1. DEFINITIONS
      2. Drug and Alcohol Violations


      Code of Conduct    Page 1

       


       

       

       

      Everett Public Schools

       

      ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

       

       
       


       

       


      Athletics Code of Conduct outlines the rules, regulations, and expectations for students participating in Everett Public Schools athletics and athletics. This document is published by the Department of Athletics and Athletics, Robert Polk, Director. For information regarding this document, please call 425-385-4260.


       
      The Everett School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or disability. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school athletics. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Officer, ADA, Section 504 Coordinator.


      PHILOSOPHY- Participation in school sponsored athletics is a privilege. Lessons learned through participation in athletics will assist students in their preparation for life after high school. By participating in athletics, students will learn cooperation, respect, sportsmanship, hard work, and commitment to others.

       

      PURPOSE- The Everett Public Schools’ athletic code outlines the rules and guidelines that must be followed by students participating in the District athletics, dance and cheerleading programs. Following this code makes the students responsible for their eligibility, accountable for their actions, and prescribes fairness to all participants.

       





      DEFINITIONS
      Appeal- The ability for the student to challenge a probation, suspension, or expulsion ruling.
      Building Eligibility Committee- A group of coaches and/or administrators chosen by the building principal to make recommendations on student eligibility. The principal makes all final decisions.
      Expulsion- The student is removed from the team and can not practice or participate in contests.
      Probation- A student may practice/compete/participate with the program but must correct a grade deficiency.
      Suspension- With principal’s permission, a student may practice/participate but MAY NOT compete/perform with the program until the terms of the suspension are met and the student is reinstated.
      Violation- Not meeting the standards set by the Athletic Code or WIAA regulations.
      WIAA- Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association


       

      SPORTSMANSHIP- I, the participant, understand the importance of being a good sport. Sportsmanship is a demonstration of generosity and genuine caring for others. It is a concrete measure of the understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, and integrity. It is respect for one’s self and others. Although sportsmanship is the responsibility of everyone, athletes and coaches have the biggest responsibility.

       

      EXPECTATIONS- I understand that participation in the athletics program of Everett Public Schools is a privilege. Because students involved in athletics perform and represent their schools in public, they are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will reflect the high standards and ideals of their sport, team, school, and community. I will be held accountable academically and behaviorally throughout the entire year.

      I understand that this athletic code covers standards of conduct both in and out-of-season and shall remain in effect 365 days after my signature.
      Participation- I will attend all organized functions including practices, competitions, meetings, and celebrations unless the coach/advisor designates such activities as optional. Coaches/Advisors may excuse me from events for reasonable situations per his/her discretion.
      School Attendance- Unless approved by a building administrator, I must attend and fully participate in all class periods of the school day to be eligible for contests or practices that day. If I am absent from one or more classes due to illness, I am ineligible to participate or compete that day. If I am suspended from school, including in-school suspension, I may not participate in practices or contests.
      Conduct- I will conduct myself in a way that promotes a positive image of the school, the community, and me. If I act in a way that reflects negatively upon the school, the community, or me, I will be subject to discipline under the Athletic Code. This may include suspension or permanent removal from the sport. Acts that reflect negatively include, but are not limited to, academic fraud or cheating, plagiarism, criminal activity, harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Such acts may occur during school or non-school activities performed either on- or off-campus.
      Athletic Fees- In order to participate in Athletics, I must pay an Athletic Fee before the first contest of each season to offset the cost of transportation, coaching stipends, and other costs. If I cannot afford the fee, I will request a reduced fee or payment plan. Students who compete in 3 HS sports or 4 MS sports will have their spring fee waived. Refunds will not be given after the first contest.
      ASB Card- In order to participate in ASB-sponsored athletics, I must purchase an ASB card. The price of the card will be determined by the ASB student council of my school. Accommodations may be made if I am a student who qualifies for free or reduced lunch and cannot afford an ASB card. This shall apply to home-school and Running Start students as well.
      Athletic Rules- Each team will have rules and regulations unique to the team. The coach/advisor will provide me and my teammates with a written copy of these rules. Violation of these rules may result in placing me on probation, suspension, or expelled status.
      Participation in Community Athletics- During any sports season, after joining a school team, I may not miss events, practices or games for the purpose of participating in non-school athletics unless I have my coach’s permission to miss the events, practice, or games. If I miss the school events without permission, I will be subject to the attendance rules and consequences as determined by my coach.
      Out-of-Season Participation- Except during the specific sports season, schools cannot offer nor can students participate in any school activity that resembles a practice in a given sport. The exception is for that period of time from the last WIAA spring activity until August 1 for fall sports and the first fall turnout for winter and spring sports. Any such school-sponsored activity must be open to all students in the school and include a variety of different activities.


       

      ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (See the WIAA handbook for more detailed explanations.)

      To be eligible for athletic competition, the following requirements must be met:
      Accurate information- If it is determined that my parents/guardians or I provide the school with false information which caused the school to declare me eligible, I will be declared ineligible for interscholastic competition for a period of one calendar year.
      Current Physical- I must have a current physical within the last 24 months and it must be on file with my school. Physicals must be performed by a licensed medical professional including MD, Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), Certified Registered Nurse (ARNP), Physician’s Assistant (PR), or Naturopathic Physicians. Physicals performed by Doctors of Chiropractic are not acceptable. If my current physical will expire during a sports season, I will not be permitted to turn out for that sport until my physical is updated.
      Insurance- I shall provide proof that I have a minimum of $25,000 in insurance coverage. If I do not have this coverage, I will obtain insurance through the plan offered to all students in the school district. If I can not afford the insurance premium, the district may approve a full or partial waiver of the premiums so that I may participate.
      Paperwork- I must submit the following: a) completed and signed emergency card; b) eligibility questionnaire which includes permission to play, proof of insurance, and acknowledgement of the Athletic Code of Conduct and parent/coach/athlete communication; and c) acknowledgment of the risk of injury specific to the sport I wish to play. I also understand that I must purchase an ASB card from the school where I am participating.
      Member of School- I must be a member of the school in which I participate (enrolled a minimum of a half-day). If I attend a private school, alternative school, or home school where a sport is not offered, I may participate in the sport at the public school in my resident attendance area as long as all other eligibility requirements are met. Private middle school students may play at their resident public school or the public school closest to their private school as long as they live within the Everett School District boundaries. The student must play all sports at the same school in 7th AND 8th grade.
      Residence- I must reside with my natural parents or legal guardian within the boundaries of the school for which I participate. I cannot transfer between schools for athletic purposes without a change of residence.
      Previous Semester- I must pass five (5) of six (6) classes or six (6) of seven (7) classes in the previous semester or trimester. Summer school is counted as part of the spring semester. In high school, if I do not meet these conditions, I will be suspended from competition through the last Saturday of September and until the District academic and attendance requirements are met. In middle school, if I do not meet these conditions, I will be suspended from competition until the Monday of the third week of the current trimester/semester and until the District academic and attendance requirements are met. Academic marks in the spring trimester of 6th grade shall be used to determine 7th grade eligibility. Marks from the spring trimester of 8th grade shall be used to determine 9th grade eligibility. *Seniors on track to graduate may be eligible spring semester of senior year if enrolled and passed 4 classes in fall semester of senior year.
      Current semester- I must be enrolled in a minimum of five (5) full time classes in a six (6) period day or six (6) classes in a seven (7) period day. *Seniors on track to graduate may enroll in one less class (4) in fall and spring semesters.
      Age- High school students- I must be under age 20 on September 1 for fall sports, on December 1 for winter sports, and on March 1 for spring sports. Middle school students- I must not have reached my 15th birthday prior to June 1 of the previous school year. If I am ineligible to compete at the middle school due to the age rule, I may participate in all sports at the high school level with agreement between the middle and high school principals at the schools involved.
      Season Limitations- After entering or being eligible to enter the seventh grade, I shall have six (6) years of interscholastic eligibility. If I repeat the seventh or eighth grade for documented academic reasons, the repeated year shall not count against my six (6) competitive years. After entering the ninth grade, I shall have four (4) consecutive years of interscholastic eligibility. If I choose not to participate or do not attend school, I forfeit my eligibility for that period of time.
      Fines and Equipment- I must not have unpaid athletic fines. I am responsible for all athletic gear issued to me and must return the equipment in good condition with reasonable wear and tear.
      Transfer of Resident/Non-Resident Students- If I transfer from one high school within or outside the Everett School District to another high school within or outside the Everett School District, I am NOT automatically eligible to participate in varsity athletic programs. If my parents/guardians move their primary residence to another school service area and I meet all other eligibility requirements, I may be eligible at the varsity level at the new school. I may need to petition the Northwest District (NW I) Eligibility Board for eligibility. If I am a transfer student, I will contact the building athletic administrator.
      Exchange Students- If I am a student from a foreign country, I must complete a form and be cleared by the WIAA to be eligible to compete on an interscholastic team. When approved, I have one year of varsity eligibility. I will contact the building athletic director for more information. If I am an Everett School District student and plan to participate in a foreign exchange program, I will notify my building athletic administrator before leaving.
      Amateur Standing- I must be in amateur standing to compete in interscholastic athletics. This means I may not have accepted cash awards or merchandise of more than $300 in value for athletic activities, played with any professional team in any sport, or entered a competition under an assumed name.
       


      MAINTENANCE OF ELIGIBILITY FOR ATHLETICS- Once a student is deemed eligible, the following standards must be maintained to participate in athletic events.
      Attendance - Unless my absence is approved by a building administrator, I must attend and participate in all classes to be eligible to participate in a practice or game that day.   
      Academic Standards-After satisfying the initial eligibility requirements, I must be passing (no grade of F) all scheduled class to remain fully eligible during the season. My academic progress will be checked by my coach every two (2) weeks in middle school and every three (3) weeks in high school. The first grade check will occur the week of the 4th Monday in September.


      If I have earned an F grade in any class, I will be placed on academic probation for one week beginning the following Monday. I may continue to practice and compete if I attend daily homework clubs or work with my teacher for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to attending practice. If my grade(s) improve(s) within the week, I will be removed from probation. My grade improvement will be verified by a progress tracking sheet initiated by me and submitted to the athletic coordinator.

      If after one week of probation my grade has not improved, I will move to academic suspension status beginning the following Monday. I can continue to practice with my team if I attend daily homework clubs or work with my teacher for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to attending practice but I cannot compete in a minimum of one contest until my grade(s) improve(s).

      If I am placed on probation or suspension status and I feel that I am working to my full capacity, I may appeal my status to the building eligibility committee.
      At the beginning of a new semester, the WIAA scholarship rule will take precedent as improving grades from the previous semester will not be possible.
      Ejected from Contest- If I am ejected from a contest by a contest official, I must sit out the next two (2) contests at the same level of competition. Varsity players may not play sub-varsity and sub-varsity players may not play varsity to avoid this two (2) game suspension. I may appeal to the building athletic coordinator to have the suspension reduced to one (1) contest. If I am ejected from a second contest in the same sport during the same season, I will be ineligible for the remainder of the season of that sport.
      Suspended from School- If I am suspended from school, I cannot practice, compete or perform in an event during the period of suspension. If I am a transfer from another school while on suspension from my previous school, I will not be eligible to participate in athletic programs for the duration of the suspension.
      Conviction of a Crime- If I am convicted of a crime by the criminal justice system, I may be subject to ineligibility after review by my school’s administrators.


       

      RUNNING START/HOME INSTRUCTION STUDENTS- Students involved in Running Start or home instruction programs must meet the same eligibility standards as all other students. Such students may participate only at the school in their residence area. Refer to the WIAA Handbook for further details.

       

      ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES: I shall not be under the influence, possess, sell, deliver, and/or use alcohol, any form of tobacco, or illegal drugs or a controlled substance not prescribed by a physician for me. I also shall not be in the presence of, or remain in the vicinity of, others illegally using alcohol or using illegal drugs or controlled substances not prescribed by a physician for the user. If I arrive at a party, function, or other location where illegal drugs or controlled substances are being used, sold, or delivered or substances (such as alcohol) are being illegally used, sold, or delivered, I shall immediately leave the premises. Failure to immediately leave the premises will result in the same discipline as actual use. In all cases, if I am in violation, I must follow the reinstatement process outlined below.



      Drug and Alcohol Violations
      First violation. A first violation discovered through an investigation shall result in immediate suspension for forty-two (42) calendar days or the remainder of the season, whichever is longer. This ineligibility also carries into the next season (as previously defined) in which the student participates. A student who admits wrong doing and cooperates honestly in the investigation may have their suspension reduced to twenty-eight (28) calendar days. A student who self-reports a violation prior to any investigation or inquiry may have their suspension reduced to fourteen (14) calendar days. All violations carry a minimum one-game suspension.
      Second violation. The penalty be removal from all athletic participation for a period of one calendar year.


      Third violation. The penalty shall be permanent removal from all athletic participation for the remainder of the athlete's high school career and ,in the case of drugs, permanent ineligibility at all WIAA institutions for the remainder of the athlete's high school career (WIAA Rule 18.22.0).  

      Tobacco Violations (including smoking and smokeless tobacco)

      First violation. The penalty shall be immediate suspension for fourteen (14) calendar days. This may be reduced to seven (7) calendar days if the student self-reports prior to an investigation or inquiry. All violations carry a minimum one-game suspension..

      Second violation. The penalty shall be immediate suspension for twenty-eight (28) calendar days.

      Third and subsequent violations. The penalty shall be immediate suspension for forty-two (42) calendar days.

      *Suspensions for middle school violations shall be one-half the length of high school suspensions.

       

      REINSTATEMENT PROCESS: Application for reinstatement following any form of athletic discipline will be accepted by the principal upon completion of the following:
      1. Letter of intent and purpose of reinstatement
      2. Drug, alcohol and/or tobacco assessment by an individual agency that is acceptable to the school district. Results will be shared with family and school administration.
      3. Proof that a drug, alcohol and/or tobacco counseling or preventative education program has been completed.
      4. Treatment recommendations must be followed as a condition for reinstatement.
      5. The principal may waive any or all of the requirements above if deemed appropriate. Final decision for reinstatement resides with the school principal.


       

      DUE PROCESS- If I feel that I am being unjustly punished, I may appeal in the following manner.
      1. I may submit a written appeal to the building athletic administrator expressing my concern within three (3) school days of being notified of my suspension. This appeal will be reviewed by the building eligibility committee.
      2. If the building eligibility committee finds against me, I may submit a written appeal to the District Director of Athletics and Activities within two (2) school days of the eligibility committee’s finding
      3. If the District Director of Athletics and Activities finds against me, I may appeal to the Discipline Appeal Council in writing within two (2) school days. The findings of this committee shall be final.


       

      TRANSPORTATION- When I participate in athletic events, I will ride district provided transportation to and from the event when it is provided. My parents may transport me after events if they provide a written request to my coach releasing the district of responsibility for me. I may transport myself under the following exceptions:
      1. Transportation is not provided, the practice/event takes place within the Everett and/or select neighboring schools, occurs after 4:00 PM, AND I leave campus in the interim.
      2. The practice facility is off-campus, I provide proof of a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, AND written permission from my parent/guardian to drive my own car to and from the practice. I will not drive other students.


       

      INJURIES- If I am injured, I will report it to the coach/advisor/trainer immediately. The coach/advisor/trainer may provide some treatment if it is deemed appropriate. The coach/advisor/trainer may recommend I see a medical professional for further evaluation. If I consult a physician, I must obtain written permission from that physician prior to returning to practice or competition. If I am seriously injured (concussion, broken bone, surgery, etc.) outside of school activities in season or out of season, I will notify my coach, athletic coordinator, and/or athletic trainer so that they can monitor me in the event of re-injury or subsequent concussions.

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      Approved June 6, 2005

      Revised April 2, 2010