Code of Conduct for Student Athletes

• All eligible students will have an opportunity for team membership in the activities of their choice.
• All athletes will be encouraged to participate in multiple athletic experiences.
• All individuals will be treated with respect and dignity.
• Our student – athletes will play hard, play safe, and play competitively within the framework of Good Sportsmanship.
• Our coaches, by their example, will coach competitively within the framework of Good Sportsmanship.
• Players, coaches, parents, spectators, and athletic staff will demonstrate responsible behavior.
• There will be high expectations and minimal attrition (low dropout).
• The opportunity for eligible students to participate in a wide variety of school athletic activities is an important part of the educational experience.
• The value of citizenship is realized through sportsmanship and ethical play in athletic competition.
• The participation aspect of athletics is more important than the competition aspect at the freshmen level.
• Coaches are professional educators and must continuously search for effective teaching methods and strategies.
• Coaches will have more interest in the well-being and development of the students than in winning or personal goals.
• Athletes will be free of pressures from coaches to participate in camps, clinics, or outside teams in order to be part of the school team.
• All decisions within the athletic program must always be made considering best practices and current thinking and with the best interests of the student in mind.

The following statements are in line with the philosophy described above.

• For Middle School Basketball - each player will play in one full period during the first half.
• For Middle School Volleyball - each player will start a game and play a minimum of 12 points.
• For Middle School Football - each player must play at least one play in the first half and one play in the second half.
• For Freshman Contests - each eligible athlete will participate in each contest.

Chippewa Valley Schools Athletic Department offers the following athletic opportunities:

High School: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Dance, Football, Golf, Hockey, Softball, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, and Wrestling.

Middle School: Basketball, Football, Track & Field, and Volleyball.

The following MHSAA rules are only a summary of some of the regulations affecting student eligibility. A complete listing of rules can be found in the MHSAA Handbook located in the Athletic Office at your school.

1. AGE - High school students become ineligible if they reach their nineteenth (19) birthday before September 1 of a current school year. Seventh grade students must be under fourteen years of age before September 1 of a current school year. Eighth grade students must be under fifteen years of age before September 1 of a current year. Those middle school students who will reach their fifteenth (15) birthday before September 1 of a current year may participate in the high school athletic program if approved on an MHSAA Eligibility Advancement Application. These students are limited to four years of high school eligibility, and all other regulations would apply as if that student were in high school.
2. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION - Students must have on file, in the Athletic Department Office, a physician’s statement for the current school year (after April 15) certifying that he/she is physically able to compete in athletic practices and contests.
3. ENROLLMENT - Students must be enrolled in school prior to the fourth Friday after Labor Day (1st semester) or the fourth Friday of February (2nd semester). A student must be enrolled in the school for which she or he competes.
4. SEMESTERS OF ENROLLMENT - Students cannot be eligible in high school for more than eight semesters and the seventh and eighth semesters must be consecutive. Students are allowed four first semesters and four second semesters of competition and cannot compete if they have graduated from high school. (High School Only)
5. SEMESTER RECORDS - Students must have passed at least four full credit subjects in the previous semester of enrollment, and must be currently passing four full credit courses.
6. TRANSFER STUDENTS - A student in grades 9 through 12 who transfers to another high school is not eligible to participate in an interscholastic contest for one full semester unless the student qualifies for immediate eligibility under one or more of fifteen published exceptions. Students and Parents anticipating a change of schools should first seek advice from their High School Athletic Administration.
7. UNDUE INFLUENCE - The use of undue influence by any person directly or indirectly associated with a school to secure or encourage the attendance of a student for athletic purposes, shall cause the student to become ineligible for a minimum of one semester.
8. LIMITED TEAM MEMBERSHIP - After practicing with or participating with high school teams, students cannot participate in any athletic competition not sponsored by his or her school in the same sport during the same season. See the MHSAA Eligibility Brochure for exceptions.
9. ALL STAR COMPETITION - Students shall not compete at any time in any sport under MHSAA jurisdiction in all-star contests or national championships regardless of the method of selection. Participation in such a contest shall cause that student to become ineligible for a maximum period of one year of school enrollment.
10. AWARDS AND AMATEURISM - Students cannot receive money or other valuable considerations for participating in MHSAA sponsored sports or officiating in interscholastic athletic contests, except as allowed by the MHSAA Handbook. Students may accept, for participating in MHSAA sponsored sports, a symbolic or merchandise award, which does not have a value over $15. Banquets, luncheons, dinners, trips and admissions to camps or events, are permitted if accepted “in kind”. Awards in the form of cash, merchandise, certificates, or any other negotiable document are never allowed.

The Chippewa Valley Schools, and the Michigan High School Athletic Association believe that academics are the top priority for students. The academic eligibility requirements for our school district and the Michigan High School Athletic Association are set out below. It is the coaches’ responsibility to confirm each athlete’s eligibility, and any athlete or parent who has a question about the academic requirements should contact the coach or Athletic Director promptly.

Previous Semester Record

All students must have earned credit in at least four classes (20 credit hours) for the most recent semester enrolled. Effective with the 2009-10 school year, the minimum academic standard for athletic eligibility changed to “66 percent of credit load potential for a full-time student,” and the period of ineligibility following a deficiency at the end of a term is 60 scheduled school days. (The only exception is students entering 9th grade for the first time and students that are granted advanced eligibility.)

Current Semester Record

All students must pass at least four classes (20 credit hours) on each quarter report card. If a student is not passing at least four classes (20 credit hours), that student is ineligible for competition until the next grade check (initiated by the coach) but not less than for the next Monday through Sunday. If the next check reveals the student is still not passing at least four classes (20 credit hours),
that student is ineligible for competition for not less than the next Monday through Sunday. This process continues (with the student remaining on the team but not eligible for competition) until the student is passing at least four classes (20 credit hours) from the start of the semester through the most recent grade check.

CV Schools Academic Requirements

All students must maintain at least a C average. If the grades of an athlete fall below a C average, the coach implements a Plan of Assistance. The student is placed on athletic probation and the coach initiates a weekly grade check. If a student improves sufficiently on this check, s/he is taken off the Plan of Assistance by the Athletic Director. If a student improves, but not sufficiently, the Plan of Assistance is continued. If, at the discretion of the Athletic Director, the student’s academic progress has not improved sufficiently, the student may be deemed ineligible for the next competition.

Previous Semester Record

All students must have a passing grade in a least fifty percent (50%) of the total periods of work carried for the last semester enrolled. A first year middle school student may compete without reference to his or her record in the sixth grade.

Current Semester Record

All students must pass at least fifty percent (50%) of a full class load. If a student is not passing at least fifty percent of a full class load, that student is ineligible for competition until the next grade check (initiated by the coach) but not less than for the next Monday through Sunday. If the next check reveals the student is still not passing at least fifty percent (50%) of a full class load, that student is ineligible for competition for not less than the next Monday through Sunday.

This process continues (with the student remaining on the team but not eligible for competition) until the student is passing at least fifty percent (50%) of a full class load from the start of the semester through the most recent grade check.

CV Academic/Behavior Report

By Friday of each week, each middle school athlete will take a weekly report to all adult supervisors. After the report has been filled out, the coach will review it at practice. Parents will then sign the report over the weekend. If the athlete receives an unsatisfactory in any subject or in behavior, the athlete has one week to bring up the unsatisfactory to satisfactory. In the next report, if an athlete receives an unsatisfactory in subject or behavior, that student will be ineligible for the following week. The athlete is still required to participate in practice, and attend all games, but will not be allowed to dress for or play in the scheduled games.

All athletic participants, including but not limited to coaches, athletes, and team personnel, are required to use the bus transportation when provided by the Athletic Department. Students that are being provided transportation, either to or from an event, must adhere to the Chippewa Valley Schools Student Code of Conduct. Any time one-way transportation is provided, the bus driver will act as the chaperone, in place of the coach.

• Exceptions to this policy may include funeral, religious, or emergency medical reasons. When employing an exception to the policy, there must be written documentation of the reason along with a face-to face meeting between the parent of the athlete and the coach.
• A list of verifiable commitments and activities that necessitates parental transportation from athletic events can be presented to the coach prior to the beginning of the season.
• School Board Policy governs practices and events in which district bus transportation is not used or available. Parents will sign the appropriate form, and return them to the coach prior to the event or practice. The coach will have the form in his/her possession during the event or practice.

An athlete shall be in attendance at school for at least 1/2 day on any school day in which she/he participates in a practice or contest. A full day of attendance, for this purpose, means all classes in which the student is currently enrolled. The Athletic Director may grant exceptions if the student was absent because of attendance at a funeral, attendance at an approved field trip, or because of illness that is verified with a written doctor’s note or parental excuse. Attendance at practice sessions is essential to prepare athletes physically and mentally for athletic contests. All team members are required to be at all athletic practice sessions and contests at the times designated by the coach. It is the responsibility of the athlete to make prior arrangements with the coach for an excused absence. Three unexcused absences may result in removal from the team. Suspensions from school are unexcused absences, and an athlete may not participate in a practice or a contest while suspended from school. Vacations by athletic team members during a sport season are discouraged. Parents/athletes wishing to do so may wish to reassess the commitment an athlete makes to the team. In the event of an unavoidable absence due to a vacation, an athlete must:

1. Be accompanied by his/her parents while on vacation.
2. Inform the head coach prior to the vacation.
3. Practice one day for each practice or contest day missed prior to resuming competition. (A contest day will count as a practice day).
4. Be willing to assume additional consequences related to their status on that squad.

All athletes will be treated in a fair and equitable manner.

Any student who is suspected of having suffered a concussion or head injury during a physical education class or recreational activity of the school shall be removed from the activity and referred to the Athletic Trainer/Athletic Director, who shall notify the student’s parent/guardian and take such further actions as deemed necessary.

A “student athlete” is any student who tries out for or participates on any athletic team sponsored by the District or related group. Any student athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury shall be removed from participation or competition at that time. When so removed from an interscholastic or other competition including any practice session, a student athlete may not return to the contest or the practice unless cleared by a licenses physician with an MD or DO after their name or a neuropsychologist. Prior to returning to active participation in practice and, or, competition, the following steps must be completed:

1. The student athlete and parent/guardian must have signed-off the concussion protocol packet provided to them by the District, including “What Happens to My Brain When I Get a Concussion?” “Head Injury Care Sheet” and complete the six (6) step “Return to Play Protocol.”
2. Have the “Concussion Return to Play Clearance Form” signed by a licensed physician.
3. Pass an online ImPACT Concussion Test, (provided the student was able to establish baseline data prior to the beginning of the athletic season).

The Athletic Department, our community, school administrators, the teaching staff and the athletes themselves believe strongly that high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential in maintaining a sound program of athletics. The health and welfare of our students is the number one consideration. Consequently, firm and fair enforcement of the Athletic Department’s Code of Conduct requirements is essential. These requirements, set out below are in effect 12 months a year, all day, every day. Being an athlete on a team is a privilege, not a right. If a student athlete or parent has a question about conduct expectations or consequences, they should see their coach or the Athletic Director.

The Athletic Code of conduct is part of and works in conjunction with the school district’s Student Code of Conduct.

Addictive Substances

The use, possession, distribution or sale of addictive and illegal substances by student athletes is prohibited. The consequences below will be administered for any infraction.

Other Misconduct

Any conduct that dishonors the athlete, the team and the school will not be tolerated. For any acts of unacceptable conduct such as, but not limited to, theft, extortion, vandalism, assault, sexual misconduct, gross disrespect, hazing, or inappropriate use of the internet, electronic devices or communication systems.

Consequences

• First Offense – 25% of competitions, plus taking the online Life of an Athlete course. Certification of completion is required.
• Second Offense – 50% of competitions, plus professional consultation selected by the school district and paid for by the athlete. Verification from the professional agency is required following completion of the consultation.
• Third Offense – suspension from all competitions for the remainder of middle school or high school career.

*An athlete’s first tobacco violation – 10% of competitions. For any further tobacco violation, the above consequences will apply.
*If the violation warrants, the first offense and/or second offense consequences may be bypassed by the school administrator.

Additional Considerations

• Competition suspensions are for consecutive contests and include current and next sport season.
• Invitationals, multi-contest days, and same day tournaments count as one contest.
• Calculation of the percentage of competitions will be based on the number of regular season games as defined by the MHSAA.
• An athlete may practice with the team during a competition suspension and may sit on the bench in street clothes during contests. During the suspension, an athlete may not dress for any competition.
• Any athlete who holds either an elected or appointed team captaincy may be required to relinquish his/her position.
• The Athletic Code of Conduct will be enforced when a coach or a faculty member or a district administrator has evidence that the violation has occurred.
• Under the School Safety Act, agencies will notify school personnel whenever a student is caught in violation of laws including those related to drugs and alcohol.
• Athletes issued citations from any law enforcement agency will be subject to the codes of conduct.
• Students that have received citations and then transfer into our district are subject to the codes of conduct.
• The coach of the student athlete shall impose the consequences.
• The Athletic Director will ensure that the codes of conduct are enforced.
• Use of tobacco is prohibited under this code even when a student athlete reaches their 18th birthday.
• Penalties shall not be considered served unless the student-athlete fully completes the season. Completion of the season must be verified by the coach
• If an additional offense is committed while a previous penalty is being served, the penalty for the additional offense will not begin until the penalty for the first offense has been served.
• The violations will be cumulative during a student-athlete’s middle school or high school career.

Procedure

• Reports of violations will be directed to the coach of the athlete.
• The coach will investigate the report, and determine if consequences are to be applied. The Athletic Director will ensure that the codes of conduct are enforced.
• If consequences are to be applied, the coach will inform the athlete and parents.

Appeal Process

• The athlete may appeal the decision of the coach to the Athletic Coordinator at the middle school level, the Athletic Director at the high school level.
• The appeal must be in writing and must contain compelling reasons for changing the decision of the coach. It must be presented to the Athletic Director/Coordinator within two school days of the notice of the consequences by the coach to the student athlete.
• The athlete will be allowed a reasonable opportunity to be heard, to present extenuating evidence or witnesses, and to have representation.
• The decision of the Athletic Director/Coordinator will be provided in writing, to the student athlete, no more than two school days after the student submits the appeal.
• The athlete may appeal the decision of the Athletic Director/Coordinator to the building administrator.
• The appeal must be in writing and must contain compelling reasons for changing the decision of the Athletic Director/Coordinator. It must be presented to the building administrator within two school days of the student’s receipt of the Athletic Directors/Coordinators written decision.
• The athlete will be allowed a reasonable opportunity to be heard, to present extenuating evidence or witnesses, and to have representation.
• The decision of the building administrator will be provided in writing, to the student athlete, no more than two school days after the appeal from the Athletic Director/Coordinator’s decision is submitted by the student.
• The decision of the building administrator is final.