Athletic Code of Conduct

The Governing Board recognizes that the athletic program constitutes an integral component of the educational program and helps to build a positive school climate. The athletic program also promotes the physical, social, and emotional well-being and character development of participating students. The athletic program shall be designed to meet students' interests and abilities and be varied in scope to attract wide participation.

Nondiscrimination and Equivalent Opportunities in the Athletic Program

The district's athletic program shall be free from discrimination and discriminatory practices in accordance with state and federal law. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that equivalent athletic opportunities are provided for both sexes.

Any complaint regarding the district's athletic program shall be filed in accordance with the district's uniform complaint procedures.

Sportsmanship

The Board values the quality and integrity of the athletic program and the ethical well-being and character development of student athletes. Student athletes, coaches, parents/guardians, spectators, and others are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play during all athletic competitions. They shall also abide by the core principles of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship and the Codes of Conduct adopted by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

Students and staff may be subject to disciplinary action for improper conduct.

California Interscholastic Federation

The Board maintains membership in the CIF and requires that interscholastic athletic activities be conducted in accordance with Board policy, administrative regulation, and CIF bylaws and rules. The Superintendent or designee shall have responsibility for the district's interscholastic athletic program, while the principal or designee at each participating school shall be responsible for site-level decisions, as appropriate.

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board shall annually designate an employee from each high school to serve as a representative to the local CIF league.  Appointees shall represent the district in performing all duties required by the CIF league. In making this selection, the Board shall consider the employee's understanding of the district's goals for interscholastic and extracurricular activities, knowledge of the athletic programs, awareness of the implications of league decisions for the school and the district, and individual interpersonal communication and leadership skills.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the district representatives to the CIF report regularly to the Board on league, section, and statewide issues, as well as activities and prospective actions related to athletics.

Student Eligibility

The first priority of student athletes shall be a commitment to their education and academic achievement.

Eligibility requirements for participation in the district's interscholastic athletic program, including eligibility for a child in foster care or a child of a military family, are the same as those set by the district for participation in extracurricular and cocurricular activities.

In addition, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that students participating in interscholastic athletics governed by the CIF satisfy CIF eligibility requirements.

Health and Safety

The Board desires to give student health and safety the highest consideration in planning and conducting athletic activities. Universal precautions shall be observed when injuries occur.

Students shall have a medical clearance before participating in interscholastic athletic programs. Care shall be taken to ensure that all athletic trainings and competitions are conducted in a manner that will not overtax the physical capabilities of the participants.  When appropriate, protective equipment shall be used to prevent or minimize injuries.

Coaches and appropriate district employees shall take every possible precaution to ensure that athletic equipment is kept in safe and serviceable condition. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all athletic equipment is cleaned and inspected for safety before the beginning of each school year.

Supervision

All athletic teams shall be supervised by qualified coaches to ensure that student athletes receive appropriate instruction and guidance related to safety, health, training, and preparation for competition. Athletic events shall be officiated by qualified personnel.

Nondiscrimination and Equivalent Opportunities in the Athletic Program

No person shall on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be denied equivalent opportunity in, or otherwise be discriminated against in interscholastic, intramural, or club athletics.

The Superintendent or designee may provide single-sex teams where selection for the teams is based on competitive skills.

When a school provides only one team in a particular sport for members of one sex, but provides no team in the same sport for members of the other sex, and athletic opportunities in the total program for that sex have been previously limited, members of the excluded sex shall be allowed to tryout and compete with the team. The same standards for eligibility shall be applied to every student trying out for a team, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or other protected group status.

Parental Notifications

Before a student participates in interscholastic athletic activities, the Superintendent or designee shall send a notice to the student's parents/guardians.

Extracurricular and Cocurricular Activities (BP 6145)
Extracurricular and Cocurricular Activities (AR 6145)
Athletic Competition (AR 6145.2)
Athletic Code of Conduct (E 6145)
California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Parents and Students Center