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Athletics

 

WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

WASHINGTON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 

ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

1.   PURPOSE

Athletics at Washington Junior and Senior High Schools is intended to promote the development of physical and mental excellence and discipline in students as they prepare to enter a competitive environment. To achieve this end, athletes must be willing to practice, train, dedicate, and sacrifice. The purpose of the athletic code of conduct is to standardize and explain the very minimum of conduct by which all athletes must abide and the penalties that will be imposed if there is a violation.

2.   SCOPE

As a member of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, Washington High School is subject to and will enforce all the rules of the association applicable to student athletes. In addition to the school rules of conduct, Washington Junior High, and Washington High School students, participating in athletics, will be subject to and required to comply with, the athletic code of conduct in or out of season for 365 days a year beginning the first day of practice or the first day of school, whichever comes first, during the athlete’s enrollment at Washington Junior High or High School.

3.   RULES OF CONDUCT

a.   An athlete shall be subject to and comply with all rules of the Indiana High School Athletic Association and the laws of the State of Indiana.

b.   If an athlete is suspended or expelled from school for a violation of school rules, the athlete may not participate or attend an athletic practice or a contest on the day or days of the suspension from school. Approved by WHS School Board 8/16/90. Revised 5/95, 5/01, 5/03, 7/08, 4/09, 4/11, 5/13, 10/13

4.   PARTICIPATION IN CONTESTS OR PRACTICES

a.   Attendance at School

Except for i.-v. below, Students must be in attendance for 4 full periods (Either 1-4 or 4-7) to attend/participate in any extra-curricular activity. Any exception to this guideline must be approved by the administration. Any student suspended from school for disciplinarian reasons is not allowed to participate in the ECA contest during the suspended time.

i. Approved medical appointment. In this case the athlete must present a signed statement from the doctor.

ii.   Attendance at school sponsored activities.

iii.  Participation in any activity which is excused by law.

iv.  Family emergency.

v.   Other situations which may be excused by the office.

b.   Medical

i.  An athlete must have a physical examination before being allowed to start practice.

ii.   The physical form must be on file in the Athletic Office before the first practice or activity. All other required forms must be completed on-line before the first day of practice or activity.

iii.  An athlete who has been injured and has had medical treatment will not be allowed to participate in practice or contests until released by a doctor.

c.   Quitting or Removal from a Team

An athlete may not quit one sport and go out for another sport after the season has begun. If an athlete quits a team or is removed for disciplinary reasons on or after the first day of the season, they will not be permitted to participate in another sport until the original sport season terminates. The athlete may participate in another sport, if the head coach of the sport that the athlete has quit or has been removed from, gives the athlete a written waiver. An athlete cut from a sports team may try out for another team without the waiver.

d.   Team Rules

Each coach shall establish his/her own rules regarding training, practice, curfews, and any rules not covered by the above guidelines prior to the start of the season. An athlete can be removed from practice(s) or game(s) because of violation of team or school rules. These rules will be in writing so that there will be no misunderstanding on the part of the participants and their parents. Written copies of individual coach policies are to be on file in the Athletic Director’s office.

e.   Travel

An athlete must travel to and from out-of-town contests in transportation provided by the school, except where there is an injury, an emergency transportation situation, or where prior arrangements have been made by using the Contest Travel Release Form.

f. Prohibited Substances

The possession, use, transmission or being under the influence of any narcotic drug, tobacco substance, electronic cigarettes, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, alcoholic beverage, glue sniffing or intoxicant of any kind by students at Washington Jr. Sr. High School is prohibited. This is including prescription drugs not prescribed to you. Use of drugs authorized by a medical prescription from a physician is not a violation of this rule.

 5.   PENALTIES

   POSSESSION OR CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL

   1st OFFENSE

a.   Suspension from competition for 33% of the scheduled games for that season, starting immediately and carrying over until all suspended games have been completed.

b.   Enroll and Complete Alcohol or Substance Abuse program approved by the administration.

c.   Provide two (2) clean random drug tests during the suspension and prior to participation. These random drug screens will be dictated/requested by the school administration and be the financial responsibility of the student and/or parents. After two clean screens are achieved, the athlete will have fulfilled this stipulation.

   POSSESSION OR USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND 

ELECTRIC CIGARETTES (VAPING DEVICES)

   1st OFFENSE

a.   Suspension from competition for 20% of the scheduled games for that season, starting immediately and carrying over until all suspended games have been completed.

b.   Enroll and Complete Alcohol or Substance Abuse program approved by the administration.

c.   Provide two (2) clean random drug tests during the suspension and prior to participation. These random drug screens will be dictated/requested by the school administration and be the financial responsibility of the student and/or parents. After two clean screens are achieved, the athlete will have fulfilled this stipulation.

   Possession or use of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, glue sniffing, prescription drug not prescribed to you or intoxicant of any kind.

   1st OFFENSE

-Suspension from competition for 50% of the scheduled games for that season, starting immediately and carrying over until all suspended games have been completed.

- Enroll and Complete Alcohol or Substance Abuse program approved by the administration.

  • Provide two (2) clean random drug tests during the suspension and prior to participation. These random drug screens will be dictated/requested by the school administration and be the financial responsibility of the student and/or parents. After two clean screens are achieved, the athlete will have fulfilled this stipulation.

   2ND OFFENSE: IF A STUDENT ATHLETE HAS A SECOND VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

  • Suspension from competition for one calendar year from the date of the infraction. This penalty cannot be served at the same time as the previous violation. This is regardless of the category the violation falls under. A second offense is a second offense. The student may be allowed to be on the team but cannot participate in a scheduled contest of any kind. In addition, the student must:

- Enroll and Complete Alcohol or Substance Abuse program approved by the administration.

- Provide two (2) clean random drug tests during the suspension and prior to participation. These random drug screens will be dictated/requested by the school administration and be the financial responsibility of the student and/or parents. After two clean screens are achieved, the athlete will have fulfilled this stipulation.

 3RD OFFENSE: IF A STUDENT ATHLETE HAS A THIRD VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

- Suspension from competition for one calendar year from the date of infraction. This penalty cannot be served at the same time as the previous violations. This is regardless of the category the violation falls under. A third offense is a third offense. The student WILL NOT be allowed to be on the team during the suspension.

- Enroll and Complete Alcohol or Substance Abuse program approved by the administration.

- Provide two (2) clean random drug tests during the suspension and prior to participation. These random drug screens will be dictated/requested by the school administration and be the financial responsibility of the student and/or parents. After two clean screens are achieved, the athlete will have fulfilled this stipulation.

 

HAZING/BULLYING/HARASSMENT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED

Soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or engaging in “hazing” on or in any school property at any time, or in connection with any activity supported or sponsored by the Corporation, whether on or off school property, is strictly prohibited.

“Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act meant to induce physical pain, embarrassment, humiliation, deprivation of rights or that creates physical or mental discomfort and is directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, club, or athletic team sponsored or supported by the Corporation and whose membership is totally or predominately other students from the Corporation.

BULLYING OR HARASSMENT IS DEFINED AS OVERT, REPEATED ACTS OR GESTURES, INCLUDING:

1.   Verbal or written communications transmitted.

2.   Physical acts committed; or

3.   Any other behaviors committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm another student. This would include behaviors involving the use of computers provided by the school. (I.C. 20-33-8-0.2)

You or your child should contact the coach, the Athletic Director, the Principal, or the Assistant Principal if you suspect your child has been hazed, bullied, or harassed.

STUDENTS ENGAGING IN ANY HAZING, BULLYING OR HARASSMENT TYPE BEHAVIOR THAT IS, IN ANY WAY, CONNECTED TO ANY ACTIVITY SPONSORED OR SUPPORTED BY THE CORPORATION, WILL BE SUBJECT TO ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS:

1.   Removal from participation in extracurricular activities

2.   Conference with parent(s)/guardian(s)

3.   Suspension for up to 10 days

4.   Long term suspension for the remainder of the school term

5.   Long term suspension for the remainder of the school year, i.e.: Longer than one term or semester, but less than a full school year.

6.   Referral to an appropriate law enforcement agency

7.   Permanent expulsion from the School Corporation

ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

The administration may deny or exclude an athlete from participating in contests or representing the school for violations of any school rule or this Athletic Code of Conduct or acting in a manner that brings embarrassment or shame to yourself and/or your school, or that negatively impacts the reputation of yourself or your school. Examples of such conduct include but are not limited to:

1.   Any illegal activity.

2.   Any non-illegal activity that is lewd, vulgar, obscene, indecent, or that portrays sexual conduct done in a manner whereby the community learns of such activity.

3.   Or any activity that degrades, demeans, or disparages any coach, activity sponsor, school official or student.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Social media is the collective online communication channels dedicated to community- based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration. Some examples of social media sites include: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, X, Pinterest, Reddit, Tumblr, and YouTube.

It is important to represent yourself and Washington Athletics in a positive manner online. This means thinking about what you post online and consider what the message being sent is before hitting the enter button. There is no such thing as being anonymous online. Through an internet IP address your identity can always be determined. 

Negativity, Profanity and Cyberbullying creates a disruptive impact on the school, athletic teams and on the morale and success of teams. 

Cyberbullying happens when a person bullies another through electronic technology and creates a substantial disruption.

Examples of Cyberbullying include:  Intimidating others through words, threats against others, the school, or person’s property, creating fake profiles or persons, creating websites to embarrass, threaten or socially isolate others, circulating offensive, nude or sexually explicit photos or videos, texting offensive messages or creating rumors and posting false information about people. This also includes cyberbullying directed at other communities, their members that live in their communities and schools in their communities.

Students in violation of the Social Media Policy are subject to sanctions.

Participating in athletics is a privilege not a right. The administration may deny or exclude and athlete from participating in contests or representing the school for any violations that bring embarrassment or shame to yourself and/or your school.

The Penalty will be based on the severity of the incident including possible removal from the school’s athletic program.

THE PENALTY WILL BE BASED ON THE SEVERITY OF THE INCIDENT.

SUSPECTED VIOLATIONS

In the event of a violation or suspected violation, the event shall be investigated by the coach of that sport and reported to the Athletic Director within 24 hours.

PENALTIES

A student may not attempt to circumvent the penalties in the Athletic Code of Conduct. A student must serve his/her penalty in the next sport. This sport must be one in which the student has participated in during the previous year.

RIGHT TO REVIEW DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES

1.   If a penalty is imposed on an athlete and the parent wishes to review the decision, they must do so in writing within 48 hours of being informed of the penalty.

2.   The review shall be made to the athletic director. When the review is received, the athletic director, within 24 hours, will notify the principal who will appoint, within 24 hours, the review committee. The review committee will consist of the assistant principal and four (4) members of the coaching staff.

3.   The review committee will make its recommendation to the principal within 24 hours after the review committee meets and the principal will make the final decision within 24 hours after receiving the recommendation and inform the parents in writing of the decision.

 

ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

1.   If a student is a member of more than one activity that meets after school, participation in the activity that receives academic credit will take precedence over non-credit activities. Sponsors and coaches may work together to waive this requirement depending on the event.

2.   STUDENTS MUST BE PRESENT AT LEAST FOUR FULL PERIODS (EITHER 1-4 OR 4-7) OF SCHOOL TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT DAY’S ATHLETIC EVENT.

3.   An athlete who has been a roster member of a team for a minimum of 2 weeks of competition season will not be allowed to quit a team and move on to another athletic team.

4.   To compete on two athletic teams during the same season the following conditions must be met

a.   Both coaches must be in full agreement,

b.   The athlete must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher,

c.   A primary sport must be named which will take priority in the event of scheduling conflicts

d.   A practice/contest schedule must be determined in advance.

 

SCHEDULING

Every effort is made to organize a competitive and complete schedule in each sport. Preference in scheduling is always given to conference schools.

Washington High School offers a varied interscholastic athletic program for both boys and girls. Opportunities are available in the following areas:

1.   BOYS - football, basketball, baseball, track, wrestling, cross-country, golf, tennis, soccer.

2.   GIRLS - basketball, track, tennis, golf, soccer, softball, cross country, and volleyball.

We hold membership in and abide by all rules and regulations of the IHSAA and the Pocket Athletic Conference (PAC).

FACILITIES

Washington High School offers facilities for its athletes and it is the athlete’s responsibility to show respect and proper attitude toward maintenance and use of these facilities.

INSURANCE

The Athletic Department will NOT carry any insurance on any athletes within Washington Community Schools. Students must have insurance to participate in athletics. If parents do not have insurance for their students who are wanting to participate in athletics it is recommended that they purchase the student insurance offered to all students. The Washington Athletic Department is not responsible for any out-of-pocket costs that might not be covered by insurance.

 

 

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

A BASIC GUIDE FOR SCHOOLS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS

 
TO STUDENTS

Your high school years will provide some of the most memorable and enjoyable moments you will ever experience. Competition in inter school athletics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which will influence you forever. Your participation in high school athletics is dependent on your eligibility. Keep that eligibility. Read the following summary of Indiana High School Athletic Association rules which govern your participation. Review the rules with your parents/guardians. Ask questions of your principal, athletic director/s and coaches.

TO PARENTS

The value of participating in athletics has been well documented. Participants earn better grades, have better attendance and have a greater chance for success in later life than non-participants. Students must meet certain standards to maintain the privileges of competition. Review the following rules with your son or daughter. Your role in stressing and supporting the value of following these rules cannot be emphasized enough.

FROM THE IHSAA

The Indiana High School Athletic Association has been the governing body of high school athletics in our state since 1903. Your school is a voluntary member of the IHSAA and has agreed to follow its rules. Both your school and the IHSAA believe in equal competition among schools and the close relationship between academics and athletics. The IHSAA rules listed in this brochure are only a summary of some of the regulations affecting student eligibility. All rules are found in the IHSAA By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation publication. Your principal and athletic director/s have copies. An on-line version also is located at www.ihsaa.org

YOU ARE ELIGIBLE IF:

1.   AGE

You do not turn 20 years old prior to or on the scheduled date of the IHSAA State Finals tournament in a sport.

2.   AMATEURISM

a.   You have not played under an assumed name.

b.   You have not accepted money or merchandise directly or indirectly from athletic participation.

c.   You have not signed a professional contract in that sport.

3.   AWARDS AND GIFTS

a.   You have not received in recognition for your athletic ability any award that is not approved by your high school principal or the IHSAA.

b.   You have not used or accepted merchandise as an award, prize, gift or loan or purchase such for a token sum.

c.   You have not accepted awards, medals, recognitions, gifts and honors from colleges/universities or their alumni.

4.   CONDUCT AND CHARACTER

a.   You have not conducted yourself in or out of school in a way which reflects discredit on your school or the IHSAA.

b.   You have not created a disruptive influence on the discipline, good order, moral and educational environment in your school.

5.   ENROLLMENT

a.   You enrolled in a school during the first 15 days of a semester.

b.   You have not been enrolled more than four consecutive years, or the equivalent (e.g., 8 semesters or 12 trimesters, etc.), beginning with grade 9.

c.   You have not represented a high school in a sport for more than four years.

6.   ILLNESS AND INJURY

a.   You are absent five to 10 or more consecutive school days due to illness or injury and have participated in at least four separate days of practice prior to competing.

b.   You are absent more than 10 or more consecutive school days due to illness or injury and have participated in at least six separate days of practice prior to competing.

7.   PARTICIPATION

a.   DURING CONTEST SEASON

i. You do not participate in try-outs or demonstrations of athletic ability in that sport as a prospective post-secondary school student-athlete.


ii.   You do not participate in a non-school contest that requires participation during school time, without gaining approval by the school principal or his/her designee.

iii.  You do not participate in a practice with or against players not belonging to your school.

iv.  You do not participate in a non-school-sponsored contest without an approved waiver.

v.   You do not attend a non-school camp.

vi.  You do not attend and participate in a student-clinic.

b.   DURING SCHOOL YEAR OUT-OF-SEASON

i.  You do not participate in a team sport contest as a member of a non-school team where there are more than the following number of students listed below in each sport, including incoming freshmen, who have participated the previous year in a contest as a member of their school team in that sport.

- Basketball 3, Baseball 5, Football 6

- Volleyball 3, Softball 5, Soccer 6

ii.   You do not receive instruction in a team sport from individuals who are members of your high school coaching staff (Exception: open facility).

c.   DURING SUMMER

i.  You do not attend any school-sponsored fall sports camp and/or clinic after Monday of Week 4 (See your athletic director for specific dates).

ii.   You do not attend any non-school camp and/or clinic after Monday of Week 7 (See your athletic director for specific dates).

8.   PRACTICE

You have completed the required number of separate days of organized practice in your sport under the direct supervision of the high school coaching staff in your sport preceding participation in a contest.

9.   SCHOLARSHIP

a.   You passed 70% of the full credit subjects or the equivalent that a student can take in your previous grading period. Semester grades take precedence.

b.   You are currently enrolled in 70% of the full credit subjects or the equivalent that a student can take.

10. CONSENT AND RELEASE CERTIFICATE

You have the completed certificate (physical form) on file with your principal each school year, between April 1 and your first practice.

11. TRANSFER

a.   You do not transfer from one school to another primarily for athletic reasons.

b.   You are entering the 9th grade for the first time.

c.   You are transferring from a school district or territory with a bona fide move by your parents.

d.   You are a ward of the court.

e.   You are an orphan.

f.    Your former school closed.

g.   Your former school is not an IHSAA member school and is not accredited by the state accrediting agency in the state where the school is located.

h.   Your transfer was pursuant to school board mandate for redistricting.

i.    You enrolled and/or attended, in error, a wrong school.

j.    You transferred from a correctional school.

k.   You are emancipated, as defined by the IHSAA.

l.   You did not participate in any contests as a representative of another school during the preceding 365 days.

m.  You return to an IHSAA member school from a non-member school and reside with the same parent/s or guardian/s.

n.   You transfer to a member boarding school with a corresponding move from the residence of your parent/s or you transfer from a member boarding school with a corresponding move to the residence of your parent/s.

o.   You are a qualified foreign exchange student attending under an approved CSIET program, who has attended a member school for less than one year.

12. UNDUE INFLUENCE

You, your parents, or guardians have not been influenced by any person to secure you as a student at a member school.