ADOPTED: 7/20/81
REVISED: 6/16/86 5/16/88 7/31/89 8/09/91
3/21/94 5/15/95 9/16/96 12/16/96
2/09/00 1/15/01 8/20/01 7/17/06
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PRAIRIE FARM
Prairie Farm, WI 54762
ATHLETIC CODE - GRADES 7-12
This athletic code shall cover all students in grades 7-12 involved in interscholastic athletics as participants, cheerleaders, managers, or pom pon girls.
It is widely known and accepted that athletes represent their school and have more contact with other communities than any other part of the student body. Participation in an athletic program is voluntary and based on the student’s interest. A student is to regard participation as both a privilege and a responsibility.
It is the intent of this athletic code to guide and inform the athlete of his/her responsibilities and privileges and to inform the athlete of the consequences of code infractions. It is up to the individual participant, by intelligent choice, to become and remain eligible for participation.
The School District of Prairie Farm extends an equal educational opportunity to all students. It is the policy of the School District, pursuant to s.118.13. Wis. Stats., and PI9, that no person on the basis of sex race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability may be denied admission to school or be denied participation in any program.
Any concerns regarding possible discrimination should be referred to the district administrator for follow-up.
If there are questions dealing with eligibility requirements that the athlete needs clarified, please see the coach of the sport involved, the athletic director, or building administrator. These people are qualified to answer such questions.
I) PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
The School District of Prairie Farm sponsors and encourages student participation in a variety of co-curricular activities as a means of providing opportunities for personal growth, skill development, socialization, creativity, and competitive experience. In addition, the School District of Prairie Farm believes that a well-balanced education includes participation in co-curricular activities provided they do not interfere with academic skill development and classroom participation.
The opportunity to participate in co-curricular athletic activities is extended to all students within the school district with an understanding that there are certain responsibilities accompanying their involvement.
The major reason for sponsoring athletic opportunity in grades K-12 is to provide an environment to foster the following objectives:
A) To display good sportsmanship and to provide opportunities for developing lasting friendships with both teammates and opponents.
B) To inspire positive role modeling and leadership.
C) To provide activities for learning self-discipline, loyalty, team play, pride in the organization, respect for the rights of others, and the will to be successful.
D) To help students learn good habits of health, fitness, and safety.
E) To use competition and the experience to build self-esteem, citizenship, responsibility, and skill while conducting an enjoyable and challenging program.
F) To learn how to graciously celebrate successes and positively respond to disappointments.
G) To learn to place the unit, team, squad, class and school above personal desires.
H) To increase self-esteem through positive interactions with coaches and other athletes.
I) To prepare the student for future endeavors.
The School District of Prairie Farm recognizes that the above objectives are the responsibility of the athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators.
The following rules and guidelines will be used for the operation of a positive and successful co-curricular athletic program:
A) All athletes, parents, administrators, and staff members shall follow the provisions of the Athletic Code.
B) Each coach may have team rules that may not be identified in the Athletic Code. If so, these rules must be shared with all athletes and their parents. They must also be approved and on file with the Athletic Director.
C) All coaches shall adhere to the Coaches’ Handbook, this policy, and direction from the Athletic Director and the District Administrator or his/her designee.
D) Levels of Participation - The school district believes that participation at any level should be geared toward fun, an overall positive experience, and good sportsmanship. Open and honest communication is paramount throughout the program. Every effort shall be made between the athlete, coach, parents and administration to communicate the goals, objectives, and expectations of each program to each individual participant.
1) The Board of Education may choose to offer co-curricular athletic activities at the elementary level (Grades K-6). The emphasis at this level is for total and equal participation (pending eligibility). The children will learn the basic rules and skills associated with the activity. Values such as positive attitude, respect for others, and teamwork will be introduced. Highest regard should be placed on the children’s self-esteem. Winning will not be the main emphasis.
2) The board of education offers athletic co-curricular activities at the middle school level (Grades 7-8). Each athlete shall participate (pending eligibility) as often as possible in all games in order that he/she will feel encouraged to continue to participate. Although winning is desirable, participation should be emphasized at this level.
3) The junior varsity program shall stress participation (pending eligibility), and a major emphasis may be on the need to prepare physically and psychologically to win. Skill levels will begin to be a primary factor associated with actual playing time.
4) At the varsity level, programs will emphasize competition based on limited participation of students (pending eligibility), and no guaranteed playing time for those participants. Winning as an individual and as a team is recognized as a means of achieving pride and support of both the school and the community. Athletes who desire this level of achievement do so with the understanding that this is a privilege that must be earned.
5) Violations of the Athletic Code by students from grades 7-12 could affect and limit participation.
II) ACTIVITIES
The School District of Prairie Farm is a member of the Lakeland Conference and sponsors the following interscholastic sports: Football 7-12, Basketball 7-12, Baseball 9-12, Track 7-12, Wrestling 7-12, Volleyball 7-12, Cheerleading 9-12, and Pom Pon 9-12. Opportunities exist each season for participation of both male and female athletes.
In some sports, students may be involved in more than one activity during one sports season.
III) RESPONSIBILITIES
With the privilege of participation in interscholastic athletics goes responsibility and individual sacrifice. If the sport is worth participation then the athlete must be willing to put something into it. Responsibilities that come with participation include cooperation with teammates and coaches and observance of the school’s athletic code.
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) has charged each of its member schools to establish regulations governing participation in athletics. The charge is outlined in the WIAA Handbook (Rules of Eligibility).
A) Responsibilities of athletes include:
1) Observing the eligibility rules as stated in Section IV of this code.
2) Practicing good habits of health and nutrition, hygiene, and safety.
3) Caring for equipment and facilities.
Athletes have the responsibility of following the school's athletic code on a year-round (12 month) basis as stated in the WIAA Handbook.
IV) ELIGIBILITY RULES
Students choosing to participate in interscholastic athletics must meet all eligibility requirements as set forth by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA Handbook, Rules of Eligibility) and all eligibility requirements set forth by Prairie Farm High School.
According to these requirements, eligibility for participation in interscholastic competition is dependent upon the following:
A) The student must reside in the School District of Prairie Farm, or be participating full time in a legislated open enrollment option. (WIAA Handbook, Residence and Transfer,
Article II)
B) The student must be 19 or less years of age with an August 1st cutoff date (WIAA Handbook, Age Requirement, Article III).
C) Permission to participate must be granted in writing by the parent/guardian (WIAA Handbook, Health and Behavior, Article VII).
D) A physical exam must be completed and recorded in the school office. Students will be required to have a physical examination every two years. Cards may be picked up after May 1st and must be signed by a licensed physician. Should an injury or serious illness occur requiring hospitalization after date of physical, the person will need a statement from a doctor or clinic giving approval to return to competition. Cards to be used will be those issued by the WIAA (WIAA Handbook, Health and Behavior, Article VII).
E) The student must be an amateur athlete. (No contracts, endorsements, gifts, etc.). Students with violations relating to this section shall become ineligible for all further participation in the school’s interscholastic program. (WIAA Handbook, Amateur Status, Article IV).
F) The student is not to have in his/her possession or use alcohol; use tobacco; use, possess, buy, distribute or sell controlled substances or drugs; or be present at a gathering at which alcohol is illegally being consumed. Student athletes are directed not to place themselves in the presence of others who are illegally possessing or using alcohol, tobacco or controlled substances. It is the expectation of this code that an athlete leave, disassociate himself/herself and not knowingly linger in the presence of others illegally possessing alcohol, tobacco or controlled substances. Students with possible code violations in this section will be subject to the procedures in accordance with Section VI of this athletic code. (WIAA Handbook, Health and Behavior, Article VII and School District of Prairie Farm Policy).
G) The student must meet the attendance requirements. (WIAA Handbook, Attendance and Scholarship, Article V and School District of Prairie Farm policy).
1) Eligibility extends to only eight semesters of high school attendance.
2) The student must reside in the district or be participating full time in a legislated open enrollment option.
3) Students must attend school regularly. Two full day unexcused absences from school during a sport season will result in a one game suspension.
4) Attendance at all practices and games is required. The second unexcused absence from practice results in a one game suspension.
5) Attendance at school for at least ½ day is needed in order to practice or play in a contest on that day. Students that leave school ill are not eligible to practice or play that day. The time that is used to determine ½ day of attendance is 11:35 A.M.
H) The student must maintain satisfactory academic achievement. (WIAA Handbook, Attendance and Scholarship, Article V, and the School District of Prairie Farm policy).
1) A student receiving one failing grade at mid-quarter of semester-long courses will be declared ineligible until a passing grade in that particular class is regained. Eligibility will be reinstated as soon as the grade is brought up to passing. Any student who receives a failing grade at mid-quarter is required to provide weekly progress reports to the coach from all classes in order to remain eligible throughout the grading period.
2) A student receiving a failing grade at the end of the quarter for semester long courses is ineligible for 1 week (Sunday to Saturday.) The student is required to provide weekly progress reports to the coach from all classes in order to remain eligible throughout the grading period. Progress report forms are obtained from the school office.
3) A student receiving two or more failing grades at quarter or semester is ineligible for the next 15 consecutive school days (WIAA rule.) At the end of the 15 school days, the student who received failing grades is required to provide weekly progress reports to the coach for all classes in order to remain eligible throughout the remaining grading period. (Note: WIAA rules state that eligibility for contests will be reinstated on the 16th school day.)
4) Penalties incurred fourth quarter or second semester of the previous year will be enforced on the first day of school of the next school year.
· The ineligibility status will be adjusted as follows for students in fall sports in which the date of earliest allowed competition is before the first day students are in class.
*Fall Sports – The minimum ineligibility period shall be the lesser of (1) 21 consecutive calendar days beginning with the date of earliest allowed competition in a sport or (2) one third of the maximum number of games/meets allowed in a sport (rounded up if one-third results in a fraction).
5) Special Education students must meet the academic criteria stated in their Individual Educational Plan (IEP),
I) The student is to uphold the ideals, principles, and standards of the WIAA and the school. (WIAA Handbook, Health and Behavior, Article VII, and the School District of Prairie Farm policy). Any athlete who commits a legally punishable criminal act shall be suspended from athletic competition, whether or not governmental authorities prosecute the athlete. Acts/behaviors such as these would be considered “behavior unbecoming of an athlete.” Examples include: acts of vandalism; flagrant violation of game rules; theft; destruction of school property; serious and/or continued violation of school regulations; and serious and/or continued disrespect of teachers, officials, students, or other school or community persons. (Board Policy JFA - Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, Nondiscrimination Policy, Sexual Harassment Policy, Hazing Policy, Harassment Policy, Dangerous Weapons Policy, Suspension/Expulsion Policy, Alcohol and/or Other Drug Use by Students Policy, etc.) Students with possible code violations related to this section will be subject to the procedures in accordance with Section VI of this athletic code.
J) The student will not participate in non-school athletic programs of the same sport during the season of practice and competition established by the school. Students that choose to participate in a non-school program of the same sport during the season, forfeit the remainder of that season’s eligibility for the sport. (WIAA Handbook, Non School Participation, Article VI and School District of Prairie Farm policy.)
K) The student must observe the following curfew regulations during seasons of participation:
1) Sunday through Thursday - 11:30 P.M.
2) Friday and Saturday (or no school the next day) - 1:30 A.M.
3) Students with a curfew violation are subject to a one-game suspension.
L) The student must follow the school’s athletic code on a year-round (12-month) basis. (WIAA Handbook, Health and Behavior, Article VII)
V) PROCEDURE FOR ADMINISTERING THE CODE
A) The athletic committee shall rule on questions regarding possible violations of the athletic code for situations involving Section IV - Parts F and I of this code. This committee shall consist of:
1) Athletic Director - chairs the meeting
2) Head Coaches
3) Student Council President
4) One captain of each sport that is in season
5) The coach and captain of the sport involved should be present as nonvoting members
B) A person witnessing or having firsthand knowledge of a probable violation of the athletic code must present the kind, time, and place of the violation to the athletic director or administration in writing and signed within fourteen days of the occurrence. This does not preclude school district personnel from investigating a violation and following through with athletic code sanctions.
C) The responsibility for contacting the parents of an athlete with a probable violation of the athletic code rests with the High School Administrator or the Athletic Director.
D) If the accused admits to the violation or infraction, the AD states the prescribed action according to the code violation. The athlete serves his/her suspension and returns to competition.
E) If the committee rules that there was an infraction or violation by the accused and the accused disagrees with the ruling, he/she is entitled to appeal the decision to the School Board of the School District of Prairie Farm. The school board president or clerk must receive the written appeal within fourteen days of the athletic committee’s ruling. The school board will hear the appeal within fourteen days. All parties will be informed in writing.
F) Students with athletic code infractions involving the possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, will participate in the Student Assistance Program. For additional information contact the Prairie Farm guidance department. The Student Assistance Program was developed under the direction of WIAA and was adopted by the School District of Prairie Farm as part of the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Policy.
In the event a student is under restrictions for the academic and training violations the penalties will be served simultaneously.
VI) PROCEDURE OF DUE PROCESS
A) Students accused of violating the rules and regulations of this code have the following rights:
a. The right to know the charges that are being brought against him/her.
b. The right to be at the athletic committee meeting with his/her parents when the charges are discussed and present information regarding the incident.
c. The right to contest the charges.
B) Violations of the Athletic Code will be cumulative during an athlete’s career. However, an athlete who completes one year without a violation “wins back” his/her status prior to the last violation.
C) Any student who voluntarily turns himself/herself in for a first violation of this code shall have the penalty reduced by ten percent of the original amount specified in the code. If ten percent results in a fraction of a contest, standard-rounding rules would apply. For example, a student’s penalty, when reduced by ten percent, results in a 1.5 contest suspension. According to standard rounding rules, the student would serve a two-contest suspension. However, if a student’s penalty, when reduced by ten percent, results in a 1.4 contest suspension, a one-contest suspension would be served.
D) First Violation:
a. A first violation results in a suspension from athletic competition for a period of 20% of the contests based on the regular season of the sport. Any remaining percentage of that suspension not served shall be recalculated and applied to the next sport in which that athlete participates in and completes.
b. If the suspension carries over into the WIAA tournament series, the athlete will miss the entire tournament series. This clause pertains to team tournament as well as the individual tournament series. Any remaining percentage of that violation will carry over to the next season of participation.
c. Any student serving a penalty during a sport must remain in the sport in order for the penalty to be valid. If a student quits the sport, any remaining percentage of that violation will carry over to the next season of participation.
E) Second Violation:
a. A second violation results in a suspension from athletic competition for a period of 30% of the contests based on the regular season of the sport. All other sanctions listed under the first violation apply to second violations as well.
b. A student with two violations in the same season will serve his/her suspension consecutively, not concurrently.
F) Third Violation:
a. The third violation results in loss of eligibility for all athletic events for one calendar year from the date of the athletic code violation. If an athlete or participant has an additional offense(s) while already serving a year’s suspension, then the one year suspension period will start over again dating from the time of the additional suspension(s). A student desiring to participate again after the third offense must indicate his/her desire to that effect and must remain violation free for the entire year of his/her penalty. Upon return, he/she will return to Step 2 (Second Offense).
G) Points of Emphasis
1) Any fraction in determining contest suspension will be rounded to the nearest whole number.
2) If suspension is not completed in the season when the violation took place it carries over to the next season of participation.
3) With the first and second offense / infraction the athlete will be required to practice and be present with the team for contests.
4) Penalty for acts outlined in IV Eligibility Rules, which results in a student being suspended for one or more WIAA tournament competitions, is immediate disqualification of the student for the remainder of the total tournament series in that sport.
5) Any infractions that occur during an off-season of participation will involve a suspension / enforcement in the next participation. (Includes summertime, which will be handled when school starts in the fall).
6) A student who transfers with a code of conduct suspension that has not been served must serve the mandated suspension, as decreed by the previous school at the new school.
VII) SEARCH AND SEIZURE
All lockers in the athletic department are the property of the School District of Prairie Farm. The athletic locker is to be used as a storage place for athletic equipment. If the athletic director or coach has reasonable suspicion that the student is using the locker improperly or for storage of illegal or dangerous material, they may search the locker with or without the student’s permission, providing a reliable witness is present. Law enforcement officers who wish to search lockers should possess valid search warrants.
VIII) ATHLETIC INJURIES AND CARE
A) All athletes will be required to take a physical examination.
B) In the event a student is injured, the coach will fill out an injury report form and file it with the athletic director the next day. This form may provide a source of information necessary for insurance purposes.
C) To assure that sufficient recovery or healing has occurred and the athlete is physically able to return to athletic competition, he/she must have a certificate signed by the doctor so stating and indicating the date of return. This is a WIAA rule and obviously designed to provide some assurance to the parent, coach and school that the athlete has recovered from the injury. The certificate is to be given to the coach and the coach is required to give it to the A.D. who will keep it on file.
D) Parents, if not present at the athletic contest, will be notified by the coach or athletic director as soon as feasibly possible in the event their son/daughter is injured or hospitalized. In order for insurance to apply the injured athlete must see a physician within 60 days from the date of the injury.
IX) STUDENT INSURANCE
The School District of Prairie Farm does carry insurance coverage for all participants in school-sponsored and supervised student activities including interscholastic athletics and sponsored group travel. Payment of medical/dental expenses is made ONLY IN EXCESS over any family or employer group coverage or plan that must contribute its maximum before this coverage has any liability.
This is a program of supplemental coverage designed to pick up eligible balances left by family or employer group insurance plans and if no other coverage or plan is available, to pay the medical/dental expenses incurred to the limits stated in the policy. Athletes should have family health insurance coverage rather than depend on the district’s athletic insurance program.
X) ATHLETIC PROGRAM PARTICIPATION FEE
Students participating in the School District of Prairie Farm athletic program will be required to pay a participation fee for each sport. These fees help offset the expenses of the athletic program. Examples of these expenses are: coaches salaries, officials, uniforms, transportation, game workers, insurance, supplies and equipment, repair of equipment, first aid supplies, and custodial and administration services.
XI) AGE OF MAJORITY DISCLAIMER
The School District of Prairie Farm is aware that a percentage of the student athletes will have reached the age of majority. There is no attempt to deny these students their constitutional rights. However, in order to maintain consistency in our athletic program, we shall enforce the rules and regulations of this athletic code for all students regardless of age.
XII) APPLICATION OF THIS CODE
This athletic code is in effect for one calendar year from the start of your area of participation. WIAA determines the starting and ending dates for the seasons. A season is considered to have ended at the conclusion of the State Tournament for that sport.
XIII) ATHLETIC TRIP POLICY
A) During field trips and athletic trips, which are sponsored in full or in part by the School District of Prairie Farm, students are subject to the same rules and guidelines for behavior as pertain to the normal school day. These rules and guidelines are published in the student handbook, which is issued to each student the first day of school. Students are to use the school supplied transportation to and from events unless given specific permission by the coach to ride with his/her parent or other specific arrangements authorized in advance by the administrator and confirmed in writing by the parent.
B) In the event that a student is on a field trip or athletic trip and is found to be in violation of a civil law, is party to extensive vandalism, is in possession of or uses alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, the following course of action will be taken:
1) The student may be referred initially to the law enforcement officials of the municipality where the infraction occurs. Further investigation may occur with local officers.
2) The chaperone has the discretion to notify the parent or guardian of the student and request that they make arrangements for the student to be transported home after consulting with the administrator of the school.
3) Students involved may be suspended from school and may be subject to expulsion.
4) Students involved will not be allowed on overnight field trips for the duration of the school year, unless chaperoned by their own parent / guardian.
5) Students involved will be expected to make restitution for any damages or theft of items at school or while visiting another school or field trip site.
6) Students involved will be subject to the disciplinary measures of the athletic code.
XIV) SPECTATOR CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR
The School Board through policy sets the expectations for spectator behavior at all events both at home and away.
A) Spectators (adults and students) at all extracurricular events - home or away: Extracurricular events are an extension of the classrooms of the School District of Prairie Farm. An individual or group who willfully interferes with or interrupts the proper order or management of a public school or sponsored extracurricular event by acts of violence, boisterous conduct, threatening language, unsportsmanlike conduct, or disobeying of board policies or administrative rules (harassment and/or discrimination) shall be asked to leave the premises by the school board or their designee(s) and may be prohibited from further attendance for a period of up to six weeks. Individuals thus prohibited from attendance may follow established grievance procedure.
B) Spectator conduct at away events: Adults and students represent the School District of Prairie Farm while attending away functions. While in another school’s facility we are expected to respect their conduct codes showing courtesy by good sportsmanship at all times.
XV) PARENT - STUDENT AGREEMENT
The parent signature on the athletic form shows that you have read and understand the athletic code of the School District of Prairie Farm. You understand that violation of any of the WIAA or Prairie Farm High School regulations will result in action as prescribed. Any act in violation of the athletic code that occurs outside of the school setting which is brought to the attention of the school authorities in accordance with the procedure for reporting a violation as outlined in Section V ( B) of the code will be pursued under the athletic code following due process by referring the individual to the athletic committee.
The parent signature on the athletic form also authorizes the student to use the equipment in the athletic sport program of participation. Unless otherwise informed, the Athletic Director regards this authorization as allowing the student to use equipment such as the weight machine or pitching machine if appropriate to the sport of participation.
YOU HAVE READ THE ABOVE, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO ACCEPT DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THE ABOVE REGULATIONS. (Signatures will appear on the form on file in the Middle/Senior High School office)
Contest Suspension Chart - 20% and 30%
Sport __Total Contests Played _______20% 30%
Football 9 contests 2 3
Volleyball 15 contests 3 5
Wrestling 14 contests 3 4
Boys & Girls Basketball 20 contests 4 6
Baseball 20 contests 4 6
Track 20 meets 4 6
Cheer leading Coincides with the sport season
Pom Pon Coincides with the sport season
Definitions of a “contest”:
Football Four quarters against the same opponent
Volleyball Two to five games against the same opponent or tournament
Wrestling A dual, triangular or quadrangular match or tournament
Basketball Four quarters against the same opponent
Baseball Five to seven innings including extra innings against the same opponent
Track A meet including dual, triangular or quadrangular competition
Cheer leading A full four-quarter game or scheduled performance during the current sports season
Pom Pon A scheduled performance during the current sports season
· A forfeit is not recognized as a WIAA contest.
· A scrimmage, pep rally or clinic is not considered a contest for purposes of determining athletic code suspensions.
Cross References: Code of Conduct
Student Handbooks
Nondiscrimination Policy
Sexual Harassment Policy
Equal Educational Opportunity Policy
Spectator Conduct, Extracurricular Activities Policy
Bus Harassment, Abuse or Discrimination Policy
Hazing Policy
Harassment Policy
Alcohol and/or Other Drug Use By Students Policy
Dangerous Weapons in School Policy
Suspension/Expulsion Policy
Teacher Handbook
WIAA Handbooks
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