ATHLETIC             HANDBOOK

Oak Grove School District 68

1700 S. O’Plaine Rd.

Green Oaks, IL  60048

847.367.4120

REVISED 8/1/2025

1. Statement of Philosophy

The philosophy of the Athletic Department, interscholastic and intramural programs is in direct correlation to the overall philosophy, aims and objectives of the Oak Grove School District 68. We believe that athletics are an important part of the educational process and to that end; we encourage all students to participate. We view coaches as teachers first, providing instruction in the skills and strategies of their activity. In addition, the goals of the Athletic Department are:

• To foster the development of good sportsmanship and teamwork

• To develop the necessary basic sport specific skill set

• To stress the necessity for maintenance of academic proficiency

• To instill a sense of personal discipline and pride

• To establish an increased level of academic and personal accountability

2. Athletic Eligibility

1. In order to try out and participate an athlete MUST have a current physical examination by a physician on file in the school nurse's office. Fall athlete’s physical must be current from Aug 1 to October 31. Winter athlete’s physicals must be current from November 1 through March 31.  Spring athlete’s physicals must be current from April 1 through June 31. Physicals are good for 395 days as explained by the Principal Health Consultant from ISBE. Please contact the nurse's office with any questions or concerns.

2. Coaches will establish and communicate specific rules that govern their team prior to the beginning of the season. Coaches will also communicate a practice schedule.

3. The student must attend school for at least half the day in order to participate in games or practices. A half-day consists of four (4) classes not including lunch.

4. An athlete may not practice or participate in any contest while suspended from school, including an in-school suspension.

5. Weekly academic evaluations will be sent to all of the student’s teachers for their input on the student-athlete's progress. A student must remain eligible according to the District 68 academic achievement policy in section III. Academic achievement will correlate directly to students’ IEP goals.

6. Athletes are to exhibit good sportsmanship at all home and away contests. Behavior, which is detrimental to the reputation of Oak Grove School may result in disciplinary consequences.

7. Athletes are responsible for any equipment issued to them while participating in athletics.  Failure to return equipment in acceptable condition will result in replacement, at the athlete’s cost, of damaged or lost articles by the student.

8. Failure to comply with any of the guidelines set forth in this handbook, or by the individual coach may result in athletic ineligibility or dismissal from the team. The coach may, at any time he/she deems necessary, recommend removing an athlete from the team for disciplinary reasons. Coaches will inform the administration and parents of any situations that are occurring that may be detrimental to the athletic program. Oak Grove administration will have the final say over any disciplinary decisions as it relates to athletics.

9. Each student is eligible to play on only one Oak Grove team per sport season.

3. Eligibility for Interscholastic Competition

1. Academic Achievement - If a student-athlete is receiving below a C average in any two classes during a given week, they will be placed on academic probation for the following week, and will remain eligible to participate in extracurricular athletics. If after the second week the student continues to have below a C average in any two classes, they will be ineligible for the following week.

2. Behavior - If a student-athlete is not able to conduct themself in accordance with guidelines in the Oak Grove Student Handbook, that student may lose the privilege of participating in athletic events. This consequence will be issued by building administration if necessary. 

3. General – Participants are expected to attend all games and practices. Practice is essential for game preparation. Student-athletes are responsible for communicating with coaches regarding their athletic attendance. Unexcused absences may result in less playing time at the discretion of coaches.

4. Detention– Students may be assigned detentions the same day as athletic events. The   decision whether to reschedule the detention so the athlete may participate depends on the nature of the incident. All removal from athletic events will be approved by building administration.

ATHLETIC FEES:

$65 one time fee for all sports (only pay once a year, no matter how many sports).

Based on past year’s participation, this will cover approximately 10% of the cost of

athletic and club programs. Funding through Helping Hands is available to those unable to pay.

We are proud of the large numbers of students who participate in all of the Oak Grove School extracurricular and co-curricular activities.

Please remit your payment online at www.ogschool.org. Online payments through RevTrak are preferred. Required payments will be linked to PowerSchool accounts.

Review the athletic handbook with your child, then sign and return the following permission form before the first game/meet:

My child, ____________________________________, who is in ___________ grade,

                       (Clearly Print Child’s Name)                                (Child’s Grade)                                                                

has my permission to participate in Interscholastic Athletics at Oak Grove School for the

following sport: __________________________________________________________.

(Name of the Sport)

_____________________________________          ____________________________

Parent’s Signature                                        Date

____________________________________            ____________________________

Student-Athlete’s Signature                                Date