Information

You can find information for parents related to concussions at Brain Injury Association.

Co-Curricular Athletics 

The Swanton Board of Directors believes that co-curricular athletics play an important role in the education of students and should align with Swanton Elementary School mission, vision, and beliefs. In addition to the opportunities provided to all students during the school day for equity and excellence, co-curricular athletics offer opportunities that allow some students, who have an interest in a specific area, to extend their knowledge and skills. Co-curricular athletic programs allow students to strive for excellence in an area of interest, gain respect for themselves and others, and become
active members of the community.

The Board will approve new requests for sponsorship or co-curricular athletics based on
the following considerations:
1. The level of student of community interest in the activity.
2. The fiscal impact of sponsorship.
3. The availability of volunteers or staff to provide the activity.
4. The impact of adding or eliminating an activity on the balance of available activities in the total program.
5. The potential of the activity to support the school’s mission and vision.

Children may participate in the co-curricular activities who:
1. Are enrolled Swanton Elementary School or are school- aged residents of
Swanton Elementary School; and
2. Attend school (or home lessons) on the day of the event unless excused by the principal.
3. Students should be in good disciplinary standing as determined by the Principal.
4. The rules and regulations of the Vermont Principal’s association will be
followed.

1. Athletics
1. Co-curricular athletics will be during non-school hours.

1.2 Teams
1. All co-curricular sports team will consist of students of all skill levels. A
consistent and fair method of selecting teams (e.g. a player skill inventory
form) will be used by the Athletic Coordinator or other designated school
personnel, taking into consideration input from the coach(es).
2. All teams will honor students in a consistent manner. The school will
coordinate all ceremonies and/or awards.

1.3 Coaches
1. Coaching will be based on the following philosophy:
A. Coaches will model positive reinforcement for skill building
and reserve disciplinary measures for behavior issues.
B. Focus on the character and the skill development for each
participant, rather then winning.
C. Every student will be allowed to use his/her skills by
participating in each game provided they have met all team expectations.

2. The coach, as a teacher, represents the philosophy, mission, vision,
and goals of the school in his/her interaction with each individual of
the team and the team itself.
A. All coaches will be approved by the principal and may be
removed by him/her.
B. All coaches will meet with the Athletic Director prior to the
beginning of the season to review philosophy and program
expectations.
C. A copy of the policy and specific program expectations will be
distributed by the school prior to each season to both parents
and coaches.

1.4 Team Members
All members of the team are expected to:
1. Work together for the benefit of the team.
2. Be able to evaluate his/her performance with that of the whole team in striving
for a better understanding of his/her abilities.
3. Accept victory or defeat by showing his/her appreciation for both opponents
and teammates who have played to the best of their ability.
4. Be willing to practice, cooperate with the coach and follow through with
his/her commitment for the season.
5. Assist each other in the spirit of team unity.
6. Represent himself/herself, family, team and school with patience, pride,
courtesy and sportsmanship.
7. Sign a copy of the specific program expectations, along with parent/guardian
signature and return the signed form to the coach.

Swanton Central School Royals
Soccer Program Expectations

Check the bottom of the page for pdf downloads.

• Proper respect and eye contact should be given at all times to teammates, coaches, referees, and opposing teams. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
• Make coach aware of any injuries right away or before practice begins.
• Learn to be an intelligent soccer player and develop problem solving skills.
• Do things the right way.

• Remember, you’re a student first so keep up with all your schoolwork. If you need to miss a practice to make up any work, do it. You won’t be penalized for anything you need to do academically on the playing field.
• Make sure you’ve had a physical within the last two (2) years and it’s on file with the school nurse.

PLAYER EXPECTATIONS

• All players are expected to be at practice on time. The responsibility is yours to notify your coach if you’re going to be late or not at practice.
• Come with a serious ATTITUDE and be ready to practice hard.
• Be respectful of ALL your teammates.
• Make sure your ball is clearly marked to signify it belongs to you.
• No jewelry is to be worn during practice or games. This includes rubber/plastic bracelets.
• Each player must bring their own water bottle, shinguards and cleats or turf shoes to practice and games.
• Sweatpants are not to be worn to practices or games. Spandex is acceptable on cold days.
• Be prepared to play any position the coach feel will best help the team.

• Change into practice clothes (no cleats in the building).
• Check in with the Athletic Director to receive directions on where to be (no loitering in unapproved areas).
• Wait appropriately/patiently until your coach arrives.

• Once practices and games end, please be present to pick up your child at the designated time.
• Assist your child in attending school everyday; if your child is home sick they will not be allowed to
• participate in practice or play in a game that day.
• The following are issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches: playing time, team strategy, play calling or other student athletes
• Sportsmanship and respect will be a program-wide emphasis. We ask that parents be respectful to other fans, players, referees and the coaches. Parent Coaching from the sidelines confuses the players and makes the coaches’ job harder.
• Once the season is over, uniforms will need to be returned. If not, the student/family will be responsible for replacing the uniform.
• Remember that fair is not always equal.

Swanton Central School Royals
Basketball Program Expectations

Check the bottom of the page for pdf downloads.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Proper respect and eye contact should be given at all times to teammates, coaches, referees, and opposing teams.  Treat others the way you want to be treated.
• Make coach aware of any injuries right away or before practice begins.
• Learn to be an intelligent basketball player and develop problem solving skills.
• Do things the right way.

ACADEMIC/ATHLETIC EXPECTATIONS

• Remember, you’re a student first so keep up with all your schoolwork.  If you need to miss a practice to make up any work, do it.  You won’t be penalized for anything you need to do academically on the playing field.
• Make sure you’ve had a physical within the last two (2) years and it’s on file with the school nurse.

PLAYER EXPECTATIONS

• All players are expected to be at practice on time.  The responsibility is yours to notify your coach if you’re going to be late or not at practice.
• Come with a serious ATTITUDE and be ready to practice hard.
• Be respectful of ALL your teammates.
• Make sure your ball is clearly marked to signify it belongs to you.
• No jewelry is to be worn during practice or games.  This includes rubber/plastic bracelets.
• Each player must bring their own water bottle, and sneakers or basketball shoes to practice and games.
• Sweatpants are not to be worn to practices or games.
• Be prepared to play any position the coach feels will best help the team.

AFTER SCHOOL, BEFORE PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS

• Change into practice clothes (no winter boots  in the gym).
• Check in with the Athletic Director to receive directions on where to be (no loitering in unapproved areas).
• Wait appropriately/patiently until your coach arrives.

PARENT EXPECTATIONS

• Once practices and games end, please be present to pick up your child at the designated time.
• Assist your child in attending school everyday; if your child is home sick they will not be allowed to participate in practice or play in a game that day.
• The following are issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches: playing time, team strategy, play calling or other student athletes
• Sportsmanship and respect will be a program-wide emphasis.  We ask that parents be respectful to other fans, players, referees and the coaches.  Parent Coaching from the sidelines confuses the players and makes the coaches’ job harder.
• Once the season is over, uniforms will need to be cleaned and returned.  If not, the student/family will be responsible for replacing the uniform.

Remember that fair is not always equal.

IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH A COACH, THE PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IS:

1. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest.  These can be emotional times for both parent and coach.  Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.
2. When properly approached after a practice or via phone, coaches will be open to talking regarding your student/athlete.
3. If that interaction did not provide a satisfactory resolution, parents can contact the Athletic Director by calling the school (868-5346 ext. 109) and set up an appointment to discuss the situation. *There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent.  These are to be encouraged.  It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position.