Board of Education Policy
Boardman Local Schools Athletic Department
Grades 7-12

The most important goal of the Boardman Local Schools interscholastic Athletic program is to provide every participant the opportunity to grow mentally, morally, physically, and emotionally. To assure that the program can provide these opportunities, a degree of self-discipline is required of each participant. Self-discipline involves compliance with rules and regulations concerning personal behavior. Rules promote order and safety, and assist participants to reach maximum performance potential.

The Boardman Athletic Department believes that, due to their high visibility, the student Athletes have a strong influence on members of the student body as well as the community, is seen as a direct reflection upon the Athletic program and the standards of the school.

With this belief we set the following policy as a minimum standard for the Athletic Department of Boardman School, fitting within the rules and regulations of the Board of Education and the Ohio High School Athletic Association. It must also be remembered that participation in Athletic events is not a right but a privilege that will be regulated.

Any student suspended from school shall be denied participation from sports during the period of suspension. A suspension that carries over a weekend will result in a denial of participation over the weekend. Suspended students will be denied participation in practices and competitions until the student returns to regular classes.

While a student is denied participation as a result of weekly academic ineligibility, he/ she may attend practices and be involved with the sport; however, no competitions including scrimmages are permitted. The extent of practice participation will be left to the discretion of the Head Coach.

The following rules are established for all Athletes in grades 7-12, including Cheerleaders, Student Trainers, Managers, and any student involved in the program

I. Definition
A. Athlete: Any student participating in an Athletic Sport as a contestant, manager, trainer or cheerleader.
B. Sport Season: The season begins with the first day of organized practice and terminates when the Athlete is no longer eligible for State Tournament Competition, as per the OHSAA handbook
C. Possession: The custody and control of property
D. Penalty carry over: Consequence carried over into another Sport season or school year.
E. Illegal Drugs/ Controlled Substances: As defined by Board Policy #505

II. Violation of the Board of Education adopted Student Conduct Code or any of the following Interscholastic Conduct Code will result in possible denial of participation.
A. No Student Athlete shall use, possess, or show evidence of having consumed tobacco, tobacco related products, alcohol, illegal drugs, controlled substances, narcotics, intoxicants, steroids, or other performance enhancing drugs. No Student Athlete shall be in possession of drug paraphernalia.
B. Any Athlete or Cheerleader shall not steal or willfully destroy or deface Athletic or personal property.
C. All Student Athletes or Cheerleaders shall complete and turn in required OHSAA physical parental permission forms and all Boardman Schools permission forms prior to taking part in practice, activity or contest.
D. All participants must meet all eligibility requirements of both Boardman and the OHSAA as approved by the Board of Education.
THE COACH CONSIDERS ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES ESSENTIAL AND THE VIOLATION OF ANY OF THEM MAY RESULT IN DESCIPLINARY ACTION.
1. All participants must adhere to any curfew as set by individual Coaches
2. All participants must be dressed and groomed in a neat, reasonable style as set by each Coach. Those individuals who participate are committed to represent Boardman in the best possible manner.
3. All participants should demonstrate pride in themselves, their team, and in their school and must display mature, appropriate behavior.
4. All participants should show respect for their opponents, Coaches, teammates, teachers and parents.
5. All participants must refrain from the use of profane, indecent, or obscene gestures, signs, pictures or publications.
6. All participants must control their tempers and refrain from overt outbursts.
7. All participants must display appropriate conduct during Athletic Contests and in their personal conduct apart from Athletics

These guidelines are general, but each Coach is encouraged and has the right to supplement and/ or substitute parallel guidelines that he/ she feels will enhance or add stature and effectiveness to his/ her activity.

The Interscholastic Code of Conduct or a substitute Code will be in continuous effect during the established Sport season and the 10 day Coaching season in June and July from the date that it is first signed by the Student Athlete and his/ her parent/ guardian have read, signed, and returned the copy of the policy to his/ her coach.

Any Athlete or Cheerleader who is under the disciplinary suspension from the School is not eligible for participation in either practice or competition during competition.

III. Violations of Criminal or Civil Law
A. Recognizing the varying degrees of severity (misdemeanors/ felonies), consequences for involvement may result in a minor reprimand to the denial of participation

IV. Additional Team Rules
A. Additional team/ season rules may be established at the discretion of the individual Head Coach, but must be put into writing and included with the above policies

My signature indicated that I have read the Interscholastic Code of Conduct. I may or may not agree with its rules and regulations, but I do agree to follow this code as a member of and Athletic squad.

After reviewing the Boardman Athletic Department Cod of Conduct, please sign this form and return it to the Head Coach or Athletic Department. This form must be turned in before an Athlete is permitted to participate in any Sport.

________________________________________ _________ ____________ _________
Athlete’s Signature Grade Sport Date

________________________________________ __________
Parent/ Guardian Signature Date

Adopted: September 30, 1997