Palma School

 

Athletic Department Handbook for Palma Student Athletes

2024-2025

Palma School  919 Iverson Street 0 Salinas, CA  93901

831.422.8510 www.palmaschool.org/athletics

www.palmaathletics.org
 

Palma School's

Sports Programs

FALL SEASON

Football                       Flag Football

Girls Golf                        Girls Tennis

Girls Volleyball                Water Polo

Boys & Girls Cross Country

Junior High Cross Country

Junior High Soccer

Junior High Volleyball

WINTER SEASON

Boys & Girls Basketball 

Boys & Girls Soccer

Boys & Girls Wrestling

Junior High Basketball

SPRING SEASON

Baseball

Boys Golf 

Boys Lacrosse 

Softball

Boys & Girls Swimming 

Boys Tennis

Track & Field

Boys Volleyball

Junior High Golf

Junior High Tennis

Junior High Track

 Junior High Wrestling

 

Palma Athletic Participation Highlighted Rules

2024/2025   School Year 
 

Before being allowed to participate in interscholastic athletics, each student/athlete must acknowledge in writing that he/she is aware of and is willing to obey all rules of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the Central Coast Section (CCS), the Pacific Coast  Athletic League (PCAL), and the Mission Trail Junior Athletic League (MTJAL), as well as those of Palma. This is to be witnessed, signed and dated by his/her parent or guardian. The following are a few of the rules that are in need of highlighting:

California Interscholastic Federation Eligibility Rules : 

You are eligible to compete in interscholastic athletics if:

• You have received passing grades in twenty credits of schoolwork during the previous grading period and received at least a minimum of a 2.00 G.P.A. for the same grading period.

• You are currently enrolled in a minimum of twenty credits of schoolwork.

• You are an amateur in the sport in which you compete.

• You are under nineteen years of age as of June 15 of the current school year.

• You have taken and passed an annual physical examination, or have submitted a statement by a medical practitioner (M.D., D.O. or D.C.),
    certifying that you are physically fit to participate in athletics, be it tryouts, practices or games.

You may not compete in interscholastic athletics if:
• You have attended a four-year high school for more than eight semesters.
• You have changed schools without a valid change in residence of both your parent/guardian or have not been granted a waiver of eligibility by
    the Central Coast Section of the California Interscholastic Federation.

• You have competed on an outside team in a particular sport during that season of the same sport.

• You have participated in any tryout for a professional team without prior approval of the school and CIF officials.

• You have received or will receive any money, prizes, or merchandise for performances, contests, exhibitions, or personal appearances which
    depend on athletic skills or reputation.

Palma Eligibility Rules for the 2024- 2025 School Year :

 You are eligible to compete in interscholastic athletics at Palma if:

•     You are a registered student at Palma and current on tuition and fees.

•     You have completed and submitted to the Athletic Director all the documentation needed for participation.

•     You have permission of your parent/guardian to participate in athletics.

•     You are willing to observe the rules and regulations of the Athletic Department and comply with specific team rules, at practices and games,
       regarding attendance, conduct, behavior, sportsmanship, dress code, substance abuse, etc.

•     You are in compliance with the school's rules regarding behavior, attendance, sportsmanship, substance abuse, etc.

•     You are academically eligible according to the school's standards as outlined in the Student and Parent Handbook.

•     You have attended the Parent/Player/Coach meeting for each sport of participation during the current school year.

You may not compete in interscholastic athletics at Palma if:

• You have violated any CIF, CCS, PCAL, or MTJAL rules or regulations.

• You have not attained at least a minimum 2.00 G.P.A. in the previous grading period. You will be immediately ineligible for any participation
    (including practice) on the day that reports cards are distributed if your G.P.A. is below 2.0.

• You are absent for more than half of your academic school day. You will not be allowed to participate in or observe any practice or contest on
    that school day.

• You are suspended from school for disciplinary reasons. You will not be allowed to participate in or observe any practice or contest during
    the suspension. All other disciplinary measures, including detention, take precedence over athletics.

• You have violated the school's or the Athletic Department's substance abuse policy. Violations will be strictly punished.

• You have participated during the school year, while a member of a high school team, in any organized team activity in the same sport.

• You have exhibited repeated violations of proper sportsmanship.

 

Palma School

Athletic Participation Rules and Policies
 

Each coach may have rules that are particular to his sport; however, all coaches and players, regardless of sport, must abide by the following Athletic Departmental rules and policies:

• Academics: Academics are first; athletics is an extracurricular activity.

• Practice Times: As Palma is a college prep high school, a full academic load is extremely critical for each student/athlete. As a general rule, no
    practices will take place until 3:15pm on regular school days. Early morning workouts and practices will be conducted with consideration given to
    the previous night's contests and the student's academic load. The department highly encourages the taking of zero or eighth period classes and
    this schedule will not have any bearing on a student's athletic experience.

• Sunday Events: By California Interscholastic Federation rules, it is forbidden for a coach to have contact with his/her athletes on the designated
    day of rest, Sunday. This includes but is not limited to: practices, meetings, film study, open gym/field or private lessons. Furthermore, if an out-of-
    town athletic trip spills over into a Sunday, planning for and attendance at Mass is required.

• Catholic Identity: It is a requirement that every athletic team select a day to attend a 7:30 AM weekday Mass during every week of school during
    their season of sport. Both coaches and athletes will attend and participate as evidence of their commitment to Palma's Mission.

• Facilities:  Each participant in athletics must be responsible to care for our facilities. We often use facilities that belong to other schools or
    businesses; it is important to show "Palma Pride" by leaving the facilities in better condition than when we arrived.

• Dress Code: School rules governing facial hair, hats, jewelry, and hair color are strictly enforced for athletes. Each team will have a specific dress
    code for contests (home and away) as well as for practice and the time immediately following practice. This dress code is to be exhibited     proudly by our athletes and should reflect a positive image of Palma.

• Cleats: Teams with this type of athletic gear must be conscientious to eliminate the damage cleats will cause to surfaces not designed for them.
    No cleats will be allowed in the locker rooms, gym, weight room, training/wellness room, hallways, on the track, or in front of the school at
     anytime. Be considerate when cleaning cleats – the walls are not cleat cleaners. Cleats may be worn outside the locker rooms for transit to the
     fields via the driveway behind the C and D wings. Absolutely no cleats are allowed on the track at any time.

• Lockers: The Athletic Director assigns all sports lockers. The high school athletes are assigned a large athletic locker for the sporting season in
     which they participate (some lockers may be shared by two athletes). The athlete may use that locker for the remainder of the school year if he
     or she participates in additional sport(s), otherwise the locker must be cleaned and emptied at season's end. Lockers always need to be locked
     with a school lock. All lockers are school property and may be inspected by the school at any time.

• Equipment: Each sport will have equipment issued to the athlete. The athlete is responsible for the care of that equipment. The equipment will be
     returned at season's end to the athlete's coach. Lost equipment will be billed to the student's school account and could cause delays in exam
     permit issuance.

• Weight Room/Gym/Wrestling Room/Cages/Track and Fields: Athletes and/or teams are prohibited from using these facilities without proper, direct
    coaching staff and/or faculty supervision. This facility use must be presented to the Athletic Director in a timely fashion so that it can be
    calendared correctly.

• Attendance at Practice: An athlete must practice to improve athletic skill.  Absenteeism from practice may result in "lost" playing time. Coaches for
    the lower competing levels are instructed to be more lenient when absenteeism is due to vacation, medical appointments, or other obligations;
    however, as varsity level sports approach, the commitment level increases.

• School Day Attendance Requirement: An athlete may not participate in either practice or a contest if they have  missed more than half of their
    class periods on that day (this applies to medical/dental appointments also).

• Seasons-of-Sports: If an athlete quits or is dismissed from an athletic team prior to the end of the season (Fall, Winter, Spring), the athlete will not
    be allowed to try-out for or practice with the next season's sport until his prior team has finished its season; this may include playoffs. Only the
    Athletic Director or Principal can waive this policy.


• Multi (dual) Seasons-of-Sports: An athlete may participate in any number sports per school year by CIF rules. If an athlete wishes to participate in
    more than one sport in one season, the coaches of these two different sports must agree to work out a plan (written and turned into the Athletic
    Director), which will allow the athlete to practice and compete in both sports. The plan of action must not be detrimental to the teams involved or
    to the athlete. This plan must be turned in to the Athletic Director in a timely manner prior to the start of the multi practices/competitions.

• Physical Education Requirement: An athlete who has a Physical Education class is not allowed to forfeit participation in the class and practice or
    compete with his team in lieu of his class requirement.

• Cuts: Teams with a size limitation must have cuts. Coaches will cut prospective athletes respectfully. The athlete will be encouraged on how to     best develop and improve their skills. They will also be encouraged to participate in another sport. An athlete has the right to know the reason(s)
    he or she was cut. The Athletic Director will be contacted by any party involved (student, parent, coach) for help in this area.

• Discipline Matters: Discipline plays a large part in athletics and is one of the most valuable lessons taught by participating in a sport. The school
    discipline policy is supported both explicitly and implicitly by the Athletic Department. Serving detention is the priority when the detention
    coincides with practice or a contest. The rules particular to an individual team are presented to the parents by the coach at the
    Parent/Player/Coach meeting and the penalties for violation of the rules are explained. Athletics is a privilege, not a right.

• Uniform Colors: The two colors that are Palma's are cardinal & gold rush. There is no deviation from this and any color added to a Palma team
    uniform must receive prior approval of the Palma Administration. Specific fonts, P's, scripts, mascots and motto are in place and may be obtained
    from the Athletic Director.

• Social Media / Website: Social media can be a powerful communication device when used in the appropriate manner. Postings do however
    become immediate, public history. Extreme caution should be exercised here. The Palma website is controlled by the school and any athletic
    postings will be submitted to the Athletic Director for possible publication. Individual team web pages are not approved by Palma and not
    encouraged.

• Substance Abuse: Participating in a sport, more than any other extra-curricular activity, demands a strong commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
    Athletics is a privilege given to those who choose to participate wisely. Athletic rules are demanding, yet the rewards and lessons can positively
    impact a life. Therefore,in addition to the policy of Palma High School in regard to alcohol and substance abuse, the Athletic Department enforces
    the following:
        1.   Any participant at any level of sport, in either Senior or Junior High, will adhere to the following additional penalties when a violation of the
              school's alcohol and controlled substance policy occurs:
                a)   First Offense: Suspension from the team pending an Athletic Department Disciplinary Board Hearing and a determination from the
                        Athletic Director. The Board will consist of three Palma coaches selected by the Athletic Director who will meet with the athlete and                         his/her parents to review the offense. The Board will make a recommendation to the Athletic Director who will make a determination of
                        corrective action with the maximum penalty of suspension from the team for the remainder of that season.
                b)   Second Offense: Suspension from athletic participation for one year (until that season of sport returns).
                c)    Third Offense: Prohibition from participating in athletics for the remainder of his time at Palma
        2.   Any participant who voluntarily refers them self for help before a violation has occurred will not be held to the above restrictions.

•   Injuries: An athlete must report any injury to his coach and Athletic Trainer; the coach is the first line of treatment to aid in the healing. The
     Athletic Department has various doctors who have helped with athletic injuries; please contact the Athletic Director.

•   Physicals: Athletic physicals are provided to Palma students for a minimal fee, thanks to the Athletic Council and the generosity of many doctors.
    Sports physicals are usually scheduled for the first or second week in August.

•     Spirit Packs: Spirit packs are defined as the equipment or clothing the student athlete will keep at the end of the season (practice gear, warm-
    ups, socks, etc.). Spirit packs are purchased online. Coaches will advise.
 
•   Transportation: The school owns a bus and several vans, which are used to transport athletes; parental help is often needed. Athletes may
    drive themselves to practice at an off-site facility only if written permission by the parents has been submitted to the Coach and he/she has it
    placed on file in the Athletic Department office. An athlete is prohibited from driving another athlete.

•   Sportsmanship: For other schools, the Palma game is often the most significant and well-attended on their schedule. Poor sportsmanship on the
    part of anyone who is a member of the "Palma Family" is never appropriate. The Principal, Athletic Director and Palma Coaches all regard
    sportsmanship as a top priority. Athletes and members of the community of Palma are all called to exhibit outstanding sportsmanship. Absolutely
    no taunting or baiting of other teams is acceptable. Protesting the calls made by officials is not tolerated, nor is acting in an attention-seeking
    manner on or off the field. Any player, coach, or parent who is ejected from a contest for poor sportsmanship will be banned from participating in
    the remainder of that contest and from the following contest.

•   Outside Competition: Competing for a team other than a Palma team during the season of sport (church leagues included) is illegal and
    participation in such can result in forfeited contests. See the Athletic Director for more information before the competition takes place.

•   Recruiting/Undue Influence: No coach or parent shall recruit or use undue influence on any student or prospective student that encourages the
    student to enroll in, continue at or transfer from Palma. Palma does not provide athletic scholarships.

•   Parent/Player/Coach Meetings:  These meetings are mandatory and must be attended by both the athlete and parent. These meetings provide
    an excellent forum for communication to the parents and the athletes by the Athletic Department, the Athletic Council, the Principal, and the
    coaches. Important topics are discussed: eligibility, spirit packs, and schedules, codes of conduct, substance abuse policy, and sportsmanship.
    Loss of athletic participation may result when these meetings are not attended.

•  Directions: Directions to other schools are provided by the school website athletic calendar, the coach or Athletic Director. Call the Athletic Director
     if you are in need of directions.

•  Awards Policy: All athletes are honored at an award program. The dates for he high school awards programs are scheduled by season of sport
    after those particular seasons end. The junior high athletic teams meet informally when their season ends. The Athletic Department regards these
    programs as the athlete's last commitment to his team; awards can be returned to the manufacturer if the athlete is not present to receive it at the
     ceremony.

•  Publicity Protocol: COLLEGE SIGNINGS
    History: Over the last 20 years, Palma has produced many fine athletes who have gone on to compete at the next level. The Athletic Department
     has always honored these young athletes in a low-key manner.  Statement of Philosophy : It is imperative that whenever we have the opportunity
     to recognize the achievement of our athletes who are signing letters of intent or making oral commitments to 4 year colleges and universities that
    we do so in a way that maximizes publicity for the school and provides for proper celebration for the family and the young athlete. To accomplish
    this, the following will be the Athletic Department protocol:
    Serve Proper Notice (Responsible: Coach) The coach, who is usually the first to know, will notify the Athletic Director who in turn will notify the
    Palma Administration and Advancement Office.
    Set Up Photo Celebration (Responsible: Athletic Director) The Athletic Director will work with the athlete to set a date for the photo shoot and
    have this placed on the school calendar and website.
    Invitations to Celebration (Responsible: Athletic Department Office) Invitations will be sent out to those who need to be in attendance – President,
    Principal, Executive Committee, Coaches, and the Athlete's Family Members (as agreed to by the AD & the family).
    Media Notification (Responsible: Marketing Office) Proper notification will be served to the media –This will include a press release and invitation
     to the signing / photo shoot.
    Location Set Up (Responsible: Athletic Department Office) this will entail detailed set up of the venue (backdrop included), arrangement of school
    photographer, proper paperwork, refreshments; sport- specific set decorations, etc.

• Open Door Policy: The Athletic Department is always seeking to improve. 
          Please contact the Athletic Director to discuss any ideas or suggestions.

• Miscellaneous/Useful Information:
        Athletic Director & Athletic Department – 422-8510
        Photographs – Cook's Photography
        Athletic Council – The Council is the fundraising arm of Palma Athletics; meetings are held the first Monday of every month, at 5:30pm p.m. in
         the CSC. Location changes can be found on the Athletic Council web page.

GUIDELINES  FOR  PALMA  ATHLETES,  PARENTS  and  COACHES
THE ATHLETE ~
• Will listen and hear
• Will communicate - ask questions when something is not understood or there is an issue
• Will give his best effort in every practice
• Will learn to own his mistakes – we all make them – and strive not to repeat them
• Will treat his teammates, coaches and parents as one would like to have a loved one treated
THE COACH ~
• Will listen and hear
• Will communicate with any athlete who has an issue, comment or question
• Will be well-prepared for practices and games
• Will lead by example and coaching will be done with POSITIVE reinforcement
• Will be fair and mentor the athletes taking into consideration their athletic ability, attitude and effort
• Will diligently build and prepare the most competitive team for each athletic contest
• Will treat athletes, parents and other coaches as they would like a loved one treated
THE PARENT ~
• Will help their son understand the responsibilities of the athlete and coach
• Will encourage their son to communicate and discuss issues with the coach
• Will treat their son, coach and other parents as they would like a loved one treated
• Will give POSITIVE reinforcement and not critique their son's or team's play after practice or games
• Will understand the expectations of the coach and team and will actively support the efforts of the team
CONFLICT RESOLUTION STEPS ~
1. After practice, the athlete should ask their coach when it would be a good time to speak with them
2. If the issue is not resolved after the meeting between athlete and coach, email the coach to schedule a meeting attended by the athlete, parent and coach
3. If no resolution is reached, a meeting should be scheduled with the Athletic Director attended by the athlete, parent, coach and Athletic Director
4.  If no resolution is reached, a meeting should be scheduled with the Principal, attended by the athlete, parent, coach and Athletic Director.