Brush Middle School Crusader Wrestling 2019-2020 Wrestler and Parent Handbook
Coaches:
Daniel Harl
Tyler Daughenbaugh
Louie Rivera
Justin Curtis
Principal:
Connie Dreitz
Dean of Students/
Athletic Director:
Ron Albo
Ways of Communication
Remind App:
We will use the remind app to get information to parents and athletes; also this is the best way to contact coaches. To join download the remind app and join Brush Middle School Wrestling or text 81010 to @brushm or go to www.remind.com/join/brushm
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/bmscrusaderwrestling
2020 Team Goals
· 3.0 or higher team GPA
· Win League Title
· Support Teammates
· Help each student-athletes meet their academic and athletic goals
· Create responsible, reliable, hard-working student athletes
· Grow as a family
· Have fun and create a love for the sport
· Place at regionals
· Place at state
Our Philosophy:
Wrestling is a sport that builds character. Our sport has a culture that is unique to us. Our team will not find success without commitment, dedication, and hard work. Brush has a rich wrestling tradition and it is our job to maintain the integrity of that tradition. We know that every individual will achieve at different levels, but our goal is that every individual on our team gains something valuable from this sport. We will demand the same commitment from everyone on our team. Individuals with their own uniqueness, have the opportunity to take part in our sport. We are different, but it is our differences that make us great. Wrestlers are pushed harder, farther, and longer than any other sport. We transform boys into men not only physically, but also in terms of understanding the value of commitment, accountability, and responsibility.
School Attendance:
Brush wrestlers are expected to be in class learning and contributing to the learning process. All student-athletes are expected to place a value on education and prioritize academics above athletics. Just like in athletics, your attitude and effort are always within your control in the classroom. Proper time management is essential in order to enjoy success. Starting January 11th, any unexcused absence will result in student-athletes missing the next competition, or wrestle off. The 2nd unexcused absence in a 4 week period will result in student-athletes being suspended for 1 week of competition and forfeiting their varsity status. A 3rd unexcused absence in the same 4 week period will result in dismissal from the team. If your student-athlete has a Dr. appointment or anything else that will keep them from attending class please notify the office and a coach ASAP.
Grade Policy:
Student-athletes that choose to join the wrestling team will be held to a higher academic policy. Any student-athlete that has two grades on the down list (D or lower or 1 F) will not practice but instead meet with the teacher in the down class and do the missing work, or corrections in the teacher’s classroom, or on the stage during practice. The students will only be allowed to sit out and do homework on the stage a total of 1 day a week. The rest of the time they will either be in practice or in the teacher’s classroom catching up on the work that they are missing. We understand that teachers sometimes misplace paper or do not put grades in on time; if you feel this is the case please notify a coach immediately and he will contact the teacher and try to resolve the problem. Please ensure that you are aware of the teacher’s policies for late or missing work as well as for corrections before bringing it to a coach's attention. If an athlete has to make up homework they are still responsible for making up their conditioning. This is to ensure that we are not behind in conditioning as the regular season is so short.
Practice:
This year we will be able to practice on Wednesdays as well. Practice begins at 3:40 p.m. every athlete will check his/her weight before AND after practice and record the correct weight on the weight sheet in the locker room. If you fail to write your weight down it will be considered an absence from practice. Being ready for practice means you should be weighed in, dressed out, shoes on, and ready to go. If there is a reason you must miss practice (i.e. illness or family emergency) contact a coach on REMIND or verbally. Do not rely on a teammate to relay this information for you. Failure to contact coach will result in an unexcused absence. Three unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the team. All wrestlers are required to attend and be on time to all practices, team meetings, and events whether they are able to participate or not (i.e. skin conditions, sprains, etc). Lack of attending practices or meets for such conditions will result in an unexcused absence. Leaving events prior to being excused by a coach will also result in an unexcused absence.
Practice Attendance:
Coaches must be notified of an absence in advance for it to be considered excused. The only exception is when an emergency occurs. An excused absence must be pre-arranged in person or on REMIND. There is no excuse for missing training. If an athlete must miss practice even with an excused absence they are required to make it up. Not as a punishment but to not be behind in conditioning and training. Excused absences must be made up the same as unexcused absences. An athlete’s inability to practice even if excused may affect his eligibility to compete that week. An athlete’s eligibility to compete within the week will be left up to the discretion of the coaches. An unexcused absence is any absence from practice, competition, or event that has not been approved by a coach (events include helping clean up after matches and tournaments). Failure to verbally contact your coaches in person or on REMIND will result in an unexcused absence. An athlete will be ineligible for competition until all missed practices are made up.
1st unexcused absence: Make up missed time with coach at the earliest opportunity
2nd unexcused absence: Same as above plus a 1-week suspension from all competition
3rd unexcused absence: Turn in gear
In order to accomplish the goals set by the team and the coaches we need a system to hold our athletes accountable. We also need parents to support our role in helping members of this team learn accountability and responsibility. If athletes miss practices, competitions, or events for any reason they are expected to make up that time.
Strikes:
As a team, we have a three strike rule in place for our athletes. This is to help ensure that they are following all rules and regulations in place whether in school or out at an event with the team. This is because, if an athlete can not handle themselves appropriately and follow the expectations that are set here at school we can not have them travel with us and compete while representing Brush. If a wrestler receives three strikes they will be asked to turn in their gear and will be dismissed from the team. A wrestler can receive a strike for different reasons, some of which are: being ineligible, getting suspended, any misbehavior including on the bus, at a bash and/or tournament, or in class, and any other behavior deemed detrimental to the team. If a student is involved in a fight whether it be with another wrestler or student he/she will automatically dismissed from the team. Also, if they are found to have committed academic dishonesty they will also be dismissed from the team.
Team Captains:
Appointment of team captains shall be chosen by the members of the wrestling team, and approved by the coaching staff. Careful consideration should be taken when picking team captains. Only those who exhibit strong leadership skills will be approved by the coaching staff. Team captains can be removed by the coaching staff if it is determined that their actions do not best represent the team. Some examples being: getting in trouble in class, getting detention, being ineligible, and getting suspended. Team captain responsibilities: a team captain’s responsibility is to monitor and maintain the entire team’s credibility. Team captains must help the coaches monitor wrestlers during practice, meets, in school, and after 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 organize daily cleaning of the mat. 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! All members of the Brush wrestling team are representatives of our school and our sport. Do what you are supposed to be doing when you are supposed to be doing it. As a student athlete you should put high priorities on both classwork and practice. Make sure you and your teammates are taking care of both.
Team Expectations:
Respect your team, your room, and your equipment. Everyone helps set up for practice and tournaments and helps clean up after we are done. This also extends to the bus and locker room. We must ensure that we are keeping our school as clean as possible as we are a reflection of it. In order to accomplish our goals (both individual and team) we need to rely on each other to make us the best we can be. We are not competing against each other, we are competing against other teams. Help build our teammates with positive remarks and constructive criticism.
Parents:
As a middle school team we do not have the larger budgets that other teams do. The biggest way that we help to raise money to help with the costs of: new gear for the team, assist wrestlers with costs of their gear, help pay for camps, as well as help with the costs associated with regionals and state is through our Brush Invitational. Our bake sale occurs on the day of the invitational and this has been our way of raising money for years. Each wrestler will be responsible for bringing in at least one item to sell at the bake sale as well as a packet of Gatorade/Powerade. Also, we ask that the parents sign up to help work at the invitational. This can be anything from the concession stand, to the bake sale, and even working the tables. The more help we gets means that everything will run smoother, we will get done quicker, and possibly raise more money. The slots for working will be in hour segments and we will have other parents to switch in with you while your child wrestles to ensure that you don’t miss any of their matches. The more parents we have help out means more money being earned for our wrestlers.
Competition:
All team members are expected to be on time to leave for an event. If a wrestler misses a practice before a competition they will not be allowed to travel with the team and/or compete. If a wrestler is in trouble and has to owe a teacher or other staff member a detention, either lunch or after school, they will not be allowed to travel with the team to any competitions until it is served. So, if a wrestler owes a detention on the day of a competition he/she will not get to travel with the team and compete. If a student athlete is late to a departure time they may be left behind, and this will count as an unexcused absence. If you need a ride or a wakeup call please inform the coaches the day before. Student athletes will be required to sit with the team and support their teammates during competition. Student athletes are expected to follow all rules and guidelines at all times. All athletes are expected to ride to and from competitions together. Only a coach can excuse an athlete from riding with the team. Athletes will be excused from riding with the team only with a valid reason and after signing them out with one of the coaches. Athletes should follow the directions of all coaches. If team rules are broken while on a road trip, arrangements will be made to send the athlete home immediately. After home meets, wrestlers are expected to stay and help put everything away. No one goes home until it is cleaned up completely.
After Competition:
On weekend tournaments after tournaments that we travel to, we may stop at a restaurant and let the wrestlers get something to eat. The wrestlers will need to bring money with them if they are wanting to get something to eat. They do not have to get something to eat if they do not want. Also, we do not always stop and eat, that decision is entirely up to how the wrestlers competed that day, as well as the time we are done with the competition, and also where we are located. Usually on school nights we will not stop at all.
Rules and Regulations:
1.) All school policies will be followed and enforced at school, at meets, and also on the bus
2.) Absolutely no harassment, bullying, or hazing will be tolerated. Student athletes caught doing so will be turned over to administration.
3.) Win with class or lose with class. You’re representing your teammates, your school, your family, and yourself. Make everyone proud of Brush wrestling. Never demean your opponent in any way – no taunting or showing up an opponent. Keep personal celebrations on the mat in line; share your joys and frustrations with teammates and coaches away from the mat.
4.) Behavior in practice room, locker rooms, and at matches will be professional at all times. Disrespecting of coaches, referees, or teammates will not be tolerated at any time. Such behavior will result in disciplinary action.
5.) Student athletes must know and adhere to the BMS athletic handbook when using social media. Individuals should be aware of the effect their actions may have on their images as well as the image of Brush wrestling and BMS athletics. The information individuals post or publish may be public information for a long time. Student athletes should be aware that the coaching staff, parents, fans, and teachers may observe content and information made available by social media. Student athletes should use their best judgment in posting material that is neither inappropriate nor harmful. Although not an exclusive list, some specific examples of prohibited social media conduct include posting: commentary, content or image that are defamatory, pornographic, proprietary, harassing, or drug related. Social media is a great tool when you use it correctly. Misuse will result in disciplinary action and possible suspension or removal from the team.
6.) Tobacco, alcohol, or any other illegal substance use will result in a suspension or dismissal from the team.
7.) Team curfew will be as follows: 10 P.M. on weeknights and 12 pm on weekends, breaking curfew may result in suspension or dismissal from the team.
8.) Student athletes will be required to shower at school after practice. This is to help eliminate the possibility of skin funk. You must wear clean gear every day to practice and routinely wash knee pads and wipe down head gear to help reduce the chance of contracting or spreading a skin infection. Any possible rash or infection must be reported to coaches immediately and if need be treated by a doctor.
9.) All school issued singlets, bags, gear, or equipment must be turned in at the end of the season. Student athletes who do not turn in gear will be billed for it.
Drug Testing:
Brush School District has implemented a random drug testing policy for students involved in any extracurricular activities like clubs and sports. If the wrestler is selected for testing and ends up testing positive he/she will not be allowed to participate for 2 weeks. He/she will have to be retested at the end of 2 week period to ensure they are clean as well as show proof of being in a drug counseling program in order to resume competing. The retest must be made at the parent’s expense.
Weight Classes:
We never force an athlete to cut weight, or wrestle up a weight class. We do however, want the wrestlers to be responsible and make whatever weight class they tell us they will wrestle at. We may recommend a move up or down depending on what we are seeing or what situations arise, but at the end of the day it is up to the wrestler to decide if that is what they want to do and they can make that weight. Middle school tournaments are a bit unique. We do not have a governing body like the high school does with CHSAA. Because of that, each tournament can use whatever weight classes they want to. Usually the weight classes are based on what league that school is in. The following weight classes are used for any competition within our league:
70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 132, 140, 150, 165, 185, Heavyweight
Wrestle Offs:
A wrestle off is a match between two wrestlers at a specific weight in order to determine who the varsity person is and who the Junior Varsity person(s) are. Just because a person is the Junior Varsity wrestler does not mean he/she can not wrestle for us at tournaments nor does it mean they can not become the Varsity wrestler.
1.) Wrestle offs can occur every week until the third week of February.
2.) All wrestle offs will happen on Monday of the week.
3.) You must be within 5 pounds of the weight you are challenging for
4.) To participate in wrestle offs you must be in a singlet and headgear with laces taped, same as a tournament or bash.
5.) In the first wrestle off returning league/regional placer will only need to win the first match to secure their varsity spot
a. If there is no previous years placer at the weight, then it is best 2 out of 3
b. The challenger must win 2 of 3 matches to secure a varsity spot
6.) If there is more than one challenger at a weight names will be placed into a hat and a random draw will occur to “seed” wrestlers in a challenge tournament.
a. 3 challengers
i. Round 1: 1-bye, 2 vs 3
ii. Round 2: Winner of 2 vs 3 vs. 1
iii. Round 3: Winner of challenge bracket vs. Varsity wrestler
b. 4 challengers
i. Round 1: 1vs4, 2 vs 3
ii. Round 2: Above winners
iii. Round 3: Winner of challenge bracket vs. Varsity wrestler
7.) Once you secure your varsity spot, a win in the first challenge match the following week will secure your spot
8.) A wrestler may only challenge at one weight per week
a. If the varsity wrestler loses the wrestle off he is allowed to challenge at a different weight class if he chooses so the following week
b. The only exception to the one wrestle off rule is the final wrestle off of the year in which a wrestler may go up or down if there is an open weight in the roster within reason
9.) If a wrestler is the varsity person at that weight and he/she lets their grades slip or breaks a team rule he/she will forfeit their varsity spot and a new wrestler will be awarded the varsity position.
a. The new varsity wrestler will retain their varsity spot until they are challenged and are beat or if they also lose it due to bad grades or breaking a rule.
b. The wrestler that was previously varsity will be moved to the bottom of the challenge line and must wrestle their way up through each wrestler at that weight in order to regain their varsity position.
Middle School Regionals and State:
The middle school regular season for wrestling is only about a month and a half long. However, there are a few extra events that the wrestlers can participate in if they choose. Two of those events are middle school regionals and state. After the conclusion of the regular season we will take a week off before we begin practicing for those events which occur around the time of spring break usually. For these events sixth grade students can compete with us if they choose to do so. Wrestlers will have to remain eligible and in good standing to compete in these events as well. We will have more information for that as the time approaches.
Crusader Wrestling 2019
Day
Date
Time
Opponent/Location
Level
Departure
Mon
1/6/20
3:30 PM
First Day of Practice
ALL
Fri
1/9/20
5:30 pm
Parent/Player Meeting
ALL
Wed
1/22/20
4:00 pm
Strasburg MS Bash
Bash
1:30 pm
Sat
1/25/20
9:00 am
Brush Middle School Invitational
All
Tues
1/28/20
2:00 PM
Brush @ Sterling MS Bash
Bash
12:00 pm
Sat
2/1/20
8:00 AM
Brush @ Walt Clark Invitational
Varsity
5:45 am
Sat
2/1/20
8:00 AM
Platte Valley Invitational (TENTATIVE)
Varsity
5:45 am
Tue
2/4/20
2:00 pm
Brush @ Yuma MS Bash
Bash
12:00 pm
Wed
2/5/20
3:30 pm
Team Pictures
ALL
Sat
2/8/20
9:00 AM
Prairie Heights MS Invitational
Varsity
5:45 am
Tue
2/11/20
2:00 PM
Brush @ Wray MS Bash
Bash
11:30
Tue
2/18/20
2:00 PM
Brush @ Fort Morgan Bash
Bash
12:00 pm
Tue
2/25/20
2:00 PM
League Meet @ Brush MS
All
Tue
Student-athletes and parents please sign this page and return to coach Harl
Brush Middle School Wrestling Commitment
Athlete:
By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the commitments required to be a member of the Brush Middle School wrestling team. I agree to follow the coaches’ decisions that are made in accordance with the guidelines set forth in this document. I pledge to do my best to represent this team, school, and community with honor.
Print Name
Signature
Date
Parent:
By signing this document, I understand the commitment that my child is making to the Brush Middle School wrestling team. I pledge to be a supportive parent. I agree to help my child follow through with the commitments that are required by this team. I pledge to do my best to help my child represent this team, school, and community with honor.
Print Name
Signature
Date