Between the Lines

Volume 7. No 1 *** September 7, 2026

Dartmouth HIgh School Families,

Welcome to another edition of the Dartmouth High School Athletics Newsletter!

As we settle into the 2026–27 school year and the fall athletic season gets underway, our fields, courts, courses, and facilities are once again filled with the energy and excitement that make Dartmouth Athletics such a special part of our school community.

With nearly 400 student-athletes participating this fall, there is a lot happening across our programs. In this edition, you’ll find important department updates, upcoming events and schedules, helpful reminders for families, transportation and facility information, and some of the great people and moments that make Dartmouth Athletics what it is.

We are grateful for the continued commitment of our student-athletes and coaches, and for the tremendous support of our families, staff, and community.

Thank you for being part of Dartmouth Athletics, and as always—Go Dartmouth!

Andrew D. Crisafulli

Director of Athletics

Dartmouth High School

The One Dartmouth Sports website is the central hub for Dartmouth High School Athletics, providing families with information about all athletic programs, including team schedules, practice information, registration, the Athletic Handbook, and department resources.

Parents can use the site to quickly find their student-athlete’s team schedule, important athletic information, registration links, practice schedules, newsletters, tickets, and other resources throughout the season.

We encourage families to make www.onedartmouthsports.org their first stop for accurate, up-to-date information about Dartmouth High School Athletics.

Each coach has established their own method of communication with student-athletes and families within their respective program. Communication may take place through email, Google Classroom, and/or ParentSquare.

If you are unsure how your son/daughter’s coach plans to communicate with families, please contact the coach directly using the email address provided above.

The Fall Athletics Master Schedule is a centralized Google Spreadsheet that provides families with up-to-date information on practices, games, competitions, locations, and other team activities.

Families can use the spreadsheet to easily view their student-athlete’s schedule and plan transportation, family commitments, and other activities around athletics.

Because schedules can change, families are encouraged to check the spreadsheet regularly for the most current information.

**PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE HANDBOOK IN ITS ENTIRETY**

Click on the Handbook button below for document access

To be eligible to participate in any athletic practice, game, or event on a given day, a student-athlete must be present for a minimum of three (3) full academic classes out of their five (5) scheduled classes. Please note that attendance in the PASE period does not count toward fulfilling this academic attendance requirement.

Missing more than two classes for any reason will result in ineligibility for that day, unless the absence is pre-approved by the school administration.

Pre-approved absences may include:

• Medical or dental appointments

• Court appearances

• Family emergencies

• Other extenuating circumstances

Documentation may be required, and prior administrative approval is mandatory. The student-athlete and their parent or guardian are responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy.

Student-athletes are required to travel to and from athletic events on the school-provided bus. If a student-athlete misses the bus, they are not permitted to drive themselves.

Parents or legal guardians may submit a written request to pick up their student-athlete and be exempt from bus transportation; however, approval will only be granted in extenuating circumstances.

For special circumstances, such as Advanced Placement testing, families must notify and obtain approval from the Athletic Director before arranging alternative transportation.

A bona fide member of the school team is a student who is consistently present for, and actively participates in, all high school team sessions (e.g., practices, tryouts, competitions).

Bona fide members of a school team are precluded from missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a non-school athletic activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA. Students cannot be given special treatment (late arrival, early dismissal, etc.) for non-school athletic programs.

Bona Fide waiver requests for Saturday and Sunday practices only do not need submission to the MIAA; rather, approval is determined by the High School Principal or principal’s designee.

MIAA Bona Fide waivers are only allowed during the pre-season or regular season. Bona Fide Team Member Waivers (for missing any practice or game) are not permitted during MIAA post-season play. The postseason officially begins the day after the cut-off date.

PENALTIES:

First Offense: Student-athlete is suspended for one (1) contest and shall not participate in the next scheduled interscholastic competition that is part of their regular season schedule or in tournament play.

Second Offense: Student-athlete is suspended for an additional 25% of the season and is ineligible for tournament play immediately upon confirmation of the violation.

Penalty Carry Over: An unserved portion of the penalty for a violation toward the end of a season will carry over to the very next high school season in which the student is a legitimate participant.

Bona Fide Team Rule violations cannot be appealed.

From the earliest fall practice date, to the conclusion of the academic year or final athletic event (whichever is latest), a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product (including e-cigarettes, vape pens and all similar devices); marijuana (including synthetic); steroids; drug paraphernalia; or any controlled substance. This policy includes products such as “NA or near beer,” inhalants (defined as any substance that produces a mind-altering effect when inhaled), and misuse of over-the-counter medications and substances used for the purposes of altering one’s mental state. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by their doctor.

This MIAA statewide minimum standard is not intended to render “guilt by association”, e.g., many student-athletes might be present at a party where only a few violate this standard. This rule represents only a minimum standard upon which schools may develop more stringent requirements.

If a student in violation of this rule is unable to participate in interscholastic sports due to injury or academics, the penalty will not take effect until that student is able to participate again. If a violation of this rule occurs while the student is serving a school suspension (either in-house or out-of-school), the chemical health violation penalty period will not begin until the school suspension period has concluded.

If on the other hand, the school suspension is directly related to the violation of the Chemical Health Rule, then the suspension and chemical health penalty will be served concurrently.

Minimum PENALTIES: (also see Rule 32.8 – Ineligible Students)

First violation: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests (regular season and tournament) totaling 25% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program. It is recommended that the student be allowed to remain at practice for the purpose of rehabilitation. During the suspension the disqualified student may not be in uniform and attendance at the competition site is determined by the high school principal. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 25% of the season.

Clarity on penalty application: To calculate the "number of events/seasons", count those events on your schedule where the team (vs. an individual) will compete (excluding the potential of MIAA Tournament qualification). Double duals, tri, or quad competitions held on one day count as one "event". MIAA Handbook July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027 55 The intent of first offense penalties is to render the student ineligible for approximately 25% of that season's schedule, a football player who misses the last football game of the season would then be required to miss the first two basketball games of the next season. The baseball player who serves a penalty of fewer than five games in the spring would be required to miss the first football game of the fall season. In the former case, the football player has served 50% of his penalty, and then would be required to serve 50% of the basketball penalty (i.e. 2.5 games, which is rounded down to the whole number). In the second case, if the student serves 1, 2, 3, or 4 games of baseball ineligibility, then the carry-over of the penalty in the fall season would require missing the first football game. The minimum in any carry-over would be 1 event.

Second and subsequent violations: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests (regular season and tournament) totaling 60% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 60% of the season. If after the second or subsequent violations the student of own volition becomes a participant in an approved chemical dependency program or treatment program, the student may be certified for reinstatement in MIAA activities after a minimum of 40% of events provided the student was fully engaged in the program throughout that penalty period. The high school principal in collaboration with a Chemical Dependency Program or Treatment Program must certify that student is attending or issue a certificate of completion. If student does not complete program, penalty reverts back to 60% of the season. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 40% of the season.

Penalties shall be cumulative each academic year, but serving the penalty could carry over for one year. Or, if the penalty period is not completed during the season of violation, the penalty shall carry over to the student’s next season of actual participation, which may affect the eligibility status of the student during the next academic year (e.g. A student plays only football: he violates the rule in winter and/or the spring of same academic year: he would serve the penalty [ies] during the fall season of the next academic year).

If a student is not an athletic participant for one full year after affirmation of a violation, then the penalty period would close, and the student would face no consequence.

Prior to any chemical health violation, a student's request for and enrollment in a substance abuse treatment shall not in and of itself constitute a violation of the chemical health/alcohol/drugs/tobacco Rule 62

Playing time is determined by a combination of factors, including practice attendance, attitude, commitment, athletic skill, and team needs. The final decision on which student-athletes start, their position, and the duration of their playing time is the sole responsibility of the coaching staff. These decisions are made seriously after careful observation during practices, scrimmages, and games.

It is important to note that payment of the user fee does not guarantee playing time.

Student-athletes are responsible for all equipment and uniforms issued to them by their coaches. It is your obligation to properly care for and secure these items from the time you receive them until you return them.

• Care and Storage: Always store your equipment in a locked locker when it is not in use. Most losses happen when lockers are left open, unlocked, or when equipment is left unattended.

• Lost or Unreturned Items: If you lose or fail to return any school-issued equipment or uniforms, you are responsible for paying the current replacement cost. Payment for lost items is required at the time of the loss.

• Consequences: Failure to return equipment or pay for lost items will prevent you from trying out for another sport. Additionally, you may not be able to receive your diploma from Dartmouth High School until all outstanding equipment has been returned or payment has been received by the Athletic Director.

• Leaving a Team: If you leave a team mid-season for any reason (e.g., injury, academics, discipline, or quitting), you must immediately return all school-issued equipment.

Behavioral Expectations

• Serve as a positive role model. Support not only your student-athlete but all student-athletes and coaches.

• Promote a respectful environment. Your respect and support during practices and competitions are essential. Unsupportive or negative behavior may compromise the team’s success.

• Respect designated areas. Sidelines, benches, and dugouts are reserved for athletes and coaches to focus, communicate, strategize, and decompress.

• Defer to the coaches’ expertise. Allow coaches to fulfill their roles without interference.

• Exemplify sportsmanship. Refrain from confrontational or inappropriate remarks toward coaches, opponents, officials, spectators, or others.
  

Parental Responsibilities in Supporting Student-Athletes

To facilitate your student-athlete’s success both academically and athletically, parents and guardians are expected to:

• Attend all informational meetings conducted by the Athletic Department.

• Collaborate with school personnel to ensure a positive academic and athletic experience for the student-athlete.

• Ensure consistent attendance at all scheduled practices, competitions, and team-related activities.

• Enforce adherence to the Athletic Department’s regulations and policies.

• Respect the coach’s authority regarding team strategy and player selection.

• Model mature and respectful behavior, encouraging the same standards in the student-athlete.

• Cooperate with other parents and school staff to support a successful athletic program.

• Assist the student-athlete in setting reasonable and attainable goals, emphasizing the dedication required in team sports.

• Encourage respect for the commitments inherent in participation on a team.
  

Guidelines for Parent / Coach Communication

To address conflicts related to team participation, please follow the protocol outlined below:

Step 1:
The initial communication should occur directly between the student-athlete and the coach. This encourages the development of essential communication skills and fosters mutual respect and understanding. Issues should be discussed openly and honestly. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached at this stage, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2:
The parent or guardian should contact the coach via email to request a meeting involving the student-athlete, parent/guardian, and coach. If the matter remains unresolved following this meeting, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3:
The parent or guardian should contact the Athletic Director to arrange a meeting with the student-athlete, parent/guardian, coach, and Athletic Director for further resolution.

Important Reminders

• Do not confront a coach before or after a game or practice. These can be emotional times for everyone, and such meetings rarely lead to a resolution.

• Do not call a coach at home unless they have made their home number available. A coach's family time is limited, and their privacy should be respected.

• Support your team positively. Cheer for your team and student-athletes, but avoid belittling the opposing team, coaches, or officials. Negative chants, personal insults, or any form of taunting are strictly prohibited. This includes using a player's name, number, or appearance in a negative way, as well as any form of verbal abuse.

• Respect game officials. You must respect the integrity and judgment of all game officials. Booing of cheerleaders is also not allowed.

• Obey school staff. Faculty supervisors are responsible for everyone’s safety. Please respect and follow their directions.

• Stay off the field and respect property. Stay in the designated spectator areas at all times. Do not damage school property, including bleachers, equipment, or any part of the facility.

• Leave prohibited items at home. Noisemakers, inappropriate signs, and newspapers are not permitted.

• Follow school policy. The use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, and drugs is strictly forbidden.

By following these rules, you help create an enjoyable and respectful atmosphere for all. Thank you for supporting our student-athletes and showing good sportsmanship.

Consequences for Violations

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in immediate removal from the game site. Spectators who are removed must leave school grounds immediately.

Further disciplinary action is as follows for any ejection, whether at a home or away game:

• First offense: You will be required to attend a meeting with a school administrator and will receive a written warning.

• Second offense: You will be suspended from attending the next two games. To be eligible for reinstatement, you must complete the NFHS Parent Course and/or NFHS Sportsmanship Course, as directed by the athletic department. A completion certificate must be printed and submitted to the athletic department.

• Third offense: You will be suspended from attending any athletic events for a full calendar year.

Failure to comply with the stated consequences will result in the imposition of more severe disciplinary measures.

At this time, we are soliciting the student-athlete "user fee" payment for the Fall season.

We ask that the $50 user fee is paid ASAP using one of the following options:

• Pay on-line by clicking on the "Athletic User Fee - On-Line Payment" tab on our athletic department's website: www.OneDartmouthSports.org
• Pay by check (made payable to "Town of Dartmouth/Athletics" and either mailed or dropped off to 555 Bakerville Road.

Please disregard this request if you have already provided payment.

Kathy returns for her forth year at Dartmouth High School with decades of experience, having served as the primary Athletic Trainer for Bishop Stang (24 years), along with numerous stints at local high schools (Wareham, Westport & Diman), providing coverage for prolonged AT absences and/or additional coverage per school contracts.

Since 2014, Kathy has been the Team Leader for Athletic Training, Injury Prevention and Ergonomics at Southcoast Health. In her role at Southcoast, Kathy oversees ten (10) Athletic Trainers.

Kathy is also the former President of Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts and has served in various roles with the DPH Youth Sports Advisory Committee and Clinical Experts panel on concussions.

All injuries, sicknesses and subsequent medical clearances for DHS student-athletes are handled by Kathy. We respectfully ask that families communicate any medical issues that surface (especially the ones that we may not be aware of) so that our student-athlete needs can be addressed appropriately.

Kathy goes above and beyond her duties in an effort to keep all of our student-athletes safe and healthy...she can be reached by both email and phone:

kathleenthornton@dartmouthschools.org

508-961-2700 Ex: 7133

Fall student-athletes who need after-school transportation from Dartmouth High School to Dartmouth Middle School (and vice versa) for team practices/games have two options:

• When the school day concludes, parents/guardians (or other family-arranged transportation) can transport their student-athlete to Dartmouth Middle School

• At dismissal, DHS student-athletes can board one of the 3 after-school Tremblay buses that depart DHS for DMS (buses 4, 5 & 9) and those respective buses will drop student-athletes off at Dartmouth Middle School.

• At dismissal, DMS student-athletes (needing to be transported to DHS) can board bus 3 and that bus will drop student-athletes off at Dartmouth High School.

When student-athletes arrive to Dartmouth High School in the AM, sports equipment can be stored in the HS locker rooms...those areas will be secure during the school day.

After the school day concludes, student-athletes whose practices take place at Dartmouth High School can change in the on-site locker rooms and then report to practice...those student-athletes who practice at Dartmouth Middle School will retrieve their equipment bags (at the end of the school day), board the after-school buses (if needed), and have the ability to change in the locker rooms at Dartmouth Middle School.

**Sports equipment should not be stored in Dartmouth High School

classrooms and/or stairwells**

ANDREW D. CRISAFULLI, M.Ed., CAA, AIC

Director of Athletics & Wellness

@ACrisafulli02

DOLORES CONSOLETTI

Athletics Administrative Assistant

doloresconsoletti@dartmouthschools.org

Email: andrewcrisafulli@dartmouthschools.org
Website: www.OneDartmouthSports.org

Location: 555 Bakerville Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 961-2700
Twitter: @DartAthletics