ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

PORTVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL
ATHLETICS
CODE OF CONDUCT
FOR PARTICIPATION IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

****New this year****

There is no code of conduct meeting, instead everyone needs to watch the Power Point presentation and complete the form.

Click here for the Power Point presentation and form.

**Every Athlete needs to complete the code of conduct! **

If you have any questions, please contact Beth Colligan.

Cell: 716-790-0484 or email: ecolligan@portvillecsd.org

ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

PHILOSOPHY

The Interscholastic Athletic/Extracurricular program at Portville Central School is designed to meet the needs of students who want to express their abilities through participation in the school’s programs. Students are encouraged to participate in these activities as a part of the scholastic experience.

Participation in Interscholastic Athletic/Extracurricular activities at PortvilleCentral School is a privilege, and with this privilege each student assumes responsibilities for conduct, academics and attendance.

This Interscholastic/Extracurricular policy has been adopted to promote excellent sportsmanship and citizenship, to protect the health, safety and welfare of the students engaged in any activity and to assist the students in building sound moral character.

All participants in Interscholastic Athletic/Extracurricular Activities are ambassadors representing Portville Central School and are expected to maintain a positive image both at home and at away functions.

Attention – participation in activities does involve some risk. Physical injury can occur in any type of activity. When participating in a school-sponsored activity, a student and his parent/guardians acknowledge the potential risk for physical injury.

The insurance provided by the school district is very limited, offering only secondary (not primary) coverage for injuries sustained in school related accidents. The student’s family insurance in expected to provide primary or basic coverage.

ATHLETICS

A. Once each school year every athlete must pass an approved physical examination prior to participating in any interscholastic sport/activity. Each athlete is responsible for reporting for the physical at the scheduled time.

B. All eligibility and sportsmanship requirements of the NYSPHSSA (New York State Public High School Athletes Association) and those of Section 6 and other pertinent leagues with which Portville is affiliated must be followed. Any questions should be directed to the Athletic/Extracurricular Director. These documents can be found in the high school office.

C. A student must dress and participate in Physical Education class in order to participate in any after school activity.

EXTRA CURRICULAR AND ATHLETICS

A. If a student is unable to participate due to any injury or illness requiring a physician’s attention, he/she must present a written release from the attending physician.

B.Academic and Attendance eligibility, according to Portville Central School’s policies, must be maintained.

C. A student participant must return the signed form to the coach or advisor within five (5) participation days from the beginning of the activity. The coach/advisor is responsible to collect, keep and file the consent forms. If the signed consent form is not received within this time period, the student/participant is not eligible for practice or games.

CODE OF CONDUCT

A. Academic Policy

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

A student participating in any extracurricular activities, including athletics, cheerleading, marching band, drama club, ski club, dances, or any other school extracurricular functions are expected to budget his/her time in order to fulfill both his/her academic and extracurricular responsibilities. The “Study Center” is designed to assist students with their academics while maintaining eligibility in extracurricular activities.

Recommendations/Referrals:

At the completion of the third week of school, teachers will report any student who is failing or has an incomplete to the Main Office via e-mail.

At each five week period throughout the school year, teachers will report to the Main Office, students who are failing or have incompletes in their particular class. Teachers will also notify the Office if they have no one to report. Each five week period will coincide with progress reports and/or report cards as noted in the school calendar.

At the five week mark, any student currently participating or planning on participating in any extracurricular activity and reported in two or more classes is required to attend the Study Center.

Study Center Guidelines:

A student reported in two or more classes at the third week point in the school year will be required to study center in order to remain eligible in his/her current activity. This student will remain on the ineligibility list at least until the first five week list takes effect. This student will continue to participate in practices and contests.

The Study Center will operate Monday through Thursday, from 2:35 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.

A student must attend until they have reduced the number of failures and/or incompletes to one.

Teachers may release a student from the Study Center by notifying the main office, in writing, that the student is now meeting expectations in that particular class. The ineligibility list will be updated each Monday.

A student appearing on the list will be considered on probation for a period of one week. This student may continue his/her activities, including practices and contests, provided he/she attend Study Center sessions.

A student remaining on the list after the first week of probation will be ineligible for any contests or activities until his/her name is removed from the list. A student is required to participate in activity related practices. Attendance at practice is contingent on Study Centerattendance. Attendance in contests, in street clothes, is at the discretion of the coach and /or advisor.

Student Responsibility:

A student is required to arrive at the Study Center by 2:35 p.m., and remain until 3:25 p.m.

A student is responsible for contacting the referring teacher(s) for work and assignments.

A student is required to bring necessary materials to the Study Center and to utilize his/her time constructively. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

Tardiness will be considered non-attendance. In addition, a student must bring appropriate work to the Study Center. Failure to do so will also be considered non-attendance.

Ineligibility Examples:

  1. A student whose name appears on the Academic Ineligibility list are not eligible to participate in any extracurricular activities unless they are attending sessions in the Study Center. Please see Study Center Attendance.

  2. A student planning on trying out for a play, athletic team, etc., will need to be attending Study Center sessions in order to try out.

  3. A student planning on attending one time events, such as attending a dance or play, will also need to be in regular and continual attendance at the Study Center from the time of the recommendation.

B. Attendance

  1. A student must be in school the last day that school was in session prior to the event and the next day that school is in session after an event to be eligible to participate in the next scheduled event. A student is also expected to be in school the entire day unless he/she has a legal excuse. If an emergency occurs, the parent/guardian is requested to contact the school nurse/attendance officer as soon as possible with a written note to follow. Should the student provide a legal written excuse that can be substantiated, the student will not be denied the right to participate. There will be no carry over from season to season. Coaches/Advisors are responsible to oversee their participants’ attendance.

  2. Only one unexcused tardy, as per B-1, may be permitted per athletic season. The reason for the tardy must be explained to the nurse as soon as possibleafter arrival to school. Documentation of the reason for tardiness may be requested, depending on the situation. Excuses for tardiness will be considered on an individual basis. In the case where a student fails to contact the nurse, permission for participation will be denied.

  3. Excused absences are defined as absences due to personal illness, illness or death in the family, impassable road due to inclement weather, religious observance, quarantine, required court appearance, attendance at Health Clinics, approved college visits, approved cooperative work programs, military obligations, or such other reasons as may be approved by the Commissioner of Education.

C. Detention

Detention takes precedence over practice or an event/activity and must be served before practice may be attended.

D. Out of School and In School Suspension

A student who is subject to School Suspension cannot practice or participate in any game or activity during the time of suspension. A student’s Out of School suspension ends at midnight of the final day of the suspension.

E. Drugs and Alcohol

1. Rule

  1. A student will not manufacture, distribute, possess, procure, or use illegal drugs or controlled substances, alcohol, or tobacco products. (Possession means to have physical possession, or otherwise to exercise dominance or control over tangible property in accordance with New York/State Penal Law, Section 10.000(8).

2. Reporting of Violations

  1. Reports of alleged violations must be made by a person witnessing the incident. The individual(s) must submit to the Principal or his designee a signed report detailing the alleged violations within three (3) school days.

  2. If the district obtains knowledge of the convictions of a student in a court of law for an offense under Article E: #1, the investigation procedure will apply with this conviction constituting a violation of these eligibility rules.

  3. Any alleged violation on school property or at a school sponsored event must be reported to the administration.

3. Procedures

  1. Upon receipt of the signed report of an alleged drug/alcohol violation the Principal or his designee shall, in an expeditious manner, provide verbal notice, followed by written notice, to the student, and his/her parents/guardians that an investigation of the alleged violation is taking place. The reasons for the investigation and the possibility of suspension from extracurricular activities will be included in the notice. The activity advisor and/or coach shall also be informed immediately.

  2. The student and the student’s parents/guardians will meet with the Principal or his designee and other staff, as appropriate, in an expeditious manner following the initial notification of the alleged violation. At such meeting, the student and/or parents/guardians will be given the opportunity to question the information upon which the alleged violation is based, and to submit additional information or explanations.

  3. The Principal or his designee will make a final determination in the matter, in an expeditious manner and verbal and written notice will be given promptly to both the student and parents/guardians and the coach or activity advisor.

4. Responses to Violations of Article E: #1

  1. First Violation

    Upon determination of a first violation of the drug/alcohol rule, the student shall be immediately removed from participation in any and all interscholastic/extracurricular activities for the period of 28 calendar days. The student may be reinstated after 14 calendar days dismissal if the student provides documentation/verification of three (3) voluntary sessions for substance abuse education.

  2. Second Violation

    Upon determination of a second violation of the drug/alcohol rule, the student shall be immediately removed from participation in any and all extracurricular/interscholastic activities for a period of 28 days. The student will be reinstated after 28 days dismissal only when the athlete provides documentation/verification of three (3) sessions for substance abuse prevention education.

  3. Third Violation

    Upon determination of a third violation of the drug/alcohol rule during any one school year, the student shall be removed from participation in all interscholastic athletic/extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year, regardless of the season the violation was incurred. There will be no carry over of this suspension to the following academic year.

Note: All disciplinary actions are at the discretion of the athletic director, principal and/or superintendent

F. Cell Phones

The use of built-in cameras in cell phones and other electronic devices is prohibited in locker rooms at all times.

G. Attire/Hairstyles

A student who represents Portville Central School will be expected to wear appropriate and suitable clothing consistent with all established standards of dress required by Portville Central School as stated in Board policy and the school calendar. A student also will have an appropriate hairstyle that is consistent with the standards of Portville Central School. A student will be notified of acceptable and unacceptable standards of representation prior to the beginning of the competitive season or activity.

H. Away Activities

  1. A student must ride the school bus to and from away games and/or activities. Parents and/or guardians may only transport their child after signing a release with the coach or advisor at the site of the activity. Only the Principal or his designee is authorized to alter this rule.

  2. Portville students must remain together as a group and are not to leave the area of the activity. A student is representing Portville Central School, and accordingly, their conduct should always be exemplary and reflect a positive image.

  3. A student will treat any place visited with the highest respect and leave those places visited in excellent condition.

I. School Uniform/Equipment

  1. School uniforms and equipment are loaned to a student for his/her use. The uniform and equipment must be returned at the completion of an activity season in a reasonable condition as determined by the Coach or his designee. It is the responsibility of the coaches/advisors to collect school uniforms and equipment in a timely fashion.

  2. A student is not permitted to use designated equipment and uniforms for his/her own personal use, other than scheduled games, practice sessions, and team related activities.

  3. In the event a student does not return equipment, or the equipment is unreasonably damaged, parents/legal guardians will be responsible for any costs incurred.

J. Miscellaneous

Individual coaches or advisors may recommend additional items to supplement the above rules. These additional items will be given to the Principal or his designee prior to the beginning of the season for approval.

K. Other Violations

Nothing in this Code of Conduct precludes the District from imposing discipline, which may include suspension from interscholastic athletics or extracurricular activities, for other types of misconduct or violations of school policies. Any such discipline shall be imposed according to the rules set forth in District policy and/or state law and Commissioner’s regulation.

L. Student Behavior

A student is expected to behave in a manner that represents Portville Central School when participating in any extracurricular activity. Behavior deemed inappropriate by the polices will be dealt with on an individual basis by the school administration.

APPEALS

A. A student and/or parent/guardian has the right to appeal any penalty imposed for violation of the Code of Conduct. An individual choosing to initiate the appeal process must contact the Principal or his designee within three (3) school days of the imposition of penalty who will convene and Appeals Committee. All parties are entitled to be present and address the Committee. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be rendered within expedient manner and notice given to all parties. The function of the Appeals Committee is to determine whether or not there has been a violation of the Code of Conduct.

The Appeals Committee shall be composed of the following:

  1. Administrator selected by the Superintendent

  2. Guidance

  3. Teacher

  4. Coach/Advisor chosen by Superintendent or his designee

  5. A parent from Sports Boosters Organization is chosen by the superintendent

    (Each designee shall have an alternate in the case that the first designee is unavailable. An individual involved in making the original decision shall not be on the Appeals Committee).

B. The student and/or parents/guardians have the further right to appeal any determination made by the Appeal Committee within 24 hours to the Superintendent. Appeals to the Superintendent must be initiated within three (3) days of the imposition of penalty. The Superintendent will issue his/her decision within three (3) school days.

C. Additionally, the Board of Education has the power to review the decisions of the Superintendent. Any party involved may initiate an appeal by contacting the president of the Board of Education within three (3) days of the Superintendent’s decision. The Board of Education shall meet and render a decision within five (5) school days.

D. Appeals from the decision of the Board of Education may be made to the New York State Commissioner of Education in Albany and/or the court system. Advice regarding these levels of appeal should be sought from a qualified individual.

Sport Parent Code of Conduct

Based upon the “Six Pillars of Character”

Preamble

The essential elements of character-building and ethics is sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility fairness, caring, and good citizenship.The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”

I therefore agree:

  1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.

  2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for the youth, not the adults.

  3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.

  4. I will learn the rules of the game.

  5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect, courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.

  6. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player or parent such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.

  7. I will not encourage in any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of the athletes.

  8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

  9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

  10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.

  11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.

  12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.

  13. I will emphasized skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning.I will also deemphasize games and competition in the lower age groups. 14. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

  14. I will respect the officials and their authority during the games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.

  15. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.

  16. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during the games, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or head of league organization

  • Written warning

  • Parental game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved

  • Game forfeit through the official or coach

  • Parent season suspension

I have read the information contained in this INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC/EXTRACURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT and I agree to abide by these rules and regulations governing student participation in all interscholastic athletic/extracurricular activities at Portville Central School.

I have also completed and signed the interval Health History Form that is required by the State of New York.

ATTENTION - Participation in activities does involve some risk. Physical injury can occur in any type of activity. When participating in a school-sponsored activity, a student and his parents/guardians acknowledge the potential risk for physical injury.

The insurance provided by the school district is very limited, offering only secondary (not primary) coverage for injuries sustained in school related accidents. The student’s family insurance in expected to provided primary or basic coverage.