Lincoln Middle School Athletic Handbook
2026–2027
Contact Information
Main Office — 304-326-7540 Fax - 304-592-5846
Principal Mrs. Lori Scott Iscott@k12.wv.us
Assistant Principal Mr. Michael Donato mldonato@k12.wv.us
Athletic Director
Mrs. Jessica Logar jlogar@k12.wv.us
School Secretary Mrs. Connie Ice connie.ice@k12.wv.us
Harrison County Schools Website: www.harcoboe.net/
Social Media: www.harcoboe.net/o/lms
As required by Federal laws and regulations, the Harrison County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, disability, age, or national origin, employment or in the administration of any of its educational programs
and activities. Inquiries may be referred to the Title Ix Coordinator or to the Section 504 Coordinator, Harrison County Board of Education, 445 West Main St, Clarksburg, Wv 26301. Phone: 304-326-7300.
Athletic Rules That All Programs Must Follow
The West Virginia Student Code of Conduct.
The Lincoln Middle School Student Handbook.
Each coach will take attendance (i.e.; absent, present, tardy, excused) at each practice and game. All excused absences must have prior approval of the head coach unless it is an emergency.
Each coach will indicate the specific clothing to be worn on game day (i.e.; game day shirt, shirt/tie, warm-up, or jersey if prior approved by administration).
All game participation is to be monitored at each level: varsity /junior varsity (i.e.; number of quarters, innings, and matches).
If a student is not present in school for at minimum a half day, he/she cannot participate in a game or practice that day unless the student has approval of the Principals or Athletic Director.
Each coach will provide written additional sport specific rules for their team and provide these rules to the athletic director. A signed copy of these rules by the parent/guardian and athlete must be kept on file with the coach in order for these rules to be enforced.
Sports do not build Character. They reveal it!
Attendance
Students with consistent attendance in school achieve higher grades, enjoy school more, and upon graduation enter vocational or academic endeavors more successfully. Consistent attendance is considered to be an integral part of the students’ course of study and assists in the development of punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility. The administration at Lincoln Middle School encourages consistent attendance.
Students who are not present in school for at least one half day will not be eligible to participate in any extra-curricular event the remainder of that day.
Should an athlete be tardy for school, he/she will not be able to Participate in any extra-curricular event the remainder of that day without administration approval.
The only exceptions to the above 2 rules are a pre-arranged physician’s appointment, or absences approved by the Principal.
Coaches may request a daily attendance sheet generated by the attendance office to help track the absence of their athletes.
In-School (Iss) and Out-Of-School (Oss) Suspension
A student will not be able to participate in an extra-curricular event if he/she is assigned In-School Suspension (Iss) for an entire day.
A student will be terminated from the team and no longer able to participate in the current extra-curricular event if he/she is placed in out-of-school suspension (Oss).
All regulations regarding discipline for athletic teams and activities will be governed by the discipline policies contained in the Lincoln Middle School Student Handbook.
Code Of Ethics For Athletes
All athletes at Lincoln Middle School shall:
Be courteous to visiting teams and officials.
Play hard and to the limit of his or her ability. The true athlete does not give up, nor does he/she argue, cheat, bet, or grandstand.
Be modest when successful and be gracious in defeat. A true sportsman does not offer excuses for failures.
Maintain a high degree of physical fitness by observing team and training rules conscientiously.
Demonstrate loyalty to the school by maintaining a satisfactory scholastic standing and by participating in and supporting other school activities.
Play for the love of the game, not for some other reason.
Understand and observe the rules of the game and the standards of eligibility.
Set a high standard of personal appearance and cleanliness.
Respect the integrity and judgment of officials and accept their decisions without questions.
Respect the facilities of host schools and the trust entailed in being a guest.
Properly care for the equipment issued by the school and return it in a timely fashion when the season has concluded. An athlete will not be able to compete in another sport until all equipment from a previous sport has been turned in or reimbursement is made to the Lincoln Middle School.
The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.
Code Of Ethics For Coaches
All coaches at Lincoln Middle School shall:
Exemplify behavior that is representative of the educational staff of the school and a credit to the teaching profession.
Demonstrate high ideals, good habits, and desirable attitudes in personal behavior and demand the same standards of the players.
Recognize that the purpose of competition is to promote the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of the individual players and that the most important values of competition are derived from playing the game fairly.
Be a modest winner and a gracious loser.
Maintain self-control at all times, accepting adverse decisions without public display of emotion or of dissatisfaction with the officials.
Cooperate with the school administration in the planning, scheduling and conduct of sports activities.
Employ accepted educational methods in coaching, giving all players an opportunity to use and develop initiative, leadership, and judgment.
Pay close attention to the physical condition and well-being of the players, refusing to jeopardize the health of an individual for the sake of improving his team’s chances to win.
Teach athletes that it is better to lose fairly than to win unfairly.
Prohibit gambling, profanity, abusive language, and similar violations of the true sportsman’s code.
Refuse to disparage an opponent, an official, or others associated with sports activities and discourage gossip and questionable rumors concerning them.
Properly supervise student athletes under his immediate care and specifically observe a coach’s responsibilities in conjunction with state sponsored contests.
Greet rival coaches prior to and at the conclusion of each game. He/she will direct the players to shake hands at the conclusion of the contest. The coach’s public demeanor and decorum shall always reflect positively on the school.
Dress Code For Athletes
All players will wear the appropriate clothing on days of games as selected by the coach.
All team members must be dressed in similar attire (shirts and ties, warm-up, or a game day shirt). No uniforms are to be worn unless prior approval by administration.
All uniforms must be the school colors of maroon, vegas gold, white, and black.
All uniform, team game day clothing, and warm-up purchases must be cleared through the principal and/or athletic director prior to purchasing. This includes clothing bought by booster organizations.
Maintain proper and appropriate practice attire. All athletes must keep midriffs and chests covered with a shirt or tank top. No “booty shorts”. Backsides must be completely covered.
Eligibility Requirements
The Student Athlete:
Must be enrolled in Lincoln Middle School.
Must obtain at least 2.00 Gpa based upon his/her work from the previous semester.
Must have a Wvssac physical examination on file with the athletic director. The physical exam must be current or dated after May 1.
Must have a completed and signed emergency information form and health appraisal on file with the athletic director/coach.
It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.
The Athletic Director
The athletic director reports to and assists the principal(s) in the supervision of all coaches and others involved in the school athletic programs. The goal of the athletic director is to provide for overall leadership and coordination among the various sports to facilitate programs to provide the student-athletes with a quality educational experience.
The duties and expectation include:
Report to and work under the direction of the principal.
Organizes, coordinate, and supervise the total athletic program.
Keep the coaching staff informed of the current rules and regulations.
Represent Lincoln Middle School at conference and state meetings.
Be responsible for administrating all interscholastic policy and procedures, following the guidelines of the Mid-Mountain 10, Mid-8, and Wvssac.
Evaluate coaching staff and make recommendations on assignments to the principal.
Be responsible for all recommendations for the improvement of adequate facilities.
Determine ways to support and finance all athletic programs.
Make arrangements for all athletic contests (i.e. bus requests/transportation)
Administer and approve all purchase orders for the athletic programs.
Attend and/or arrange for proper supervision at athletic events.
Manage all league activities assigned to Lincoln Middle School.
Obtain officials, physicians, and security as required and assume the general responsibility for the proper supervision of all home events.
Verify the eligibility of each athlete and assure that each is properly insured for all practices and games.
Verify that each student has had a proper physical.
Supervise the cleaning, storage, and care of all athletic equipment, in addition to maintaining an up-to-date inventory.
Arrange all details for visiting teams. Arrange the facility practice schedules for the athletic programs.
Promote and recognize the programs for the athletes at Lincoln Middle School.
Work in partnership with the athletic and maintenance staff to provide a safe and suitable facility.
Ensure all Wvssac Required Emergency Plans are completed and submitted to Wvssac.
Expectations Of The Head Coach
The Head Coach will:
Take an active role in prevention of drug, alcohol, or tobacco use.
Carefully supervise all levels of their sport.
Inform all members of the staff of current rules and regulation pertaining to the sport.
Not use alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or vaping products when in contact with the student/athletes.
Follow the county policy for any purchases.
Work in conjunction with the athletic director to develop the schedule for all levels within the program.
Follow the rules and guidelines set forth by the local, state, and national agencies governing their sport.
Follow the spirit of the rule as well as the letter of the rule.
Secure the locker room after each practice and game. This includes ensuring that all water is turned off, lights turned off, and all clothes and equipment are off the floors.
Not leave the facility until all players have secured a ride home.
Not participate in scrimmages with the players.
Provide written additional sport specific rules for their team, if there any, and provide these rules to the athletic director.
Provide the athletic director with a written policy about attendance requirements at practice.
Supervise before, during, and after practices and games. This includes the locker room areas.
Complete Wvssac Required Emergency Plan and submit to the athletic director.
Expectations Of The Student/Athlete
The student/athlete will:
Properly care for the equipment issued by the school and return it in a timely fashion when the season has concluded. An athlete will not be able to compete in another sport until all equipment from the previous sport is turned in or reimbursement is made to the Lincoln Middle School.
Respect the integrity and judgment of the officials.
Respect those in authority, including coaches, administrators, custodians, teachers, and adult officials from other schools.
Respect one’s opponents.
Will represent the team and school by following the dress code policy on game days at school and to/from contests.
Attend every practice unless excused by the coach. Unexcused absences or tardiness will result in a team disciplinary actions for repeat offenders. Choosing to attend a travel team practice or game (of a different sport) instead of a Wvssac governed school practice/game will be an unexcused absence.
Be on time and work hard.
Be alcohol and drug free. This includes not possessing or using drugs, vapes, tobacco, and alcohol.
Put the team before themselves.
Not participate in any type of hazing activity.
Attempt to resolve conflict or concerns with coaches before asking parents to get involved. Student-athletes should understand that part of the lesson they are learning through participation in sports is that they have a responsibility for their actions and for learning how to handle adverse situations.
Be removed/suspended from the team for unsportsmanlike conduct or violation of the student expectations and team rules.**
** School rule violations will result in disciplinary action according to school policy.
Watch Your Thoughts, They Become Your Words; Watch Your Words, They Become Your Actions.
Coach And Student/Athlete And/Or Parent Conference
When a parent/coach meeting or conference is necessary, the procedure should be as follows:
24 Hour Rule: Wait 24 hours before calling to schedule a conference with a coach.
All Conferences Should Be Scheduled With The Head Coach Of The Sport And When Possible, Should Include Either The Principal And/Or Athletic Director.
Do not confront a coach prior to or after a practice or contest. Although parents may have significant concerns about issues such as playing time, or positions played, it is better to discuss these concerns at another time.
Recognize that the coaches work with the team on a daily basis in practice and contests. It is important to understand that they will make judgment decisions based on what is best for all team members, team performance, and the overall program.
When you need to talk to a coach, please set an appointment for a private meeting.
Communication a parent can expect from the coach
Discussion of the health and welfare of your child
An honest assessment of your child abilities
Philosophy of the coach
Team requirements
Role of the parents to help the team (workers)
Team rules
Location of times of practices and games
Treatment of your child
Communication coaches can expect from the parents
Notification of schedule conflicts, well in advance
Health issues concerning the athlete
Appropriate concerns to discuss with the coach
Ways to help your child improve
Concerns about your child’s behavior
Academic support for your child
Issues That Are Not appropriate to discuss with the coach
Playing time of your child
Another player’s abilities or performance
Game strategy
Player’s position on the team
If a parent/guardian/fan is removed (ejected) from a game
The Nfhs video: “The Parent Seat” must be completed before attending another event.
Depending on the severity of the removal, a ban could be placed for up to 365 days or 20% of possible games played.
Participation Rules
The goal of the Lincoln Middle School Athletic Department is to provide every opportunity for a student athlete to be successful. Success is defined as playing an appropriate amount of time based on one’s ability, level of team, and effort at practice.
At each level, playing time should be determined by the effort given in practice, the needs of the team, and the attitudes of the players. The goal is still to win, but participation is necessary for the team and players to be successful. No amount of playing time is guaranteed, but time should be comparable to the effort in practice and the ability of the player.
The head coach will oversee all team selections. If a sport has cuts, the procedures are as follows:
The head coach must participate in the evaluation of all athletes on all levels of the program. The head coach will make the final decision about all cuts.
Each student cut shall have at least 2 practices.
Each athlete who is cut will be personally informed of the cut by the coach and the reason for the action.
Criteria for team selection
Physical attributes
Attitude and work ethic
Skills particular to that sport
Skills particular to that position
Team needs
Previous experience in that sport
We Are What We Repeatedly Do. Excellence, Then, Is Not An Act, But A Habit.
Guidelines For Student-Athletes: Social Media
As you begin participation in another athletic season, Lincoln Middle School wants to make sure you are aware of the new social networking guidelines. Lincoln Middle School recognize and support the student-athletes’ rights to freedom of speech, expression, and association, including the use of social networks. In this context, however, each student-athlete must remember that playing and competing for Lincoln Middle School is a privilege. As a student-athlete, you represent the Lincoln Middle School community, and you are expected to portray yourself, your team, and the school district in a positive manner at all times.
Below you will find the new social networking guidelines which provide the following guidelines for social networking site usage:
Everything you post is public information — any text or photo placed online is completely out of your control the moment it is placed online — even if you limit access to your site. Information (including pictures, videos, and comments) may be accessible even after you remove it. Once you post a photo or comment on a social networking site, that photo or comment becomes the property of the site and may be searchable even after you remove it.
What you post may affect your future. Many employers and college admissions officers review social networking sites as part of their overall evaluation of an applicant. Carefully consider how you want people to perceive you before you give them a chance to misinterpret your information (including pictures, videos, comments, and posters).
Similar to comments made in person, Lincoln Middle School will not tolerate disrespectful comments and behavior online, such as:
Derogatory language or remarks that may harm my teammates or coaches; other Lincoln student athletes, teachers, or coaches; and student-athletes, coaches, or representatives of other schools, including comments that may disrespect my opponents.
Incriminating photos or statements depicting violence; hazing; sexual harassment; full or partial nudity; inappropriate gestures; vandalism, stalking; underage drinking, selling, possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other inappropriate behaviors.
Creating a serious danger to the safety of another person or making a credible threat of serious physical or emotional injury to another person.
Indicating knowledge of an unreported school or team violation —regardless if the violation was unintentional or intentional.
In short, do not have a false sense of security about your rights to freedom of speech. Understand that freedom of speech is not unlimited. The on-line social network sites are Not a place where you can say and do whatever you want without repercussions. The information you post on a social networking siteis considered public information. Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image of which you can be proud for years to come.
Don't Let An Injury Lead To An Opioid Addiction
WV Attorney General's Office
2 Million Athletes Are Expected To Suffer A Sports Injury This Year
Many Of These Athletes Will Be Prescribed Opioid Painkillers
75% Of High School Heroin Users Started With Prescription Opioids
High School Athletes Are At Risk Of Becoming Addicted To Prescription Drugs
28.4% used medical opioids at least once over a three year period.
11% of high school athletes have used an opioid medication for nonmedical reasons.
Nearly 25% of students who chronically use prescription opioids also use heroin.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a powerful and addictive type of prescription painkiller that have similar chemical properties and addiction risks as heroin. While opioids may provide temporary relief, they do nothing to address the underlying injury and can have serious side effects.
These drugs may lead to: dependence, tolerance, accidental overdose, coma and death.
The most common prescribed opioid painkillers in West Virginia are:
Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Hydrocodone (Lortab and Vicodin)
How To Protect Your Child
Talk to your healthcare provider about alternative pain management treatment options (see below).
First-time prescription opioid users have a 64% higher risk of early death than patients who use alternative pain medication.
If your child is prescribed an opioid painkiller, talk about the dangers of misusing medication, including overuse and medication sharing.
Monitor your child's intake of prescription medication to ensure he/she is following dosage instructions.
Safely dispose of any unused medication through a prescription drug drop box or a DEA Take-Back program.
Non-Narcotic Pain Management Alternatives
Physical Therapy
Chiropractic
Massage Therapy
Acupuncture
Over-the-Counter Medication
CDC HEADS UP to High School Sports
WVSSAC Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness
What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Occurs suddenly and often without warning.
An electrical malfunction (short-circuit) causes the bottom chambers of the heart (ventricles) to beat dangerously fast (ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation) and disrupts the pumping ability of the heart.
The heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs of the body.
The person loses consciousness (passes out) and has no pulse.
Death occurs within minutes if not treated immediately.
What Are The Symptoms/Warning Signs Of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
SCA should be suspected in any athlete who has collapsed and is unresponsive
Fainting, a seizure, or convulsions during physical activity
Dizziness or lightheadedness during physical activity
Unusual fatigue/weakness
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Nausea/vomiting
Palpitations (heart is beating unusually fast or skipping beats)
Family history of sudden cardiac arrest at age <50
Any of these symptoms/warning signs may necessitate further evaluation from your physician before returning to practice or a game.
What Causes Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Conditions present at birth (inherited and non-inherited heart abnormalities)
A blow to the chest (Commotio Cordis)
An infection/inflammation of the heart, usually caused by a virus. (Myocarditis)
Recreational/Performance-Enhancing drug use.
Other cardiac & medical conditions / Unknown causes. (Obesity/Idiopathic)
What Are Ways To Screen For Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
The American Heart Association recommends a pre-participation history and physical which is mandatory annually in West Virginia.
Always answer the heart history questions on the student Health History section of the WVSSAC Physical Form completely and honestly.
Additional screening may be necessary at the recommendation of a physician.
What Is The Treatment For Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Act immediately: time is critical to increase survival rate
Activate emergency action plan
Call 911
Begin CPR
Use Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Where Can One Find Additional Information?
Contact your primary health care provider
American Heart Association (www.heart.org)