5310-A Policy - ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT Participation on a Shenendehowa Athletic Team is a privilege which should elicit great pride, in both the student athlete and his/her family.  It is also a responsibility which requires an extra commitment, both academic and otherwise, by those who wear our school colors and represent their teammates, coaches, school, and community.  Standards of behavior are necessarily high and a willingness to meet these standards is a condition for participating as a member of one of Shenendehowa’s teams. As a continuing condition of eligibility, student athletes are required to formally acknowledge their acceptance of these standards by signing a statement of personal commitment. The Athletic Code of Conduct Regulation (5310-R) describes academic and other eligibility requirements, the application of the code, penalties, due process, and the appeal procedure. Adopted: November 25, 1997 Effective: March 9, 1998 Revised:  March 11, 2003 5310-R Regulation - ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT The Athletic Code of Conduct consists of both academic and behavioral requirements.  Participation on any athletic team is contingent upon the student’s willingness to commit to its provisions as evidenced by his/her completing and signing an official letter of commitment. Academic Eligibility Students are eligible to participate on an athletic team unless they are failing two (2) or more subjects and have two or more unsatisfactory effort grades (indicated by a “5”) at the time of a grade check.  Grade checks will be made during the fifth week of the first quarter of the school (interim report) year and during the week following the close of each quarter (report card).  Students not meeting requirements will be placed on a two week probationary period during which improvement must be demonstrated in either effort or achievement.  Failure to meet the minimum eligibility requirement as outlined above, by the close of the probationary period, will result in a penalty at the First Offense level as defined in the Athletic Code of Conduct.  Subsequent failure will result in progressive discipline under this Code. Other Eligibility Requirements In addition to the academic requirements outlined above, and as a further requirement for participation on any interscholastic team, student athletes are required to avoid any action(s) or participate in any activity which might bring embarrassment or any unfavorable view on the athlete, his/her teammates, coaches, family, school or community.  Alleged violation(s) of this prohibition(s) will be subject to review and action under the code.  Examples of some behaviors which would be considered as violations of the Athletic Code of Conduct are made part of the commitment letter to be signed by both the athlete and parent. Application of the Code The Code will apply to each student athlete for one calendar year (including summer) from the date of his/her most recent signature and will be in effect at all times, in all locations, including non-school activities.  Violations of the Code will result in penalties as determined formally by the Director of Physical Education and Athletics.  Each coach also has the prerogative to establish and promulgate additional guidelines specific to his/her particular team. Penalties In determining appropriate penalties, the Director of Physical Education and Athletics shall be guided as follows: First Offense 1.  Effective on the date when penalties under the code are imposed, the athlete will be placed on probation for one calendar year. 2.  During the period of probation, the athlete will be expected to practice with the team (unless directed otherwise by the coach), but will not be allowed to participate in the team’s scheduled competitions according to the eligibility chart.  For example, a player on a team with a 16-game schedule found guilty of smoking during the summer would be expected to practice with the team but would not be permitted to participate in the first four scheduled contests.  Scrimmages are not considered scheduled contests. 3.  Penalties which cannot be served during the sport season in which they are imposed will be carried over for completion in the next sports season in which the athlete participates.  The penalty assigned will be adjusted proportionately based on the number of regular season scheduled contests in the subsequent season.   Second Offense If a second offense occurs during the probationary period, all provisions set forth in the first offense will apply.  However, the games penalty will be increased according to the eligibility chart.  In addition, a new probationary period of one calendar year will be assigned, beginning on the date the second penalty is imposed.  For a second offense within the same sport season, the athlete will be suspended for the remainder of the season. Third Offense If a third offense occurs during the new probationary period, the athlete shall be removed from participation in all interscholastic athletics for one calendar year beginning on the date the penalty for the third offense is imposed. ELIGIBILITY CHART   # Of Regular Season Scheduled Contests Contest Penalty First Offense Contest Penalty Second Offense 8 2 4 9 2 4 10 2 4 11 2 4 12 3 6 13 3 6 14 3 6 15 3 6 16 4 8 17 4 8 18 4 8 19 4 8 20 5 10 21 5 10 22 5 10 23 5 10 It should be noted, notwithstanding the above chart of penalties, that the facts of an incident may warrant immediate removal from the team if the Director of Physical Education and Athletics and the administration believe that the offense committed by the athlete warrants such action. Offenses Resulting in Arrest or the Filing of Formal Charges in Court  An athlete who participates in activities resulting in his/her arrest or formal charges being filed in Court may face additional penalties under this Code.  If the District has adequate and competent evidence that the student participated in the offense for which he or she is charged, a penalty may be imposed pursuant to this Code prior to completion of the criminal proceeding.  If the District does not have such evidence and the student is convicted of a crime, the penalty pursuant to this Code will be imposed upon conviction.  In the latter case, the athlete may continue to participate in his/her sport until resolution of the matter by the judicial system. Due Process Prior to imposition of any penalty under the Code, the Director of Physical Education and Athletics will notify the athlete of the nature of the infraction and the student will be given an opportunity to explain his or her side of the story. Appeal Procedure The student and/or parent/guardian have the right to appeal penalties imposed under the Code to the school principal and Director of Physical Education and Athletics.  Appeals must be made in writing within three days of assignment of a penalty for a code violation.  Within three school days after receipt of the letter by the Director of Physical Education and Athletics, he will respond to the appeal. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENT ATHLETES REGULATION - COMMITMENT LETTER (for a printable version of this form click here) Dear Student Athlete and Parent: Participation on a Shenendehowa Athletic Team is a privilege which should elicit great pride in both the student athlete and his/her family.  It is also a responsibility which requires an extra commitment, both academic and otherwise, by those who wear our school colors and represent their teammates, coaches, school, and community.  Standards of behavior are necessarily high and a willingness to live up to them is a condition for participation.  Consistent with these standards, and as a continuing condition of eligibility, student athletes are required to meet prescribed academic standards and sign this letter of commitment.  The student athlete’s signature, along with that of his/her parent/guardian, indicates they both recognize and understand this responsibility and that the student athlete agrees to adhere to the basic concepts of good citizenship, proper training regulations and those positive examples with which every athlete should be identified. Academic Eligibility Students are eligible to participate on an athletic team unless they are failing two (2) or more subjects and have two or more unsatisfactory effort grades (indicated by a “5”) at the time of a grade check.  Grade checks will be made during the fifth week of the first quarter of the school (interim report) year and during the week following the close of each quarter (report card).  Students not meeting requirements will be placed on a two-week probationary period during which improvement must be demonstrated in either effort or achievement.  Failure to meet the minimum eligibility requirement as outlined above, by the close of the probationary period, will result in a penalty at the First Offense level as defined in the Athletic Code of Conduct.  Subsequent failure will result in progressive discipline under this Code. Other Eligibility Requirements In addition to the academic requirements outlined above, and as a further requirement for participation on any interscholastic team, student athletes are required to avoid any action(s) or participate in any activity which might bring embarrassment or any unfavorable view on the athlete, his/her teammates, coaches, family, school or community.  Alleged violation(s) of this prohibition(s) will be subject to review and action under the code.  Examples of some behaviors which would be considered as violations of the Athletic Code of Conduct are made part of the commitment letter to be signed by both the athlete and parent. Application of the Code The Code will apply to each student athlete for one calendar year (including summer) from the date of his/her most recent signature and will be in effect at all times, in all locations, including non-school activities.  Violations of the Code will result in penalties as determined formally by the Director of Physical Education and Athletics.  Each coach also has the prerogative to establish and promulgate additional guidelines specific to his/her particular team. Each student athlete is required to sign and return to his/her coach, a copy of this commitment letter indicating he/she has read, understands, and will abide by the Athletic Code of Conduct and Regulation. Sincerely, Christopher Culnan Director of Physical Education and Interscholastic Athletics Your signature indicates you have read and understand the Shenendehowa Athletic Code of Conduct.                                   _____________________                             ________________ Signature of Parent                                          Date Your signature indicates you have read, understand, and agree to abide by the intent and the conditions of the Shenendehowa Athletic Code of Conduct. ______________________                           ________________ Signature of Athlete                                         Date Examples of Behaviors Which Violate the Code (Not intended to be all inclusive) Possession and/or Use of Drugs or Alcohol - The possession or use of drugs, drug paraphernalia or alcohol or the consumption of drugs or alcohol at any time is strictly prohibited. Possession and/or Use of Tobacco Products - The possession or use of tobacco products is strictly prohibited. Hosting of Drinking/Drug Parties - Student athletes are prohibited from hosting/attending a party that involves alcohol, drugs, marijuana or other controlled substances. Attendance - The practice of students staying home on school days to rest for events that day or night is unacceptable. Shenendehowa Student Code of Conduct Violations - Any violations of the Shenendehowa Student Code of Conduct resulting in an internal or an out-of-school suspension will result in progressive levels of discipline under this Code. Hazing/Initiation Ceremony - Shenendehowa interscholastic coaches will not permit, nor will Shenendehowa student athletes stage, any type of “initiation ceremony” or hazing for athletes at any time and on any level.  This prohibition includes any athlete giving other athletes haircuts, shaving other athletes, locker/shower pranks, etc. Poor Sportsmanship - Student athletes, whether participants or spectators, will observe courteous behavior during all sporting events.  Booing, whistling, name calling, obscene gestures, fighting or arguing with the referee etc. will not be tolerated. Stealing - Stealing of any kind, including athletic clothing belonging to Shenendehowa or our opponents, will not be tolerated. Vandalism or Property Destruction - Vandalism or property destruction are Level Three infractions in Shenendehowa’s Student Code of Conduct.  These offenses may result in internal or external suspension and appropriate penalties for violation of the Athletic Code. Policy 5310-A, Regulation 5310-R