Athletic Policies   Highland Park Junior High Athletic Policies Philosophy/Goals: The HPJH athletics department believes that sport programs should provide opportunities to develop skills, practice teamwork, and have fun with a goal to win.  HPJH coaches are also teaching responsibility, sportsmanship, social skills, and hard work. Tryouts: In the past Highland Park Junior High has had a no cut policy; unfortunately, due to the following reasons there will be tryouts: Allocation of funds; HPJH cannot afford assistant coaches, extra bussing, or extra games. High numbers of athletes and only one coach creates a safety concern. It is difficult to give adequate playing time with high numbers of student athletes. Difficult to work individually with athletes to improve skills.  This was a difficult decision for HPJH to make.  We would appreciate your support.   The decision concerning who will make the team will be determined by skill level, the student athlete’s willingness to learn, their determination, and their willingness to commit to the team and balancing 7th and 8th grade participation. St. Paul City Conference Web Site: Check out our conference web site for schedules, standings, direction to schools, and much more at www.stpaulathletics.org Unexcused/Excused Practice/Games: A player who misses a practice or game without a legitimate excuse will be dealt with in the following manner. The first unexcused absence from a practice or a game will be up to discretion of the coach.  For example player may not start in a game. The second unexcused absence from a practice or a game will result in a one game suspension. The third unexcused absence will result in a dismissal from the team. If a student is late to practice with out a legitimate excuse or has detention it is considered an unexcused absence. If a student needs tutoring from a teacher or needs to make up a test this would be an excused absence. An excused absence is up to the discretion of the coach. We are trying to emphasize planning on the part of our student athletes.  If you know of some conflicts with your schedule please let the coaches know as soon as possible.  Students have made a commitment to be a member of a sports team and student athletes need to honor that commitment during the season.  Away Games: Highland athletes are expected to be on their best behavior when visiting schools. All student athletes must remain in the bench area if they are not playing. All student athletes must ride the bus to and from the games.  Parents may drive their child only after contact with the coach. If student athletes need to leave the field or court for any reason they need to be accompanied by another team member (home or away). Spectators of student athletes need to be on the opposite side of the field or court (home or away). Academic Eligibility: All students entering as a sixth grader are eligible to participate in sports. All seventh and eighth grade students are eligible for athletic participation in the fall. Seventh and eighth grade students remain eligible until they accrue two Ns (determined by end of course grades trimester or semester). Eighth grade students with previous Ns are eligible until they receive one N as a final course grade. Student athletes that are truant from class will not be allowed to participate. Student athletes must be in school by 10:30   am in order to participate. Athletic Schedule: Fall Sports:  (Begins Wednesday, Sept. 10th 2008)  Flag Football  Boys Soccer Girls Soccer Girls Volleyball Winter 1 Sports:  (Begins Monday, November 3rd 2008) Girls Basketball Wrestling Winter 2 Sports: (Begins Tuesday January 20th 2009) Boys Basketball Spring Sports:  (Begins Monday, March 23rd 2009)  Baseball  Softball  Badminton  Track