Argyle Central School District

Student Guide for Athletics

Participation in all interscholastic sports activities at Argyle Central School is a privilege; involvement is voluntary.

The coaching staff and administration expect that all students who plan to participate in interscholastic athletics understand their responsibilities to that program. It is our intention to inform all parents and participants of the expectations for proper attitude and behavior that are integral to our teams.

Argyle Central School attempts to provide complementary sports programs for male and female athletes and as varied a program as possible to encourage participation and/or spectator enjoyment. For the 2025-2026 school year, we plan to offer:

Fall Soccer (boys)
Volleyball (girls)
Cross Country (boys)
Cross Country (girls)
Golf
Winter Basketball (boys)
Basketball (girls)
Bowling
Spring Softball (girls)
Baseball (boys)
Tennis (boys & girls)

In addition to possessing athletic skills, all participants are expected to demonstrate acceptable academic standards, as well as proper behavior, manners, appearance, and sportsmanship, at all practice sessions, games, and within the school community.

The following rules of conduct have been developed for all our team members. Parents, as well as student-athletes, are requested to do all they can to support our Athletic Guide and help their son and/or daughter live up to the Code.

All schools and coaches are working to help students experience the many positive benefits of being a member of an athletic team. There is, however, no possible way to outline all the possible situations that might occur during any school year. In general, this Guide for Athletics is designed to outline reasonable expectations for team members to be aware of and to follow.

Our school and athletic teams cannot possibly be successful without the positive influence of our school community. The issue of teenage drinking and substance abuse is a special concern to us, and it should be to parents as well. We need your support if our overall influence is to be helpful.

After you have finished reading this guide, please fill out the attached form. This will inform us that you have read and understand the guide and will assist your son/daughter in seeing that they behave satisfactorily within the guidelines.

ARGYLE CENTRAL SCHOOL

Code of Conduct for Student-Athletes

Participation on an ACS athletic team is a privilege that should inspire great pride in both the student-athlete and their family. It is also an acceptance of responsibility, which requires an extra commitment from those who wear our school colors and represent their teammates, coaches, school, and community. Standards of behavior are necessarily high, and a willingness to meet these standards is a condition for being a member of one of our teams.

Our coaches are responsible for providing leadership, encouragement, and direction to help student-athletes meet their personal commitments to the team. They are also responsible for ensuring that the student-athlete competes in an athletic environment that fosters sportsmanship and fair play. Coaches will strive to enhance the academic pursuit of the student-athlete through athletic participation. The following guidelines serve as benchmarks for the Code of Conduct.

To the Athlete:

Being a member of an ACS athletic team fulfills an early ambition for many students. The attainment of this goal carries with it certain traditions and responsibilities that must be maintained. A great athletic tradition is not built overnight; it takes the hard work of many people over many years. As a member of an interscholastic squad at ACS, you have inherited a wonderful tradition that you are challenged to uphold. Like anything of value, it comes with a price tag. That price tag is a commitment from you to follow established rules. By participating in athletics to the greatest extent of your ability, you are contributing to the reputation of your school. We base our success on two separate venues: #1, the process (what you can learn through athletics that can be applied throughout life), and #2, the product, which is the win-loss record of our teams. We field teams to compete, and our goal is to achieve and to compete at our best possible level in every contest. Our deepest goal is to maintain a balance between these two areas.

Our tradition has been to win with honor, to develop young people of character who bring pride to our community, both on and off the field. We desire to win, but only with honor to our athletes, our schools, and our community. Such a tradition is worthy of the best efforts of all concerned.

Again, you, as a student athlete, must understand that the Code of Conduct for student-athletes is not designed to be a punishment but a deterrent to your becoming involved in the risky and dangerous behaviors that are associated with the use and abuse of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. It is also to ensure that you have the best possibilities to succeed in your sport and to learn the valuable lessons that athletics can teach. Because your mental and physical well-being is essential to your success, both as a student and as an athlete, we want you to reach your full potential. This can only be fully realized if you remain drug-free. We are asking for your help and cooperation in achieving a totally drug-free athletic program. We are committed to creating an atmosphere like this for our student-athletes. Therefore, we are asking you to become an active part of the solution, not to become part of the problem. Your active participation in remaining drug-free throughout your athletic career at ACS is greatly appreciated. The benefit will be in the experience you will have.

It will not be easy to contribute to such a great athletic tradition. When you wear the colors of maroon and gray, we assume that you not only understand our traditions but are also willing to assume the responsibilities that come with them. However, the contributions you make should be a satisfying accomplishment for you, your family, and our community. Society holds athletes in esteem, and your behavior at all times is under scrutiny.

Responsibilities: You are also expected to share in the responsibility for such an opportunity that is provided, which shall include:

Responsibilities to Yourself: The most important of these responsibilities is to broaden and develop strength of character. You owe it to yourself to derive the greatest benefit from your high school experiences. To live a healthy lifestyle and to respect your health both physically and mentally at all times.

Responsibility for Your Academic Studies: Your academic studies, as well as your participation in other extracurricular and co-curricular activities, including sports, prepare you for life as an adult. Athletics, while very important to many young people, is only a small part of life. Realize also how few athletes make it to the collegiate level and beyond.

Responsibilities to Your School: Another responsibility you assume as a squad member is to your school. ACS cannot maintain its position as having an outstanding school unless you do your best in the activity in which you engage.

Responsibility to your Community: The community and school tax monies make this athletic experience possible. For that reason, we must remember that we hold a clear and paramount responsibility to our community. You assume a leadership role when you are on the athletic squad. The student body and citizens of the community know you. You are very visible with the spotlight on you. The student body, the community, and other communities judge our school by your conduct and attitude, both on and off the field. Due to this leadership role, you can make a significant contribution to school spirit and community pride. We desire that our student-athletes be a class act, not because we win, but because we are known as a program of character and excellence. Make ACS proud of you and your community proud of your school by consistently demonstrating these ideals.

Responsibility to Others: As a squad member, you also bear a heavy responsibility to your home. If you never give your parents anything to be ashamed of, you will have measured up to that ideal. When you know in your heart that you have lived up to all of the training rules, that you have practiced to the best of your ability every day, and that you have played the game "all out", you can keep your self-respect and your family can be justly proud of you, win or lose.

Responsibility to Younger Athletes: The younger students in ACS Athletics are watching you. They know who you are and what you do. The older upper-class athletes are role models for the young athletes who will come after you. Make them proud. Be an example. They will copy you in many ways. Do not do anything to let them down. Set good examples for them.

To the parent:
This material is presented to you because your son or daughter has indicated a desire to participate in interscholastic athletics and you have expressed your willingness to permit her/him to compete. We believe that participation in sports offers a wealth of opportunities and experiences that support students' personal development. It should be recognized that involvement in interscholastic athletics is a privilege.

A student who elects to participate in athletics is voluntarily choosing self-discipline and commitment. These are the reasons we place conditions on involvement, as the health, safety, and welfare of athletes must be our first priority. Good training habits and lifestyle are necessary for us to ensure this experience. Failure to comply with the rules of training and conduct means exclusion from the squad. This concept of self-discipline and commitment is tempered by our responsibility to recognize the rights of the individual within the objectives of the team and the interscholastic program. There is no place in high school athletics for students who will not discipline their minds and bodies for rigorous competition. This decision is not ours alone, but that of the Supreme Court of the United States. There have been challenges to athletic codes on five occasions, and the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of such codes on each occasion, under the premise that athletes' safety and health must be protected. Challenges to the athletic Code shall be considered, but no consideration shall be given to any party or stakeholder who will not agree to such provisions.

It is the role of the Department of Athletics to establish and maintain rules that govern the spirit of training and competition for the school district. These are the clear and consistent boundaries that ensure the success of our young people. These rules need a broad basis of community support, which is achieved only through effective communication with parents, coaches, student-athletes, and fans. It is our hope to accomplish this objective through this athletic publication for students and parents.

To the Coaches

Coaches will:

Build a personal and team philosophy based upon the values expressed in the Student Guide for Athletics.
Strive to enlarge their technical knowledge and develop wisdom and competency in all areas of the profession.
Enhance and protect the physical and mental well-being of their student athletes.
Teach student-athletes to respect themselves, teammates, opponents, and officials.
Strive to instill in players a desire to understand and adhere to the spirit of the school, team, and sports rules.
Help create an atmosphere of friendly competition where sportsmanship and honor prevail, regardless of victory or defeat.
Cooperate with administrators, faculty, and other coaches in maintaining and improving the educational quality of our school.
Encourage our student-athletes to strive for the highest standards of academic achievement.
Support the highest standards of conduct with regard to character and integrity.
Support the chemical health standards and behavioral standards set forth in this Code.

A. Application of the Code
The Code of Conduct will apply to each student athlete for the academic school year (July 1 to June 30) (including summer) and will be in effect at all times, in all locations, including non-school activities. Violation of the Code will result in penalties consistent with those identified within the Code, as determined by the coach and/or Athletic Director. Each coach also has the prerogative to establish and implement additional guidelines specific to his/her particular team. All violations of the Code will be cumulative beginning with a student's initial participation on a modified, junior varsity, or varsity team.

B. Conditions for Team Membership
Student-athletes are expected to commit themselves to team membership, attending school, and participating in practices/contests for the duration of the season. When this commitment is not fulfilled, the athlete's membership and position on the team will be reviewed by the coach in consultation with the athlete. A recommendation for action will then be made by the coach to the Athletic Director for review.

Student-athletes are expected to attend all practices and contests unless excused by the coach. It is the athlete's responsibility to notify the coach, in advance, of any circumstances which would prohibit attendance at practice(s) or contest(s) other than absence from school. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action ranging from a verbal warning to dismissal from the team, dependent upon the nature and/or frequency of the offense.
A student who is absent from school any part of the day will not be eligible for participation in any athletic event or practice session on the day he or she is absent. The Athletic Director may permit participation when, in their judgment, the absence is unavoidable and supporting documentation, signed by a parent or guardian, is provided. Students are therefore advised to make requests for absence(s) in advance.
Students who are members of an interscholastic athletic team are expected to be in school on time on a daily basis. Students will be ineligible for practice or contest participation that day if they do not report to 1st period prior to the start of class. Students who report to school late must present a legal excuse, signed by a parent or guardian, to be eligible to participate (e.g., a doctor's appointment).
The coach will establish team rules for practices/game attendance, and participation. All team members will receive a written copy of the team rules, and the coach will review these rules with the team members. All team members are expected to comply with and abide by the rules established for their team.
A student's absence(s) from practice(s) and or contest(s) due to mandatory participation in family activities will not jeopardize the student's team membership status. However, it is important to note that upon their return to the team, the position previously held by the student may be filled by another team member. It is the returning student's responsibility to regain their position through individual effort and team play, as determined by the coach.
As a member of an interscholastic team, it is expected that your top athletic priority is to your team during the entire season of play. Participation in non-school-related athletic teams in the same season of interscholastic participation is permissible as long as such participation does not conflict with fulfilling your responsibilities to the interscholastic team or violate team rules.
The use, sale, and/or possession of any controlled substance(s), alcohol, vaping, e-cigarettes, tobacco products, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia other than those prescribed by a physician is strictly prohibited.
As a member of an athletic team, students should be mindful that they represent their team, school, family, and community. Team members are expected to conduct themselves as responsible citizens, both in and out of school, and in the community. Students are expected to refrain from exhibiting any behavior that violates the principles of good citizenship. IN other words, NEVER do anything which might bring embarrassment or an unfavorable view to yourself, your teammates, coaches, family, school, or community.
An athlete who participates in activities resulting in his/her arrest or formal charges being filed in a court of law may face additional penalties under this Code. If the school district has adequate and competent evidence that the student participated in the offense for which they are charged, a penalty may be imposed pursuant to this Code prior to the completion of the criminal proceeding. If the school district does not have such evidence and the student is convicted of a crime (misdemeanor or felony), the penalty pursuant to this Code will be imposed upon conviction. In the latter case, the athlete may continue to participate in their sport until the matter is resolved by the judicial system.
Cyber Imaging– Any identifiable image, photo, or video that implicates a student athlete to have been in possession or presence of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, or portrays actual use, or out-of-character behavior or crime, shall be deemed a violation of the Code. It is a responsibility that the student-athlete must assume. This is our rationale for demanding that our athletes not place themselves in such environments.

C. EXAMPLES OF BEHAVIORS WHICH VIOLATE THE CODE
(Not intended to be all-inclusive)

Possession and/or Use of Alcohol, Vaping, e-cigarettes, and Tobacco Products – The possession and/or use of alcohol, vaping, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products is strictly prohibited.
Hosting of Drinking or Drug Parties – Student athletes are prohibited from hosting and/or attending a party that involves alcohol, drugs, marijuana, or illegal substances.
Ringleaders in Parties – There shall be a greater consequence for an athlete if it is determined that they were involved in the organization, facilitation, promotion, or hosting of any gathering or social event where alcohol or drugs are available or used.
Hazing/Initiation Ceremony – ACS interscholastic coaches will not permit, nor will ACS student-athletes stage any type of "initiation ceremony" or hazing for athletes at any time or on any level. Hazing is defined as an often ritualistic test or task that may constitute harassment, abuse, or humiliation, requiring individuals to perform random, often meaningless tasks, sometimes as a means of initiation into a team.
Poor Sportsmanship – Student-athletes, whether participants or spectators, will exhibit courteous behavior during all sporting events. Booing, whistling, name-calling, obscene gestures, fighting or arguing with the referee, etc., will not be tolerated.
Vandalism of Property Destruction – Vandalism or property destruction offenses may result in internal or external suspension and appropriate penalties for violating the Athletic Code.
Verbal and/or Physical Abuse directed at teachers, coaches, students, opponents, officials, etc., will not be tolerated at any time.
Violent behavior of any manner shall be grounds for immediate dismissal.

D. INVESTIGATION OF VIOLATIONS
Violations will be investigated by the coach of the sport, the athletic director, and/or the secondary principal (when appropriate).

E. PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF CODE OF CONDUCT
Alleged violations will result in a meeting between the coach, Athletic Director, and the student involved. If a violation is determined to have occurred, the student athlete will be subject to the following penalties:

1st violation
The athlete will be suspended from all public participation in games or contests for the remainder of the sports season and will not receive any awards in that sport at the end of the season.

If the athlete admits to the violation and agrees to participate in a risk assessment (if applicable) at an agency approved by the school district, the penalty will be reduced to two weeks (preseason) or four games (during season). In both cases, at the coach's discretion, the athlete may have the opportunity to continue active practice with the team during the suspension.

2nd violation
Any athlete found guilty of a second violation during the school year will be suspended from the current sport season and prohibited from participating in the subsequent sport season unless the following conditions are met:

The athlete may have his privilege to participate in the next sports season reinstated by voluntarily ENROLLING IN AND ATTENDING a self-help or counseling program (if applicable) that is acceptable to the school district for the duration of that season.

3rd violation
Any athlete found guilty of a third violation will be permanently suspended from the athletic program.

The athlete's athletic record for violations of training rules will begin in 7th grade and continue until the end of 9th grade. The athlete's athletic record will reset at the beginning of 10th grade and will continue until the end of 12th grade. It does not end at the end of each academic school year. Consequently, the violation and punishment are cumulative.

F. STUDENT/ATHLETE BEHAVIOR CODE

The coach has the primary responsibility for disciplining his/her team members. A coach may, at his/her discretion, take appropriate disciplinary measures to correct a student-athlete's misbehavior. In severe cases, the coach may suspend an individual from participation in a sport. The student may appeal a coach's decision by using the process outlined below.

If instances of unacceptable behavior are created by a student-athlete, the secondary principal may discipline the student in accordance with the school's Code of Conduct. STUDENTS RECEIVING AN IN-SCHOOL OR OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY SCHOOL ACTIVITY UNTIL THE SUSPENSION IS COMPLETELY OVER.

Continued instances of unacceptable school behavior will be dealt with by the secondary principal. He will meet with the student, coach, and athletic director when necessary.

G. APPEAL PROCESS

If a student is suspended from a team, the student may appeal the decision to the Secondary Principal within three school days. The appeal must be in writing and signed by the parent(s) or guardians(s) of the student. The Secondary Principal will hold a hearing and render a decision concerning the appeal. The Secondary Principal has the authority to suspend a student-athlete from participation as a standard disciplinary procedure.

H. Examinations, Physicals, Injuries, and Insurance

Before a student may participate or practice with any team, they must be examined and cleared by the school doctor and receive their approval to participate in that sport. As a parent/guardian, you may have your son/daughter examined by your family physician if you so desire. The District medical form must be completed and returned directly to the School Health Office.

All injuries that occur during practice sessions or games must be reported to the coach. If an injury is such that medical re-examination is required, further participation requires he clearance of the school doctor. If a student misses seven or more calendar days of participation, they will be required to participate in a minimum of one practice at the coach's discretion prior to competing.

In the event of an injury requiring medical attention, athletes will be transported to the most suitable location. Coaches will make the wishes of parents or guardians for the transportation of athletes to specific locations known to emergency personnel. The decision of where to transport injured students will be left to emergency personnel. The decision will be based on obtaining the most appropriate care for the student.

Argyle Central School's accident insurance policy, carried with the Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc., of Schenectady, is an EXCESS coverage only. The purpose of our insurance coverage is to furnish Medical, Hospital, and Dental service indemnity when accidental bodily injury is sustained by the insured student while engaged in a school sponsored activity which is under the sole jurisdiction of the Board of Education and is supervised by personnel employed by the Board of Education and in accordance with the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education as well as the Rules and Game Standards of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

The family must first utilize all other available coverage they have, such as Medicaid and personal health insurance. This policy is ONLY IN EXCESS of those benefits payable under family and/or employer policy(s). The claim is to be first filed with other carrier(s). Only after all other sources of assistance have been exhausted can we submit the remaining bills to the Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. for coverage.

Equipment and Uniforms
Equipment and/or uniforms will be issued to team members by the coaches. These items are to be worn only during regular school athletic events. Participants will return their uniforms and equipment to the team coach within the week following the end of the season. Each participant is responsible for any loss or damage to school items, and until satisfactory restitution is made, further participation in any athletic program will not be allowed.

J. Season Eligibility

A season is defined as starting with the first practice and ending with the last game. An athlete may only participate in one sport during a particular sports season. If an athlete does not make a team, he/she may make a request to the Athletic Director to try out for another sport.

K. Letters and Awards

Athletic awards are given in recognition of outstanding athletic achievement and service to the school, not as compensation for services rendered. Athletes will receive, on the coach's recommendation, an athletic letter at the completion of his/her first varsity year in a particular sport. Metal pins will be given to deserving athletes each year following the awarding of the first letter. Certificates of participation will be given to each athlete who successfully completes the season.

The head coach has the prerogative to issue or withhold a letter for extenuating circumstances, such as early-season injuries, value to a team without having played enough, and team or district violations. In all cases, students must complete the season as a member of the team in order to letter.

L. Leaving a Team

If a student leaves a team, he/she will have three school days to personally seek reinstatement with the coach. The coach will act on these cases as he/she determines it to be in the best interest of the athletic program. If a student does not personally apply for reinstatement with the coach within the three-school-day limit, they will be considered to have left the squad and will be given one week to hand in their uniform and/or equipment.

M. Transportation

All participants will ride to and from athletic contests on school transportation. If parents wish to provide transportation for their student-athlete, the coach must receive a written request. Students will not be allowed to ride with any other student or person, except parents, unless prearranged with the High School Principal or Athletic Director.

N. Managers
Managers are expected to comply with all rules and regulations associated with our athletic program.

O. Dismissal from the Team

In the event any student is dismissed from a team, he/she will not be permitted to join another team during that sport season.

P. Extracurricular Activities Academic Policy – All athletic programs are included in this policy.

Extracurricular activities are an important part of the educational program of Argyle Central School. In order to have the privilege of participating in or attending these activities, a student must meet certain academic requirements. Failure to meet these obligations will result in the student being placed on probation or declared ineligible to participate in or attend extracurricular activities.

The following procedure will be followed to determine a student's eligibility to participate in or attend extracurricular activities.

The principal, athletic director, coaches, and advisors of extracurricular activities will review the report cards or master list of interim progress reports of participants.
The principal, athletic director, coaches, and advisors of extracurricular activities will discuss with the student his/her eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.
Students will be placed on a probation list by the principal if either of the following situations exists.
1. A student has failed one or more subjects during the marking period.
2. A student has received interim progress reports indicating that they are not passing in one or more subjects.

Any student failing (not passing) one subject will be placed on probation for two weeks. Probation means that a student can continue with extracurricular activities for two weeks but must attend one ninth period per week during those two weeks. If, at the end of this two-week period, a passing grade or satisfactory improvement has not been attained, the student must continue on probation throughout the remaining period of time until the marking period ends or the next interim progress report is due (whichever comes first). A student who attains a passing grade during this time will be removed from the probation list.

Any student who fails (i.e., does not pass) two or more subjects will be placed on probation for two weeks. If the student fails to improve his/her grades during the probationary period and is still failing two or more subjects, they will be declared ineligible and may not participate in or attend any extracurricular activities during the period of time until the marking period ends or the next interim progress report is due (whichever comes first). Any student who achieves a passing grade in two subjects but remains failing in one will continue to be on probation and will be declared eligible for extracurricular activities.
At the end of the two-week period, it will be the student's responsibility to obtain a form from the office and have it completed by their teachers.

The student must show the completed form to the athletic director, coach, or advisor prior to reinstatement.