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The Nova Classical Academy Athletic/Extracurricular Handbook 2022-23 Nova Classical Academy 1455 Victoria Way 651.209.6320
Leah Rogers Administrative Assistant x 237
Contents Grade and Credit Requirements 7 Code of Conduct and Sportsmanship 7 About the High School League 8 Participation in Multiple Activities in the same season 10 Weather-Related School Days, Saturdays, and Holidays 10 Care of Uniforms, Equipment, and Personal Property 10 Harassment, Violence, or Hazing/Bullying 11 Injuries and Medical Release 12 Communication Issues or Concerns 13 Starting a New Club (or reviewing current clubs) at Nova 20 Registration Fees and Forms 22 Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Forms 22
About This HandbookThis Handbook provides the pertinent rules and expectations applying to all participants in athletics as well as non-athletic extracurricular at Nova Classical Academy. Students, parents, coaches, teachers, and school administrators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the contents of this Handbook and use it as a reference when questions arise. Understanding the policies that govern extracurricular significantly reduces concerns and unforeseen problems. A student’s failure to comply with the rules outlined in this Handbook may result in reduced participation time or dismissal from the activity/team upon agreement of the coach/advisor, program director, and school administrator. Handbook Updates Additions, corrections or amendments to this Handbook are under the express authority of the Nova Classical Academy. This Handbook is updated and republished at the beginning of every school year.
Welcome letterTo Parents and Students, Whether you are a new or a current participant, your interest in the athletic and non-athletic extracurriculars program at Nova Classical Academy is gratifying. Participation in extracurriculars is an integral part of the lives of students, and Nova is proud of the program we have built. Welcome, and welcome back. To parents, this Handbook is presented to you because your son or daughter has indicated a desire to participate in extracurriculars at Nova and you have expressed your willingness to permit him or her to participate. To students, this Handbook is your guide to participating in competitive sports and non-athletic extracurriculars at Nova. Nova believes that participation in extracurriculars provide a wealth of opportunities and experiences that promote personal growth. Paired with Nova’s commitment to academic excellence, the athletic and non-athletic extracurricular program offers a well-organized, properly controlled program which meets the students’ needs for self-expression, mental alertness, and physical development. It is our hope to maintain a program that is sound in purpose and will further each student’s educational and emotional maturity. Go Knights! Christian Rovn Activities Director
MissionNova strives for a winning tradition through developing excellence, pride, participation, and community support across all its extracurricular offerings. Nova Classical Academy believes:
The extracurricular program at Nova Classical Academy is an integral part of the total educational experience. The intent of the program is to enrich a student’s life while preparing him/her for future endeavors. A student who participates in any extracurricular activity no longer acts only as an individual but assumes the obligations of being a member of a team and representative of the school. Students who participate in extracurriculars comprise much of the visible student leadership in a school. While it is an honor for a student to be a part of the extracurricular program, it is also a privilege. Students who participate in extracurricular activities are required to comply fully with all policies outlined in this manual. Once a student is a member of the team/group, s/he is considered a member year round and must adhere to the policies set forth in this Handbook and to rules established by the coach/advisor. When a student becomes a member of a Nova team or program, s/he has the responsibility of representing the school in the best possible way, personally and academically. A parent also accepts the responsibility of respectfully supporting not only their child, but all participants, coaches, advisors, officials, and spectators. Student ParticipationAll students who qualify have the privilege to participate in extracurricular activities and shall not be denied the opportunity to participate on the basis of sex, race, religion, or ethnic background. Only those students properly enrolled in Nova may represent that school in extracurricular activities as direct student participants. An exception to this may be managers/mascots not enrolled in Nova with the written approval of the Upper School Director. In order to participate in extracurricular activities, the following forms (if applicable) must be completed and on file with the appropriate coach/advisor:
If a student decides to stop participating in an extracurricular activity, the registration fee is forfeit. A reimbursement will only be given if practices have not started and equipment has not been ordered for them. Grade and Credit RequirementsIn order to participate in extracurricular programs at Nova, students must satisfy the following grade and credit requirements. The credit requirement pertains only to students in the School of Rhetoric.
The academic status of each student is monitored and reviewed individually. In general, if a student fails to meet these requirements, he or she is not eligible to participate in a game or activity until the program director deems his or her academic status satisfactory. Students may, however, continue to attend all practices and meetings. ExpectationsThis section provides parents and students an overview of what is expected of them as participants in the extracurricular program at Nova Classical Academy. A competitive contest represents a challenge that involves planning, preparation, practice, facing the ordeal, winning or losing, reasoning, and finally regrouping – a process repeated over and over in life. The Nova student accepts this challenge and strives always to be:
Code of Conduct and SportsmanshipNova believes that high standards of conduct are essential to maintaining sound athletic and extracurricular programs. Parents and students must abide by high standards of respect. Students who violate rules or otherwise engage in conduct detrimental to the group, school, or community shall be disciplined in an appropriate manner. All students must abide by the following code of conduct that earns them the honor and respect that participation affords: Knights Extracurricular Code of Conduct “As a student, I will respect and support my peers, opponents, advisors, officials, event staff, spectators, and school staff. I will be at every practice, event, or meeting on time and not leave until the end of the event, unless I have notified the advisor and obtained written permission. I know that how I act reflects on the program, the school, and myself. Therefore, I will display good character and use good judgment while participating in extracurriculars for Nova Classical Academy. I understand that academics are my first priority and that participating in extracurriculars is a privilege and not a right. I also will use the issued equipment safely and properly return any equipment and/or uniforms by the return date or at the end of the activity.” About the High School LeagueThe mission of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) is to provide educational opportunities for students through interscholastic athletics and fine arts programs, and provides leadership and support for member schools. The League is a voluntary, nonprofit association of public and private schools with a history of service to Minnesota's high school youth since 1916. Today, nearly 500 schools are members of the League. Nova Classical Academy officially joined the League in 2010 and participated in boys’ soccer, co-ed flag football, boys’ basketball, and girls’ volleyball. The League exists to provide competitive, equitable and uniform opportunities for high school students to learn valuable lessons through participation in athletics and fine arts. The League also provides support for member schools with programs that address sportsmanship, chemical health, and scholarship recognition. It also oversees more than 4,500-registered contest officials and judges. The League provides educational programs for coaches. The League neither solicits nor receives any state funding. For more information about the League, go to www.mshsl.org. Nova activities where a varsity letter may be earned: Volleyball* Boys Cross-Country* Girls Cross-Country* Soccer* Girls Soccer* Basketball* Girls Basketball* One-Act Plays* Play Musical Debate* Mock Trial Boys Hockey( Coop with SPA)* Boys LaCrosse (Coop w/ Minnehaha)* Baseball* Boys Tennis (Coop with MPA)* Girls Tennis (Coop with MPA)* Boys Track and Field* Girls Track and Field* *indicates the activity is under the domain of the MSHSL Academics and Competition Nova prides itself in developing students of strong moral character who are committed to their sport/activity, team, and academic achievement. Academics are always a student’s first priority. Students and parents are expected to set reasonable and realistic expectations for extracurricular performance and achievement, both from a personal perspective and team perspective. The monitoring of academic status is the joint responsibility of parents and the school administration. Homework Students are expected to complete all homework as assigned even on game days. Athletic or performing events and practices are not an excuse for incomplete homework. Coaches/Advisors will make every effort to allow for study time before practices during the season. Attendance PoliciesRegular attendance is imperative to the basic development of individual skills and fundamentals. It also sets a sound foundation for team discipline, unity, spirit, commitment, and loyalty. Students must attend all practices, meetings, and games/events on time and be ready to participate. Practice times and locations are determined and communicated by the coach/advisor. Nova is not responsible for any student not attending a practice or game at the appropriate time and place. Absences In a team activity, fairness to the group requires attendance at practices, competitions, and other team functions. If a student’s attendance becomes a problem, the student’s participation in the program may be affected by limiting the student’s role or possible discontinuation of the student’s participation in the program, at the sole discretion of the coach/advisor. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the coach/advisor before the absence if s/he will miss any part of a practice, meeting, or game/activity. Students with unexcused absences may experience decreased participation time or possible dismissal from the program as determined by the coach/advisor and program director. Only the following absences are considered excused:
All other absences, including but not limited to family commitment/obligation and job are considered unexcused. To play or practice: An athlete must be in attendance half of the school day in which the practice, game, or event is scheduled. If a student is absent on a Friday with a game/activity the following day (Saturday), s/he is eligible to participate provided the absence is an excused absence. If a student receives an In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension, the student will not be allowed to participate in any extracurriculars they are registered for on those days of suspension, including weekends if the suspension spans the weekend. Vacations Vacations by students during a season are discouraged. In the event an absence due to vacation is unavoidable, the student must discuss their participation status with the coach/advisor. Vacations are considered unexcused absences. Closed Practices and Meetings Practices and meetings are considered valuable time. Attendance is generally limited to group/team members, coaches/advisors, program director, and school administrator. Guests are expected to refrain from disrupting practice sessions in any way, including conversing with coaches/advisors or students. Coaches/Advisors may ask spectators to leave if they are disturbing practice. Participation in Multiple Activities in the same seasonNova Classical Academy wishes to encourage participation by students in extracurricular activities. In addition, Nova is proud to offer varsity-level activities for students who wish to develop excellence in an area and compete at a high level. Such activities, however, require a great deal of time and focus. In some cases, students will wish to participate in activities whose seasons overlap. In such cases, it is unavoidable that conflicts between the practices, competitions, and other functions of the different activities will occur, despite the efforts of the school and coaches/advisors to minimize conflicts. If a student feels strongly s/he has the time management skills to juggle two high-time-commitment activities, can give 100% effort to both activities while maintaining strong academics, s/he will need to submit the Dual-Activity Petition Form to the coaches/advisors and program director(s) of the programs which will include schedules for both activities. It is essential that when a student wishes to participate in activities whose seasons overlap, the student and his or her parents discuss the situation with the coach or advisor of each activity prior to the start of each activity. The petition form is the family’s way of petitioning the school for greater flexibility to allow a student to participate in two demanding Nova activities simultaneously. The program directors will review and, if possible, approve the petition and inform the family. Once the petition is approved, it is expected that the coaches/advisors of the overlapping activities will cooperate to allow the student to participate in both activities. Should a student’s attendance jeopardize the success of either program, s/he will be asked to withdraw from one or take a less central role, per the attendance policy above. Weather-Related School Days, Saturdays, and HolidaysOn school days, Saturdays, and school holidays when severe weather conditions may preclude practices, games and/or tournaments, the program directors will determine whether or not practices, games and/or tournaments will take place or be cancelled. Cancellations will be communicated through email, calendar, and website updates, social media updates, and teacher announcements (as appropriate). Care of Uniforms, Equipment, and Personal PropertyUniforms, equipment, costumes, or props are loaned to team members and signed out. These items are to be worn or used only during practice sessions, games, or otherwise specified by the program directors or coaches/advisors. Students are required to return uniforms and equipment to their coach/advisor after the completion of the season. Students will complete and turn into the director a uniform deposit (as appropriate) with a signed check for the dollar amount to replace that individual uniform at the beginning of the season. Theft, loss, or damage to any equipment or uniforms is the student’s (and the family’s) financial obligation. At no time is Nova equipment for personal use. The athletic program, extracurricular program, and the school are NOT responsible for any missing valuables, money, or personal belongings. Individually owned equipment is the sole responsibility of the student; Nova Classical Academy will not be responsible for any loss or damage that occurs to student-owned equipment. Mood-Altering ChemicalsA student participating in extracurriculars must at all times be in compliance with League policy prohibiting the use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, and controlled substances. Violations and penalties apply continuously from the first time an athlete signs the MSHSL Athletic Eligibility Brochure and Statement. The League by law states: “Twelve (12) months of the year, a student shall not at any time, regardless of the quantity: (1) use or consume, have in possession a beverage containing alcohol; (2) use or consume, have in possession tobacco; or, (3) use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell or give away any other controlled substance or drug paraphernalia.” (MSHSL Athletic Eligibility Brochure, General Rules No. 20 A.) Prescription Drugs A student in possession of a drug prescribed by a physician for his or her use is not in violation. Students must inform coaches/advisors of any prescription drugs s/he uses. N.B. Rules governing mood-altering chemicals and medications apply to all extracurricular activities, whether they are under the domain of the MSHSL or not. Harassment, Violence, or Hazing/BullyingA student must at all times be in compliance with the League policy prohibiting sexual, racial or religious harassment, violence, or hazing/bullying. Reporting procedures, reprisal and penalties are specified in the Eligibility Brochure. The League bylaw states: “A student shall not engage in the sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing during the school year or any portion of an activity season that occurs prior to the start of the school year or after the close of the school year.” (MSHSL Athletic Eligibility Brochure, General Rules No. 21 A.) Students are also subject to the bullying and harassment policies within Nova Classical Academy Student-Parent Student Handbook. N.B. Rules governing harassment, violence, or hazing/bullying apply to all extracurricular activities, whether they are under the domain of the MSHSL or not. Violation and Penalty Guidelines Violations of eligibility rules are subject to minimum penalty guidelines specified by the League. In all situations, Nova reserves the right to impose stiffer penalties, including dismissal from a team/program and further disciplinary actions, as deemed necessary by a school administrator. Penalties are progressive in severity and cumulative beginning with the student’s first participation in an activity and continuing throughout the athlete’s high school career. Penalties vary depending on the severity and frequency of the violation. Parents and athletes are advised to discuss questions about violations and penalties with the program director. Once an athlete signs the Athletic Eligibility Statement, all eligibility rules apply: Twelve months of the year, including when school is not in session; Whether the athlete is participating or not; Continuously through the completion of the athletes high school eligibility. In general, an athlete found in violation of League rules loses: Eligibility for a determined number of games or weeks, whichever is greater; The right to captain on a team; All rights and privileges, including any awards or postseason recognition. Example of a First Violation Upon confirmation of a first violation, the student may not participate in the next two consecutive games/activities or two weeks of the season, whichever is greater. The student may not serve as a captain for the remainder of the season, and will not receive any awards or postseason recognition for the sport. Satisfying a League Penalty In order for a penalty to be considered satisfied, the student must complete the entire season of the activity in which s/he participates and serves the violation’s penalty. If a student fails to participate for the entire season, his or her penalty will not be considered served and must be served in its entirety in any subsequent League- or Nova-sponsored activity in which the student participates. The League bylaw states: “A student must be a student in good standing, and able to be placed in the game, meet or contest except for penalty being served. (Students who are not in good standing due to suspension, expulsion, injury, illness, family vacations, etc. are not able to be placed in a game, meet or contest and are therefore not able to count those contests toward the penalty.) (MSHSL Athletic Eligibility Brochure, General Rules No. 22.) Appeals Any violations of League policy may be appealed through the League. Parents wishing to appeal a violation must first contact the program director. Personal AppearanceAll students are expected to follow Nova uniform guidelines or team dress/uniform guidelines at all times. Students must be well-groomed and dressed appropriately at all activities and practices. Jewelry and other decorative accessories are not allowed for athletes during a practice or game. Injuries and Medical ReleaseAll injuries must be reported to the coach/advisor. If an athlete is injured during a season and requires medical attention, s/he must submit a doctor’s medical release to the coach before resuming participation. If a student is injured at any time, the program director must be notified immediately in order to create proper accommodations for that student to participate. Communication Issues or ConcernsParents should encourage their children to discuss issues with their coach/advisor first. No parent should approach coaches/advisors before, during, or after a game/performance to discuss an issue. If the issue is not resolved between the coach/advisor, parents, and student, the program director will intervene. Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches/advisors: Treatment of your child, mentally and physically Ways to help your child improve Concerns about your child's behavior Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches/advisors: Playing time Team strategy Play calling Other students or athletes Adult SupervisionAdequate adult supervision will be provided to students every time they arrive, practice, participate in any manner, and wait for their rides. It is expected that one of the supervisors will be the coach/advisor. By the same token, parents and legal guardians must show their respect by bringing their children to events and picking them up at the recommended window of time designated by the school. GiftsNova coaches/advisors receive payment for the work they provide to the Academy. At times, parents may wish to show their appreciation by offering other gifts. Nova coaches/advisors are prohibited from accepting cash or gifts above a nominal value ($25). Athletics Program About the ProgramNova Classical Academy’s program functions under the auspices of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and competes in the Skyline Conference. The athletic program is fully supported by the administration of Nova and its success is ensured by the cooperation and dedication of its athletes, coaches, teachers, and parents. Athletes are expected to be committed to their sport, academic excellence, and accept the responsibility of representing Nova. The organized, competitive, varsity-level sports at Nova provide students the opportunity to participate and develop valuable skills necessary for personal growth and success in life. The program is under the leadership of the Activities Director, Mr. Christian Rovn. School ProfileMascot: Knights Colors: Black, Burgundy, White Conference: Skyline Conference Section: Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Section: 4A Athletic OfferingsNova offers the following varsity-level sports for students. Registration fees apply. Participation in these sports is open to students in grades 7 through 12. Girls are allowed to participate on boys’ teams if an all-girls team is not offered for a specific sport.
Skyline Conference SchoolsThe schools participating in the Skyline Athletic Conference are listed below, representing a diverse group of private and charter schools. These schools share similar size, athletic competitiveness and philosophy, and abide by the rules and regulations of the MSHSL. Not all schools offer the same sports. Nova Classical Academy St. Agnes School Trinity School St. Croix Preparatory Academy Maranatha Christian Academy Cristo Rey Jesuit New Life Academy Concordia Academy - Roseville St. Croix Lutheran For more information about the conference, go to https://www.skylineconferencemn.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?G5genie=1290. About League EligibilityThis section provides an overview of the general rules and requirements governing MSHSL eligibility as they pertain to the sports offered at Nova Classical Academy. This section does not cover all rules, circumstances, or penalties. Athletes participating or wishing to participate on a Nova team must satisfy all League rules and understand the responsibilities, consequences, and risks inherent in sports. Athletes must also agree to abide by an ethical and respectful code of conduct. The Official Handbook of the MSHSL is available through the Athletic Director, or the League website at www.mshsl.org and select Handbook. The Eligibility ChecklistFor Prospective and Current Athletes Nova believes that high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential in maintaining a sound program of athletics. The following list of rules and requirements is intended to assist prospective and current athletes in determining their athletic eligibility. Annual Pledge and Authorization All current and prospective athletes and their parents must understand and pledge to abide by the rules governing high school athletics. In order to authorize participation in any sport, athletes and parents must read and sign the following League documents: Athletic Eligibility Brochure Athletic Eligibility Statement A copy of the current MSHSL Athletic Eligibility Brochure and Statement is provided in the Appendix of this Handbook, or go to www.novaclassical.org and select Current Families →Athletics or Activities. Age An athlete must be under 20 years old at the start of a sport’s season; An athlete who turns 20 during a sport season is permitted to complete that season. Grade Level Athletes in grades 7 or 8 may participate on a varsity-level team; Athletes in grades 7 or 8 must satisfy all eligibility requirements; No athlete in grades K-6 may participate in varsity or junior varsity play. Enrollment, Attendance and Credits An athlete must be fully enrolled at Nova; An athlete must be properly registered; An athlete must be attending school and classes regularly; An athlete must be enrolled in the required number of credits to graduate in four years after first entering grade 9. Graduate An athlete who is a graduate of any high school or secondary school will not be allowed to participate in an athletic program. Seasons of Participation No athlete may compete in more than four seasons in any sport while enrolled in grades 9–12; Athletic participation during grades 7 or 8 does not apply to the 4-season maximum. Semesters in High School No athlete may participate in an interscholastic contest after his or her eighth semester; All eight semesters are consecutive, beginning in grade 9; Attendance of 15 days or more in one semester or participation in a practice or game counts as a semester. Physical Exam and Health Questionnaire An athlete must have on file in the school a record of a physical examination within the previous three years.
Copies of the Sports Qualifying Physical Examination Form (SQPE) are in the Appendix of this Handbook or go to www.novaclassical.org and select Current Families |
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