NORTH SYRACUSE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

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POLICY 5311

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY STATEMENT

SUBJECT: Athletic/Co-Curricular Code of Conduct

POLICY: 5311 EFFECTIVE DATE: 3/28/23

DATE OF ORIGINAL POLICY: DATE OF NEXT REVIEW: As Needed

REPLACES POLICY NO.: DATED: 3/28/23

I. PHILOSOPHY

It is the belief of the North Syracuse Central School District that once a student becomes a member

of an athletic/co-curricular team/group representing the North Syracuse Central School District

that the student assumes a major responsibility. The student represents his/her school, his/her/their

coach, his/her/their family and himself/herself/themselves. The student is expected to maintain the

high standards, which are accepted along with the opportunity to represent the school.

II. POLICY

All students must follow the Athletic/Co-Curricular Code of Conduct, beginning the first day of the

first practice/meeting in the specific sport or activity. No student will participate or practice until

ALL paperwork is complete (permission slip, physical examination, Athletic/Co-Curricular Code

of Conduct).

These rules and regulations are in effect for all students participating on any athletic team or co-

curricular activity that represents the North Syracuse Central School District.

III. AMPLIFYING INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES

1.0 ATTENDANCE

All students are required to attend school and classes regularly. All students must be

enrolled in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including physical education.

Rule:

All students who expect to play in a scheduled game, practice or, activity/event must be

signed into school no later than 30-minutes after the official start of the school day and

attend a full schedule of classes on the day of, or in the case of a weekend game, or

activity the day before the event. (In case of physical education, student athletes must

dress and participate.)

All student absences, tardiness, and early departures from class or school must be

accounted for. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school prior to the student

absence, tardiness, or early departure from class or school or to provide a written excuse

upon the student’s return to school.

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POLICY 5311

Excused Absences

Medical reasons:

Sick Injury

Attendance at Health Center* Quarantine*

Dental/Orthodontic Appointment* Surgery*

Doctor Appointment* Hospital*

Counseling*

Family related reasons:

Emergency in family Death in family

Attending funeral Military obligations*

Religious observance

Other:

College visit* Attending funeral

Incarcerated* Social Service visit*

This Excused Absence section is intended only to provide examples of excuses which, for

purposes of this Athletic/Co-Curricular Code of Conduct, are sufficient to permit a student

to participate in a scheduled event despite missing class on the day of the event.

Penalty

Failure to comply with this attendance rule will result in the student not being able to

participate in the practice/meeting, game, or event of that day. In the case of a Friday or

day before a holiday, the penalty will be imposed the next practice or event.

2.0 PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS

It should be understood that the North Syracuse Central School District believes that

representing the school is a privilege and not a right. We expect students to be willing to

meet a higher standard of character and behavior.

Rule:

1. Students are required to travel on the school bus to and from athletic and co-

curricular events, as long as a school bus is provided. Only under verifiable

circumstances will a student be allowed to leave an event with only his/her

parent/guardian (i.e., family medical emergency, funeral/wake, wedding). When

leaving an event with a legal excuse, the parent/guardian must personally provide the

coach/advisor with a signed note at the time of departure.

2. No student will use or smoke tobacco or use electronic cigarettes at any time during

the athletic/co-curricular season.

3. No student will drink alcoholic beverages at any time during the athletic/co-curricular

season.

4. No hosting or remaining at parties where illegal distribution of alcohol, drugs or

other performance enhancing substances are present and/or used.

5. No student will use, take, ingest, swallow, rub or massage into the skin, or otherwise

use any substance whose known or unknown quality is to, according to

advertisements, supposedly enhance body size, strength or performance, at any time

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POLICY 5311

before, during or after any athletic/co-curricular season. These substances include, but

may not be limited to anabolic steroids, “steroids”, “roids”, amino acids, human growth

hormones, etc., except as prescribed by a physician to treat an illness or condition.

6. No student will use non-prescription drugs or medicine of any kind for reasons other

than medicine for an ailment or illness at any time or place during the athletic/co-

curricular season.

7. No student will be in possession of or distribute tobacco products (including electronic

cigarettes), alcoholic beverages or any illegal drugs at any time during the athletic/co-

curricular season.

8. No student will engage in indecent exposure at any time during the athletic/co-curricular

season.

9. No student will engage in any illegal activity.

10. No student will commit offenses on or off school property which involves police or

court actions. Due to the severity of this type of allegation the student(s) involved will

have “rule infraction” applied from the date the allegation is known to school personnel.

First violation- the student will serve the suspension administered by the school along with

(Two Weeks) from all athletic/co-curricular activities/team from the date end of school

suspension.

Second Violation-will result in immediate dismissal from athletic/co-curricular activity/team

for the remainder of the season or trimester.

Third Violation- will result in total prohibition for one calendar year from all athletic/co-

curricular activity/teams from date of infraction to the same date a year later.

The trimesters will be as follows:

- August 15 – November 20 (95)

- November 21 – March 1 (89)

- March 2 – June 1 (91)

Students may reenter the full year club or activity on the commencement of the next trimester.

The student will attend mandatory drug/alcohol counseling for a minimum of four (4)

sessions with the student assistance counselor for any drug or alcohol violation.

Additionally – If any infraction occurs that is not specifically covered under these rules

and regulations and a coach/advisor believes it warrants punishment, a committee

comprised of the coach/advisor, director and a building administrator shall meet to

determine the nature of the punishment.

3.0 SCHOLASTIC ELIGIBILITY

It is recognized that one of the fundamental reasons for a student’s attendance in school is to

gain academic competency. It is also recognized that the District is interested in developing

the whole individual, particularly in the areas of health, sportsmanship, teamwork,

government, and social competencies.

All students involved in interscholastic and co-curricular activities will be encouraged to

succeed in every subject. High scholastic achievement is, and should be, the number one goal

of all students.

The staff must take an active part in the encouragement and the “helping” process.

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POLICY 5311

Policy:

All students involved in athletic/co-curricular activities, and clubs, in grades 8-12 are

expected to be doing satisfactory work in all subjects.

Criteria for Eligibility:

For participation in interscholastic, co-curricular activities, and clubs, an overall average

of 70% must be reached in the previous quarter, with not more than one failing course.

Throughout the school year, eligibility will be determined quarter by quarter, not by final

average grade. For example, eligibility for all fall activities will be determined by the

previous year’s fourth quarter grades (in June); eligibility for winter activities will be

determined by the first quarter grades (in November); eligibility for spring activities will

be determined by the second quarter grades (in February). Summer school grades will not

be considered. Student may enter or re-enter (at quarterly marking periods as eligibility is

maintained or reacquired) year-long activities throughout the school year, in keeping with

individual program criteria and schedule.

Student's must meet the eligibility criteria in order to participate in a seasonal

interscholastic, co-curricular activity or club. Students who do not maintain eligibility

criteria will be permitted to continue in the seasonal activity until that activity terminates,

but would not meet eligibility criteria to enter a new seasonal interscholastic, co-curricular

club or activity.

During each ten-week quarter (at 5, 15, 25, and 35 weeks), the parent/guardian of

each student will receive an interim cautionary report if the student is failing one or

more courses. This report will inform students and parents that the student's

continued eligibility may be in jeopardy.

Coaches and advisors will be notified of students' interim cautionary reports at 5,

15, 25, and 35 weeks and, students' quarterly report card grades.

Academic assistance is available for all students. It is the student's responsibility to seek

extra help.

There are no provisions for limited eligibility.

4.0 EQUIPMENT LOSS

Any loss of equipment, or locker damage must be paid for at the end of each activity

season. Failure to pay by the end of the activity season will result in the student not being

able to go out for another activity. Failure to pay by the end of the school year will result

in the student’s ineligibility for future activities.

5.0 CHANGING SPORTS/ACTIVITIES

A student may change sports or co-curricular activity during the same season after a

conference and approval of the two coaches/advisors involved and cleared with the

Director/Principal.

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POLICY 5311

6.0 LEAVING A SQUAD

Athletic participation is an educational experience that involves responsibility and

commitment through good times and bad. Varsity athletes who try out for and make a

squad, are committed to that squad throughout the end of the season. If no cuts are made,

varsity athletes are committed after the first two weeks or the first contest, whichever

comes first.

Junior varsity and modified level athletes may leave a squad at any time if in good

standing and if done properly:

a.) By meeting with the coach, explaining the reasons and handing in all equipment in

a timely manner.

Varsity participants who leave a squad beyond the initial period, and JV or modified

participants who leave a squad without fulfilling the above responsibilities, will forfeit

some playing time during their next sport season as specified by the behavior code.

The Athletic Director and Coach, may, upon mutual agreement, and in their full

discretion, allow for exceptions for a student athlete’s withdrawal from a team after

the first interscholastic competition.

7.0 BEHAVIOR CODE

Athletic participation is meant to teach commitment and responsibility and therefore athletes

may not leave a squad beyond the initial tryout period without consequences. Varsity athletes

who choose to leave a squad after the initial tryout period will forfeit contest participation for

the first 20% of the competitions during the next sport that they tryout for and make the team.

Junior varsity, freshman squad, and modified team athletes who leave a squad after the initial

tryout period, must be released by their coach after meeting in a timely manner to explain the

circumstances and return all equipment. Junior varsity, freshman squad and modified team

athletes that leave a squad under adverse circumstances will be held to the 20% penalty.

Athletes who are removed from a squad for disciplinary reasons, will have their situation

reviewed and the circumstances could affect future athletic program participation.

8.0 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

8.1 CURFEW

Each coach or advisor may establish his/her own curfew and conditions. Such

conditions must be approved by the appropriate Director prior to dispensing these

conditions to the student.

Penalty - One (1) game/activity suspension.

8.2 CONTRACTS

In addition to any of the preceding information, a coach/advisor may add additional

rules that are pertinent to a particular activity. These "extra rules" will be dealt with

by the coach/advisor via a contract system. These extra rules must be approved by the

appropriate Director or building administrator before they are given to the students.

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Rules must meet and be within District Policy.

POLICY 5311

8.3 PHYSICALS

Each student who wishes to participate in an interscholastic or athletic team or

selected co-curricular activity must have a physical examination performed by a

Primary Care Provider once each school year and return the properly completed

and signed Physical Form to the Health Office. If a student is absent due to

illness or injury for five (5) or more consecutive days, he/she/they must be given,

and pass, another “school physical” in order to return to competition. (Co-

curricular, Winterguard, Color Guard, Marching Bands, Dance Ensemble).

8.4 INSURANCE/PERMISSION

Students will only be allowed to participate when the advisor/coach has a properly

signed permission slip.

*NOTE: The North Syracuse Central School District will provide limited

secondary student/athletic medical insurance for each athlete.

8.5 MEMBERSHIP IN LOCAL CHAPTERS OF NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Local chapters of national organizations may have more stringent requirements

and standards of expected behavior. Failure to comply with these requirements

may result in additional penalties and/or dismissal from the organization.

9.0 STUDENT HEARING PROCESS

The Athletic or Co-Curricular Director shall review the coach’s/advisor’s recommendation

or in consultation with the principal (or designee) and will make the final decision on

suspensions.

The student shall be given the opportunity to present his/her explanation to the appropriate

Director (or designee), School Principal (or designee) and a Varsity Head Coach or

Advisor that would not coach or advise the student. The hearing must be requested in

writing within five (5) school days of the start of the suspension.

10.0 DISTRIBUTION OF THIS POLICY

All students will be provided a copy of these rules and they and their parents must sign an

appropriate consent form that they understand and will follow these rules before they will

be allowed to practice, participate or play.

IV. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

The Board of Education delegates the implementation and review of this policy to the

Superintendent of Schools.

V. REPORTS

The Superintendent of Schools and/or his/her designee are responsible for monitoring this policy

and developing appropriate reports.

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POLICY 5311

VI. REVIEW

This policy is to be reviewed annually as needed.

VII. LEGAL REFERENCES

Board of Education Policy 5100.1 – Comprehensive Attendance Policy

Board of Education Policy 5311.1-Student Code of Conduct

Board of Education Policy 5200-Academic Eligibility

VIII. SIGNATURE BLOCK

Reviewed and Approved

by Board Policy Committee ______________________________ ______________

Chairperson Date

Reviewed and Adopted

by Board of Education __________________________________ ______________

President Date

Received for Implementation ____________________________ ______________

Superintendent Date

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APPENDIX A

NORTH SYRACUSE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

POLICY 5311 - ATHLETIC/CO-CURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT AND

PARENT PERMISSION CONSENT FORM FOR ATHLETIC/CO-CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION

Dear Parent/Guardian(s) and Athlete(s):

No amount of instruction, precaution, or supervision will totally eliminate all risk of injury. Just as in non-

school sporting activities, athletic participation by students also may be inherently dangerous. Students

and parents must assess the risks involved in such participation. Each makes his/her choice to participate

or to allow the child to participate in spite of the risk. The obligation of parents and students in making

this choice cannot be overstated. In granting permission for your child to participate in athletic

competition, you, the parent or guardian acknowledge and assume such risks.

Severe head or neck injury, including paralysis or death may occur despite using a helmet or other

protective head gear provided your child. No helmet or other protective head gear can prevent all head

injuries or any neck injuries a player might receive while participating in football, lacrosse, softball,

baseball or wrestling.

Athletic team members and members of co-curricular clubs and organizations are representatives of their

family, school and community. It is important that student conduct during any activity concerning the

sport in which they are engaged be governed by a basic respect for whatever facilities that are provided as

well as any individuals (i.e., students, spectators, coaches, officials, teachers, bus drivers, chaperones, etc.)

that they may relate with while participating as a member of any athletic team or co-curricular activity.

Athletics and co-curricular activities are part of the total educational process of our students and therefore

the following departmental rules will be in affect for all students from their first interscholastic

participation through graduation, 12-months a year (grades 7-12). It is also understood that athletic and co-

curricular participation is a “privilege” and not a “right” and two philosophical principles will guide your

conduct.

1. To have respect and concern for the rights and feelings of others.

2. To behave in a manner that reflects favorably on yourself, your family, teammates, school and

community.

It is the parents’ responsibility to:

1. Be knowledgeable of the rules and regulations your child has committed to as a student/athlete and

community member. To know the consequences of any violation of the rules and regulations and to

assist in the enforcement of such.

2. Be supportive and encourage your son/daughter to demonstrate appropriate behavior while

representing the North Syracuse Central School District as a student/athlete or participant in co-

curricular activities.

3. Hold your child accountable for their actions and help guide him/her in making proper decisions

regarding drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

4. Be knowledgeable of individual team rules and expectations and address concerns regarding your child

or your child’s program to the coach.

5. Be a knowledgeable spectator knowing the rules of the game and being a role model for

sportsmanship. Cheer our successes, encourage our efforts, respect our opponents and be

understanding in our defeats.

6. Be supportive and adhere to State Laws prohibiting all smoking (includes electronic cigarettes) on

school grounds or in school buildings.

7. Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches:

a) the treatment of your child, mentally and physically,

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POLICY 5311

b) ways to help your child improve,

c) concerns about your child’s behavior,

d) schedule meeting with coach(es) to discuss concerns.

8. Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:

a) playing time as it relates to other students,

b) team strategy,

c) other student/athletes related to athletic ability.

Should a need arise to discuss issues with a coach or advisor, parents should avoid practice time or

immediately following a contest or event. Parents are welcome to contact coaches/advisors individually or

through an appointment with the athletic director or principal.

Students are required to travel on the school bus to and from athletic contests or co-curricular activities, as

long as a bus is provided. Only under verifiable circumstances will a student be allowed to leave a contest

with only his/her/their parent/ guardian (i.e., family medical emergency, funeral/wake, wedding). When

leaving a contest or event with a legal excuse, the parent/guardian must personally provide the coach or

advisor with a signed note at the time of departure.

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APPENDIX B

NORTH SYRACUSE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

POLICY 5311 - ATHLETIC/CO-CURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT AND

PARENT PERMISSION CONSENT FORM FOR ATHLETIC/CO-CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION

In order for your son or daughter to participate on any athletic/co-curricular team or activity sponsored by

the North Syracuse Central School District, must be signed by the student and the parent or guardian and

be given to the coach/advisor of the activity in which he/she/they will participate. This document will

serve as parent permission for your son/daughter to participate in interscholastic sports or co-curricular

activities.

Enclosed you will find a copy of the North Syracuse Central School District Athletic/Co-Curricular Code

of Conduct. Please read and discuss the Athletic/Co-Curricular Code with your son or daughter.

Student Name: D.O.B.: Age:

Address: Phone:

Emergency Phone:

School: Grade: Cell Phone:

Sport Activity: Fall  Winter  Spring 

Student is Insured by:

I, the parent/guardian of the above student hereby give my consent for him/her/their to participate in the

above activity. I have read and understand the content of this permission form. I am aware that the

participation in this activity is voluntary. I have also reviewed the student behavior code with my

son/daughter and we both understand the basic responsibilities involved within the athletic program. I am

aware that the North Syracuse Central School District will provide limited secondary

student/athletic medical insurance for each student.

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Student/Athlete Signature Date