I. PURPOSE
District 99 considers athletics and activities to be very important components of the comprehensive high school program. These experiences greatly enhance a student’s involvement with and enjoyment of his/her high school career, and contribute to a well-rounded and multi-faceted individual. Important goals of the athletic and activity program are also to give students direction in developing healthful living habits, self-discipline, leadership, team work; and respect for rules and regulations.

Participation in student athletics/activities is considered an extension of although separate from the regular school day. While the regular curricular program is a right afforded each student, participation in the co-curricular program is a privilege, and as such carries certain expectations beyond those found in the daily classroom situation. The Athletic/Activity Code is established for young persons taking part in these programs.

By electing to participate in an athletic or activity program, the student is choosing to extend their school day, as well as the expectations for appropriate behavior and conduct This code is considered to be in effect at all times.

II. MINIMAL EXPECTATIONS
A. Daily attendance at school, team/activity practices, and contests.

B. Passing grades in five (5) full credit classes (25 credit hours) per week

C. Adherence to all rules set forth by the coach or sponsor, in the Student/Parent Handbook, and in the Illinois High School Association Bylaws.

D. Conduct becoming a District 99 representative, including adherence to the school Discipline Code, and demonstrating respect for persons and property at all times.

E. Refrain from the use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, or other illegal substances.

F. Attendance by parent/guardian and student, at least annually, at a school sponsored “Healthy Lifestyle” programs. Parents are encouraged to attend all seasonal meetings that specific athletic or activity coaches or sponsors may schedule to discuss expectations of specific programs.

III. PROCEDURES FOR BREACH OF CODE
A. If a violation occurs in IIA or IIB, the coach or sponsor will determine the appropriate disciplinary action. In all cases, IHSA Rules of Conduct will apply.

B. If a violation occurs in IIC, Ill), IIE, or IIF, a review committee, chaired by the Athletic or Activity Director and consisting of relevant coaches or sponsors and other needed staff, will determine the appropriate disciplinary action. In cases where the student participates in more than one sport or activity, respective sponsors or coaches may be involved For violations of IIE, the Student Assistance Coordinator will become involved It should be noted that compliance with point IIF noted previously is required Failure of parent/guardian and student to attend a Healthy Lifestyle session will result in suspension from the activity until satisfied.

1. The Athletic/Activity Director and/or coach/sponsor will notify the student of a reported violation.

2. The Athletic/Activity Director will inform the parents or guardians of the violation.

3. Both the parent/guardian and student will be invited to attend the review committee meeting.

C. Actions the review committee may take are typically drawn up in the form of a contract with the student, and are as follows:

1. The minimum penalty for the first violation for use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, or other illegal substances will be suspension of 25% of the contest schedule. For the first offense only, if a student undergoes a substance abuse evaluation at an authorized treatment facility and follows through with the recommendations, the 25% penalty will be reduced to 10%. District 99 staff will be in contact with that facility regarding the follow through by the student. At any time, the student may voluntarily admit a personal code violation prior to just cause suspicion. In these cases, the student may continue uninterrupted eligibility when it is verified that enrollment in and continuing participation is taking place in a school recognized substance abuse program. The voluntary admission will be counted as one code offense. A student once during high school may use voluntary admission. The purpose of this provision is to allow the student to seek help. All evaluations and treatments will be at parent/student expense. Further violations will be dealt with by the Athletic Director or Activity Director and shall be consistent with the school Discipline Code.

2. For other violations these actions may take place:

a) Dismiss the charge.
b) Refer the student to the appropriate personnel for counseling.
c) Issue a warning letter and place it on file.
d) Place the student on probation in the sport or activity.
e) Place the student on suspension in the sport or activity.

(1) Suspension may carry over from one season to the next or from one sport/activity to another, including in the same season.

(2) If the violation occurs out of season, suspension shall begin with the next season in which the student participates.

(3) If a school suspension results from a violation of the Student Athletic/Activity Code, penalties will run concurrently. An athletic suspension may run longer than the concurrent school suspension.

(4) During an out of school suspension, the student may not participate in any sports or activities.

3. When a student is involved in a disciplinary in-accident which requires action, a single decision will be made by the appropriate school authority. If the student is involved in a co-curricular activity, the school official who is administering the discipline will consult with the appropriate cocurricular administrator, The decision will include both the regular school discipline and co-curricular discipline if appropriate, and may include two athletic teams or activities at one time.

4. A violation of the Athletic/Activity Code by a student may result in immediate action. The steps involved in the due process procedure after the Athletic/Activity Director has made his/her decision would be meeting with:

a) Principal
b) Superintendent (or designee)
c) Board of Education (through designated hearing officer)

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