Students: Your participation in activities is a privilege. Review with your parent(s)/guardian(s) this summary of rules/expectations which govern your participation. Please keep this for reference, and if there is a question about any rule interpretation, CONTACT YOUR COACH OR FAIRMONT AREA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBER.

I understand I must sign the current eligibility statement prior to participation. I understand that once I sign the eligibility statement all eligibility rules apply: ▪ 12 months of the year; ▪ Whether I am currently participating or not; ▪ Continuously from the first signing of the statement through the completion of my league participation.

Parents/Guardians: REVIEW the following rules with your son or daughter. Your role in stressing the value of following these rules cannot be overstated.
General Student Eligibility Checklist (must be completed by all students)(If you cannot check all 6 items, see your coach/FAFBA board member)

1. Making academic progress toward graduation.

2. Have not and will not use or possess tobacco or alcoholic beverages, use, consume, have in possession,

buy, sell or give away any other controlled substance, including steroids, drug paraphernalia or products
containing or used to deliver nicotine, tobacco products and other chemicals.

3. Have not and will not violate the racial/religious/sexual harassment/violence/and hazing guidance listed below.

4. I agree to fully cooperate in any investigation honestly and truthfully.

5. Regardless of my age I agree to follow the rules and code of conduct in order to be eligible to represent FAFBA in League sponsored activities.

6. Both the student and parent have reviewed the concussion management information contained on the following website: www.cdc.gov/headsup

INFORMED CONSENT: By its nature, participation in league athletics includes risk of injury and the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, herpes and others. Although serious injuries are not common, and the risk of HIV transmission is almost nonexistent in supervised athletic programs, it is impossible to eliminate all risk. Participants have the responsibility to help reduce that risk. Participants must obey all safety rules, report all physical and hygiene problems to their coaches, follow a proper conditioning program, and inspect their own equipment at least weekly. PARENTS, GUARDIANS OR STUDENTS WHO MAY NOT WISH TO ACCEPT THE RISK DESCRIBED IN THIS WARNING SHOULD NOT SIGN THIS FORM. STUDENTS MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN A LEAGUE-SPONSORED ACTIVITY WITHOUT THE STUDENT’S AND PARENT’S/GUARDIAN’S SIGNATURE.

GENERAL REVIEW
All eligibility determinations are based on rules/guidance below
1. ACADEMIC — (Credit Requirement) To be eligible, a student must be making satisfactory progress toward the school’s requirement for graduation.
2. AGE — A student who is entering 4th, 5th or 6th grade for the fall of upcoming football/sports season. Adapted athletes are eligible to participate, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
3. AWARDS — Acceptable awards to students in recognition of participation in the league include medals, ribbons, letters, trophies, plaques and other items of little or no intrinsic value ($100.00 or less). Violation will render a student ineligible for participation in that activity.
4. ENROLLMENT, ATTENDANCE, AND REQUIRED SUBJECT LOAD — Students must be fully enrolled in and attending school to represent FAFBA sponsored program. Students must be on track to meet the school’s graduation requirements.
5. FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS — Approved Foreign Exchange Students are eligible to participate with their enrollment with the district and attendance.
6. GENERAL ELIGIBILITY — In order to be eligible for regular season and tournament competition, a student must be fully enrolled as defined by the Minnesota Department of Education and a bona fide member of his or her school in good standing. A student who is under penalty of exclusion, expulsion or suspension, whose character or conduct violates the Student Code of Responsibilities and is not in good standing, shall be ineligible for a period of time as determined by the FAFBA board.
7. MOOD-ALTERING CHEMICALS
A. Twelve months of the year, a student shall not at any time, regardless of the quantity: • use or consume, have in possession a beverage containing alcohol; • use or consume, have in possession tobacco; • use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell, or give away any other controlled substance or drug paraphernalia, • use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell or give away products containing, or products used to deliver nicotine tobacco products and other chemicals. “Tobacco products” means: any product containing, made, or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption, whether chewed, smoked, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, or any component, part or accessory of a tobacco product, (5) use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell or give away any substance or product where the intent of such use of the substance or product is to induce intoxication, excitement, or stupefaction of the central nervous system, except under the direction and supervision of a medical doctor. Such substance or products shall include, but are not limited to, synthetic drugs, gasoline, glue, aerosol devices, bath salts, and any substances addressed by Minnesota or Federal law.
1. This applies continuously from the first signing of the student Eligibility statement. 2. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a controlled substance specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by her/his doctor.
B. Penalty
1. First Violation: After confirmation of the first violation, the student shall lose eligibility for the next two (2) consecutive contests or two (2) weeks of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater. No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program. 2. Second Violation: After confirmation of the second violation, the student shall lose eligibility for the next six (6) consecutive contests in which the student is a participant or three (3) weeks, whichever is greater. No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program. 4. Penalties are progressive and consecutive. 5. Denial Disqualification: A student shall be disqualified from all athletics for six (6) additional weeks beyond the student’s original period of ineligibility when the student denies violation of the rule, is allowed to participate and then is subsequently found guilty of the violation.
8. SEXUAL/RACIAL/RELIGIOUS HARASSMENT / VIOLENCE AND HAZING
A. A player shall not engage in the sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing during the school year or any portion of an activity season that occurs prior to the start of the school year or after the close of the school year.
B. Reporting Procedures 1. Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct, which may constitute hazing, shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate coach or FAFBA board member. 2. The FAFBA board is the entity responsible for receiving reports of sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing for the league. Any person may report hazing directly to a human rights officer or appropriate authority. 3. Coaches, officials and volunteers shall be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances or events which might include sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing. Any such person who receives a report of, observes, or had other knowledge or belief of conduct, which may constitute sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing, shall inform the FAFBA board immediately. 4. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing will not affect the complainant or reporter.
C. Reprisal The FAFBA Board will take appropriate action against any student, volunteer, coach, or official who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, or against any person who testifies, assists or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence or hazing. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment.
D. Penalties
1. First Violation: the student shall lose eligibility for the next two (2) consecutive contests or two (2) weeks, 14 calendar days, of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater. It is recommended that, when appropriate, the FAFBA Board refer a student to a community agency or a professional individual for counseling.
2. Second Violation: the student shall lose eligibility for the next six (6) consecutive contests or three (3) weeks, 21 calendar days, whichever is greater, in which the student is a participant. Recommendation: It is recommended that before being re-admitted to activities following suspension for the second violation, the student shall show evidence in writing that the student has received counseling from a community agency or professional individual such as a school counselor, medical doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
4. Penalties are progressive and consecutive.
5. SERVING A PENALTY — A student must be a student in good standing, and able to be placed in the game, meet or contest except for the penalty being served. (Students who are not in good standing due to suspension, expulsion, injury, illness, family vacations, etc. are not able to be placed in a game, meet or contest and are therefore not able to count those contests toward the penalty).
6. FAIR HEARING PROCEDURE — The Fair Hearing Procedure for a student or parent to contest a school’s determination of ineligibility for a student. The student has 10 calendar days in which to appeal the school’s decision. The FAFBA is not involved in the appeal process however will adhere to the recommendation upon completion of the appeal. The school's decision shall be final.

ATHLETIC RULES
1. *PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND PARENTS PERMIT — Any student who intends to participate in elementary league must complete the health questionnaire annually and could indicate the need for a physical examination prior to participation. The signature of the parent or guardian approving participation is required.
2. LAST DATE TO JOIN A TEAM — To be eligible for competition, a student must be a member of that team no later than the four weeks from the official start of the season (first scheduled practice).

3. ATHLETIC CAMPS AND CLINICS
Students are encouraged to attend athletic camps and clinics.
4. Attendance/Accountability - the following violations may result in consequences, at coach's discretion:
A. Administration action resulting in a suspension.
B. Skipping School.
C. Skipping practice when school is in session with no communication to coach.
D. Willful damage or stealing of school property.
E. Detention. Accumulation of five (5) or more periods of detention.
F. Incarceration/Violation of Federal, State, or Local Laws.

ANNUAL PARTICIPATION MEETING.
Attendance at the annual participation meeting is strongly recommended.

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION:
Some athletic teams practice and play at various sites. Some of these locations are not feasible to be reached by walking. Transportation for league participation is not provided, although ride-share is encouraged. Please discuss with your coach if transportation is an issue.

By signing this contract you as a parent agree to the following:
1.I grant permission for my son/daughter to walk to and from the appropriate practice/game site.
2.I will have all insurance responsibilities met for my son/daughter, any passengers, and the vehicle if/when I transport others.
3.I take full responsibility if my son/daughter transports with other student(s), parent(s) or coaches to practice or game facilities.
4.I agree that I, together with my son/daughter, shall maintain sole responsibility for following all applicable school, city and state rules and laws applicable to driving and student conduct.
5.I hereby waive the Fairmont Area Football Association from any and all liability occurring as a result of my son/daughter riding with others to/from practice or game facilities.

I have read, understand, and acknowledge the electronic rules and regulations in this registration, which is only a summary, not all inclusive.

We, the student and parent/guardian, have reviewed Concussion Management Recommendations on the following website: www.cdc.gov/headsup

I understand Fairmont Area Football Association does not provide accident insurance coverage for my son/daughter while participating in the league activity and it is my responsibility to provide insurance coverage.

I fully understand the communications expected for coaches and parents as well as the appropriate concerns and issues to discuss with coaches.

I agree to abide by and follow all of the Communication Guidelines for Athletics.

STUDENT CODE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

As a student participating in the league, I understand and accept the following responsibilities:
· I will respect the rights and beliefs of others and will treat others with courtesy and consideration.
· I will be fully responsible for my own actions and the consequences of my actions.
· I will respect the property of others.
· I will respect and obey the rules of my school and the laws of my community, state and country.
· I will show respect to those who are responsible for enforcing the rules of my school and the laws of my community, state and country.

A student whose character or conduct violates the Student Code of Responsibilities or is suspended or expelled is not in good standing and is ineligible for a period of time as determined by the coach/FAFBA board.
While a student not in good standing, a student may not serve any penalty for violations.

I consent to the coach treating injuries and authorize them to discuss those injuries with and release any applicable medical information or records relating to those injuries to coaches and other qualified health care providers as deemed necessary within their scope of practice/games.

I further understand that in the case of injury or illness requiring transportation to a health care facility, that a reasonable attempt will be made to contact the parent or guardian in the case of the student-athlete being a minor, but that, if necessary, the student-athlete will be transported via ambulance to the nearest hospital.

By signing this we acknowledge that we have read the information contained in the Eligibility Statement.

I/we acknowledge the electronic signature confirms I/we have read and reviewed the information contained in the contents of the Eligibility Statement. I/we also acknowledge this electronic signature has the same legal effect, validity, and enforceability as a signature in a non-electronic form.

I do not know of any existing physical or additional health reason that would preclude participation in sports. I certify that the answers to the Annual Health Questionnaire are true and accurate and I approve participation in the league.

The student/parent authorizes the release of documents and other pertinent information by the school in order to determine student eligibility. In addition, the student/parent understands and agrees that public information shall include names and pictures of students participating in or attending extra-curricular activities or school events. The student/parent also authorizes the release of address, email, and phone contact information to coaches to be used for communication purposes throughout the year.