SPORTSMANSHIP

The Marceline R-V School District is a member of the Lewis and Clark Conference and Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). As members of these groups, we adhere to policies set down for the display of good sportsmanship by athletes, students, fans, parents and patrons. Member schools are to enforce sportsmanship rules for our own school, players and spectators. Violation of rules can result in the following consequences: written reprimand, probation, suspension, ejection or permanent removal from events. Consequences are in force for players, coaches, students, parents and fans.

All school discipline policies and rules apply to the Marceline R-V School District students at school activities whether they are held on school property or away from school.

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP CODE

For Players, Coaches and Fans:

  • Maintain pride in self and school.

  • Strive to keep high standards of conduct.

  • Cheering is always encouraged for one’s own team.

  • No taunts, chants, noises, cheers, songs, profanity, signs or motions directed to the opposing team, coach, school or officials. Treat everyone with respect.

  • Positive signs may be displayed for one’s own team.

  • No disrespect will be shown to the opposing team during introductions.

  • No noisemakers.

  • No continuous standing.

  • Abide by the decisions of officials.

  • Accept victory or defeat graciously.

The Marceline R-V School District grounds (inside and outside) are, by the Marceline R-V School District Board Policy, a tobacco-free environment. There is to be no smoking or other form of tobacco use inside the building or outside on any school or athletic grounds.

Introduction

The Activities Code of Conduct for the Marceline R-V activities program is meant to encourage students who represent the school in one or more of its activities to abide by local, state and federal laws and restrictions pertaining to the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and controlled substances. It is intended to encourage parents, faculty members, administrators and board members to demonstrate commitment to established policies which state that we will teach students about substance use and abuse. This Code of Conduct also addresses our policies regarding sportsmanship, citizenship, eligibility standards and transportation. It is intended to address student violations in a uniform manner between and among activities. It is very important that the students realize it is a privilege to represent our school and they are expected to do their best. The Code of Conduct is intended to be separate and in addition to the discipline policies as outlined in Board Policy 2610.

Rationale

Students who participate in athletics and co-curricular activities are thought of as school leaders. They represent the school in the eyes of the community. They serve as role models for other students. As such, these students should be held to a high standard of behavior. Such students need to maintain their physical and mental well-being not only while at school and school-sponsored activities, but at other times as well. In an effort to achieve these goals, Marceline R-V has developed a prevention program which includes an Activities Code of Conduct. To participate in school-sponsored athletics and designated school-sponsored activities, an Activities Code of Conduct agreement form must be signed by students, and their parents are requested to indicate support of the Code by signing the appropriate papers along with their student.

Student Eligibility Standards

Marceline Middle School/High School is a member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association and will abide by the rules and decisions of this association. Determining eligibility is the basic responsibility of the secondary principal.

In order to represent Marceline Middle School/High School in any extracurricular activity a student must meet all eligibility requirements of the MSHSAA as well as the following school requirements:

  • Must have maintained a 2.0 grade point average during the previous quarter grading period. MSHSAA standards state that students in Grades 9-12 must be currently enrolled in and regularly attending courses that offer a minimum of 3.0 units of credit, and must have earned a minimum of 3.00 units of credit the preceding semester of attendance. MHS students must pass seven classes to meet this standard, except for students entering the 9th grade for the first time, whose first semester credit requirements shall be met by promotion from 8th grade to 9th grade. Please see Marceline R-V Student Handbook for further clarification of the academic eligibility standards.

  • Must attend school the day of the game/contest/activity. (Exceptions must have the prior approval of the principal.)

  • Must not have an incomplete grade on file.

  • Must not be under school suspension.

  • Must follow any other reasonable rules established by the coach/sponsor as approved by the principal.

  • Must meet the “creditable citizen” standard sanctioned by MSHSAA By-Law 212.0 (In accordance with the MSHSAA Board of Directors’ interpretation of this policy, a student found guilty of a law violation shall not be considered a creditable citizen as defined in By-Law 212.0 until he/she has satisfied his/her fine and/or penalty. MSHSAA policy stipulates that community-service hours are equivalent to an assigned sentence and must be served before eligibility is reinstated.)

  • Must be responsible citizens in and about the community, while at school, and/or while representing the school. This includes behavior while away from school or at activities associated with the school district. The responsible citizen expectations are in effect 12 months of the year.

  • Must have completed the Marceline R-V School Drug Policy agreement.

Marceline Ministerial Alliance Agreement

  • Any practices or extracurricular activities scheduled before 12:30 p.m. or after 5:00 p.m. on Sundays are not mandatory. Participants will not be punished by dropping grade or decrease playing time for missing activities scheduled at this time.

  • Participation and practices after 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays are not mandatory. Students will be allowed to leave practice by 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays to attend religious services.

Co-Curricular Activities

Co-Curricular activities are extensions of specific credit courses offered as part of the academic curriculum. Music activities (except Jazz Band), drama class productions and art exhibits are some examples. Participating students must meet all the school eligibility requirements listed above with the exception of the 2.0 GPA provision.

Regulations for Team Managers

  • A student must be academically eligible, by both MSHSAA and Marceline R-V standards, in order to be a manager

  • A boy or girl must be a student in grade nine through twelve in order to be manager for high school teams. A boy or girl must be a student in grade seven or eight in order to be a manager for a middle school team.

  • Only full-time, high school managers can receive school letters.

  • Middle school students may serve as “ball boys” or “water boys” for high school teams. However, this type of position shall only involve work done at the time and site of an athletic contest. Such students will not be excused to miss school time to attend athletic events, nor will they be allowed to ride the team bus to or from athletic events.

Travel to and from Contests

Students-athletes must ride the provided transportation to and from the event. A student will not be allowed to drive themselves to an event. Only in a unique circumstance approved by the Principal or Activities Director will they be allowed to ride to an event with parents. A student will be allowed to ride home with parents after they have made personal contact and signed their child out. If a student is to ride home with another parent, the proper paperwork must be completed and approved by the Principal or Activities Director prior to the event. An example of that form is on page 8 of this Code of Conduct.

Scheduling Resolutions Standards

Students should make the best choices when participating in activities to avoid conflicts between activities. This involves good communication, decision-making skills, prioritizing and long-range goals and aspirations. However, when a conflict arises between two school-sponsored activities, administrative priority will examine this order or precedence:

1. National contest

2. State contest

3. District contest

4. Conference contest

5. Academic class

6. Interscholastic contest

7. Required (dress rehearsal) practices

8. Regular practices

Marceline R-V School District

Activities Code of Conduct

Section A. Purpose

In order that the standards and ideals of Marceline R-V will be upheld and uniformly enforced, the Board of Education has established the following rules of conduct, both in and out of school, which all students and parents of students involved should clearly understand.

Section B. Definitions (For clarity and understanding, some definitions follow.)

  1. “Alcoholic Beverage” shall include any intoxicating beverage.

  2. “School Activities” shall include those activities offered by Marceline R-V that fall under the jurisdiction of the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

  3. “Controlled Substance” shall include prescription drugs, which were not prescribed by a physician for the student in possession thereof, and shall also include all drugs under the classifications of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, marijuana and hallucinogens.

  4. “Participating Student” means any Marceline R-V student in activities offered by Marceline R-V that fall under the jurisdiction of the Missouri State High School Activities Association and or extra curricular activities which fall under the direction of Marceline R-V School District.

  5. “Period of Ineligibility” indicates the period measured in calendar days during which participating students will be ineligible to participate in school activities.

  6. “Possession” means to have on one’s person, or to knowingly have in one’s possession, or to have close immediate access to, any item constituting a violation as described in this code.

  7. “Violation” means committing an offense as described in this code and as found by a preponderance of the evidence from all available sources at an informal hearing as described in this code.

  8. “Promotion” means to give the visual and or verbal impression of possession or consumption of any item constituting a violation as described in this code.

Section C. Findings

Students in activities or athletics who violate the district’s rules and regulations on tobacco, drug or alcohol use or possession at school or during school activities, in addition to the consequences set out herein, are subject to established consequences in the Marceline School District discipline policy.

The following penalties shall be imposed upon participants in extra-curricular activities determined to be guilty – by law enforcement officials, appropriate school personnel, or by participant admission of guilt – of using, possessing, or promoting alcohol, tobacco or controlled substances. Conviction in a court is not required to impose a penalty if strong evidence exists that an infraction has occurred. If a participating student, after an informal hearing before the principal and activities director, is found to have committed a violation as described in this code, either in or out of school, the participating student shall thereupon be declared ineligible to participate in school activities. The student shall remain out of such activities for the pertinent time limits prescribed below.

Item 1: 1st Offense Tobacco (including E-Cig) – Thestudent will be suspended from participation in 10-20% of the total scheduled events (excluding practices) in which they would otherwise be eligible to participate, according to eligibility requirements determined by the Marceline R-V School District and the MSHSAA. They are still required to attend practice. Participation in practice is up to the Coach/Sponsor until suspension is complete.

2nd Offense Tobacco – The student will be suspended from participation for the full season in which they would otherwise be eligible to participate.

3rd Offense Tobacco – The student will be withheld from participating in all extra-curricular activities for 365 days from the time of the second offense.

The tobacco portion will be enforced the same, whether the student is determined to be guilty before or during the season.

1st Offense Alcohol/Controlled Substance – Thestudent will be suspended from participation in 10-50% of the total scheduled events (excluding practices) in which they would otherwise be eligible to participate, according to eligibility requirements determined by the Marceline R-V School District and the MSHSAA. They are still required to attend practice. Participation in practice is up to the Coach/Sponsor until the suspension is complete.

2nd Offense Alcohol/Controlled Substance – The student will be withheld from participating in all extra-curricular activities for 365 days from the time of the second offense.

The Alcohol/Controlled Substance policy outlines what will happen to a student who violates the policy outside of their activity/season. If a student is determined guilty during their activity/season, they will be disciplined immediately. *The building principal and activities director will determine if the student’s next activity/season will be affected by the suspension, depending on how much of the current season is left.

Students not participating in an extra-curricular activity:

Documentation will be kept by the building principal and the activities director will meet with the principal three days prior to the start of practice for each sport. *This will include summer activities and camps.

Item 2: Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no participating student shall be allowed to again participate in school activities until he or she has completed any and all of the above-described directions and requirements in the decision reached by a majority of the hearing officials.

Item 3: Any student found to be ineligible under this code will also be placed on probation for a two year period, which includes the period of ineligibility. If a student has no additional offenses during the probationary period, any offense under this code after the probationary period shall be considered a first offense.

When a student is serving a suspension and it is a game/performance night, they are allowed to attend, but will only be on the sideline/bench, with no display of a uniform.

Section D. Athletic Equipment

All athletes are responsible for the preservation of the school’s athletic equipment. Equipment issued to athletes must be returned to the coach at the end of the season. Athletes will be held financially responsible for any lost or misplaced equipment. Deliberate mutilation of school property or equipment will be charged to the athlete. Equipment includes any uniforms or clothing, which is issued by the coach for the purpose of participation in a particular sport. Athletes not returning school issued equipment or not paying for lost or damaged equipment will not be allowed to participate in any further interscholastic competition at Marceline R-V. Senior athletes will not receive graduation diplomas until equipment obligations are met.

Section E. Defacing or Destroying Property

Any athlete who defaces or destroys property of the Marceline R-V School District, property of staff members of the Marceline R-V School District or property of other school districts or their staff members will be subject to the following actions:

1st Offense: The parents/guardians will be notified by the principal or head coach. Depending on the nature and extent of the defacement or damages, the appropriate law enforcement agency shall be contacted and the athlete will be subject to discipline, suspension or dismissal by the coach and financial restitution for all damaged property at replacement cost.

2nd Offense: The parents/guardians will be notified by the head coach. Depending on the nature and extent of the defacement or damages, the appropriate law enforcement agency shall be contacted. The athlete will be subject to termination from the team and suspended from all athletic competition for a competitive eight (8) week period and financial restitution for all damaged property at replacement cost.

Section F. Student Suspension

Students will be suspended from participating in extra-curricular activities for the following reasons.

  1. Failing to maintain a quarter GPA of 2.0. The athlete will be ineligible to compete for the next quarter.

  2. Failing to earn a minimum of 3.0 credits per semester. The athlete will be ineligible to compete the next semester.

  3. Excessive misconduct.

  4. Excessive absences and/or tardies.

  5. Failing to attend Friday and/or Saturday detentions.

  6. During in-school or out-of-school suspensions.

Saturday Detention Note: Saturday Detention has replaced ISS. Saturday Detention is one of our main discipline tools which allows us to keep students in school and up on their work. If a student is assigned Saturday Detention, he or she will not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activity or practice for that Saturday. If the student does not serve their Saturday Detention and it is not excused, he or she will not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activity until 8:00 the Saturday Detention is served. The student who is involved in an activity while serving Saturday Detention will be allowed to attend an activity or practice, but not participate.

Section G. Unsportsmanlike Acts

Such acts which are malicious in nature during a contest resulting in ejection shall cause the athlete to be ineligible to represent the school for at least the next contest. An athlete who commits such an act, but is not ejected may also be subject to at least a one game restriction from representing the school. Each case of this type is to be reviewed by the head coach, activities director and principal before a final decision is reached.

Section H. Students Covered

This code shall apply to grades 7 through 12 of the Marceline R-V School District.

Section I. Other Applicable Rules

This Code of Conduct is supplemented by the Student Complaints and Grievances Procedures as adopted and amended by The Board of Education of the Marceline R-V School District.

Section J. Procedures and Appeals

The coach/sponsor, in consultation with the activities director and school administrator, may suspend a student from activities after having given him/her the right to be heard. The suspension decision may be appealed to the principal. The principal’s decision will be final. The student and/or his/her parent/guardian may appeal actions taken pursuant to this policy.

The school principal or activities director will send a written decision to the parent/guardian within two days of the decision.

Parent/Coach Communication

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefits to students. As parents, when your student becomes involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your student. This begins with clear communication form your student’s coach.

Communication You Should Expect From A Coach

  1. Philosophy of the coach.

  2. Expectations the coach has for your student as well as all the players on the squad.

  3. Location and times of practices and contests.

  4. Team requirements, i.e. fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning.

  5. Discipline that results in the denial of your student’s participation.

As students become involved in the programs at Marceline R-V Schools, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments in their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your student wishes. At these times discussion with the coach is encouraged. This should be done after the student has first discussed his/her concerns with the coach.

Communication Coaches Expect From Parents

  1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.

  2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.

  3. Specific concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches

  1. The physical well being of your student.

  2. Ways to help your student improve.

  3. Concerns about your student’s behavior

It is very difficult to accept your student not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professional. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your student’s coach. Other things, such as those listed next, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss with Coaches

  1. Pressure to increase playing time.

  2. Team strategy.

  3. Play calling.

  4. Other student-athletes/participants.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedures should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

  1. Call to set up an appointment with the coach.

  2. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before, during, or after a contest or practice. A parent should not enter a team locker room before or after a contest or practice unless his/her student has been injured. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meeting of this nature usually do not promote resolution. If you need to set up a conference, please wait until the following day to do so.

The Next Step

What a parent is to do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution:

  1. Call and set up an appointment with the Activities Director and coach to discuss the situation.

  2. At this meeting the appropriate step can be determined.

NOTE: Failure to follow the appropriate steps of communication could result in a meeting with the administration and possible suspension from attending Marceline activities.

Chain of Command

The chain of command should be followed when addressing issues/concerns:

  1. Student - Sponsor/Coach

  2. Parent - Sponsor/Coach

  3. Parent - Activities Director

  4. Parent - Principal

  5. Parent - Superintendent

  6. Parent - School Board

Responsibilities

Student - Bring concerns to the sponsor/coach first.

Parent - Encourage student to speak with sponsor/coach. Follow chain of command.

Sponsor/Coach - Communicate with student regarding expectations, philosophy, and ways to improve. Listen.

Activities Director - Listen to concerns, express appropriate chain of command, and communicate with all parties.

Principal - Listen to concerns, express appropriate chain of command, communicate with all parties, and take appropriate action.

Superintendent - Listen to concerns, express appropriate chain of command, communicate with all parties, and take appropriate action.

School Board - Listen to concerns and ensure that appropriate chain of command has been followed. Review decision.

Since research indicates a student involved in co-curricular activities has a greater chance of success during adulthood, these programs have been established. Many of the character traits required to be successful participants are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school. We hope the information provided within this handbook makes both your student and your experience with Marceline Activities a positive one.

Marceline R-V School District

Activity/Athletic Code of Conduct

This sheet must be signed by the parties indicated and returned to the activity director to be kept in the main office. This form must be signed and on file before a student will be allowed to participate.

Prior to participating in any practice or tryout sessions for any interscholastic sport, each athlete must:

  1. Successfully pass a physical examination to participate in athletics, by a licensed physician and the copy of such examination must be on file in the office of the activities director. Physical exam is valid if issued on or after February 1 of the previous school year.

  2. Return this Activity/Athletic Code of Conduct with the student and parent(s) signatures.

As a school’s student/athlete voluntarily participating in interscholastic activities/athletics, I acknowledge that:

  1. I have read this Code of Conduct and understand what the Marceline R-V School District expects from me in regard to the expectations set forth in this handbook and to sportsmanship, citizenship, scholastics and staying free from drug, alcohol and tobacco use while enrolled in this school. I understand the consequences for violating school policy and I will not do so while a Marceline R-V School District participant.

  2. I will be responsible for all equipment issued to me throughout the season, will return such equipment at the conclusion of the season and will pay the current replacement cost for any of the equipment not accounted for by me at the end of the season.

  3. I have been properly advised, cautioned and warned by administrative and coaching personnel of the Marceline R-V School District that I am exposing myself to the risk of injury, including, but not limited to, the risk of sprains, fractures, and ligament and/or cartilage damage which could result in a temporary or permanent, partial or complete impairment in the use of my limbs, brain damage, paralysis, or even death. Having been so cautioned and warned, it is still my desire to participate in sports and to do so with full knowledge and understanding of the risk of injury and with full consent of my parent/guardian. I hereby authorize the representative of Marceline R-V School District consent for medical treatment for _________________________________________ my child, if we, the parents or legal guardians are not available at the time of an injury or illness.

  4. I, along with my parents/guardians, certify that I have read and understand all of the Marceline R-V School District activity/athletic policies in this handbook. In order to be eligible for participation, I understand I must comply with all requirements listed.

  5. I agree that I will refrain from participating in any student hazing activities as a participant or as an observer.

Participant’s Name

________________________________________

Sport(s) 

________________________________________

Student’s Signature

_______________________________________

Date

________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature

________________________________________

Date

________________________________________

Grade

________________

REMOVE THIS PAGE AND RETURN TO THE ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR