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Participation on a Marathon Olympian athletic team is a privilege which should elicit great pride in both the student athlete and his/her family. It is also an acceptance of responsibility which requires an extra commitment from those who wear the Olympian Colors and represent their teammates, coaches, school and community. Standards of behavior are necessarily high and a willingness to meet these standards is an assumed condition for being a member of one of our teams. Therefore, the Pure Olympian Performance" Athletic Code is being designed to challenge you to become a better individual in an effort to improve yourself and represent your teammates, coaches, school and community to the best of your ability.
The coaching staff is a group of responsible individuals who can provide leadership, encouragement and direction to assist you with meeting your personal commitment to the team, school, and community. Being a member of a Marathon Olympian Athletic Team is a fulfillment of an early ambition for many students. The attainment of this goal carries with it certain traditions and responsibilities that must be maintained. A great athletic tradition is not built overnight; it takes the hard work of many people over many years.
Like anything of value, traditions and responsibilities comes with a price tag. That price tag is a commitment from you to follow established rules and expectations. By participating in athletics to the greatest extent of your ability, you are contributing to the reputation of your team, your school and your community. It is through your commitment that you can base success on two separate venues, (1) what you can learn through athletics that can be used throughout life and (2) the competitive level of your teams. We field teams to compete and our goal should be to achieve and to compete at our best possible level, in every contest. However, it is the deepest goal of the "Pure Olympian Performance” that there is always a balance between these two areas. TO THE STUDENT As a student athlete you must understand that the Pure Olympian Performance" Athletic Code is designed to be a deterrent to your becoming involved in the risky and dangerous behaviors that are associated with the use and abuse of the drugs, alcohol and tobacco. It is also to insure that you have the best possibilities to succeed in your sport and to learn the valuable lessons that athletics can teach. Because your mental and physical well-being is essential to your success, both as a student and as an athlete, we want you to reach your full potential. This can only be fully realized if you remain drug-free. We are asking for your help and co-operation in achieving a totally drug-free athletic program. We are committed to providing such an atmosphere for our student athletes. Therefore, we are asking you to become an active part of the solution, not to become part of the problem. Your active participation in remaining drug-free throughout your athletic career at Marathon is greatly appreciated. The benefit will be in the experience you will have. It will not be easy to contribute to such a great athletic tradition. When you wear the colors of orange and black, we assume that you not only understand our goals, but also are willing to assume the responsibilities that go with these goals. However, the contributions you make should be a satisfying accomplishment to you and your family and our community. Whether right or wrong, society holds athletes in esteem and your behavior at all times is under scrutiny. YOUR RESPONSIBILIES INCLUDE: Responsibilities to Yourself: The most important of these responsibilities is to broaden and develop strength of character. You owe it to yourself to derive the greatest benefit from your high school experiences. To live a healthy lifestyle and to respect your health both physically and mentally at all times. Responsibility to your Academic Studies Your academic studies, and your participation in other extracurricular activities as well as sports, prepare you for your life as an adult. Athletics while very important to many young people, is only a small part of life. Realize also how few athletes make it to the collegiate level and beyond. Responsibilities to Your School: Marathon cannot maintain its position as having outstanding schools unless you do your best in the activity in which you engage. Responsibility to your Community The community and school tax monies make this athletic experience possible. For that reason, we must remember that we hold a clear and paramount responsibility to our community. You assume a leadership role when you are on the athletic squad. The student body and citizens of the community know you. You are very visible with the spotlight on you. The student body, the community and other communities judge our schools by your conduct and attitude, both on and off the field. Because of this leadership role, you can contribute significantly to school spirit and community pride. Our desire is that our student athletes are a class act, not for the fact that we win rather that we are known as a program of character and excellence. Make Marathon Central School proud of you and your community proud of our school, by your consistent demonstration of these ideals. Responsibility to Others: As a squad member you also bear a heavy responsibility to your home. If you never give your parents anything to be ashamed of, you will have measured up to that ideal. When you know in your heart that you have lived up to all of the training rules, that you have practiced to the best of your ability everyday and that you have played the game “all out”, you can keep your self-respect and your family can be justly proud of you, win or lose. Responsibility to Younger Athletes The younger students in Marathon are watching you. They know who you are and what you do. The older upper-class athletes are role models for the young athletes that will come after you. Make them proud. Be an example. They will copy you in many ways. Do not do anything to let them down. Set good examples for them. TO THE PARENT This material is presented to you because your son or daughter has indicated a desire to participate in interscholastic athletics and you have expressed your willingness to permit her/him to compete. We believe that participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences which assist students in personal development. It should be recognized that involvement in interscholastic athletics is a privilege. A student who elects to participate in athletics is voluntarily making a choice of self-discipline and commitment. These are the reasons we place conditions on involvement, as the health and safety and welfare of athletes must be our first priority. Good training habits and lifestyle are necessary for us to insure this experience. Failure to comply with the rules of training and conduct could mean exclusion from the team. This concept of self-discipline and commitment is tempered by our responsibility to recognize the rights of the individual within the objectives of the team and the interscholastic athletic program. It is the role of the school district to establish and maintain rules that govern the spirit of training and competition for the school district. These are the clear and consistent boundaries that insure the success of our young people. These rules need a broad basis of community support, which is achieved only through communication to the parent, the coaches, the student athletes and fans. It is our hope to accomplish this objective through this athletic publication for students and parents and with additional educational information throughout the year. However, communication is only part of the process. Your son or daughter will need your support in this process as they have elected to be held to a high standard and to be held accountable for their decision. Your support is essential for both their positive decisions and their poor decision. For example, if your son or daughter were to be at a party in which drugs and alcohol were present, you must be willing to pick them up if they were to call you for your support. The commitment to "Pure Olympian Performance Athletic Code" will apply to each student athlete for the entire academic year from the date of his/her most recent signature and will be in effect at all times, in all locations, including non-school activities. Violation of the Code will result in penalties, which are consistent with those identified within the code as determined by the "Pure Olympian Performance Way". These penalties must be self imposed by the student and the parent as the "Pure Olympian Performance Code of Conduct" is above and beyond the Athletic Code of Conduct established by the Marathon Central School District. Conditions for "Pure Olympian Performance" Athletic code
As a member of an athletic team, students should be mindful that they represent their team, school, family and community. Team members are expected to and have an obligation to conduct themselves as good citizens both in and out of school and the community. Students are expected to refrain from exhibiting any behavior(s), which violates the principles of good citizenship. In other words, NEVER do anything which might bring embarrassment or an unfavorable view to yourself, your teammates, coaches, family, school, or community. Examples would include:
Possession and/or Use of Alcohol and any type of Tobacco Products: The possession and/or use of alcohol and tobacco products is strictly prohibited. This penalty shall constitute a violation of the code at Level 1.
Possession, Use, Buying, Selling and/or Being Under the Influence of Any Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia: Drugs are defined as the possession and/or use of illegal drugs and/or paraphernalia or the possession and/or use of drugs or medications without a prescription is strictly prohibited. This penalty shall constitute a violation of the code at Level 2
Hosting of Drinking/Drug Parties: Student athletes are prohibited from hosting and/or attending a party that involves alcohol, drugs, marijuana or illegal substances. This penalty shall constitute a violation of the code at Level 2.
Ringleaders in parties: There shall be a greater consequence for an athlete if it is determined that they were involved in the organization, facilitation, promotion, or hosting of any gathering or social event where alcohol or drug are available or use has occurred. This penalty shall constitute a violation of the code at Level 2.
Parties Presence at parties with drugs: If a student-athlete attends a party where alcohol or drugs are being illegally dispensed, the student-athlete must leave the party. To remain in the presence of this illegal activity shall constitute a violation of the code at Level 1.
If a student-athlete attends a party where alcohol or drugs are being illegally dispensed, the student-athlete must leave the party and report their attendance to a coach or administrator by the beginning of the next school day. . Leaving a detailed voice mail or e-mail is considered a report. Following these procedures exactly exonerates the innocent athlete assuming that the athlete is not frequently showing up at these parties or that there is no corroborative information to indicate otherwise. However, a student- athlete failing to report attendance will be judged to have been in possession or guilty by presence unless additional information would lead the administration to believe differently.
Note that an athlete in such a situation should encourage as many teammates as possible to leave with them. LEAVING MEANS LEAVING IMMEDIATELY.
Captains and Violations Related to Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco: Captains who violate any of the "Pure Olympian Performance" Codes will lose their status at a Captain in all interscholastic athletics for the remainder of the current season.
Marathon School District Student Code of Conduct Violations: Any violation of the Marathon Central School Student Code of Conduct, resulting in an out-of-school suspension, will result in additional levels of discipline under the "Pure Olympian Performance Athletic Code ". This penalty shall constitute a violation of the code at Level 1.
Participation in "Pure Olympian Performance" Activities: Any athlete that is on suspension under the "Pure Olympian Performance" Athletic Code" will not be able to participate in any activities being sponsored under the "Pure Olympian Performance" program unless the activity is considered educational in nature as deemed appropriate by the school administration.
Levels of Offenses
Level 1 Offense: (Alcohol, Tobacco, Unacceptable Behavior)
Level 2 Offenses: (Drug Related, Unacceptable Behaviors)
Level 3 Offenses (Second offenses related to Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco or Unacceptable Behavior)
If there is the second offense that is related to alcohol, drugs or tobacco within the same academic year, the athlete will be suspended for the remainder of the academic year. In addition, if the violation involves the use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco, the Educational Component process must be attended by the student athlete and a parent or guardian in order to begin participation in competitions. EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT FOR Drug, Alcohol or Tobacco VIOLATIONS
If a violation of the "Pure Olympian Performance" Code of Conduct requires administrative action and involves the use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco, the following process must be attended by the student athlete and a parent or guardian.
As a pivotal part of the consequences for a Drug, Alcohol or Tobacco violations, the student athlete and parent/guardian shall be required to complete an educational program as part of the process that may lead to recommencement of participation in athletic programs. If we fail to educate athletes when such violations occur, we fail to help them learn from their mistakes and are negligent in reaching the goals of the "Pure Olympian Performance" program.
Parents must take parental responsibility for their child and be involved with the process. This helps insure that they are informed and aware of the nature of the violation and in full understanding that any future violations will result in greater consequences. The parent can also come to understand their role in helping their child learn a valuable lesson.
Failure by a parent or guardian to comply will result in athlete being able to practice but not compete provided the athlete completes the process.
This process shall include that the student athletes shall receive the following:
EDUCATION: an informative intervention seminar concerning the implications of use and the effect on physiological, psychological and social development, as well as discussion of harm reduction issues and personal and collective responsibility. The education must address affect on athletic performance, brain development and development of the student as a young adult. CORRECTIVE: come to an understanding that corrective measures are necessary in order to resume the athletic career or to practice and compete again, including a document of agreed to changes signed by the student athlete. This document acknowledges that a violation has occurred, that they (parent/guardian and student athlete) are willing to make changes in order to resume continue athletic participation and that they will adhere to the code standards. RESTORATIVE: the student athlete must address the teammates and coaches and admit to the violation, show remorse, ask to come back to the team and recommit to provisions of the ATHLETIC CODE by resigning it in front of teammates and coaches. Failure of any Parent /guardian and student athlete to complete any part of this process will result in permanent suspension for any future involvement in athletics until the process is completed. Educational Appeal Process
The Board of Education, administration, and Interscholastic Athletics Coaching Staff and the "Pure Olympian Performance" program want to be clear that this appeal process is designed to provide student-athletes the opportunity to have their individual situation reviewed. In all issues involving behavior, alcohol or drug abuse, the school district is expressly interested in developing responses to appeals that will assist the student athlete and their parents in dealing with issues that not only effect their athletic participation, but also may result in more serious and harmful effects on the student. We look favorably upon appeals that offer a willingness on the behalf of the student athlete to participate in programs that will deal with behaviors or abuses that endanger the very lives of our students.
Below is a listing of some of the programs that are seen as constructive activities that show the willingness to alter behaviors or habits that may result in students earning back the privilege to participate in interscholastic athletics through the educational appeal process.
These programs can be designed with the assistance of school staff or may be engaged in within the private sector. The Superintendent and Building Principal will be responsible for the decision to approve or disapprove of the plan. For those private sector plans, proof of regular participation must be submitted to the High School Principal. Failure to fully participate in these programs will result in an immediate return to the original term of suspension.
The goal of our interscholastic athletic program is to provide our students with exceptional learning opportunity through the world of interscholastic athletics competition. These rules are established to provide consistency in dealing with the many facets of conducting such an expansive athletic offering. Many of the more common issues are enumerated above. This policy is not all encompassing but sets a direction for dealing with specific issues as well as providing a philosophical approach to concerns not listed. |
| Contact: Todd A. James |