SHA STUDENT ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT
Philosophy
1. The athletic program will serve as an educational means through which the student may develop his/her physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics to their fullest extent.
2. The athletic program shall provide well-planned and well-balanced interscholastic athletic activities for as many athletes as possible, consistent with available facilities, personnel, and financial support.
3. The athletic program shall be planned so as to present a minimum amount of interference with the daily academic program.
4. The athletic program will provide an opportunity for the loyalty of the parents, patrons, and friends of the school to be developed, strengthened, united, or renewed.
5. The athletic program will provide coaches who are knowledgeable, qualified, and are sincerely interested in developing the students to their fullest potential.
Message to SHA Student Athletes
In all matters of interscholastic athletics, SacredHeartAcademy is governed by the rules set forth by the SHA Athletic Code and the Michigan High School Athletic Association. To be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics, a student must comply with these rules. The coach will review these with all athletes and parents at the beginning of the season for each individual sport. It is the responsibility of each athlete to become familiar with the SHA Athletic Code and the M.H.S.A.A. rules and regulations.
A student who elects to participate in athletics is voluntarily making a choice of self-discipline. One of the finest lessons to be learned in athletics is to take care of ones self physically and to develop a strong body and good judgment. This is one reason why good training habits are stressed. There is no place in high school athletics for those who do not discipline their minds and bodies for rigorous competition. SacredHeartAcademy strives for excellence.
Application of the Athletic Code
When a student voluntarily participates in interscholastic athletics, he/she agrees to abide by the Sacred Heart Academy Athletic Code throughout his/her school career. A student may neither attend try-outs nor practice with a team until he/she has submitted, along with a physical form, a signed acknowledgement form, including a parent/guardian signature, agreeing to abide by the Athletic Code. This Athletic Code applies to candidates, members, and managers of all athletic teams.
A. Calendar Application
The Athletic Code will be enforced as to all students throughout the calendar year. For teams or individual athletes who compete beyond the conclusion of the academic year, the Athletic Code will extend through the season, post-season, and awards night for that team. Enforcement of the Athletic Code shall apply to any violation, which occurs within those time frames. A student who violates the Athletic Code will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the penalty provisions of the Athletic Code.
B. Time/Place Application
The Athletic Code is not limited to student conduct at school-sponsored activities or on school property. Rather, the Athletic Code applies on a 24-hour basis and has no limitations as to the place of conduct.
C. Academic/Athletic Eligibility
We as Sacred Heart, expect our students to do their very best in the classroom. To insure that an athlete is performing in the classroom, we will monitor their progress in the following manner.
1. Student athletes who are enrolled in 7 classes must receive a 70% passing mark in 5 of those classes each Friday in order to be eligible to participate the next week in academic or athletic competitions.
2. Any student who is ineligible will not be allowed to leave school early to attend athletic events. Students (7-12) will have their academic progress monitored each week during their current sport season. The first time the student does not meet the eligibility standards during their current sport season, they will be placed on probation. This allows for communication to take place between school and parents. If the student falls below the academic eligibility standards at anytime thereafter during the season, they will be declared ineligible for that week. Students who are ineligible can practice with the team but will not be allowed to participate in any interscholastic contests that week (Monday-Sunday). The athletic director will inform the athlete and their parents by Monday following the weekly progress report if an athlete falls below standards.
D. Attendance Requirements
1. Regular attendance at practice sessions is required.
2. No one will be permitted to practice or play in a game, if absent for more than 1 hour of the day unless given special permission from the principal. (Ex: funeral attendance)
3. A player cannot drop out of one sport and start practicing in another until the previous sport is over unless coaches/principal agrees.
4. Any student suspended from school for disciplinary reasons are automatically restricted from participation in or attendance at any school sponsored activity for the duration of the suspension.
Standards of Conduct
The following behaviors constitute a violation of the Sacred Heart Athletic Code and subject the athlete to discipline as outlined in the “Consequences” section of the Athletic Code:
1. Use, possession, concealment, distribution, sale, or being under the influence of those substances listed below.
a. Tobacco or tobacco products in any form.
b. Alcohol or alcoholic beverages in any form.
c. Illegal drugs, including but not limited to those substances defined as “controlled substances pursuant to federal and/or state statute.
d. Steroids, human growth hormones or other performance-enhancing drugs.
e. Substances purported to be illegal, abusive, or performance enhancing, i.e., “look alike” drugs and inhalants.
f. Misused prescription drugs and/or over-the-counter drugs.
NOTE: It shall not be a violation of the Athletic Code for an athlete to use or possess a prescription or patent drug when taken according to a legal prescription issued by a licensed practitioner for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board Policy. An athlete shall notify his/her coach if he/she is taking a prescription medicine, which could alter the athlete’s behavior or affect the athlete’s ability to participate in physical activity.
2. Violation of federal, state or local law/ordinance, including felony or misdemeanor acts other than minor traffic offenses.
3. Cumulative or gross misconduct.
4. Violation of any team conduct, grooming or training rule as may be established by the coach and approved by the athletic director.
Disciplinary Process
The disciplinary process for violations of the Athletic Code will be administered as outlined below. Before any suspension takes effect, the student and the student’s parents shall be verbally advised by the athletic director of the alleged violation and the student will have an opportunity to respond to the allegation(s). Athletes will not be disciplined on hearsay evidence. Persons making the charges against the athlete(s) must do so in writing and be willing to face the accused, if necessary. All suspension periods shall begin from the date of the written notice of the Athletic Code violation. The athlete will be excluded from participation in contests and/or practices during the appeal process.
Consequences
A. Conduct Offenses
1. The athletic director will address violations of the Athletic Code.
2. Any student suspended from school for disciplinary reasons, as per the Student Handbook, is automatically restricted from participation in or attendance at any school sponsored athletic activity for the duration of the suspension.
3. A team may have specific rules established by the coach and approved by the athletic director. The coach will address violations of the Team Rules.
4. In the event that school policies or procedures or the Athletic Code do not cover situations that arise, the principal/athletic director reserves the right to establish such rules, conditions, and consequences to respond effectively to unanticipated or unique circumstances and to inform all affected individuals and/or groups.
B. Substance Abuse and Unlawful Offences
Violation of conduct standard #1 above
First Offense: Suspension of 20% of the next season’s scheduled athletic contests.
NOTE: An athlete disciplined for substance abuse will be referred to a school approved substance abuse program. After serving the assigned penalty, the athlete may return to athletic contest participation provided the student follows through on the referral and has completed or is in the process of completing the recommended course of action. Failure to complete the screening and recommended program will result in suspension from athletics until the recommended program is completed.
Second Offense: Suspension from all athletic contests for a full calendar year.
Third Offense: Termination of participation in the Sacred Heart Academy athletic program for the remainder of the student’s high school career and forfeiture of all school athletic awards for that sport in the current season.
Requesting Help: Athletes may make a choice, by their own will, to go to the athletic director, or coach to inform that person of a substance abuse problem before it has been brought to his/her attention or a violation of the code has occurred. The athletic director will seek help for the athlete.
C. Application of Penalties
1. Penalties will not be considered served unless the athlete fully completes the season. Quitting the team is not considered “serving the penalty”. Un-served penalties will be carried to the athlete’s next season.
2. The athlete will practice but will not participate in contests while on an athletic suspension. The suspended athlete’s attendance at practice or contest is a discretionary decision of the team coach.
3. The suspended athlete may not wear a SacredHeartAcademy team uniform during the suspension.
4. All offenses will be cumulative during a student’s junior high and high school career.
5. All penalties will take place immediately following the offense. An appeal that is made must be in writing following the chain of command: (1) athletic director, (2) principal, and (3) school board.
Responsibilities and Obligations
A. The Sacred Heart Academy student athlete:
1. Must maintain conduct of the highest standard at all times.
2. Must comply with all training rules and guidelines as set down by individual coaches for their respective teams.
3. Must comply with all rules and guidelines of this Athletic Code, the rest of the S.H.A. Student Handbook, and the M.H.S.A.A.
4. Will be held financially responsible for the use and care of assigned equipment.
5. Is encouraged to support other S.H.A. athletic teams and members, and to attend all S.H.A. school activities whenever possible.
6. Understands that the uniform represents the athlete during competition and the school at all times; therefore, it is to be worn with pride.
7. Understands they are expected to be present from the first day of practice to the last athletic contest.
8. Sign the S.H.A. Student Handbook containing the Athletic Code agreement, indicating that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by the rules and regulations set down in the S.H.A. Athletic Code.
B. The Sacred Heart Academy parent or legal guardian is expected to:
1. Encourage the student athlete to attend practices regularly and to adhere to the rules and guidelines of this athletic code.
2. Volunteer to help with the S.H.A. Athletic Association whenever possible. The parent is particularly encouraged to become an active member of the S.H.A. Athletic Association.
3. Support and attend S.H.A. activities, particularly those in which his or her child is involved.
4. Share sincere concerns of the S.H.A. athletic program with the athletic director.
5. Sign the S.H.A. Student Handbook containing the Athletic Code agreement, indicating that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by the rules and regulations set down in the S.H.A. Athletic Code.
Spectator Code of Conduct
Good sportsmanship is an essential part of educational athletics and is required at all times during SHA athletic events. All fans are expected to follow strict guidelines for behavior. If these guidelines are not followed, spectators are subject to the appropriate disciplinary action outlined in this section.
Unacceptable behaviors
A. Profanity, foul gestures, taunting, trash talk, or other intimidating gestures from any fan towards opponents, coaches, officials, or administration.
B. Disrespect during introductions, including turning one’s back during introduction of opposing players, pretending to read newspapers, or booing.
C. Disrespectful or derogatory yells chants, songs, or gestures.
D. Booing or heckling an official’s decision, criticizing officials in any way.
E. Laughing or name-calling to distract an opponent.
F. Use of profanity or displays of anger that draw attention away from the game.
Acceptable behaviors
A. Applause during introduction of players, coaches and officials.
B. Accept all decisions of officials.
C. Cheerleaders lead fans in positive yells in positive manner.
D. Treat competition as a game, not war.
E. Applause at end of contest for performances of all participants.
F. Everyone showing concern for an injured player, regardless of team.
G. Encouraging surrounding people to display only sportsmanlike conduct.
Student Section
The student section is a privilege, not a right. All spectators must remain in the stand during the contest. Standing in front of the bleachers is prohibited. If the student section refuses to follow the Spectator Code of Conduct, the administration of SHA has the right at any time to disband the section. Students who do not follow the rules will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Process
A. The spectator will be informed of inappropriate behavior being displayed and will be asked to stop. Different officiating crews have different sets of expectations, so if an administrator speaks to a spectator concerning a request from an official to change a behavior, the spectator is expected to comply.
B. If the behavior continues, or other inappropriate behavior is displayed, including disrespect shown to administration, the spectator will be asked to leave the contest.
C. If spectator refuses to leave and the behavior continues, the spectator will be banned from all contests in that sport for the rest of the season.
D. If behavior continues, the spectator will be banned from all SHA contests for the rest of the school year.
Varsity Awards
1. Upon the completion of the first varsity season, a qualifying athlete will receive a varsity letter.
2. Upon completion of each varsity season thereafter, an athlete will receive a gold pin representing that particular sport.
3. Varsity letters shall be awarded to any athlete who participates in more than 50% of any varsity season. Team participation means that the student attends team practices, meetings, functions and contests through the completion of the season.
NOTE: This set of rules is designed to serve as a guideline and is subject to everyday common sense. The spirit of rules is to create a safe, healthy, and productive athletic environment at SHA. It is realized that no single set of rules can cover every aspect of conduct by the student athlete. Therefore, any specific cases outside these rules will be considered and weighed on an equal and fair basis using these rules as a guideline.
Post Season Play
Athletes may not be expected to participate in the next season sport until the previous sport is completed.
Same Season/Two Sport Policy
Athletes at SacredHeartAcademy are allowed to participate in more than one sport during a particular season. If a student decides to participate in more than one sport at a time, a coach shall in no way discourage this decision. Rather, the coaches involved should work together to make this situation as smooth as possible. Realizing that there is potential for conflicts arising when an athlete is participating in two sports at the same time, the following guidelines will be adhered to:
1. The athlete will declare a primary sport and a secondary sport.
2. If contests are scheduled on the same day, the athlete will participate in his/her primary sport. EXCEPTION: If the secondary sport is a league contest and the primary sport is a non-league contest, the athlete will participate in the secondary sport.
3. On days that an athlete is not in competition, he/she should make an effort to practice both sports. If only one sport can be practiced, it should be the primary sport.
4. In the event that it would be possible for an athlete to participate in both sports in the same day, he/she will not be allowed to drive to the second contest. Only an athlete’s parent/guardian will be allowed to transport the athlete. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
5. Coaches are not to discipline an athlete for a missed practice on a day that the athlete is competing in his/her other sport as agreed upon by the coaches.
6. All eligibility rules will remain the same.
7. An athlete must begin practicing in each of the tow sports at the beginning of each sport’s season.
8. Before being allowed to participate in two sports during a season, the athlete, his/her parent/guardian, athletic director, and the two coaches involved must meet and sign an agreement prior to the start of the season.
Spectator Bus Regulation
Spectator buses will be provided for extracurricular activities in cases where there is sufficient student interest to warrant such buses. Advanced registration and payment is required through the principal’s office. All students are to ride on their assigned bus. Roll is taken by the chaperones each time the students get on the bus. The drivers are instructed to not let students on the bus until the chaperone arrives. Students are permitted to sit where they choose. However, responsible conduct is required at all times. At no time will smoking or chewing of tobacco be permitted on the bus. Consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to or during any part of the trip is strictly prohibited. Failure to adhere to these rules may necessitate removal of the involved student(s) from us of any spectator bus.
Elastic Clause
The school and administration reserve the right to establish fair and reasonable rules and regulations for circumstances requiring actions that are not covered in this handbook that may arise. These rules and policies apply to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance at school or any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any time or place directly interferes with the operations, discipline, or general welfare of the school. In all cases, rules, regulations, and consequences shall be consistent as possible with previously established rules, regulations, and consequences for similar incidents. Matters omitted from this handbook should not be interpreted as a limitation to the scope of the school’s responsibility and, therefore, the school’s authority in dealing with any type of infraction that may not be in the best interest of the safety and welfare of the students.
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