PTMS Wrestling Handbook

Potomac Middle School

Our

Vision

To develop championship athletes and individuals who reach their full human and athletic potential with high character, moral integrity, and who leave PTMS ready to make good decisions on and off the matt.

Our Mission

Potomac Middle School Wrestling offers a unique opportunity for student-athletes to participate and excel in the sport of wrestling. Our program is committed: To providing the opportunity for student-athletes to seek and achieve their athletic, academic and personal potential. To developing the core values of humility, accountability, self-respect, leadership, citizenship, discipline, sportsmanship and integrity. To fostering school unity, school spirit, and pride in our school and athletic teams - Once a Panther Wrestler, Always a Panther Wrestler. To encouraging student-athletes to participate in multiple sports and play sports competitively after middle school. To comply with the rules and policies of the VHSL, NFHS, USA Wrestling and Prince William County Public Schools.

BEING A TEAM MEMBER:

SPORTSMANSHIP AND ATTITUDE

All student-athletes and wrestling supporters are expected to maintain a positive attitude and display good sportsmanship at all times. Poor sportsmanship and attitudes detrimental to PTMS wrestling will not be tolerated. The coaching staff and captains will look at each case; they will determine the consequences. Parents will be notified.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS

All student-athletes are expected to place value on education and prioritize academics above athletics. Just like in athletics, your attitude and effort is always within your control in the classroom. Proper time management is essential in order to enjoy success. Coaches reserve the right to hold athletes from practice or competition when extra attention is needed in the classroom.

PRACTICE ATTENDANCE

Athletes are expected to attend all practices. The coaching staff will keep an accurate record of attendance. If a wrestler is in school and does not inform the head coach that he/she will miss practice, it will be an unexcused absence. Coaches must be notified of an absence in advance for it to be considered excused. The only exception is when an emergency occurs An athlete's inability to practice even if excused may affect their eligibility to compete that week. Students must be present at school the same day of a wrestling match, in other words if you're not in school the day of a meet, you will not be able to compete that day.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Student-athletes must know and adhere to the PWCS Code of Conduct when using social media. Individuals should be aware of the effect their actions may have on their images as well as the image of PTMS Wrestling. The information individuals post or publish may be public information for a long time. Student athletes should use their best judgment in posting all material to the internet. Consequences for breaking the policy will be determined by the coaching staff. Each infraction will be looked at case by case.

PROPER METHOD TO ADDRESS A CONCERN

Step One: The athlete speaks with the coach. Step Two: The parent asks for a conference with the coach and the athlete. Step Three: If the conference between the parent/athlete and coach does not resolve the concern, there will be a meeting with the athletic director and principal. The method to address a concern is created to help student-athletes take responsibility for their lives and learn how to effectively communicate with authority in a respectful and professional manner.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

PTMS wrestling neither advocates nor encourages weight loss in order to participate. Proper nutrition, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are important components to understanding the long-term benefits of high school athletics. Athletes will be expected to compete at his/her designated weight class at each competition and may not compete in a contest if he/she does not make weight. Coaches will closely monitor the weight of each athlete.

VARSITY "STARTING LINE-UP"

The coaching staff will determine the starting line-up for each contest by using wrestle offs. There will be opportunities for athletes to challenge others and to "wrestle-off" for a spot. However, wrestle-offs are NOT the single determining factor for the starting line-up, varsity participation, travel squad or any other position available on the wrestling team. Coaches may include practice attendance and performance, behavior and character, individual match-up, team needs and personal development.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Appointment Team captains shall be chosen by members of the wrestling team, and approved by the coaching staff. Careful consideration should be taken when picking team captains. Only the coaching staff will approve those who exhibit strong leadership skills. Team captains can be removed by the coaching staff if it is determined their actions do not best represent the team. Team captains must help the coaches monitor wrestlers during practice, meets, in school and outside of school activities. Team captains are responsible for leading the team during pre-match warm-ups, and representing the team during a coin toss. Other duties of the team captains are to help organize dual and tournament setup and clean up. Lead by Example Leading by example means taking part, not just delegating. Demonstrate what it takes to excel in athletics and academics. Be on time! Work hard! Be a good sport!

PARENTS AND SPECTATORS (DURING PRACTICE)

Parents and spectators are permitted inside the wrestling room during scheduled practice times (3:20-4:50 PM). Those who desire to watch practice may do so from the chairs by the south wall. Please talk to the coach ahead of time before showing up. Parents (and spectators/visitors) are never permitted in the locker rooms or on the wrestling mat before, during or after practice. Parents (and spectators/visitors) are expected to allow the coaching staff to handle instruction, motivation, discipline and other matters accordingly during practice.

CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT/HYGIENE

Every athlete is expected to attend practice prepared. Workout clothes must be clean at the beginning of every practice. Clothes should fit the athlete well (no baggy clothing) and be appropriate. Derogatory comments and foul and abusive language is not permitted on clothing and coaches reserve the right to instruct an athlete to change his/her clothing. The school provides each athlete with headgear. Additional equipment is available upon request (knee pads, etc.); however, anything beyond the basic practice needs is the responsibility of the athlete. An athlete with braces is required to have a mouth guard for all competitions. All athletes should have running shoes available for every practice. Skin checks will take place periodically throughout the season. Individuals with skin infections must have a completed Medical Release Form before on-the-mat participation resumes. Athletes with concussions must follow mandatory protocol before they are allowed to participate at all. Athletes who are unable to practice due to injury or any other non-illness related diagnosis are expected to attend practice.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Injuries and Infections In wrestling, as with all sports, injury is an inherent risk. Athletes should be aware of this risk. Skin infections are a common problem in the sport of wrestling. We must all do our part to keep skin infections to a minimum. Athletes should report any signs of possible infection to the coaching staff immediately. After the beginning of practice or competition athletes are not allowed to leave without permission from the coaching staff. Athletes are not trainers. Do not self-diagnose injuries or infections. If you believe you are injured, sick, or have a skin infection check in with the coaches and we will send you to the trainer. Unless you have a communicable disease you are expected to be at every practice.