Student Athletic Handbook

Table of Contents

Introduction/Philosophy                                

Objectives

Athletics at Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School

Eligibility Rules

        Academic Eligibility-Study Tables

                Accident Insurance

        Age

        Amateurism

                Athletic Trainer

        Athletic Transfers

        Attendance

        Awards/Gifts

        Changing Sports

        Communication

        Conduct/Character

        Conflict

        Enrollment

        Equipment

                Final Forms

        Inherent Risk

        Insurance

        Non-School Teams

Parent Pre-Season Meeting

Physical Examinations

Practices

Public Relations

Travel

Weight Room & Gym Policy

Questions/Concerns

INTRODUCTION

     It is the goal of Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School and the Fairfield School Corporation to provide a sound program of interscholastic athletics to the students served by our district.    We will always strive to organize and administer sound programs that benefit all student-athletes.  It is also our goal to provide programs and activities that make a positive impact on both our school and community.

     No person shall, on the basis or race, creed or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in the athletic programs of Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School.

     The policies for all the athletic programs at Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School are listed in the following pages of this document.  These policies and procedures are compiled and written by the Athletic Director and approved by the coaching staff of Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School.  These materials are provided for the guidance and assistance of all connected to the Athletic Department of Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School.

FJSHS STAFF

Principal                                Jason Grasty

Assistant Principal                        Nicholas Jones

Assistant Principal                        Adam Tomlinson

Athletic Director                        Mark Engle

Assistant Athletic Director                Tim Fritz

Athletic Secretary                        Sheila Miller

PHILOSOPHY

The educational philosophy of Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School provides the foundation for the program, the organizational structure and the existence of all extra-curricular activities for students.  The athletic department offers a variety of activities that may help students realize their maximum potential for physical, social and emotional growth.  It is the goal of this department to promote success and growth while always respecting others.

• We believe that interscholastic athletic competition should be an integral part of the total school program and serve as a reflection of the needs of students and the school community.

• We believe participants can be taught to win in a gracious manner and lose in the same fashion.

• We believe participants can find purpose in their school- work and carry that purpose forward in their lives as a result of a sound athletic program in the schools.

• We believe athletic competition provides real value for the student body and school community.  We feel a sound athletic department based on a sound philosophy can improve school and community morale and become a positive outlet for energy and enthusiasm.

• We believe the welfare of the individual is always the primary concern.  The competition exists for the student-athlete.  The student-athlete does not exist for the game.

• We believe the community should realize that control of, and responsibility for high school athletics rests entirely with the administration of Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School  and the Fairfield School Corporation .

• We believe high school athletics should furnish a recreational opportunity for the general public only insofar as a community is willing to see that programs are conducted solely for the benefit of the students served by our schools.

Objectives

   A sound athletic program must provide for all student-athletes:

1.  The opportunity to learn and improve skill levels in a competitive environment.

2.  The development of physical vigor, desirable health habits and safety.

3.  The opportunity to make lasting friendships with squad members, opposing players and

     to visit and compete in other communities.

4.  A chance to observe and exemplify fair play and healthy competition.

5.  The realization that interscholastic athletic competition is a privilege that carries varied and

      definite responsibilities.

6.  An association with ladies and gentlemen who exemplify well-rounded competitors

     in the person of our athletic coaches.

7.  A chance to learn that the violation of rules during athletic competition brings penalties, just

     as in life.

8.  Assurance that the degree of success depends upon hard work, devotion to task, and

     enthusiasm for the game, as well as the innate ability of each individual.

9.  An opportunity to exercise judgment, think quickly, to take directions, and to carryProfile of the Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School Athletic Program

   Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School has a strong tradition of athletic, academic and extra-curricular excellence in a wide variety of activities.  These traditions are a great source of pride for the school and community.

     Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School is a member of the Northeast Corner Conference.  Other members of the NECC include Angola, Central Noble, Churubusco, Eastside, Fremont, Garrett, Lakeland, Prairie Heights, West Noble, and Westview.  We are also a member of the Indiana High School Athletic Association.

    High School teams will compete in 3A class for the 2024-25.  There are 4 classes in every team sport besides football.  Football has six classes.  Individual sports (tennis, golf, wrestling, track and field) compete against every school regardless of size.

     Athletes are offered a variety of opportunities to compete.  In the Fall, football, cross country, boys tennis, and volleyball are offered.  The winter sports include basketball and wrestling.  Baseball, softball, Girls tennis, and track and field are offered in the spring.

       Cheerleading is available for students in the fall and winter seasons.  Any other athletic activities for Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School students are considered club activities and not under the supervision and control of Fairfield Jr.-Sr.  High School.

     All students with sufficient ability are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, provided they meet scholastic standards and conduct requirements set forth by Fairfield Jr.-Sr.  High School.   Fairfield Jr.-Sr.  High School is also subject to all rules, regulations and procedures of the Indiana High School Athletic Association.

Eligibility Rules

     In order to represent Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School in any interscholastic competition, all students must meet eligibility requirements set forth by the Fairfield Community Schools, Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School and the Indiana High School Athletic Association.

Accident Insurance

    Fairfield Community Schools does not carry individual insurance on student-athletes nor are they responsible for medical expenses sustained in athletic activities.  Fairfield does provide information for additional coverage through a board approved vendor, Student Assurance Services (www.sas-mn.com).

Academic Eligibility-Study Tables

    To be academically eligible, students must have received a passing grade at the end of their last grading period in at least six subjects or equivalent.   Semester grades take precedence over 9 week grades and summer school grades are considered part of the second semester.

        -Study Tables-

•  Study tables will begin at midterm of the first quarter.  Any student with a failing grade will be required to attend study tables for at least 2 weeks regardless of if the grade is better than failing.
• Athletes with just one failing subject will be allowed to participate in a contest and be excused from attending study tables if necessary to be absent.  
• Athletes with more than one failing course will be ineligible for competition until the student-athlete has only one failing grade.  
• Each team may have more strict guidelines than this handbook calls for.  Those guidelines will be used when applicable.
• Students with two failing courses at the end of a grading period are not eligible for participation until the end of the next grading period.

Age

     A student who is or shall be twenty (20) years of age prior to or on the scheduled date of the IHSAA state championship in his/her sport shall be ineligible for interscholastic competition for that entire sports season.

Amateurism (IHSAA Bylaw 5-2)

    An amateur is one who engages in athletic competition solely for the physical, mental, social and pleasure benefits derived from the activity. To be an amateur in a sport, a student cannot have:

• Accepted remuneration, or a benefit other than of a symbolic nature, directly or indirectly, for athletic participation in that sport.
• Capitalized on athletic fame by receiving money or gifts of a monetary nature.
• Signed a professional contract, directly or indirectly, in that sport.
• Participated in athletic activities, tryouts, auditions, practices and games held or sponsored by professional athletic organizations, clubs, or their representatives during the Contest season.
• Failed to return player equipment or uniforms issued by a School or Non-School Team when the season for that sport concluded, or when the student’s continued participation on such a team concluded.

Athletic Trainer

Goshen Health will provide services for the general purpose for athletic medical care and well-being of the student athletes of Fairfield High School (grades 9-12).  This will mainly be achieved by providing a qualified athletic trainer.  The trainer will work cooperatively with coaches, administrators, and others involved with the care and supervision of athletes.  The athletic trainer will have direct access to Goshen Orthopedics, but each athlete can choose the proper medical provider they choose.

Athletic Transfers

     Parents of students who wish to participate in athletics at  Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School, but did not attend Fairfield during their intended sports season during the previous year of high school, are required to complete an IHSAA Athletic Transfer Form.  The student and parent in the Athletic Office  of  Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School must fill out this form.  Students do not become eligible to participate in contests until both schools and the IHSAA have approved the transfer.  Students who transfer without a corresponding change of address may be granted “Limited Eligibility” to compete below varsity levels for 365 days.  Please email the athletic department for an appointment (mengle@fairifield.k12.in.us).

Attendance

     Students must be present at  school 75% of the day on the day of an event in order to participate in any extra-curricular event that occurs after the school day.   Approved field trips or school activities will constitute attendance.  The school Principal or Athletic Director must approve all exceptions to the attendance rule.  Any athlete that misses school for a prolonged period of time must have written permission from a doctor to resume participation in practices and/or games.

Awards and Gifts

     Athletes may not receive any award for athletic performance that is not approved by the IHSAA or Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School.  Athletes may not accept awards, medals, recognition, gifts or honors from colleges, universities or their boosters.

 Changing Sports

     Any athlete cut from a team may join another sport immediately.  Any athlete who quits a team cannot join another team until the first team has completed competition for that season.   Off-season conditioning and open gyms are open to all athletes at  Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School not in a current sports season.

Communication

    The Athletic Department of  Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School strives to keep open lines of communication between athletes, parents, coaches and the general public.  Much of the information needed to keep current with the events and policies of Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School can be accessed by using the Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School website at Fairfield Athletics.  Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School also uses the SportsYou App for coach to team/parent communication.  Athletes and parents should check the app frequently for updates from coaches and the athletic department.

 Conduct and Character (See IHSAA Rule 8-1 and 8-3)

     Athletes’ conduct both in and out of school shall be such as (1) Not to reflect discredit upon their school or the IHSAA, or (2) Not to create a disruptive influence on the discipline, good order, moral or educational environment of the school.  Athletes who violate this rule may be excluded from representing Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School in interscholastic competition.  See the end of the document for the complete Code of Conduct Policy.

Conflicts

       The following basic guidelines shall be used in determining appropriate resolutions to conflicting performance schedules:

•  Scheduled IHSAA tournaments; ISSA Division of Student Activities contests (including academic           competitions, music  competitions and contests, National Honor Society induction, etc.), FFA state or national contests, dress rehearsal and production of the school musical and play, including travel time, shall have the #1 precedence. If the conflict is between two of these activities, the student shall make the choice without penalty.
• Regularly scheduled games, contests, and major performances beyond item #1 shall be the #2 priority. A previously scheduled event on the official school calendar will take precedence over a calendar addition or re-scheduled event.
• The importance of the students' participation is the success of the total group performance. If a problem arises that the involved staff members are unable to resolve, the assistant principal shall be contacted for a final resolution. This policy pertains to all extra-curricular activities.

Enrollment

     In order to participate in any athletic competition, a student must be enrolled at Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School.  After 15 days of enrollment, Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School becomes the school or record.  Once enrollment is completed, athletes have eight (8) consecutive semesters of eligibility.

Equipment

    All athletes are responsible for the care and return of equipment owned by the school.  Lost equipment must be replaced at a fair market value.  All equipment owned by the school will be worn in a manner determined by the coaching staff of each of the respective sports.

Final Forms

   Final Forms is the online registration tool that will house all athletic registrations.  Access can be found at the following link:  https://fairfield-in.finalforms.com/

1. Athletic Physical will either be uploaded on Final Forms or dropped off to the Athletic Office before the first practice.
2. HIPPA Authorization Form on Final Forms
3. Emergency Contact Form on Final Forms
4. Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Acknowledgement on Final Forms
5. Parental Release and Permission on Final Forms
6. IHSAA Consent and Release on Final Forms

Inherent Risk

     Any student who participates in athletic competition must understand that a risk of injury always exists.  The athletic staff at Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School will do everything possible to minimize risks for student-athletes, both in practice and competition.

Insurance

     Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School has great concern for medical care and insurance protection for all those participating in interscholastic competition.  As a result, students participating in athletics at Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School are required to carry insurance coverage.  Fairfield does provide information for additional coverage through a board approved vendor, Student Assurance Services (www.sas-mn.com).  The student and his/her family pay all costs for insurance.

      The IHSAA and Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School jointly carry a catastrophic insurance policy on all athletes that covers amounts from $ 25,000 up to one million dollars.

Non-School Teams

     Participation in organized sports competition during the authorized contest season of that IHSAA sport shall cause the student-athlete to become ineligible for their school team.

     Participation in non-school competition while on a school team of another sport shall be subject to the approval of the school coach.  Any athlete who violates an understanding with a school coach will be subject to dismissal from the school team with a loss of all honors.

Parent Pre-Season Meetings

     All athletes and parents are required to attend a pre-season meeting with the coaching staff of that sport.  The meeting shall be held before the first contest.  Parents will be informed of all rules for their sport as well as the rules of Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School and the IHSAA.

Physical Examinations

     Students wishing to participate in athletics in any IHSAA sanctioned sport must undergo a physical examination by a doctor holding a limited license to practice medicine.  The physical examination form must be completed on the IHSAA form and be signed by the physician, parent and student-athlete.  The IHSAA physical examination form is good from May 1 of each year and will be in effect for all activities in the next 365 days of practice and/or competition.

Practices

      There shall be no school practices, games, scrimmages, film sessions or meetings held on Sundays.  Calling one or more team members together for scouting reports, film viewing and/or the treatment of injuries are also violations of the basic IHSAA rule.

     All athletes are expected to be at practice on time.  All illnesses and injuries should be reported to a coach and trainer immediately.  The head coach has the discretion to determine if a missed practice is excused or unexcused.  Athletes should inform coaches in advance of known absences for practices and/or competition.

     The head coach is responsible for informing the team of practice dates and times well in advance.  Athletes will not be allowed to practice if they do not attend school that day.  All exceptions to this rule must be cleared through the Principal and/or Athletic Director.

    In case of inclement weather that forces a cancellation, safety of all  will be considered if conditions improve enough to conduct practice.  With the approval of the superintendent, voluntary practices may be held.   Athletes will not be mandated to come to these practices if conditions are deemed not safe.

Vacation/Return to Play Missed Practices

Often athletes will miss practices due to family vacations and injuries.  The Return to Play Policy covers missed time for any reason.  The policy refers to IHSAA bylaw 9-14. The bylaw uses Monday-Saturday as potential days missed, even if the team doesn’t hold practice.  Eight to fourteen days missed will require 4 regular practices before returning to competition.  Fifteen or more days missed will result in 6 practices before competition..  

Example:  Student leaves Thursday after practice for a Spring Break Vacation and will return the Monday after Break.  This student will miss 8 practice days (F, Sa, M, T, W, Th, F, Sa) and will need four practices before returning to play.  If they would stay and practice Friday, then they would not have to make up any practices and would be eligible upon return.

Public Relations

    The community often judges its schools by the people representing them.  The administration, coaching staff, athletes, cheerleaders, patrons, fans and student body serve as public relations agents at games both at home and away from home.

     Athletic department personnel occupy a strategic and sensitive role in regard to public relations on behalf of Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School and Fairfield Community Schools.  Good public relations begin with a common sense approach and the extension of good manners and common courtesy to all with whom or student-athletes and their supporters come in contact.

Travel

     Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School athletes are required to travel to and from athletic events in school approved vehicles and under adult supervision provided by Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School.  Extreme circumstances must be cleared by the Principal or Athletic Director.  Students may be released to their parents (if the head coach is in agreement) after a road contest if written permission from the parent is received at least 24 hours in advance of the contest.  Students will never be released to ride home from a contest with other students.

     Athletes represent Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School on all road trips.  Appropriate dress will be determined by the coaching staff.  Athletes will act in an acceptable manner while on all school trips.  Equipment, facilities, fans, opponents and staff members at opposing school sites will be treated with respect at all times.   Any damage or improper behavior on the part of Fairfield athletes and/or support staff will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

     Early release time from class for athletic activities is not part of the structure of the Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School Athletic Department.  Special exceptions will only be granted with the prior approval of both the Principal and Athletic Director.

Perry Weather

   Fairfield Jr/Sr High School has an onsite weather station.  This weather station will sound an alarm if lightning is detected at an unsafe distance.  All spectators, athletes, and coaches should respond accordingly to the alarm and move to a safe place.  

   The weather station will also measure the heat index and help us guide safety precautions when the temperatures become high enough for a health risk to be possible.  Access to the live data can be found on school web pages.

Weight Room & Gym Policy

     The following guidelines must be observed when students are using the weight rooms, gymnasiums and any other athletic facilities at Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School .

1. Students may use the weight room, gymnasiums and other athletic facilities

only while under the direct supervision of a Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School staff member.

2. Students working out in the weight room, gymnasiums and other athletic facilities

must be dressed in proper attire.  Shirts and shoes are always a requirement.

3. Weights and other equipment should be returned to the proper racks or storage areas

before students and coaches leave the area.

4. All facility usage shall be scheduled in advance and placed on the event calendar

by the head coach in cooperation with the Athletic Director.

5. No usage of any athletic facilities by IHSAA sponsored teams will ever be allowed on Sundays.

Individual Awards

1. Varsity Athletic Letter Award

1. Athlete must be recommended by his/her head coach
2. Athlete must meet all standards set by his/her coach
3. Athlete must complete the sports season as a member in good standing
4. Athlete must return all equipment issued or pay for the same
5. First time Athletic Letter winners will receive Block F and Certificate.

2. Reserve and Freshman/C-Team Award

6. Reserve players who finish the season in good standing will receive

a participation certificate.  

               B.           Freshman/C-Team  players who finish the season in good standing will receive

                 A participation certificate.  

      III.             Scholar Athlete Awards

                     A.     To be considered a scholar-athlete, students must maintain a 3.2 GPA through the 4th quarter  

  midterm without any grades below a C.

                     B.     Athletes will receive an academic patch and grade level patch for every year completed.

                     C.     These awards will be presented at the end of year athletic awards.

     IV.         Senior Awards

                    A.      Candidates for athlete of the year will be nominated based on team MVP or  All-Conference and be

                              voted on by the varsity coaches.

                    B.      Blankets will be earned by athletes who have at least 8 varsity letters.

ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

A student who is a member of a Fairfield athletic team in any capacity (athlete, cheerleader, athletic training student aide, student manager, or statistician) must be willing to assume the responsibilities that go along with being a member of a team. Student athletes are highly visible to a large segment of the school and the community. Thus, to participate in athletics as representatives of the school, student athletes should be held to high standards of conduct, sportsmanship, and physical training. It is with this reasoning in mind that the athletic department will adhere to the policies outlined below. Student athletes and athletic support personnel are role models and therefore are expected to be positive examples in school citizenship, scholastic effort, leadership, and personal appearance.

Participation in athletics requires a student to commit time and effort to excel, to learn cooperation and team effort, and to exemplify good behavior both at school and away from school. Participation in high school athletics is a privilege, not a right, and said participation may be denied any time that the conduct of an athlete is judged to be disruptive to the discipline, good order, or moral or educational environment of the high school. Student athletes are expected to follow the Athletic Code at all times including the time when they are away from school and not involved in school activities. The Code of Conduct is in effect 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, beginning on the first day of fall practice or the first day of school of a student athlete’s freshman year. The Code of Conduct begins on the first day of enrollment for a transfer student.

Under this code, there are two circumstances in which a student athlete can be subject to the penalties named within:

1. Notification to a school official by verified police report or court action substantiating a violation of this code.

2. A school-initiated investigation which determines that a violation has occurred.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Any student-athlete in violation of the school rules, as listed in the student handbook, will be disciplined by the school. If a student-athlete is suspended from school, the student-athlete is ineligible to participate in any practices or contests during the term of the suspension while in season.

2. A head coach shall establish specific team rules needed to ensure that the program functions smoothly. These team rules are to supplement the athletic code and are not to supersede it. A head coach may discipline the student athlete within the structure of the coach’s specific team rules. A copy of each head coach’s team rules will be distributed at the beginning of the season and discussed by the head coach at the team’s student/ parent meeting.

3. A student-athlete who has been suspended from a team for one game or any percentage of the season is expected to continue his/her association with the team as directed by the head coach. Suspended athletes are allowed to participate in summer sports programs. A student-athlete who has been suspended from participation for a full calendar year or longer will not associate with that team or any other Fairfield athletic team including team summer programs.

4. Per IHSAA by-laws (Rule 3-8), a student-athlete who is ineligible under the rules of a prior school will carry that ineligibility ruling to the new school. If a student-athlete transfers from Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School while ineligible, the ineligibility ruling will follow the student-athlete and will be noted on the IHSAA transfer form. If a student-athlete transfers into Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School while serving a suspension at his/her previous school the student-athlete will serve out the remainder of his/her penalty at Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School.

5. Fairfield Jr.-Sr High  School is governed by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). While athletes may not know each and every rule of the IHSAA, they should contact their coach or Athletic Director if they have any questions concerning the rules and regulations of the IHSAA. If athletes know of any violation of these rules and regulations, it is their responsibility to bring this to the attention of their coach and/or Athletic Director.

6. Players violating team rules may be dismissed from a team at any time.

7. In addition to IHSAA, team, and the rules listed in this handbook, athletes are also bound by the rules of the  Fairfield Jr.-Sr High  School Student Handbook.

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS THAT WILL BE ADDRESSED

1.)   Tobacco(including vapes, e-cigs, etc.) /Drugs/Alcohol/Criminal 

Examples: Violation of local, state, or federal laws, felonies, misdemeanors, acts of delinquency

First offense: 50% suspension from athletic participation

Second offense: No athletic participation for 365 days

Third offense: The student-athlete shall be suspended from athletic participation for the remainder of the student athlete’s high school career.  

2.) Conduct Unbecoming of a Student-Athlete ( Social Media; Harassment; Bullying; Hazing; Suspension from School; Behavior that portrays a negative image of FJSHS)

Examples:  violence, force, coercion, threat, intimidation, passive resistance, or other conduct constituting an interference with the athletic program or school environment Discipline is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Athletic Director and Principal Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, or removal from the team.

Student-athletes are responsible for information contained in written or electronic transmissions (i.e., email) and any information posted on a public domain (i.e., Twitter, Facebook, etc). Inappropriate or embarrassing information or pictures should not be posted in any public domain. Student-athletes are not precluded from participation in such online social networks; however, student-athletes should be reminded that they serve as representatives of their team, the athletic program, and Fairfield Jr.-Sr  High School. Texting, tweeting; and uses of other social networks to disparage or criticize the team, other students, opponents, coaches, or other school personnel is inappropriate behavior and unbecoming of a Fairfield Jr.-Sr  High School student-athlete. Any individual identified on a social networking site which depicts illegal or inappropriate behavior, as described in the Conduct Code or other policy, will be considered in violation and subject to athletic discipline or suspension per policy guidelines.

RANDOM DRUG TESTING POLICY

LEGAL OBLIGATION

Indiana Code 20-8.1-7 sets forth health measures to be governed by school officials.  Most specifically, IC 20-8.7-2 establishes the responsibility of schools to assist children found to be ill or in need of treatment.

DRUG EDUCATION

The sponsor or coach of each extra-curricular activity will require the attendance of all prospective participants at one or more drug education sessions.  Each prospective participant will receive a copy of this policy and the policy will be explained to them at that time.  An educational presentation will also be made to educate the students about the harmful effects and consequences of alcohol and other drug abuse.  Students will receive information as to where they can seek professional help, if needed, for a use or abuse problem.

CONSENT FORM

It is MANDATORY that each student who participates in extracurricular activities, or other school sponsored activities, or drives a car to school  sign and return a consent form prior to participation in any of the above activities.

Each participant shall be provided with a consent form, a copy of which is attached hereto, which shall be dated by the participant and by the parent / guardian.  In doing so the student is agreeing to participate in the random drug testing program at Fairfield Community Schools.

TESTING PROCEDURES

1.        The selection of participants to be tested will be done randomly by the principal, her administrative designee, or 3rd party and selections will be made from time to time throughout the year.  Numbers will be drawn from one large pool of those agreeing to be tested.  Nine (9) students per month will be tested.  Testing may occur on a different day, Monday through Saturday.  This variable schedule will keep students conscious of the possibility of being tested at any time during the year.  Each student will be assigned a number that will be placed in the drawing. (student number)

2.        In addition to the random program, if the student shows signs of reasonable suspicion, the principal / administrative designee may call the student’s parent / guardian and ask that the student be tested.  Factors will include, but are not limited to, excessive discipline problems and / or excessive absences from school.  Also, a parent / guardian may request testing of his / her student.

3.        No student will be given advanced notice or early warning of the testing.  In addition, a strict chain of custody will be enforced to eliminate invalid tests or outside influence.

4.        Upon being selected for a urinalysis test under this policy, either by random draw, reasonable suspicion, request by a parent, or a “follow up” test, a student will be required to provide a sample of “fresh” urine according to the quality control standards and policy of the laboratory conducting urinalysis.

5.        All students will remain under school supervision until they have produced an adequate urine specimen.  If unable to produce a specimen, the student will be given 24 ounces of fluid.  If still unable to produce a specimen within two hours, the student will be taken to the principal’s office and told he / she is no longer eligible for any of the extra-curricular activities.  In addition, the parent / guardian will be telephoned and informed the student is unable to produce a sample for the testing procedure and that he / she may be tested at a later date to be reinstated for eligibility.

6.        All specimens registering below 90.5 degrees or above 99.8 degrees Fahrenheit will be invalid.  There is a heat strip on each of the specimen bottles indicating the validity of the urine specimen by temperature.  If this occurs, another specimen must be given by the student.

7.        If it is proven that tampering or cheating has occurred during the collection, the student will become ineligible for all the” extra-curricular activities” for the remainder of the school year.  This will be reported to the parent / guardian.

8.        Immediately after the specimen is taken, the student may return to class with an admit slip or pass with the time he / she left the collection site.  The principal / administrative designee must time and sign the pass.

9.        Each specimen will be tested for “street drugs” (which may include all drugs listed as controlled substances under the laws of the State of Indiana).  Also “performance enhancing “drugs such as steroids may be tested.

10.        The laboratory selected must follow the standards set by the Department of Health and Human Services.  It must be certified under the auspices of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) and Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

11.        If a student who has signed the consent form with a parent refuses to produce a urine sample, the student will be suspended from all activities for forty-five (45) school days.  The student must produce a negative test before he / she can return to activities and driving.

CHAIN OF CUSTODY

1.        The certified laboratory will provide training and direction to those who supervise the testing program, set up the collection environment, and guarantee specimens and supervise the chain-of-custody.  To maintain anonymity, the student’s number, not name, will be used.

2.        The principal / administrative designee will be responsible for escorting students to the collection site.  The student should bring all materials with him / her to the collection site and should not be allowed to go to his / her locker.  (The administrator should not bring all the students drawn from the pool to the collection site simultaneously.  Calling four or five students at a time allows the collection to be carried out quickly and will not cause students to wait a long time, thereby creating a loss of important time from class.  Athletes may be called after school, perhaps during practice time.)

3.        Before the student’s urine is tested, students will agree to fill out, sign and date any form which may be required by the testing laboratory.  If a student chooses, he / she may notify the administrator that he / she is taking prescription medication.

4.        A sanitized kit containing a specimen bottle will be given to each student.  The bottle will remain in the student’s possession until a test is run or a seal is placed upon the bottle.

5.        If the seal is tampered with or broken after leaving the student’s possession and prior to testing, the specimen is invalid.  The student will be called again as soon as possible.  The student will remain eligible for extra-curricular activities subsequent to a retest

6.        The supervisor obtaining the urine sample will be of the same gender as the student.  Students will be instructed to remove all coats and wash their hands in the presence of the supervisor prior to entering the restroom.  The door will be closed so that the student is by himself / herself in the restroom to provide the urine sample.  The supervisor will wait outside the restroom.  The student will have two minutes to produce a urine specimen.  The commode will contain a blue dye so the water cannot be used to dilute the sample.  The faucets in the restroom will be shut off.

7.        For a confirmation test, the specimen will be transported to the testing laboratory.  The testing laboratory will report the results back to the principal / administrative designee. Confirmation test in the event of a positive screening will be done and paid for only at the request of the parent / guardian.

8.        In order to maintain confidentiality, the container which contains the urine specimen to be tested will not have the name of the student on the container.  Instead, the student’s random identification number will appear on the container.  Also, the results sheet for urinalysis will be mailed back to the principal / administrative designee with no name attached; only the student’s random identification number will appear on the results.

TEST RESULTS

1.        This program seeks to provide needed help for students who have a verified positive test.  The student’s health, welfare, and safety will be the reason for preventing participation in extracurricular activities, school sponsored activities, and driving.

2.        The principal / administrative designee will be notified of a student testing “positive.” The principal / administrative designee will notify the student and his / her parent / guardian.  The student or his / her parent / guardian may submit any documented prescription, explanation, or information which will be considered in determining whether a “positive” test has been satisfactorily explained.

        In addition, the student or parent / guardian may appeal by requesting that the urine specimen be tested again by the certified laboratory.

3.        If the test is verified positive, the principal / administrative designee will meet with the student and his / her parent / guardian at a school corporation facility.  The student and parent / guardian will be given the names of counseling and assistance agencies that the family may want to contact for help.  The student will not be prevented from participation in extra-curricular activities, school sponsored activities, driving to school, but a follow up test is required.  The student who tests positive on the follow up test  will be suspended from driving to school for 45 school days.  All student drivers must park in the Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School parking lot.

4.        A “follow up” test will be requested after 45 days by the principal / administrative designee after such an interval of time that the substance previously found would normally have been eliminated from the body.  If this “follow up” test is negative, the student will be allowed to continue extra-curricular activities.  If a second “positive” result is obtained from the “follow up” test, or any later test of that participant, the student will be prevented from participation in extra-curricular activities or driving to school until a negative test can be provided.

        In addition, the Fairfield Community Schools reserve the right to continue testing at any time during the remaining school year any participating student who has tested “positive” and did not make a satisfactory explanation.

5.        Information on a verified “positive” test result will be shared on a “need to know” basis with the student’s coach or sponsor.  The results of “negative” tests will be kept confidential to protect the identity of all students being tested.

6.        Drug testing result sheets will be returned to the principal / administrative designee identifying students by number and not by name.  Names of students tested will not be kept in open files or on any computer. Result sheets will be locked and secured in a location that only the principal / administrative designee will have access.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

1.        Under this policy, Fairfield Community Schools will pay for all initial random drug tests, all initial reasonable suspicion drug tests, and all initial “follow up” drug tests.  Once a student has a verified “positive” test result and has subsequently tested negative from a “follow up” drug test that must be conducted, any future “follow up” drug test that must be conducted will be paid for by the student or his /her parent / guardian.

2.        Counseling and subsequent treatment by non-school agencies is the financial responsibility of the student or his / her parent / guardian.

OTHER RULES

Apart from this drug testing program, students who test positive for drug use may be suspended from their extra-curricular activities for a period of time.  They may also be required to attend drug education classes, undergo counseling or seek treatment for clinical dependency.  Students must submit to follow up drug tests. The Fairfield High School Athletic Association and the coaching staff / sponsor of each sport / activity have their own training rules and requirements.  Coaches / sponsors have the necessary authority to enforce those rules.  Any student who violates a rule or requirement as a member of a team or activity will be subject to the consequences as defined in those rules and requirements. (Athletic Code)  A student that self-reports drug use the first time will not be suspended from activities but will automatically go to step two (2) in the activity code. (Athletic Code)  The student will be tested again within 6 weeks’ time at the expense of the parent / guardian.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Under this drug testing program, any staff, coach, or sponsor of Fairfield Schools who may have knowledge of the results of a drug test will not divulge to anyone the results of the test or the disposition of the student involved, other than in the case of a legal subpoena being made upon that person in the course of a legal investigation.  Once again, this will underscore the Fairfield Community Schools commitment to confidentiality with regards to the program

OTHER PROVISIONS

Honesty Clause If a student-athlete is found to be dishonest during an investigation, the consequence imposed will advance to the next highest level for their infraction.

Calculating Consequences An athletic season is defined as the time from the first official practice until elimination from the IHSAA tournament or completion of the scheduled contests if there is no IHSAA tournament. The percentage of contests suspended will be calculated using the total number of scheduled contests including pre-season IHSAA interschool scrimmages if applicable. The minimum penalty is one contest. All suspensions will be based on the number of scheduled contests at the lowest level at which the student athlete participates. If a student-athlete participates in two athletic teams during the same athletic season, the same penalty will apply to each sport. Any penalty imposed under this policy shall apply to any athletic team in which the student-athlete is participating at the time the penalty is imposed and to any athletic team in which the student-athlete might choose to participate during the term of the penalty. In the event the penalty is not completed in the student athlete’s current athletic season, the number of suspended contests remaining on the penalty will carry over into the next athletic season. If a student-athlete is not participating in an athletic season at the time a violation of this policy is confirmed, the penalty will apply to any subsequent athletic season in which the student-athlete participates and shall remain in effect until the suspension is successfully served. A suspension is only considered fulfilled if the student-athlete completes the athletic season in good standing.

A student-athlete must serve a suspension in a sport that he/she participated in during the previous school year. If a student athlete did not participate in a sport during the previous school year, the student-athlete will serve the suspension in the next sport season in which he/she participates.

APPEAL PROCESS

A student-athlete who has an alleged violation of Section VI C may only appeal a finding of guilt, but may not appeal the length of the suspension.

A. FIRST APPEAL

• Any athlete who is penalized, or his/her parents, may request an appeals hearing by notifying the Principal in writing; within 5 days after the receipt of written notification of the athletic suspension.  A hearing panel consisting of up to 5 faculty members will be selected by the Principal.  (If the Principal is not available, the Assistant Principal shall assume the Principal's responsibility.)

B. SECOND APPEAL

• Any athlete or his/her parents whose appeal has been reviewed by the hearing panel may request an appeals hearing before the Superintendent by notifying the Superintendent in writing within 5 days of the receipt of written notification of the hearing panel's decision. 

C. THIRD APPEAL

• Any athlete or his/her parents whose appeal has been reviewed by the Superintendent may request an appeals hearing.