STUDENT-ATHLETE INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAM HANDBOOK
The Board of Education, Administration and Interscholastic Athletics Coaching Staff have established the following rules, policies and procedures governing the participation of students in the interscholastic athletic program, which together comprise the Student-Athlete Interscholastic Athletic Program Handbook (hereinafter referred to as the “Athletic Handbook”). The philosophy of the board is to provide a wide opportunity for participation in this important aspect of our instructional program. Along with participation, comes the requirement for all student-athletes to abide by these rules. In addition to the requirements set forth in this “Athletic Handbook”, participating coaches, students and parents shall be governed by the policies, bylaws, regulations and any other requirements promulgated by the Interscholastic Athletic Conference, Section IV Athletics or the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA).
The rules set forth in this “Athletic Handbook” are enforced for each season of participation (Fall, Winter, and Spring) based upon the NYSPHSAA Standard calendar of weeks and the dates formalized by the Interscholastic Athletic Conference and Section IV Athletics. The following chart indicates the “Athletic Handbook” enforcement dates for individuals and teams for the upcoming 2021-22 sports seasons and will be enforced up to and including the end date regardless of when a student-athlete’s competitive season ends. In addition, the sections on Appropriate Behavior of Student-Athletes and Substance Abuse-Alcohol, Tobacco & Illicit Drugs pertains to ALL student-athletes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Participation in the District’s interscholastic athletics is a privilege of attendance at the District’s school. While participation in athletics is viewed as important to a student’s education, the District’s primary emphasis is on academics. Therefore, in order to remain eligible to participate in the Interscholastic Athletic Program, students must meet or exceed certain academic standards. Participants in the Interscholastic Athletic Program may not have a failing grade in more than two courses. Students who are at risk of failing to maintain the required passing grades, as identified by the student’s guidance counselor, principal and/or teacher, MUST receive academic assistance. The student, parent(s), coach(s), teacher(s), advisor(s) and guidance or counseling staff should all participate in assisting the student in overcoming his/her deficiencies in the appropriate subject areas. Non-compliance may result in appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension from the extracurricular activity, until the student has satisfied his/her academic responsibilities. In order to remain academically eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, a student experiencing academic difficulty will do the following:
It is the responsibility of the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), in conjunction with the coach, advisor(s), teachers, counselors and guidance personnel, to see that this plan is developed and followed. Regular communication is essential between parties to insure success for the student. Students with accommodations implemented pursuant to a Section 504 plan or an IEP are held to the same academic eligibility standards. On an individual basis, exceptions or modifications may be made to these requirements as determined by a multidisciplinary team knowledgeable about the student’s disability. The following guidelines apply when determining a student’s academic eligibility to participate in the Interscholastic Athletic Program:
3. Student Attendance & Athletic Participation
To participate in a practice or an interscholastic contest STUDENT-ATHLETES MUST BE IN SCHOOL BY THE BEGINNING OF THEIR FIRST PERIOD CLASS or provide a legal excuse for being late to school. Student-athletes who are dismissed early from school must also provide a legal excuse for being dismissed if they are planning to return for practice or a contest. Leaving school to pick up athletic equipment or necessary clothes for practices or games is not considered to be a legal excuse for missing an academic class. Student-athletes should arrive at school prepared to participate in the athletic program. Students who are absent from school for a full day due to personal illness or who are illegally absent cannot participate in extracurricular activities on that day. This includes attending practice or any games as a spectator on that day. (An illegal absence is any reason not acceptable to the State Education Department’s guidelines listed in the BOE Attendance Policy # 7110 or in the Junior Senior High School Student Handbook and Code of Conduct under the topic of Attendance.) If a student has a legal excuse, i.e., a doctor or dentist appointment, sickness or death in the family, a religious observance, inclement weather, court appearance, etc., he/she should bring a note to the administration immediately upon returning to school so that permission to participate may be granted. Abuse of this aspect of the policy may result in the need for consultation between the parent, athlete, coach and administration. If it is deemed necessary, the administration may impose restrictions upon the student for repeated abuse of the policy. If there is continued abuse or if extraordinary circumstances exist, the administration has the prerogative to decide whether or not the student-athlete may participate on any given day. Student-athletes are to be in all classes, study halls, lunch or any other locations to which they are assigned through their academic schedule. If violations result in assignment to in-school or out of school suspension, the student-athlete is prohibited from participating in athletic practices or contests in accordance with the guidelines in Section 6 of this “Athletic Handbook”. In addition, student-athletes must dress out and participate in Physical Education Class in order to practice or participate in games on that day, unless special circumstances exist and they have been approved by the administration.
Student-athletes represent the Marathon Central School District in and out of the sport season. Participation as a student-athlete, therefore, requires that the student-athlete conduct himself/herself according to high standards and consistent with the Junior Senior High School Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. Such violations could result in temporary or permanent suspension from athletic activities in addition to disciplinary penalties levied by the District. In addition, student-athletes must recognize: Code of Ethics/Sportsmanship. The Marathon Olympians Athletics Program values sportsmanship to the highest degree. It is the duty of all concerned with high school athletics to do the following:
Specifically, but not limited to, student-athletes must refrain from the following violations of the Junior Senior High School Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. “Harassment” and/or “Bullying” means the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by threats, intimidation or abuse, including cyberbullying, that either (1) has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional and/or physical well-being, including conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause emotional harm; or (2) reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury to a student-athlete or to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety. Participation in “Harassment” and/or “Bullying” of any student, teacher or other District staff member by a student-athlete is unacceptable and could result in temporary or permanent suspension from athletic activities in addition to disciplinary penalties levied by the District. “Cyber Bullying” means harassment/bullying, as defined above, through any form of electronic communication. Social media, (such as Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, MyLife, Myspace, Snapchat, Tagged, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.), brings with it benefits and risks, and all student have a responsibility to use these platforms appropriately. In particular, student-athletes are representatives of their teammates, team, family, school, and community and must recognize that appropriate use of social media is essential. Participation in “Cyber Bullying” of any student, teacher or other District staff member by a student-athlete is unacceptable and could result in temporary or permanent suspension from athletic activities in addition to disciplinary penalties levied by the District. “Hazing” is any action or situation, with or without the consent of the participants, which intentionally, or recklessly endangers the mental, physical, or academic health or safety of a student. This includes, but is not limited to any situation which:
Hazing includes physical injury, assault or battery, kidnapping or imprisonment, intentionally or recklessly placing at risk of mental or emotional harm (putting “over the edge”), degradation, humiliation, the compromising of moral or religious values, forced or coerced consumption of any liquid or solid, placing an individual in physical danger (at risk) which includes abandonment, and impairment of physical liberties which interference with a student’s academic or athletic endeavors or sense of safety in the educational setting. Participation in “Hazing” by a student-athlete is unacceptable and could result in temporary or permanent suspension from athletic activities in addition to disciplinary penalties levied by the District. Furthermore, student-athletes must not exhibit conduct or behaviors that, in the eyes of the coach or administration, are detrimental to the team. Though this behavior may not be a direct violation of the Code of Conduct, or may have taken place out of the school environment, it remains a concern for the school due to the reflection such negative behaviors may have on the school district, the athletic program, the coaching staff and fellow athletes. Such conduct or behaviors could result in temporary or permanent suspension from athletic activities consistent with the procedures contained herein. The administration and/or the coach, upon consultation with the administration, may determine that appropriate disciplinary action is warranted as a result of any violations of the Junior Senior High School Student Handbook and Code of Conduct or this “Athletic Handbook”. The administration and/or the coach, upon consultation with the administration, shall have the authority to levy a penalty in connection with a student-athlete’s participation in the athletic program, including but not limited to suspension from practices and contests, suspension from other forms of contact with the team, such as travel and end-of-season activities, and other appropriate penalties up to and including a permanent ban from participation in the interscholastic athletic program. Such penalty shall be in proportion to the severity of the student-athlete’s violation(s) of the Junior Senior High School Student Handbook and Code of Conduct or the “Athletic Handbook”.
Student-athletes in the Interscholastic Athletic Program are not to use, consume, be in possession of, or distribute alcoholic beverages, or tobacco or nicotine type products in any form (including cigarettes, chew, snuff, snus, rub, dissolvable tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, etc.). The first violation of non-compliance will result in an immediate suspension from the next two athletic contests in the school year. A second offense will result in immediate suspension from participation in the athletic program for the remainder of the school year. Student-Athletes in the Interscholastic Athletic Program are not to use, consume, be in possession of, or distribute any other illegal drugs or drug related paraphernalia, including unauthorized or improper use of prescription drugs. The first violation of non-compliance will result in immediate suspension from the athletic program for the remainder of that sports season. A second offense will result in immediate suspension from participation in the athletic program for the remainder of the school year. This includes ALL forms of contact with the team, such as, practice, games, travel, end of season activities, etc.
Student-athletes who are assigned to in-school suspension may not participate in practices or games on the day of the in-school suspension. If a student is serving a full day of in-school suspension over the course of two days, (i.e., the afternoon of the 1st day and the morning of the 2nd day), the student cannot participate in practices or games on either day. In-school suspension effectively suspends student-athletes’ participation on each day of assigned in-school suspension. The coach at his/her discretion may require the student-athlete to attend all practices, sit with team members, with or without a uniform, at games/matches from which he or she has been suspended. Student-athletes who are required to attend may not participate in any aspect of the practice or game other than observing. Student-athletes whose behavior warrants being suspended out of school for one day or more will be suspended from athletic participation for a minimum of the next two athletic contests, after he/she returns to school. Contests that are missed during the out of school suspension DO NOT count toward the additional two contest once a student-athlete returns to school. The next two athletic contests following the out of school suspension will be specifically identified based upon the current sports schedule at the time the out of school suspension is levied. Rescheduled or added contests that occur after the suspension has been levied cannot be used towards the student-athlete’s suspension from the next two athletic contests after he/she returns to school. This suspension includes representing or traveling with the team to contest where a suspended student-athlete may not be participating, but may be traveling to support the team. The following events will be deemed as ONE contest: A rescheduled double header in baseball or softball, a multi team contest in Bowling, Cheerleading, Golf, Track & Field, or Wrestling, and a multi-day Bowling, Cheerleading, Golf, Track & Field, or Wrestling Tournament. Additional clarification on what constitutes the next two contests shall be determined by the Athletic Director and the Principal. A second out of school suspension will result in removal from the athletic team for the remainder of that sport season. This includes ALL forms of contact with the team, such as, practice, games, travel, end of season activities, etc.
In any bus trip (athletic, spectator, field trip, etc.) the following procedure MUST be followed. Students MUST ride both TO AND FROM all school events, which includes practices, where a bus has been provided. The only exception is, if a student-athlete wants to ride back from an event with THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN(S) and the parent/guardian(s) PERSONALLY contact the coach in charge while at the event and signs the student out on the sign out form, they will be allowed to leave. PLEASE NOTE: COACHES CANNOT ACCEPT NOTES OR GIVE PERMISSION TO STUDENTS, UNDER ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE, TO RIDE WITH ANYONE OTHER THAN THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN(S).
If, in the opinion of the coach of a particular athlete, extenuating circumstances exist that should be considered in implementing the rules, policies and procedures in this “Athletic Handbook”, the coach in question may request that the Director of Athletics convene a Review Panel to evaluate the concerns at hand. This Review Panel will consist of the Athletic Director, the High School Principal, and one other member of the District’s coaching staff. In the event that the Athletic Director is also the coach requesting the review panel, the Superintendent of Schools will replace the Athletic Director. The review panel will have the authority to alter, but not to eliminate, prescribed penalties recorded herein. When doing so, the panel members must be unanimous in their decision. (NOTE: This is a review for internal purposes only. Parents and students have due process review under the following provisions).
Any student who is suspended and/or a parent/guardian of a student who is suspended from an interscholastic team may appeal that suspension through the following process. Stage 1: Within five (5) days of notification of suspension, the suspended student and/or their parent/guardian(s) may request an informal meeting with the High School Principal and the coach to discuss the matter, after which the High School Principal will render a decision. Stage 2: Within five (5) days of the High School Principal’s decision, the suspended student and/or their parent/guardian(s) may formally request a meeting with the Superintendent of Schools to grieve the decision in Stage 1. The request must be in writing and must enumerate specific points upon which the aggrieved party bases his/her appeal. The Superintendent of Schools is to respond by setting up a meeting as soon as possible, but no later than ten (10) days after receiving the written request. Following the meeting, the Superintendent shall issue a written decision. Stage 3: Within ten (10) days of receipt of the Superintendent’s decision, appeal the decision of the Superintendent of Schools to the Board of Education. This appeal must also be in writing, again recording specific points of contention on which the appeal is based. Stage 4: Final appeal is made to the Commissioner of Education, State Education Department Albany, New York. PLEASE NOTE: The Board of Education, administration, and Interscholastic Athletics Coaching Staff want to be clear that the appeal process is designed to provide student-athletes the opportunity to have their situation reviewed at various levels. 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 affect 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 appeal process.
These programs can be designed with the assistance of school staff or may be engaged in within the private sector. The individuals responsible for decisions at each stage of appeal may approve or disapprove of the plans. For those private sector plans, proof of regular participation must be submitted to the High School Principal. However, any reduction in a student-athlete’s suspension is contingent upon continued participation and/or completion of such programs. If a student fails to fully participate in these programs, the District reserves the right to immediately reinstate the original term of suspension. The goal of our interscholastic athletic program is to provide our students with exceptional learning opportunities 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.
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