine Eligibility

1. Prior to the First Contest – Each Sport, Each Season
   No later than (7) days before the first contest, the eligibility status of each student athlete is indicated by the Director of Student Services. The status forms are then sent to the Principal for appropriate eligibility action and signature. All completed forms are maintained on file by the Director of Athletics.
2. After Term I and II
   No later than (7) days before the first contest, the eligibility status of each student athlete is indicated by the Director of Student Services prior to the first contest following terms I and II. Any student whose academic eligibility is in question is brought to the attention of the Athletic Director and the Principal for final decision.
3. Participation at Any Time During the School Year
   After the eligibility of all student athletes is determined by the sport by season, an alphabetical list of participants is distributed to the Principal. (Each student athlete must be taking courses, which would provide 20 credits to remain eligible). If, as a result of this policy, a student athlete no longer takes courses that would provide 20 credits, the student becomes ineligible. The parent(s) and the coach are notified of this action by the Principal and Athletic Director. In addition, students must attend all practices and games, and they are expected to have a cooperative attitude. It is expected that all reasonable training rules, as set forth by the coaches and athletic department, will be followed. These include prohibiting any student-athlete from using tobacco products or other drugs.

Freshman
To be eligible for a fall athletic team, the student must have met middle school promotional requirements.

The violation of any eligibility rule may result in forfeiture of a game won. A mistake could spoil a good season’s record. If, in your opinion, there is any doubt concerning your eligibility, consult your Athletic Director. The rules apply to all teams, Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Freshman, and to both girls’ and boys’ sports. The M.I.A.A. Athletics Committee will resolve all eligibility questions.

You Are Not Eligible

1.  If you were not a member of some secondary school for the two (2) months, exclusive of the summer vacation month, preceding the contest.
2. A student who transfers from any school to an MIAA member high school is ineligible to participate in any interscholastic athletic contest at any level for a period of one year in all sports in which that student participated at the varsity level or its equivalent during the one-year period immediately preceding the transfer. Exemptions do exist. Please consult the Athletic Director as to your eligibility upon entering BVT as a transfer student.
3. If you are taking fewer than twenty (20) periods of prepared work.
4. A student must secure, during the last marking period preceding the contest, a passing grade in at least 20 periods of prepared work. Prepared work is defined as any subject or course in which credit is allowed toward the high school diploma. A student cannot represent a school at any time unless that student is taking at least 20 periods of prepared work. To be eligible for the fall marking period, students are required to have final passing grades for the year in the required number of periods of prepared work.
5. If you fail two core courses in academics at any grade level.
6. If you fail your vocational shop.
7. If, since you entered Grade 9, twelve (12) consecutive sports seasons have passed, whether or not you participated.
8. If your 19th birthday came before September 1st of the present school year, you may no longer participate in high school sports.
9. If you have graduated from any secondary school.
10. If you were “persuaded” or “influenced” to transfer to your present high school by a coach, athletic director, principal, or other person connected with the school.
11. If you are put out of a game for fighting or flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct, you are not eligible to play in the next two scheduled games. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of threatening, abusive, or obscene language. If it is the second time during the same season, then you are disqualified from any further participation in any sport season for one full year.
12. If you physically assault an official, you are ineligible in all sports for one full year.
13. If you willfully, flagrantly, or maliciously attempt to injure an opponent, you will be immediately excluded from participation in that sport for one year.

Time Allowed for Participation
A student has four consecutive years of eligibility from the date they entered the ninth grade. This means 12 consecutive athletic seasons are a maximum; therefore, a fifth-year high school student is usually ineligible for interscholastic competition.

Transfers to BVT
The rules governing transfer students entering BVT from another high school are quite involved. Information regarding the athletic eligibility of all students transferring to BVT should be requested from the athletic office.

In-Season Eligibility
At BVT, student athletes are expected and encouraged to maintain the highest level of scholastic achievement possible. They are also expected to maintain the highest level of citizenship. To promote these goals, the following policies are in effect:

Academic Achievement
Scholastic “extra help” sessions and makeup work are expected to be completed as soon as possible. On Tuesday or Thursday practice days, students should stay after school to complete work as needed. Coaches should be informed by students, in advance if possible, when practice time will be missed due to academic obligations. Once the obligations are completed, students are expected to report to the practice on that day, as soon as possible. If advance notification was not given to the coach, students should ask their teacher for a note explaining the tardiness. Students arriving late to practices due to makeup work or extra help will not suffer any athletic team penalty. On game days, unless time allows, students should ask their classroom teacher if makeup work or extra help may be postponed to a practice day. A classroom teacher may or may not grant a postponement. The athletic department reserves the right to remove a student from a team for poor academic performance and may reinstate the student upon sufficient evidence of improvement. Reinstatement cannot be granted if MIAA scholastic eligibility requirements are not met.

A student-athlete with a school disciplinary obligation is expected to fulfill it before reporting to an athletic practice and/or game. Students cannot expect, and should not request, disciplinary action to be postponed or canceled for any athletic reason. The athletic department reserves the right to remove a student from a team for excessive disciplinary problems and may reinstate the student upon sufficient evidence of improvement. It is expected that our athletes be model citizens both in and out of school; they should set an example for all students.

In an attempt to protect staff and students from unintentional violations of public finance laws and regulations, clubs, teams, and other groups affiliated with BVT are prohibited from using the District’s name in any form for internet-based registries, such as GoFundMe, to crowdfund for BVT-affiliated endeavors.  Any crowdfunding request from a BVT-affiliated club, team, or group that appears online is not approved by the Blackstone Valley Vocational School District nor sanctioned by BVT administration. As such, students are prohibited from using or associating the District’s name in any form with any such activities.

The following regulations are established by the school to enhance the educational process and the athletic department's stature.

Each student-athlete shall:

• Attend school regularly.
• Apply best efforts in studying and learning.
• Behave in a non-disruptive manner with regard to the rights and privileges of others.
• Follow all school procedures and regulations.
• Be held responsible and accountable for any action potentially dangerous and/or detrimental to individual health and well-being, either physical or emotional.

Specifically, this includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Smoking/Possession of tobacco products
2. Improper use of school equipment
3. Fighting
4. Throwing dangerous objects
5. Swearing and/or speaking obscenities
6. Theft
7. Class tardiness (repetitive)
8. School tardiness (repetitive)
9. Class and school truancy
10. Failure to report to a teacher after school
11. Leaving school grounds without permission
12. Class disturbance
13. Corridor, cafeteria disturbance
14. Willful destruction of school property (vandalism)
15. Violation of school safety rules affecting the student or others
16. Violation of bus regulations
17. Violation of parking regulations
18. Cheating and plagiarism
19. Failure to return school materials or equipment.
20. A student athlete shall not, regardless of the quantity, use or consume, possess, buy or sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product, including vapor/E-cigarettes; marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance. The School Committee prohibits the possession, use, or consumption by students of alcohol, tobacco products, or drugs on school property or at any school function. This includes any paraphernalia associated with the items discussed above.
21. Possession of firearms or any other illegal weapons, including laser light pens, paint guns, cigarette or butane lighters, or any device which may be used to threaten or endanger the safety and well-being of students and staff.
22. Misuse of solvent as an inhalant and/or the buying, selling, or distributing of the same solvents for purposes of this school regulation includes but is not limited to the following: cements, glues, paints, varnishes, brake fluid, gasoline, lacquers, products in aerosol cans.
23. Being found outside an assigned area
24. Public Display of Affection (PDA) – Public displays of affection are inappropriate on school property or during school activities.

The preceding are punishable by any one or the combination of the following:

• Written reprimand
• Aftersession(s)
• In-School Suspension (Behavioral Resource Center)
• Suspension from school, from 1-10 days maximum
• Suspension for more than 10 days at the discretion of the Principal

Students are expected to attend all scheduled periods during the school day. Athletes must be in school by 10:10 a.m. in order to practice or play that day. Athletes must remain in school until 11:40 a.m. in order to practice or play that day. The athletic department will make every possible attempt to check daily class and school attendance. Exceptions such as doctor’s appointments and college visits must be cleared in advance by the Athletic Director’s or Principal’s office, whenever possible. The athletic department reserves the right to remove a student from a team for excessive cuts or truancy and may reinstate the student upon sufficient evidence of improvement. To be eligible to participate in an athletic contest, the athlete must attend school on the day of, and/or day(s) immediately preceding the contest in the case of a weekend competition.

Suspension from School
Student-athletes may not represent their school if they are on in-house or out-of-house disciplinary suspension. A suspended student is ineligible for practice or competition for at least the number of days (or partial days) equal to the number of days of the suspension. Suspension from school takes effect at the close of school on the day the suspension is issued. All coaches will cooperate with the administration in enforcing this school policy.

Physical Education
All students are required to participate in their regularly scheduled physical education classes. Students medically excused from physical education may not be allowed to participate in their team's practice or game that day. Game or practice uniforms issued to student-athletes for contests and games may not be worn during physical education class. If a student does not participate in a regularly scheduled physical education class during the school day, he/she will not be eligible for practice or a game on that same day.

Transportation To & From Contests
The school provides bus transportation or a suitable substitute for most “away” contests. All team members are expected to travel to these contests using the school-provided transportation for students’ safety. Exceptions to this policy must be requested in writing by a student’s parent/guardian to the Athletic Director prior to the contest. Reasonable requests will be honored. A coach may allow students to ride home from a contest with their parent/guardian, provided that personal contact is made between the parent/guardian and the coach at the game site, and a note releasing the student is signed by the parent/guardian and received by the coach. In most instances, students will not be allowed to ride to and from contests with other students. Non-team members may occasionally be allowed to ride team transportation if space is available, the coach in charge has approved, and prior written permission from the parent has been provided to the Athletic Director.

Locations of Away Contests
Locations of all away BVT athletic contests, including Central Massachusetts Athletic Conference (CMAC) and non-league contests, are available at ArbiterSports.

Sports Training/Educational Trips
The value of a proposed sports training trip or sports educational trip will be assessed by the Principal and Athletic Director. In specific instances, such trips that extend beyond the borders of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must secure the approval of the School Committee prior to being undertaken.

Late Transportation
BVT provides late transportation for student-athletes during sport seasons following practices and games. The Late Sports Bus is for use by student-athletes or members of other supervised programs only. Students are under the jurisdiction of the school administration throughout this period. Students must remember it is a privilege to ride the school bus. If they are not well-behaved and courteous, and if their behavior endangers the health or safety of other students, this privilege will be taken away from you. The bus driver has the same authority on the bus as a teacher has in the classroom. Continued disruptive behavior on the school bus may result in the student's removal from bus transportation.

These Late Sports Bus routes are not identical to the regular bus routes. Late Sports Bus routes may be obtained through the athletic office and online in the last section of the bus routes page. It will also be displayed in each locker room for the athletes’ knowledge. Students must make their own arrangements to get home after the bus returns them to their local community. The Late Sports Bus will leave at approximately 5:45 p.m. from the driveway directly in front of the BVT main entrance.

• There should be no roughhousing while waiting for the bus.
• Students shall enter the bus in an orderly fashion, go directly to a seat, and remain seated until the destination is reached.
• There should be no littering and/or defacing of the buses.
• Students defacing property will pay for replacement or repairs.
• Emergency doors and windows must be used for emergency use only.  Do not touch any safety equipment on the bus.

Remember: If a student plans to ride the school bus, they must abide by these regulations.

NOTE:  Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 314, Acts of 1973
“NO PERSON SHALL SMOKE OR DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON A SCHOOL BUS WHILE TRANSPORTING PUPILS.”

Punishable by fines of $25.00-$100.00 and may result in suspension from the bus and/or suspension from school.

Bus Suspension

• If deemed necessary by the Principal or designee and by company representatives, individual riding privileges may be suspended to ensure the safety of other students.
• In situations where it becomes necessary to suspend a student from the bus, that student will be responsible for arranging alternative transportation to and from school and for following practices and/or games.

Participation in athletics should be an enjoyable experience for all parties involved: the student, the coach, and the parent. There is no doubt that participation is often emotionally charged, and constructively dealing with these emotions can be an excellent learning experience. In most cases, athletic competition is extremely positive and complements the educational experience enjoyed by students at BVT. Occasionally, due to the high emotional intensity during athletic competition, conflicts between coaches and students arise. These conflicts must be addressed and resolved immediately so that the many benefits of athletic involvement may continue to contribute to the emotional and physical growth of BVT students.

The following section addresses what families may expect from the coaching staff and what to do if problems arise.

Coaching Expectations
At BVT, athletes should expect to be treated with respect and fairly by their coaches. The coaches are professionals who are aware of and committed to upholding their responsibilities and to following the policies and regulations of the MIAA, the Central Massachusetts Athletic Conference (CMAC), and BVT. Each student must be treated as an individual, yet as part of the team. Rules and regulations must be uniformly and fairly enforced at all times. In most instances, during the season of play, a student-athlete spends more time daily under the direct supervision and guidance of their coach than any other adult. This time should be enjoyable, educational, positive, and worthwhile; the influence a coach may have on each individual team member is enormous.

As recommended by the MIAA, we encourage participation in a variety of activities with different teacher/coach role models. We focus our attention on goals other than championships or the development of “blue-chip athletes” that will help students become contributing members of society.

Athletes and their families can expect the following from members of the BVT Coaching Staff:

Time Commitment
Practice and game schedules, along with other time commitments, consistent with the guidelines mentioned previously in this booklet, will be made known to all team members.

Team Rules
Members of our coaching staff have the option of establishing additional expectations for his/her team members with the Athletic Director’s prior approval.

Team rules and regulations, in addition to the ones stated here, will be well-defined, discussed, and enforced with all team members. Self-discipline among all student-athletes will be encouraged. Penalties for rule violations will also be defined and applied fairly and consistently. The coach will present these expectations to all team candidates in writing as soon as possible prior to the first contest of the season.

Individual Success 
The coach will provide each student-athlete with an opportunity to succeed to the best of their abilities.

Social & Emotional Growth
The coach will attempt to assist each student-athlete in growing socially and emotionally.

Team Spirit
The coach will attempt to instill and promote team spirit and cohesiveness.

Athletic Performance
An individual student-athlete's performance will be critiqued by a coach at the appropriate time. Each athlete will be encouraged to work towards their full potential and to develop a positive self-image.

Skill Development
Each student-athlete will be taught the rules and skills of the game to achieve maximum proficiency in their sport.

Approachability
The coach will be available to all his/her athletes. Team members are encouraged to approach the coach about any topic that they wish. Students should make every effort to approach the coach privately if a matter is of a personal nature, and only when there is sufficient time for worthwhile discussion.

Competitiveness
According to the MIAA philosophy, “winning contests, rather than losing them, is a laudable goal,” but “it should not supersede the primary priorities of high school sport programs”.  BVT coaches do and should play to win, as all involved enjoy winning rather than losing, but they also know that “preparing students to succeed rather than merely to win games” is more important. “Win or lose, students should learn lessons of a lasting and positive nature.”

Coach Evaluations
Each coach employed by BVT is formally evaluated on their performance at the conclusion of each athletic season. Each coach's evaluation is conducted by the Athletic Director.

Athletics involvement is highly emotional and very time-consuming. Sometimes conflicts arise between students, coaches, and occasionally parents. When conflicts or issues arise, it is important that they be addressed immediately and as directly as possible, so that they can be resolved promptly.

Students and their parents should use the following process as a guideline when seeking resolution to conflicts or issues between an athlete and coach:
 
Step 1: Contacting the Coach
The athlete should present the conflict/issue to the coach as soon as possible. If personal contact is not practical, a student may ask his/her team captain to approach the coach. If the personal or captain route is not possible, contact may be made by the athlete’s parent(s) at an appropriate time. In order for the contact to be as productive as possible, times that should be avoided are:

• Prior to, during, or immediately following a contest.
• During an active practice session.
• When other students or parents are present or when it would be readily visible to others that the discussion is taking place.
• When it is apparent that there is not sufficient time to allow for a complete discussion. This includes the time immediately before leaving for an away contest.

Perhaps the best solution is to ask the coach, either over the phone or in person, whether an appointment can be scheduled to discuss the issue. A parent or student may also leave a note for the coach in the athletic office.
 
Step 2: Contacting the Athletic Director
If a satisfactory solution is not reached through direct contact with the coach, the student and/or parent should contact the Athletic Director. The coach should be informed that this contact will be made. If this discussion does not result in a satisfactory conclusion, a meeting will be scheduled with all concerned parties to reach a satisfactory resolution.

Since athletic seasons are relatively short, there should be no delay in airing any and all concerns. It is important for all students and their parents to know that any comments, concerns, or issues raised to the Athletic Director will be addressed and communicated to the coach. Parents and students may also expect to hear from the Athletic Director as to the disposition of their concerns.

Although there can be no guarantee that all parties will agree on all resolutions or findings, a thorough, respectful airing of differing perceptions and experiences can lead to more productive relationships and clearer understanding in the future.
 
Step 3: Contacting the Principal
If there is still no satisfactory resolution, the student or parent may contact the high school Principal. The Athletic Director should be informed of this contact.
 
Step 4: If No Resolution
An appeal of the above decision can be made to the Superintendent of Schools. This procedure gives structure and direction in solving a problem/concern. Again, it must start at the coach’s level.
 
The Athletic Department is committed to ensuring that there shall be no “retribution” in any form for raising an issue or concern about the Department. Students and parents must be confident that voicing an opinion or concern, using the proper forum and method, is not only penalty — and retribution-free but also strongly encouraged. If at any time a student or their parent suspects that any form of “retribution” is surfacing, they should contact their coach immediately.

Students have an obligation and responsibility for all equipment issued to them and for its proper care and retention from the date of issue to the date of return. Students who fail to turn in all issued equipment or return equipment damaged through misuse are responsible for the current replacement cost of such equipment. Payment is required at the time of the loss, prior to the next season of athletic involvement, or graduation, whichever comes first. Students must return issued items or pay replacement costs prior to the next sports season to be eligible for participation. If the equipment is found and/or returned after payment, a refund will be issued.

Locker Rooms & Facilities
Student Lockers
Once team rosters are set, if not before, each team member may select a gym locker for use during their season of play. Students will be responsible for providing personal locks for their lockers. Students are expected to lock all personal items and team equipment in their own locker at all times. Students should never give their locker combination to anyone else. Experience has shown that most losses result from lockers left open or unlocked. On road trips, when lockers are not available, it is highly recommended that students leave valuables at home or give them to parents or a member of the coaching staff for safekeeping at the game site. Large amounts of cash or valuable personal items should never be carried or left at the school.

Care of Facilities
Students are expected to treat all facilities, both home and away, with proper care.  BVT has some of the best facilities in the area, and only proper care and respect will keep them this way. Vandalism is cause for dismissal from a team and further disciplinary action by the school administration.

Building & Facility Access
At the conclusion of each school day, student-athletes should bring all items they need for the next school day to the locker room area. For safety reasons, students are not allowed to access other areas of the building after practices or games or on non-school days. No students will be allowed access to any of our inside facilities without proper supervision by a school staff member.

Athletic Shoes
At no time should shoes with cleated soles be worn inside the building. Serious injury can occur from slipping on cement or tiled surfaces. Damage to the floors may also occur.

Fitness Center
The Fitness Center exists primarily because of our construction and renovation project. The room is supervised by staff members regularly. When open and supervised, it is available for all students unless it is being used as an in-season site for a practice session.

Use of Facilities by Outside Groups
Indoor and outdoor athletic facilities are primarily reserved for BVT-sponsored groups. When the facilities are not in use, they may be rented at a nominal fee to outside groups. Rentals are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Facility Use Forms for private use of the athletic facilities are necessary and may be picked up in the Main Office. BVT reserves the right to cancel an outside rental if a school-sponsored activity needs the facility. In most instances, rentals are limited to the use of the gymnasium or baseball/softball field. For further details, please contact the Athletic Office.

Athletic Trainer & Athletic Training Room
Unlike many high schools, BVT is extremely fortunate to have a highly qualified, skilled full-time Athletic Trainer on staff. On school days, the Athletic Trainer’s hours are usually from 2:15 to 5:45 p.m. or until the conclusion of the final home contest. On weekends or days when school is not in session, the Athletic Trainer is required to be on-site only for contests and some scheduled scrimmages. Occasionally, the Athletic Trainer will be on site for non-school-day practice sessions. The Athletic Training facility is very well equipped.

At certain times, the Athletic Trainer, student staff, and facility are extremely busy. Because of this, access to the Athletic Training room and its services is limited to athletes seeking care only; it should not be used as a student lounge. Athletic Training services will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis on practice days. On game days, students will be treated in an order that will allow bus and/or game commitments to be met. The Athletic Training program exists to help athletes receive the best possible care. Please feel free to take advantage of it.

In the event of an athletic injury, the Athletic Trainer and/or physician is in immediate control. At away contests, if the Athletic Trainer or physician is not present, the host school medical personnel are in control. If no medical personnel are present, members of the coaching staff are instructed to “take charge” of the situation and, if warranted, call for emergency care. After an injury, a student may not return to competition without clearance by the trainer, which may also include written permission from the doctor.

There are many benefits to be gained by participation in athletics at the high school level. Young people learn the values associated with discipline, performing under stress, teamwork, sacrifice, commitment, effort, accountability, citizenship, sportsmanship, confidence, leadership, organizational skills, participating within the rules, physical well-being, and striving towards excellence. Although there are many measures of success in each participant's mind, perhaps the most emotional is “playing time”. The student is encouraged to discuss it with the coach. At BVT, being a member of a team does not guarantee “playing time”. However, there are guidelines for this all-important topic.

Sub-Varsity Teams
At the sub-varsity levels (junior varsity and freshman), members of the coaching staff will make a strong effort to play all team members for as much time as is practical. There are many factors that govern individuals’ playing time, but perhaps the most important are: practice attendance, effort, attitude and commitment. Another factor that must always be considered is athletic skill. If these factors are present at the sub-varsity levels, students may expect to enjoy their share of “playing time”.

Varsity Teams
At the varsity level, the guidelines for the coaching staff are similar, with one additional major factor. The varsity teams want to compete against opponents at the highest possible level. Players, coaches, parents, and staff members all want BVT varsity teams to be successful on the field. To reach that goal, teams must compete to win as many contests as possible. To do this, there are many instances in which the major burden of the contest will be borne by the most competitive, skilled team members; however, teams cannot be successful without committed substitutes or “second-string” players. These athletes have to be ready at all times to step forward and shoulder the burden when needed. They have to practice as hard as they can to help make the teams as competitive as possible. They have to constantly strive to move up to a “starting” role.

The BVT coaching staff makes many decisions regularly. These include: which athletes should start a contest, who should play what position, and how long each athlete should play. These coaching decisions, often difficult to make, are made only by the coaching staff and are approached very seriously.

Levels of Play
All Levels: The common goal of the athletic program at all levels of play is for athletes to:

• Develop their physical, emotional, social, and mental skills.
• Develop respect for authority, teammates, opponents, and themselves.
• Develop pride in themselves, their team, school, and community.
• Develop leadership qualities.
• Learn to work as a team member towards achieving common goals.
• Develop team responsibility and dedication.
• Learn the rules of a particular sport.
• Develop skills necessary to play a particular sport.
• Have Fun.
• Ensure that all athletes are placed on a team level that will allow them to succeed to the best of their ability.

Freshmen Level: Additional goals of freshmen level teams are to:

• Introduce and develop the sport's skills and rules.
• Present an opportunity for an athlete to experience a specific sport.
• Introduce young athletes to interscholastic competition.
• Allow an athlete to determine if he/she wishes to continue in a specific sport.
• Give all participants a fair share of playing time, assuming that athletes have attended practice, worked to their potential, have the proper attitude, and have committed to the team.  Athletic skill is also a factor.

Some students may be cut during tryouts. These students will be encouraged to try out for another sports team whenever possible.

Junior Varsity Level: Additional goals of junior varsity level teams are to:

• Further develop the skills and knowledge of the sport.
• Increase the intensity of the competition.
• Prepare for the varsity level in that sport.
• Place more emphasis on winning than at the Freshman level.
• Give participants playing time based on practice attendance, work ethic, attitude, commitment to the team, and athletic skill.

Some students may be cut during tryouts. These students will be encouraged to try out for another sports team whenever possible.

PLEASE NOTE: When freshmen have demonstrated an advanced level of ability, they may be placed on a junior varsity or varsity team after agreement among the athlete, his/her parents, the coach, and the Athletic Director.

Varsity Level: Additional goals of varsity level teams are to:

• Develop skills and knowledge to their highest level.
• Allow talented athletes the chance to excel and prepare them for future competition.
• Compete for League, Vocational, District, and State Championships.
• Expect all members to be role models for younger students.

Some students may be cut during tryouts. These students will be encouraged to try out for another sports team whenever possible.

MIAA “Loyalty to the High School Team” Rule
The MIAA Rule Number 45: A bona fide member of the school team is a student who is consistently present for, and actively participates in, all high school team sessions (e.g., practices, tryouts, competitions). Bona fide members of a school team are precluded from missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a non-school athletic activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA. Students cannot be given special treatment (late arrival, early dismissal, etc.) for non-school athletic programs. 

45.1 A student-athlete must be a team member for a minimum of 50% of the regular season schedule for that sport to participate in any MIAA Tournament competition. 
• A team member is defined as any student-athlete who attends practices or games for their sport team – e.g., a freshmen basketball player moved to JV and then Varsity. 

45.2 Bona Fide waiver requests for Saturday and Sunday practices only do not need submission to the MIAA; rather, approval is determined by the High School Principal or principal’s designee. 

45.3 MIAA Bona Fide waivers are only allowed during the pre-season or regular season. Bona Fide Team Member Waivers (for missing any practice or game) are not permitted during MIAA post-season play. The postseason officially begins the day after the cut-off date. 

45.4 Unattached athletes are not eligible for tournament participation (see Rule 30). 

45.5 An ineligible student cannot be in uniform at an event. Attendance at the event will be determined by the High School Principal.

Penalties
First Offense: Student-athlete is suspended for one (1) contest and shall not participate in the next scheduled interscholastic competition that is part of their regular season schedule or in tournament play. 
Second Offense: Student-athlete is suspended for an additional 25% of the season and is ineligible for tournament play immediately upon confirmation of the violation. 

Penalty Carry Over: An unserved portion of the penalty for a violation toward the end of a season will carry over to the very next high school season in which the student is a legitimate participant. There are exceptions, and waivers are available to this rule.  If there are any questions, please contact the Athletic Office.

As a member of the MIAA, Blackstone Valley Tech High School (BVT) strictly enforces the rules listed below.  

1.0 Selling Drugs or Possession with the Intent to Sell during the Regular School Day or at Any School-Sponsored Function. (MGL Chapter 70, Section 37H)

1.1 Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic practices and/or games, using and/or in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun or knife; or a controlled substance as defined in chapter ninety-four C, including but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the Principal.  

1.2 Any student who assaults a Principal, Assistant Principal, Teacher, Teacher’s Aide or other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the Principal.

1.3 Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (1.1) or (1.2) shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing; provided, however, that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at said hearing before the Principal. After said hearing, the Principal may, at his/her discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a student who has been determined by the Principal to have violated either paragraph (1.1) or (1.2).  

1.4 Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have the right to appeal to the Superintendent-Director. The expelled student shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in which to notify the Superintendent-Director of his/her appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a hearing before the Superintendent-Director. The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual determination of whether the student has violated any provisions of this section.  School officials follow directives designated in the Memorandum of Understanding between BVT and the Upton Police Department.

1.5 When a student is expelled under the provisions of this section, no school or school district within the commonwealth shall be required to admit such student or to provide educational services to said student.  If the student does apply for admission to another school or school district, the Superintendent of the school district to which the application is made may request and shall receive from the Superintendent of the school expelling said student a written statement of the reasons for said expulsion. Added by St. 1972, c467; amended by St. 1973, c.430, s.5; St. 1987, c285; ST. 1989, c.603; ST. 1992, c.133, s.430; St. 1993, c.71, s.36; St. 1993, c.380, s.1.

Note: Students suspended for misconduct at school-sponsored extra-curricular activities will be banned from extra-curricular activities for one (1) calendar year.

Second Offense
1.6 Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic practices and/or games, using and/or in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun or knife; or a controlled substance as defined in chapter ninety-four C, including but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the Principal. Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (1.1) or (1.2) shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing; provided, however, that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at said hearing before the Principal. Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have the right to appeal to the Superintendent-Director. The expelled student shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in which to notify the Superintendent-Director of his/her appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a hearing before the Superintendent-Director. The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual determination of whether the student has violated any provisions of this section. School officials follow directives designated in the Memorandum of Understanding between BVT and the Upton Police Department.

Other Procedures
1.7 The Principal or their designee will turn over to the School Resource Officer all confiscated illicit drugs and paraphernalia on the day that the violation took place, and with a report.  

The Rule - (MIAA Handbook, Rule 62)
Student (and Coach) Eligibility: Chemical Health/Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco
From the earliest fall practice date, to the conclusion of the academic year or final athletic event (whichever is latest), a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product (including e-cigarettes, vape pens and all similar devices); marijuana (including synthetic); steroids; drug paraphernalia; or any controlled substance. This policy includes products such as “NA or near beer,” inhalants (defined as any substance that produces a mind-altering effect when inhaled), and misuse of over-the-counter medications and substances used for the purposes of altering one’s mental state. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by their doctor. 

This MIAA statewide minimum standard is not intended to impose “guilt by association”; e.g., many student-athletes might be present at a party where only a few violate this standard. This rule represents only a minimum standard that schools may use to develop more stringent requirements. 

If a student in violation of this rule is unable to participate in interscholastic sports due to injury or academic reasons, the penalty will not take effect until the student is able to participate again.

If a violation of this rule occurs while the student is serving a school suspension (either in-house or out-of-school), the chemical health violation penalty period will not begin until the school suspension period has concluded. 

If, on the other hand, the school suspension is directly related to the violation of the Chemical Health Rule, then the suspension and chemical health penalty will be served concurrently.
 

Minimum Penalties
First Violation: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests (regular season and tournament) totaling 25% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. For the student, these penalties will be determined by the season in which the violation occurs. No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program. It is recommended that the student be allowed to remain at practice for rehabilitation purposes. During the suspension, the disqualified student may not wear the uniform, and attendance at the competition site is determined by the high school principal. All decimal parts of an event will be truncated, i.e., all fractional parts of an event will be dropped when calculating 25% of the season.

Second & Subsequent Violations: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a second and subsequent violation has occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests (regular season and tournament) that together constitute 60% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. All decimal parts of an event will be truncated, i.e., all fractional parts of an event will be dropped when calculating 60% of the season.

If, after the second or subsequent violations, the student of their own violation becomes a participant in an approved chemical dependency program or treatment program, the student may be certified for reinstatement in MIAA activities after a minimum of 40% of events, provided the student was fully engaged in the program throughout that penalty period. The high school principal, in collaboration with a Chemical Dependency Program or Treatment Program, must certify that the student is attending or issue a certificate of completion. If the student does not complete the program, the penalty reverts to 60% of the season. All decimal parts of an event will be truncated, i.e., all fractional parts of an event will be dropped when calculating 40% of the season.

Penalties shall be cumulative each academic year, but serving the penalty could carry over for one year. Or, if the penalty period is not completed during the season of violation, the penalty shall carry over to the student’s next season of actual participation, which may affect the student's eligibility status during the next academic year.  

If a student is not an athletic participant for one full year after affirmation of a violation, then the penalty period would close, and the student would face no consequence. Prior to any chemical health violation, a student's request for and enrollment in a substance abuse treatment shall not in and of itself constitute a violation of the chemical health/alcohol/drugs/tobacco Rule 62.

During practice or competition, a coach shall not use any tobacco product.

In addition to the MIAA Student (and Coach) Eligibility: Chemical Health/Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco Policy, violations by a BVT student-athlete will also incur consequences established by the Student Handbook to be administered as follows:

Consequences for the Use or Possession of Tobacco & Tobacco Products
All BVT student-athletes are subject to the rules and regulations of the BVT student handbook, and in addition, but not limited to, student-athletes are also subject to the rules and regulations of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA).

First Offense:

• Choice of tobacco education program or suspension (3-day in-house)
• Parent Notification
• Notification of coaches/extra-curricular activity advisors

Second Offense:

• Suspension (3-day out of school)
• Parent Notification
• Notification of coaches/extra-curricular activity advisors

Consequences for Possession of Smoking-Related Items 
First Offense:

• Parent Notification
• Notification of coaches/extra-curricular activity advisors

Second Offense:

• Choice of tobacco education program or suspension (3 days out of school)
• Parent Notification
• Notification of coaches/extra-curricular activity advisors

Multiple offenses will result in up to 5 suspension days.

Note: Consequences for suspicion of tobacco use will be up to the discretion of the Administration.

The BVT Tobacco Education/Cessation Program will be facilitated by a staff member and students trained as facilitators.  Students who opt for the program in lieu of suspension must adhere to a contract.

Membership Position on PED
Anabolic androgenic steroid use and Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED’s) are of grave concern. Steroids are used by some athletes, and the seriousness of the problem has been well documented. A recent study indicates that over 3% of high school seniors have tried steroids in their lifetime (NIDA, 2004). High school coaches may not be able to prevent the use of steroids altogether, but they can clearly and forcefully discourage their use. Coaches should take a proactive role by learning about steroids and then providing this information to their athletes.

Steroids can, with proper diet and weight training, increase muscle development; however, as is typical with most “get-rich-quick” schemes, steroid use has serious short and long-term consequences.

Normal, equal muscular development can occur without steroid use. Although the natural process takes longer, muscle tone will last longer and does not carry the harmful side effects of steroids.

Most coaches would not intentionally promote steroid use. Total silence by coaches, however, condones use in some young people’s minds. Even though steroids may not be mentioned when it is suggested to an athlete that his/her success is limited only by a lack of weight and/or strength, without a disclaimer, the statement can be a motivation to use steroids. The pervasiveness of the drugs that allow for the development of increased weight under the aforementioned circumstances is a coercive power that is difficult for young athletes to resist without knowing what the side effects of the drugs may be.

The issue goes beyond protecting the integrity of sport. The use of steroids in sports is cheating. We must oppose the use of steroids for both health and ethical reasons.

Substance Abuse 
The STEP Act (passed by the Massachusetts Legislature in March 2016) requires each school district to disseminate educational materials to all student-athletes prior to each sports season regarding the use and misuse of opiates. This information, as provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, will be linked to the online registration and acknowledged by each student-athlete's parent/guardian prior to the season.

It is a coaching decision as to how team captains are selected. They may be elected by the team or appointed by the coach prior to the first regularly scheduled contest. Captains may also be elected or appointed on a game-by-game basis.

It is expected that team captains lead their teams and be ready to assume duties as outlined by their coaches. They are expected to be more aware of team rules and student-athlete responsibilities. Captains are expected to communicate with the coach and team in the event of any problems that may affect the team or its members. Captains meet with the Athletic Director during the preseason to discuss the athletic program and its policies.

The position of captain is one of honor, leadership, and responsibility. As a result, students serving in that capacity are expected to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner both in and outside of school. Any student who is involved in a violation of the discipline code that results in a suspension from school and/or team, or is found to be involved with drugs, alcohol, weapons, or crimes outside the school, will lose the ability to serve as captain or to be appointed or elected to the position of captain for the period of one calendar year. 

Captain’s Practice
According to the MIAA Handbook, the term “captain’s practice” usually means that the team’s captain(s) or senior(s) are organizing and conducting, without adult supervision, out-of-season practice for that sport. 

The MIAA does not in any way sanction, encourage, or condone “Captain’s Practice” in any sport. “Captain’s Practice,” depending on the member school’s involvement, may be a clear violation of the rule defining season limitations.

There is also a serious practical consideration. If it can be demonstrated that a school is allowing “Captain’s Practice,” the liability responsibility for an injured athlete may be quite serious.

These practices are designed by students to allow team candidates to “get in shape” for the upcoming season. They are not organized, attended, or sponsored by members of our BVT coaching staff. Since members of our BVT coaching staff are not permitted to be involved with these practices, they are NOT MANDATORY, attendance is NOT MONITORED by a BVT coach, and they are NOT part of our athletic program. 

One of the most important decisions facing high school students is what to do with their lives after high school. The members of the BVT athletic staff are willing and eager to assist all of their students with this extremely important decision. Staff members fully understand the importance of this assistance. They may be able to answer questions, contact schools and/or coaches, send videotapes (if available), and write letters of recommendation. The least they can do is guide students to more knowledgeable resources that can help with their decisions. If a student’s goal is to compete athletically at the collegiate level, it is very important to be aware of the ever-changing NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) regulations.  Copies of the latest regulations are available in the Athletic Office. The high school guidance department also has a wealth of information and experience on this topic. Please be familiar with these regulations and seek assistance if needed.

NCAA Eligibility Center
The NCAA Eligibility Center is a central repository for information on high school curricula. The NCAA maintains this information to conduct evaluations of incoming college freshmen. The NCAA evaluates high school graduates’ academic records in light of current NCAA initial-eligibility requirements. A prospective collegiate athlete needs to apply and receive a final certification by the Eligibility Center in order to participate in college athletics at the Division I, II, or III levels. A student-athlete does not need to apply if they will attend a junior college or an NAIA institution.

It is the practice at BVT to charge admission to some home contests, all homecoming contests, and during state vocational and district tournament games. Admission charges should be expected for contests in the following activities: varsity football games, varsity and junior varsity boys’ and girls’ basketball games and varsity hockey games. With the exception of hockey, the revenues generated by admission charges help offset the cost of the athletic programs at the high school. Revenues are used for the benefit of all teams, not just those that generate them. The revenue collected at Blackstone Valley Ice Plex during varsity hockey games helps offset the fees charged by the facility for the games. Season tickets for sports in which admission is charged at BVT will be made available in the future if the demand exists.

Postponed Contests
Many contests throughout the school year are postponed due to inclement weather. In most instances, it is the “home” school that calls for a postponement. By Central Massachusetts Athletic Conference (CMAC) and MIAA rules, games are to be made up on the next available open date on both schools’ schedules, including weekends, whenever practical.

Decisions on postponements are made as late in the day as is practicable to ensure proper notification of all interested parties. On school days, the most common time for afternoon contests is about 1:00 p.m. On non-school days and for evening contests, postponements are announced approximately 2 to 3 hours prior to the contest.

It is sometimes necessary, because of scheduling conflicts, to cancel rather than postpone sub-varsity and freshman contests. Cancellations of varsity contests, because of league standings and/or tournament qualification regulations, are extremely rare. If the school day has been canceled due to inclement weather, no team will be allowed to practice or participate in a regularly scheduled event or contest unless the principal grants special permission.

BVT expects all parties present at a contest to display the highest possible level of sportsmanship. Players, coaches, and spectators should treat opponents, game officials, and visiting spectators with respect.

The MIAA reserves the right to “warn, censure, place on probation, or suspend up to one calendar year any player, team, coach, game or school official or school determined to be acting in a manner contrary to the standards of good sportsmanship.”

BVT, in turn, reserves the right to impose the same penalties on spectators displaying poor sportsmanship at any of our contests, home or away.

Taunting

1. Taunting includes any actions or comments by coaches, players, or spectators that are intended to bait, anger, embarrass, ridicule, or demean others, whether or not the deeds or words are vulgar or racist.  Included is conduct that berates, needles, intimidates, or threatens based on race, gender identity, ethnic origin or background, and conduct that attacks religious beliefs, size, economic status, speech, family, special needs, or personal characteristics.
   
   Examples of taunting include but are not limited to: “trash talk”, defined as verbal communication of a personal nature directed by a competitor to an opponent by ridiculing his/her skills, efforts, sexual orientation, or lack of success, which is likely to provoke an altercation or physical response; and physical intimidation outside the spirit of the game, including “in the face” confrontation by one player to another, standing over/straddling a tackled or fallen player, etc.
    
2. Athletic participants may wear sun-glare black only under their eyes.
    
3. In all sports, officials are to consider taunting a flagrant unsportsmanlike offense that disqualifies the offending bench personnel or contestant from that contest/day of competition.  In addition, the offender shall be subject to all existing MIAA Disqualification Rules.  A review of the MIAA taunting policy and a warning shall be given to both teams by game officials prior to each contest.
    
4. At all MIAA contest sites and tournament venues, contest management may issue one warning to spectators for taunting.  Thereafter, spectators who taunt players, coaches, game officials, or other spectators should be ejected.

Comment: All MIAA-endorsed rulebooks give officials/umpires/judges authority to penalize what is generally considered taunting. The purpose of the MIAA’s action is to be more specific in the definition, more emphatic in the penalty of disqualifications, and more uniform in the application of the definition and enforcement from sport to sport.

Intent to Injure Rule
“The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's Rule Number 49.7 states “any student in any sport” (in the opinion of the game official) “who willfully, flagrantly or maliciously attempts to injure an opponent shall be removed from the contest immediately and shall be ineligible in all sports for one year from the date of the incident. (“Fighting” does not apply to this section unless warranted in the judgment of the game official.)

Hazing
In addition to violating Massachusetts General Laws, hazing is a most flagrant example of a lack of respect for both oneself and others.  Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, sections 17-19, were enacted in 1988.  The law requires that secondary schools provide all school groups (e.g., athletic teams) a copy of the law.

The Massachusetts Hazing Law is quoted below.  Hazing in any form is unacceptable.  If you have any concern that your son or daughter is involved in a hazing incident, we strongly encourage you to call the Coach, Athletic Director, or the Principal immediately.

Massachusetts State Law – Chapter 269, Section 17-19
Hazing is defined as any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization that willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or person.  Incidents of hazing must be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials as soon as reasonably practicable.

Chapter 269, Section 17 – Crime of Hazing, Definition, Penalty
“Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing as defined herein shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Hazing is defined as any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.  Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.”

Chapter 269, Section 18 – Duty to Report Hazing
“Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in Section seventeen and is at the scene of such a crime, shall, to the extent that such a person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such a crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such a crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.”

Chapter 269, Section 19 – Statutes to be Provided to Student Groups; Compliance Statement and Discipline Policy Required
“Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of secondary education shall issue to every group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and section seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, team or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’s recognition’s or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams, or organizations.

Each such group, team, or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants for membership.  It shall be the duty of each such group, team, or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgment stating that such group, team, or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post-secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full-time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post-secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the regents of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full-time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution’s policies to its students. The board of regents and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution that fails to make such a report.  Added by St. 1985, c.536; amended by St. 1987, c665. Consent to such treatment does not make it legal.

Harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, or disability in any form will not be tolerated.  Such harassment includes unsolicited remarks, gestures, or physical contact, display or circulation of written materials or pictures derogatory to either gender or to racial, ethnic, religious, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disabled individuals or groups.

If you have any concern that your son or daughter is involved in a harassment incident, we strongly encourage you to call the Coach, Athletic Director, or the Principal immediately.

1. Athletic Awards
Athletic awards on all levels are determined by the Athletic Director and the coach of that team.  Standards and requirements to earn the award are set by the varsity coach in each sport and must be publicized and made clear to all team members prior to the first contest or at the pre-season meeting.  The athletic department will honor athletes in good standing at an awards night at the conclusion of the fall, winter, and spring seasons.

2. Type of Awards
Varsity – Certificate with Gold Service Bar, Sport Insignia, Chenille Letter
Sub-Varsity – Certificate 
Freshman – Certificate 

3. Definition of Awards
Certificates: All members of athletic teams who end the season in good standing will receive a certificate indicating their level of participation.

Chenille Letters: Awarded to members of the Varsity athletic teams who have participated in a majority of the periods, quarters, halves, or innings in that season.  Also, Cross-Country runners who have averaged tenth place in their contests and Track and Field members who earn ten points in varsity meets. Athletes will receive only one chenille letter during their athletic career, typically awarded at the conclusion of their first varsity season. 
 
Sports Insignia: Awarded at the time of receiving the first varsity letter for an individual sport. Only one sports insignia pin is awarded per sport.

Service Bars: Awarded for each year participating in a Varsity sport.

Captain Bar: Awarded to each captain of a varsity sport.

Manager Bar: Awarded to each manager of a sport.

Central Massachusetts Athletic Conference (CMAC) All-Star
a. Nominations are made by the BVT Varsity Coach at the conference all-star meeting.
b. Selected by conference coaches in each sport.
c. Winner of conference competitions in Cross Country and Track and Field.

What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
If your child has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice, look for any of the following signs of a concussion:

• Headache or “pressure” in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Just “not feeling right” or “feeling down”
• Forgets instruction
• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about the assignment or positions
• Is unsure of the game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)

How can you help your child prevent a concussion or other serious brain injury?

• Ensure that they follow their coach’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport.
• Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
• Make sure they wear the right protective equipment for their activity. Protective equipment should fit properly and be well maintained.
• Wearing a helmet is a must to reduce the risk of a serious brain injury or skull fracture.

However, helmets are not designed to prevent concussions. There is no “concussion-proof” helmet. So, even with a helmet, it is important for kids and teens to avoid head impacts.

What should you do if you think your teen has a concussion?
Seek Medical Attention Right Away: A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to regular activities, including sports.

Keep Your Teen Out of Play: Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your teen return to play the day of the injury or until a health care professional says it’s OK. Children who return to play too soon—while the brain is still healing—risk a greater chance of having a repeat concussion. Repeat concussions or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.

Tell Your Teen’s Coach Any Previous Concussions: Coaches should know if your teen has had a previous concussion. Your teen’s coach may not know about a concussion your teen received in another sport or activity unless you tell the coach.

If you think your teen has a concussion, don’t assess it yourself. Take them out of play. Seek the advice of a health care professional.

Mouth Guards 
Mouth Guards are required for high-risk sports such as Football, Ice Hockey, Field Hockey, and Lacrosse. In May 2009, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) voted to make mouth guards “highly recommended” instead of required. Given the physical nature of basketball and soccer, the Athletic Department of BVT will continue to offer mouth guards to student-athletes who choose to wear them during the basketball and soccer seasons.

The Sports Medicine Committee of the MIAA has reviewed the research and statistics and concludes that the use of mouth guards will prevent or greatly reduce the risk of athletes suffering tooth damage or loss, jaw fractures, TMJ problems, or damage to the lips, tongue, and cheeks. Organizations that recommend mouth guards for basketball and soccer include the American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the Massachusetts Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the National Athletic Trainers Association, the National Youth Safety Foundation, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the National Federation. A properly fitted custom mouth guard is the best type for protection, comfort, breathing, and speech, but any mouth guard will give much more protection than none at all. The cost of a mouth guard is minimal. The Massachusetts Dental Society has a program called “Grin and Wear It” in which dentists have agreed to make mouth guards at a reduced fee. Further information about this program is available on the MIAA webpage.

Although outbreaks of MRSA usually have been associated with health-care institutions, MRSA is emerging as a cause of skin infections in the sports community. According to ESPN, roughly 130,000 Americans are infected with MRSA each year. MRSA is usually contracted through a break in the skin. It comes off the skin onto items such as towels, gym equipment, and body contact in sports.

Some guidelines for protecting your teen against infections:

• Washing uniforms and equipment after each game 
• Washing towels (do not leave towels in lockers in between games/practices)
• Not sharing water bottles
• Adequately covering wounds 
• Practicing and encouraging good hygiene, including showering with soap and hot water after all practices and competitions
• Avoiding sharing towels and personal items such as clothing or equipment
• Ensuring all shared equipment is routinely cleaned with an antimicrobial cleaning solution or disinfectant
• Practicing proper first aid for skin wounds and monitoring for signs of wound infection.
• Hand hygiene should always be performed after contact with any wound.
• Encouraging players to report all skin lesions to the team trainer or coach 
• Seeking immediate medical attention for any serious or potentially infected skin wound

As the athletic staff, we are working hard to raise student-athletes' awareness of this potentially serious infection, but we need your help. Please make sure you ask your son/daughter to take care of their uniforms and practice items daily. If you can help monitor that these items are being brought home and washed, we will be better able to prevent this infection from affecting our athletes.