Hall High School Participation Packet

2015-2016

  1. ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY AND INTRODUCTION

The Board of Education of Hall High School District #502(the “Board”) believes that interscholastic athletics provide student athletes with an excellent opportunity to learn teamwork, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and moral character. To this end, the Hall High School Athletic Program (the “Athletic Program”) shall strive to provide each student athlete with experiences that will be memorable and positive and that help develop a sense of commitment to a common cause, acceptance of responsibility and loyalty towards chosen endeavors. In doing so, no student shall, on the basis of sex, color, religion, race, or national origin, be excluded form participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under the Athletic Program.

The Board further believes that participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege that requires student athletes to accept certain responsibilities. The student athlete, by accepting this privilege, is a representative of Hall High School on the playing field and in the community, and he or she must act accordingly. To further its belief that the Athletic Program should be one of which student athletes and the community can be proud, the Board has adopted the rules and regulations set forth in this Athletic Code.

The Athletic Code and other documents referred to herein are not contracts. The Board reserves the right to amend the Athletic Code and other documents without prior notice to student athletes and their parents or guardians. It shall be the responsibility of the student athlete and his or her parents or guardian to become familiar with and abide by the Athletic Code and other applicable rules and regulations.

  1. COVERAGE

The Athletic Code shall govern the conduct of all student athletes participating in the Athletic Program. Coverage begins on the date of the student athlete’s first participation in the Athletic Program and does not end until he or she graduates from Hall High School. To this end, once coverage begins the student athlete shall be subject to the Athletic Code 365 days a year, whether or not he or she is participating in a sport at the time.

  1. THE HALL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM

FALL / WINTER / SPRING
Men / Women / Men / Women / Men / Women
Cross Country / Cross Country / Basketball / Basketball / Track / Track
Football / Volleyball / Bowling / Bowling / Baseball / Softball
Golf / Golf / Wrestling

The foregoing sports shall be available to all students who satisfy the eligibility standards of the IHSA andthe rules and regulations set forth in the Athletic Code. Participation may be available at the freshman, sophomore and varsity grade levels provided that the Board may limit the availability of any sport at its discretion. In addition, Hall High School sponsors both a cheerleading squad and a dance squad, which shall be considered part of the Athletic Program for purposes of the Athletic Code.

Hall High School Athletes must comply with all Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Policies and Regulations.

  1. ATHLETIC OBJECTIVES

In furtherance of the Athletic Philosophy, the Athletic Program shall strive to do the following:

A.Balance athletics with all other student academic responsibilities and considerations.

B.Encourage, build, and promote both the student athlete’s moral character and physical development.

C.Develop in each student athlete a feeling of pride, asense of accomplishment, and a desire to excel within the ethics of sport.

D.Develop successful athletic teams of which the student athletes, school, and the community can be proud.

E.Promote a high regard for hard work and good sportsmanship.

  1. STUDENT ATHLETE REQUIREMENTS

A student athlete must have the following completed before he or she may practice or compete in a sport:

  1. Current Physical Exam: Each student athlete must have on file with the Nurse’s Office a current physical exam form that the student athlete is physically fit to participate in sports. All physical exams shall be valid for one (1) calendar year from the date of the exam.
  2. Participation Packet: The back page of thispacketsigned by both parent and athlete after it is read completely.
  3. Fee: Each sport participated in cost $75. If you participate in more than two activities, the third activity is FREE. No studentathlete will pay more than $150. No family will pay more than $300 regardless of number of student athletes participating.
  1. ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
  1. Absence Policy
  1. A student athlete must be in attendance at Hall High School by the end of 2nd period (9:32 on a regular school day and 9:28 on a 2:03dismissal school day) in order to practice or to participate in a game that day or night. Exceptions will be made in thecase of funerals, doctor appointments and similar family emergencies.

2.The playing time of a student athlete who misses practice the day before a game will be determined by the coach.

3.A student athlete who is absent from school on Friday may participate in a game on Saturday. The playing time of the student athlete will be determined by the coach.

4.Prearranged absences and field trips taken during the school day will be treated as if the student athlete were present at school.

  1. Isolated Learning Suspension

A student athlete shall be permitted to practice and to participate in a game on the same day as isolated learning, unless the suspension is for more than one day. In such case, the student athlete cannot participate in a game until he or she has completed the last day of isolated learning.

  1. Out of School Suspension

A student athlete shall not be permitted to practice or to participate in a game until he or she completed the last day of an out-of-school suspension. For purposes of out-of -school suspensions only, the student athlete may not practice, participate in a game, or attend any other school function occurring on the last day of the suspension.

  1. BEHAVIOR OF STUDENT ATHLETES DURING TEAM FUNCTIONS

All student athletes must conform to proper behavior during all team functions, including but not limited to practices, games, and travel. Such behavior is generally described as that which promotes cooperation and learning during practices, encourages a strong work ethic, and results in safe competition and good sportsmanship on the playing field. The coach shall be responsible for determining what constitutes proper behavior during team functions and any disciplinary action necessary to correct improper behavior. Flagrant violations of improper behavior shall be considered school related misconduct under Section 15 and shall result in sanctions under Section 15 of the Athletic Code.

  1. VANDALISM, THEFT OR DESTRUCTION OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
  1. Student athletes who commit vandalism, theft, or destruction of Hall High School propertyshall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion from Hall High School and referral to appropriate law enforcement agencies. The Principal and Athletic Director shall investigate reported incidents and take such disciplinary action as they deem necessary under the circumstances, including but not limited to sanction under Section 15 of the Athletic Code.
  1. Student athletes are expected to pay all damages resulting from their vandalism, theft, or destruction of Hall High School.
  1. CARE AND RETURN OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
  1. All uniforms and equipment issued to a student athlete must be returned within one (1) week after the last game or activity of that sports season.
  1. A student athlete shall pay the replacement cost of any unreturned items issued to the student athlete within two (2) weeks after the last game or activity of that sports season.
  1. No awards shall be given to a student athlete until all uniforms and equipment issued to the student athlete have been returned and accounted for, or he or she has paid the replacement cost of items damaged or lost.
  1. Subject to sections B and C above, no student athlete shall be permitted to practice or compete in the next sports season, or any other Hall High School extracurricular activity, until all uniforms and equipment issued to the student athlete have been returned and accounted for, or he or she has paid the replacement cost of items damaged or lost.
  1. Flagrant violations of the Section 9 may subject athlete to sanction under Section 15 of the Athletic Code.

  1. TRANSPORTATION POLICY
  1. Except as hereafter provided, all student athletes shall ride the school team bus to and from all away games.
  1. A student athlete may ride home with his or her parents under special circumstances approvedby the Head Coach. The student athlete may leave only with his or her parent or guardian. Additionally, the parent or guardian must inform the coach in person at the game when the student athlete is leaving the site.
  1. The coach shall determine any disciplinary action to be taken for a student athlete’s failure to follow this policy. Flagrant violations may result in sanction under Section 15 of the Athletic Code.
  1. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY (NO PASS – NO PLAY POLICY)

A student athlete must have passed at least five (5) classes during the previous semester in order to participate in the Athletic Program. To remain academically eligible during a sports season, a student athlete must be a full time student and be passing at least (5) classes each week during the sports season. Academically ineligible students may participate in practices unless they are ineligible for the remainder of that sports season.

Rule of Thumb:

Taking 4 classes...... Will always be ineligible

Taking 5 classes...... Must pass all 5 classes

Taking 6 classes...... Must pass 5 classes

Taking 7 classes...... Must pass 5 classes

A.Eligibility is weekly. (Tuesday to Tuesday at 7:30 am).

B.Students who are academically ineligible for the same activity for three weeks (total) will be placed on academic probation. If said student is academically ineligible for a fourth time during that activity, he or she will be declared ineligible for the remainder of that activity and any other activities during that season.

C.If participation is limited to the membership of a club or team, then the student cannot participate in the schedule activity if marked ineligible. If the activity is accessible to students at large, than the student can participate in the activity

  1. CHANGE OF SPORT

Student athletes will generally not be permitted to change sports during the same sports season. If the student athlete desires to change sports, he or she should immediately discuss the matter with his or her coach. The athlete, the coach, and the coach of the other sport shall make every reasonable effort to settle the issue to everyone’s satisfaction. If requested, the A.D. shall assist in the resolution of the issue. A student may not change sports after three (weeks) of the start of the season.

  1. LETTER AWARDS

Student athlete letter awards are emblematic of hard work, personal sacrifice, individual effort for the success of the team, and sportsmanship. The letter awards are as follows:

  1. The varsity letter award is red with white trim, 8" chenille letter “H” patch and insert pin. Due to the nature of the different sports in the Athletic Program, the requirements which a student athlete must meet in order to earn a varsity letter may vary from sport to sport. The coaches of each sport and the A.D. will determine these requirements, which will be handed out in writing to each student athlete by the head coach of each sport at the beginning of the sports season.
  1. All sophomores who complete the season in good standing will receive a 4" chenille letter “H” patch.
  1. All freshmen who complete the season in good standing will receive a 4" set of numerals.
  1. Cheerleaders and Devilettes are eligible for the same awards.
  1. The coach may designate special awards at the end of each sports season.
  1. Athletes are only eligible to receive a set of numerals, sophomore letters, and varsity letters.
  1. PARENT SUPPORT

The Athletic Department believes that the support of the parents and guardians of student athletes is vital to the success of the Athletic Code. Parents and guardians are asked to encourage student athletes in allphases of academics and athletic competitions. Parents and guardians should help athletes in setting upprocedures for following training rules and controlling study habits. Parents must be aware of the following expectations.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Parents will demonstrate good sportsmanship by displaying the following behaviors:

  1. Providing support for coaches and officials in order to provide a positive, enjoyable experience for all student athletes, other parents, and fans.
  1. Understanding the game is for the students and not for the adults.
  1. Recognizing that student participation in athletics is a privilege.
  1. Using good sportsmanship as a spectator and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects well onboth the team and the school.
  1. Promoting the team by being supportive and helpful of the school program.
  1. Refraining from coaching their student from the stands or the sidelines.
  1. Expecting consistent student attendance at practices and games.

The parents will create a positive and supportive environment to promote their student/athlete’s wellbeing by:

A.Supporting good conditioning and healthy lifestyle habits.

B.Placing the emotional and physical well being of their student ahead of any personal desire to win.

C.Supporting their student in planning how to meet their academic responsibilities given thedemands of training and practice.

D.Being a role model for other parents by remaining positive at sporting events.

E.Supporting the student athlete code of conduct.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT POLICY

When a spectator at a Hall High School District #502 athletic or extracurricular event is ejected from the event for exhibiting un-sportsmanlike, disruptive, or disrespectful behavior, the following requirements must be satisfied:

  1. An administrator and/or law enforcement officer will escort the spectator off schoolgrounds.
  1. The spectator will receive, through certified mail, notice of a meeting with the building administrator or designee to discuss the facts of the incident.
  1. Within 48 hours of that meeting, the spectator will be informed of the administrativedisposition.
  1. If the spectator's removal from attending Hall High School District #502 athletic andextracurricular events extends beyond a single event, a hearing will be scheduled with the Board of Education. A notice to appear at the hearing will be sent through certified mail. This hearing will be scheduled by the building administration through the Superintendent orhis/her designee.

COMMUNICATION CHAIN OF COMMAND

The parents will communicate fairly and openly with coaches by:

  1. Communicating openly, honestly, and with respect.
  1. Communicating issues and concerns in an appropriate and timely manner including those of physical and emotional well being on behalf of their student.
  1. Never approach a coach after an event.
  1. Following an appropriate chain of communication:
  1. A meeting of the parent, the athlete, and the Coach/Assistant Coach. (Athlete’s attendance is mandatory!)

2.A meeting of the parent, athlete, Coach/Assistant Coach, and the Athletic Director.

3.A meeting of the parent, athlete, Coach/Assistant Coach, Athletic Director, and Principal.

4.A meeting of the parent, athlete, Coach/Assistant Coach, Athletic Director, Principal, and Superintendent.

5.A meeting of the parent, athlete, Coach/Assistant Coach, Athletic Director, Principal,Superintendent, and the Board of Education.

Attending parent meetings and reading information disseminated by the athletic department coaches.

PARENT COMMUNICATION WITH COACHES

It is sometimes difficult to accept our child’s limited playing time. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for ALL students-athletes involved.

Examples of issues appropriate to be discussed with coaches;

1.Ways for your child to improve.

2.Your child’s behavior.

3.The treatment of your child mentally and physically.

Examples of issues NOT appropriate to discuss with coaches;

  1. Playing time.
  2. Team strategies.
  3. Play calling.
  4. Other student-athletes.
  1. SCHOOL-RELATED MISCONDUCT BY STUDENT ATHLETES
  1. Statement of Policy: A student athlete will be subject to discipline, including suspension from participation in the Athletic Program, for any school-related misconduct.
  1. Definition of School-Related Misconduct: School-related misconduct is any conduct that has a negative impact on the discipline or general safety and welfare of students attending Hall High School and its staff. School-related misconduct can include conduct which does not occur on the Hall High School campus or at a Hall High School-sponsored event. School-related misconduct includes but is not limited to any one of the following:
  1. Possession, transportation, use, sale, or being under the influence of alcohol, nicotine, or illegal drugs, except when prescribed for the student athlete by a licensed physician.

2.Possession, use, sale, or being under the influence of inhalants.

3.Theft, vandalism, or other conduct which constitutes a violation of the Illinois Criminal Code, excluding minor traffic offenses.

4.Flagrant violation of proper behavior standards, proper care and return of uniforms and equipment, or the transportation policy.

5.Any conduct resulting in an “out-of-school suspension”, the basis of which was conduct described in the Subsection B.

  1. The above regulations will be considered violated by a student athlete upon:

1.Admittance of a violation by the accused.

2.Arrest under law (with suspension until adjudication).

3.Positive proof of a violation provided by a reputable person who is willing to testify in the presence of the coach and the accused person.

4.A positive drug test as conducted under the Hall High School random drug testing policy.

D.Violations. Violations of this Section shall result in consequences no less than those set forth below. Multiple sanctions shall be served consecutively. The A.D. may also report a student athlete who violates the Illinois Criminal Code to law enforcement officials. Violationsof this Section accumulate throughout a student athlete’s career at Hall High School. Whileserving an athletic suspension, a student athlete may practice unless he or she has been suspended for the remainder of that sports season.