NORTH FORK LOCAL SCHOOLS

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

CODE OF CONDUCT & RULES

OHSAA ELIGIBILITY GUIDE

ODH CONCUSSION INFORMATION

MARK BOWMAN, PRINCIPAL

BRIAN RADABAUGH, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL / ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

260 NORTH JEFFERSON STREET P.O. BOX 677

UTICA, OHIO 43080 (740) 892-2855

FAX - (740) 892-2090

http://www.northfork.k12.oh.us (REVISED JULY 2016)

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REV. 7/14 Board Approved _________

North Fork Local Schools

Student Activities

Conduct Code and Rules

INTRODUCTION The following student Activities Conduct Code and Rules govern those out-of-class pursuits known as extracurricular activities sponsored by Utica Junior High and Senior High School. Included, but not limited to, are all clubs, student council/class organizations, athletic programs, academic competitions, honor and award programs, intramurals, drama productions, and music performance events.

MEMBERSHIP Participation and/or membership are limited to those students who are enrolled as full-time students and meet all residency requirements of the school district. Other membership or participant requirements may include:

Controlled tryouts by the advisor, teacher, or coach

Elected by the student body or members of the faculty according to the provisions stated in the constitution/by-law of that activity

Limited to students by grade level, age, or those who demonstrate predetermined levels of competition or achievement

Limited to students who have achieved academic honors

PHILOSOPHY The most important goal of the North Fork Local School District’s Extracurricular Program is to provide every participant the opportunity to grow mentally, morally, physically, and emotionally. To assume that the program can provide these opportunities, a degree of self-discipline is required of each participant. Self-discipline involves compliance with rules and regulations concerning personal behavior. Rules promote order and safety and assist participants to reach maximum performance potential. Every participant should adhere to the rules of the school and conduct himself or herself as a “good citizen” of that school and the community at all times. Dedication and personal sacrifice by each participant promotes a sense of group unity and common goals.

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The parent/guardian plays a very critical role in helping the enforcement of the conduct code and rules of his/her son or daughter who participates in the extracurricular program of the North Fork Local Schools. The schools and parents must “team up” to work together to monitor and assure good decisions by our extracurricular participants. Compliance with the rules can help each participant learn values that carry beyond the extracurricular program and into daily living. In addition, research has shown that use/misuse and abuse of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol have harmful effects on the social and intellectual development of children and youth, and on their mental, physical, and emotional health. It must also be remembered that participation in extracurricular activities is not a right but a privilege that may be regulated. Therefore, all students who participate in interscholastic athletics or other extracurricular activities at any time must meet the following regulations from the date of enrollment or date of participation, whichever comes first. Failure to comply with the regulations could jeopardize a student’s whole extracurricular career.

RULES OF PARTICIPATION PREFACE Students who have the possibility of participating sometime during the year will be deemed participants or student athletes during the entire school year. RULE 1 Each participant shall comply with a code of conduct

which will entitle him/her to the honor and respect which he/she has rightfully earned through competition. Conduct resulting in dishonor to a participant reflects not only on him/her but also on his/her team and school. Any act of unacceptable conduct which violates the Utica High School Student Code of Conduct, the Student Activities Conduct Code and Rules, and/or team rules makes him/her unqualified to represent the ideals, principles, and standards or his/her school.

PENALTY Alleged infractions of this rule shall be considered by the advisor/coach, activities director, and principal. Denial of participation in activity/athletics from one game (or event) to one calendar year from the date of the incident depending on the seriousness of the infraction may be imposed.

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RULE 2 There will be no use or sale of any drugs (alcohol, marijuana, narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, look-alike, or intoxicants of any kind) by students during the school year at any school activities, home or away. Students found to be using or possessing drugs anytime during the school year by a school employee or law enforcement officer, a positive test result, using or possessing drugs at school, coming to school or activities after using drugs or those who admit to using drugs at school or activities will be handled as follows:

PENALTY For a first offense, the student will be denied participation in 20% of the current season or activity. The student will participate and complete a drug assistance program*. A second violation will result in being denied participation for one calendar year from the date of the infraction. To reestablish eligibility, the student must participate and complete a drug assistance program*.

A third violation will result in being barred from participation for the remainder of his/her high school or junior high career.

*Failure to complete the drug assistance program

will result in an extension of the denial of participation in the activity/sport until the drug assistance program has been completed.

RULE 3 All participants in extracurricular activities must submit to

mandatory initial and random drug testing and complete the Informed Consent Agreement. Students found to be using or possessing drugs anytime during the school year by a school employee or law enforcement officer, a positive test result, using or possessing drugs at school, coming to school or activities after using drugs or those who admit to using drugs at school or activities will be handled as follows:

PENALTY See “Procedures in the Event of a Positive Result” per North Fork Local School District Mandatory Drug Testing Policy, adopted October 2012.

RULE 4 There will be no use or possession of tobacco by a

student during the season. A season shall be defined as a period from the first day of organized practice (which includes conditioning periods) until the completion of the final game/activity of the season. (This applies to all

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forms of tobacco- snuff, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco.)

PENALTY For a first offense, the student will be denied participation in 10% of the current season or activity. A second violation will result in being denied participation for one calendar year from the date of the infraction. A third violation will result in being barred from participation for the remainder of his/her high school or junior high career.

RULE 5 All students shall abide by the curfews set forth by the

advisor/coach while their activity/sport is in season. (Exceptions to the curfew exist upon special permission granted by the advisor/coach.)

PENALTY The advisor/coach will determine the punishment which could range from a reprimand or extra work during practice to suspension from participation.

RULE 6A Students may not quit a sport or activity during the

season. If the student is cut from a squad, the student may try out for another sport at the discretion of the second advisor/coach.

PENALTY The student cannot participate in another activity/sport until that activity/sport has completed its last contest/performance. Students who quit after the first practice or activity may not try out for another sport/activity in the same season unless both advisors/coaches mutually agree. If a student quits a sport or activity during the season, the student may participate in that sport or activity the next season.

RULE 6B Students wishing to participate in an activity/sport have

one week from the last contest/activity to begin participation in the next activity/sport. After that one week grace period, a student will not be allowed to participate in that activity/sport. If a student is under a doctor’s care or participating in an event which prohibits them from attending the beginning of practice when an activity/sport is starting to practice, contact must be made with the head advisor/coach of the particular sport to explain why the student is not able to begin participation. New students moving into our district will have one week from enrollment to begin participation in an activity/sport already in progress providing they are deemed eligible by the OHSAA. The athletic council may

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supersede the rule in an extreme situation by a majority vote.

PENALTY After the one week period, a student is then ineligible to participate in that particular activity/sport.

RULE 7A To be eligible during any grading period, a student must

receive passing grades in a minimum of five (5) graded subjects which count as a minimum of five credits per nine weeks toward graduation. This eligibility will be checked starting with the grades received on the student’s midterm (interim) report. Any student not passing 5 classes will be placed on Academic probation for a 1 week period. The Student will meet with the Activities Director and their Head Coach. Parent / Guardian will also be notified. The student must be passing 5 classes by the end of the probation period to maintain eligibility. If they do not improve they will be ruled ineligible for competition until all requirements are met. No make-up work is to be given to students who do not turn in assignments on time (exception – students who had an excused absence) for the purpose of making a student eligible.

PENALTY Denial of participation of the participant for one week (starts midnight Saturday and ends midnight the following Saturday) or until all requirement are met. An ineligible athlete/participant may not dress but may sit on the bench

RULE 7B To be eligible during any grading period, a student must have been in school and received passing grades in a minimum of five (5) graded subjects which count as a minimum of five credits per nine weeks toward graduation during the preceding grading period. No special recitations, make-up work, tests, or other considerations are to be given for the purpose of making a student eligible. Eligibility starts new each nine-week grading period. Rule 7B is in accordance with OHSAA guidelines.

PENALTY The student is denied participation for the entire grading period in question (OHSAA guidelines).

RULE 7C Scholastic deficiencies at the end of grading periods 1,

2, & 3 cannot be removed by night school, tutoring, or by examinations other than accorded every other student because of illness certified to by a physician and concluded within five days after the official close to the grading period. If, at the end of the school year, a

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student meets the academic requirements of the OHSAA, but falls short of the Utica High School/Junior High School requirements, that student will be permitted to make up his/her deficiency in summer school approved by the high school or junior high principal. The following year’s eligibility will be determined by the OHSAA rules. If a student fails to meet the eligibility requirements of the OHSAA, he/she is not permitted to make up the deficiency in summer school.

PENALTY Loss of eligibility for one grading period (OHSAA guidelines).

RULE 8 Students must be in attendance for a minimum of four

class periods (on a nine period schedule) the day of a game, practice, or activity unless excused by principal (it must be an excusable absence).

PENALTY The student will be denied participation on the day of the absence.

RULE 9 Unauthorized wearing of equipment, failure to return

issued equipment and/or stealing of school equipment. PENALTY Student cannot participate in another activity/sport or the

present sport until the season ends. Student cannot participate in a new sport season until all equipment has been returned or restitution has been made. Stealing of school equipment will result in additional punishment from the school code of conduct.

RULE 10 Student ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct or flagrant

foul. PENALTY Any student ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct or

flagrant foul shall be ineligible for contests for the next seven calendar days in the sport from which the student was ejected. If no contests are scheduled during this seven day period at the same level as the ejection, the student shall be ineligible for the next football game or a minimum of two contests in any other sport. If the ejection occurs in the last contest of the season, the student shall be ineligible for the same period of time as stated above on the next sport in which the student participates. A student under suspension may not sit on the team bench, enter the locker room, or be affiliated with the team in any way; traveling to, during, or after the contest. A student who is ejected a second time shall be suspended for the remainder of the season in that sport. (At minimum, OHSAA guidelines must be followed.)

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RULE 11A Practices during the regular season will be mandatory.

Regular season shall be defined as the period of time from the date set forth by the OSHAA to begin regular practice until the final game of the season.

RULE 11B Disrespect to coaches, officials, school personnel, or any

unbecoming behavior during a contest will not be tolerated.

RULE 11C Improper language should never be used. RULE 11D Students who are suspended from school or classes

shall not be permitted to practice or participate during the entire period of the suspension. If a student is assigned to a detention, he/she shall not participate in any contest/activity on that day until the detention has been served. DETENTIONS COME FIRST!

RULE 11E All additional rules and regulations set forth by their

coaches/advisors will be followed by students. RULE 11F Students will follow all rules and regulations set forth in

their student handbook. READ YOUR STUDENT HANDBOOK.

PENALTY Rules 11A-F shall be dealt with by the individual advisor/coach. Repeated violations (3 or more) could result in removal from the activity/sport.

Advisors/coaches have the following options of discipline available for violations of the above listed training rules:

A. Extra workouts (after practice has completed) B. Denial of participation (for a

game/performances/practices) C. Denial of participation (remainder of season) D. Denial of student letters or awards.

DENIAL OF PARTICIPATION- DUE PROCESS The following procedures apply only to students while they are participating in an activity/athletic season or violate training rules during the off season while not attending school or school activities. The procedure for denial of participation of students who violate one or more of the above rules during school or school activities while not participating in an activity /athletic season will be handled by the high school principal as part of the suspension process being sure to follow all rules of due process. The denial of participation for students convicted by

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law or observed by a school employee violating one of the above rules while off of school property and while not attending a school activity will be handled by the activities director.

1. All advisors/coaches will discuss the school and individual training rules with the students prior to the beginning of the season.

2. Parents will either meet or talk with the individual advisors/coaches or staff to discuss the rules and sign a release that states they have reviewed and discussed the rules with their student.

3. There shall be on file in the activities director’s office a signed statement that the rules have been reviewed by both the student and parents.

4. If a student is charged with a violation of the rules, the procedure will be as follows:

A. The advisor/coach will give written and verbal notice of the violation to the student and the parent. There will be a discussion between the advisor/coach and the student.

B. If, after the discussion, the advisor/coach feels the need to refer the student to the activities director, the activities director will have an informal hearing with the student (the student’s coach/advisor and principal, may be included in the informal hearing). When the student is being considered for a denial of participation, the activities director will notify the student of the reason. The student will then be given the opportunity to explain his/her side. After the informal hearing, the activities director will make a decision whether or not to deny participation. If a student is denied participation, the student and the parent will be notified within one day the reason and the length of time and/or the number of games of the denial of participation.

C. The student and his/her parent or guardian may request an appeal of the denial. The appeal must be made within 24 hours of the denial of participation notification. The review board shall consist of the principal or his designate, advisor/head coach (1) from another activity/sport, and a teacher not involved in an activity/athletic program. The review board’s decision is final.

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GENERAL REGULATIONS DUAL ACTIVITIES Once a student attends the first five days of practice of an activity, he/she may not quit to tryout for another activity unless the two advisors/coaches mutually agree to change. If the participant is cut, he/she may tryout for a second activity at the discretion of the advisor/coach of the second group. ELIGIBLITY All participants will have their scholastic eligibility checked at the midterm each 9 weeks. Any student not passing 5 classes will be placed on academic probation for a 1 week period. The student must be passing 5 classes by the end of the probation period to remain eligible. If ruled ineligible the participant will not be permitted to dress or participate in activities until all requirements are met. For eligibility, junior high students must receive passing grades in five subjects and high school students must receive passing grades in a minimum of five one-credit courses, or the equivalent. JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY (OHSAA GUIDELINES)

1. The student must be currently enrolled in a member school. 2. Eligibility for each grading period is determined by grades

received the preceding grading period. 3. All beginning seventh graders are eligible insofar as scholarship

bylaw. 4. A seventh/eighth grade student-athlete, must have received

passing grades in at least five subjects during the preceding grading period.

5. Eighth grade students must have passed at least five subjects during the last grading period of the eighth grade year to be eligible at the beginning of their 9th grade year.

6. Summer school may not be used to substitute for failing grades received in the final grading period.

7. At least one parent lives in Ohio. 8. The student did not turn 15 before August 1 of the current school

year. 9. The student did not receive an award, equipment, or prize valued

at greater than $200 per item. 10. The student is competing under his/her true name and has

provided the school with his/her correct home address. 11. The student did not compete in mandatory open gym/facility,

conditioning or instructional program. 12. The student has not been coached or provided instruction by a

school coach in a team sport other than during the sports

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season, during an instructional period approved by the OHSAA or for no more than 10 days between June 1 and July 31.

13. The student is not competing on a non-school team during the school team’s season.

14. The student has not been recruited for athletic purposes to attend the school.

15. The student is not using anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

16. The student has had a physical examination within the past year and it is on file at the school.

17. The student and parent/guardian attended a preseason meeting at the school no later than two weeks after the beginning of each sports season.

18. The student and parent/guardian reviewed the concussion management protocol and signed the Ohio Department of Health’s “Concussion Information Sheet” and returned to the school.

HIGH SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY (OHSAA GUIDELINES)

1. The student must be currently enrolled in a member school. 2. The student is enrolled in at least five one credit courses or the

equivalent, each of which counts towards graduation. 3. Eligibility for each grading period is determined by grades

received the preceding grading period. 4. The student must have received passing grades in a minimum of

five one- credit courses, or the equivalent, in the previous grading period in order to be eligible the next grading period. Summer school may not be used to substitute for failing grades received in the final grading period.

5. The student has not been enrolled in high school for more than eight semesters.

6. The student has not changed schools without a corresponding move by his/her parents/legal guardian or without qualifying for one of the exceptions to the OHSAA transfer regulation.

7. If the student has changed schools (transferred), he/she has followed up with the new school to ensure that all proper forms have been submitted to the OHSAA office.

8. At least one parent lives in Ohio. 9. The student did not turn 19 before August 1 of the current school

year. 10. The student did not receive an award, equipment, or prize valued

at greater than $200 per item. 11. The student is competing under his/her true name and has

provided the school with his/her correct home address. 12. The student did not compete in mandatory open gym/facility,

conditioning or instructional program.

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13. The student has not been coached or provided instruction by a school coach in a team sport other than during the sports season, during an instructional period approved by the OHSAA or for no more than 10 days between June 1 and July 31.

14. The student is not competing on a non-school team during the school team’s season.

15. The student has not been recruited for athletic purposes to attend the school.

16. The student is not using anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

17. The student has had a physical examination within the past year and it is on file at the school.

18. The student and parent/guardian attended a preseason meeting at the school no later than two weeks after the beginning of each sports season.

19. The student and parent/guardian reviewed the concussion management protocol and signed the Ohio Department of Health’s “Concussion Information Sheet” and returned to the school.

EXCUSING FROM SCHOOL No participants may be excused from school or class without permission of the principal. FUNDRAISING Fundraising projects that entail door-to-door solicitations are discouraged. All fundraising projects or benefit games should be requested by the advisor/coach at the beginning of the activity in order to avoid conflicts with other fundraising projects. INJURIES AND/OR ILLNESS Participation of a student who has been ill or injured must be approached with great caution. If there is any question as to the physical condition of the participant, a physician should be consulted. An athletic trainer is available with scheduled visits at the high school. INSURANCE Students participating in the athletic program at either the junior or senior high level must be covered with an accident insurance policy in one of the following two ways: School insurance or a school insurance waiver signed by the parents stating they have adequate insurance coverage. An insurance waiver form must be on file prior to the first official practice unless school insurance is purchased.

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LETTERING IN SPORTS VARSITY AWARDS:

1st Year - 7” red with gray background “U” with a sport insert

2nd Year - A certificate and a service bar

3rd Year – A plaque and a service bar

4th Year – A plaque and a service bar RESERVE AWARDS:

Freshman shall receive numerals for Letterman Jacket & Certificate of Participation.

Reserve shall receive Certificate of Participation & numerals if not already possessed.

A coach/advisor may give a reserve award to an athlete he/she feels has not earned a varsity award.

JUNIOR HIGH AWARDS:

Shall receive a Certificate of Participation. STATISTICIAN & MANAGER AWARDS:

In a like manner as to the team they have represented SPECIAL AWARDS:

It is the coach’s discretion to select the types of awards that will be presented.

PARENT CONCERNS – STEPS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS Step #1: Contact the coach. Many problems can be solved by talking with the coach first. This can be done via the phone, sending a letter, or scheduling a conference with the particular coach. If the problem cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, then proceed to the next step. *You must complete this step first. Step #2: Contact the Activities Director. Using the criteria from step number one, seek a conference with the Activities Director. If the complaint/concern is still unresolved, proceed to the next step. *Playing time is not an issue to bring to Steps 2-5. Playing time is determined at the coach’s discretion. Step #3: Contact the principal. Using the criteria from step number two, seek a conference with the building principal. If the complaint/concern is still unresolved, proceed to the next step. Step #4: Contact the Superintendent. After discussing the problem with the superintendent, if a satisfactory course of action has not appeared to happen, then proceed to the next step. Step #5: Contact the Board of Education. If your complaint/concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction after progressing through steps #1-4, you may bring your complaint/concern to the Board of Education.

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PARENT MEETINGS Coaches are required to conduct a mandatory, pre-season meeting with all students-athletes who wish to participate in the upcoming sports seasons and their parents. At least one parent must attend this meeting with their student-athlete in order for the student-athlete to participate in the upcoming season. If the parent is unable to attend the scheduled pre-season meeting, arrangements must be made to meet with the coach prior to participating. A phone conference, as a last resort, can be acceptable in meeting this requirement if a meeting cannot be arranged. At least one parent representative from each sports team will be required to attend the Redskins Boosters meeting. PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS Each athlete must have a physical examination form completed and on file in the activities director’s office before he/she will be permitted to practice. The school will attempt to sponsor an examination for a minimal fee; any athlete not getting a physical on the scheduled examination date must do so at his/her own expense. REQUIREMENTS FOR LETTERING IN SPORTS BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, CROSS COUNTRY, GOLF, FOOTBALL, SOFTBALL, TRACK, VOLLEYBALL, and WRESTLING. The criteria used to award a letter are as follows: Athletes must participate in one-half of the contests, be on the team through the end of the season, and/or the coaches’ discretion. CHEERLEADERS: Junior high cheerleaders will receive a certificate after completing football season and a letter and pin after successfully completing the football and basketball cheerleading season. Freshmen cheerleaders will receive a certificate after successfully completing football season and are awarded a megaphone patch and a pin after successfully completing football and basketball cheerleading season. Reserve cheerleaders are awarded a certificate after successfully completing the football season and a letter and pin upon successfully completing one year as a reserve cheerleader through basketball season. A cheerleader completing two years as a reserve cheerleader will receive a certificate after successfully completing the football season and service bar after successfully completing the football and basketball cheerleading seasons. A varsity cheerleader will receive a certificate after successfully completing football season and a letter and pin after successfully completing one year as a varsity cheerleader through basketball season. After successfully completing two years as a varsity cheerleader they will receive a service bar at the fall banquet and a 2nd year award certificate at the winter banquet. A varsity cheerleader successfully completing three years of cheerleading will receive a service bar at the fall banquet and a plaque at the end of the basketball season.

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SCHOOL DISMISSAL There shall be no athletic practice or games played when school is dismissed early because of weather conditions unless authorized by the principal. High school practices can be scheduled on a day school is canceled due to weather conditions. The practices must be scheduled after 12:00 pm (noon) and be concluded by 5:00 pm. The practices cannot be mandatory. When school is dismissed for the entire day, high school games may or may not be played at the discretion of the superintendent in consultation with the activities director or principal. All junior high games and practices are canceled whenever school is dismissed early or canceled for the day (*League tournament games may be played if both schools involved and the tournament site manager agree to play the game). STUDENTS’ UNAUTHORIZED USE OF SCHOOL FACILITY The advisor/coach is responsible for the participants until they are off the school premises. Students should never use any facilities, locked or unlocked, without permission and supervision of a school employee. STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN MORE THAN ONE SPORT Students who plan to participate in the next succeeding activity may not practice or participate until the Monday following the last event unless permission is granted by the activities director. TEAM MEMBER AWARD Awards, as a result of participation in interscholastic athletics, may be accepted by the student from any source as long as those items do not exceed in value of $100.00 per award. TRANSPORTATION Students participating at events at both the junior and senior high levels shall be transported in one of the following manners:

1. School bus 2. Private cars driven by authorized school personnel 3. Private cars driven by their parents with activity transportation

release form filled out. 4. No student will return home from away trips with their parents

unless arrangements have been made with the coach, in writing.

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