PARENTS & PARTICIPANTS
ATHLETIC & EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HANDBOOK
2004-2005
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Athletic and Extra-Curricular Activities covered, but not limited to:
TEAM SPORTS-Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Track
INDIVIDUAL/CO-OP SPORTS-Soccer, Cheer, Wrestling, Golf, Baseball, Tennis
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES-Student Council, Class Officers, National
Honor Society, Homecoming and Court, Prom and Court, School Dances, May Day and Royalty, GAA, Lettermen’s Club, Carnival, Freshmen Welcoming, and all other school related activities
ARLINGTON SCHOOL/COMMUNITY YOUTH GOAL
ARLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
PARENTS & PARTICIPANTS
ATHLETIC & EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HANDBOOK
The Arlington School District athletic & extra-curricular activity programs are designed for students to develop skills through participation, training, and dedication. Students should be stimulated and encouraged to participate, and provisions will be made to develop a strong foundation in fundamentals.
Strong athletic and extra-curricular activities have the potential to shape personal attitudes and values as well as support other aspects of the total school program. The purpose of this handbook is to communicate to both participants and their parents the guidelines for participation in Arlington School District athletics and extra-curricular activities.
Participation in athletic and extra-curricular activities is completely voluntary. Participation is not required for graduation, nor are athletic credits needed for college entrance. Participation in these programs requires extra effort and time on a voluntary basis beyond the regular school day. Although these programs are voluntary, those participating do represent their student bodies and communities. Therefore standards, including academic requirements, citizenship, sportsmanship, conduct, and loyalty must be maintained at a high level. The total school program is reflected in athletic and extra-curricular activities.
Students are responsible for conducting themselves properly, in accordance with the policies of the district and the lawful direction of staff. The district has the responsibility to afford students certain rights as guaranteed under federal and state constitutions and statutes.
Arlington School District has one general rule of behavior; that its members conduct themselves as good citizens. The characteristics of good school citizenship are:
· Regard for the rights and privileges of others.
· Punctuality and proper preparation for class, practice, and activities.
· Care for the condition and appearance of the grounds, buildings, and the school.
· Respect for those in authority.
Arlington’s sportsmanship is judged by:
· Players sportsmanship on floor
· Coaching sportsmanship during the game.
· Fan conduct during games
· Team conduct at motels, restaurants, and in the community
· School student body and cheerleader conduct
Coaches should see that temper tantrums such as throwing helmets, kicking water bottles, stalking on the floor, etc., are not tolerated. Fans should not have to put up with this type of behavior.
Coaches should strongly encourage their players to get involved in the spirit activities of the school. Usually these activities are being done on the players’ behalf, and when they will not participate, it has a “wet blanket” effect on the entire student body. They should cheer at games and pep assemblies, participate in dress-up days and other homecoming activities, and in general, be leaders in increasing school spirit.
Each student, parent, and rooter should follow these suggestions that will serve as a guide to carrying out his/her responsibility in promoting good sportsmanship.
· Consider and treat the visiting team, their fans and the officials as guests.
· Respect the rights of all spectators.
· Accept the officials’ decisions as final.
· Support your cheerleaders with enthusiasm.
· Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
· Consider it a privilege and duty to encourage everyone (players and spectators) to live up to the spirit of the rules of fair play and sportsmanship.
To show good sportsmanship please:
· Scream, yell and go crazy in positive support of our teams
· Cooperate with the cheerleaders and band in supporting our team
· Be courteous and considerate around the town
· Please stand up for the fight song and at the start of each quarter
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Unsportsmanlike conduct by players or coaches will not be tolerated. The coach or leader of each specific activity shall determine his/her own means of dealing with offenders and keep the athletic director and/or principal informed of any punishment.
Article VI, Section 3, of the
Oregon School Activities Association states, “Any school whose students,
supporters, rooters, or partisans take part in riots, fights, pilfering,
painting, or any unsportsmanlike conduct shall be subject to fine and/or
suspension.”
Students, parents, and rooters should refrain from the following unsportsmanlike
conduct:
· Never boo or jeer officials or players at any time
· Never applaud errors by opponents or penalties inflicted upon them
· Never yell for or demand a substitution or withdrawal of a player
· Never use profane language at any time during the game
· Never throw objects on the field or playing court
· Never criticize players or coaches for losing a game
· Make any noise while the other team is shooting free throws
· Yell negative remarks at the players when they make mistakes
· Run out on the floor during or after the games
· Throw confetti or paper
Cheerleaders should be aware of the following rules of good taste in cheering:
· Never boo an opponent or official.
· In basketball games, no cheers should be led during free throw shooting by either team. In fact, it is the cheerleaders’ responsibility to quiet the fans when either team is shooting.
· No cheers with swearing, obscene words, or ever the implication of such should be used.
· Do not interrupt the other team’s organized cheers during a time out. Some rally squads never check to see if the other section is starting a cheer, and some deliberately interrupt. Sometimes they encourage general noise long after their organized cheer is finished, and thus do not give the other section a chance for any organized action during a time out.
· If shoes are part of the cheerleader’s outfit, then the shoes should be worn while cheering unless there is a special reason for removing them temporarily.
· Help control the crowds. O.S.A.A. has rules against running out on the floor or cutting down the nets after a basketball game. Be aware of these and help stop it if it starts.
VISITING TEAM/GROUPS
Relationships between schools are often strained because of thoughtless actions of individuals or groups. We in Arlington should make every effort to see that members of the opposing teams, rooters, and officials are treated as guests. Good sportsmanship consists of giving the officials and other teams the same kind of respect and treatment we would like to receive.
Thanks for your help in showing everyone that our fans know how to behave and support their teams in a positive manner.
Remember: “A real sport is a good sport.”
Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing and understanding each position, we are better able to accept the actions and of the other and provide greater benefits to student/athletes. As parents, when your child becomes involved in an extra-curricular program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s team or group.
Communication you should expect from your child’s coach
1. Philosophy of the coach
2. Expectations the coach has for student/athletes
3. Location and times of all practices and contests
4. Team requirements (fees, equipment, etc.)
5. Procedures should your child be injured during practice or contests
6. Discipline policy
7. Requirements for earning a varsity letter
8. Off-season activities such as summer camps, games, and fund raising
Communication coaches should expect from parents
1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach (If your child has a concern, please encourage them to try to communicate with their coach before you intervene.)
2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
3. Specific concerns in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations
As your child becomes involved in the programs at Arlington High School, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach is highly encouraged.
Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches
1. The treatment of your child mentally and physically
2. Ways to help your child improve
3. Concerns about your child’s behavior
It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you may hope. Our coaches are professionals and make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all athletes in the program. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be, and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those listed below, must be left to the discretion of the coach.
Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches
1. Playing time
2. Team strategy
3. Play calling
4. Other student/athletes
Coaches make all decisions regarding playing time. Many factors determine playing time. These include attitude, commitment, ability, attendance, eligibility, and effort to name a few. Coaches evaluate these factors each week and make decisions accordingly.
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These conferences are encouraged. It is important both parents and coaches have a clear understanding of each other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, the procedure you should follow
· Call the coach and set up an appointment.
· If a coach can not be reached, call the Athletic Director (454-2632) to schedule an appointment.
DO NOT attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parents and the coach. Meetings of this nature usually do not promote resolution.
What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a resolution?
· Call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the concern.
· At this meeting, further options will be explored and discussed
A student or parent/guardian who has a complaint concerning a coaching issue should first bring the matter to the appropriate coach or advisor. If the outcome is not satisfactory, the student or parent/guardian may bring the matter to the Athletic Director within 7 calendar days following the conference with the coach or advisor. If the outcome is not satisfactory, the student or parent/guardian may file a written, signed complaint with the Superintendent within 7 calendar days following the conference with the coach or advisor. The Superintendent will investigate the complaint and render a decision. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the Superintendent, he/she may appeal to the Board in care of the Superintendent within ten (10) calendar days following the receipt of the Superintendent’s decision in writing. The matter can be brought to the next Board meeting. The Superintendent will inform the Board of the situation before the meeting and make sure that the person the complaint is against knows it will be discussed at the Board meeting. Board decisions are final.
“Doubling” – is defined as participating in two high school interscholastic sports simultaneously. Doubling shall be considered on an individual basis and shall be allowed only upon the common consent of both coaches, the athletic director, the principal, and parents/guardian. The doubling arrangement shall be specified in writing and indicate which of the two activities shall be considered “primary” and “secondary”. In instances where a practice or contest conflict occurs between the two activities, the student’s participation will be directed to the primary activity. The agreement shall be signed by the student, parents, coaches, athletic director and principal.
An athlete cannot change sports unless both head coaches and the athletic director agree. Any athlete dismissed from a team for disciplinary reasons shall not participate in another sport during that original sport season. An athlete who quits during any sport will not be allowed to participate in another sport during that sport season.
All paperwork, including physical, medical information form, proof of insurance and drug and alcohol policy signed by the student and his/her parent/guardian must be turned in to the coach or office before the first practice and the Pay to Participate and ASB fees must be paid in full before the first contest. All high school participants must be student body cardholders.
Unless stated by OSAA regulations, all athletes must have a minimum of nine full on-field, or on-court practices before participating in their first game or contest. If a student transfers to the district after the official starting date of the season, the student may transfer in up to four practices if the student participated at his/her former school. Five practices or more must occur as a participant on the Arlington team.
The OSAA also has some participation limitations for high school athletics. Failure to follow these could result in forfeiture of the contest, and fines or other penalties from OSAA. Participation as defined by the OSAA Handbook: “participation for any length of time shall constitute a quarter played.”
Football a. six (6) quarters per week running Monday through Saturday
Volleyball a. a contestant shall not compete in more than one game in addition to a
match per day. Exception: Does not apply to tournament play.
Basketball a. may only play in 24 games
b. only five (5) quarters per day
Baseball a. may only play in 26 games
b. a pitcher shall not pitch more than 12 innings on three consecutive days
Tennis a. 16 matches, exclusive of state playoffs.
Track & Field a. 12 meets, exclusive of state playoffs
b. contestant limited to 2 distance races (800m, 1500m, and 3000m) per meet.
c. four events per meet
Wrestling a. individual 35 matches
Students may not participate in a scheduled activity or practice unless he/she has attended school all day, unless excused by a pre-arranged absence, or an emergency situation arises. Attendance at school on the last school day of the week is necessary in order to participate in both Friday and Saturday activities, unless cleared by the Activities Director/or principal, pre-arranged absence, or an emergency situation arises. Students are responsible for any work they miss due to an athletic trip. Arrangements should be made with teachers of those classes to be missed prior to leaving on the trip.
A student who is participating in an extra-curricular activity may be tested for drugs/alcohol at the first available opportunity after the school becomes aware of a possible violation of school district policy.
Coaches are encouraged to recruit a team manager for their teams to help with detail work. This is also another opportunity to involve additional students in school activities.
As a general rule, seniors are not allowed to play on JV teams. Under special circumstance, and after athletic director approval, this may be allowed for foreign exchange students or other special situations.
To earn a varsity letter, athletes must complete the season in good standing, attend the season end awards assembly, and meet the additional criteria for each sport. If a player does not fulfill all of these requirements, they will receive a letter of participation. Unsportsmanlike behavior or training violations may result in loss of varsity letter.
· Football-Participate in 12 quarters of varsity games.
· Volleyball-Participate in 10 games of varsity matches and not have any unexcused
practices or matches during the season. Athletes must also dress appropriately for all matches as well as the awards assembly.
· Basketball- Participate in 20 quarters of varsity games and not have any unexcused
practices or games during the season.
· Baseball- Participate in 6 varsity games.
· Track & Field- Athletes must show marked personal improvement in target event(s),
an increase in power ratings, attend 90% of all practices and meets, show a positive mental attitude, earn 30 team points*, and compete at the district meet. *Team points are awarded in the following ways:
· Placing in the top 6 to 8 in any meet (1-10 points)
· Setting School Records (5 points)
· Setting Personal Records (1-2 points)
· Wrestling-Participate in 10 Varsity matches.
· Cheerleading-Cheer at 90% of all varsity games, finish the season in good standing,
and not have any unsportsmanlike behavior throughout the season.
Coaches also have the discretion to letter an athlete under special circumstances, such as an athlete who is injured during the season and not able to attain all requirements.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Arlington School District believes athletic and extra-curricular activities provided in the schools are an important part of the educational process and these activities encourage and support the academic programs. It is with this in mind that the following eligibility requirements have been developed.
The following eligibility requirements apply to students who participate in district athletic and extra-curricular activities. Participating students are required to demonstrate desirable behavior, satisfactory attendance and academic progress as determined by the following district criteria.
OSSA regulations require students pass five classes each semester. Arlington students must meet all OSAA requirements for eligibility in addition to the district criteria.
To be eligible to participate in athletics and extra-curricular activities, a student must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA with no F’s. Starting the first day of school of the second week of the each sport season, and each week thereafter, all athletes will receive grades that determine eligibility for the following week. If a student earns below a 2.0 GPA or earns any F’s, the student is ineligible for one week. Ineligible students may not play, warm up, or dress down for any games during any week of ineligibility. Students who are ineligible are still members of the team and shall travel with the team at the coach’s discretion. In addition, ineligible students will attend a 3-hour study session on the day following the last school day of the week. In the event that this study session interferes with the travel of a team, it will be the coach’s discretion if the student will remain in the study session or be allowed to travel. Time missed due to travel will be made up at the next available opportunity as determined by the administration and coach.
*Extra-curricular activities are defined as those activities under the sponsorship or direction of the school for which participation is voluntary. Activities covered by this policy include: Letterman’s Club and Trip, GAA Club & Trip, Class Activities, Homecoming Activities, Prom Activities, May Day Activities, Student Body Officers, Class Officers, National Honor Society, Homecoming Court, Prom Court, May Day Court, school dances, and any other school sponsored club or activity. To be eligible to participate in the above-mentioned activities not including athletics, the individual student must not have any failing grades or be earning below a 2.0 GPA on the first day of the school week prior to the activity.
Exceptions to participation requirements may be made for IEP students when the disabling condition, as identified in a student’s IEP, prevents the student from achieving the required grade point average, behavior standard or attendance requirement.
Flexibility will be provided for Alternative Program Students and Charter School Students as it relates to transferring into and out of an alternative program/charter school. The academic, behavior and attendance requirements appropriate to the student’s placement shall all apply once a student begins participation.
Home-Schooled Students will be considered eligible for participation if they meet all district and OSAA criteria.
Although a student may be ineligible to play in the game scheduled for the week, the student is expected to participate in team practices. It is important to build an “oneness” with the team and to maintain physical fitness.
Coaches are encouraged to work closely with students and teachers to help their players do their classwork. Pressure should never be brought to bear on a teacher to give a student a “gift” grade to keep them eligible, nor should students expect these. However, coaches often have an influence over their players that no one else has and by using this properly can help otherwise poor students achieve some measure of academic success.
Coaches and players must understand that academics come first. If a student is required by a teacher to come in after school to get help or make up work, then that player may have to be late to practice. Teachers are encouraged to work with the coaches to give the players and coach a day’s warning whenever possible.
If a student is to miss a class or classes due to participation in any activity, it is his/her responsibility to get missed assignments handed in to teachers. Failure to do so may result in future non-participation.
TRAINING RULES AND REGULATIONS
It is the overwhelming opinion of educators and coaches that athletes and students perform best when they follow intelligent training rules that include restrictions on tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Medical research clearly substantiates the fact that use of tobacco, alcohol, and any type of modifying substances produce harmful effects on the human organism.
The coaches, advisors, administration, and school board of Arlington School District, concerned with the health habits of the students of this community, are convinced that athletics, extra-curricular activities, and the use of these substances are not compatible. It is also a fact that when students have a strong interest to participate in athletics and extra-curricular activities, their desire to use these substances is greatly reduced.
Specifically, students have to decide if they want to be athletes. If you do wish to be an athlete, “you have to pay the price” in order to be a competitor. A big part of this price is following a simple set of training rules that the school board believes to be fair. It is a fact that the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs are injurious to the development of human growth. You cannot compromise athletics with substance abuses. The student who wishes to experiment with such abuses should remove himself from the team before he jeopardizes team morale, team and school reputation, and success.
Use of tobacco - Research emphasizes that use of tobacco is physically harmful to young adults. The harm done by this is not just a health problem. The community follows the progress of young athletes, and any deviation from accepted training rules marks one as unwilling to “pay the price.” If one squad member breaks the rule, the whole team is branded as non-trainers. This rule means no use of tobacco all school year, in or out of season. The use of tobacco is also prohibited for those less than 18 years of age.
Alcoholic beverages – There is no way to justify student use of alcoholic beverages, even though social pressure may be hard to resist. The people who would like to draw the athlete into their drinking sessions will be the first to criticize the athlete if he/she does not “come through” in a game This rule means no use of alcohol all school year, in or out of season. The use of Alcohol is also prohibited for those less than 21 years of age.
Drugs – Simply stated, drug abuse is the consumption of any chemical substance or the smoking of some plant derivatives for the purpose of mood modification. The use or misuse of drugs is a social problem. Students with a strong sense of purpose have no need for mood modifiers. This rule means no use of drugs all school year, in or out of season.
Since people are often judged “guilty by association,” Arlington athletes are asked not to attend parties or activities where alcohol, tobacco, and/or drugs are being consumed illegally, and are expected to leave any parties or situations where they find this happening. In other words, if you are there it could be assumed that you are there with the intent to participate and you could therefore be looked upon by the community and school as a student who is breaking training.
Athletes attending parties when drugs and alcohol are being consumed will be subject to consequences for a training violation, and may also face criminal prosecution.
ALCOHOL/TOBACCO/DRUG VIOLATIONS – ATHLETIC POLICY
This policy will be applied throughout the entire school calendar year (From the first day OSAA allows fall practice to the last day of the spring sport season). In the event that the violation occurs during an athlete’s off-season, the suspension will begin with the athlete’s next sport season. Suspensions will be carried from one sport to another if the suspension is not completed in the previous sport season. The remaining games of the suspension in the next sport will be determined by the percentage of the suspension remaining. In the event that the school year ends prior to the suspension, the suspension will carry over to the next school year. The remaining games of the suspension in the next year will be determined by the percentage of the suspension remaining.
Students determined to be in violation of the alcohol, tobacco, and/or drug policy will begin their suspension will begin as soon as the school becomes aware of the violation. Coaches, at their discretion, may impose additional penalties for their sport season.
When a student commits alcohol, tobacco, and/or drug-related offenses, or any other criminal act, he/she may also be referred to law enforcement officials.
In the event an athlete violates the alcohol, tobacco, and/or drug policy, the athlete will have the opportunity to complete a voluntary assessment and develop a plan of action. If the student completes the voluntary assessment, the following penalties will be in place. If the student refuses the voluntary assessment, the athlete will be suspended from all athletic participation for one (1) calendar year.
FIRST OFFENSE with ASSESSMENT
Athletes determined to be in violation of this policy by use, possession, or active involvement with alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, will be subject to an immediate suspension of one-third (1/3) of the contests in a sport season (exact number of games will be determined by the administration).
FIRST OFFENSE without ASSESSMENT
Athletes determined to be in violation of this policy by use, possession, or active involvement with alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, will result in immediate and full suspension from the athletic program for a period of one (1) calendar year
SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES WITHIN ONE CALENDAR YEAR
Athletes determined to be in violation of this policy by use, possession, or active involvement with alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, will result in immediate and full suspension from the athletic program for a period of one (1) calendar year. Mandatory follow-up with a qualified assessment provider will be required for reinstatement of the student into the athletic program and is contingent upon the student complying with the recommendations of the assessment provider.
ALCOHOL/TOBACCO/DRUG VIOLATIONS – EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES POLICY
This policy will be applied throughout the entire school calendar year. In the event that the school year ends prior to the suspension, the suspension will carry over to the next school year.
Students determined to be in violation of the alcohol/tobacco/drug policy will begin their suspension will begin as soon as the school becomes aware of the violation. Advisors, at their discretion, may impose additional penalties for their extra-curricular activities.
When a student commits drug, tobacco, and/or alcohol-related offenses, or any other criminal act, he/she may also be referred to law enforcement officials.
In the event a student violates the alcohol, tobacco, and/or drug policy, the student will have the opportunity to complete a voluntary assessment and develop a plan of action. If the student completes the voluntary assessment, the following penalties will be in place. If the student refuses the voluntary assessment, the athlete will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for one (1) calendar year.
FIRST OFFENSE with ASSESSMENT
Students determined to be in violation of this policy by use, possession, or active involvement with alcohol, tobacco, or drugs will be subject to an immediate suspension of thirty (30) calendar days from all extracurricular activities.
FIRST OFFENSE without ASSESSMENT
Students determined to be in violation of this policy by use, possession, or active involvement with alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, will result in immediate and full suspension from all extra-curricular activities for a period of one (1) calendar year.
SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES WITHIN ONE CALENDAR YEAR
Students determined to be in violation of this policy by use, possession, or active involvement with alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, will result in immediate and full suspension from all extra-curricular activities for a period of one (1) calendar year. Mandatory follow-up with a qualified assessment provider will be required for reinstatement of the student into the athletic program and is contingent upon the student complying with the recommendations of the assessment provider.
IN ADDITION:
Any student who holds an appointed or elected position will be removed from the position and will be ineligible to hold an appointed or elected position for the remainder of the school year. Any student who violates this policy thirty (30) days prior to an election, will be ineligible to run for any position. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term of the position begins the day after the election or appointment. Examples of appointed or elected positions include, but are not limited to: student council, class and club officers, sport team captains, and STARS Teen Leaders.
Any student who holds an elected title will be removed from the position and be ineligible to hold any title for the remainder of the school year. Examples of elected titles include, but are not limited to Homecoming Court, May Day Queen or King, and Prom King and Queen.
PURPOSE OF ADDITION:
In our society we place higher standards of behavior on our leaders. It is supposed to be an honor and privilege to be a leader. True leaders sacrifice personal glory and focus on group success. True leaders understand they are the role models for others. They understand they have a responsibility to protect the image of past and future leaders and the image of the office or position they hold.
This addition sends a strong message to present and future leaders who might be considering violating the Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Policy. If you want to be a leader, don’t violate this policy.
VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENT AND PLAN OF ACTION:
Assessment is a process by which attitudes and behaviors are evaluated, and information is gathered, which may be symptomatic of chemical dependency. Assessment is to be performed by a licensed assessment provider. The result of assessment must be submitted to the administration. Students who choose voluntary assessment must follow the recommendation of the outcome of the assessment. Documentation of satisfactory progress must be provided to the administration by the treating agency
The plan of action will focus on individual needs of each student; this may not be the same for all students. Students choosing the plan of action must complete and adhere to all components of the plan. The plan is not punishment, but rather a means to help students make healthier choices.
At the completion of the suspension and penalties, a student-athlete may be reinstated into the sport or extra-curricular activity upon the completion of the voluntary assessment (if chosen). The student-athlete must also be showing measured progress on their plan of action.
In addition to maintaining academic eligibility and following training rules, athletes at Arlington High School are expected to meet basic citizenship expectations.
Consequences for breaking school rules will be handled by the coach and principal at their discretion, but consequences for severe infractions such as, but not limited to, theft, acts of violence or threats of violence, vandalism, or felonious acts shall be subject to the same consequences as the training rules policy. AHS athletes must realize that citizenship expectations apply throughout the school year in the community and in school.
When a student commits alcohol, tobacco, and/or drug-related offenses, or any other criminal act, he/she may also be referred to law enforcement officials.
GROOMING
What an athlete wears on the day of a scheduled contest during any sport will be left up to the discretion of the coach as long as it meets or exceeds the district dress and grooming policy.
Coaches shall also follow these guidelines as an example to their team.
Homework is an extension of instructional time and is intended to provide students meaningful feedback as they practice, reinforce, and apply specific learning outcomes. The amount assigned will vary depending upon the course taken and the grade level of the student. Homework assignments promote self-directed learning and a sense of personal responsibility.
Students are expected to carefully complete all homework assignments according to expectations, giving serious attention to the quality and timeliness of their work. Students will make homework a priority.
Parents/Guardians should provide an environment that is conducive to study and learning, reinforce good study habits, prioritize homework, and communicate with teachers when questions concerning homework or academic achievement arise.
Teachers will base learning assignments on specific learning outcomes as well as student needs. They will clarify the purpose of homework assignments and give careful consideration to the demands on student time, yet expecting schoolwork to be a priority. Homework will be evaluated in a timely fashion using announced expectations, and in a manner that provides accurate assessment of student skills, abilities and knowledge. Teachers will also attempt to keep parents/guardians informed of the amount and kinds of homework required.
PRACTICE
Practice shall be conducted outside of school hours.
No practices will be held on days when school is out for emergency reasons unless cleared with the AD/principal.
Practices scheduled in the morning before school, Sundays, vacation periods, or legal holidays will be cleared through the AD.
An athlete shall have an appropriate period of training and physical conditioning prior to engaging in a contest. This period of time shall be determined by responsible athletic personnel and will depend on the physical condition of the athlete and the type of competition.
When weather conditions impose a hazard to the health and/or safety of the participants, athletic contests and practices are to be postponed or canceled. This will be done at the Athletic Director’s discretion.
Students may not participate in a scheduled activity or practice unless he/she has attended school all day, unless excused by a pre-arranged absence, or an emergency situation arises.
Cut practices – A participant who must miss practice shall make arrangements with his/her coach or activity director in order to be excused (at the discretion of the coach or activity director), or he/she must check out of school through the office with a legitimate excuse such as illness or parental request. Coaches will determine their own consequences for missing or late arrival practices.
Coaches are encouraged to establish a set weekly routine for the time and place practices will be held so that parents will know when and where to pick up their players.
In cases of sudden illness or injury to a student or staff member, school staff will give first aid. Further medical attention to students is the parents’ responsibility, or of someone the parents designate in case of emergency. School staff are charged with providing for the immediate care of ill or injured persons within his/her area of responsibility. Staff members shall report self-administered first aid treatment to an immediate supervisor.
MEALS
No meal money is provided by the school district except in some high school playoff situations where the meal money is provided by district or state organizations. On school nights, coaches are encouraged to instruct their players to bring a sack lunch. The idea is to get the students home as early as possible when it is necessary for contests to be held on school nights. At the coaches’ discretion, it would be permissible to make a brief stop for food. Stopping for meals on Friday and Saturday nights is at the coaches’ discretion.
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL RULES
A student being transported on district provided transportation is required to comply with the district policies, rules and regulations, as well as, the conduct policies of the Bus Company. Any student who fails to comply with the district policies, rules, and regulations, as well as, the conduct policies of the Bus Company may be denied transportation services and shall be subject to disciplinary action.
A coach may grant a student/athlete permission to leave the traveling party only when the parent or guardian has signed their child out from the coach at the game. When buses are departing during school time, students are to board the bus at the school. Stops will not be made anywhere to pick up students unless pre-arranged by the coach and/or Athletic Director. Arrangements for any student transportation from a game, other than with their parents, must be pre-arranged with the Athletic Director or Principal.
Students will not be allowed to drive their own cars to any contest unless the parent receives permission from the AD or principal and coach. This should only be done in the event of special appointments, which the student must keep.
Travel squads will be limited to the bus capacity, unless other arrangements are made by the administration.
If there are more players and cheerleaders than the capacity of the travel bus, the coaches involved will meet with the AD to determine how many seats will be allocated to each group and team.
Student lockers are the property of the school district and may be opened and searched at any time by the administrator or by staff members designated by the administrator. Such a search does not require prior student notification if such action is deemed reasonable by the administration. Private locks are not authorized and will be cut off if found. Items belonging to a student, which are unlawful, or are in violation of school policy may be seized. When items are seized, students will be notified that a search occurred and of what items were seized.
Students may decorate the inside of their lockers only. No decorations regarding drugs, sex, alcohol, tobacco, or any inappropriate items may be used. Students shall not have personal decorations, signs or items on the outside of lockers. Additionally, students may not post personal signs or decorations on school property unless approved by the administration. Students may post campaign signs during student body election week.
Money and other valuables should not be kept in lockers, restrooms or dressing rooms. If the item cannot be kept on your person or left at home, consult the office. Some valuables are not allowed in class.
All students in grades five, seven, nine and eleven participating in interscholastic athletics must have a physical examination performed by a physician, licensed by the Oregon State Board of Medical Examiners, prior to practice and competition in athletics. The examination should be performed no earlier than May 1st of the preceding school year. The physical examination is the responsibility of the parents/guardian or student and is to be paid for by the parents/guardians or student.
Any student in grade six, eight, ten and twelve participating in interscholastic athletics that did not have a physical the previous year must also have a physical as above. All other sixth, eighth, ten, and twelfth grade students must complete an Annual Interval History Form (page 19) prior to participation. Cheerleaders are also to follow these guidelines.
It is the coach’s responsibility to collect the physical forms and return these to the AD when all are in. It is also the coach’s responsibility to not allow a player to practice without these forms.
Record of the examination shall be kept on file at the school and shall be reviewed by the coach prior to the start of any sport season. Students shall not participate without a record of passing the examination.