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BACK to Grapevine HOME | Shen HOME SPORTSOn this page: Shen Rules, Mascot, NYSPHSAA Rules, Fans/Game Attendance, Tryouts, Team Specific Questions, Uniforms/Equipment/Facilities/Transport, Modified (7th/8th grade), Coaches, Booster Club Shen Rules/Policy Questions
Posted on September 15, 2010 Is there a policy about how students should be notified when they are cut from a varsity sports team? I think a generic typed note on a two inch piece of paper given to the athlete at the end of a long scrimmage in inappropriate.
Posted on December 1, 2010 I think all Shen athletes should be drug tested. You would lose a lot of the key players and I think they know that too. What is the athletic department scared of. If you think a signed contract is really working you all have your heads still in the sand. Wake up and smell the coffee. They are still just kids!!!!!
It's all or nothing... drama, music, art , honor society, technology clubs. We have about 5,000 students participating in extra curriculars at the middle and high school level. That would be a lot of drug testing.
Posted on December 21, 2010 Are boys allowed to join the field hockey team next year?
Posted on February 22, 2010 2nd request ...do faculty and staff have to pay admission at school sporting events that are held at home? Someone said you do not have to pay an entrance fee if you show your Shen ID. True ... or not ???
Posted on March 18, 2010 Dodgeball seems to be very popular at Shen and in the general High School population. Has the schools in Section 2 Athletics ever considered creating a Varsity Dodgeball team? Could you post a link where I could suggest they do so?
Posted on February 26, 2010 Can you please tell me how Shen handles students that get injured participating in a school sport or activity? How is insurance handled? If a family has insurance who is responsible for the co-pays being made per doctor visit? Thank you for your help.
Posted on February 22, 2010 Should a coach or an assistant coach for a particular sport that has a child soon to be or is participating in the same sport as the parent coaching, step down as to not cause a conflict or interest and favoritism?
Posted on December 21, 2010 My daughter plays a spring club sport which will involve a lot of travel for tournaments during this time. Will she be allowed to play a spring sport for the school? What are the rules for being on a school team and a club team club? Can she miss school games for club games?
Posted on March 2, 2011 Can girls play Varsity Football? Yes, but there are strict guidelines established by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for mixed competition. Please contact the athletic office for further information.
Posted on May 4, 2011 On the Shen Sports page, on the right hand side under Shen Sports where it lists all the sports that Shen has, why isn't tennis listed?
Those are sport web pages, not a listing of all sports.
Posted on September 1, 2011 Are there any sports kids in elementary schools can play for the school?
No.
Posted on May 4, 2010 Are there any school sports activities in middle school?
Posted on April 1, 2010 Is there a list online where we can find which students play on which athletic team?
Posted on August 9, 2010 What is the youngest age you can be to try out for a shen sport?
Posted on December 17, 2009 If you have a doctors note to get out of gym does that mean you can not compete in you Shen sport either?
Posted on June 4, 2008 My child has a doctors appointment and I was wondering how long he needs to be in school to still be able to play in his game?
It is an expectation that all student-athletes arrive to school on time and be there for the entire day. However, a doctor's appointment is a legal excuse and would not prohibit them from competing in interscholastic athletics.
Posted on May 12, 2008 Who coordinates the photo sessions with students as they sign "letters of intent" to play sports with their chosen colleges? At what location are these photos taken? Are they taken during school hours?
The athletic department coordinates the letter of intent signings for any student-athlete who will be compete in intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division I level. The signings for these student-athletes and their families are held in the library after school, usually at 3:15 PM.
Posted on May 6, 2008 If a student plays a sport in the high school, would it be appropriate for that student to carry a water bottle on game days if okayed by the teachers?
The high school administration allows any students to carry a water bottle during the day. However, teachers have discretion in the classroom, especially where there are computers and electronics equipment.
Posted on April 1, 2008 Why are athletes not allowed to take off their shirts if they are hot when practicing for an outdoor sport?
Because a new code of conduct was developed and approved changing the regulations that govern appropriate dress. For school events (for instance, dances) and athletic practices and contests, appropriate attire must be worn. This includes wearing shirts at practices.
Posted on March 5, 2008 Is Shen ever going to implement a program where student can try out for a secondary athletic team or some thing that will allow them to play in the school sports program other than intramurals?
Quite simply it comes down to budget implications of running two teams (transportation, referees, uniforms, coaches) and practice/game field space. With that said, Shenendehowa has 34 different varsity sports programs...the highest number of teams in Section 2.
Posted on November 7, 2008 I heard they were drug testing all the athletes this year is that true?
Shenendehowa does not drug test it's student-athletes.
Posted on January 11, 2010 As we have children who in some years could be on H.S. sports teams, I'd like to have you interpret the conduct issue as it relates to the alcohol. In your code the words about parties say "involving alcohol." A newspaper (about suspended students) phrases it that the students "attended a party where alcohol was present." Notice that neither the school code document nor the news story clarifies/makes a distinction of whether students consumed alcohol or not. A wedding reception is a party "involving alcohol," and is a "party where alcohol is present."
If a party serves alcohol to underage children, then that would be illegal. Those athletes who participated could be subject to an investigation with consequences warranted. As with any investigation, there are always extenuating circumstances and things are evaluated on a case by case basis.
Posted on January 8, 2009 I cannot understand why a district with the strength and size of Shen would actually allow the boys who were caught smoking pot back on a sports team. I feel they should be removed from the team and never allowed to represent our school in an athletic way. I feel the district is setting a very poor example for our younger children. This is failing our children when it comes to cause and affect.
As an educational institution, we believe that it is just as important that we give children an opportunity to learn from their mistakes, as it is to render appropriate disciplinary consequences. Just because they fail, doesn't mean that they are life-long failures. That is why we use progressive discipline, meaning the consequences become greater when students chose not to learn from their mistakes and continue to make bad decisions.
Posted on May 5, 2009 Is it true that a member of the boy's Varsity team failed four courses in the 3rd semester and only received a two week suspension? Since when does our code of conduct treat failing multiple classes so lightly and then other athletes in other situations are handled with a heavy hand. We should be worrying more about academics then play time.
An individual student's academic performance should not be the subject of conversation on the grapevine or anywhere else for that matter. It is a confidential matter between the school and the family.
Posted on January 23, 2009 I know you have previously answered a question concerning social networks such as Facebook, and how you do not regularly surf them. Is it the duty of a student to save and report such pictures to an administrator, or perhaps a coach, to show what sort of illicit activities these students are undertaking after school?
We encourage students to inform a coach or administrator about actions or activities of their peers that may be detrimental or unsafe, as well as a potential violation of school rules and regulations. These situations when reported would obviously be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Posted on February 25, 2009 I am very displeased to find out that one of my son's teachers has been showing his tests to his coach. Is this allowed??
Teachers will often seek out help from a coach as a way to work together to help out a "student-athlete." However, we would discourage a teacher from showing a test to a coach. If there is a concern, please contact the Director of Athletics. Mascot
Posted on May 5, 2009 How come we are Shen "plainsmen" and our mascot is a stallion?
Shenendehowa is interpreted to mean "the Great Plains." Horses roamed the plains.
Posted on May 28, 2009 I heard that a few years ago, someone had threatened to sue Shenendehowa for making the high school's mascot be a Plainsman. What was the last year that Shen used the Plainsman as its mascot? When did Shen start using a Stallion as its mascot?
There was never an issue with being called the plainsmen (or people who roamed the plains). The issue was with the use of a Native American figure as a mascot. District officials decided to begin phasing it out in 1995 because an individual expressed concerns that it depicted Native Americans in a demeaning and prejudicial fashion. In fact, in 2001 the New York State Education Department called for retirement of all "Indian" sports team tokens. In a four page statement the Department's Commissioner, Richard Mills, called for school boards "to end the use of Native American mascots as soon as practical." Reasons for this are many and include the belief that such race-related practices "can become a barrier to building a safe and nurturing school community and improving academic achievement for all students." The high school began using the horse (designed by a student and voted on by the student body) in 2005.
Posted on May 5, 2009 The real reason Shen has a stallion as its mascot and not an American Indian is because the school board in the '90's decided to cave to pressure and destroy EVERYTHING that represented our mascot. Our mascot was not derogatory to Native Americans. In fact, everything about Shen shows our pride in our history. Just look at the names of all of our schools. We really should go back to our original mascot. If they feel the need to get rid of the hatchet, fine, but give us back our PLAINSMAN. Plenty of other schools have American Indians as their mascots.
The person asked why we use the stallion, not why we stopped using the Native American logo. However, in response to your comment: the board never took action on the Native American logo. Instead, district officials decided to begin phasing it out in 1995 because of various concerns that it depicted Native Americans in a demeaning and prejudicial fashion. In fact, in 2001 the New York State Education Department called for retirement of all "Indian" sports team tokens. In a four page statement the Department's Commissioner, Richard Mills, called for school boards "to end the use of Native American mascots as soon as practical." Reasons for this are many and include the belief that such race-related practices "can become a barrier to building a safe and nurturing school community and improving academic achievement for all students." Commissioner Mills indicated in the statement that progress on the retirement process will be formally reviewed.
Posted on August 25, 2008 Are there that many Native Americans in the surrounding area that have a problem with "Plainsmen" and the logo associated? What about the Redskins a well-known professional football team?
The concern was never about the use of the word "Plainsmen" -- that refers to anyone who lived on the "plains." The NYS Commissioner of Education ruled that schools were to stop using images of Native Americans as logos or mascots.
Posted on May 5, 2008 Why are we not the plainsmen any more? If we still are then why do we not have an Indian or some thing of that nature as our mascot not a horse.
Shenendehowa loosely translated means “great plains.” That is why we ARE still the Plainsmen. We stopped using the Native American mascot/logo many years ago because many Native Americans expressed concerns about its use. Since then, the Commissioner of Education has also mandated that schools stop using Native American mascots and logos. In the meantime, students asked if they could develop a new mascot. Mascots were designed by students and then the entire student body voted and selected the horse.
NYSPHSAA
Posted on January 13, 2011 Why is it that an underclassman can replace a freshman on a team (where talent overrides), but not in the fine arts clubs and ensembles (where seniority overrides). A 9th grader could be cut by a freshman team for a 7th grader, and then, in the same year be cut from a play or music ensemble because the upperclassman has first dibs on the slot. The policy needs to be consistent across the board! Sports are bound by NYSPHSAA rules and regulations that allows for selective classification for gr. 7 and 8 athletes.
Posted on April 22, 2008 If one were to participate in a Shen sport all three seasons, is it possible to be exempt from physical education?
We no longer allow students to be exempt from Physical Education, regardless of the number of sports they participate in during the school year.
Posted on October 14, 2009 Why are high school students not allowed to take game days anymore? This seems ridiculous,
Posted on March 17, 2008 How many consecutive days are sports teams allowed to practice/play? Isn't there a limit?
According to the New York Public High School Athletic Association, during the regular season a team or individual can only practice/play six days during a calendar week. The only time a team or individual may practice/play more is during competition that is considered post season, sectional or state level play.
Posted on July 24, 2008 What is the Suburban Athletic Council league policy which prohibits coaches from working with athletes in the off-season?
A high school coach may coach an organized team of student-athletes from his/her district outside of the season as long as those students do not make up more than 50% of that coaches team. Please contact the athletic director if there is a question or concern.
Posted on June 11, 2008 A Shen Varsity coach has been managing a team in the spring/summer, he attends practices and works with the players ages 15-17. In section 2 it's against rules for a coach to be practicing with players in their program during the school off-season. What can be done?
There is no violation of the Suburban Council 'off-season rule' for a coach to attend a practice of an AAU team. Also, this is a league rule and not a Section 2 rule. The coach has the right to help organize and manage the off-season program. However, they should not be coaching in games or offering instruction in AAU practices. Should there be a concern please contact the Director of Athletics.
Posted on June 24, 2008 What is the criteria for recognition as a varsity scholar athlete? Is this award selected individually by the coach of each team?
A varsity athlete has to carry a 90 average during the marking period that they participated in their respective sports season. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association handles the team awards for scholar-athletes. However, throughout the course of the year, coaches have the ability to nominate student-athletes for various scholar-athlete awards that are given locally, regionally and across the state.
Posted on June 11, 2008 What are the nine sports that Suburban Council athletics is grouping into northern/southern divisions as part of the two-year pilot program?
The following nine sports were approved to move into a two-division geographic break down starting in the 2008-09 school year. It was approved unanimously 12-0 by league athletic directors at the December 7, 2007 Suburban Council League meeting. The nine sports are: Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Boys Volleyball, Girls Volleyball and Boys Bowling
Fans --Attendance at Sporting Events/Apparel Questions
Posted on January 29, 2009 Why doesn't Shen charge more for the basketball and football games? They could easily charge twice the price, 5-6 dollars, and People would still attend. With the current budget cuts from the state, It would be a great way to raise more money, and help out the school.
We do not charge parents and students as a way to raise revenue. We charge admission to offset costs for things such as chaperones, lights on fields, etc.
Posted on January 23, 2009 As a parent of two students that perform at halftime during football and basketball seasons, I find it ridiculous that I have to pay for myself, my spouse, and any other siblings that may come to watch my children perform. Do the parents of football and basketball players also have to pay to see them? We put in many hours for our own fundraising along with paying a substantial amount for uniforms, etc. Why should we have to pay to show our children support and come to see them?
We charge at those contests to offset costs such as chaperones, security, lights on the field, etc. And yes, parents of basketball players and football players pay their way into contests.
Posted on October 20, 2008 What is Shenendehowa's policy for painting ones body at an athletic competition, for example a chest at a football game? If this is not allowed what are the consequences of doing so? Also what other acts may students take to show their school spirit?
School spirit is encouraged at all sporting events. We would simply ask that students respect the parameters set forth by the district's code of conduct, including the dress code.
Posted on February 29, 2008 What sports team apparel is available throughout the year? I know it serves as a fundraiser when the sport is in season, but what's available yearlong from all of the sports teams?
Posted on August 13, 2008 Over the past few years evening soccer games for the varsity boys and girls have been reduced significantly. I realize that there is an added expense involved with night games, but for working parents, trying to get to 4:00 games regularly can be a great hardship. I can't imagine varsity football games being held at 4:00 on a Monday night. The attendance at night soccer games is significant, so the gate charge must offset any increased expense.
The scheduling of night games is a league issue and not a sport vs. sport, or a Shenendehowa issue. During the month of September, because most schools have back to school functions and open houses on weeknights, the Suburban Council Athletic Directors and Principals decided that there would be no night games during this month to avoid conflicts. With that said, after October 1st, teams are allowed to play night games, but there are restrictions on the number of night games that can be played from Monday to Thursday. Generally, for Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer, they have the opportunity to play two home and two away night games during the season. These teams are also offered the opportunity to play on Friday and Saturday nights, but the coaches have usually decided to play the Friday games after school and the Saturday games during the day.
Posted on February 20, 2008 Will there be more night games scheduled for sports? If not, why?
The athletic office works with other Suburban Council schools to see which games can be played in the evening.
Posted on February 20, 2008 Why does it cost $6 at sectional contests for interscholastic athletics?
The cost of admission to sectional contests is determined by the Section 2 Athletic Council.
Posted on February 15, 2008 Why can't middle school students go to most sporting events without an adult? Can they have permission from their parent?
Unsupervised middle school/elementary students at sporting events create a safety issue and, in the past, have presented behavioral problems as well. That is why they must be accompanied by an adult.
Posted on February 15, 2008 Can you be written up for anything at a sporting event run by the school that is off of school property? Even if the event is over? Why?
Yes. Because it is a district sponsored and supervised event. According to the code of conduct, students are expected to: "Represent Shenendehowa when participating or attending school sponsored events with the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship."
Posted on February 26, 2010 Why do you have to pay to see boys basketball but not girls basketball? Is it a booster club thing? Just curious...
Posted on May 13, 2009 Friday Night football games haven't always been the norm, 35 years ago, we had games on Saturday afternoons. Can we go back to that?
Administration has explored the option of moving football games to Saturday afternoon, but at this point has chosen to keep the games on Friday night.
Posted on September 10, 2009 If I am interested in bringing my elementary school child to a Shen football game, can I just show up or do I need tickets in advance? Are there certain sections to sit in?
Tryouts
Posted on May 4, 2011 Does someone need to tryout for a sports team? Apparently there is a few individuals who don't.
For teams that select rosters, all students must tryout. If you have a concern, contact the athletic director.
Posted on December 5, 2008 What are the rules regarding tryouts for a team if a student at the time of tryouts has a cast?
These situations, where a student is not able to try-out because of injury, are dealt with on a case by case basis. You should contact the coach of the sport or the Director of Athletics.
Posted on February 20, 2008 Do you have to live in the district for a certain period of time before you can play on a freshman, JV or varsity sports team?
Posted on February 7, 2008 My question concerns tryouts for sports that are held in August. How are we supposed to make family vacation plans when we don't know when tryouts will be?
Tryouts and starting dates for each sport and each season are determined by the Section II of the NYSPHSAA (New York State Public High School Athletic Association). The section just approved August 18 as the starting date for all Fall 2008 sports. Even though cheerleading is not part of NYSPHSAA, we generally encourage the coaches to follow these dates.
Posted on February 6, 2008 Can juniors tryout for junior varsity sports teams?
Generally juniors tryout for varsity but they can make a junior varsity team.
Posted on August 13, 2008 What grade do you have to be in to try out for gymnastics?
In order to try out for gymnastics, students need to be 9th grade. However, for gifted gymnasts, the coach can recommend that a 7th or 8th grader can go through the selection classification process. Please refer to the Shenendehowa Web Site Sports page for further information pertaining to selective classification if your child is in 7th or 8th grade. Team Specific Questions
Posted on June 1, 2010 How was the broadcasting of the softball game paid for?
Posted on September 15, 2010 Do they have Shen varsity golf in the spring?
Posted on December 15, 2010 You should make a website for the swim team.
Boosters or coaches create websites for teams.
Posted on January 13, 2011 I tried to find this answer on the archives but i cant open it up. I assume the answer is in sports tryouts. I am wondering in what grade a student can try out for the highs chool track team. Thanks. Students can go out for track in 9th grade unless they were recommended for selective classification by a varsity coach.
Posted on January 13, 2011 I heard a rumor that Shen is going to have a rugby team next year, is this true? and if so where can i receive information on this? Not true.
Posted on February 16, 2011 Is there a reason why the girls and boys varsity basketball games are always on the same night? I hope the athletic department took note last night (2/10/11) as to how crowded the gym was for the girls varsity basketball game. Every game would be like this for boys and girls if the athletic departments stopped scheduling them on the same evening. And to add insult to injury the Shen hockey teams games have fallen on a number of the same nights also. In order for Shen to have school spirit the athletic department needs to make some changes. The Suburban Council scheduling philosophy has been to play the boys and girls basketball games on the same night at opposite sites to alleviate gym and space issues. With the games being played at opposite sites, it allows athletic directors flexibility in using different nights for make-up games as result of weather (as we have seen the last 6 weeks) or school issues. In the Suburban Council during the winter, Tuesday’s and Friday’s are designated as basketball nights, Wednesday is wrestling and Mondays and Thursday are for make-up and lower level contests, such as modified sports. As athletics directors, we also have to consider that we need home and away balance since we also have to account for additional transportation for sports such as bowling, indoor track, boys swimming and diving, gymnastics, cross country skiing and alpine skiing. Hockey is scheduled based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, rink availability.
Posted on September 1, 2009 Is there a modified girls basketball team?
No.
Posted on August 18, 2009 Is Shen golf not a Shen sport??? Why does my son have to pay for the try outs
Due to the large number of students that come out for golf, we ask each student-athlete to pay for the cost of greens fees ($10) during the try-out period. Once the team is selected, the athletic department takes care of the costs of green fees for league and sectional competitions.
Posted on February 11, 2008 Why can't the track team run in the hallways before 4 p.m.?
It is a safety issue. The building still has a significant number of people in the halls between 3 and 4 p.m.
Posted on July 15, 2009 What grade can girls start playing field hockey?
We have a modified field hockey team so girls can start playing in 7th grade.
Posted on February 25, 2009 My son is in 6th grade and is interested in track. Is there a track club in the spring he can participate in? Also, what grade can you try-out for the Shen track team or is there a modified track team for 7th & 8th grade.
There is no modified track team. However, gr. 7/8 students can selectively classify for track due to the fact the sport is not one that has a limited roster. Sixth graders are not eligible for an interscholastic team under New York State Public High School Athletic Association rules.
Posted on May 5, 2009 I have heard that other area high schools (Bethlehem for sure) are cutting the Friday night football games to save money due to budget cuts, is Shen following suit and moving the varsity football games to Saturday to save money?
Bethlehem is the only suburban school moving Friday night football games to Saturday. This has not been considered because the cost savings on the lights is minimal.
Posted on November 4, 2009 I know there is a bowling team at Shen. Is it only for high schoolers at HSE or is it also for HSW?
Posted on September 19, 2008 Why is there a boys golf team, and not a girls?
This is more of Section 2 issue rather than a Shenendehowa issue. Currently, there are no girls golf teams in Section 2. Girls have the opportunity through the mixed competition rules of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association to compete with the boys team in golf.
Posted on April 21, 2008 Does the Shen High School boys soccer team practice in the spring?
No.
Posted on December 5, 2008 I heard that the school does not sponsor the Shen hockey team. If this is true I was just wondering why the Shen staff are allowed to monitor the game and the fans.
Shen Hockey is part of the athletic program, the Section 2 Athletic Council and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. Because the cost of renting ice time is extremely high ($195 per hour), the district and booster club split the cost.
Posted on December 11, 2008 What is Shen athletic policy with respect to covering the cost of sports that are held off-site. i.e. the cost of ski team passes, the cost of hockey ice time, the cost of pool time at UAlbany? Thx
The athletic department budget can not cover all these costs. For example, with regards to Alpine Skiing, the athletic department pays for transportation costs (roughly $250/ day) for all skiers to be transported to West Mountain but does not pay for lift tickets.
Uniforms, Equipment, Team Facilities and Transport
Posted on May 1, 2008 Why are track athletes not allowed to take their shirt off during hard workouts and runs at practice? I am a male track athlete and can accurately represent all the other male track athletes that is extremely uncomfortable to wear a t-shirt when it's over 70 degrees outside.
In accordance with the Shenendehowa Code of Conduct, all students must be appropriately dressed. This includes wearing shirts at practice. This rule has to be applied consistently across the board for all sports and all athletes (boys and girls) in order for it to be fair.
Posted on April 22, 2008 At a recent girls track meet, I noticed team members trading uniforms. Does the track team not have enough uniforms for all the members? If so, is this due to the fact that there are no cuts made?
Uniforms for both our Boys and Girls Track Teams have been an issue due to the large number of students who participate in this sport. This is a sport where we do not cut, so the number of student-athletes may be higher than the number of uniforms that we have for members of the team. We are currently in the process of examining our uniform replacement system to make sure that all students have the appropriate uniforms for contests.
Posted on March 18, 2008 My child has just started track and field and he is throwing. His coach has told him he should get a pair of throwing shoes which will help him with his particular event. My question is why doesn't Shen provide these shoes if they are essential to the sport?
Athletic apparel such as shoes are the responsibility of the participant. In those occasional situation where a student-athlete cannot afford to purchase, in this case shoes, the athletic department looks to the respective booster club for assistance.
Posted on March 17, 2008 When my child is on varsity football, how does he go about getting his name and number on his jersey? I heard that you could get it done if you pay for it.
There has been a long standing tradition of allowing seniors on the football team the opportunity to purchase their jersey with the name on the back. The specific details are provide by the coach prior to the start of the season.
Posted on March 5, 2008 Why must I pay for uniforms for the girls' tennis team? It appears that all other sports have uniforms to issue to the players each year.
The athletic department is currently looking at its uniform replacement procedures to avoid student athletes having to purchase uniforms for sports teams. However, some players and teams choose to purchase their uniforms so that they can have them.
Posted on May 28, 2009 How much does it cost to use the sports fields lights for night games?
There is no way to determine it or get that specific with electrical costs.
Posted on May 13, 2010 How is it the school clubs can justify transporting athletes to games via Upstate Transit? When I stop at the high school to pick up my daughter I've noticed these buses. Isn't it cheaper to pay a school bus driver rather than pay this company?
Modified Sports (gr. 7-8)
Posted on September 9, 2009 How do 7th graders get waivers to try out for Freshman sports, such as Volleyball or Softball, that say you must be in 8th grade to try out? I know 7th graders that were able to try out for Freshman volleyball this year, and made the team.
You should speak to the head varsity coach of that sport. We only do this when student-athletes are exceptional in a given sport.
Posted on September 8, 2009 I'm going into 8th grade this year and I am considering joining modified wrestling. Do I need a sports physical or any other papers?
Yes. Go to the sports web page, it tells you everything you need to go out for a sport.
Posted on October 14, 2009 Is selective classification once a year or each sport season? if each season, when is it for winter sports?
Posted on February 7, 2008 Can 7th and 8th graders tryout for freshmen athletic teams?
Seventh and eighth grade students can tryout to participate on an interscholastic athletic team. They must first go through the selective classification process. Click here for more information about that.
Posted on March 5, 2008 My child went to the selective classification meeting when will she know if she has made the track team?
Selective classification only ensures that a student is ready to tryout for a team, it does not guarantee a spot on the team. Each sport has a different set of standards for selective classification. These are covered with the student athletes. If a student does not meet the standard, the coach will make them aware of it.
Posted on February 11, 2008 Why in a school this size do we allow middle school students to try out for high school sports when the opportunities are limited for current high school students?
NYS Public High School Athletic Association regulations allow for middle school students, if qualified through the selective classification process, to try out for our athletic teams.
Posted on April 22, 2008 Why wasn't my question answered about a third baseball field and a modified baseball team?
The athletic department constantly exams the feasibility of different modified sports and their impact on the budget. We are in the initial phases of developing a comprehensive plan for enhancement of our modified sports programs. A couple of years ago, funding for modified baseball, softball and soccer teams were included in the budget but the budget was defeated.
Posted on September 30, 2008 Is there modified level for boys soccer?
There is no modified level for soccer -- boys or girls. A proposal for modified teams in soccer, baseball and softball was included in the budget a couple of years ago but it was defeated.
Posted on March 13, 2008 Why don't we have a boy's modified basketball team?
In the past, the need for a modified level has not been a priority with certain sports because they have such a strong youth league. However, the new athletic director is committed to developing a multi-year plan that will address the needs of several teams that currently do not have a modified level.
Posted on November 4, 2009 Why does the field hockey team get to practice on the football field and not the football team?
Coaches
Posted on May 4, 2011 Would the athletic department ever hire a football coach who has never had experience? If the answer is no then how come they hire a pole vault coach who has never coached or attempted the event himself?
Yes. Actually many of our coaches are hired with little or no experience, including some in football. Our pole vaulting coaches are doing an admirable job considering they have had to deal with the presence of a former coach hanging around and undermining their authority with our current student-athletes and parents.
Posted on April 9, 2009 How many coaches do not have teaching certificates?
Most of our coaches are certified PE teachers. We currently have seven non-teaching coaches. Of those, two have their professional coaching certification, two have their temporary coaching certification. One is in the process of getting a coaching certification, one is in a graduate level PE program and one is in the process of getting their teaching certification. There has been confusion over the cheerleading advisor, but that is not a coaching position. Cheerleading is not recognized as a sport by N.Y.S. That is an advising position and therefore subject to different guidelines.
Posted on February 6, 2008 Is coaching a tenured position? How and when do the coaches change?
Coaching is not a tenured position. Every year, the Board of Education must formally act to approve coaching recommendations from the Athletic Director for fall, winter and spring assignments. At Shen, we typically appoint the present staff should they express interest in continuing and the district wants them to continue. Coaches are paid according to the coaching salary schedule found in the Shenendehowa Teachers Association contract.
Posted on June 4, 2008 How are varsity coaches evaluated? Is there specific criteria they must meet from year to year in order to maintain their position? The perception is that once a coach gets a varsity coaching position, it is theirs for life.
All coaches are evaluated annually by the Director of Athletics. During the 2007-08 school year, a new evaluation mechanism was developed by the Director of Athletics and the coaches. It will be used starting in the2008 fall season. And assuming a coach has had satisfactory evaluations, they can continue to coach.
Posted on December 11, 2008 How can are coaches chosen, and is there anything the team members can do to get a new and just one?
If a student athlete has a concern with a coach, please contact the Athletic Director.
Posted on May 5, 2008 Is it true that the kids that made the Freshmen baseball team all paid to take a class with the high school coach? I think that the coach should not be permitted to charge anyone for a class, that is a conflict don't you think?
The baseball coach runs a winter instructional camp and has been doing so for more than a decade. The camp is open to all students in grades 7-12 throughout the capital district. This camp complies with all Suburban, Section and State Regulations. It is completely optional for students to attend.
Posted on June 4, 2008 I heard that our basketball and soccer teams that play travel/AAU are coached by members of our Shen staff of the same sport. Ethically this seems like a grey area where students have to pay to play and get exposure to the Shen staff.
The Suburban Athletic Council has a league policy which prohibits coaches from working with athletes in the off-season in the sport in which they coach the student-athletes. However, by league rule, coaches can work with any14 and under youth, travel and AAU teams. The policy has been in place for over a decade, was just re-examined and re-approved by the league Athletic Directors.
Posted on April 24, 2009 In response to the coaching certification inquiry on 4/9, I think it is advisable to also inform the community that coaches have 5 years from the time of hire to obtain their certification. Otherwise, community members may question why the coaches who are not certified are not terminated. Is this accurate information?
Coaches actually have three years from the initial appointment. This is why our athletic department applied and was granted approval to teach Phase I, II and III courses for coaching certification. It helped get all our coaches brought up to speed with their certification requirements.
Posted on April 24, 2009 If the athletic director "evaluates" coaches each year, I assume he actually attends several games without announcing that he is present? I hope his "evaluation" is not based strictly on a teams performance and stats. Specifically, a coaches "coaching" and behavior towards players should be at the forefront.
Booster Clubs
Posted on December 1, 2010 What is the policy for transparency for the various booster club expenditures? All these clubs put pressure on athletes and parents alike (seriously IT IS PRESSURE-no hiding behind the its voluntary thing. We know better) to raise funds yet there is such a secret about where the cash goes. If you have the nerve to ask its like you made a huge social gaff. Non profits have a reporting-does Shen have any requirements or oversight in place?
This is a very valid point. We have been discussing greater transparency to build and preserve the trust of parents, especially knowing that we will have a greater reliance on such vehicles to support aspects of all our extra curricular programs.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Is it true that all Booster clubs will be required to use the same logo and order through the same vendor?
Many of our coaches have complained that over the years our sports teams and programs have utilized different logos and styles in representing the Shenendehowa Athletic Department. In an effort to add some consistency across programs, we have encouraged coaches and booster clubs to use the script "Shen" logo. The athletic department has also encouraged coaches to work with booster clubs to use vendors who can provide us with the greatest opportunity to maximize our dollars.
Posted on July 24, 2008 If a high school student makes the lacrosse team why are they compelled to sell or purchase raffle tickets to fund the booster club? Shouldn't school taxes cover the cost of being on the team. In addition, why is equipment (helmets, pads) provided to football players but not to lacrosse players? It ends up being very expensive to families to have their child play and represent Shenendehowa in lacrosse.
Student-athletes are sometimes asked to participate in fundraising to help offset some of the costs associated with being on a sports team. It is generally up to the coach of the program and the booster club to determine the need for fundraising and how the money raised will be utilized. For example, some teams use the revenue generated by fundraising to offset costs for the end of the year banquet and awards. Students should not feel compelled to have to sell tickets. This should be something that you could take up with the coach, or please contact the athletic director. The lacrosse program does provide pads and helmets to student-athletes. Whether they choose to use the that equipment or their own is a decision that they make.
Posted on October 6, 2009 Why do some sport have there own website and others have none?. Missing are girls basketball, girls volleyball, tennis, field hockey. Shouldn't all sports be recognized?
Posted on January 13, 2009 What is the school policy regarding Booster Clubs and fundraising. I thought that participating in fundraising was optional for parents, but have been highly pressured by the booster club to buy the all the stuff. If you don't send in your money, they call you until you do. I do not appreciate this attitude and don't think my son's involvement in the team should be dependent on a monetary contribution to booster club (or even be implied that it's related). Please have the Athletic Director instruct booster club parent leaders about the proper way to "ask" parents for support!!
Participating in fundraising is optional. Click here for the board of education policy 7450 on fundraising. The athletic director does talk to booster clubs about our fundraising policy. If you have a concern about a specific group, please contact Chris Culnan at 881-0390.
Posted on January 27, 2009 Regarding the post about booster clubs and fundraising - if a team member and their family do not participate in fundraisers, should they be responsible to pay from their own pocket for the event they didn't fundraise for?
The district budget supports all the needs related to health and safety, transportation within the section, officials costs, etc. Outside fundraising is done only for program enhancements.
Sports Physicals
Posted on May 10, 2010 I don't understand what I need to do for sports physicals at all. And what does recertification mean. This is very confusing.
Posted on October 22, 2009 I've reviewed the information on the Sports page, but just need clarification on one question. I had a sports physical for cross country this year. Do I need another physical for a winter sport, or do I just need to complete the recertification form? I am getting different answers from the coaches. Please help.
Posted on February 10, 2009 For recertification of a physical to play a 2nd sport, do you have to go the the sports physical night or can you turn in the recertification form to the high school nurse?
You should see your class nurse to determine if a physical is needed, or just the recertification form.
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