MARISSA COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT #40 AND

COULTERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 (MJSHS/CHS)

Athletic Participation Code of Conduct and

IHSA Concussion Information

The Board of Education and staff of Marissa District #40 and Coulterville District #1 have adopted the Athletic Code of Conduct which applies to all students in grades 5-12 who currently are or may, in the future, participate in athletics at the Junior High or High Schools levels.  This Code stands in addition to other policies, rules, and regulations concerning student conduct and imposes additional requirements on athletes in addition to school disciplinary procedures.

Participation in athletics is a privilege available to qualified students.  Those who participate have a responsibility to represent the school and community favorably.  Students are expected to conduct themselves both in and out of school in a manner appropriate to their responsibilities as representatives of both school districts.  Strict adherence to the rules and policies outlined in the Athletic Participation Code of Conduct (Code of Conduct or Code) is a responsibility that accompanies the privilege of participation.  If a student fails to comply with the terms of this Code, the privilege to participate in athletic teams may be lost in accordance with the terms herein.

ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY

The Athletics Department's role is to provide student-athletes with the opportunity to develop their athletic abilities to the full potential, which safeguards their physical welfare in an environment that promotes high academic standards and the development of leadership capabilities.  These objectives are best achieved through a broad-based program, which provides equal opportunity for all student-athletes regardless of race, color, age, sex, disability, religion, ethnic or national origin, or sexual orientation and which is administered in accordance with the highest principals of interscholastic athletic competition.

CHAIN OF COMMAND

Below is a chain of command chart indicating the channels of authority and reporting relationships for the community and personnel. The channels are to be followed, and no level should be bypassed.  All parties should act professionally when following the chain of command.

Player/Parent Concern  →  Head Coach  →  Athletic Director  →

Principal  →  Superintendent  →  Board of Education

ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

1. All student-athletes must have the following forms turned in prior to trying out for any sport, including cheerleading. (These forms can be found in this packet.)

1. Form 1:  IHSA/IESA Physical Form, signed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner (last page, front and back page)

2. Form 2:  MJSHS/CHS Insurance Form showing proof of health insurance.  All student-athletes who participate in competitive athletics must purchase proper school insurance or sign a standard waiver form indicating that an adequate medical insurance plan is maintained at home. 

3. Form 3:  Signature Page that the following items were read

1. IHSA Sports Medicine Acknowledgement & Consent Form that provides information concerning concussions and the IHSA performance enhancing testing policy.  
2. MJSHS/CHS Athletic Code of Conduct Form Signature Page that indicates the student-athlete and parent/guardian(s) are aware of the policies and expectations of being involved in the athletic programs in our district.  MJSHS/CHS Drug Testing Consent Form signifies that the student-athlete and parent/guardian(s) are aware that their child may be randomly chosen to be drug tested, at the school’s expense, at any time during their attendance at Marissa Jr./Sr. High or Coulterville High School.  

2. Academics:  Student-athletes must be passing 20 hours (4 classes) per week to be eligible to participate.  Ineligibility shall be a period of 1 week at a time, Monday to Sunday.

3. Academics: Any student-athlete with two failing grades will be ineligible for one entire week.

4. Academics: Except for incoming freshmen, student-athletes must have earned at least 2 credits the previous semester.  This could include summer school or correspondence courses.  In this case, ineligibility shall be for the entire succeeding semester.

5. Fees: After making the team, an athletic fee must be paid prior to the first contest.  ** Fees are wavied for the 2022-2023 School Year

6. Team Rules: The coach of each sport will address other rules and regulations specific to their sport. Prior to participation, student-athletes and parents will be required to sign a copy of the more comprehensive document for each sport.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES

Attendance - Student-athletes who wish to participate in athletic activities must attend school regularly.

MJSHS Students must arrive at school no later than 8:50 a.m.

CHS Students must arrive at school no later than 8:30 a.m.

Students may participate in athletic activities if they are absent from school because of a college day, school sponsored field trip, medical note or have pre-approved permission from the Principal or Athletic Director to be absent and still participate in athletic activities.  These arrangements must be made 48 hours before the student is absent from school.

Weekly Athletic Eligibility - To be eligible to participate in athletics, student-athlete with two failing grades will be ineligible for one entire week.  A student-athlete who is ineligible under the weekly check may become eligible when he/she regains a passing status for the next week. Upon earning low grades that result in ineligibility a third time during the same season, student-athletes will be removed from the team.  Student-athletes must have passing grades prior to joining an athletic team.

1st Offense:          1 Week of No Games (Monday-Sunday); can practice; cannot dress for game, but can sit on bench during game in street clothes if the coach allows

 2nd Offense:  1 Week of No Games and No Practices (Monday-Sunday); cannot attend practices or games

3rd Offense:          Dismissal from Team

Semester Athletic Eligibility - To be eligible to participate in athletic activities, a student-athlete with the exception of incoming freshman, must have earned a minimum of 2 credits during the previous semester.  Failure to maintain that minimum standard shall make that student-athlete ineligible for athletic participation for the entire succeeding semester.  A student-athlete may count pre-approved summer school or correspondence course credits towards credit earned for the previous spring semester.  All rules of the Illinois High School Association will apply except when exceeded or superseded by Board Policy or MJSHS/CHS Student/ Parent rules.

Tutoring and Other Academic Services - The Director of Athletics, administration and teachers at MJSHS/CHS are dedicated to helping students improve their academic performance.  Each morning from 7:30 to 8:00 am, ineligible student-athletes are encouraged to attend a free tutoring service offered by a paraprofessional. Each day at lunch, ineligible student-athletes are encouraged to attend lunch detention.  Additional student support programs are available upon request.  

Interscholastic Sports Program - The competitive sports program at MJSHS/CHS is a well-rounded program that is designed to appeal to both boys and girls.  We encourage students to participate.  MJSHS/CHS competes in the Cahokia Conference – Kaskaskia Division and all play–off tournaments of the IHSA.  The following sports are offered:

High School Sports:        

        Fall:          Boys and Girls Golf, Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Cross Country

        Winter:          Boys and Girls Basketball, Cheerleading, Scholar Bowl

        Spring:          Softball, Baseball

Junior High Sports:        

        Fall:          Softball, Baseball, Boys and Girls Cross Country

        Winter:          Boys and Girls Basketball, Cheerleading, Girls Volleyball, Scholar Bowl

        Spring:          Boys and Girls Track

Whereas MJSHS/CHS offers a wide variety of sports for students to choose from, individual students may wish to participate in IHSA-sponsored activities not offered at MJSHS/CHS.  MJSHS/CHS recognizes and supports individual students who wish to participate in other IHSA-sponsored activities, as an individual representing MJSHS/CHS must do so under the following guidelines:

1. MJSHS/CHS will assume responsibility for all IHSA required entry fees to IHSA-sponsored activities.  (**This excludes IHSA-sanctioned sports that MJSHS and CHS do not offer).  
2. MJSHS/CHS will assume no responsibility for any other costs incurred or related to any individual activity not already approved by the Board of Education.  This includes, but is not limited to, transportation, equipment, uniforms, driving range golf balls, facility usage, coaching, or any other costs related to the individual's participation in the IHSA-sponsored activity.
3. Any student who wishes to participate as an individual in an IHSA-sponsored activity must be pre-approved by the Board of Education no later than 90 days before the start of their respective season.  This student-athlete assumes all costs related to participation: transportation, entry fees, etc.  **See below for more information.
4. Individual participants must adhere to all IHSA rules, policies, terms, and conditions.
5. Individual participants must adhere to all MJSHS/CHS Athletic Code of Conduct rules and grade requirements.
6. Individual participants must meet all IHSA residency requirements to have approval from MJSHS/CHS.
7. Parents/Guardians of individual participants assume all liability related to their student's involvement in the IHSA-sponsored activity.
8. The individual must have a current insurance form and physical on file with MJSHS/CHS.
9. The individual acting as the coach/sponsor must be approved by the Board of Education and meet all IHSA Qualifications of Coaches By-Laws.
10. All correspondence and activity schedules regarding the actual IHSA event must be conducted through the MJSHS/CHS Athletic Director’s office.
11. All practice events before the actual IHSA event are the responsibility of the individual or his/her parent/guardian and do not have to be cleared by MJSHS/CHS.
12. The district allows a student to modify his or her athletic or team uniform for the purpose of modesty in clothing or attire that is in accordance with the requirements of his or her religion or his or her cultural values or modesty preferences. A student is not required to receive the prior approval of the school board for such modification.

**(#3) If one student wants to participate as an individual in IHSA-sponsored activities, all the above guidelines must be followed IHSA Participation Limitations (By-law 3.050) states any school wishing to participate as a team must participate in six (6) interscholastic contests. Still, under By-Law 3.030 Section 108 (Individuals in State Series), individuals may enter a state series championship as an individual without meeting the six-contest rules.

CODE VIOLATIONS

The following "Code of Conduct" will be followed by all participants in athletics at Marissa Jr./Sr. High School (including all student-athletes involved in District 40 athletics) and Coulterville High School (MJSHS/CHS).  Student-athletes will abstain from using, possessing, acquiring, being in the presence of (ie. student parties or gatherings, student vehicles, etc.), or distributing alcohol, tobacco, tobacco-like & vaping products (including e-cigarettes, juuls, and other such devices), and non-prescription /mind-altering drugs for their entire Jr./Sr. high school athletic career. 

Once a student-athlete is enrolled in school, they become subject to the above-stated code and the following consequences for the remainder of their Jr./Sr. high school athletic career.  Student-athletes will begin their Jr./Sr. high school athletic career with zero violations.  Student-athletes will be required to adhere to this code of conduct each day of the calendar year.   Violations from other (previous) schools or the preceding athletic code will count as violations of this code of conduct.

All reported violations will be investigated and addressed by the administration. Reported violations can come in the form of anonymous tips, pictures, and social media posts. The student-athlete will receive due process during the investigation.  Conviction by the court system will waive due process, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.  Alcohol and drug violations will be cumulative during the student-athlete's Jr./Sr. High school career.  If student-athletes transfers into the Marissa/Coulterville School Districts and has athletic code suspensions with another district, those infractions will carry over onto that student-athletes cumulative record at MJSHS/CHS.  Suspensions will begin with the next available date and must be served consecutively (including postseason events and stand-alone events).  Suspensions must be completed in full and may carry over to the following year.

The approximate number of scheduled games/events for each sport

High School Sports:

Fall Sports:          Volleyball (35)        Golf (15)        Cross Country (12)        

Winter Sports:        Basketball (31)        Cheerleading (31)           Scholar Bowl (12)

Spring Sports:        Baseball (35)        Softball (35)

Junior High School Sports:

Fall Sports:          Softball (20)        Baseball (20)                   Cross Country (9)        

Winter Sports:        Basketball (20)        Cheerleading (20)           Volleyball (24)

Spring Sports:        Track (10)

Listed below are the violations a student-athlete will start with if the code of conduct is violated for using, possessing, acquiring, being in the presence of, and/or distributing the following:

Start at Violation 1 for:  Vaping, Juuling, Electronic Cigarettes, and/or Tobacco in any substance

Start at Violation 2 for:  Alcohol, Non-Prescription and/or Illegal Drugs

• The suspension will take effect immediately upon notification to the student-athlete of the violation.
• A student-athlete will be permitted to practice (on a limited basis) with their respective teams throughout their suspensions with the approval of the parent, except when prohibited by school suspension, in-school detention, and/or placement at another educational center.  
• Voluntary admission to a smoking, drug, or alcohol offense within 48 hours of the infraction may reduce disciplinary action for a first offense only.

VIOLATION 1: 

• The student-athlete will be suspended from all interscholastic programs participated in for one calendar year from the date of the violation.  
• The number of games/events student-athletes would be suspended from listed below represents approximately 10% of each season.
• If this violation occurs again, student-athletes will then move to Violation 2.

High School Sports:

Fall Sports:            Volleyball (4 games)        Golf (2 matches)        

                Cross Country (2 meets)        

Winter Sports:        Basketball (4 games)        Cheerleading (4 games)

                Scholar Bowl (2 matches)

Spring Sports:        Baseball (4 games)        Softball (4 games)

Junior High Sports:

Fall Sports:          Softball (2 games)        Baseball (2 games)

        Cross Country (1 meet)        

Winter Sports:        Basketball (2 games)        Cheerleading (2 games)

        Volleyball (3 games)

Spring Sports:        Track (1 game)

VIOLATION 2:  If a first violation occurs:

• The student-athlete will be suspended from all interscholastic programs participated in for one calendar year from the date of the violation.  
• The number of games/events student-athletes would be suspended from listed below represents approximately 25% of each season.
• If this violation occurs again, student-athletes will then go to Violation 3.

High School Sports:

Fall Sports:            Volleyball (9 games)        Golf (4 matches)        

                Cross Country (3 meets)        

Winter Sports:        Basketball (8 games)        Cheerleading (8 games)

                Scholar Bowl (3 matches)

Spring Sports:        Baseball (9 games)        Softball (9 games)

Junior High Sports:

Fall Sports:          Softball (5 games)        Baseball (5 games)

        Cross Country (3 meets)        

Winter Sports:        Basketball (8 games)        Cheerleading (8 games)

        Volleyball (6 games)

Spring Sports:        Track (3 games)

VIOLATION 3: 

• If the student-athlete violates the code of conduct a third time if they started at Violation 1 and a second time for Violation 2 during a current suspension, they will be dismissed from the team for the remainder of that season, and the student-athlete will then be suspended for all interscholastic programs participated in for one calendar year from the date of the violation.

• If the student-athlete violates the code of conduct a third time if they started at Violation 1 and a second time for Violation 2, but not during their current suspension period, the student-athlete will be suspended from all interscholastic programs participated in for one calendar year from the date of the violation (listed below).
• The number of games/events student-athletes would be suspended from listed below represents approximately 50% of each season.

High School Sports:

Fall Sports:            Volleyball (18 games)        Golf (8 matches)        

                Cross Country (6 meets)        

Winter Sports:        Basketball (16 games)        Cheerleading (16 games)

                Scholar Bowl (6 matches)

Spring Sports:        Baseball (16 games)        Softball (16 games)

Junior High Sports:

Fall Sports:          Softball (10 games)        Baseball (10 games)        

        Cross Country (5 meets)

Winter Sports:        Basketball (16 games)        Cheerleading (16 games)

        Volleyball (12 games)

Spring Sports:        Track (5 meets)

• The suspension will take effect immediately upon notification to the student-athlete of the violation.

VIOLATION 4:  If a fourth violation occurs during their junior high or high school career

• The student-athlete will be suspended from all junior high and/or high school athletic activities for the remainder of their athletic career.

VERIFICATION: The following people may verify that a student-athlete has violated the above stated code of conduct:

• District employees
• Law enforcement officers
• Parents reporting their own children
• School board members

ADMINISTRATIVE RIGHTS

The Board of Education and staff of Marissa District #40 and Coulterville District #1 have adopted the Athletic Code of Conduct which applies to all students in grades 5-12 who currently are or may, in the future, participate in athletics at the Junior High or High Schools levels.  This Code stands in addition to other policies, rules, and regulations concerning student conduct and imposes additional requirements on athletes in addition to school disciplinary procedures.

The intent of the Athletic Code of Conduct is to cover violations for the use of alcohol, electronic cigarettes, drugs, and/or tobacco.  However, student-athlete discipline for other misconduct is not limited to only the use of those substances.  The Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal, and Athletic Director reserves the right to levy sanctions against any student-athlete that behaves in such a way, in or out of the athletic arena, which is harmful to the integrity and reputation of Marissa District #40 or Coulterville District #1.

Student-athletes that participate in Extracurricular Activities are to be held to a “higher level” when it comes to behavior and choices they make on and off the athletic field/court.  Coaches are encouraged to discipline student-athletes in their charge for behavior that is detrimental to the team, sport, or school.

Each head coach in the various athletic activities offered at MJSHS/CHS is responsible for establishing the basic training rules for their activity.  The coach is also responsible for explaining those rules to team members and seeing that each member receives a copy of those rules.  The rules established by the coach exist in conjunction with the above district rules and regulations.  

IHSA DRUG TESTING POLICY

According to the Illinois High School Association, any student-athlete participating in a state series event sanctioned by the IHSA may be subject to testing for performance-enhancing drugs.  Schools will be randomly selected in all IHSA athletic state series events to submit to drug screening.  If our school is randomly selected to be tested during a state series event, then the student-athlete will be required to submit to a drug-screening test.  Failure to submit may result in individual or team consequences.

MHS/CHS DRUG TESTING POLICY 

In June 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court broadened the authority of public schools to test students for illegal drugs.  It shall be the policy of MJSHS/CHS that student-athletic consumption or possession of any contraband, controlled substance or any other illicit drug is prohibited.  This policy supplements and does not replace the provisions set forth in the MJSHS/CHS by-laws and Student Handbook regarding student possession, distribution, purchase, or sale of any illicit drug. The rationale behind drug testing is: (1) to Deter young adults from the beginning or continuing drug use and (2) to Identify young adults who are harmfully involved in drug use so they can be steered into appropriate drug education and treatment.

We wish to empower our student-athletes with knowledge and skills in order to make responsible decisions about their behaviors.  We believe that the most effective deterrent to drug usage is openness and communication among student-athletes, parents, and the school community.  This collaborative effort enhances all aspects of school life to produce healthy, positive, and productive citizens.  Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege not a right.  With the privilege come certain responsibilities.  We hold student-athletes and their parents, or guardians, to a high standard of behavior in areas that affect the wellbeing and safety of all student-athletes.  All student-athletes and parents are required to consent to participation in all aspects of this policy and its accompanying administrative regulation as a condition of the student-athletes continued participation in MJSHS/CHS extracurricular activities. The school administration shall be responsible for notifying persons affected by these policies and for developing enforcement procedures.

Except with respect to the use of prescription drugs prescribed for the student-athlete by a medical doctor and used by the student-athlete in the manner intended by the prescribing medical doctor the student-athlete promises that he/she will not possess, use, distribute, purchase, or sell any alcoholic beverage, drug, drug paraphernalia, controlled substance, look-alike substance, tobacco, or tobacco product (including e-cigarettes) or any other substance which, when taken into the human body is intended to alter mood or mental state, including any item or substance which is represented by student-athlete or anyone else to be, or is believed by student-athlete or anyone else to be any of the above, regardless of the true nature or appearance of the substance for so long as the student-athlete is a student participant within the meaning of the MJSHS/CHS Athletic Code of Conduct or subject to its terms and conditions.

Revised:  June 3, 2020

MARISSA COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT #40  AND

COULTERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT #1

MJSHS/CHS Athletic Form Signature Page

ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT:  

By signing this form, I acknowledge I received a copy of the Marissa/Coulterville District Athletic Code of Conduct.  I have read, understand, and will abide by the Athletic Code of Conduct.  I understand the rules contained in the Athletic Code of Conduct apply to my student-athlete and me.  I acknowledge that even with the best coaching and supervision, injuries are a possibility in any activity, and I accept the risks of activity participation.  

CONSENT TO RANDOM DRUG TESTING:

Participation in interscholastic activities is a privilege.  Any student who participates in interscholastic activities is subject to random drug testing.  The rules for interscholastic activities are in effect 365 days a year and twenty-four hours a day.  The rules and consequences apply upon an individual student’s first Marissa/Coulterville High School interscholastic activity tryout and continue applying for the length of the student’s enrollment in their respective school.  The disciplinary actions for various drug violations listed are the minimum actions that can be taken. Team Policies and administrative procedures may exceed the listed disciplinary action in the Athletic Participation Code of Conduct.  If the offense is severe enough or a similar offense is repeated, it may be necessary to involve local law enforcement.   Students who violate policy while participating in interscholastic activities are subject to disciplinary action from the school. 

IHSA CONCUSSION/PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING SUBSTANCE/ASTHMA MEDICATION: 

By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have been provided information regarding concussions, the IHSA Performance-Enhancing Substance Policy, and the Consent to Self-Administer Asthma Medication.

Athlete Name: ________________________________________________

Student Signature: ____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________

Date __________________________