8
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
process must be started prior to the beginning of the season and all team members must be
aware of expectations. If it becomes obvious that a student cannot fulfill the obligations of
the primary sport or that by limited participation in the secondary sport a question of the
ability to safely participate is raised, the student may find himself or herself in a position of
having to withdraw from one of the activities.
Dropping or transferring sports: Quitting is a less than desirable habit to acquire. On
occasion however, an athlete may find it necessary to drop a sport for good reason. If this
is the case, the athlete will be responsible for informing the coach in person and to check in
all equipment issued within 24 hours of the decision.
If an athlete wishes to change sports after having won a letter or award in one sport, he/she
should consult with both head coaches concerned. This procedure assures a smooth
transfer that is in the best interest of all parties involved.
Equipment: School equipment assigned to the student/athlete is her/his responsibility.
She/he is expected to keep it clean and in good condition. Loss and/or the destruction of
any school issued equipment are the athlete’s financial obligation.
Missing practice: Perfect attendance for all practices is the expectation for all Okemos
athletes. If it is necessary for an athlete to miss a practice, the coach of that team shall be
notified prior to the absence. Unexcused absences are unacceptable and can lead to
consequences related to the athletes’ status on the team.
Travel: In general, Okemos athletes travel to and from athletic contests in transportation
provided by the athletic department. There will be times and/or situations however when
athletes will have to provide their own transportation either to practices or contests.
Parents will be encouraged to monitor self-provided transportation situations for their
athlete.
College recruitment: College recruitment information is available in the both the
guidance and athletic office. Current NCAA qualifications and standards for recruitment
are located in the section VII of this handbook. Athletes should make the head coach
aware of their situation in regards to being recruited.
Conflicts in extracurricular activities: We believe that the opportunity for participation in
a wide variety of student-selected activities is a vital part of the student’s educational
experience. A comprehensive and balanced activities program is an essential complement
to the basic program of instruction offered at Okemos High School and will enable the
student to take maximum advantage of his/her education. Such participation is a privilege
that carries with it responsibilities to the school, to the activity, to the student body, to the
community and to the student. Participation in these activities will provide students with
the opportunity to develop personal values, skills and a positive attitude toward work and
leisure time activities.
The athletic and fine arts programs will be available to all students who demonstrate an
interest in participating, regardless of their individual abilities. Accordingly, appropriate
skill levels will be established within activities, when feasible, so those students may
participate as fully as possible regardless of their ability levels. However, an individual
student who attempts to participate in several co-curricular activities simultaneously might
on occasion, be in a position of a conflict of obligations. If it becomes obvious that a
student cannot fulfill the obligation of a school activity without continuously inviting