ATHLETIC, EXTRA-CURRICULAR, CO-CURRICULAR, AND SCHOOL FUNCTIONS EXPECTATIONS

 

It is the belief of the Oswego City School District that once a student becomes a member of an athletic/co-curricular/team/group/club/organization representing the Oswego City School District that the student assumes a major responsibility. The student represents their school, their family and themselves. The student is expected to maintain high standards, as they have accepted the responsibility that coincides with being provided the opportunity to represent the school. 

 

ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

It is the belief of the Oswego City School District that participation in the Athletic Program is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, to the team, to the student body, and to the community. When an athlete accepts this privilege, he or she must also live up to a Code of Conduct and assume responsibility as an ambassador for the Oswego City Schools. This responsibility applies whether the student-athlete is on campus, off campus, or at a competitor’s school, and also applies during both the sporting season and the off season. While all students in the Oswego City Schools are expected to conform to the district’s code of conduct, student-athletes, because of their visibility, have an additional responsibility to maintain good sportsmanship and a positive attitude in all sporting competitions.

The intent of the Oswego City School District is to promote responsible behavior, good sportsmanship, and love of the sport in an orderly and safe school environment. The belief of the Oswego City School District is that everyone in our community must strive toward contributing to this goal. Student athletes, parents/guardians, coaches, and spectators all have the responsibility to uphold the District Standards based on:

 

· Responsible Behavior: Use of self-control in your actions and language.

· Mutual Respect: Treat yourself and others with care and consideration.

· Concern for Others: Be truthful, honest and fair in your dealings with others.

· Cooperation: Listen and work together to make a positive contribution.

· Personal Excellence: Put forth your best effort in whatever you attempt.

· Leadership: Challenge oneself to take on leadership roles on the team.

 

Resulting in our student athletes being Fully Prepared and Life Ready!

 

A. POLICY

It is a privilege for students to participate in interscholastic athletics at the Modified, Junior Varsity and Varsity levels. This participation requires that student-athletes take on additional responsibility when it comes to their behavior on and off the field, whether it is in or out of season. For this reason athletes will follow the athletic training rules year-round. Student athletes and their parents will review and sign the code of conduct prior to each season as part of completing the registration process on family id.

 

B. ATTENDANCE

 

1. School Attendance – It is an expectation that athletes are students first and academics is

their #1 priority for that reason all student-athletes are required to be in school by 10:00am. Students arriving after 10:00am without a legal excuse or who are absent from school will not be permitted to participate in practice or games that day. The athletic director or building administrator may make exceptions to this rule for the following reasons: death or serious injury of a family member; court appearance; medical appointment verified by a note from the medical office personnel; religious observance; college visits; extraordinary circumstances.

 

2.  School Tardiness – A student-athlete who is illegally tardy to school jeopardizes participation in interscholastic athletics during that season. Student-athletes who are illegally tardy to school or illegally leave school early five (5) times will not be permitted to participate in athletic practice or contests that day. Each subsequent tardy will result in a suspension of eligibility for that day.

 

3. Practice Attendance/Tardiness – The New York State Public Athletic Association outlines the required number of practices needed prior to entering a scrimmage and/or contest for each sport. Each coach will set up his or her own rules on practice requirements beyond the New York State mandated requirements. Coaches will provide for students/athletes a practice schedule, practice attendance requirements, general team rules and consequences for rule violations. To maintain the appropriate physical conditioning, students/athletes under disciplinary review will continue to attend any practice or meeting associated with the sport unless otherwise directed by the principal and/or athletic director. Student/athletes are expected to be at every practice and game. Missing practice or game may be reason for suspension from contests based upon the coach’s discretion. It is suggested that potential conflicts be discussed with the coach prior to the conflict.

 

C. HAZING

When membership or participation in any athletic team is linked with involvement in hazing activities, the educational purpose of the endeavor is compromised or completely undermined. Moreover, such activities can endanger the safety of student-athletes. Because the school district is committed to providing a safe and orderly environment that promotes respect, civility and dignity for all members of the school community, hazing is strictly prohibited by the board of education. No hazing activities will be tolerated under any circumstances. Members of the school district community may not participate or be involved in hazing activities. Any member of the school district community involved in such activity shall be subject to disciplinary action for violation of this policy.

 

The term “hazing” as used in this code of conduct, means any conduct or methods of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, before, during or after school hours, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person, or which is reasonably likely to cause harassment, intimidation, physical, emotional or psychological harm, including embarrassment or loss of human dignity to another person.

 

Consent of the victim of hazing shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution of hazing under this code of conduct. Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing and is at the scene of such a hazing shall, to the extent that the person can do so without danger or peril to himself/herself or others, report such activity to an appropriate official as soon as responsibly possible. Any person who knowingly and unreasonably fails to report hazing activity shall be guilty as an accomplice in such activity. Employees who fail to report an incident of hazing may be subject to disciplinary action.

 

• While not an exhaustive list, hazing includes the following:

• Whipping, beating, branding, or any other physical assault;

• Forced calisthenics of any kind, such as sit-ups, pushups, any other physically abusive

exercises, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity, which is likely to

adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such person;

• Forced exposure to weather or the elements;

• Forced consumption of food, liquor, beverage, drug or any other substance;

• Any forced activity which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental

stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation;

• Forced total and/or partial nudity at any time;

• Forced wearing or carrying of any obscene or physically burdensome or embarrassing

article;

• Forced transportation and intentional abandonment of any person or member at any

location;

• Forced assignment of “pranks” such as stealing, painting objects, or harassing other

organizations, institutions or activities;

• Calling or assigning prospective teammates demeaning names.

 

D. CYBER POLICY

Any identifiable image, photo or video which establishes that a student-athlete is using or possessing tobacco (including, but not limited to e-cigarettes, Juul, Vapes), controlled substances (including, but not limited to aerosol chemicals and inhalants), or alcoholic beverages, will prompt an investigation into the situation. Additionally, any substantiated form of cyberbullying to fellow teammates or students in school that could result in further problems within the school may result in a violation of the athletic training rules.

 

E. EXPECTATIONS

The basis for the Athletic Code of Conduct is that of good citizenship and sportsmanship. In addition, student-athletes are expected to follow all local, state and federal laws. Student-athletes are also expected to follow the rules and policies of the school district, the athletic department and the particular team. Student athletes are expected to comport themselves as role models.

 

On or off school grounds and year round, no athlete shall use, be in possession of or under the influence of any controlled substance, including but not limited to alcohol, and/or tobacco products, steroids or any other performance enhancing substances, inhalants or any drug paraphernalia, except by lawful prescription.

 

It is also expected that student-athletes must not attend any social functions where alcohol or tobacco products are being used by minors or where controlled substances are being used unlawfully by anyone. The athlete must leave the site immediately upon the knowledge of alcohol or tobacco use by minors or unlawful use of controlled substances by anyone. Student-athletes who attended and willfully remain at an event where there is alcohol or other illegal substances are deemed to be in possession by association of those illegal substances or alcohol and will be subject to discipline.

 

Students are encouraged to contact a coach or administrator to establish their role in connection with any such event. The purpose of the call is to protect the students who made the right choice in leaving the event from future allegations of misconduct.

 

(Reminder: Parents, by law, may not host or participate in any social functions where controlled substances (including alcohol) are being served and/or used by minors. This includes these types of functions held at an adult property when the owner is not present).  The following will be taken into account prior to any necessary disciplinary action(s):  

student’s age/grade, the nature of the offense, any prior record, the effectiveness of the discipline,

information from the teachers or parents, or extenuating circumstances.

1. First Offense:

For the first offense of the athletic training rules, a student athlete may receive consequences ranging from a warning to game/contest suspensions for that sport The student must attend all practices during the suspension unless they are suspended from school. Additionally the student is required to complete one (1) counseling session with their school counselor or another counseling professional assigned by the athletic office. Upon completion of the suspension, the student-athlete will meet with the Athletic Director to verify all sections of the suspension have been met, expectations reviewed, and a return to play is agreed upon.

 

NOTE:

Any part of a suspension not fulfilled may be carried over to the next sport season.

If an athlete elects to participate in a sport in which they normally do not participate so that their suspension does not affect their primary sport, that student will face suspension in both sports.

 

2. Second Offense:

For the second offense of the athletic training rules, a student athlete may receive consequences ranging from a game/contest suspension to suspension for the remainder of the season. Additionally, the student athlete must complete a minimum number of counseling sessions. The number of sessions will be determined following the initial counseling session. Upon completion of the suspension, the student-athlete and his parent(s)/guardian will meet with the Athletic Director, parents, coach(es), and building administrator prior to re-entry into participation.

 

3. Third Offense:

A student athlete who violates the athletic training rules for the third time may be suspended for the rest of the school year or any portion deemed by the Athletic Director.

 

F. REPORTING VIOLATIONS

1. Reports of alleged violations coming from the individuals listed below, having personally witnessed the alleged violation, must be investigated by the Athletic Director or designee.

a. Any district employee or school board member

b. Any adult acting as a chaperone or assisting with a school activity at the request of a district  employee.

c. Any law enforcement officer or agency.

d. A parent or legal guardian of the student involved.

 

2. Reports of alleged violations from persons other than the above may be investigated if cause to do so is warranted by the Athletic Director or designee.

 

3. Alleged violations of training rules must be reported to a coach, the Athletic Director, or a school administrator.

 

G. PROCEDURE FOR DISPOSITION OF REPORTED VIOLATIONS

After conducting the investigation, if it appears that there is sufficient cause to believe the violation occurred, a due process conference will be held. The conference will be held within ten (10) calendar days of the initial report alleging a violation; or thirty (30) calendar days if the report is received other than during the school year. Where practicable (e.g. if there are no contests scheduled within three (3) days, at least two (2) days prior a written notice of the hearing will be provided to the following individuals:

1. The following may be included in the conference:

a. Student/athlete;

b. Parent or guardian of the student/athlete;

c. Coach of the athletic team the student/athlete is presently a participant on, and if not during an active season, to the coach of either the team the student most recently competed on or the coach of the team it is anticipated the student will next participate on;

d. Principal of the school the student/athlete attends.

 

Where written notice of the conference is required, the student/athlete shall also be provided with a list of persons the Oswego City School District intends to call as witnesses at the conference and the allegation, or allegations, at least two (2) days before the conference. The student/athlete may call his/her own witnesses and is to provide the Oswego City School District with a list of names, one (1) day prior to the conference. The student/athlete may be represented by counsel, provided notice of at least one (1) day is provided to the District. The district may elect to bring counsel as well. The formal rules of evidence will not be in effect at the conference. The Athletic Director, or designee, will be the sole fact finder and shall make his or her findings in writing within two (2) days of the conference. Any finding that the student -athlete violated the training rules must be determined by a preponderance of the evidence. Findings of violations may be appealed to the superintendent, in writing within ten (10) days of the finding of the athletic director. The superintendent may, at his or her discretion, either review the record of the conference, make a determination from there, or conduct a new conference under the same rules as the conference previously set forth. The Superintendent shall be bound by the same standard of proof and any determination of the superintendent shall be final.

 

H. Offenses Resulting in Arrest or the Filing of Formal Charges in Court

An athlete who participates in activities resulting in his/her arrest or formal charges being filed in court may face additional penalties under this code. If the district has adequate and competent evidence that the student participated in the offense for which he or she is charged, a penalty may be imposed pursuant to this code prior to completion of the criminal proceeding. If the district does not have such evidence and the student is convicted of a crime, the penalty pursuant to this code will be imposed upon conviction. In the latter case, the athlete may continue to participate in his/her sport until resolution of the matter by the judicial system.

 

I. DUE PROCESS

Prior to imposition of any penalty under the code, the athletic director will notify the athlete of the nature of the infraction and the student will be given an opportunity to explain his or her side of the story.

 

J. SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL

Any time an athlete violates a regulation pertaining to all students and that student is suspended from school (either in-school or out-of-school suspension) they are additionally suspended from participation and attending any extra-curricular school- sponsored activities for the length of their suspension. Coaches will be notified by the athletic office and/or the middle school or high school main office when these suspensions take place.

 

K. OUTSIDE PARTICIPATION

The NYSPHSAA allows outside participation. Oswego student athletes must understand that commitment to the school team comes first, and outside participation should not be detrimental to an individual or the team. There may be many circumstances where a student- athlete should not participate in an outside activity due to the possible effect on the team. Do not participate until you check with the individual coach involved with the school team.

 

L. ACCIDENT AND INJURIES

Participation by an athlete involves some degree of risk of physical injury. Such physical injury can occur in any type of athletic activity, be it “contact” or “non-contact”. Further, many injuries are truly accidental in nature and involve no negligence by anyone, including the athlete. By volunteering to participate in school sponsored athletic activity, the athlete and his/her parent(s) assume the risks for injuries to occur. If during the course of any athletic practice or contest, an athlete is injured, it is the responsibility of the coach or coaching staff to provide basic First Aid to the injured athlete and obtain further assistance, if necessary. Also, the coach will make appropriate phone calls and will document the injury.

 

Athletic Trainer

The athletic trainer provides emergency service for student athletes and develops prevention strategies through appropriate training methods and physical conditioning programs, to ensure proper follow-up after an injury, the trainer consults with parents, the school nurse, physicians, coaches and physical education teachers. The district’s athletic trainer is Michael Schlichtig and his office is located in the high school weight room, his hours run 1pm until approximately 9pm; along with attending a large majority of home contests.

 

Medical Certification Process for Participation in Interscholastic Athletics

1. All students must have an up-to-date physical in order to participate in interscholastic athletics. Physicals are good for one calendar year, if the physical expires during a season, the physical will be certified for the entire season.

 

2. If the physical is completed more than 30 days prior to the start of the season, a parent/guardian of that child must complete and submit to the high school nurse an interval health history form. (Those forms are available in the nurse’s office or athletic office and the athletic website).

 

3. Any injury or surgery must be resolved and a note of return to full activity signed by a physician must be on file in the nurse’s office or presented to the nurse at the time of recertification.

 

4. If a student is unable to schedule a sports physical with their primary physician, a student will be able to see their school nurse to have one completed in their office. (During the school year).

 

Injuries

It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to immediately report any injury to his/her coach. The coach will then complete an incident report and submit that to the athletic office. No student-athlete is permitted to participate or play in an athletic practice or contest if a clearance note from a physician is not submitted to the athletic trainer or school nurse. Return to play after injury

 

If a student has seen a physician for an injury or is absent from school or practice session, due to an injury they must have written permission from a physician before returning to participation in practices, scrimmages or games. By volunteering to participate in school sponsored athletic activity, a student and his/her parent/guardian assume the risk for injury to occur.

 

Insurance

Students who suffer accidental injury during any school sponsored and supervised activities are first covered under the parent’s insurance. The school district’s insurance is supplemental coverage that may provide a benefit after submitting it through your personal insurance. The forms to access the supplemental coverage will be provided by the athletic office, after an accident reporting form is submitted to the athletic office.

J. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

To maintain a standard of excellence at both the academic and athletic levels, the following eligibility rules have been established to govern the behavior and conduct of students choosing to participate in interscholastic athletics:

 

Prior to the Start of Each Sport Season

The 10-week marking period previous to the sport season desired to participate in will be used to determine a student’s eligibility status to try-out for an athletic team.  Fall sport candidates will refer to the previous spring marking period (weeks 30-40).  Winter sport candidates will refer to the fall marking period (weeks 1-10). Spring sport candidates will refer to the winter marking period (weeks 10-20).

 

Notes: 

• The passing of a course, final exam or regents exam does not determine eligibility; only the 10-week marking period grade.

• If a student fails the (30-40 week) marking period, however, due to failing the course retakes the course during summer school and passes the designated course will begin the next season without any restrictions.

• Students with 3 or more failing grades in the previous marking period will not be allowed to try-out, as they need to concentrate on their academics.  

 

During the Sport Season

Probation Period

• Any student with 2 or more deficient grades (based on the 5-week academic reports)--will be considered to be on “probation”.  “Probation” will require the student to stay after for a teacher in the course(s) that was below the minimum and provide their coach with a daily pass in order to practice or compete.  In cases in which the specific teacher is not available, they may designate from whom the student may get help.

• A student deficient in multiple courses--will develop a rotating schedule with their teachers of who they will stay after school each day with.  On days of faculty meetings or when teachers are not available, the student is required to stay in the Homework Lab until 3:15pm.  

The “probation” period will last 10 school days! At the end of the 10th school day, a release form is signed by the teacher(s) and is due to the Athletic Office (in the hands of the Athletic Director or Secretary) by 3:00pm.

 

Ineligible Period

After the 10 school day probation period, any athlete with 2 or more deficient grades becomes ineligible to compete in all contests for the remainder of the 5-week marking period.  Athletes with 2 or more deficient grades will remain ineligible until they are properly released to where they are deficient in no more than 1 course.  Athletes deficient in 1 course must continue the responsibilities of the student on probation.

• An “incomplete” will be reviewed by the Athletic Director and Building Administration to ensure proper athletic eligibility is obtained.

• All athletes, coaches and parents are to respect the integrity of each teacher’s grades.  Any potential mitigating circumstances must be brought to the attention of the Athletic Director.

• Upon request, a panel made up of a Building Administrator, a Coach, and a School Counselor may review a student’s eligibility status.  If it is determined that the failing grades were significantly influenced by circumstances beyond the student’s control, participation may be granted.

 

Quitting a Team

When participating on an athletic team we ask the student to make a commitment to the team, the coach, the school and the sport. Before a final decision is made the athlete should meet and discuss their situation with the coach and if necessary the athletic director along with their parent/guardian.  If a student-athlete elects to quit a team after the first week of the season that student may face consequences for that decision. If an athlete makes this decision they are to inform the coach and athletic director immediately. Quitting of a team may result in a suspension from the next season of participation; final determination will be made by the Athletic Director with

the assistance of athlete, coach, parent and future coach.

 

 Transportation

It is the expectation of the athletic department and its coaches that student athletes will ride team buses to and from all athletic contests. In extreme cases parents may sign their children out after a contest. Additionally, parents may request in writing to the athletic director 24 hours prior to contest permission for their son/daughter to ride home with another parent. Form found in athletic office or at www.oswego.org.

 

Equipment

Athletic equipment becomes more costly each year. It is the responsibility of the student athlete to return to the coach all clothing and equipment issued. No one should have any equipment home after the season without school permission. Failure to do this will result in the student athlete paying for the missing equipment