New Lebanon Central School
Athletic Code of Conduct

I. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART – New Lebanon Central School athletics is governed by the Central Hudson Valley League (CHVL), Section 2 and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) constitutions.

II. PURPOSE OF INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS is (but not limited):
to give students . . .
the opportunity to develop organizational skills to balance athletics and academics.
the opportunity to learn new skills and improve existing ones.
the opportunity to experience commitment and dedication to school, sport, team & coach.
the opportunity to develop physical vigor and desirable habits in health and safety.
the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a good teammate.
the opportunity to develop new friendships.
the opportunity to observe and exemplify good sportsmanship.
the realization that athletic competition carries with it certain responsibilities.
the chance to learn that a violation of this Code has a consequence – and this same sequence occurs throughout endeavors in life.

III. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS
Interscholastic sports is considered an integral part of the total educational process. To ensure this, our athletic program is based on sound educational principles. New Lebanon Central School District is committed to individual growth for each student athlete, by facilitating excellence in citizenship, academics, sportsmanship and athletic skills. Participating in athletics is a privilege not a right. It is the obligation of the administration and the coaching staff to enforce this policy. It is the obligation of the athlete and parents to follow and support this code.

A) Team Standards
In addition to the school (code of conduct) regulations that are in effect at all times, athletes must:
a. Attend all practices and contests unless excused by the coach.
b. Demonstrate respect, loyalty, commitment and dedication to teammates and coaches.
c. Demonstrate respect for game officials, opponents and spectators.
d. Demonstrate control over emotions and speech.
e. Demonstrate constant effort to improve.
The coach will review his/her specific expectations and consequences at the beginning of the season with athletes and possibly parents. Violation of team standards will result in disciplinary action by the coach. This may include suspension, ranging from one game to all games remaining on the schedule. The coach will refer repetitive minor infractions and all severe infractions to the Principal and Athletic Director.

B) Sportsmanship Policy
1. Learn and understand the rules of your sport. Play hard, play to win and play fairly. Respect your opponent. Never taunt. Congratulate him/her at games end. Good citizenship and appropriate behavior is expected of each student athlete. Student athletes are representatives of New Lebanon Central School District and should conduct themselves in a manner that will not discredit their team, coach, school, family or community. Be a positive example for your school, teammates and opponents.
2. It is NYSPHSAA policy that a player who is disqualified from a contest for unsportsmanlike behavior by an official is prohibited from playing in the next scheduled athletic contest. If a second ejection occurs, the player is prohibited from play in the next 2 contests. Players will practice and will sit on the team bench in plain clothes while serving the game(s) suspension. A third ejection will result in expulsion from the team for the remainder of that sports season.

C) Academic Standards
1. Athletics, generally speaking, have a positive effect on the athlete’s academic performance in the classroom and attitude toward school.
2.  In order for a student to be eligible to participate in a sport, he or she shall have no more than one failing grade in any subject, either for the current marking period or for the year. Such eligibility will be reviewed at the end of the fifth week of school and every five weeks thereafter. Students will remain eligible/ineligible for 2 weeks at which time the student will be re-evaluated. If students have more than one failing grade in the final marking period and participate in a fall sport they will not be allowed to participate the first 2 weeks of the fall season of next school year. They will be re-evaluated at that time. The building principal will review the eligibility notices and suspend students from the sport when they become ineligible. The building principal will have the authority to make exceptions when circumstances warrant.

D) Team Bus
1. All school bus rules apply when riding to interscholastic contests. Respect the bus driver. Be neat.
2. Be courteous, neat and clean in public venues such as restaurants, bathroom stops and parking lots.
3. Respect other motorists during travel.
4. Students will ride the team bus to all away contests. Students are encouraged to ride the team bus home from all away contests. Athletes may receive permission from their coach to return home with their parents or legal guardians, another member of the immediate family, or another student athlete’s parent/legal guardian provided a written note to the coach from the parent specifying the mode of transportation. Student athletes cannot accept a ride home with another student athlete after an away contest. Violations may result in game suspension(s).

E) School Attendance Policy
1. In order to participate in any contest or practice, the athlete must be in attendance before the end of the first period on that day (8:20am), unless excused for a valid reason by the athletic director or an administrator. (Ex: doctor, dentist, funeral, college visit, etc. – a written note is required by doctor or parent explaining the absence.) Exceptions can be given by the athletic director or an administrator, on the day in question. Athletes absent from school on the Friday preceding a weekend contest will not be eligible to participate in that contest unless approved by the athletic director or administrator in advance.
2. Students serving a penalty of suspension from class or school (ISS/OSS) for a school day incident shall be ineligible to participate in the interscholastic athletic program during the period of suspension. The student may not practice or sit on the bench. They may not attend home school events other than academic classes. Please note *Athletic Code violations involving game suspension(s)allow the athlete to practice and sit on the bench for games in plain clothes; suspensions from school does not.
3. Students serving detention may attend practices after the detention period is over. They may only play in a contest if time allows the athlete to be present for the entirety of the contest.

F) Physical Exam
All students must have a doctor’s physical exam giving clearance to participate in interscholastic sports. Physicals are only valid for 1 year. Sports sign up sheets are given to the school nurse to check for medical clearance. Any student without an up to date exam will NOT be allowed to participate in practice or games until re-evaluated by a physician.

G) Sports Study Hall (2:10-4pm)
Students must leave the building at the end of the school day unless they… have practice/game or report to sports study hall in the cafeteria. All players must leave school and report back at the proper time for any practices or contests that begin after 4pm. Any student found unsupervised on school grounds will: 1st offense – be asked to report to sports study hall, 2nd offense – asked to leave and cannot participate in that night’s sports activity, 3rd offense – week suspension from team, 4th offense – ejected from team for the remainder of the season.

H) Standards Related to Tobacco, Drugs and Alcohol
1. Possession or Use of Tobacco - Possession or use of tobacco will not be permitted. This includes smoking items and chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco and snuff.
The school drug and alcohol counselor will counsel offenders on tobacco cessation programs.
First Offense will result in a minimum penalty of suspension from 10 school days of athletic participation in contests (including but not limited to meets, matches and/or scheduled games). Athletes will be required to participate in practices during the suspension period, and further, will attend contests out of uniform and will sit on the bench. Scrimmages are considered a practice.
Second Offense will result in suspension from the team for the remainder of the season.
 2. Possession and Use of Illegal Drugs (including marijuana), Anabolic Steroids, and Alcoholic Substances
a. The use or possession of any substance prohibited by the New York State or the Federal Narcotics Law is strictly prohibited. This rule is in effect throughout the school year.
b. The use of alcohol under the age of 21 and the use of drugs are illegal. Parents should take responsibility to see that no alcohol is served at social events given or attended by their children.
c. Anabolic Steroids - The use of anabolic steroids poses serious health risks to users and is strictly prohibited. In addition, possession of even personal use steroids not validly prescribed by a doctor is a federal crime. First Offense (in season): The student will be suspended from the team for the remainder of the season.
First Offense (out of season): The student will be ineligible to participate in any interscholastic sports activity during the subsequent sport season. The offender will attend 2 mandatory counseling sessions with the school drug and alcohol counselor after each offense.
Second Offense: The student will be suspended from all sports for one calendar year.
Sale and/or Distribution: If a student is selling or distributing illegal drugs, the student will be barred from any participation in interscholastic athletics for one calendar year. Law enforcement officials may be involved and legal charges may be filed.


I) Hazing Policy
”Hazing”: committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a risk of emotional, physical or psychological harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose.
If a hazing incident is reported, there will be a full investigation. Any student found guilty of hazing will be suspended from all sports for a period up to one calendar year. Law enforcement officials may be involved in the investigation and legal charges may be filed.

J) Harassment Policy
Harassment can be verbal/sounds (comments, spreading rumors, accusations, jokes or whistling), physical (touching, flashing or mooning) or visual (showing pictures or making obscene gestures). Harassment can happen to girls and boys and can include, but is not limited to… sexual, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination. If a harassment incident is reported, there will be a full investigation. Any student found guilty of harassment will receive a consequence depending on the severity of the incident. The penalty could range from a game suspension to an expulsion from all sports for one calendar year. Law enforcement officials may be involved in the investigation and legal charges may be filed.

K) Leaving a Team
1. Quitting A Team
Any athlete who quits a team, after the team roster is reported to the athletic director, will not be permitted to join another team during that sport season. Any athlete that quits a team prior to the submission of the team roster may join another team with the permission of the athletic director after consultation with the coaches involved.
2. Dismissal From the Team
Any athlete who is dismissed from a team for violating the Code of Conduct will not be permitted to join another team during that sport season.

L) Selection Classification Testing Procedures
In order for 7th and 8th graders to be eligible to participate on a junior varsity or varsity team, they must pass ALL parts of the selection classification test.
PROCEDURE: A coach recommends (to the athletic director) a junior high student for participation on a junior varsity or varsity team. If the student meets the NYS Education Department and Section 2 guidelines for selection classification, the parents are informed of the coach’s request. If the parents wish their child play up, they complete and return the proper permission form for testing.  The test is scheduled and administered by the athletic director to assess the student’s physical fitness to participate at a higher level.

M) Eligibility Standards
1. AGE – A student shall be eligible for interscholastic competition until his/her 19th birthday. If the age of 19 is reached on or after July 1st, the student may continue to participate during that school year in all sports.
2. GRADE – A student is eligible for interschool competition for 4 consecutive years upon entering high school.
Seventh and eighth graders selectively classified are allowed those extra years in JV and varsity in that sport.
3. ADVANCED PLAY – do not play/practice with or against college level teams in that sport season (during college visits). Students who do may lose their eligibility to finish out their high school career.
 
N) Transfer Rules
A student transferring into the New Lebanon Central School District without a corresponding change of address of parent/guardians could be in violation of the transfer rule. The athlete transferring and/or the coach should notify the Athletic Director in both districts to insure that the state transfer rule in regards to athletic eligibility is upheld. Violation of the rule may result in the forfeiture of athletic contests.

O) Proper Attire

Athletes should wear appropriate attire for practice, during pre-game activities and during contests. Active wear that covers all undergarments must be worn at practice. Coaches will not allow underwear to be visible (spaghetti straps or shorts pulled/rolled down). Shirts must be kept on at all times. Coaches will review expectations of pre-game apparel with his/her team. During contests only school issued uniforms or group designated clothing must be worn. Players will not be allowed to wear anything different from the team with the purpose of “standing out”.

P) Jewelry Clause
No jewelry may be worn in any sport. Religious and medical medals must be taped to the body and under the uniform. Barrettes may not be taped. Wear only items in practice that are legal for competition. This will help athletes to avoid wearing prohibited items by mistake in contests.

 

 

Q) Uniforms
An athlete shall care for his/her uniform and all equipment issued by the school. It is suggested by the manufacturer that for increased longevity, all sport uniforms should be washed in cold water and hung to dry. Dryers break down the decoration and the fabric much faster.  If some problem develops (i.e., stain, torn uniform, etc.) notify the coach as soon as possible. In the event items are lost or stolen, athletes are required to pay a replacement cost. No player will try out for another sport until all uniforms and equipment have been turned in or paid for from the previous sport. Ending grades will not be issued to students that have outstanding uniforms or school owned equipment. Graduating seniors will not be allowed to participate in commencement exercises. Players are not allowed to wear uniforms or warm-ups in practice or recreationally out in public. Wear uniforms only during games or time specified by the coach. Always turn uniforms into a school official to be checked in. The main office accepts uniforms.

R) Risk of Injury/Concussion Management Policy
Participation in sports involves a certain degree of risk for injury. Such physical activity can occur in any type of sports activity and vary in nature. Before going out for the team, you should be aware of the risk so you will be better able to reduce your chances for injury. Pre-season conditioning, learning the skills and techniques of the sport, and knowledge of rules and any safety factors will help you have a healthy season. It is the responsibility of the athlete and/or parent to report all injuries immediately to the coach.
The NYSPHSAA has instituted the following recommendation in managing head injuries in sports. Everyone involved in high school sports (coaches, players, parents and officials) should know how to recognize a head injury, and should understand the potentially serious consequences of such an injury. Keep in mind that the head does not have to be hit or the athlete become unconscious for a head injury to have occurred. Any athlete with a head injury must be removed from practice or play. The coach will notify the parents as soon as possible. EVERY athlete who suffers a head injury must seek medical attention. Only qualified medical professionals will decide when athletes can return to play. A written medical clearance is required.

S) Team Sign Up and Selection
Sign ups for sport teams will be held in all Physical Education classes well in advance of the season. When signing up, please write neatly so that coaches can read your information accurately. This will ensure that you receive any pre-season mailings. Sign up by grade level, either 7 & 8 or 9-12. Coaches choose team members through a tryout process.

T) Awards and Recognition
Each coach is encouraged to have an end of the season gathering to give immediate recognition to each player. A sports awards ceremony will be held in June to honor the student athletes of each school year. At the sports awards ceremony the following awards will be distributed:
modified sports – certificate
junior varsity sports – certificate
varsity sports – letter and pin (of sport played)
Special honors and recognition of accomplishments
A student must be listed on the team’s final roster to be eligible for the awards stated.

IV. EDUCATING STUDENT ATHLETES ON THE ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT
A “Code Night” will be offered to review the code of conduct. Each student athlete must attend “Code Night” in order to participate in interscholastic sports at NLCS. Parents are encouraged to attend. No student will be allowed to practice until he/she formally reviews the code of conduct in this manner. If the student is unable to attend “Code Night”, the student will watch the “Code Night” DVD in a classroom or other school facility in order to be able to participate in athletics at NLCS.

V. ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
1.  When a coach or the athletic director becomes aware of an alleged violation of the above Athletic Code, the coach/athletic director shall inform the principal before the completion of the following school day.
2.  When the principal is informed of an alleged violation of the above Athletic Code, the principal shall notify the athletic director and/or the appropriate coach.
The following procedures shall be followed and completed within five school days.
a. The principal shall meet with the athlete and verify the facts of the alleged violation.
b. When the principal deems that a violation has indeed occurred, he/she shall make a written report, which will state the infraction, the facts related to the infraction, and the date and time of the conference with the athlete. The principal shall assess an appropriate penalty and notify the athlete, athletic director, coach and the athlete’s parent(s) by letter. The athlete and the parent(s) may file an appeal to the superintendent in writing within five (5) school days. The penalty will go into effect, unless overturned by appeal or until the time limits of the penalty expire.
c. If the principal deems that an infraction has not occurred, the principal shall dismiss the case.