Welcome!  Girls Soccer at Linn-Mar is both a developmental and a competitive program.  Our mission is “Developing better athletes, better people in a competitive training environment”.

At Linn-Mar we believe:

At Linn-Mar we believe:

• Academics come before athletics
• LMGS Core Values:
  • Hard-work – 100% effort given to all team activities (pre-season, fundraisers, training, competitions, etc…)
  • Selfless/Unselfishness – Be humble. Give your teammates the credit when celebrating success. Be genuine in feeling joy for other’s accomplishments. Adopt a “WE” over “ME” mentality.
  • Respect – Showing and treating everyone with the utmost respect. Teachers, classmates, teammates, coaches, referees, opponents and fans. Everyone!
  • Accountability – We don’t make excuses, blame others or whine and complain. We take full ownership and make sure we know our job and do our job 100% of the time.
  • Integrity – Doing the right thing. Because it’s the right thing to do.
• In sportsmanship, teamwork, goal setting, discipline, social growth & the development of life skills
• In fostering a strong work ethic
• In the development and accommodations of players at varied skill levels
• In encouraging friendships through a positive nurturing environment
• All players should have fun in an environment that promotes fitness
• That a fair and supportive environment will be provided for all students and employees regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or genetic information. (see Linn-Mar Board Policies – Educational Philosophy of the School District Code)
• In Nondiscrimination – (see Linn-Mar Board Policy 105.1)
• In No Hazing, Bullying or Harassment of Players, Students, Coaches, Officials, or the Public (see Linn-Mar Board Policy – Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy Code 104)

We look forward to a successful season!

Linn-Mar Student-Athlete Participation Guidelines

• Attend pre-season informational meetings.
• Parents attend informational parent meeting.
• All required forms have been received by school administration including: Physical, Good Conduct Form, Concussion Form, Medical Card, and Driving Release forms
• A Concussion Test Baseline must get taken by the school Athletic Trainer at the start of the player’s high school participation. This is only done once and not yearly.
• Player evaluation will take place during first week of practice.
• Coaches to determine anticipated level of competition and participation.
• Student-athletes will attend all practices, games, and team functions. If a player has another commitment; parent must contact Coach to request excuse of the student- athlete from practice, game, or team function

Linn-Mar Girl’s Soccer Team Rules:

To participate in soccer at a competitive level requires self-discipline. Following team rules is an important step in the development of self-discipline. In order to be consistent, team rules will be kept to a minimum and simple.

• Be on time
• No whining
• Do what you should, when you should, and not just what you have to
• Do it before you are asked
• Do things that will make yourself, team, coach, family, and friends proud

Core Values – Demonstrates and lives by the LMGS Core Values on and off the field (including social media):

• Hard work
• Unselfishness
• Respect
• Accountability
• Integrity

LMGS Standards of Behavior – Teams will establish a list of acceptable and non-acceptable behaviors that they will follow throughout the soccer season.

Practice attendance is important – Make arrangements so as not to miss practice. Absences may result in reduced playing time. Unexcused absences can result in missing the next game. Linn-Mar’s co-curricular policy applies where applicable. If a player has a conflict between LMGS and another co-circular activity, she should inform both leaders to allow them to discuss how to handle the situation. Players and parents will then be informed of your leaders’ decision. Early planning makes decisions of this nature easier for all. If a player intends to participate in dual concurrent school activities during the season, the player, their parents, activity coaches/sponsors, and AD staff will discuss the conflicts/impacts that are created as well as the coaches informing the “where and when” the player will participate in the different activities.

Players need to notify the coaches as to their intention in dual participation.

Daily Announcements – All players are responsible to listen to daily announcements and read their email daily during the season for information.

Ball Runners – All athletes from all teams (V, JV1 & JV2) are required to help with ball running throughout the year. Coaches will have a sign-up sheet for players to sign up.

Teams

Placement on the various teams (V, JV1, or JV2) will be based on individual player’s abilities, leadership skills, work ethic, maturity and whether they demonstrate the LMGS Core Values on AND off the field. Special consideration will be given to a specific team’s unity and the impact on the total program before any player placement of change will be made. Soccer, though a team sport, relies heavily on individual technique. During the early season, a great deal of practice time will be spent introducing, developing, and evaluating individual technique, physical strength, speed and endurance. Following technical introduction and team placement, different levels of tactics will be addressed during individual team practices. Teams will be selected by the coaches, not based on grade in school, there can be position base considerations, and movement between teams is possible. Players have to earn the right to stay on their team through hard work, dedication to the team goals, and respect to all. The Criteria is listed on Page 13.

Game Participation Rules

• State – Team is limited to 17 games for normal season
• State & Mississippi – Player can play in 6 halves on a playing date

Junior Varsity 2 (JV2)

• Third Team in LMGS program
• Team has a 13-game schedule
• Players could be available to the JV1 team as well

Junior Varsity 2 (JV1)

• Second Team in program
• Team has a 15-game schedule – normally travels with Varsity
• Players could be available to the Varsity team as well

Varsity

• Limited roster number
• Team has a 17-game schedule
• Position base considerations
• Varsity Game Play is not guaranteed
• A player may be requested to join that night’s JV1 roster and play in that game.

Off-Season Training

Athletes out for soccer are encouraged to participate in soccer year-round through one of the many clubs available and to participate in one or more of the interscholastic sports or co- curricular programs offered by Linn-Mar. If you choose not to participate in one of the above activities, you would be wise to begin a weight training and endurance program. The intensity of any program should be governed by the time of the year in relationship to the upcoming season. There are also a number of Soccer Open Gyms that have been scheduled at the High School.

LM Strength & Conditioning

The first phase of developing a better program for us is to have experts in the field come in and organize all of our programs and students into one Linn-Mar Strength Program. Performance Therapies is will run sessions to all team sports. Times and days will vary throughout the school year so please with your coach for the schedule. This program will also take place during the soccer season. In addition to the strength & conditioning program, the LMGS staff will run sessions of speed & agility, Plyometrics, cardio and core. The exercises utilized have been shown to improve strength and reduce injuries while working the whole body versus only certain muscles.

Practice

The 2018 soccer season starts on March 19th. There will also be a fitness week starting on March 12th (Spring Break) to help prepare the player. The Program has scheduled two a day for the first week of practice with the morning fitness session in the auxiliary gym from 6:00 a.m.- 7:00 a.m.

Varsity practice will start at 5:00 p.m. whereas JV1/JV2 practices will start at 4:15 p.m.. Practices will be on non-game weeknights at the LMGS Soccer Complex at Echo Hill Elementary. Players will have a 3:50 p.m. shuttle bus available to them. Players driving personal cars or riding with another player will be required to have submitted signed releases prior to doing so. If the practice site is LM Stadium or another alternative site, a special start time will be announced. When bad weather prevents outside practice, announcements/ communication will be given for a possible alternative site and or time. There may be several Saturday morning practices if required. Players are to be on the field ready to practice at the appointed start time.

Lettering Requirements

In order for an athlete to letter in Linn-Mar Girls Soccer, they must complete the season in good standing. The Head Coach will have the final say as to who will letter. This will be based on the individual’s contribution to the success of the varsity team.

• Any athlete who letters in a varsity sport (first one ever) will receive a varsity letter (LM), numerals, pin for that sport and a varsity certificate.
• Whenever an athlete letters in another sport they will only receive a pin for that sport and a varsity certificate.
• Each additional year that athlete letters they will receive a bar and a varsity certificate.
• All other non-varsity participants will only receive a participation certificate.

A variety of factors will be considered, including but not limited to the following: attendance at practices and games, work ethic during practice, participation in games, and over-all attitude towards competitors, coaches, and teammates at all times.
Lettering Requirements

Uniforms & Equipment

Each individual will be expected to provide the following equipment:

• Practice soccer shorts, grey shirt (required)
• Shin guards – NOCSAE approved and socks
• Gym shoes or indoor soccer shoes
• Game shorts – white & black pair
• Water bottle
• Game socks (black pair and white pair)
• Warm Clothes/Rain Gear
• Soccer cleats

The Linn-Mar Girls Soccer Program along with the Linn-Mar Athletic Department has purchased and will issue each field player with the following minimum equipment:

• One black jersey to be worn at away contests
• One white jersey to be worn at home contests
• One black rain jacket
• One soccer bag to use for season
• One Adidas Warm-up Jacket and Pants

For contests, both home and away, bring both jerseys, shorts, and pairs of socks. Strange things happen regarding colors chosen by opponents. Be prepared for the unexpected.

Every effort will be made to keep individual costs to a minimum. No one will be denied the opportunity to play due to financial considerations. If needed, please contact the Linn-Mar Associate AD (Ms. Tonya Moe) to identify your desire to play. All school issued equipment is required to be handed in good shape at the end of the season.

Transportation

Linn-Mar Community Schools will provide transportation to all home and away contests if off campus. It will also provide a shuttle bus from Door 9 to the LMGS Soccer Complex at 3:50 p.m. There will not be a shuttle back to the HS after practice. The Athletic Department expects athletes to ride the bus both to and from the contests with the team. The coaching staff recognizes there will be unusual circumstances that may preclude this policy, such as family emergencies or participation in other events. In this case an athlete may ride home with a parent(s) after the Head Coach for the game has been told of the situation and presented with a signed, written note by the player’s parent. Each athlete’s driver is required to sign the player out. Reasons such as having to go home and study will not be viewed as viable.

As a way of displaying support towards one another, the Varsity and JV1 players will be required to attend (at a minimum) the first half of the other team’s game. During inclement weather the coaches will make a decision. It is understood that there will be rare instances where prior commitments will take priority, however (asides from these rare instances) it is still expected that the players and parents abide by this rule.

Communication

Much of the general communication is handled via email, through our team web site, or the team twitter account. Both players and parents need to make a habit of checking their email daily during the season. Coaches may also use “Text Message” to players as a communication vehicle.

Be sure to bookmark and sign up for notifications on the Mississippi Valley Conference Calendar as well the Linn-Mar Girls Soccer team website. These web sites are updated regularly during the season and periodically during the off-season. Please make a habit of checking them regularly. LM Girls Soccer @LMGirlsSoccer is our twitter account. These sites can also be found at the Linn-Mar High School web site.

Players should use caution and discretion when using social network sites. Be aware of consequences which could adversely impact you, your team, parents, and school. Adverse usage could affect co-circular status with school and team. Page 15 provides our players and our parents guidance on dealing with social media.

Communication Escalation Process

No matter how hard coaches may try, there will always be some misunderstandings and disgruntlement of athletes. If a problem should arise, the Athletic Department and the Linn-Mar Community Schools have adopted the following standard procedure:

• The student athlete should bring the issue to the coach’s attention.
• If the issue needs further attention, the parent should contact the coach to set up an appointment. Since the coach will have other things on their mind or needs to be addressed, please do not attempt to address your concerns immediately before or after a contest or practice.
• If after the parent/coach meeting, the parent still has concerns or a satisfactory resolution was not reached, then the parent is encouraged to call the Athletic Director. A meeting will be scheduled to discuss the situation and the next steps determined.

Please follow the above procedures. In many cases the coach may not know of the problem and just by the athlete talking about their concerns openly with the coach, it may be resolved without creating a greater conflict.

There are three topics coaches will not talk to parents about. Players are welcome to discuss these with coaches at the appropriate time.

• Playing time
• Position on the field
• Team selection. (Varsity, JV1, or JV2)

Club Soccer Participation

Under normal circumstances a student athlete is not allowed to participate on a team outside of school while that sport is in season. A student athlete MAY participate in Olympic Development Teams with the knowledge and permission of the coaching staff. School sponsored activities are to be given priority during the season to non-school sponsored activities.

Due to the new USSF age change, there will be instances for some freshman players whose club team will be participating during our high school spring season. Any freshman athlete who chooses to participate in club events such as practices, games or tournaments will not be given consideration to be on the LMGS Varsity team.

Health/Injuries

If you are injured at practice or in a game or suspect a health condition such as Methicillin- Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) inform a member of the coaching staff or our trainer immediately so you can get back to health as soon as possible. All injuries and any concussion symptoms must be checked and cleared by our trainer, Vince Klopfenstein, before an athlete can return to participation. High School State regulations states that any athlete that has to miss a competition or more than a week of practices due to an injury cannot come back to practice or competition without a written note from a MD. The referral sheet that Vince sends with all athletes when they go to the doctor covers that, which in the end will help the athlete more. Players, if at all possible, please see or call Vince before going to a doctor. He will evaluate your condition and work with the medical network if required. Additional information on MRSA is located on page 18.

Concussions

The Iowa Legislature passed a new law, effective July 1, 2011, regarding students in grades 7-12 who participate in extracurricular interscholastic activities. Please note this important information from Iowa Code Section 280.12C, Brain Injury Polices:

• A child must be immediately removed from participation (practice or competition) if his/her coach or a contest official observes signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or brain injury in an extracurricular interscholastic activity.
• A child may not participate again until a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and other brain injuries has evaluated him/her and the student has received written clearance from that person to return to participation.
• Key definitions:

“Licensed health care provider” means a physician, physician assistant, chiropractor, advanced registered nurse practitioner, nurses, physical therapist, or athletic trainer licensed by a board. “Extracurricular interscholastic activity” means any extracurricular interscholastic activity, contest, or practice, including sports, dance, or cheerleading.

Linn-Mar Trainer Contact Information
Vince Klopfenstein
Phone:
319-750-1591
Email:
vklopfenstein@linnmar.k12.ia.us

NCAA Recruiting & Academic  Regulations

You become a “prospective student-athlete” when you start ninth-grade classes. Before ninth grade, you become a prospective student-athlete if a college gives you (or your relatives or friends) any financial aid or other benefits that the college does not provide to prospective students generally.

You become a “recruited prospective student-athlete” at a particular college if any coach or representative of the college’s athletics interest (booster or representative) approaches you (or any member of your family) about enrolling and participating in athletics at that college. Activities by coaches or boosters that cause you to become a recruited prospective student-athlete are:

• Providing you with an official visit;
• Placing more than one telephone call to you or any other member of your family; or
• Visiting you or any other member of your family anywhere other than the college campus.
• In addition to the above general recruiting regulations, there are limitations to the number and timing of phone calls, benefits you can receive, the number of official visits to campuses, materials you may receive, and who may contact you. For a complete explanation, check the NCAA Guide for the COLLEGE BOUND STUDENT ATHLETE, which is available in the High School counseling office.
• Here are the fall 2016 NCAA eligibility requirements:
  • NCAA Eligibility Center: Quick Reference Sheet
• Any junior or senior interested in participating in college athletics should apply to the NCAA Eligibility Center:
  • NCAA Eligibility Center: Account Registration

Parental Support – The Key to Peak Performance

The role that parents play in the life of a soccer player has a tremendous impact on their experience. With this in mind, we have taken some time to write down some helpful reminders for all of us as we approach the upcoming season. If you should  have any questions about these thoughts, please feel free to discuss it with us, the coaches.

• • Let the coaches coach: Leave the coaching to the coaches. They are with your daughter and the rest of the team every day. This includes motivation, psyching your child for practice, critiquing, setting goals, requiring additional training, setting game strategies, etc. Our goal is to make the players better not only in soccer but life as people. The following is a list of scenarios/actions that often come up during the season that are also great “life-like” teachable moments.
    • Positively pushing your child out of her comfort zone to improve her play
    • Demanding focus and effort everyday
    • Playing your child in an unfamiliar position
    • Not starting your child in every game
    • Having higher expectations of your child than you do
    • Having a different opinion of your child’s ability than you do
    • Expecting commitment, and reasonable repercussions for players who do not fulfill it, applied equally for every player
    • Expecting your child to adhere to team rules and standards
    • Holding your child to a standard that you might not hold her to. It might cost the team a game, but will teach a lesson for life

You have entrusted the care of your player to the coaches and they need to be free to do their job.

• Support the program: Get involved. Volunteer. Help out with fundraisers, car-pool; anything to support the program.
• Be your child’s biggest fan: Support your child unconditionally. Do not withdraw love when your child performs poorly. Your child should never have to perform to win your love.
• Support and root for all players on the team: Foster teamwork. Your child’s teammates are not the enemy. When they are playing better than your child, your child now has a wonderful opportunity to learn.
• Do not bribe or offer incentives: Your job is not to motivate.  Leave this to the coaching staff. Bribes will distract your child from proper concentration in practice and game situations.
• Encourage your child to talk to the coaches: If your child is having difficulty in practice or games, or can’t make practice, etc., encourage them to speak directly to the coaches. This “responsibility taking” is a big part of becoming a big-time player. By handling the off-field tasks, your child is claiming ownership of all aspects of the game – preparation for as well as playing the game. This is one of the major steps towards gaining maturity for all aspects of their life in the future.
• Understand and display appropriate game behavior: Remember, your child’s self-esteem and game performance is at stake. Be supportive, cheer, and be appropriate. To perform to the best of her abilities, a player needs to focus on the parts of the game that they can control (her fitness, positioning, decision making, skill, and aggressiveness, what the game is presenting them). If she starts focusing on what she cannot control (the condition of the field, the referee, the weather, the opponent, even the outcome of the game at times), she will not play up to her ability. If she hears a lot of people telling her what to do, or yelling at the referee, it diverts her attention away from the task at hand.
• Monitor your child’s stress levels at home: Keep an eye on the player to make sure that they are handling stress effectively from the various activities in her life.
• Monitor eating and sleeping habits: Be sure your child is eating proper foods and getting adequate rest.
• Help your child keep their priorities straight: Help your child maintain a focus on schoolwork, relationships and the other things in life other than soccer. Also, if your child has made a commitment to soccer, help her fulfill her obligation to the team.
• Reality Test: If your child has come off the field when her team has lost, but she has played her best, help her to see this as a “win”. Remind her that she is to focus on the “process” and not “results”. Her fun and satisfaction should be derived from “striving to win”. Conversely, she should not be as satisfied from success that occurs despite inadequate preparation and performance.
• Keep soccer in its proper perspective: Soccer should not be larger than life for you. If your child’s performance produces strong emotions in you, suppress them. Remember your relationship will continue with your children long after their competitive soccer days are over. Keep your goals and needs separate from your child’s experience.
• Have fun: That is what we will be trying to do! We will try to challenge your child to reach past their “comfort level” and improve themselves as a player, and thus a person. We will attempt to do this in environments that are fun, yet challenging. We look forward to this process. We hope you do too!
• Memories: Studies have shown the players memories consist of team activities, friendships, fun times at practice and games, etc. versus team records or personal performances.

Criteria to be considered before “moving up” a student-athlete…

Linn-Mar High School discourages the practice of routinely “moving up” student athletes from one competitive level to the next. This is especially true as it relates to moving freshmen/sophomores to the varsity level in sports where full 9th, 10th, JV and Varsity schedules exist.

We believe that “moving up” an athlete has serious implications for the overall participation and involvement levels in our interscholastic sports program. We also believe that the impact of such a move on a student/athlete’s personal, mental, social, academic and athletic development should be considered very carefully.

Process/Steps

• Athlete/parents will not be approached until request is made by head coach to Administration after competition season begins (20% of contests min.) *
• AD will call/email and/or meet with parents to discuss possible move-up.
• Head Coach will have meeting with student-athlete (and parents if requested).
• Written approval by parent(s).
• Final approval by administration

*May be waived by administration

Criteria to be considered/discussed

• Impact on lower level team’s chemistry and ability to be competitive after loss of recommended player.
• Player’s demonstrated physical skills/attributes demonstrated in interscholastic competition.
  • Potential as “all conference” or “all state” performer
  • Physical maturity comparable to other varsity athletes
  • Physical toughness or medical history
• Player’s record of demonstrated leadership.
• Evidence of mental and emotional readiness.
  • Understanding of the “upside” and “downside” of such a move.
  • Friendships and peer relationships
  • Increased pressure to perform
  • “Stardom”
  • Intensity of practices and before school/after school commitment
• Number, performance levels, and anticipated reactions of athlete(s) whose playing time will be affected adversely by “moving up” recommended athlete.
• Extenuating circumstances if most of the above criteria are met:
  • Injuries to varsity athletes -Ineligibility issues at varsity level
  • Filling tournament rosters – Other

Dealing with the Media – Basics, Ground Rules, and Mannerism

Excerpt from IHSAA Captain’s Handbook – IHSAA Student Advisory Committee Publication

Media Basics

• The opportunity to deal with the media is a learning experience in developing communication on skills.
• Your appearance, what you say, and what you do will stay with you for the rest of your life. Your image is reflected through the media, use that to your advantage and have good judgment.
• The media is not your enemy as long as you handle them properly: give your side of the story, a positive opinion, and your message.
• You are NOT obligated to answer a question you do not feel comfortable answering. A proper response could be, “I’d rather not comment on that question on at this time.”
• Never agree to a telephone or personal interview unless arrangements have been made by a school official or coach. If you are contacted by the media, tell them to contact your school’s representative or coach.
• Always have patience with the media and interviewers.
• Think through every question you are asked before answering, and be sure what you say will not embarrass you or others.

Media Ground Rules

• Always tell the truth.
• Know the difference between your “public answer” and your “private answer.”
  • We all know we tell each other things we would not want to share with everyone else. Do not share your private answers with the media.
• Know who you want to reach. Who is your audience? In every interview situation, consider how you can impact your audience.
• Know your message. Keep firmly in your mind exactly what you want to say and what you want your message to be. With that focus, you will be sure to say things you won’t regret in the future.
• Resist the temptation to fill the silence. If you have them at hello, say goodbye.
  • It is common to feel compelled to keep talking to fill the awkward silence, but DON’T. It is when you say more than intended that you often make mistakes.
• Never mistake familiarity for trust. You may know the interviewer, but be sure to always stay on topic and never make any “off -color” comments. Assume what you say will always end up in print.
• Keep it under control: Remember that you are in control of the interview. The interviewer is the one asking YOU the questions. You are in control of what statements go into the interview, and whether they are positive or negative

Action Items (Mannerisms)

• Be positive. People are impressed by resilience and a positive attitude. Do not say,
  • “Yeah, we had a bad game. I don’t know what happened.” Instead, say, “This just shows what we need to work on as a team to get better.”
• Accept responsibility. Do not blame your mistakes on others. This demonstrates your courage by showing that you are not afraid to acknowledge shortcomings. Apologize first, then explain later.
• Be humble. This shows you are genuine, real, considerate, and selfness to both your audience and your team. People appreciate seeing this quality in an athlete and a leader. When you share credit, do it by name.
• Always use appropriate language. Avoid slang or words/terms which may cause a reporter or the public to misinterpret what you say.
• Smile and use humor. A smile is worth a thousand words to the media; people tend to find comfort in light-hearted remarks and knowing that you do not take yourself too seriously.
• Be quotable. Carefully prepare your answers and get to the point of your message
• Beware of the Leading Question. Leading questions are meant to provoke an emotional or impulsive response; they are used so a reporter can place words in your mouth. It is crucial to remain calm in the face of aggressive questioning and important to remember it is not personal but a tactic. Social media is available to help promote you and your message to the community. Always remember that you represent yourself, the IHSAA, your school, its fans, alumni, and supporters, so BE A ROLE MODEL.

Social Media

Things student athletes should avoid:

Derogatory language or remarks about teammates or coaches; other Linn-Mar student athletes, teachers, or coaches; student-athletes, coaches, athletics administrators or representatives of other Schools.

• Demeaning statements about or threats to any third party.
• Incriminating photos or statements depicting violence; bullying; hazing; sexual harassment; vandalism, stalking; underage drinking; selling, possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other inappropriate behaviors.
• Creating a serious danger to the safety of another person or making a credible threat of serious physical or emotional injury to another person.
• Indicating knowledge of an unreported felony theft or felony criminal damage to property.
• Indicating knowledge of an unreported school or team violation—regardless if the violation was unintentional or intentional.

Remember that anything posted online enters the public record. You never know who may be looking.

Board Policies: Equity

The Linn-Mar Community School District shall provide equal educational and employment opportunities and will not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or genetic information in its educational programs and activities or in its employment and personnel policies and practices.

This district shall provide educational programs and activities which include curricular and instructional resources which reflect the racial and cultural diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers, roles, and life styles open to both men and women in our society. These programs and activities shall foster respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity found in our country, an awareness of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of each individual as a member of a pluralistic society, and reduce stereotyping and bias on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and genetic information.

The district shall take affirmative action in recruitment, appointment, assignment, and advancement of women and men, minorities, and disabled.

A fair and supportive environment will be provided for all students and employees regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or genetic information.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT: CODE 101

As a school corporation of Iowa, the Linn-Mar Community School District, acting through its Board, is dedicated to promoting an equal opportunity for a quality public education to its students within the limitations of the school district’s ability and willingness to furnish financial support to provide for students. In cooperation with parents/guardians, the school district will strive to provide a nurturing learning environment that gives guidance and encourages critical thinking in students for a lifetime.

If a student/athlete needs financial assistance to participate in an activity, please talk to a coach in private. This will always be held in confidence.

Board Policies: Notice of Nondiscrimination

The following statement is to be published in written and electronic form in the District’s official documents and on the web site.

Student, parent, employees and others doing business with or performing services for the Linn- Mar Community School District are hereby notified that this school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (except students), religion national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities.

The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, covered military veteran, disability, genetic information, familial status, physical attribute, political belief/party preference, or socio-economic status in admission or access to, or treatment in, its hiring and employment practices. Any person having inquiries concerning the school district’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), § 504, or Iowa Code § 280.3 is directed to contact:

Deputy Superintendent Shannon Bisgard
Executive Director of Human Resources Karla Christian

Where Located:
2999 North 10th Street,
Marion, IA 52302

Telephone Number:
319-447-3028 or 319-447-3036

Who
have been designated by the school district to coordinate the school district’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the ADA, § 504, and Iowa Code § 280.3 (2007).

Board Policies: Hazing

As per Linn-Mar Board Policy there will be no hazing allowed. This includes those “initiation” practices that have happened in the past in various co-curricular activities. We are supporting this policy and students involved in these practices need to understand that this is in violation of the co – curricular policy. If it is found out that students participate in hazing, they will be suspended for part of their season. Please also remember that hazing is against the law and that charges may be filed.

 

ANTI‐BULLYING/HARASSMENT POLICY CODE 104

Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the Board. The Board is committed to providing all student and employees with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. To that end, the Board has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment. Bullying and harassment of students by students, school employees, and volunteers will not be tolerated in the school or school district.

The Board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics, including but not limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status. This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of the Board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school‐sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.

If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion.

When looking at the totality of the circumstances, harassment and bullying mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student or employee which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student or employee and which creates an objectively hostile school/work environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

Individuals who feel that they have been harassed should:

• Communicate to the harasser that the individual expects the behavior to stop, if the individual is comfortable doing so. If the individual wants assistance communicating with the harasser, the individual should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.
• If the harassment does not stop, or the individual does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser, the individual should: Tell a teacher, counselor or principal;

MRSA

Together, the Linn Mar Medical Staff and administration along with the St. Luke’s Sports Medicine team would like to take the opportunity to share with you the proper procedures and preventative measures we will suggest and take if we do unfortunately have a MRSA break out in our school district. Please remember that these preventative measures are things that each student and family can do to help reduce the risk of a MRSA breakout.

MRSA is known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. MRSA are strains of Staph bacteria that have developed a resistance to the most common antibiotics to treatment (the methicillin family). MRSA is a rapidly progressing bacteria that attacks the soft tissue area of the skin and can become systemic by entering the blood stream which endangers joints and vital organs.

How do you Contract MRSA?

• MRSA can be transferred from the nose to other surfaces and individuals via the hands.
• MRSA is spread via contact with the skin that has the infection or surfaces that have come in contact with infected skin.
• MRSA can live on for months on fabrics and surfaces.

What Does MRSA Look Like?

• The most common misdiagnosis of MRSA are spider bites, impetigo, and cellulites.
• Only a medical doctor can diagnose MRSA.

How to Prevent MRSA:

• Maintain good general hygiene with regular bathing and clothes washing.
• Wash hands regularly with an antimicrobial soap with residual killing action, or use frequently an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Do not share items that may become contaminated with wound drainage, such as towels, clothing, bedding, bar soap, razors, and any equipment that touches the skin at all times.
• Have students wash hands and arms up to mid biceps before and after any known contact activities with antimicrobial soap.
• Clean all skin wounds and skin showing inflammation with antimicrobial cleaner.
• Cover all wounds.

For more information on Staph and MRSA infection please visit:

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• Iowa Department of Public Health
• Iowa High School Athletic Association