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WELCOME TO LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS  

     We believe the following information will help answer many of your
questions regarding interscholastic athletics at Lexington High School.
This guide contains information regarding policies, practices and
regulations that govern the athletic program at Lexington High.

PHILOSOPHY

     The Lexington High School athletic program is committed to the
philosophy of Lexington High School and the Lexington Public Schools.
Participants in the interscholastic athletic program are students first and
athletes second.  Interscholastic athletics is a co-curricular activity
with the practice and contest area an extension of the classroom.  Along
with the skills and strategies of their particular sport coaches have the
responsibility to teach the values associated with discipline, performing
under stress, teamwork, commitment, accountability, citizenship,
confidence, leadership and organizational skills, participating within the
rules, physical well-being and chemical health, and striving toward
excellence.
     Participation in the interscholastic program is open to all students
provided they are in good academic standing, are good school citizens, and
are physically capable to participate.  Participation in the program is a
privilege which students earn by meeting and maintaining these standards.
Some teams are limited in the number of students they may keep.  Students
who are cut from a team are encouraged to participate in another sport
within the program.

MISSION STATEMENT

     The Lexington High School athletic program strives to provide a
comprehensive, safe, and effective interscholastic athletic program based
upon the needs of potential participants.  The program affords
opportunities to encourage and develop good citizenship and sportsmanship
through the enhancement of physical excellence in conjunction with team
spirit and cooperation.

GOVERNING BODIES

THE M.I.A.A. (MASSACHUSETTS INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION)

     Lexington High School is a member in good standing of the M.I.A.A.
with the Principal agreeing to abide by all rules and regulations of the
M.I.A.A.
     One of the primary functions of the M.I.A.A. is to sponsor and conduct
post-season tournaments leading to the determination of geographical
district and state champions.  When varsity teams qualify for and enter
such tournaments, we are subject to specific rules and regulations that
govern each tournament, as set by the M.I.A.A.
     The M.I.A.A. does not sponsor or sanction any sub-varsity tournament
competition.

THE MIDDLESEX LEAGUE

     Lexington High School is a proud member of the Middlesex League.  The
Middlesex League is governed by the M.I.A.A. and its own Constitution.  The
Principal of each member school agrees that his/her school will abide by
all Conference rules and regulations.

Member schools are: 

    Belmont High School
    Burlington High School.
    Lexington High School
    Melrose High School
    Reading Memorial High School
    Stoneham High School
    Wakefield Memorial High School
    Watertown High School
    Winchester High School
    Woburn High School


COMMITMENT

     When trying out for a team and after being selected to be a member of
a team, Lexington High School students are expected to attend all practices
and games of that team.  Practices will average two hours in duration.
Weekend practice sessions vary by sport and should be expected.
     Interscholastic athletics demands much more commitment than a club or
recreational activity.  Students should be aware of the time commitment
prior to trying out for a team.

SCHOOL/FAMILY VACATIONS, EXTENDED ABSENCES

     Every team member is expected to be present for all team practices and
games.  Because of scheduling parameters, many of our teams practice and/or
play during scheduled school vacations.
     Students who plan to be absent for and extended period of time due to
vacation or a planned extended absence should discuss this situation with
the coach prior to trying out for a team.

M.I.A.A. BONAFIDE TEAM MEMBER RULE

     A bonafide team member is a student who is regularly present for, and
actively participates in, all team practices and competitions.  Bonafide
members of a school team are precluded from missing a high school practice
or competition in order to practice or compete with a non school team.
     A coach does not have the right to excuse a team member from practice
or a game so that he/she may play or practice for another team.  The
Principal of the school may request a waiver of this rule in special
circumstances.

TRYOUTS

     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 provide and explanation of his/her  expectations.  It
is the student's responsibility to demonstrate to the coach that he/she can
meet these expectations.  Students cut from a team are encouraged to try
out for another team if there is space on that team and the final cuts have
not been made.  Students who are cut from a team will be informed as to the
reasons 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 and the Athletic Director.

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 a game.  Practice is where plans for
upcoming contests are devised and perfected.  The coaches in our program
expect their athletes to be present at all team related activities.
Suspension or dismissal from the team may take place as a result of such
absences.
     Students are excused from team activities for illness, injury,
academic, family emergencies, or religious reasons.  Prior notification is
strongly recommended and expected.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS

     Lexington High School students are instructed at the beginning of each
year of the four requirements for good school and team citizenship.  They
are:
Come To School Everyday
Be On Time For School Classes
Do Your Homework
Attend All Classes

     The abuse of any of these school citizenship requirements could result
in suspension or dismissal from an athletic team.

A CURRENT PHYSICAL:  MIAA RULE 56.  STUDENT ELIGIBILITY:  PHYSICAL
EXAMINATION/MEDICAL COVERAGE

56.1  All students must pass a physical examination within 13 months of
athletic participation.  A sports physical terminates 395 days subsequent
to administering and must be renewed immediately (should an athlete be
"in season") to maintain elgibility.  Physical examinations must be performed
by a duly registered Physician.  Physician's Assistant or Nurse Practioner. 
PENALTY:  A student in violation shall be suspended for the number of
contests in which he/she participated without a proper physical.

PARENTAL PERMISSION

     This form is to be read carefully and completed by the
parent/guardian.  The form will be used to help ensure the safety of your
child while participating in an interscholastic program.  All information
is confidential, and will be used only for the purpose of evaluating your
child's health status, and for facilitating medical care or treatment
should the need arises.  This form will be shared with your child's coach
unless you note otherwise.

USER FEES

     One $270.00 fee covers all seasons for an athlete.  If user fees for
your family, grades 5-12, exceed $400.00, you qualify for the Family Plan.
(A $400.00 maximum payment).
     The user fee may be waived for extenuating financial circumstances.
The parent must fill out a waiver request form and submit it to the
building Principal.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

     In part, M.I.A.A. Rule #58 reads:
     "58.1  A student must secure during the last marking period preceding
the contest a passing grade in the equivalent of four traditional year long
major English courses.
     58.3  To be eligible for the fall marking period, students are
required to have passed for the previous academic year the equivalent of
four traditional year long major English courses.
     58.4  Academic eligibility of all students shall be considered as
official and determining 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.
     58.5  Incomplete grades may not be counted toward eligibility.
     58.6  A student who repeats work upon which he/she has once received
credit cannot count that subject a second time for eligibility.
     58.7  A student cannot count for eligibility any subject taken during
the summer, unless that subject has been previously pursued and failed".

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY:  AGE

     In part, M.I.A.A. Rule #60 reads:
     A student shall be under 19 years of age, but may compete during the
remainder of the school year, provided that his/her Thea birthday occurs on
or after September 1 of that year.  For Freshman competition, a student
shall be under 16 years of age but may compete during the remainder of the
school year provided that the Thea birthday occurs on or after September 1
of that year".

TIME ALLOWED FOR PARTICIPATION

     A student has four consecutive years of participation from the day
he/she enters ninth grade.  This means twelve consecutive athletic seasons
of eligibility.  A fifth year student is ineligible to play in his/her
fifth year even if he/she has not played in one of the previous years.

TEAM RULES AND REGULATIONS

     At the start of each season a coach, with the approval of the Athletic
Director, may issue a set of team rules and regulations to his/her team.
It is suggested that these be in written form and passed out to the
athletes.

CARE OF EQUIPMENT

     Students have an obligation and responsibility for all equipment
issued to them.  Each student is responsible for the proper care and
retention of their equipment from the date of issue to the date of return.
Equipment should be stored in a locked locker at all times when not in use.
Experiences has shown that most losses are due to lockers left open or
unlocked.
     If a student loses school equipment or fails to return same, they are
responsible to meet the current replacement cost of the equipment.
     Payment is required at the time of the loss, prior to the next season
of athletic involvement, or graduation, whichever comes first.
     No student will be allowed to try out for another sport until all
outstanding equipment has been returned or paid for.

PLAYER LEAVING SQUAD DURING SEASON

     If an athlete leaves the team during the season due to injury,
academics, discipline, or quitting, it is his/her responsibility to return
all school equipment immediately.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

     All students are required to participate in their regularly scheduled
physical education classes.  Students being medically excused from physical
education may not be allowed to participate in their team practice or game
on that day.  All class attendance rules apply to physical education
classes.

TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM AWAY CONTESTS

     The school provides transportation, or a suitable substitute, to away
contests.  All team members are expected to travel to these contests using
the school provided transportation.  Exceptions to this policy must be
requested in writing, to the Athletic Director, by the student athlete's
parent/guardian prior to the contest.

BUILDING AND FACILITY ACCESS

     At the conclusion of each day, student athletes would bring all items
they will need the next day into the athletic locker room area.  Students
will not be allowed access to the main school building after practice,
games, or on non school days.
     No student will be allowed access to any athletic facility without
proper supervision by a school staff member.  Students may not use the
gymnasium unless their is a 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.

WEIGHT ROOM

     The Lexington High School weight room is available to all students
whenever it is supervised by a staff member.  There is a supervised school
program for most of the school year.

TRAINER AND TRAINING ROOM

     Lexington High School has two licensed Athletic Trainers on site to
evaluate and treat athletic injuries as they occur.  The trainer provides
medical coverage for athletic contests and practices.
     In the event of an injury, the trainer will evaluate and recommend to
the parent/guardian the direction of care.  If a visit to the hospital or
physician is necessary, a written medical note releasing them for treatment
or return to participation is mandatory.
     Athletes may come anytime after school for evaluation and treatment by
the trainer.

PLAYING TIME

     Perhaps the most emotional part of a student athlete being involved in
high school athletics centers around playing time.  The student athlete
becomes involved in interscholastic athletics for the first time and
attendance, attitude, commitment, and of course athletic skill enter into
the decision.
     There are many decisions made on a regular basis by the Lexington High
School coaching staff.  It is their responsibility to decide 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 after
having observed the athlete in practice sessions, game like situations,
scrimmages, and games.

SUB-VARSITY TEAMS

     At the sub-varsity levels (junior varsity, freshman), members of the
coaching staff will make a strong effort to play all team members for as
much time as is practical.  At this level the coaching staff is teaching
the offensive and defensive philosophy of the program along with the skills
necessary to move to the next level.

VARSITY TEAMS

     At the varsity level we look for our teams to compete against
opponents at the highest level of execution.  This is the highest level of
interscholastic competition and players, coaches, parents, and staff
members want the Lexington High School varsity teams to be successful on
the field of play.  As long as the score is being kept, Lexington High
School should attempt to win as many games as possible.  In order to
accomplish this, there are many instances when the major burden of the
contest will be carried by the most competitive, skilled team members.
However, teams cannot and will not be successful without committed
substitutes.  These players have to be ready at all times to step forward
and shoulder the burden when called upon.  It is these players whose hard
work in practice each day prepares the team for the upcoming contest.
     Success should never be measured in wins and losses but in the
performance of the athletes.  If our athletes perform to the best of their
abilities they will always be successful no matter what the final score
might be.

TEAM CAPTAINS

     It is the 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 be leaders of their team and should
be ready to assume duties as outlined by their coach.  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 effect the team or its members.  Captains may be asked to
meet with the Athletic Director during the school year to discuss the
athletic program.
     Captains of teams may be relieved of their position for violation of
team, department, or school rules.

SECURITY OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS

     All personal belongings should be locked in a locker while the student
athlete is trying out, practicing, or playing.  All students should have a
lock for their athletic lockers and never leave their locker unlocked or
unattended.  Lexington High School cannot be responsible for personal
belongings of student athletes.

SCHOOL DISCIPLINE OBLIGATIONS

     A student athlete with a school disciplinary obligation is expected to
fulfill the disciplinary obligation 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.

M.I.A.A. CHEMICAL HEALTH RULE REGARDING ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND DRUGS

     M.I.A.A. Rule #62 reads in part:
     "During the season of practice or play, a student shall not,
regardless of the quantity, use or consume, possess, buy/sell or give away
any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product; marijuana; steroids;
or any controlled substance.  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 his/her physician".  This rule, during an athletic
season, is in effect seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.

     THE MINIMUM PENALTIES

     When a Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to
be heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for
the next 2 consecutive interscholastic events, or 2 weeks of a season in
which the student is a participant, whichever encompasses the greater
number of contests.  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 the purpose of rehabilitation.

     SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION

     When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student
to be heard, that a second or subsequent violations have occurred, the
student shall lose eligibility for the next 12 consecutive interscholastic
events or 12 consecutive weeks, whichever encompasses the greater number of
contests in which the student is a participant.  If, after the second or
subsequent violation, the student of his/her own volition becomes a
participant in an approved chemical dependency program or treatment
program, the student may be certified for reinstatement in M.I.A.A.
activities after a minimum period of six weeks.

SPORTSMANSHIP

     Lexington High School expects all parties at a contest to display the
highest level of sportsmanship.  Players, coaches, and spectators are to
treat opponents, game officials, and visiting spectators with respect.
     The M.I.A.A. 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".  Lexington High School in turn, reserves
the right to impose the same penalties on spectators displaying poor
sportsmanship at any of our contests, both home and away.

HAZING

     Hazing carries possible criminal penalties as described by the
Massachusetts General Laws.  Lexington High School's policy on Hazing may
be found in the Student/Parent Handbook, page 54.

CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS

     Student athletes or parents who have concerns or questions about their
sport are to direct their concerns and questions to the coach.  Only after
this has been done and the concern or question still exists should the
Athletic Director be contacted.