The Program

The players must feel that the program is bigger than they are. That they are a part of an awesome thing, where the expectations are high. This comes from atmosphere, involvement, and communication. The team, parents, faculty and community all have a role. They are invested. Everything is done for the benefit of the mass. Success can only come when all are headed in the same direction.

Mission Statement

To develop and cultivate growth of all our student-athletes academically, athletically and spiritually. To foster the ideals of perseverance, commitment and selflessness. We want to serve as a positive, powerful, productive force for the school's alumni, administration, staff, student-athletes and community.

Athletic Policies

According to University Interscholastic League rules, being in athletics is a privilege and not a right. Only those students who abide by school and athletic policies will be allowed to represent Austin I.S.D. and Johnston High School. When young men and women sign up for athletics and become a member of a team, they make a commitment. They are obligated to follow rules and regulations of the program. They are not forced to participate. It is voluntary; therefore, they are expected to follow rules of order.

ATTENDANCE: You must be at practice and team meetings. Any missed practice that is considered unexcused will result in additional make-up. If you are going to miss school for illness or family emergency, call your coach and let them know of the situation. This also applies to leaving school during the day. Do not make appointments on the team's time. Practice time is valuable. Excessive absences will result in dismissal from the team. You must also understand that being at practice does not guarantee you playing time, just an opportunity to earn playing time.

CONDUCT: Ram athletic teams will be known for our clean, competitive play. You are expected to conduct yourself as a gentleman/lady at all times by following all school rules and procedures at Johnston High School. Treat teachers, administrators, officials, coaches, opponents, and teammates with respect. Promptly turn in all assignments, be well prepared for tests, and behave yourself at all times. Failure to adhere to the above guidelines will result in a conference and disciplinary action.

PROMPTNESS: You will be expected to be on time to your classes, practices, and meetings. Tardies will not be tolerated. Disciplinary action will be taken.

ACADEMICS/ELIGIBILITY: You are at Johnston High School to receive an education; athletics can be an integral part of this process. However, academic progress should be your main goal. Every student athlete is expected to pass all of their classes and maintain eligibility at all times. Your coaches will review any progress reports and report cards which you receive. Any grade below a C, and a conduct grade less than satisfactory will result in a conference and corrective action. Recurrent eligibility problems and failure to make improvement academically could result in dismissal from the team.

TRAVEL: Every team member will ride the bus to and from games/meets. Extenuating circumstances could create the need to leave the game site with a parent. You will be required to furnish a note from a parent the day before the game, and your coach will need to speak to a parent at the site prior to your being allowed to leave.

APPEARANCE: Your appearance at school and school functions should reflect the same pride and team identity that you are expected to show on the field and in the athletic facility. We are a team and will look like a team. Dress neatly and in a manner that does not create a distraction. Males will be clean shaven with sideburns neatly trimmed. Male athletes shall maintain their hair in a neat manner. Hair may not in any way represent vulgar images or gang signs. Females will follow AISD guidelines as to appropriate dress. Hair length and/or extreme colors shall not be maintained by artificial means. Body piercing (except earrings for girls) will not be permitted. Boys may not wear earrings while representing Johnston HS as an athlete to include time spent in Johnston athletic areas (i.e. gym, wt. room, athletic fields).

PROFANITY: Profanity will not be tolerated. Strong disciplinary action will be taken.

QUITTING A SPORT: Quitting one sport during the season or during the pre-season practices (UIL beginning practice dates), will exclude the athlete from going to another sport until the sport that was quit has finished their season. This includes athletic period and after school practices. If both head coaches involved agree, then a change will be allowed. The athlete that quits must provide a note from his/her guardians stating they are aware of his intentions to quit.

LETTER JACKETS: Letter Jackets are an issue of pride and tradition at Johnston High School. The money that is used to purchase the letter jacket will be raised with the student/athlete's help (i.e. selling Gold Cards, working a concession stand, selling ads, etc.). Any patches or names desired on the jacket will be purchased by the student/athlete. If a student letters in multiple sports in the same academic year, the sport that the student/athlete lettered in first, will be responsible for providing the jacket. Student/athletes will be required to complete the entire season in good behavior, academic, and athletic standings. If a student fails a class at anytime during that sports season, they are not eligible for a "letter". The head coach of a sport will provide an award letter to the Athletic Director designating which athletes to reward with a letter jacket.

HAZING: Harassment of any student and/or athlete will not be tolerated. Any action which is intended to embarrass, humiliate, or ridicule in a physical, mental, or sexual way can be defined as "hazing" and is strictly prohibited and can result in the immediate dismissal and/or suspension from the Johnston athletic program. Actions such as these can be physically dangerous and emotionally damaging and will not be allowed.

TOBACCO/ALCOHOL: Will not be tolerated. No athlete while on or off school premises, use, possess, distribute, or be under the influence of tobacco or alcohol. A first offense will result in suspension from team competition (games) for two weeks. A contract will be required. A second offense will result in suspension from team competition (games) for four weeks. A third offense will result in dismissal from the athletic program for the remainder of the school year. A fourth offense will result in permanent dismissal from high school athletics.

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES: Will not be tolerated. No athlete while on or off school premises, use, possess, distribute, or be under the influence of illegal substances. A first offense will result in suspension from team competition (games) for three weeks. A contract will be required. A second offense will result in suspension from the athletic program for the remainder of the school year. A third offense will result in permanent dismissal from high school athletics.

THEFT: Will not be tolerated. No athlete while on or off school premises shall be guilty of theft. A first offense will result in suspension from team competition (games) for two-four weeks depending by the value and circumstances involved in the theft. A contract will be required. A second offense will result in suspension from the athletic program for the remainder of the school year. A third offense will result in permanent dismissal from high school athletics.

*Behaviors that are identified in Texas Education Code, Section 37, may also result in suspension or dismissal from the athletic program. All contracts require a meeting in which a parent/guardian, athlete, coach, and/or Athletic Coordinator will be present. If an offense occurs during the end of a season, the remaining suspension will be carried over to the next season. If an offense occurs during the summer, the suspension will begin with the first week of game competition.

WHEN MAKING DECISIONS IN YOUR DAILY LIFE (FUNCTIONING AS A RAM STUDENT/ATHLETE), ASK YOUR SELF THESE FOUR QUESTIONS:

WILL IT MAKE ME A BETTER PERSON?
WILL IT MAKE ME A BETTER STUDENT?
WILL IT MAKE ME A BETTER ATHLETE?
WILL IT DEMONSTRATE MY PRIDE IN BEING A RAM?
"STRIVE TO DO RIGHT"!


STUDENT NAME: _______________________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE ______________________  DATE___________

PARENT NAME: ______________________________

PARENT SIGNATURE _____________________  DATE___________

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