affton high school athletic code interscholastic

AFFTON
HIGH
SCHOOL
ATHLETIC CODE
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS
To be eligible to participate in school athletics is a
privilege - not an inherent right. This particular
privilege is granted if you meet the eligibility standards
as set forth by the Missouri State High School Activities
Association. According to these standards, an athlete
who represents his/her school in interscholastic
activities must be a creditable citizen in school and in
their community, and be judged so by the proper school
authority. A student whose character or conduct is such
to reflect discredit upon himself/herself or his/her
school is not considered a creditable citizen. His/her
conduct shall be satisfactory in accord with the
standards of good discipline.
CITIZENSHIP GUIDELINES
Citizenship cases are handled on an individual basis by the coach, athletic director, principal and athlete. The following guidelines will assist in the uniform handling of such cases where citizenship eligibility
is being judged.
THESE SANCTIONS APPLY TO ALL ATHLETES
WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN
THEIR SPORT(S) AT THE TIME OF THE VIOLATION.
• Athletes under arrest: If an athlete is arrested for a
misdemeanor (shoplifting, vandalism, etc.) or a felony (assault,
robbery, DWI, drug possession, etc.), the athlete will be
allowed to represent the school in interscholastic activities
pending the legal outcome of the case; however, the school may
restrict the athlete from participation before the legal outcome
of the case if there is admission of guilt by the athlete or there is
strong evidence indicating probable guilt. The athlete and
his/her parent/guardian will be notified of any action taken.
• Penalties for violation are as follows: (a) Misdemeanor
(excluding minor traffic violations) - a maximum suspension of
365 days, (b) Felony - possible permanent suspension.
• Athletes involved in misconduct while in school: This
includes truancy, disrespect to teachers, fighting, use of abusive
language, etc. Penalties will range from a reprimand and
placing the athlete on probationary status to temporary or
permanent restriction from representing the school in
inter-scholastic activities. The seriousness of the case and the
attitude of the athlete will determine the penalty.
Reoccurrences will require that permanent restriction be
considered.
• Use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit or illegal drugs: Athletes
shall not chew/smoke tobacco, possess or use alcohol, or
possess or use illicit or illegal drugs. If a violation occurs, the
athlete and his/her parent/guardian will be notified of any
action taken.
• FIRST OFFENSE DURING THE YEAR OR THE SPORT
SEASON: (a) Use of tobacco could result up to a suspension of
two weeks of the season or the next season in which the athlete
participates, and a maximum permanent suspension from
practice and contests, (b) Use or possession of alcohol or illicit
or illegal drugs could result up to a suspension of four weeks of
the season or the next season in which the athlete participates,
or a maximum permanent suspension from practice and
contests. Practicing with the team will be left to the coaches
discretion but no contests.
SECOND OFFENSE DURING THE YEAR OR THE
SPORT SEASON: Restriction from practice or contests for
the remainder of the sport season in which the violation occurs
or for the next in which the athlete participates.
THIRD OFFENSE ANYTIME DURING THE SCHOOL
YEAR: Restriction from practice or contests for one full year.
Detention Study Halls: Detention Study Halls are assigned
for a variety of offenses. Students are given 24 hours notice
and are not excused for work, practice, games, etc. All students
are expected to attend their assigned D-Halls on the day
assigned. An after school game is not an excuse for missing a
D-Hall and coaches should not use students assigned to a
D-Hall until after 3 p.m. Athletes who skip D-Halls for after
school games are in violation of citizenship standards and will
be subject to more serious forms of discipline including
possible suspension from the team. Students on suspension,
are not eligible to practice or attend games or matches.
Unsportsmanlike
conduct:
Action
regarding
unsportsmanlike conduct of a player shall be appropriate to the
offense. A player guilty of profane or vulgar language, who
deliberately strikes an opposing player or who uses abusive
language toward officials, etc., shall be removed from that
game by his or her coach and shall not be permitted to
participate in the next succeeding game according to the state
association rules. Each case of this type is to be reviewed by
the head coach and the athletic director. Additional game
suspensions may be added depending on the severity of the
action.
Eligibility standards: It is extremely important that both
athletes and parent/guardian are aware of the MSHSAA
Academic Eligibility Standards. As of 1996 student/athletes
must pass 3.0 credits a semester in order to be eligible to
participate in the next semester.
Physical examinations: Forging the signature of the
physician will result in the athlete being declared ineligible for
that season (fall, winter, or spring).
Attendance: If a student misses school on the date of a contest
without being excused by the principal prior to participation,
he/she shall not be considered eligible on that date. An athlete
must be in attendance at least 3 periods of a day to participate
on that day.
Title IX: The athletic program will keep record of all
discipline infractions of their athletes as a part of their athletic
activities to ensure that discipline is not discriminating on the
basis of sex.
» Transportation: Athletes will accompany the team using the
mode of transportation determined by the school. Any deviation
from this policy requires the following: (a) A request by the
parent or guardian must be made personally in advance and be
approved by the coach. If the request is made by note, the coach
will need to verify it by contacting the parent or guardian, (b)
Under emergency conditions, the coach in charge of the team
will use his/her best judgement in approving any requests, (c) If
there is any doubt about the circumstances surrounding such
case, the athlete is to remain with the team.
• Athletic equipment: Equipment must be checked in to the
coach before athletes can receive awards, attend banquets, (does
not apply to Spring Sports) or participate in succeeding sports.
Fines will be assessed if equipment is not returned clean and in
good condition.
• Due process: Athletes will have the opportunity to express their
side of any incident in which they may be involved. If the athlete
is dissatisfied with any decision, he/she has the right to appeal
through the channels listed below, (a) School Administration
(principal, athletic director) (b) Assistant Superintendent, (c)
Superintendent, (d) Board of Education. Appeals are to be in
writing and submitted within 5 days of the previous decision.
The body to which the appeal is made will, establish a hearing
date.
Any incidents which occur that are not covered by these guidelines will be reviewed on an individual basis and decisions related
to penalties will be made jointly by the school administration and
head coach.
STUDENT/ATHLETE ACCEPTANCE
/, as a member of an athletic team in the Affton School District, understand and
agree to abide by the attached rules and regulations.
Signature
PARENT/GUARDIAN ACCEPTANCE
/, the parent/guardian of the above athlete, have read and understand the attached
rules and regulations. I realize that my son/daughter must be in compliance or lose
the privilege of representing his/her school in the athletic program.
Signature