ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT 

Participation on an Argyle Central School athletic team is a privilege that should ignite great pride in the student-athlete and his/her 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 our teams.

Our coaches are responsible for providing leadership, encouragement, and direction to assist the student-athlete in meeting his/her commitment to their team. They are also responsible for allowing the student-athlete to compete in an athletic environment that fosters sportsmanship and fair play. Coaches will strive to enhance the student-athlete's academic pursuits through athletic participation. The following guidelines serve as benchmarks for the Code of conduct.

Athletes 

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 of the ACS, you have inherited a wonderful tradition, which 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 your school's reputation. We base our success on two separate criteria: the process or what you can learn through athletics that can be used throughout life and the product -our teams' win/loss records.  We field teams to compete, and our goal is to achieve and compete at our best possible level in every contest. It is our biggest goal that there is always a balance between these two areas. 

Our tradition has been to win with honor and to develop young people of character that our community has pride in, on and off the field.  We desire to win, but only with honor to our athletes, schools, and 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 also ensures that you have the best chance of succeeding in your sport and learning the valuable lessons that athletics can teach. Because your mental and physical well-being is essential to your success as a student and an athlete, we want you to reach your full potential.  This can only be fully realized if you remain drug-free. We ask for your help and cooperation in achieving a drug-free athletic program.  We are committed to providing such an atmosphere 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 maroon and gray, we assume that you understand our traditions and are willing to assume the responsibilities that go with them.  However, your contributions should be a satisfying accomplishment to you, your family, and our community.  Society holds athletes in esteem, and your behavior is under scrutiny at all times.

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 to your Academic Studies: Your academic studies and your participation in other extracurricular and co-curricular activities, as well as sports, prepare you for your 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 an outstanding school unless you do your best in the activity you engage in. 
   
• Responsibility to your Community:  The community and school tax monies make this athletic experience possible. Therefore, 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.  Because of this leadership role, you can contribute significantly to school spirit and community pride. We desire that our student-athletes are 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 your consistent demonstration of these ideals.
   
• Responsibility to Others:  As a squad member, you also bear a heavy responsibility for your home.  You will have measured up to that ideal if you never give your parents anything to be ashamed of.  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 that will come after them. 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. 

Parents

We believe that participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences that assist students in their personal development. It should be recognized that involvement in interscholastic athletics is a privilege.  

A student who elects to participate in athletics voluntarily chooses self-discipline and commitment.  These are the reasons we place conditions on involvement, as athletes' health, safety, and welfare 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, as 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 insured. 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 communication with parents, coaches, student-athletes, and fans. We hope to accomplish this objective through this document for students and parents.

Coaches

• Build a personal and team philosophy based upon the values expressed in the Athletic Code of Conduct. 
• 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, their teammates, opponents, and officials.
• Strive to instill in players a desire to know and live by the spirit of the school, team, and sports rules.
• Help create an atmosphere of friendly competition wherein sportsmanship and honor transcend victory or defeat.
• Cooperate with administrators, faculty, and other coaches to maintain and improve the educational quality of our school.
• Encourage the highest standards of academic achievement among our student-athletes.
• Support the highest standards of conduct with regard to character and integrity.
• Support the chemical health standards and behavioral standards outlined 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 

1. Student-athletes are expected to commit to team membership, school attendance, and practices/contests for the season. When this commitment is not fulfilled, the coach will review the athlete's membership and position on the team with the athlete, and the coach will recommend action to the athletic director for review. 
2. Student-athletes are expected to attend all practices and contests unless excused by the coach.  The athlete must notify the coach in advance of any circumstances prohibiting 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, depending on the offense's nature and/or frequency. 
3. A student 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 his/her judgment, the absence is unavoidable, and supporting documentation signed by a parent or guardian is provided.  Students are, therefore, advised to request absence(s) in advance. 
4. Students on an interscholastic athletic team must be in school on time daily. Students will be ineligible for practice or contest participation that day if they do not report to 1st period before 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 (ex. doctor's appointment). 
5. The coach will establish team rules for practice/game attendance and participation. All team members will be given a written copy of the team rules, which the coach will review with them. All team members are expected to comply with and abide by the rules established for their team. 
6. 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 his or her return to the team, another team member may hold the position previously held by the student.  The returning student is responsible for regaining his or her position through individual effort and team play as determined by the coach. 
7. 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 on 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. 
8. 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. 
9. 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 have an obligation to conduct themselves as good citizens both in and out of school and in the community.  Students are expected to refrain from exhibiting any behavior(s) which violates the principles of good citizenship.  IN other words, NEVER do anything that might bring embarrassment or an unfavorable view to yourself, your teammates, coaches, family, school, or community.
10. 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 he or she is 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 participating in his/her sport until the judicial system resolves the matter.
11. Cyber Imaging– Any identifiable image, photo, or video implicating 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 the responsibility of the student-athlete.  This is our rationale for demanding that our athletes not place themselves in such environments.

C. EXAMPLES OF BEHAVIORS THAT 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 use has occurred.  
• 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 and on any level. Hazing is defined as an often ritualistic test and task that may constitute harassment, abuse, or humiliation. It requires random, often meaningless tasks, sometimes as a way of initiation into a team.
• Poor Sportsmanship—Student athletes, whether participants or spectators, will observe 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 in 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 cause the coach and Athletic Director to meet with 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 sport 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 sport 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 is continuous.  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.  At his/her discretion, a coach may 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 a student-athlete creates instances of unacceptable behavior, the secondary principal may discipline the student in accordance with the school's Code of conduct. STUDENTS RECEIVING IN-SCHOOL OR OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY SCHOOL ACTIVITY UNTIL THE SUSPENSION IS COMPLETELY OVER.

The secondary principal will deal with continued instances of unacceptable school behavior. 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 student's parent(s) or guardians(s). 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 normal disciplinary procedure.

H. EXAMINATIONS, PHYSICALS, INJURIES AND INSURANCE 

Before a student may participate or practice with any team, he/she must be examined or cleared by the school doctor and receive his/her 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 requires medical re-examination, further participation requires the clearance of the school doctor. If a student misses seven or more calendar days of participation, he/she will be required to participate in a minimum of one practice at the coach's discretion prior to competing.

In case of an injury requiring medical retreatment by emergency personnel, athletes will be transported to the most appropriate 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, which is 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, personal health insurance, etc.  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 these other sources of assistance have been exhausted are we able to submit remaining bills to the Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. for coverage.

I. EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS 

The coaches will issue equipment and/or uniforms to team members. 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 starts with the first practice and ends 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, he/she will be considered to have left the squad and is at that time 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-athletes, the coach must receive a written request. Students will not be allowed to ride with any other student or person other than 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 

If a 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 Argyle Central School’s educational program. 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 declared on probation or ineligible to participate in or attend extracurricular activities.

The following procedure will be followed in order 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.
• The principal will place students on a probation list if either of the following situations exist.
  • A student has failed one or more subjects during the marking period.
  • A student has received interim progress reports indicating 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 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 failing (not passing) 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 attains a passing grade in two subjects but is still failing in one will continue to be on probation but will be declared eligible for extracurricular activities.
• At the end of the two weeks, the student will be responsible for obtaining a form from the office and having it filled out by his/her teachers.

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