VII. Interscholastic Athletic Code

Philosophy – Our athletic policy is aligned with our academic philosophy. To that end we use athletics to encourage our students to become productive, responsible citizens in their community. Interscholastic athletics offer the opportunity to teach our students skills and desirable character traits in a setting apart from the traditional classroom. Our students can learn to be lifetime achievers by practicing self-discipline, loyalty, responsibility, respect for a healthy lifestyle, and commitment to team and others in a competitive setting. Our entire community of students, parents, coaches, teachers and administrators will work together to produce in our students an appreciation for those values, principles, and goals, which produce a student athlete who is prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

I. Player Responsibility

Athletic participation is a privilege, not a right, extended to all students. In accepting this privilege, our student athletes must assume certain responsibilities. We expect student athletes to show their appreciation by their appearance and their conduct. Only those students capable of assuming these responsibilities will be permitted to share this privilege.

Application of this Code: The following prohibitions and penalties deal with students involved in athletics and pertain to the entire sports season; provided, however, that a student athlete may be disciplined for out-of-season conduct that (1) is a criminal offense, or (2) causes such adverse notoriety and is of such a nature that it has, in the judgment of the District, the potential to negatively impact the educational program and unless addressed, to create the impression among other students that it is condoned by the District. In either of these events, the administration may impose such penalty, as it deems appropriate under the circumstances.

1. Citizenship Standards

Good behavior is expected. Rude or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Any insubordinate or disorderly behavior that endangers the health, safety, rights or property of others is prohibited. Criminal behavior is totally unacceptable year round. Student athletes engaging in such activities are subject to suspension, and the case will be referred to the principal and director of athletics for further action.

• A student athlete may be dismissed from a team by the coach if that player is affecting the morale of the team adversely, is uncooperative, is skipping practice or is continually reporting late for practice.

• Any student athlete who steals personal or school equipment will be suspended from a team. The case will be referred to the principal and director of athletics for further action.

• A student who receives a criminal summons, appearance ticket or is arrested must notify the athletic director within 48 hours.

• Any student charged with a felony will be suspended from a team.

2. Sportsmanship Standards

• A student must show respect for opponents, officials and coaches and maintain self-control at all times.

• If a student athlete is cut from a team, they may go out for another sport in the same season. However, after a cut is made and a student “quits” the sport, they will become ineligible for the remainder of that sport season.

3. Training Standards

• A student athlete shall not use, consume, possess, buy, sell or give away alcohol, tobacco, performance enhancing substances, or any controlled substance. (It is not a violation for a student athlete to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student athlete’s own use by their doctor).

• A student athlete shall not host gatherings where alcohol, tobacco, performance enhancing substances, or any controlled substances are present and/or used, NOR remain at gatherings where such illegal activities are taking place.

Academic Standards

A student athlete is eligible to play if they are a bona fide student of Central Valley Central School District.

• If a student is failing one subject, the guidance counselor, teacher, student, parent & coach will review their case and develop an academic program for improvement. The student athlete will have a two-week probationary period to improve their grade. During this two-week period, said student athlete will continue practicing & playing in contests. If after the two-week period, they have failed to improve their standing in the class; they are suspended from contests until the teacher has signed off allowing the athlete to participate in contests.

• If a student athlete is failing two or more subjects, they will be suspended from contests until all teachers have signed off stating they can return to play in contests. All athletes are expected to attend practice after seeing a teacher for help each day.

• If an athlete has all classes signed off except one; a committee of coach, athletic director, principal & teacher will decide if the player is eligible to compete on a day by day basis.

The counselors will provide the coaches with a failure list at both the five and ten week intervals. The committee will make evaluations periodically.

Attendance Standards

• In order to protect the health, well-being and safety of the students participating in the interscholastic program (in addition to encouraging and maintaining promptness in attendance in school at all times) the following policy is in effect:

• A team member must be in school prior to the tardy bell for the morning school session in order to be eligible to practice or compete in interscholastic sports for that day. Illness, oversleeping, illegal absence and truancy exclude a student from practicing or playing on that day. Examples of acceptable excuses are dental/doctor appointments, funerals and college visitations. Legal excuses signed by the parent and approved by the A.D. and principal will be accepted.

(return to Student Handbook index)