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L. Restricted Practice Days: In developing interscholastic athletic schedules for both
practices and contests, the athletic department gathers information from a variety of sources
including the MHSAA, the Capital Area Activities Conference, like school districts,
religious leaders, community organizations and parent groups. Even with this, no
arrangement can guarantee that any one schedule will satisfy everyone because of all the
factors that need to be included. Participants in the athletic program will at times be
expected to participate when school is not in session, on a break or during a holiday. The
department will make every attempt to keep these conflicts to a minimum.
1. Weekend practices
a. All practices are to be held on school days if at all possible. Saturday practices are to
be minimal in number and duration. Sunday practices will be permitted only:
1. By varsity level teams upon permission of the athletic director and, or;
2. When a varsity contest has been scheduled the following day and, or,
3. When a tournament or play-off contest falls on the following day.
2. Holiday practices
a. Holiday practices are to be discouraged, especially by non-varsity level teams.
Holiday practices will be permitted only:
1. By teams upon permission of the athletic director and, or;
2. When a contest has been scheduled the following day and, or;
3. When a tournament or play-off contest falls on the following day and, or;
4. When a non-varsity practice is optional with no penalty for an absence from
practice.
M. Squad selection: In accordance with our philosophy of athletics and our desire to see as
many students as possible participate in the athletic program while at Okemos High School, we
encourage coaches to keep as many students as possible within the framework of high school
interscholastic competition. Time, space, facilities, equipment, personal preference and other
factors will place limitations on the most effective squad size for any particular sport.
Prior to trying out, the following information will be made available to all candidates for the
team:
1. Extent of try-out period (a minimum number of practice sessions)
2. Criteria used to select the team
3. Number to be selected
4. Practice commitment if they make the team (including possible holiday conflicts
and/or commitments)
5. Game commitments
6. Season commitments
M. Cutting policies: Choosing the members of athletic squads are the sole responsibility of
the coaches of those teams. When a squad cut becomes a necessity, the process will
include three important elements. Each candidate shall:
1. Have a predetermined minimum number of practice sessions.
2. Have performed in at least one game-like setting (unless extenuating circumstances
prevent such a setting, e.g. - Weather and spring sports).
3. Be personally informed of the cut by the coach.