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Philosophy-

We at AVSC believe that academics come before athletics. Our culture needs to emphasize and support academic achievement. After all, only a small percentage of our student-athletes will ever compete at the highest levels. We also recognize that our more advanced Team student-athletes are forced to miss days of school due to the travel demands of training and competition. AVSC must work closely with all valley schools - especially high schools, to ensure that our student-athletes have a range of credit options and the academic support they need to allow them to fulfill their academic goals while also realizing their athletic goals.

Student-athlete Expectations-

Club members will focus on achieving the best possible grades. Every student-athlete will meet with the Academic Director at the beginning of the competitive season. This can be at the club kick-off meeting in the fall or in an individual meeting. Student athletes will continually update teachers regarding team activities and travel. Student-athletes will be required to study while traveling on AVSC trips. If grades fall below AVSC requirements, student-athletes will meet with their teachers and the AVSC Academic Director to devise a plan for improvement.

Academic Director-

The AVSC Academic Director assists student-athletes in pursuing their education while following their dream of competitive skiing or snowboarding. As a liaison to the area schools and advocate for our athletes, the Academic Director will work with school staff, families and athletes to make sure competition minimally interferes with education. The Academic Director will assist in developing an academic plan for all students who are concerned about their grades or those who approach the AVSC grade minimums.

Academic Plans-

Under the guidance of school administrators, AVSC will assist in seeking additional resources to aid the student-athlete. This includes such avenues as online coursework, CMC offerings, procuring mentors or tutors and creating study groups. Utilizing these resources, the Academic Director, the school, the student-athlete and his or her parents will devise a plan to achieve academic success.

Academic Requirements-

AVSC believes that academics come before athletics. We require all athletes to maintain an acceptable level of scholastic achievement throughout the season.

1. Athletes must have a C or better in every class in order to miss scheduled school time to train, travel or compete with AVSC.
2. Athletes will fulfill all requirements outlined by their teachers for work missed.
3. Athletes will abide by all study halls and/or quiet times designated by the coaches.
4. Athletes will respect their teammates' rights to study in a quiet atmosphere.

In accordance with the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and local school district policies, student records will not be released to other individuals and parties without a written request and authorization of the parent or eligible student. Personal information will only be released to a third party with the assurance it will be kept confidential. In order for AVSC to properly apply its academic policy, AVSC must have access to your child's grades, and his/her academic standing in each class throughout the season. By signing this Code of Conduct I give the school permission to report academic, disciplinary, and attendance information regarding my child to AVSC, as well as, permission to the AVSC coaches to contact my child's teachers as needed. This information will be kept confidential, and is only to be used for the purpose of assisting AVSC student-athletes in maintaining their athletic eligibility and academic success.

Recognition-

We will post Principal's List and Honor Roll Students Names in the AVSC clubhouse and on the AVSC website. Letters of commendation will be sent to parents of Principal's List and Honor Roll Students. Coaches will be notified of the student-athlete's academic achievement. Annual Outstanding Academic Achievement Award(s) will be presented after input from the school principal and staff.

Club/Student-Athlete Communication-

Educational opportunities, alternatives and concerns will be made available to student-athletes. Student-athletes will have access to the AVSC Academic Director throughout the year.

Club/School Communication-

Regularly scheduled AHS principal/AVSC Academic Director meetings will take place as well as meetings with AHS faculty. Any academic performance concerns will be shared between the school and AVSC. At the beginning of each school semester, AVSC will notify teachers and administration of all probable travel dates. Schools and AVSC will work together to minimize the impact of travel dates upon academics.

Club/Parent Communication-

AVSC interacts with AHS as a partner in fostering academic achievement in all of our student athletes. Academic achievement is a high priority for all AVSC athletes as such, parents should understand that AVSC is aware of athletes' school activities and grades. AVSC requires that academic minimums are maintained or the athlete will not be able to participate in AVSC activities. Parents and students will be contacted by AVSC if grade and behavior concerns become known. We invite continued parental input regarding how to foster academic excellence.

Coach Role-

AVSC coaches are recognized as influential figures in their athletes' lives. This importance goes beyond the clubhouse, beyond skiing and snowboarding. In recognition of this influence, coaches will acknowledge and support athlete's academic lives. AVSC coaches will recognize academic achievement through praise.
Regarding academic deficiency, when appropriate, coaches will challenge their athletes to commit to academic excellence and refer the athlete to the AVSC Academic Director for assistance. AVSC understands that often a student-athlete will respond positively to a respected coach, even when they have not responded well to a teacher or a parent. If our coaches can utilize their relationship to assist an athlete's education, our coaches will do so. During Team travel, coaches will create study time to enable student-athletes to remain up-to-date with their studies.


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