A. Introduction
1) To the parent: This material is presented to you because your son or daughter has indicated a desire to participate in interscholastic athletics and you have expressed your willingness to permit him/her to compete. Your family interest in this important component of our school program is gratifying. We believe that participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences which assist students in personal adjustments.
We are concerned with the educational development of boys and girls through athletics and feel that a properly controlled, well-organized sports program can meet student needs for self-expression, social, mental and physical growth. It is our intent to conduct a program that is educationally sound in purpose and will enhance each student’s personal growth.
A student who elects to participate in athletics is voluntarily making a choice of self-discipline and self-denial. These are the reasons we place such stress on good training habits. Failure to comply with the rules of training and conduct means exclusion from the squad. This concept of self- discipline and self-denial is tempered by our responsibility to recognize the rights of the individual within the objectives of the team. There is no place in high school athletics for students who will not discipline their minds and bodies for rigorous competition. We are striving for excellence and do not want our athletes to compromise with mediocrity.
When your son/daughter enlisted in one of our sports programs, he/she committed our staff to certain responsibilities and obligations which are: 1) to provide adequate equipment and facilities, 2) to provide well trained coaches, and 3) to provide equalized contests with skilled officials.
Likewise, we feel that you have committed yourselves to certain responsibilities and obligations. We would like to take this opportunity to acquaint you with specific policies that are necessary for a well-organized program of athletics.
It is the role of the department of athletics to make rules that govern the spirit of competition for the school. These rules need a broad basis of community support, which is achieved only through communication to the parent. It is our hope to accomplish this objective through this athletic publication for students and parents.
*Parking is NOT permitted on the cement basketball courts behind the gym or inside the gated area of the football field.
2) To the athlete: Being a member of a Colusa athletic team is a fulfillment of an early ambition for many students. The attainment of this goal carries with it certain traditions and responsibilities that must be maintained. A great athletic tradition is not built overnight; it takes the hard work of many people over many years. As a member of an interscholastic squad of Colusa High, you have inherited a wonderful tradition which you are challenged to uphold.
Our tradition has been to win with honor. We desire to win, but only with honor to our athletes, our schools and our community. Such a tradition is worthy of the best efforts of all concerned. Over many years our squads have achieved more than their share of league and tournament championships. Many individuals have set records and achieved All-American, All-State and All-Conference honors.
It will not be easy to contribute to such a great athletic tradition. When you wear the colors of your school, we assume that you not only understand our traditions, but are willing to assume the responsibilities that go with them. However, the contributions you make should be a satisfying accomplishment to you and your family.
a) Responsibilities to Yourself: The most important of these responsibilities is to broaden and develop strength of character. You owe it to yourself to derive the greatest benefit from your high school experiences. Your academic studies, your participation in other extracurricular activities as well as in sports, prepare you for your life as an adult.
b) Responsibilities to Your School: Another responsibility you assume as a squad member is to your school. Colusa cannot maintain its position as having an outstanding school unless you do your best in the activity in which you engage. By participating in athletics to the maximum of your ability, you are contributing to the reputation of your school. You assume a leadership role when you are on the athletic squad to the student body and the community. You are on stage with the spotlight on you. The student body, the community and other communities judge our school by your conduct and attitude, both on and off the field. As a result of this leadership role, you can contribute significantly to school spirit and community pride.
c) Responsibilities to Others: As a squad member you also bear a heavy responsibility to your home. If you never give your parents anything to be ashamed of, you will have measured up to the ideal. When you know in your heart that you have lived up to all of the training rules, that you have practiced to the best of your ability everyday and that you have played the game “all out,” you can keep your self-respect and your family can be justly proud of you. The younger students in the Colusa Unified School District are watching you. They will copy you in many ways. Do not do anything to let them down. Set good examples for them.
B. Athletic Philosophy
1) Statement of Philosophy
The Colusa Athletic Program should provide a variety of experiences to enhance the development of favorable habits and attitudes that will prepare students for adult life in a democratic society. The interscholastic athletic program shall be conducted in accordance with existing Board of Education policies, rules and regulations. While the Board of Education takes great pride in winning, it does not condone “winning at any cost.” It discourages any and all pressures which might lead to neglecting good sportsmanship and good mental health. At all times, the athletic program must be conducted in such a way that it is an educational activity.
2) Athletic Goals and Objectives
Our Goal - The student-athlete shall become a more effective citizen in a democratic society. Our Specific Objectives - The student-athlete shall learn:
a) To work with others- In a democratic society a person must develop self discipline, respect for authority, and the spirit of hard work and sacrifice. The team and its objectives must be placed higher than personal desires.
b) To be successful- Our society is very competitive. We do not always win, but we succeed when we continually strive to do so. You can learn to accept defeat only by striving to win with earnest dedication. Develop a desire to excel.
c) To develop sportsmanship- To accept any defeat like a true sportsman, knowing we have done our best, we must learn to treat others as we would have others treat us. We need to develop desirable social traits, including emotional control, honesty, cooperation and dependability.
d) To improve- Continual improvement is an essential component of good citizenship. As an athlete, you must establish a goal and you must constantly try to achieve that goal. Try to improve in the skills and knowledge required and those personal traits that enhance the success of a team.
e) To enjoy athletics- It is necessary for athletes to enjoy participation, to acknowledge all of the personal rewards to be derived from athletics, and to give sufficiently of themselves in order to persevere and improve the program.
f) To develop desirable personal health habits- To be an active, contributing citizen, it is important to obtain a high degree of physical fitness through exercise and good health habits, and to develop the desire to maintain this level of physical fitness after formal competition has been completed.
3) The Athletic League/Conference
Colusa High School is a member of the Sacramento Valley League, Mid-Valley League and the Butte View League. The various leagues primary purpose is promoting selected interscholastic activities among member schools and the assurance of such advantages as may be gained by a union of effort.
4) Colusa High School Association Rules
To be eligible for interscholastic athletics, a high school student must meet the following state regulations:
a) Enrollment; b) Age (has not reached his/her 19th birthday on or before Aug. 31; c) Physical Examinations; d) Seasons of Competition; e) Semesters of Enrollment (Scholarship); f) Residence Requirements; g) Transfers; h) Guardianship; i) Awards; j) Amateur Practices; k) have not competed on any outside team in the same sport during the school season of that sport
C. Requirements for Participation
1) Physical Examination
A yearly physical examination is required. The physical card must be completed by the physician and submitted to the coach prior to participation. The examination covers all sports for the entire school and is valid for exactly one year from the date of the physical. The form will be kept on the file in the athletic office. The physical must clear the athlete for the entire sports season.
2) Emergency Medical Authorization
Each athlete’s parents shall complete an Emergency Medical Authorization Form giving permission for treatment by a physician or hospital when the parent(s) are not available. The form will be kept in the medical kit for availability at all practices and contests.
3) Parental Acknowledgment of Athletic Policies
Upon entering high school or at the time a student tries out for an athletic team, he/she will be presented with this handbook containing all the necessary forms and information for participating in athletics. Each parent or guardian and athlete shall read all of the enclosed material and certify that they understand the athletic eligibility rules and policies of the school district. This signed document will be filed in the athletic administrator’s office.
4) Insurance
The school district does not carry insurance to cover student athletic injuries. Parents will need to sign the acknowledgment form possess a family insurance plan. A photocopy of the family’s insurance card must be turned in order to clear the student-athletes for participation.
5) Scholastic Eligibility
In order to participate on a Colusa athletic team, each athlete must have satisfied all of the scholastic eligibility requirements prior to participation.
6) Risk of Participation
All athletes and parents must realize the risk of serious injury which may be a result of athletic participation. Colusa Unified School District will use the following safeguards to make every effort to eliminate injury: a) Maintain a continuing education program for coaches to learn the most up-to-date techniques and skills to be taught in their sport. b) Instruct all athletes about the dangers of participation in the particular sport.
7) Financial Obligations and Equipment
a) Uniforms — Athletes will be given a uniform by the school.
b) Equipment — All athletes are responsible for the proper care and security of equipment issued to them. School-furnished equipment is to be worn only for contests and practice. All equipment not returned in good condition at the end of the season will be subject to a financial penalty.
8) Age Requirement for Varsity Sports
A student under 15 years of age may not participate in an interscholastic contest or scrimmage against the varsity team of another school. This Bylaw may be waived by Section action provided the Section adopts criteria for such a waiver which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a) Participant must be at least 14 years of age;
b) A signed consent statement from the parent(s)/guardian(s)/caregiver, allowing participation at the varsity level;
c) A statement from the school principal, athletic director, and head coach that the student-athlete has the physical and mental maturity to compete at the varsity level;
d) A statement of compliance must be forwarded by the principal to the respective Section Office verifying that all required documentation has been completed and is on file in the appropriate school office.
D. Athletic Codes of Conduct
1) Conduct of Athletes
A firm and fair policy of enforcement is necessary to uphold the regulations and standards of the athletic department. The community, school administrators and the coaching staff feel strongly that high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential in maintaining a sound program of athletics. The welfare of the student is our major consideration and transcends any other consideration. All athletes shall abide by a code of ethics which will earn them the honor and respect that participation and competition in the interscholastic program affords. Any conduct that results in dishonor to the athlete, the team or the school will not be tolerated. Acts of unacceptable conduct, such as, but not limited to theft, vandalism, disrespect, immorality, violations of law, using or being in possession of alcohol, tobacco or any other illegal substance, tarnish the reputation of everyone associated with the athletic program and will not be tolerated.
2) General Behavior
Student/Athletes are the most highly recognized students on campus and in our communities. Student/Athletes understand that they are role models whether they choose to be or not. Profanity, unsportsmanlike conduct, and disrespect to any person or institution will not be tolerated and may be cause for removal from a team. Athletes accept responsibility for their actions both on and off the field/court. An athlete’s language and behavior should not embarrass himself, the team, the school, the district, or the community.
a) Specifically, throwing of equipment, profanity, or any similar displays of unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated and may be cause for removal from any team.
b) Defiant behavior and back-talk toward any coach, school official, or game official will not be tolerated and may be cause for removal from any team. Any disagreements should be handled in private mature discussions.
c) Any student who steals, damages, defaces, or possesses without permission a teammate’s property, CHS property, or property from any other school will not be tolerated and may be cause for dismissal from any team.
d) Any student that is found to be bullying, hazing, or any other form of harassment toward teammates, opposing teams, or the general student population will be cause for removal from any team.
3) Policy on Fighting in Interscholastic Sports
High School and Conference Policy on Harassment, Fighting, and Flagrant Unsportsmanlike Conduct in Interscholastic Sports:
a) Fighting in any sport shall be construed to consist of: an invitation to fight; following an opposing player during a disturbance and making any menacing or taunting gesture or sound; punching or slugging, whether or not contact is made; wrestling or tackling an opponent as part of an altercation. In addition, leaving the player box or player bench area to approach an altercation shall be construed as participation in the altercation. Furthermore, any athlete, coach, or team personnel ejected by a contest official from any contest for harassment, fighting, or flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct will be subject to the penalties listed hereafter.
b) Violation of this rule shall bring an automatic suspension for the remainder of that contest plus suspension from at least the next scheduled contest.
c) Should the original violation of this rule occur during the final contest of the season, the violation will be suspended from the next two contests the athlete, coach or team personnel member is eligible for during a season in which he/she participates and c ompletes.
d) A more severe penalty may be assessed against an individual for a violation if, in the judgment of the school, such action will be beneficial to the future of that sport.
Violation of this rule shall bring an automatic suspension for the remainder of that game plus suspension from the next scheduled contest. The same suspension applies to any member of the playing squad who leaves the bench during a fight.
4) Appeal Procedure
The student-athlete may appeal the decision of the athletic department. The appeal committee shall be made up of the principal, the vice principal and the athletic director. The appeal will require the following: a) The written appeal must be presented to the athletic director within five days of the initial ruling. b) The appeals committee shall render a decision within five days, in writing, to the student and his/her parents or guardian. c) Once the appeal process is followed, any further complaint regarding the issue will need to follow the Colusa Unified School District complaint process.
5) Academic Requirements
To be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at Colusa High schools, all students will be required to meet the following eligibility standards. The standard(s) shall include:
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average:
1) All student-athletes will be required to maintain a 2.00 grade point average or better.
2) Must not receive any F’s. (Students who have a 2.00 GPA and only one F may use a one time waiver to be approved by the principal)
3) The grade point average from the fourth quarter of the preceding year shall be used for fall athletes. Courses taken and grades earned in summer school may be included.
4) The grading periods will be first quarter, first semester, third quarter, second semester.
5) Incomplete grades are considered “F” grades for purposes of computing eligibility.
6) A probation period is only offered to incoming 9th grade student-athletes for the fall sports seasons. Individuals will only qualify for the probation period if they have been “promoted” from 8th grade. Individuals who are “promoted” due to completion of summer school will be granted this probation period.
6) Grade Checks
In addition to the grade point average standard, coaches may require periodic Grade Checks to be turned in on a weekly basis.
E. School Awards
1) Mr. & Miss Redskin/RedHawk Award: An athlete who letters in three sports for all four years will earn this honor and award.
2) Male & Female Athlete of the Year Awards: This award is based on points earned due to participation and all-league honors received by athletes. The individuals with the top three point amounts are the finalists. The CHS varsity coaches then vote in order to determine the male and female athlete of the year winners.
F. Basic Athletic Department Policies
1) Quitting or Removal from a Sports: Quitting or being removed from a team for insubordination is an unacceptable habit. A player who either quits or is removed from a team may be denied participation for the following season of sport. Should this happen in the spring the student could be denied for the following fall sport season.
a) Consult with immediate coach and then the head coach.
b) Report situation to the athletic director and principal
c) Check in all equipment.
Exceptions:
1) Academically ineligible will not be considered as team dismissal.
2) In the event that a coach and student mutually agree that the reason for leaving the team before the end of the season is in the best interest for the student and team, the athlete may be allowed to participate in the following season of sport.
2) Equipment: School equipment checked out by the student-athlete is his/her responsibility. He/she is expected to keep it clean and in good condition. Loss of any equipment is the athlete’s financial obligation.
3) Missing practice: An athlete should always consult his/her coach before missing practice. Two unexcused absences from practice or games will be grounds for dismissal from the team.
Exceptions: Too many excused absences (more than 5) may be grounds for dismissal from the team.
4) Travel: All athletes must travel to and from out-of-town athletic contests in transportation provided by the athletic department unless previous arrangements are made by the parents for an exceptional situation.
a) Athletes will remain with their squad and under the supervision of the coach when attending away contests.
b) Athletes that miss the bus will not be allowed to participate in the contest unless there are extenuating circumstances.
c) All regular school and bus rules will be followed.
5) Attendance:
a) The student is to attend all classes regularly and punctually, and to make every effort to complete all class assignments on time and to the best of his/her ability.
b) The student must attend all classes for the entire period on a given day (this includes school on a Friday that may precede a Sat game or tournament) in order to participate in an interscholastic contest (tardies may prohibit you from playing on a game day), unless he/she has a legitimate excuse as determined by the athletic director or principal. Medical, dental and/or optical appointment and probation appointments are possible exceptions subject to administration approval and accompanied by a medical appointment card.
c) Athletic Tardies on a contest or game day (Per each season of sport)
1st Offense – Detention
2nd Offense – Saturday School
3rd or More – Sitting out an entire contest/game
4th Offense – Parent/admin./athlete/AD meeting will be set up to discuss further disciplinary action
d) The student must attend at least half of the school day (4 or more periods) in order to participate in practice on given day.
6) School Discipline Refferral: Any student-athletes referred to the office for a school rule violation may be denied the privilege of participation in all athletic activities for a period determined by the principal and or athletic director.
7) School Discipline-Removed from class:A student is temporarily ineligible to practice or participate in any way on an athletic team while suspended from any class. This includes class suspensions.
8) School Suspension:Any student suspended from school will be suspended from athletic activities for one week.
9) Second School Suspension:Any student suspended from school for a second time will be removed from the athletic team
10) ISS (In School Suspension) and OSS (Out of School Suspension): Student-athlete is denied the privilege of participating in practices and/or games for a minimum of one week if assigned ISS or OSS.
11) Release from Class: It is the responsibility of athletes to see their teacher the day before the classes they will miss because of an athletic contest. All work shall be made up at the convenience of the teacher.
12) Dress Policy: A member of an athletic team is expected to be well-groomed. Appearance, expression and actions always influence people’s opinions of athletes, the team, the community, the coaches and the school. Members of a squad have made a choice to uphold certain standards expected of athletes in this community. Athletes are expected to dress neatly and be kept well groomed. Dress codes for the day of the contest may be determined by the coach. An athlete shall dress presentably at all times, on trips, or at assemblies or banquets. Only uniforms issued by the athletic department will be worn for contests.
13) Vacation Policy: Vacations by athletic team members during a sport season are discouraged. Parents/athletes wishing to do so may wish to reassess their commitment to being an athlete. In the event of an unavoidable absence due to a vacation, an athlete must: a) Contact the head coach prior to the vacation. b) Be willing to assume the consequences related to their status on that squad (starter to reserve status, etc.).
14) Squad Selection: In accordance with our philosophy of athletics and our desire to see as many students participate in the athletic program as possible while at Colusa High School, we encourage coaches to keep as many students as they can without unbalancing the integrity of their sport. Time, space, facilities, equipment, personal preference and other factors will place limitations on the most effective squad size for any particular sport.
a) A JV player may play a non-league varsity game and then return to the JV team.
b) Once a player participates in a league game, they are to remain on the varsity squad for the duration of the season.
15) Squad Reduction Policies: Choosing the members of athletic squads is the sole responsibility of the coaches of those squads.
• The tryout period will be a minimum of 5 days not to exceed 10 days.
• The coach will personally inform individuals who have not made the team due to cuts.
• The coach will give a reason the student-athlete was cut from the squad.
16) Reporting of Injury: All injuries which occur while participating in athletics should be reported to the trainer/coach. If the injury requires medical attention by a doctor or treatment center, it will be necessary to have an injury report form completed. Once athletes are treated by a physician, the athlete must obtain the doctor’s permission to return to the activity.
17) Locker Room Regulations:
a) Rough-housing and throwing towels or other objects are not allowed in the locker room. Hazing of other players is not allowed.
b) All showers must be turned off. The last person to leave the shower room is expected to check all showers. Student-Athlete Handbook 9
c) No one except coaches and assigned players are allowed in the locker room.
d) No glass containers are permitted in locker rooms.
e) All spiked shoes or cleats must be put on and taken off outside of the locker room. No metal or hard-plastic spikes or cleats are ever allowed in any other part of the school building.
18) Weight Room Regulations:
a) Any student who uses the weight room must have a signed parental permission and release form on file in the athletic office.
b) Shirts and shoes are required at all times - Tank tops are acceptable.
c) No one is to be in the weight room alone.
d) All students must be under the supervision of the instructor assigned.
e) Lifters must work with a partner.
f) Replace all weights on racks immediately following use.
g) Do the lifts correctly. It is better to use lighter weights for correct lifting than heavier weights and run the risk of injury.
h) Warm-up with proper stretching exercises.
i) No chewing gum or eating candy while lifting.
j) No food or drinks inside weight room.
k) No horseplay or profanity.
l) No abuse of equipment. Any equipment that is broken must be reported immediately.
m) Strength training is not only a supplement to other athletic programs, but also a highly-skilled activity itself.
19) Associated Student Body (ASB) Card/Sticker: All athletes are required to purchase a student body activity sticker before participating in any sport or activity. The ASB card provides identity for travel, admission free to home games. The cost of the ASB Card/Sticker is $25.00.
20) Cheerleading: Individuals participating in cheerleading may try out for the squad in the spring prior to the upcoming fall season. They must have academic eligibility by the first day of school like all other athletes in order to REMAIN on the squad.
21) Outside Team Participation: Individuals participating in a sport may NOT play on an “outside” league team while participating in the high school season of that sport.
22) Violations:
a) Individuals participating in CHS athletics will be required to follow all Colusa High School rules at athletic events and during transportation to and from events.
b) The rules and regulations of the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) will be enforced. c) The rules and regulations of the various leagues (MVL, BVL, SVL) will be enforced.
d) The coach’s rules and regulations will be enforced.
Coaches will establish additional rules and regulations with the approval of the athletic director and principal for their respective sports. These additional rules for a particular sport must be stipulated in writing to all team members and parents and explained fully at the start of the season. Penalties for violation of team rules will also be in writing and shall be administered by the coach. Copies of all additional team rules by coaches are on file in the athletic office. *Additionally, parents need to sign off any coaches special rules handed out at the beginning of the various seasons.
G. Drug Testing Offenses
Testing positive for possessing or being under the influence of any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind while at school, going to or coming from school, or while participating in or traveling to or from any school related activity.
1) CONSEQUENCES:
First Offense: The student’s parents are notified, and the school principal convenes a meeting the student and his/her parents. The student, parent and principal will sign a behavior contract with the following terms and conditions. If less than 20 days of the school year or 20% of the sports season remains, the consequence carries over to the next school year and/or sports season. If a regular participant/athlete is not currently participating in any activity or sport, the violation will be recorded in District records and/or on his/her athletic card and shall be treated as a first offense when participation in an activity or sport begins.
a) The student shall be notified that she/he is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for 20 consecutive Student-Athlete Handbook 10 school days from the date of the confirmation test in which the student tests positive except for the sport that they are currently participating in.
b) The student must enroll and provide proof of enrollment in a professional substance abuse counseling and treatment program. The principal shall provide the student and her/his parents with the names addresses and telephone numbers of substance abuse professionals and counseling and treatment programs available to evaluate and resolve drug and alcohol related problems. The counseling program must be a minimum of 6 hours duration.
c) Student athletes will be expected to practice during the period of ineligibility, however in order to be able to practice, student athletes must bring evidence of a negative urine test from a district approved lab, and proof of enrollment in a substance abuse counseling program (To be paid for by the parents of the student, and with a minimum duration of six (6) hours of counseling) to the principal. If the student has met the terms and conditions of the behavior contract for a first offense violation, his/her eligibility to participate in the sport that she/he is then participating in will be restored at such time as the student has missed twenty percent (20%) of that sports season. Athletes will be on probation for an additional six weeks. During that time athletes must be at all practices on time and will be subject to District sponsored random drug testing.
d) The student shall be notified that if she/he refuses to participate in a counseling program, or otherwise fails to complete a counseling program, or fails to provide a negative urine test sample, or has not met the terms and conditions of the behavior contract, that she/he will be ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities for one calendar year from the date of the confirmation test. Thereafter, the student may apply to participate in extracurricular activities but must successfully complete drug screening prior to participation.
In the event the student refuses to enroll or fails to successfully complete a substance abuse counseling program, or fails to meet any of the terms and conditions of the behavior contract, the student will be ineligible for participation in extracurricular activities for one calendar year, from the date of confirmation test, in which she/he tests positive. The principal shall provide the student and her/his parents with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of substance abuse professionals and counseling and treatment programs available to evaluate and resolve drug and alcohol related problems. The cost of counseling and treatment programs will not be funded by the district.
Second Offense: The student’s parents are notified, and the school principal convenes a meeting with the student and her/his parents. The student shall be suspended from participation in extracurricular activities for one calendar year from the date of the confirmation test in which the student tests positive. In addition, the principal shall provide the student and her/his parents with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of substance abuse professionals and counseling and treatment programs available to evaluate and resolve drug and alcohol related problems. The student will be eligible to apply to participate in the extracurricular activities after completion of the one calendar year suspension from extracurricular activities. The student will not be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities without provide the district with evidence that the student has participated in, and successfully completed a substance abuse counseling and/or treatment program. The student must also successfully pass a drug screening program prior to reinstatement of her/his privilege to participate in extracurricular activities. The student will be subject to periodic drug and alcohol testing for the duration of the first extracurricular activity once her/his privileges are restored, and thereafter shall be subject to the testing procedures which apply to all students.