BOARD POLICY

No. 3247

Revised 5/23/2005

 

STUDENT ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

 

All student athletes and support personnel will meet minimum requirements as established by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association and the Grand Coulee Dam School District in order to be eligible to participate.

 

Section I Rules and Regulations

 

THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET PRIOR TO PARTICIPATING IN A GIVEN SPORT SEASON:

 

A District Participation Form, a District Physical Form, and a District Emergency Information card must be properly filled out, and turned into the Head Coach or Athletic Director before an athlete may be issued equipment or turn out (physically practice).  These forms include:

 

1. A District Participation Form which includes a Parental Permission Form, an Informed Consent Form, Permission to Travel Form, and an Insurance Form.  (Note:  Evidence of paid enrollment in the school sponsored athletic insurance program or a parent/guardian signed insurance waiver for that sport/school year must be on file with the Head Coach or Athletic Director before an athlete can participate.  School insurance forms may be obtained in the high school or middle school office.)  This form is located at the back of this packet.

 

2.  A District Physical Form, which must be completed by the student/athlete’s physician at the athlete’s expense.  A physical is valid for one calendar year from the date of the physical and must indicate if it is for high school or middle school sports participation.  NOTE—WRESTLERS ONLY – A Doctor’s Minimum Recommended Weight Form must also be completed and signed by the athlete’s own physician at the athlete’s expense.  This form must be on file with the Head Coach or Athletic Director: high school – before the last Friday before December 25, middle school – before the first scheduled contest. 

 

3.  An Emergency Information Card for that sport season or school year.

 

4.      Each athlete must purchase an ASB card for the current school year before

participating in any contest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACADEMIC STANDINGS

 

1.  W.I.A.A. Previous Semester Rule – To be eligible to compete, a student/athlete must have been in regular attendance at least (15) weeks of the previous semester and have passed five of seven classes during the previous semester (or minimums set for other class numbers as specified by WIAA).  If the student/athlete does not meet this standard, they will be placed on probation for the first five weeks of the semester during which time they may practice, but not participate in games/contests.  At the end of five weeks, this requirement is checked.  If they meet W.I.A.A. and local standards at this check they are eligible to participate.  If they fail to meet the W.I.A.A. standards, the student/athlete is ineligible for the remainder of the semester.  (See below for local standard rule)

 

2.  Local Academic Standard – A student shall have passed all classes with a maximum of two “D”s, or have a 2.0 overall GPA.  This standard shall be monitored in three week intervals and be in effect in addition to the W.I.A.A. standard previously stated.

 

Academic Grade Check and Probationary Procedure for Local Standard

 

Grades will be checked at three week intervals at the high school level and at two week intervals at the middle school level to ensure that all student athletes are meeting the local academic standard stated above.  Students who are not meeting the standard will be notified and will have one week to bring themselves into compliance with the standard.  If student athletes do not produce a grade check form to the Athletic Director showing that they are in compliance within one week of notification, they will be ruled ineligible for competition until they meet the standard.

 

Incompletes may be made up for credit during the first two weeks of the subsequent quarter.  The student shall be ineligible for interscholastic competition until incompletes are cleared.

 

Home school students and Skilskin students participating in athletics will be placed on an individual academic eligibility contract.  The contract will be designed to meet district and W.I.A.A. academic standards and will be based on the individual student’s educational plan for graduation.  The district superintendent or his designee will design and approve the plan.

           

 SCHOOL ATTENDANCE PRIOR TO A PRACTICE OR CONTEST

 

            In order to physically participate in practice or games, the participant must be in school attendance the full day of said practice or game.  Participation in Saturday games or practices are determined by Friday or the last day school was in session.  Any exceptions must be cleared through an administrator or the Athletic Director.  Exceptions include approved pre-excused absences, medical, dental, funerals, or other exceptional circumstances an administrator or the Athletic Director deem appropriate.  If an athlete misses all or part of a school day and chooses to go to practice, or game, without following appropriate attendance procedure, the athlete will be placed on probation and further infractions will result in suspension from contests.

NOTE:  Students who continuously miss entire school days or parts of school days may be denied practice or game time if the absences are excessive or are for trivial reasons such as sleeping in after games, hair appointments or other circumstances the Building Administrator or Athletic Director deem appropriate.

 

CONDUCT DURING THE SPORT SEASON

 

A.  The skipping of classes, dismissal or removal from classes for disciplinary reasons may disqualify a student athlete from further participation in extra-curricular activities.  All violations such as those described shall be reported to the Athletic Director and the coach.  The Building Administrator or Athletic Director shall decide what disciplinary actions are appropriate.  Such determinations shall be appealable as provided hereinafter.

 

B.  An athlete shall refrain from flagrant or abusive conduct directed toward a staff member, coach, official, student (in or out of school), any opponent, spectator, or any member of the community as this would be detrimental and injurious to the welfare and progress of the entire athletic system of our school.  Disrespectful conduct of any team member will not be tolerated.  The Building Administration or Athletic Director shall decide what disciplinary actions are appropriate.  Such determinations shall be appealable as provided hereinafter.

 

C.  Conduct resulting in ejection or disqualification from an interscholastic contest administered by game officials, coaches, or school administrators shall result in the following:

1.  The first ejection of the season shall result in the ejected person being ineligible until after the next school contest in that sport at the same level of competition from which the person was ejected.  Should the ejection occur in the last contest of a season, the suspension will carry over to the participants next sport season of participation.

2.  The second ejection in the same sport and season shall result in the person being ineligible for the remainder of the sports season.

3.  This rule is a W.I.A.A. policy.  All appeals must go through proper W.I.A.A. steps and procedures.

 

STUDENT ATHLETE TRAINING REGULATIONS

 

A.  No use or carrying of tobacco (smoking or chewing). 

            First ViolationAthlete will be suspended from 10% of that season's contests.

Second Violation:  the athlete will be dismissed from the sport squad for the remainder of the season.

 

Any student athlete who that undergoes a district approved substance assessment program and any recommended treatments may have his or her penalty reduced by 50%.

 

 

 

B.  Penalties for violation of RCW 69.41.020-69.41.050 Legend Drugs (WIAA Policy).

Legend drugs including anabolic steroids possession, sale, and/or use or Violation of RCW 69.50 (Uniform Controlled Substances Act) – A violation of RCW 69.41.020-69.41.040 shall be considered a violation of the eligibility code and standards, and shall subject the student to disciplinary actions.  Legend drugs are defined as those drugs that are legal ONLY through prescription.  Controlled substances and controlled substance analogs are defined in RCW 69.50.101.  The following penalties will be administered:

1.  1st Violation – A student athlete shall be immediately ineligible for interscholastic competition in the current interscholastic sports program for the rest of the season.  Ineligibility shall continue until the next sports season in which the student athlete wishes to participate.  In order to be eligible to participate in the next interscholastic sports season, the student athlete shall meet with the school eligibility board consisting of coaches and administrators selected by the school principal, to request approval to participate.  The school eligibility board will recommend to the principal appropriate action to be taken in the student athlete’s case, The school principal shall have final authority as to the student athlete’s participation in the interscholastic sports program.

 

A student athlete who seeks and receives help for a problem with use of legend drugs or controlled substances and controlled substance analogs shall be given the opportunity for assistance through the school and/or community agencies.  In no instance shall participation in a school and/or community approved assistance program excuse a student athlete from subsequent compliance with this regulation.  However, successful utilization of such an opportunity or compliance with athletic code by the student athlete may allow him/her to have eligibility re-instated in the athletic program, pending recommendation by the school eligibility authority.

 

2.  2nd Violation – A student athlete who again violates any provision of RCW 69.41.020 through 69.41.050 or of RCW 69.50 shall be declared ineligible for interscholastic competition for a period of one (1) calendar year from the date of the second violation.

 

3.  3rd Violation – A student athlete who violates for a third time RCW 69.41.020 through 69.41.050 or of RCW 69.50 shall be permanently ineligible for interscholastic competition.

 

C.  No carrying of, distribution of, possession of, or being under the influence of narcotics, illegal drugs, controlled substances, or alcoholic beverages.  Violations will be determined and evaluated in the following manner.

 

 ALCOHOL AND/OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE DEFINITIONS/TERMS

 

   Actual Possession        The act of having a substance in one's custody or control.  Actual possession occurs when the item is in the physical custody of the person charged with possession.

   Constructive Possession           Attending or supporting a function where alcohol and/or drugs are being illegally used with their knowledge, or placing themselves in circumstances where they know that such conditions exist.  If they become aware, they will leave the function immediately, and, if they do, there will be no consequences.  If the athlete fails to leave immediately, the will be subject to the consequences as stated in the sanctions chart.

 

   Use                                Physical consumption of a substance by means of inhalation, snorting, drinking, absorption, injection or any other method which produces an intoxicating or mental/physical altering effect.

 

   Sale                               The act of distributing an illegal substance by means of exchanging substances for an agreed sum of money or other valuable consideration.

 

   Discovery-Investigative            The process by which an administrator/coach arrives at a conclusion regarding a student’s involvement in an athletic code infraction.  The decision will be based on evidence, either verbal or written.

 

   Discovery-Self Admittance       Student athletes who admit to their involvement in an athletic code infraction and who are cooperative and honest in the investigative process regarding alleged code infractions.

 

·    Self-Referral                  Student athletes who report self-infractions to school administrator or coach prior to any investigation or inquire by school administrators or staff

 

STANDARD APPLICATION OF SANCTIONS - SENIOR HIGH AND

MIDDLE SCHOOL

 

    Sanctions will carry over from eighth grade to senior high school and from seventh grade to eighth grade.  Seventh grade infractions will not carry over to senior high school.

 

ALCOHOL AND/OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE

For on or off campus violations in regard to alcohol, and/or substance abuse for student athletes, the following sanctions will apply:

 

 

 

 

SANCTIONS CHART:    FIRST VIOLATION:  IN SEASON -  SENIOR HIGH

Means of

ß  Discovery  ß

Actual Possession/Use/Sale

Constructive Possession

Investigative

100 % of Season Contests w/ carry over to next season completed by athlete

80% of Season Contests w/ carry over to next season completed by athlete

Self-Admittance

50 % of Season Contests w/ carry over to next season completed by athlete

40% of Season Contests w/ carry over to next season completed by athlete

Self-Referral

30% of Season Contests w/ carry over to next season completed by athlete

20% of Season Contests w/ carry over to next season completed by athlete

Any student athlete who undergoes a district approved substance assessment program and any recommended treatments may have his or her penalty reduced by 50% of the penalty.  Verification of this assessment and treatment is the student’s duty.

 

Table of Consequences

This table is intended to clarify the consequences outlined in earlier sections and refers to athletics, cheerleading and dance/drill.

 

Sport/

Activity

(# of contests)

80%

50%

40%

30%

20%

HS Football (10)

8

5

4

3

2

HS Volleyball (16)

12

8

6

4

3

HS Xcountry(10)

8

5

4

3

2

HS Fall Cheerleader (10)

8

5

4

3

2

HS Basketball (20)

16

10

8

6

4

HS Wrestling(16)

12

8

6

4

3

Winter Cheer (20) or (16)

16/12

10/8

8/6

6/4

4/3

HS Track(10)

8

5

4

3

2

HS Golf(12)

9

6

4

3

2

HS Baseball (20)

16

10

8

6

4

HS Tennis (16)

12

8

6

4

3

HS Softball (20)

16

10

8

6

4

MS Football (6)

4

3

2

1

1

MS Xcountry(7)

5

3

2

2

1

MS Volleyball(12)

9

6

4

3

2

MS Basketball(10)

8

5

4

3

2

MS Wrestling(10)

8

5

4

3

2

MS Cheer-sanction shall equal that of sport cheering for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  2nd Violation – If the student athlete violates the district substance abuse policy for a second time in his or her career, the student will be immediately ineligible for one calendar year.

 

Any student athlete who undergoes a district approved substance assessment program and any recommended treatments may have his or her penalty reduced by 50% of the penalty.  Verification of this assessment and treatment is the student’s duty.

 

 

3.  3rd Violation – If the student violates the district’s substance abuse policy for a third time during their high school career, the student athlete shall be declared ineligible for the remainder of their high school career.

 

D.  Each respective coach will establish his/her own curfew hours that student athletes will be expected to adhere to during the sports season.

  

E.  Athletes charged with or convicted of a misdemeanor or more serious offense may be suspended by the athletic director from all athletic programs for the remainder of the sports season.  (The district eligibility committee shall determine reinstatement of the student athlete for the next sport season.)

 

F.  All athletes shall attend all practices, meetings, contests, etc. unless excused by the coach.

 

G.  A student athlete who is dropped from a squad for disciplinary reasons will not be allowed to become a member of any other sport squad during that season.

 

H.  Athletes may not be members of two school sponsored sports teams during the same season.

 

I.  Any athlete who is injured or becomes seriously ill enough to require a doctor’s attention will be required to have a doctor’s permission to resume activity. (WIAA Policy)

 

J.  Student athletes will not engage in hazing activities of any kind.  Violations will result in probation and possible dismissal upon investigation by the athletic director.

 

K.  Students who transfer from another district, and who have already participated in a given sport, may not participate in that sport within Grand Coulee Dam School District even if it is offered during a different season.  (As per Nespelem School District/Grand Coulee Dam School District inter-district agreement 5/21/2001).

 

 

 

 

 

APPROPRIATE DRESS

It is requested that student athletes be conscious of what constitutes appropriate dress for home and away contests.  In our opinion this promotes pride in our school and its athletic teams.  The Head Coach in each sport will determine appropriate dress.

 

APPEAL PROCEDURE

 

            All students and athletes have access to appeal under WAC 180-40.  If an athlete has been disciplined or suspended from a sport squad for any reason, he/she shall have the opportunity to appeal the decision.  A Grievance Committee shall be comprised of three citizens from the community, chosen by the school board or their designee.  The Athletic Director/Principal will be the non-voting chair of the committee.

 

The athlete should first approach the head coach of the in-season sport and tell him/her of his/her intention to appeal.  (This must be done within three (3) school days of the suspension/discipline.)  The coach will notify the Principal/Athletic Director and he/she will set up a date for the Grievance Committee to meet with the athlete (parent/guardians may attend) at the earliest possible time.

 

If the athlete or coach is not satisfied with the decision of the Committee, he/she may appeal the decision (within three (3) school days) to the Superintendent, who shall review the case and make a recommendation for settlement.  If the problem is not solved to the satisfaction of the athlete or coach, he/she/ may appeal (within three (3) school days) to the Board of Directors.

 

The Board will schedule a hearing to secure all information about the case, and after evaluating all available information the Board shall make a recommendation for settlement.  The decision of the board shall be final.

 

EQUIPMENT

 

A.  Issued Equipment – School equipment checked out by the student is his/her responsibility.  He/she is expected to keep it clean and in good condition.  Loss of issued equipment or damage to issued equipment will be the student’s financial obligation.

 

B.  Wearing Issued Equipment – Issued equipment is to be worn only while participating with the team in practice or during a scheduled contest.  The wearing of game jerseys as a team on game days is allowed.  WIAA prohibits wearing of uniforms when the student athlete is ineligible to participate.  In addition, WIAA prohibits the use of school issued uniforms while participating in any event outside the yearly program or activities not sponsored by WIAA.

 

C.  A participant who drops from a sport squad without turning in his/her issued practice or game equipment, will forfeit his/her right to participate in any other sport season and will have credits and grades withheld until proper restitution has been made. 

 

D.  No athlete will be allowed to compete in a sport until all previously issued equipment has been returned or proper restitution made. 

 

E.  Athletes leaving the school district for any reason will have credits and grades withheld until proper restitution is made.

 

SCHOOL FACILITIES

 

A.  The school district provides students with physical facilities for athletics at great expense in the form of taxes to parents and community members.  Therefore, it is important that students exercise care and personal regard for these facilities.

 

B.  Misuse of dressing room facilities, lockers, towels, benches, and gymnasium or field facilities will not be permitted.  Failure to comply with this regulation may result in denial of their use.

 

 

Section II    Travel

 

The Grand Coulee Dam School District will provide transportation to and from athletic contests unless other arrangements are made and approved by the Principal/Athletic Director.

 

Each team member will remain with the team and under the supervision of the coaching staff or team chaperones when attending away contests.

           

A.  For the safety and general welfare of all students, any student riding a school bus to any event must return on the bus.  The only exception to this rule will be in the event the parent/guardian requests in writing, using a district release form, from the coach, advisor, or instructor in charge of the student that their child is allowed to go with them.

 

B.  If the student does not return to the school bus by the time he/she has been instructed by the employee in charge of the activity trip, the bus driver will wait one half hour for the student.  The driver will then contact the local police department in the town where the bus is waiting.  The bus will proceed back to the Grand Coulee Dam School District.

 

Upon return to the district the person in charge of the activity will contact the parent/guardian of the student and school officials to inform them of the action taken.

 

C.  Each team member, while traveling to and from athletic contests, will obey all school district bus regulations.

 

 

 

Section III    Sport Program Management

 

1.  Off-season conditioning may only occur during WIAA permitted time frames for all sports.

 

2.  Area(s) and/or facilities used for off-season conditioning must be supervised at all times.

 

3.  A student cut for disciplinary reasons may not turn out for conditioning or any other sport during the season for which the student is removed from the squad.

 

4.  Any student “cut” from an in-season sport may turn out for off-season conditioning.

 

5.  Any student who quits an in-season sport may not turn out for off-season conditioning without permission of the in-season coach from whose team he/she quit.

 

6.  Student athletes may not quit one sport to turn out for another unless coaches of both teams agree to the change.  If the student is “cut” he/she may turn out for another sport.

 

7.  Student athletes may not turn out for intramurals if participating in an in-season sport at the time.

 

8.      Student athletes participating in an intramural program are to be dispersed throughout the participating teams.  Teams composed of all student athletes are not permitted.

 

9.  Playing time and squad selection will be determined by the coach.

 

Section IV     Awards

 

An athletic award is a symbol of athletic accomplishment, good sportsmanship, and observance of athletic policies.  Since the award is a symbol of accomplishment, its value lies in its implication rather than its monetary worth.

 

In order to qualify for an athletic or band letter, a student must meet the requirements set forth by the Head Coach/Band Director of the sport/band and be recommended to the Athletic Director.  Athletic awards shall only be presented to participants who complete the entire season for a given sport.  (This does not apply to participants who are unable to complete a season due to illness or injury.)

 

To receive an athletic award, an athlete should attend the sports award assembly for the sport unless excused by the head coach.

 

Upon voluntary dropping out or being dropped from the squad for disciplinary reasons, a student athlete automatically forfeits any points, awards, or letters he/she might have received in that sport.

 

LETTER REQUIREMENTS

 

A student athlete at the varsity level will receive a letter if they complete the season in good standing and meet the requirements of the Head Coach.

 

A student athlete who is a senior and has participated in two (2) consecutive years of service for a given sport will letter.

 

A student serving as team manager, team trainer, or stat keeper will earn a letter for each year of service for a given sport if they meet the criteria of the Head Coach.

 

A certificate of participation will be awarded to each member of sub-varsity teams provided they meet the requirements set by the Head Coach.

 

A coach has the right to recommend any student athlete for a letter if for some reason he/she believes the athlete to be deserving.

 

Athletes in the Grand Coulee Dam Middle School who successfully complete a sports season shall receive an athletic letter and certificate.