2022-2023 Athletic Code of Conduct

[Editing underway]


OTSELIC VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL




Otselic Valley Central School

Athletic Code of Conduct

2022



Athletic Mission Statement

To aid in the academic, emotional, and physical development of our student athletes, by promoting hard work, dedication, and commitment. Participation in high school athletics teaches morals, values, and develops self-discipline and self-esteem while practicing positive sportsmanship.

Vision

We aspire to be a model program that empowers all student-athletes to realize their unlimited potential.

Table of Contents

Academic Eligibility
High School Eligibility (grades 9-12)
Middle School Eligibility (grades 7-8)
Alcohol and Drug Use    
First Offense
Second Offense
Athletic Code of Conduct  
Athletic Philosophy    
Attendance Policy  
Due Process  
The Accused Student/Athlete Has the Following Rights
Appeal Procedure
Eligibility/Selection Classification    
Modified  
Junior Varsity and Varsity    
Equipment/Uniforms and Property
Coaches
Athletes    
Head Coach: Varsity Sports    
Images and/or Written Information in the Public Domain  
Interscholastic Sports Offered at Otselic Valley Central School    
Objectives of the Interscholastic Sports Program  
   Modified (Grades 7 and 8) (9*)    
   Junior Varsity (JV)    
   Varsity  
Prohibited School Conduct    
School Suspensions    
SMP (Success Management Program)    
Spectators Code of Conduct    
   STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY  
      SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT    
   PARENT INVOLVEMENT GUIDELINES  
   PARENT COMPLAINTS OR CONCERNS    
      TO EXPRESS A CONCERN ABOUT SCHOOL PERSONNEL
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MEMBER SCHOOLS    
Sports Physicals/ Report of Injury/ Medical Releases    
   Sports Physicals/ Injuries    
Tryouts/ Transferring/Quitting a Team/ Missing Practice    
   Tryouts
   Missing  
Transportation
   Transportation to and from Athletic Contests    
Student-Athletes Leaving Campus    
Student Conduct on a School Bus    
Appendix  
   School Transportation Waiver/Release Form for Student Athletes    
   Parent/Guardian Permission for Athletic Participation    


Academic Eligibility:

This policy affects the following activities, but is not limited to them; Athletics, L P P, field trips, F F A, Envirothon, dances, Booster Club events (cheer competition/soccer tournaments), musicals, Odyssey of the Mind, plays, and attending games/school events.  The administration has the right to add events to the list that take place on the O V C S campus or are sponsored by the School District.  Students on ineligibility lists may not participate in co-curricular activities including any away events.  

The Otselic Valley School District recognizes that academic success should be the goal of ALL students.  The purpose for attending school is to receive an education.  As a student-athlete, performer, or member of a club, you must plan your schedule so that you give sufficient time and energy to ensure acceptable grades.  The following is a list of expectations and consequences for failure to receive acceptable grades.

The purpose of this policy is to encourage and promote student achievement and set guidelines for student eligibility for school sponsored extra-curricular activities and sports.  

Student grades will be checked via School Tool at each five-week point throughout the school year.  Reports will be generated by the administration.

In the High School, a student with two failures in a five-week marking period is placed on probation.  They should seek out extra help in the subjects they are failing and will not be allowed to leave study halls.  A high school student with two failures in two consecutive five-week periods, will become ineligible.  When a high school student becomes ineligible, he/she cannot participate in ANY extra-curricular activity or sport for the next five-week marking period.  Any student failing three subjects or more becomes ineligible for the next five-week marking period.  At the conclusion of the five-week period, grades are revisited and the high school student with one failure or no failures, would become eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities again.

If a student is failing two subjects in a five-week period, he/she is placed on probation and a letter and phone call will go out to the parent/guardian by the principal, athletic director, or dean of students.  If a student fails any two subjects once again after the next five weeks (or is failing three or more subjects during any five-week period), he/she would be ineligible for the following five-week period.  A letter and phone call would then go home to inform the parent/guardian that their child has become ineligible for the next five weeks.  This can be done by the principal, athletic director, or dean of students.  Reports will be generated every 5 weeks by the administration.

Students that are ineligible are required to attend lunch time study halls.  While in lunch time study hall, the student must cooperate with all rules and productively complete assigned class work and homework.  They will get their lunch and immediately report to the study hall and begin working while eating.  There will be no talking, no phones and no fooling around.  

Note:  The determination for failing grades is based on five-week and ten-week marking periods throughout the year and NOT final grades.  At the end of the school year, a student could be on probation or ineligible based on 4th quarter grades.  If the student is deemed ineligible at that time, he/she will begin the next school year with that status (which prohibits participation in fall sports and extra-curricular activities that may begin in the summer.)  This status can only be changed if the student successfully completes summer school.  (Passing the course with a passing final grade does not make the student eligible; the student must complete summer school to be eligible to participate in any fall activities.)

After each five-week period, the dean of students will generate a list of students that are on probation or are ineligible to participate in sports and extra-curricular activities.  The list will be distributed to appropriate faculty, coaches, and club advisors.  It is the responsibility of the coaches and advisors to check the list to be sure only eligible students are participating during any five-week period.

Middle School Eligibility (grades 7-8):

The purpose of this policy is to encourage and promote student achievement and set guidelines for student eligibility in school sponsored extra-curricular activities and sports.  This policy will only apply to students in grades 7 and 8.  All students will be required to attend a 10th period study hall daily, regardless of their academic standing. This will allow us to provide extra support where needed.

Student grades will be checked via School Tool at each five-week point throughout the school year.  Reports will be generated by the administration.

Any Middle School student failing two or more classes at the five-week period will be required to attend lunch time study halls.  Students will be allowed to attend clubs, practices, or games, etc., after their assigned study halls are completed.  Failure to attend an assigned lunch time study hall will result in loss of after school privileges until completion of assigned study times.  Study hall teachers will keep attendance and let coaches/advisors know if someone has not attended.

While in lunch time study hall, the student must cooperate with all rules and productively complete assigned class work and homework.  They will get their lunch and immediately report to the study hall and begin working while eating.  There will be no talking, no phones, and no fooling around.  Students who attend their assigned study hall and follow the rules described above will be considered eligible to participate in extra- curricular activities and sports.  Students who do not attend their assigned study hall or do not behave appropriately or complete work in study hall will NOT be eligible for extra-curricular activities and sports.  They will be ineligible for the remainder of the five-week marking period.

Middle School grades will be checked at the end of each five-week marking period.  If a student is failing one or fewer courses, he/she will NOT be required to attend lunch time study halls but may choose to do so.  He or she will be considered eligible for extra-curricular activities and sports.

Middle School students will start fresh every September (during 7th and 8th grades) and will not be penalized for the prior year’s grades.    

Alcohol and Drug Use

It is clearly understood that the use of tobacco products and/or electronic cigarettes or vapes, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and the use of illegal drugs is dangerous to the health and general maturation of the adolescent and impacts negatively on a student-athlete’s ability to perform. Therefore: Athletes are not to possess, be in the presence of, or use alcohol, tobacco products, marijuana products, illegal drugs, or misuse prescription or nonprescription drugs/inhalants on or off school grounds.

First Offense:
•    The athlete will be suspended for a minimum of one-third of the total games.
•    The athlete will attend practices and athletic contests but may not dress or participate in any contests.
•    If the athlete is a team captain, the captain shall lose that privilege for the remainder of the season.
•    At the end of the season, a student who is completing a disciplinary action as a result of a violation of any rules shall be sanctioned for the remaining penalty (ies) in the next subsequent sport played. The athletic director shall determine the remaining contest(s) to be missed.

Second Offense:
•    The athlete will be suspended for one year for from interscholastic athletics.
•    The athlete will forfeit any awards they may receive for that season.
•    The athlete may be required to participate and complete a school-provided counseling program before being reinstated.

Athletic Code of Conduct: Expectations of Student Athletes
•    Be a good student and be respectful of teachers, staff, and classmates.
•    Complete and hand in all paperwork prior to the start of each season.
•    Attend all practices.
•    Follow all school rules and athletic training rules.
•    Communicate practice and game schedules with parents.
•    Display sportsmanship toward opponents, officials, spectators, and coaches.
•    Report all injuries to your coaches immediately.
•    Be a team player.
•    Have fun and represent Otselic Valley Central School with pride.

Athletic Philosophy
Interscholastic athletics play an important role in the educational program of our student-athletes and Otselic Valley Central School and we encourage their success in the classroom as well as on the field. In addition, we strive to teach the concepts of hard work, dedication, and commitment. Participation in athletics at the high school level has been shown to help students develop both basic and life skills, learn morals and values, develop self-discipline and self-esteem, and practice positive sportsmanship, thus improving their academic performance and preparation for life challenges.

Attendance Policy
Attendance Policy can be located in the OVCS Student Handbook/Code of Conduct
https://www.ovcs.org/2021-2022CodeofConduct.aspx

Due Process Procedure:

The Accused Student/Athlete Has the Following Rights:
a.    The right to be informed of the charges being brought against them.
b.    The right to be present with their parent/guardian when the charges are presented.
c.    The right to contest the charges and present evidence for their defense.
Appeal Procedure:
d.    Meet with coach/advisor.
e.    Meet with coach/advisor/parent/guardian.
f.    Meet with Principal
g.    Meet with Superintendent
h.    Meet with the Board of Education

Eligibility/Selection Classification
Modified
        Students in grades 7 and 8 (junior high school) are considered to be modified sport athletes. Unless considered otherwise by the varsity coach, they will be assigned to play on the modified level.

Under some circumstances, an athlete in 9th grade may be eligible for modified play if:
1.    They need more time to develop their skills
2.    There is no junior varsity team
3.    The varsity coach and the modified coach deem it appropriate

Junior Varsity and Varsity
    Students in grade 9 through 12 (high school athletes) are considered to be high school athletes. They shall play in the high school level of junior varsity or varsity. The varsity coach of the particular sport will assign the athletes to the appropriate high school level of play. In order for a student in grades 9 through 12 to be eligible for interscholastic athletics, the student must meet the eligibility requirements governing the intro to scholastic athletics as set forth by the Otselic Valley Central School District and the New York Public High School Athletic Association in regards to age and level of competition.

Under some circumstances, an athlete may be eligible for junior varsity or varsity play if:

1.    The coach of a specific sport requests that a student-athlete be considered to move up in classification and is making this request; the coach will take into consideration the following criteria:

2.    The student-athlete’s parent/guardian gives permission for the student to move up in classification.

3.    The student passes all parts of the Athletic Placement Process.

4.    Both the varsity coach of the particular sport and the parent/guardian of the student must be in agreement.

1.    Coaches should issue properly marked equipment for each sport. The item should be marked in a way that accurate records may be kept and it can be easily identified as O V C S athletic property.

2.    Written records should be kept of equipment issued to each participant; coaches are responsible for the collection of all the equipment. Have your athletes turn in all equipment and uniforms immediately following the final contest if possible.

3.    All coaches shall assist in preparing equipment for reconditioning and shall be responsible for its proper storage.

4.    All coaches will be expected to compile an up-to-date inventory of all equipment/uniforms involved in their sport. This should be turned in within a reasonable length of time (15 days) after their sport ends. This inventory should be turned into the athletic department.

**** Specific information is needed to track and care for our equipment/uniforms****

1.    Athletic equipment issued by O V C S sports programs should not be worn as regular attire on the streets, nor should it be used in lieu of physical education equipment.

2.    The athlete is asked to return the same equipment issued at the end of the sports season.

3.    All returned equipment should be clean and fit for storage. Athlete must notify the coach of any damaged equipment (the coach shall keep accurate records of equipment in need of repair or that has been repaired).

4.    All athletes are to turn in all equipment and uniforms immediately following the final contest if possible.

5.    Athletes who do not return equipment/uniform should be informed that there is an obligation to do so. The coach should make every effort to get equipment/uniform from athletes. If the athlete does not turn in equipment/uniform, their name should be given to the athletic office.

6.    In delinquent cases, please follow these procedures:

The varsity coach of a particular sport (baseball, basketball, soccer, and softball) is considered to be the program director of that sport and will be responsible for developing and administering the sport’s goals and objectives.

Images and/or Written Information in the Public Domain

Policy can be located in the OVCS Student handbook/Code of Conduct

https://www.ovcs.org/2021-2022CodeofConduct.aspx

FALL: Modified and varsity boys and girls soccer

WINTER: Modified and varsity boys and girls basketball

SPING: Modified and varsity baseball and softball

    This program of competitive sports focuses on the fundamentals of the game, team play, understanding of the rules, importance of physical and mental training, and skills development. At this introductory level a large emphasis is placed on academics, sportsmanship, chemical-free lifestyle, and physical and emotional growth. A smaller emphasis is placed on winning, and a larger emphasis is placed on participation.

Ninth grade students may participate at the modified level based on their skill level as decided by the varsity coach, the parent/guardian, or the athletic director.

    This program places increased emphasis on team play, physical conditioning, refinement of basic skills, and understanding how the individual fits a team rule. Winning at the junior varsity level is considered important; however, learning to cope with game situations and how to accept winning and losing with respect are also important. Maximum participation is important; however, not all participants may play equally in each contest.

    The varsity level of athletic competition is the pinnacle of the high school athletic program. At this level there is a strong emphasis placed on winning but not on winning at all costs. There continues to be a strong emphasis on academics, sportsmanship, and a chemical-free lifestyle. Team play, physical ability, motivation, mental attitude, and understanding your role are important aspects of competition at this level. Varsity contestants are expected to accept the fact that important lessons are to be learned from winning and losing. It is understood that all participants may not play in every contest.

Prohibited School Conduct

Policy can be located in the O V C S Student handbook/ Code of Conduct

https://www.ovcs.org/2021-2022CodeofConduct.aspx

School Suspensions

School suspension policy can be located in the O V C S Student handbook/Code of Conduct

https://www.ovcs.org/2021-2022CodeofConduct.aspx

S M P (Success Management Program)

The success management program policy can be located above or in the O V C S Student handbook/Code of Conduct

https://www.ovcs.org/2021-2022CodeofConduct.aspx

Spectators Code of Conduct

The member schools encourage the attendance of students, parents, and interested members of the community at all athletic events. We further encourage their active support of these programs by participating in those activities which lend themselves to stimulating student achievement, good sportsmanship, and school spirit. These activities should be positive in nature and within the guidelines of Section 3 code of conduct. It is not our intent to reduce the involvement of spectators or the enjoyment of those who participate. Rather, it is our goal to create an atmosphere which is conducive to healthy athletic competition, is safe for those involved, and which provides the ideals of sportsmanship and sound educational practices.

1.    Spectators are an important part of the game and shall at all times conform to accepted standards of good sportsmanship and behavior.

2.    Spectators shall, at all times respect officials, coaches, and players and extend all courtesies to them.

3.    Wholesome cheering is encouraged.

4.    Taunting, foul and abusive language, noisemakers, inflammatory remarks, and disrespectful signs and behavior are not acceptable.

5.    Spectator noisemakers or sound devices are prohibited, as per Section III.

6.    Spectators shall observe and obey the rules and regulations of the school concerning smoking, vaping, food and soft drink consumption, the use of laboratory facilities, and parking of cars.

7.    New York State law prohibits alcoholic beverages of any kind on school property; the law further prohibits any person under the influence of alcohol to be on school property.

8.    Spectators shall respect and obey all school officials, supervisors, and police at all athletic contests.

9.    Entrance into a sporting event is a privilege not a right. Please demonstrate positive sportsmanship. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.

10.    Be a “team” fan not a “my kid” fan.

•    Each head coach will be available, upon request, for conferences.

•    Conferences cannot be set up on the day of a game.

•    The coach will discuss what the student-athlete needs to work on or improve in order to maintain or increase their playing time.

•    The coach will only talk to a parent/guardian about their own child.

•    If satisfaction is not obtained, the parent/guardian should then follow the instructions under Parent Complaints or Concerns.

•    Parents who verbally abuse a coach may be liable for harassment/slander/defamation of character.

If you have a concern or complaint, it helps to bring it to the attention of the correct people. A parent/guardian should communicate first with the coach, then the athletic direction, then the principal, then with the superintendent.

a.    Every effort should be made to resolve a complaint with the coach involved.

b.    If the concern is not resolved with the coach, it should be submitted to the athletic director in writing.

c.    If the concern is not resolved with the athletic director, it should be submitted to the principal in writing.

d.    If the principal cannot resolve the problem, it will be submitted to the Superintendent.

1.    Use physical education classes, class meetings, and any/all other means to educate students as to what is expected of them.

2.    Prior to each contest, make an announcement as to what is expected of all those in attendance.

3.    Encourage officials to penalize poor sportsmanship.

4.    Visiting schools should provide supervision for away contests, especially for basketball and known rivalries in other sports.

5.    All Supervisors should wear identifying badges and be identified before the contest to the spectators.

6.    All Supervisors should be totally aware of what is expected of them, both home and away.

7.    School district representatives should be encouraged to communicate with each other both before and after contests relative to the possible occurrence of a problem, supervisory procedures, and follow up in the case of an incident.

8.    In basketball and known rivalries and other sports, an administrator or supervisor from the host school shall be designated as the person in charge and the name of this person shall be communicated to the visiting school

9.    The Section III Code of Conduct should be emphasized with every student in every school. Furthermore, it should be posted and also publicized by the way of Board Reports, school newspaper, Curriculum Guide, Booster Clubs, and other forms in the school district.

A.    All students must have a complete physical examination performed by an accredited medical doctor, or authorized medical practitioner, and be declared fit for the particular activity prior to participating in the athletic activity. The physical must be dated no later than one year from the start of the sport they are participating in. Paperwork must be submitted to the school nurse and deemed to meet all necessary requirements; coaches must receive clearance from the school nurse before the student athlete will be allowed to practice. No one may participate without a physical examination.

B.    All students must have their parents complete an Interval Health History prior to the start of each particular sport in addition to their physical examination. If the student has had their sports physical within 30 days of starting their sport, the interval health history is not required. No one may participate without an interval health history unless as stated above.

C.    Athletes/participants are responsible for reporting all injuries immediately to the Coach/Advisor. Injuries requiring medical attention from a practitioner will require a doctor's note for participation to continue in athletics. If a student is unable to participate in physical education during school hours, they will be unable to participate in the extracurricular activities as well.

D.    If illness or injury causes an absence of five (5) or more consecutive school days, written permission from the student’s doctor must be provided to our school nurse before participation can be resumed in athletic competition.

E.    If a student has sustained a head injury, and is diagnosed with a concussion, the student has to be seen and cleared by the School’s medical provider before being allowed to return to activity. Once a student is returned to the activity, the coaches will follow the Return to Play guidelines written by N Y S E D.

F.    Training Regulations and Responsibilities: Student athletes/activity participants must abide by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association rules.

Tryouts: The tryout period for a modified athlete (grades 7-8 that have passed the A P P test, or a 9th grade athlete) trying out for varsity shall be defined as participation in three (3) of the first five (5) practice days of the high school season. During the tryout period, the modified athlete may not return to the modified program until the athlete’s tryout is complete. At the end of the third day, the athlete is either a modified player or a varsity player. Athletes in grades 10-12 may have a 5 -day tryout period.

1.    After completion of a team’s 5th day of varsity practice, a student who quits a team cannot go out for another team that season.

2.    During this team practice period, a student may choose to quit the first team for which they are trying out for, and still go out for a different sport that season with the following required process:

3.    If a student wants to quit a team completely, they must first have a meeting with the coach, and the athletic director.

4.    If the student does not attend the meeting, they will not be allowed to participate in the next sports season.

Missing a practice or arriving late for practice requires prior permission from the coach, activity advisor, or athletic director if the coach is not available.

A.    Consequences:

Athletes MUST travel to and from contests away from O V C S in transportation provided by the school. The only exception to this regulation:

A.    An injury to a student-athlete which requires alternate transportation in order to safeguard the student-athlete's well-being.

B.    Extenuating circumstances arise and alternate arrangements are provided by the athletic coordinator/director prior to the start of the contest.

C.    Parent/Guardian signs the Transportation Permission Sheet provided by the coach indicating the child will be transported by the parent/guardian from the next contest. No student may be signed out to ride home with anyone except their parent/guardian. A note must be presented to the athletic director during the school day, signed by the parent/guardian requesting transportation to be provided by another individual and verified by phone contact before approval can be granted.

Students may leave campus on a bus to go home before late practices or games if time permits. Students that wish to leave school to go to the store or elsewhere in town must provide a note signed by their parent/guardian to the coach or athletic director by noon on the day they wish to leave. Students that are staying on campus or arrive early for a practice/contest need to be supervised in an area with a teacher/adult until practice or game time.  Arrangements must be made by the student prior to returning to school for a practice or contest.

Student conduct on school buses can be located in the O V C S Student handbook/Code of Conduct

https://www.ovcs.org/2021-2022CodeofConduct.aspx

O V C S  student athletes will be transported to away contests by district authorized vehicles only. If an alternative form of return transportation for the student athlete is required, this form must be filled out and signed by the student athlete's parents or guardian and provided to the coach prior to the game.

The coach and/or athletic director reserves the right to deny the request by the student athletes to take an alternative form of return transportation if in the opinion of the coach/athletic director it serves in the best interest of the student program or district.

I , ____________________________, parent of _________________________ Please check one

(____ will be transported by me) or (_____ hereby give permission to ___________________)

                                             (Transporting adult)

To transport my child from the athletic contest on _______________________.

                                (Date)

I understand that, by transporting my child or allowing _________________________________

                                (Transporting adult)

the transport of my child from the event/contest, I agree to release the Otselic Valley School District representatives/agents, from any and all liability arising out of such transportation.

_____________________________________        ____________________________

    (Parent/Guardian Name)                        (Date)

Participation in an extra-curricular activity is a privilege that adds to the life experiences

for every person involved. This should be approached in a positive manner but by its

nature, participation in interscholastic athletics includes risks of injury. Although serious

injuries are not common in supervised school athletic programs, it is impossible to

eliminate the risk. Participants can and have the responsibility to help reduce the chance

of injury through the following means:

• Obey all safety rules

• Report physical problems to the coach immediately

• Condition properly

• Inspect their own equipment daily

• Have an updated Sports Physical

PARENTS OR STUDENTS WHO DO NOT WISH TO ACCEPT THE RISKS

DESCRIBED IN THIS WARNING SHOULD NOT SIGN THIS PERMISSION

FORM.

I hereby give my consent for my child _____________________________________ to

participate on the ________________________________________________ team and:

• to represent Otselic Valley in athletic activities in accordance with the Districts’

Code of Conduct,

• to accompany the school team of which he/she is a member on its local or out-of-town trips;

• to receive emergency medical care which may become reasonably necessary in

the course of such athletic activities or such travel.

I further agree not to hold the school or anyone acting in its behalf responsible for any

injury occurring to the above-named student in the proper course of such athletic

activities or travel.

I have read and understand the above and will abide by the principles and

regulations contained therein.

SIGNATURE: _______________________________________ Date: _____________

 Parent/Legal Guardian

SIGNATURE: _______________________________________ Date: _____________

                 Student