ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT McCOMB LOCAL SCHOOL
POLICY HANDBOOK FOR ATHLETES
Updated 8/1/98

The athletic program is an extra-curricular educational experience available to all students. Participation in a sound athletic program contributes to the health and personal well-being of the participant, develops physical skills and emotional maturity, develops social, civic, school and team responsibility, and above all, fosters integrity and moral values desirable in American youth.

The McComb Local School community, Board of Education, administration, and athletic department welcome you as an athlete. We thank you for wanting to participate in the McComb High School athletic program. Through the concerted efforts of those mentioned above and devoted athletes such as you, the McComb athletic programs will help its participants realize those sport values so necessary in our lives today.

ATHLETIC POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

Since athletics is a privilege for each participating individual, it is important that students, parents, and interested persons be aware of the necessary rules and regulations. The following rules are applicable to all athletes, and are specific rules and requirements of every athlete.

Eligibility

The principal shall be responsible for calculating the athletic eligibility of the athletes, cheerleaders, student trainers, and managers in their respective sports as outlined by the OHSAA.

If participants are to be added to the original roster, notification to the principal must be made one week in advance of the contest. It should be noted that additions to the roster are generally discouraged. For example, if an addition is made three weeks late, three weeks of practice must be performed before the athlete is allowed to participate in a contest. An exception to this rule would be a transfer student who had been participating in the sport at the previous school.

Eligibility Procedures:
In accordance with the OHSAA, each athlete in grades 9-12 in order to be eligible must be currently enrolled and must have been enrolled the immediately preceding nine weeks grading period and received passing grades during that grading period in subjects that earn a minimum of 5.0 credits toward graduation.
The eligibility or ineligibility of a student continues until the start of the next grading period at which time the immediately preceding grading period grades become applicable.
A student enrolled in the first grading period after advancement from the eighth grade must have passed 75% of those subjects carried the preceding nine weeks grading period which met five days per week or its equivalent.
A student enrolling in the seventh grade for the first time will be eligible for the first grading period regardless of previous academic achievement. Thereafter, in order to be eligible, a student in grades 7 or 8 must be currently enrolled and must have been enrolled in school the immediately preceding grading period and received passing grades during that grading period in 75% in which enrolled.

Summer school grades earned may not be used to substitute for failing grades from the last grading period of the regular school year.
Tutoring or examinations to complete the preceding grading requirements is permissible provided that privilege is accorded to every student and the inability to complete required work on time is due to illness or accident verified by a physician.
g. The following is eligibility for McComb High School and McComb Junior High School:	Quarterly Eligibility:  To be eligible to play the next grading period or quarter, a student must have at least a
1.5 GPA, be passing at least four credits (a 7th/8th grader must receive passing grades in 75% of the subjects in which he/she is enrolled), and have no more than one failing grade at the end of the current grading period. Mid Term/Quarter Eligibility: At the mid term grade reporting date for teachers, any athlete having one or more failing grade and/or not passing four full credits (not
passing 75% of the subjects for which a 7th/8th grader is enrolled), will be required to attend a study table without pre-approval of the athletic director or an excused absence from school will result in immediate ineligibility for the remainder of the grading period. The student will have two weeks from the reporting date to improve his/her grades to avoid becoming ineligible. At the conclusion of the two weeks, grades of all classes will be checked and eligibility re-figured. If the student has more than one failing grade and/or not passing four full credits (not passing 75% of the subjects for which a 7th/8th grader is enrolled), the student is immediately ruled ineligible through the end of the current grading period. A grade of Incomplete that will result in a failing grade, must be made up within two weeks of the reporting date or the Incomplete becomes an “F”.

In accordance with the OHSAA rules, any squad member under suspension for breach of school disciplinary rules and regulation shall be immediately ineligible for practice or interscholastic contest until the suspension is removed by the principal.

Attendance--Day of Contest

To be eligible to participate in any extra curricular activity at McComb High School, the student must attend school at least 4 (of the 8) complete academic periods on the day of the event. The 4 complete academic periods do not have to be in succession.
Any student not present for a total of 4 complete academic classes and who knowingly participates in an event that day will not be allowed to participate in the next event or events as follows: Football = next game; Volleyball = next 2 games; Basketball = next 2 games; Baseball = next 2 games; Softball = next 2 games; Track = next event; Wrestling = next 2 meets; Golf = next 2 matches.
Rulings and exceptions will be made through the athletic director with the approval of the principal.
Appeals to this decision can be made to the superintendent. (Adopted 11-10-99) General Rules
Violations listed below for high school are accumulative through all four grades. Violations listed below for middle school are accumulative for grades 7 & 8. Penalties go into effect immediately upon confirmation/verification of violation.

Use, possession, concealment, or transmission of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and illegal drugs, narcotics, paraphernalia, other mind-altering substances, or substances purported to be any of the above will:

First Violation:

Result in denial of participation of 50% of the scheduled season's contests, not including canceled/postponed or pre-season contests. Attendance of athletes at practice shall be up to the discretion of the coach.
In the event that denial of participation occurs with less than 50%
of the season remaining, the remaining percentage will be continuously served in the next season of participation.

If the student agrees to participate in an educational/rehabilitation/ assessment program approved by the school administration, the penalty
shall be reduced to 10% of the scheduled seasons contests (minimum one contest). Refusal or failure to complete the program shall result in application of full 50% penalty. The student must practice with his/her activity group but may not travel  with the group or sit with the group during contests. All training rules
and regulations of the activity must be followed by the participant. Cost of approved program will be at student expense.

Self-Referral Policy: If a student seeks assistance for dealing with a substance abuse problem by self-referral to their coach and/or school administrator, and they agree to participate in an educational/
rehabilitation/assessment program approved by the school administration, there shall be NO prohibition from the current athletic activity. Refusal
or failure to complete the program will result in the full 50% penalty. Self-referrals which result in no prohibition from participation are still considered first violations. A self-referral made within five days of a reported violation will void the self-referral and option one above will be made available. Cost of rehabilitation program will be at student expense.

Second Violation:

Result in denial of participation from that sport for the remainder of the season plus the next two sport seasons of participation.

If the student agrees to participate in educational/rehabilitation/ assessment program approved by the school administration, the penalty shall be reduced to 50% of the scheduled season events. Failure to take or complete the program will result in the full penalty. Cost of reha- bilitation program will be at student expense.

In the event that denial of participation occurs with less than 50% of the season remaining, the remaining percentage will be continuously served in the next season of participation.

If a student seeks assistance for dealing with a substance abuse problem by self-referral to their coach and/or school administrator after

having a first violation on their record, it is considered a second vio- lation. If they agree to participate in an educational/rehabilitation/
assessment program approved by the school administration, the prohibition from participation in athletic activities shall be reduced to 20% of the scheduled seasons contests. Failure to take or complete the program will result in the full penalty. A self-referral made within five days of a re-  ported violation will void the self referral and option one of the second violation will be made available.
Cost of rehabilitation program will be at student expense.

Third Violation:

Result in a permanent probation from all athletic extracurricular programs.

A season will be defined as the first regulation date of practice as set by OHSAA through the final contest for that particular team.

All athletes must abide by the McComb Local School Policy on reasonable suspicion and random testing of student athletes for the use of illicit and or banned substances.

Appearance and behavior during school are of great importance. Athletes should be leaders and are expected to abide by the school dress code. They should be neat, well-groomed at all times, and never be profane in speech.

An athlete is financially responsible for all equipment checked out to him. He must pay a fair price (to be determined by the athletic director) for lost items. He will receive credit on items turned in only if they are items issued to him. Equipment and other items are to be clean at all times.  Students caught in possession of athletic equipment that has not been issued to him and/or not returned will be ineligible to participate in athletic for one full calendar year, or for senior, it will be recommended that their records be held up until the equipment is turned in or paid for.

Be attentive to announcements asking for lockers to be cleaned out and locks removed to accommodate visiting teams. Failure to remove locks and have lockers cleaned as requested could result in cutting the locks. Otherwise, lockers should be locked at all other times to prevent theft. Locker rooms can be sued depending on the schedule by visiting teams at any time.

Keep the locker room and shower room clean and orderly. Waste materials are to be placed in containers. Use of soap and deodorants leads to better health. Report all injuries to the coach. No horseplay in locker room, practice area, or game area.

Any practice conduct, game conduct, school or non-school conduct, that is in violation of these rules may result in disciplinary action. Violation of a minor nature may result in temporary denial of participation. Violations of a more serious nature may result in lengthy or permanent denial of participation.

An athlete who drops a sport of his own accord or is denied participation for disciplinary reasons will not be allowed to switch to a concurrent sport. If the athlete quits, he/she has two practice days to go to the

coach to discuss the problem. If it is decided by mutual consent that the athlete should quit, then the athlete doesn't have to appear before the Athletic Board. If it is not by mutual consent, then the athlete must appear before the Athletic Board before he/she will be allowed to participate in any future sport.

Athletes must obey any specific rules set by the coach of that sport. They will be attached at the rear of this policy booklet.

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by each coach in any other situation not covered by these rules. It is expected that the athlete will comply with all provisions of the school discipline code.

If possible, there will be separation of boys and girls while riding on the athletic buses which will be left up to the discretion of the coaches. If space is available, cheerleaders and statisticians may ride on the athletic bus. Athletes are required to ride to and from athletic contests on the athletic bus. Students may be released to the parents following the contest when a signed note is presented to the head coach in person by the parent. Any other exception to this rule must be approved by the principal.

No one with street shoes is allowed on the new gym floor. Students are not to stand or sit on the wrestling mats.

The number of players in the coaches' room should be no greater that the number of coaches in the room at that time.

At athletic events, athletes must wear uniforms and clothing which reflect credit on the school. Any change from the above rule shall be approved by both the principal and the head coach.

Team uniforms, warm-ups, etc. are to be worn only during the athletic contests. They are not to be worn as everyday clothing except on special occasions with the coach's approval.

Athletes are not permitted to lift weights in the weight room without the direct supervision of a coach or member of the teaching staff.

These rules and policies may be amended, if necessary, by the administration, Athletic Board, and/or Board of Education.
Rules and Regulations During Sports Seasons
All participants are required to participate in a pre-season conditioning program established by the coach according to rules set up by the OHSAA.
All squad members are to complete the season unless denied participation, dismissed by the coach, or excused by the coach by mutual agreement.
All squad members are to be present at all assigned practices unless previously excused by the coach or absent from school.
Excusable absences will be left to the discretion of the coach. An approved absence from school the day of a practice is considered an excuse for missing practice.
So as to perform at the highest possible level, ALL participants are required to receive proper diets and rest during a sport season.

McCOMB LOCAL SCHOOLS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT CONTRACT

I hereby apply to participate in interscholastic athletics at McComb Local Schools and voluntarily agree to live by the adopted Athletic Code of the McComb Athletic Board and the constitution, rules, by-laws, decisions, and interpretations of the Board and the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Signature of Student

Date

We, as parents/guardians of

, have read the Athletic Code of McComb Local

Schools and hereby give our consent and statement of support. We hereby grant our  son/daughter permission to be a candidate for the interscholastic athletic program and agree to assist our son/daughter in fulfilling his/her obligations as a candidate and potential member of an interscholastic squad.

Signature of Parents/Guardians     	

Date

NOTE:	All participating school personnel (coaches, players, cheerleaders, statisticians, student managers, etc.) must be transported by school-provided transportation to and from games. Students may be released to the parents following the contest when a signed note is presented to the head coach in person by the parent. Any other exceptions to this rule must be approved by the Principal.

PLEASE SIGN THE NECESSARY LINES AND RETURN THIS FORM (IN FULL SHEET FORM) TO THE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC OFFICE.

Thank you,

Shawn Woolf Athletic Director

Student Policies & Due Process
606-Page 7

Dear Student and Parent/Guardian,

As was mentioned in the introduction to this policy handbook for athletes, we are pleased that you are interested in being involved in the interscholastic athletic program in the McComb Local Schools. We hope your experiences are pleasant and rewarding.

Each year in the United States over 4 million students participate in interscholastic athletic activities. While the benefits and advantages of this participation are numerous, it is important that you recognize that each time you participate in athletics you are assuming certain risks. Many who participate will experience some type of injury during the course of their athletic career. Many injuries are short term such as sprains, bruises, contusions, cuts, etc. and recovery is quick. On the other hand, injuries may be long term and could result in permanent disability. Certainly the risks are greater in contact activities where chances of injury to the head, neck, and spinal chord are greatest. As a result, each sport activity encompasses certain rules and regulations that are designed to protect all participants. For example:

Participants must wear the proper equipment.
Participants must be properly conditioned.
Proper techniques must be utilized.
Participants must exercise good judgment at all times.

With these thoughts in mind we urge parents/guardians and students to think about the risks involved before participating in the interscholastic athletic program. In this regard, please read and sign the attached form. This form must be returned before an athlete can practice or participate in an interscholastic athletic event.

Sincerely yours,

Shawn Woolf Athletic Director

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF WARNING BY STUDENT

I,	, hereby acknowledge that I have been properly advised, cautioned
and warned by the proper administrative and coaching personnel of the McComb Local School District

that by participating in the sport of

I am exposing myself to the risk of serious

injury, including but not limited to, the risk of sprains, fractures and ligament and/or cartilage damage which could result in a temporary or permanent, partial or complete, impairment in the use of my limbs; brain damage; paralysis; or even death. Having been so cautioned and warned, it is still my desire to participate in the above sport, I hereby further acknowledge that I do so with full knowledge and understanding of the risk of serious injury to which I am exposing myself by participating in the above sport.

 	
Name of Student	Date

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF WARNING BY PARENTS

We/I, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of	do hereby acknowledge that we/I have been fully advised, cautioned and warned by the proper administrative and coaching personnel of McComb Local School District that our/my child named above may suffer serious injury, including but not limited to sprains,  fractures,  brain  damage,  paralysis  or  even  death,  by  participating  in  the  sport  of
. Not withstanding such warnings, and with full knowledge and understanding of the risk  of  serious  injury  to  our/my  child  named  above  which  may  result,  we/I  give  our  consent  to
participating in the sport of	.

 	
Name of Student	Date

 	
Name of Parent/Guardian	Name of Parent/Guardian

EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION McCOMB EXTRA CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION

 	
Building	Students Name
Athletics-Activities
Address

Telephone
Purpose:	To enable parents to authorize the provision of emergency treatment for children who become ill or injured while participating in extra-curricular activities under
school authority, when parents cannot be reached. This form must be completed to participate in school extra-curricular activities.

First Call:	1. Parents	List Phone numbers below.

2. Nearest Relative

Home  		                      Work	Hours  	 Work	Hours  	

Name	Relationship	Phone  	

Name	Relationship	Phone  	

In the event the above attempts have been unsuccessful, what action should the advisor take? (Please check approved responses--you may check more than one.)

 	Call family doctor. Name

_ Phone  	

 	Call family dentist. Name

Phone  	

 	Transport by emergency vehicle to

Phone  	

 	Please take no action or (indicate desired action to be taken)

Please list allergies, medications being taken, physical impairments to which a physician should be alerted:

 	
Date	Parental Signature	Relationship

McCOMB HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
INSURANCE COVERAGE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The McComb Board of Education has adopted an insurance coverage for boys/girls participating in the school sponsored athletic program. "Athletes must be covered by either school or family insurance. However, this does not preclude an athlete from having both types of insurance coverage if he/she so desires."

Our school insurance is selected by the Board of Education annually on a bid basis.

Please check below so that we know which insurance company you are using for your child's coverage.

 		I have enrolled in the school insurance program as selected by the Board of Education.

 	I do not want the school policy as my insurance program.

Coverage with the company is sufficient.

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE HEAD COACH.

insurance

Parental Signature