Troy South Middle School

PHILOSOPHY  

We believe that interscholastic activities shall supplement the secondary curricular program and as  such become a vital part of a student’s total educational experience. These experiences contribute to  the development of learning skills and emotional patterns that enable the student to make maximum  use of his/her education.  

Student participation in any part of our activities is a privilege, not a right. This privilege carries with  it responsibilities to the school, to the activity, to the student body, to the community, and to the  student. This participation will help the student develop physically, mentally, socially, and  emotionally.  

 

MISSION  

The mission of the Troy South Middle School co-curricular program is to provide opportunities  and experiences for all students to develop the following skills:  

o Respect for self and others  

o Ability to take positive risks  

o Appreciation of one’s talents and weaknesses  

o Recognition of the value of physical, academic, and aesthetic pursuits  

o Understanding of teamwork and sharing of common goals which contribute to  the good of the whole  

o Realization of the importance of life skills  

o Awareness of the diversity in one’s own and others’ cultural backgrounds  

We also believe that by the student’s involvement in activities, he/she will build the self-worth  and integrity necessary to be able to cope with future successes and failures. To meet this end, the  student will also gain the qualities of realistic goal setting, positive interdependence, and moral  judgment.  

Activities in our program create an avenue of enrichment, entertainment, and proud association  for parents and community. Through well-directed activities, we strive to enable students to  contribute responsibly and ethically within society both now and in the future.  

 

GOALS  

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCESS  

o To teach the students to motivate themselves in pursuit of excellence 

o To teach fundamental, social, emotional, and academic skills 

o To create opportunities for students to develop high self-esteem 

o To effectively evaluate performance through goal setting and responsibility o To develop and model appropriate behaviors 

o To develop teamwork and loyalty 

o To teach fundamental knowledge of activity  

o To share effective coaching methods  

o To teach responsibility and respect for others and property by developing  teamwork and loyalty

 

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT  

o To promote involvement in activities and communicate effectively with  families,  

o To create high expectations for achievement in middle school programs  o To promote high standards of academic performance  

o To offer multiple levels of opportunity  

o To utilize staff and resources effectively  

o To develop effective practice and rehearsal schedules to maximize use of  time  

o To encourage all participants to support other activities  

o To develop programs for care of injuries and promote overall wellbeing  

 

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS  

o To promote a positive relationship among team members  

o To develop positive leadership qualities in students  

o To promote appreciation for and acceptance of the differences of others  

o To show respect for the total person on social and emotional levels  

o To promote good working relationships with the administrators  

o To promote a positive image of our programs  

o To develop an attitude of partnership, appreciation, and sportsmanship  among coaches, parents, students, and community  o To communicate with parents, community, and media regarding student programs  

 

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES  

o To demonstrate a commitment to professional growth  

o To follow policies and procedures of the District  

o To assume responsibilities outside of coaching as related to school  

o Effectively communicate with families, students, coaches, administration, community and media  

 

ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION  

 

Missouri State High School Activities Association 

The Troy R-III School District is a member of the MSHSAA. The purpose of this organization is to  promote, develop, direct, protect, and regulate amateur interscholastic athletic relationships  between member schools and to stimulate fair play, friendly rivalry, and good sportsmanship  among contestants, schools, and communities throughout the state.  

 

The Superintendent of Schools 

The executive function is the responsibility of the Superintendent of Schools, who establishes the  ways and means of executing efficiently all policies adopted by the Board of Education. He  recommends to the Board of Education the appointment of all personnel who are given any  responsibility for handling interscholastic athletics, and he approves all policies and procedures  recommended by his staff. He is, in fact, directly responsible to the School Board for the successful  performance of the organization. 

 

The School Principal 

The school principal is the administrative head of interscholastic athletic activities, as well as all other activities of his/her school. As administrative head of the school, he/she is directly  responsible to the Superintendent of Schools, the MSHSAA, and the Gateway Athletic Conference.  Supervision of athletic contests is a cooperative matter among the principals, assistant principals, activities director, and/or designated supervisor.

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The Activities Director 

Under the supervision of the principal, the building activities director plans, coordinates,  promotes, and supervises the total activities program for the school.  

 

SPORTSMANSHIP  

The following policy statement from the National Federation of State High School Associations expresses the concept of sportsmanship as follows:  

“The ideals of good sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and integrity permeate our culture. The values of good citizenship and high behavioral standards apply equally to all activity disciplines. In perception and practice, good sportsmanship shall be defined as those qualities of behavior, which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Further, awareness is expected of the impact of an individual’s influence on the behavior of others. Good sportsmanship is viewed as  a concrete measure of the understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, and  integrity.”  

One of the main goals of the athletic/activities program is to teach the concept of sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship requires that everyone be treated with respect. This includes members of the opposing team, officials, coaches, and spectators.  

Good sportsmanship includes showing courtesy and kindness toward opponents and fellow team members. The contest is judged by the effort of the participants and not by putting down an opponent. Winning is exciting, but winning at any cost is not the goal. Negative treatment of any participant is outside the spirit and interest of the contest.  

All MSHSAA-sanctioned events are a reflection of our community and school. The conduct of the team is extended to parents and fans before, during, and after athletic events.  

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES  

As a student participant, you are in school to secure the best education possible. Deciding to take advantage of this plays a significant part in your total educational development. However, with this  decision also come certain responsibilities if the value of activities is to be achieved, namely:  

Striving to achieve sound citizenship and desirable social traits, including control,  honesty, cooperation, dependability, and respect for others and their abilities  Maintaining academic and eligibility standards as established by the Missouri State High  School Activities Association and the Lincoln County R-III School District  

Learning the spirit of hard work and dedication  

Attaining mental and physical fitness through good health habits  

Exceeding to the limits of your potential  

Showing respect for both authority and property. Being willing to accept the leadership role that is instilled through the activity program  

Athletes need to keep in mind that they are in the public eye, so their personal conduct always must be above reproach. Athletes have an obligation to create a favorable image and to gain the respect of their teammates, the student body, and the community.

 

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS and INSURANCE (Sports, Cheer, and Dance)  

3.8.1 Physical: The school shall require of each student participating in athletics a certificate of an issued physical signed and authorized by a physician, advanced nurse practitioner in written collaborative practice with a physician, or a certified physician’s assistant in collaboration with a sponsoring physician stating that the individual is physically able to participate in athletic practices and contests of their school. A student shall not be permitted to practice or compete for a school until a complete, signed certificate is on file at the school. The medical certificate is valid for two years (730 days) from the date of issue for the purpose of this rule.  

3.8.2 Insurance: A student shall not be permitted to practice or compete for a school until it has  verification that he or she has basic athletic insurance coverage.  

PROTECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY  

The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), of which the Troy R-III School District is a member, is a voluntary, nonprofit, educational association of junior and senior high schools established for the purpose of working cooperatively in adopting standards for supervising and regulating interscholastic activities and contests.  

One of the primary functions of the MSHSAA is to establish eligibility standards that must be met by all students to attain the privilege of representing their school in interscholastic activities.  

Eligibility is a PRIVILEGE to be granted by the school to a student. Eligibility is NOT A STUDENT’S RIGHT BY LAW. Precedent-setting legal cases have determined that eligibility is a privilege to be granted only if the student meets all standards adopted by the school, which enables the school to grant the student such a privilege.  

Listed below is information to acquaint you with the major rules and regulations you must  follow in order to protect your eligibility.  

   1. You must be a creditable school citizen. Creditable school citizens are those students whose  conduct, both in and out of school, is a positive reflection of themselves and their  schools.  

2. Academics  

• The student must be currently enrolled in and regularly attending school. 
• The student must have been promoted to a higher grade.  
• The student must pass 6 of 7 classes in the preceding quarter to be eligible.
• This section does not apply to students promoted into the 7^th grade prior to the first day of classes.  

3. Transferring schools  

• If you transfer schools and your parents do not move to your new school district, you will be ineligible for 365 days unless you meet one of the exceptions to the transfer or promotion rules. (See your principal or activities director regarding non-traditional households.)  
• If you move with your parents to your new school district, you will be eligible immediately.  

4. You must enter school within the first 11 days of the semester to be eligible.

5.  Awards standards

• You may not receive cash, merchandise, or gift certificates for participating in an athletic contest. 
• You may accept awards that are symbolic in nature, such as medals, trophies,  ribbons, plaques, etc., for participating in a school athletic program. These awards may be received only from your school, from a school hosting an event, or from the MSHSAA.You may accept awards for participating in non-school-sponsored athletic competition only if the awards are symbolic in nature, such as medals, trophies,  ribbons, plaques, etc.  ​​​​​​

6.If you reach the age of 15 prior to July 1, you will be ineligible for interscholastic competition the following school year.  

7. Non-school competition  

• You may not participate in any organized non-school athletic competition and your school team IN THE SAME SPORT.  
• You may participate on a school team and a non-school team in different sports during the same season; however, you may not practice or compete in non-school organized athletic competition ON THE SAME DAY that you practice or compete with your school team without approval of the school administration.  
• Before you join any non-school team or enter any non-school competition involving athletics, check with the activities director to make certain these standards are being met.  

A REMINDER: Any questions pertaining to eligibility that are not answered above should be brought to the attention of the activities director prior to participation in the event. 

ATTENDANCE ELIGIBILITY  

According to MSHSAA By-Law 2.2.3, a student shall not be considered eligible while under suspension. This includes in-school and out-of-school suspensions. The student who is expelled or who withdraws from school because of disciplinary measures shall not be considered eligible for 365 days from the date of expulsion of withdrawal. If a student misses classes without being excused by the principal, the student shall not be considered eligible on that date. Further, the student cannot be certified eligible to participate on any subsequent date until the student attends a full day of classes (or has an excused absence from class) without an unexcused absence. Each school has the authority to set standards that are more restrictive and shall have the authority to judge its students under those standards.  

To be eligible to participate in or attend an evening contest or activity at TSMS, a student must attend four periods of the school day. If the activity is on a weekend or holiday, the last student attendance day will be used to determine eligibility. Extenuating circumstances require prior administrative approval for participation or attendance.  

In the event that a student is assigned an afternoon detention period as the result of a classroom problem, the detention MUST be served before the student can return to an extracurricular activity. They are not allowed to use the excuse of “I have practice, so I  can’t stay.” THE CLASSROOM OBLIGATION ALWAYS COMES FIRST.

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CITIZENSHIP GUIDELINES FOR EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION  

To be eligible to participate in school activities is a privilege, not an inherent right. Therefore, it requires certain behaviors and attitudes. More specifically, any student who represents their school in activities must be a creditable citizen and be judged so by proper school authority certifying the list of students for participation.  

A student whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon themself or their school is not considered a creditable citizen. Their conduct shall be satisfactory in accord with the standards of good discipline. Students who participate in activities, athletics, or performing arts programs are to remember the rewards, recognition, and notoriety that comes with involvement also carries a high degree of school, civic, and individual discipline and responsibility. The rewards  are great! A student has much to gain, but they also have much to lose for inappropriate behavior.  Besides the possibility of losing eligibility for inappropriate behavior, students involved in the extracurricular activities programs are also subject to the disciplinary consequences listed in the Student Handbook.  

It is understood that citizenship eligibility cases are handled on an individual basis by the sponsor/coach/director/supervisor, principal, parents and student. However, system-wide guidelines will also assist in the uniform handling of such cases.  

Students should always remember to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect positively upon themselves, their families, their school, and their community. To clearly outline and define the disciplinary action, the following guidelines are provided for students.  

CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS  

2.2.1 Citizenship:  

Students who represent a school in interscholastic activities must be creditable citizens and judged so  by the proper authority. Those students whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon themselves or their schools are not considered “creditable citizens.” Conduct shall be satisfactory in accord with the standards of good discipline.  

2.2.2 Law Enforcement:  

a. A student who commits an act for which charges may be or have been filed by law enforcement authorities under any municipal ordinance, misdemeanor or felony statute shall not be eligible until all proceedings with the legal system have been concluded and any penalty (i.e. jail time, fine, court costs, etc.) or special condition of probation (i.e. restitution, community service, counseling, etc.) has been satisfied. If law enforcement authorities determine that charges will not be filed, eligibility will be contingent upon local school policies.  

b. After a student has completed all court appearances and penalties, and has satisfied all special conditions of probation and remains under general probation only, local school authorities shall determine eligibility.  

c. Moving traffic offenses shall not affect eligibility, unless they involve drugs, alcohol, or injuries to others.  

  2.2.3 Local School:  

a. A student who violates a local school policy is ineligible until completion of the prescribed school penalties.  

b. The eligibility of a student who is serving detention or in-school suspension shall be determined by local school authorities.  

c. A student shall not be considered eligible while serving an out-of-school suspension. 

d. If a student misses class(es) without being excused by the principal, the student shall not be considered eligible on that date. Further, the student cannot be certified eligible to participate on any subsequent date until the student attends a full day of classes.  

e. Each individual school has the authority to set more restrictive citizenship standards and shall have the authority and responsibility to judge its students under those standards. 

f. Each school shall diligently and completely investigate any issue that could affect student eligibility.  

2.2.4 Expulsion:  

A student who is expelled from school because of disciplinary measures shall not be considered eligible for 365 days from the date of expulsion. An expulsion is prompt removal of a student from school following the conduct for which the student is under discipline, whereby the student is not allowed to return to school until either an appeals process reinstates the student or the duration is fulfilled. However, this period of ineligibility shall not apply to any student expulsion for conduct otherwise protected by law which does not materially and substantially interfere with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of a school.  

2.2.5 Student Responsibility:  

Each student is responsible for notifying the school of any and all situations that would affect their eligibility under the above standards. If the student does not notify the school of the situation prior to the school’s discovery, then the student shall be ineligible for up to 365 days from discovery, pending review by the Board of Directors. Editor’s Note: See also By-Law 3.10.5, Eligible at Time of Transfer.  

 

Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and/or illicit drug possession, use, sale, and/or abuse. Students shall not use, sell, abuse, or possess alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, electronic cigarettes,/or illicit drugs.  

1. First and Second Offense (tobacco, electronic cigarettes)  

If a student is found in possession during school or a school activity, the policies and procedures as outlined in the Troy Buchanan High School Policy of Discipline, as adopted by the R-III Board of Education, shall be strictly enforced. The student may return to his/her team after the suspension is served.  

2a. First Violation (Alcoholic beverages, illicit drug possession, use, sale,  and/or abuse)  

If a student is found in possession of controlled substances inside or outside a school setting, they will be suspended from competition for 10 school days and placed on an activities contract. The student may practice, but he/she will be suspended from any contests during that 10-day suspension.  

2b. Second Violation (Alcoholic beverages, illicit drug possession, use, sale,  and/or abuse) 

The student shall be suspended for a period of 180 school days from the day of the second offense and will not be allowed to participate in practice and contests in all school athletic activities.  

  

Off-Season Offense  

Students are expected to train and adhere to all policies and rules year-round. In addition to  Board of Education procedure, any student that violates policy and rules in the off-season will be placed on an activities contract for 10 days of the next season of which they participate. They may practice, but they will not be allowed to participate in the first two (2) contests of the season. 

 

*Repeated violations of any of the above may result in complete disassociation with any or all activity/athletic teams for the remainder of the student’s high school career.  

DUE PROCESS AND APPEALS  

Students will have the opportunity to express their side of any incident in which they may be involved. Parents or other appropriate representatives may be involved with students during the due process hearings. The coach/sponsor, in consultation with the activities director and school administrator, may suspend a student from activities after having given him/her the right to  

be heard. The suspension decision may be appealed to the principal. The principal’s decision will be final. The student and/or his/her parent/guardian may appeal actions taken pursuant to this policy. The school administration will send a written decision to the parent/guardian within two days of the appeal hearing.  

• Any incidents that occur that are not covered by these guidelines will be reviewed on an individual basis, and decisions related to penalties will be made jointly by the school administration and sponsor.

CONFLICTS BETWEEN ACTIVITIES  

Students should make the best choices when participating in activities to avoid conflicts between activities. This involves good communication, decision-making skills, prioritizing, and long-range goals and aspirations. However, when a conflict arises between two school-sponsored activities,  administrative priority will examine this order or precedence:  

1. National contest  

2. State contest  

3. District contest  

4. Conference contest  

5. Academic class  

6. Interscholastic contest  

7. Required (dress rehearsal) practices  

8. Regular practices  

CARE OF EQUIPMENT  

In order to give athletes a sense of responsibility and an appreciation of their equipment, squad members are to be held accountable for the abuse or loss of it. The cooperation of all coaches is solicited in seeing that players maintain proper care of all athletic equipment. It is the responsibility of the head coach to see that players always put away and check in their equipment after games and  practices. Any equipment lost or damaged by an athlete must be paid for by the athlete. Any loss of equipment should be immediately reported to the head coach. Do not wait until the end of the season.  

Coaches are to inform their players not to exchange any equipment (practice or game). If it is necessary to make an adjustment, then this is to be done through the coaches.  

Coaches shall make clear to the members of their squads that any member of the coaching staff,  teachers, principals, or the athletic director has the prerogative to command proper use of any school equipment and/or facilities at any time.  

No students or athletes are to use the gyms, athletic areas, weight rooms, locker rooms, or showers unless supervised by a coach or faculty member. Athletes remaining after school will be supervised at Titan Advantage (study tables) until their coach arrives at Troy South.  

ALL EQUIPMENT FROM A SPORT MUST BE TURNED IN AND/OR ALL EQUIPMENT DEBTS  FROM A SPORT MUST BE PAID BEFORE AN ATHLETE WILL BE PERMITTED TO COMPETE  OR PARTICIPATE IN ANOTHER SPORT OR ACTIVITY. 

ACTIVITY AWARDS  

An activity award is a symbol of activity accomplishment, good sportsmanship, and observance of activity policies. Activity members, cheerleaders, and dancers are eligible to earn awards. No activity member may receive an award in an activity for which he/she is academically ineligible at the completion of the season or if under suspension for an activity violation. Candidates must complete the season’s play; however, this requirement may be waived in cases of physical injury. No awards will be issued to a student until all equipment for his/her activity is turned in to the coach/sponsor. 

 

Titan Shield Award 

 You may earn the “Titan Shield Award” by meeting the following criteria:

• Participate in 3 seasons for both 7^th and 8^th grade years (Must complete the  season in good standing (Cheer/Dance are Fall and Winter Sports) 
  • Example: Football (Fall), Wrestling (Winter), and Track (Spring) 
• Cumulative GPA > 3.5 

In the days of specializing in sports, we wanted to honor individuals that not only participated in multiple sports, but excelled at them while still maintaining a high Grade Point Average. 

TRANSPORTATION  

No athletic team or any group will be transported in private cars without the approval of the building principal or designee. Buses will be provided for all games and contests. All athletes must ride district-provided transportation to their contests. Students who are members of the athletic teams going to a contest, practice, or games will return on the bus. Coaches may grant permission for a student to ride home with his/her parent or guardian. Students may get prior administrative approval to ride home with another student’s parent if the parent submits a written note and it is deemed necessary by the administrator prior to the event. It is the responsibility of the coach in charge of the squad to see that this regulation is carried out.

SPORTS BY SEASON  

FALL SPORTS 

Boys Cross Country – Combined 7^th/8^th Grade  

Girls Cross Country – Combined 7^th/8^th Grade  

Football – 7^th& 8^th Grade  

Girls Volleyball – 7^th& 8^th Grade  

Softball – Combined 7^th/8^th Grade 

WINTER SPORTS 

Boys Basketball – 7^th& 8^th Grade  

Girls Basketball – 7^th & 8^th Grade  

Wrestling – Combined 7^th/8^th Grade  

SPRING SPORTS 

Boys Track – Combined 7^th/8^th Grade  

Girls Track – Combined 7^th/8^th Grade  

EXTRACURRICULAR INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES  

Cheerleading – Combined 7^th/8^thGrade  

Dance Team – Combined 7^th/8^th Grade  

LCR3 secondary schools have activities and clubs that are recreational, competitive, and selective. This means that some clubs have costs, are free, and/or have stipulations with regard to grades, behavior, and attendance. Please see the school's website for more information for each club and activity requirements.

 

Etracurricular Activities 

To find more information about our available Extracurricular Activities, please visit our Activities page