Participation on a Keshequa Central School athletic team is a privilege which should elicit great pride in both athletes and parents/guardians. Standards of behavior are high and a willingness to live up to them is part of being a member of a team. For this reason, each athlete will be required to sign the athletic policy prior to beginning his or her first participation in any athletic program offered by the district. This signature indicates the athlete’s personal commitment to the district’s athletic program. This signature will recognize the athlete’s responsibility to the team. It will also reflect their willingness to set a positive example, adhere to basic concepts of good citizenship, and follow proper training practices. Specific team rules may also be provided at the beginning of each sport season by each coach. The Keshequa Athletic Code is in effect from the first day of fall practice until the day after graduation - 24 hours per day, seven days a week, on and off school property.

B. POLICY

The following regulations shall apply to all members of interscholastic teams. To maintain good standing and to be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, each student must:

1. Be enrolled in at least four school subjects including Physical Education.

2. Pass a physical exam.

3. Abstain from possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

4. Follow all NYSPHSAA (State), Section V, and LCAA (League) rules.

5. Maintain satisfactory class work and citizenship.

6. Demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play towards everyone.

7. Attend all scheduled practices and contests.

8. Take proper care of all equipment (lost/damaged uniforms will be paid for by the athlete).

9. Wear presentable attire for all away contests.

10. Consult with coach prior to quitting the team.

C. CODE OF ETHICS

q To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.

q To eliminate all possibilities which tend to destroy the best values of the game.

q To stress the values derived from playing the game fairly.

q To show cordial courtesy to visiting teams and officials.

q To establish a happy relationship between visitors and hosts.

q To respect the integrity and judgment of sport officials.

q To achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and the standards of eligibility.

q To encourage leadership, use of initiative, and good judgment by players on the team.

q To recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well being of the individual players.

q To remember that an athletic contest is only a game and not a matter of life and death for the player, coach, school, official, fan or community.

II. TRAINING RULES

A. PHILOSPHY AND PURPOSE

The Keshequa Central School District recognizes that the use of certain substances such as tobacco (including chewing tobacco and snuff), alcohol, and other drugs (including performance enhancing drugs) presents a significant health problem for many adolescents. This can have negative effects on behavior, learning, and the total development of each individual, including one’s athletic abilities. Therefore, it is the philosophy of the Keshequa Central School District to absolutely forbid any athlete to use, possess, sell, or otherwise distribute these substances or related paraphernalia.

B. RULES

During the season of practice, a student-athlete shall not:

1. Use, possess, or sell tobacco (which includes chewing tobacco and snuff)

2. Use, possess, or sell a beverage containing alcohol.

3. Use, possess, or sell marijuana or any other controlled substance.

4. Remain in the unauthorized presence of alcohol, tobacco, or other controlled substances.

v This means that the student-athlete becomes aware or should have been aware, that alcohol or drugs were being consumed and that he/she failed to leave.

NOTE: It is not a violation for a student to use a legally defined drug specifically prescribed by the student’s own doctor. School policy dictates that the prescribed medication is to be in the possession of the school nurse.

C. REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS AND
PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED

Witness credibility in this process is highly valued. Reports of alleged violations coming from the individuals listed a-d below who personally witnessed the violation will be investigated. The witness must submit to the principal a signed report outlining the alleged violations within three school days of the incident in question.

(a). Any district employee or School Board Member

(b). Any adult acting as a chaperone or assisting with a school activity at the request of a

district employee.

(c). Any law enforcement officer or agency.

(d). A parent/legal guardian of the student involved.

**School will take action within 3 school days of the receipt of such information**

Upon report of an alleged violation of the rules, the Principal shall immediately provide verbal notice, followed by written notice, to the student and his/her parent/guardians that an investigation of the alleged incident is taking place. The reasons for the investigation and the possibility of suspension or removal from the sport will be included in the notice. The Coach or Athletic Director will meet with the student as soon as possible to determine if further investigation is necessary.

The student and his/her parents will meet with the principal and other staff, as appropriate, within two (2) school days following the initial notification of the alleged violation. Those attending the meeting will be given the opportunity to question the information upon which the alleged violation is based, and to submit additional information or explanations.

Once the Principal and other appropriate staff, make a final determination in the matter, verbal and written notice will be given promptly to both student and parents/guardian.

If a student or other person not mentioned above who witnessed the incident brings accusations against a student the Athletic Code will address the situation in the following manner:

(a). The Principal, Athletic Director and Coach will consider these reports.

(b). They will determine whether the alleged violation has validity.

(c). The Coach will confront the student-athlete on the alleged violation. If the student-athlete

confirms with the alleged violation, the Athletic Code will be applied. If the student-athlete

states that the alleged violation is false, the Athletic Code will not apply.

(d). The parents of the student-athlete will be informed of the violation or the alleged violation

and have the right to a meeting with the Principal, Athletic Director and Coach.

(e). If it is determined at a later time that the student-athlete was not telling the truth, the

reduction in suspension option cannot be applied. (See E below)

D. ENFORCEMENT

The Keshequa Athletic Code is in effect from the first day of fall practice until the day after graduation-24 hours per day, seven days a week, on and off school property. It is the position of the district that any athlete in violation should seek an assessment and follow any recommended treatment at each level of a violation. Consequences for violating these training rules are as follows:

1. First Offense-Suspension from competition will break down in the following manner:

Scheduled Contests Games Suspended

19 and above 5

11-18 4

10 or less 3

**If a team would be forced to forfeit the game due to multiple players being ineligible, the Coach, Athletic Director, and Principal would then assign the suspensions at the earliest opportunity**

2. Second Offense-The student-athlete will be suspended for twenty (20) weeks and will not be

allowed to practice or participate in contests. Once the student verifies that he/she has pursued an evaluation and is participating in any recommended treatment program with a New York State certified substance abuse counselor or agency, the student-athlete may appeal the length of his/her suspension. The duration of the suspension may be reduced by up to 50%. (The student-athlete must serve 50% of the penalty before reductions can be mandated.) The student-athlete and his/her parents should consult with the Director of Athletics or Principal to obtain an appropriate referral for assessment or counseling. Any assessment or counseling is at the family’s expense. In order for the suspension to be reduced, the athlete must allow information from the agency to be shared with the school district throughout the duration of treatment. The Principal and Director of Athletics, after consultation with the appropriate agency, will determine any reduction in suspension.

3. Third Offense-The student athlete will be suspended for one calendar year from the day of the violation.

4. If there are not enough games in the season to serve the suspension, the student has two choices:

(a). Serve the suspension into the next season the student-athlete will participate in at Keshequa, or

(b). Complete a “Community Service Project,” as stated in the Reduction of Suspension section.

E. REDUCTION OF SUSPENSION

Students may request a one game reduction in first offense suspension time once during their athletic career at Keshequa Central School. A school/community service project initiated and organized wholly by the suspended student will be considered by a committee made up of the Coach, Athletic Director, and Guidance Counselor/School Psychologist. If the committee approves the proposed project, the committee will receive progress reports from the student and meet to determine the impact of the student’s effort. The total penalty cannot be reduced under this provision by more than one game of the penalty imposed. If the committee determines that the student-athlete is not truthful in any part of the process, this provision will not be available for him/her. (NOTE: The committee must take into account the grade level of the student-athlete, the timing of the next contest, and the end of the season as they consider each proposal.)

F. SELF-REFERRAL

If a student-athlete seeks assistance, the Coach, Athletic Director and Principal will assist the student-athlete in obtaining the professional help he/she needs. A New York State certified substance abuse counselor or agency must be involved in the professional help. Any assessment or counseling is at the family’s expense. Self-referral shall be viewed as a non-punitive offense. Confidentiality will be maintained unless the situation is life threatening. Self-referral cannot be used by the student-athlete to avoid the penalties of the Athletic Code.

G. SEVERITY OF THE VIOLATION

There is no distinction in the severity of the offense (eg. One sip of alcohol is treated the same as intoxication.) If the rules are broken in any manner, the Athletic Code will be applied fairly and consistently.

III. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

A. EXTRA HELP POLICY

A roster of students participating in each sport will be presented to the classroom teachers at the beginning of the season. If a student is having difficulties in the classroom, he or she will be expected to try to improve. If the teacher would like to work with the student for extra help after school, the student must attend even if it conflicts with sports. Failure to report for extra help or detention will result in suspension of participation for one school week and/or the next game.

B. ENFORCEMENT

Players are and will be students first. Any student athlete receiving a failing grade(s) on any five(5) week report will be dealt with in the following manner:

1. If a student athlete receives two (2) or more failing grades on any one report, that individual will be ineligible to participate in contests until he/she has reduced the number of failing courses to one (1) or less for that marking period. If a student-athlete receives one (1) failing grade on any one report, that individual will receive extra help until passing. The proper and suggested form to use is the “Academic Eligibility Update Form,” which is available in the Athletic Director’s office.

(a). The student athlete will go for extra help once a week for each course failed per marking period until passing. Each extra help session will consist of a minimum of 30 minutes. Failure to do so will result in suspension of participation for one school week and/or one game.

(b). If a student-athlete drops a course while failing, that course will be counted as a failing grade on the next five (5) week report.

(c). Any student-athlete who feels he/she is working to the best of his/her ability may appeal the ineligibility status in writing to the Principal, Athletic Director and Coach for reinstatement of eligibility. The following criteria will be considered when making a determination of eligibility:

Ø Positive recommendations from the teachers

Ø Homework assignments completed on a regular basis to the best of the student’s ability.

Ø The student was a positive participant in classroom learning/activities.

Ø The student was working hard to be academically successful by attending extra help sessions, working with teachers, counselors and parents to improve academic performance, and generally demonstrating an overall positive attitude relative to academic performance.

** If a team would be forced to forfeit the game due to multiple players being ineligible, the coach would then assign the one (1) game suspension at the earliest opportunity.

IV. STUDENT CITIZENSHIP

A. MAJOR FORMS OF DISCIPLINE

Every participant must be a good school and community citizen. Participants who violate civil law or the rules of the Student/Parent Handbook of Keshequa Central School will be subject to consequences.

1. Consequences for stealing, vandalism, disrespect and other misconduct are specified in the KHS Behavioral Code for Students before, during, or after a team practice or contest.

(a). The student will be responsible for the return of all stolen property or the fair market

value of the property as well as all costs of vandalism. The penalty will be worked out with the coach involved, the Athletic Director and the Principal.

(b). A student may be suspended from athletic activities for consistently unacceptable

behavior toward the community, school administration, staff advisors or fellow

students.

B. MINOR FORMS OF DISCIPLINE

Coaches have the authority to discipline a student-athlete for violations of team rules (eg. coming late to practice) or for other incidents not specifically covered by the training rules agreement. This necessary discipline is not to be taken lightly by either coach or student-athlete. Our philosophy is that student-athletes are an integral part of the total educational program and every effort will be made to make each situation a learning one.

C. RESERVE CLAUSE

Building Administrators reserve the right to rule on any other infraction not covered above. Assigned consequences under this Reserve Clause will be enforced after consultation with the Coach, Athletic Director, and Principal.

V. ATHLETIC APPEAL PROCESS

The student-athlete and/or parent have the right to appeal any determination made by the Principal, Athletic Director and Coach to an Athletic Appeal Board. Such an appeal must be made be made in writing to the Athletic Director within three (3) school days of the suspension or dismissal. The appeal must state reasons for the appeal with emphasis given to due process violations or the availability of new evidence.

Athletes who decide to appeal can continue to practice and/or participate in all games during the time period that the appeals process takes place.

The Athletic Appeal Board will consist of the Elementary Principal or a designee, a Guidance Counselor, and one Faculty Member/Coach appointed by the High School Principal. All parties are entitled to be present and address the Athletic Appeal Board. The decision of the Athletic Appeal Board will be made known to all parties. The penalty could then be increased, decreased, or remain the same. The decision will be made according to majority rules. However, the individual votes of each member will be kept confidential.

VI. ATHLETIC ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS

The school and the coaching staff feel it is vital for students to have excellent school attendance. Therefore, a student will not be allowed to participate in that day’s practice or game if he or she:

A. Is absent all day from school (with the exception of verified full day medical appointments-verified means a note from doctor or follow up call by school nurse to the doctor).

B. Comes to school after 8:30 a.m. Students with late entry privileges must be in class on time for their first scheduled class or will be counted as tardy.

C. Leaves school during the day (with the exception of verified medical appointments or permission of an Administrator). Extenuating circumstances will be considered with prior notification of the Coach or Athletic Director.

D. Leaves school due to illness during the school day.

Student-athletes will sign in on the athletic attendance clipboard in the attendance office. Coaches will then be checking on student-athletes who are late to school (arrival after 8:00 a.m.). On the day of a student’s third tardy and every tardy after the third, (8:00 – 8:30 a.m.) in each sport season, he or she will not be allowed to participate in that day’s practice or game. The student is expected to be dressed and at the practice or game. Extenuating circumstances will be considered.

VII. ATHLETIC TEAM TRANSPORTATION

Players are expected to ride the bus to and from athletic events. Please note the following regulations pertaining to transportation of students to and from away athletic events.

A. PARENTAL TRANSPORTATION CONSENT

Students shall ride the bus to and from the away athletic events. However, students may ride home from an away event with their parent/guardian or with an immediate member of the family, 18 years of age or older, if the appropriate permission slip is completed by the student’s parent prior to departure home. Students riding with another player’s parent must also have a permission slip completed in advance. Before the student leaves the site of the contest the adult he/she is riding with must see the coach personally. The coach will be allowed to use his/her discretion if a student’s safety is an issue.

B. VIOLATIONS

If a student violates the rules as stated above, one or more of the following consequences may be issued depending on the severity of the incident. The student athlete may be required to ride the bus only to and from the games, and/or the student may be suspended from upcoming games.

VIII. ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT POLICY

Each player is responsible for the equipment and uniform he/she has been issued. Players will be financially responsible for any item that they fail to turn in at the end of the season or if he/she returns items in a condition unsuitable for future use. Players will not be allowed to participate in upcoming sports seasons until they have turned in or paid for their uniform and equipment.

IX. ATHLETE’S SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL

An athlete who is placed on in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension will be considered suspended from all activities, including athletics, until reinstated.

X. CHANGING SPORTS DURING A SEASON

No student-athlete may quit one sport and then participate in another once the teams have been selected for any particular season. If an athlete is cut from one team, he/she may try out for another team during that sports season.

XI. PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Any student-athlete, in grades 7-12, who does not participate in Physical Education, for any reason, may not participate in athletic events on that day. This includes both games and practices.

XII. CHAIN OF COMMUNICATION

From time to time during the course of an athletic career, parents/guardians and student-athletes may have a concern. The recommended procedure is as follows:

1. Please contact the Coach of the particular sport.

2. If you still have a concern, contact the Athletic Director.

3. If the concern is not resolved, a meeting with the Coach and Athletic Director is appropriate.

4. If the concern still is not resolved, a meeting with the Coach, Athletic Director and Building Principal is appropriate.

XIII. PHILOSOPHY ON PLAYING TIME

A. MODIFIED LEVEL

At the modified level (grades 7 and 8), it is the expectation that all participants will receive playing time. This playing time will not be equal, but all athletes will see time in games. At its core, the goal of a modified program is laying the groundwork necessary for building a successful program. Teaching fundamentals, game rules, sportsmanship, and teamwork are very important aspects of the modified program. Along with these, allowing all athletes the opportunity to see time in games can help students decide whether or not they want to continue with the sport on higher levels.

B. JUNIOR VARSITY LEVEL

On the junior varsity level, the coach will try to play as many of his or her athletes as possible, but there is no set requirement for playing time. Because there is no post-season play, a coach at this level can focus more on the development of the skills necessary for varsity competition. Winning gains emphasis at this level in order to prepare athletes for what they will see as they progress to the varsity level. At this level, all athletes will not be guaranteed playing time.

C. VARSITY LEVEL

On the varsity level, the best student-athletes will get the most playing time. At this level, more emphasis is placed on winning than at other levels. When student-athletes become varsity players, there are sport specific skills that each athlete should have. Those who are able to perform at the highest levels will see the most time. Varsity teams look to win county championships and sectional competitions. There is no guarantee that every athlete on a team will receive playing time at this level.