THIS POLICY IS IN EFFECT FROM THE FIRST DAY OF FALL ATHLETIC PRACTICE EACH SCHOOL YEAR UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF SPRING SPORTS. STUDENT ATHLETES WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO THESE GUIDELINES DURING AND OUTSIDE OF THEIR SEASON OF COMPETITION.

In order for a high school or middle school student to be involved in the athletic program, cheerleading, or the dance team, he/she must abide by these USD 402 guidelines as well as those established by the Kansas State High School Activities Association:

1. The student shall have passed at least five new subjects of unit weight the previous semester of attendance and be enrolled in and attending a minimum of five new subjects during the present semester. This is in accordance with the K.S.H.S.A.A. of which we are a member.

2. Students must attain at least a 1.70 grade point average with no more than one failed course in the most recent grading period in order to participate in interscholastic activity competition during the following grading period.

3. He/she must be a bona fide student of the school and in good standing. If a student is under an administrative suspension, he/she WILL NOT be allowed to practice or participate in activities during the suspension period. Athletes being withheld from competition or while under athletic suspension are not considered to be in good standing.

4. The student must be in school a minimum of one-half day of school in order to participate in athletic contests or practices. Exceptions must be approved by a member of the building administration.

5. He/she must attend practice regularly. Absence from practice must be excused ahead of time by the coach. The coach has the final say as to whether the miss will be excused. Even if the absence is excused, the coach reserves the right to require conditioning work for that day to be made up. All other absences will be unexcused. The second unexcused absence will result in removal from the activity for the remainder of the season.

6. If at any time a student is found to be using, in possession of, distributing, selling, or giving away any type of controlled substance (excluding alcohol and tobacco) they will be denied the privilege of participation in the athletic program for the remainder of the school year.

7. He/she MUST NOT use or have possession of alcohol or tobacco products. Any student involved with these substances on school grounds, at a school activity, or while in any way representing Augusta schools, will be suspended from athletic competition for a minimum of the next two games/matches (at the level which he/she usually competes) in volleyball, basketball, soccer, wrestling, baseball and softball or the next one day of competition in football, cross country, golf, tennis, and track. This penalty is based on the number of playing dates as set by the K.S.H.S.A.A. The student will also be placed on probation for all athletic activities for the remainder of the school year.

8. If a student is involved with these substances away from school grounds or activities and it can be substantiated by a reliable source, such as the police, a faculty member, or an administrator, he/she will face the same penalties as outlined in point #7 above.

9. When a student is on athletic suspension for any period of time, he/she will be required to attend all team meetings and practices and be present with the team, but not suited up, during games.

10. Probation means that if any further involvement with alcohol or tobacco products becomes evident, the student will be immediately removed from their athletic activity and denied the privilege of participation in the athletic program for the remainder of the school year.

11. Disciplinary action will be handled on an individual basis, except those that are specifically spoken to above. Disciplinary action will result if, in the judgment of the coach and administration, the athlete's actions are considered irreconcilable. Irreconcilable actions could include, but are not limited to, such things as criminal activity (defined by KSA 72-8901 as conduct which constitutes the commission of a misdemeanor or a felony), or misconduct at school/school activities (as addressed in USD 402 disciplinary policies).

12. He/she will follow all rules and regulations that are established by the coach and will respect the authority of the coach while under his/her direction.

We, the student and parent, have read and understand these policies. This form must be returned by all students prior to participation in athletic activities. Parents of athletes grades 7-12 are encouraged to attend a pre-season meeting, when held, prior to their student's participation in practices or contest for the purpose of reviewing this policy and other guidelines as set by the respective coaches.

Student's Signature:_________________________________Coach's Signature: ____________________________________

Parent/Legal Guardian Signature:_________________________________________________ Date: __________________

Amended : 4/23/04

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