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ST. LOUIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Athletic Policy

Handbook

Middle/High School

Revised and Approved by the

St. Louis School Board – 07/22/13

St. Louis High School

113 East Saginaw Street

St. Louis MI 48880

989-681-5405

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Table of Contents

PART I: ATHLETIC POLICY HANDBOOK 3

I. MISSION STATEMENT 3

II. EDUCATION OUTCOMES OF PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS 3

III. ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY 4

IV. GOVERNANCE 4

V. ST. LOUIS ATHLETIC PROGRAMS 5

VI. ATHLETIC AWARDS 5

PART II: MHSAA REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY 7

PART III: REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATION 8

PART IV: ST. LOUIS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC CODE 10

I. APPLICATION OF THE ATHLETIC CODE 10

II. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT 11

III. PENALTIES 12

IV. DUE PROCESS 13

V. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY 15

PART V: ST. LOUIS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT 16

I. PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION 17

II. TEAM CONDUCT 18

III. LIMITS OF PARTICIPATION 18

IV. TRANSPORTATION 19

VI. DROPPING A SPORT 19

VII. COLLEGE RECRUITMENT 19

VIII. CONFLICTS WITH EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 20

IX. ATTENDANCE 20

X. SCHOOL INSURANCE 20

XII. RESTRICTED PRACTICE DAYS 21

XIII. SQUAD SELECTION 21

XIV. SQUAD REDUCTION 21

Administration of the Athletic Code of Conduct 22

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Part I

ATHLETIC POLICY HANDBOOK

I. MISSION STATEMENT

The role of interscholastic athletics in the St. Louis Public Schools is to provide

educational experiences in the framework of competitive athletics. By focusing

on educational outcomes and student learning, athletics can provide avenues for

physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth.

II. EDUCATION OUTCOMES OF PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS

A. Physical Growth

1. Achieving personal fitness

2. Learning to deal with stress

3. Learning skills for participation

4. Learning good health habits

B. Emotional Growth

1. Gaining self-confidence, self-worth, and self-discipline

2. Learning to accept criticism

3. Learning to accept success and failure

C. Social Growth

1. Developing interpersonal relationship skills

2. Developing loyalty to a group

3. Learning to win/lose graciously

4. Learning to work in a group - teamwork

5. Learning sportsmanship - fair play

6. Learning respect for teams, opponents, coaches, and officials

7. Representing yourself, your team, and your school in a positive manner

D. Intellectual Growth

1. Learning a sense of pride in achievement

2. Learning commitment to a goal

3. Learning time-management skills

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III. ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY

Students are encouraged to become involved in extracurricular and co-curricular

activities. Student participation in such activities, including interscholastic

athletics, is provided as an opportunity for students as long as they agree to follow

the rules and guidelines as outlined below. Inasmuch as participation is a

privilege, not a right, students who violate the guidelines will be subject to the

penalties outlined, up to and including suspension from participation in such

activities.

A student should realize that the extracurricular and co-curricular activity’s

guidelines apply at all times throughout the student’s athletic career;

including off-season and all vacation periods. The guidelines are not limited to

the time period in which the student participates in a particular activity, nor are

the guidelines limited to student behavior at school-sponsored activities or on

school property. A student who violates the guidelines will be subject to

disciplinary action as outlined in the penalty provisions. In addition, a student

participant and his/her parent or guardian must sign the school policy portion of

the physical card that acknowledges the student and his/her parent or guardian

understands and agrees to abide by the guidelines.

All penalties for violation of this Code of Conduct will be cumulative beginning

with the student’s first day of participation in athletics (9th grade athletes will start

with a clean slate.

IV. GOVERNANCE

A. The Board of Education

The Board of Education, responsible to the people, is the ruling agency for the St.

Louis Public Schools.

The Board of Education is responsible for the following areas:

1. Interpreting the needs of the community,

2. Developing policies in accordance with state statutes and mandates and in

accordance with the educational needs and wishes of the people of the St.

Louis School District,

3. Approving means by which professional staff may make these policies

effective, and

4. Evaluating the interscholastic athletic program in terms of its value to the

community.

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B. Affiliations

St. Louis High School is a member in good standing of the Michigan High School

Athletic Association and the Tri-Valley Conference. The TVC is made up of 23

schools in 3 divisions. Divisions will change based on the number of schools

sponsoring each sport. East Central West

Birch Run

Bridgeport

Caro

Essexville Garber

Frankenmuth

Millington

North Branch

Alma

Bullock Creek

Chesaning

Freeland

Hemlock

Ovid-Elsie

Shepherd

Swan Valley

Breckenridge

Carrollton

Ithaca

Merrill

Michigan Lutheran Seminary

St. Charles

St. Louis

Valley Lutheran

V. ST. LOUIS ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

(All sports are subject to participation numbers and budget constraints)

A. Fall Sports and Teams

1. Volleyball (Girls) - Varsity, J. V., Freshmen, Eighth, and Seventh grade

2. Sideline Cheerleading – Varsity

3. Cross Country (Boys) - Varsity, J. V. and middle school

4. Cross Country (Girls) - Varsity, J. V. and middle school

5. Football - Varsity, J. V., and Freshmen

6. Golf (Girls) - Varsity and J. V.

B. Winter Sports and Teams

1. Basketball (Girls) - Varsity, J. V., Freshmen, Eighth, and Seventh grade

2. Basketball (Boys) - Varsity, J. V., Freshmen, Eighth, and Seventh grade

3. Competitive Cheerleading (Girls) – Varsity, Sideline for middle school

4. Pom Pon – Varsity

5. Wrestling - Varsity, J. V., and middle school

6. Bowling (Boys) – Varsity (Club)

7. Bowling (Girls) – Varsity (Club)

C. Spring Sports and Teams

1. Baseball (Boys) - Varsity and J. V.

2. Softball (Girls) - Varsity and J. V.

3. Track (Boys) - Varsity and J. V., and middle school

4. Track (Girls) - Varsity and J. V., and middle school

5. Golf (Boys) - Varsity and J. V.

VI. ATHLETIC AWARDS

A. Qualifications

1. All Varsity Sports - An athlete must successfully complete the season in

good standing. Each coach will establish minimum requirements for

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earning an award and make these requirements known to the athletes at the

beginning of the particular season. Each varsity sport will have three

special awards to be determined by the coach.

Varsity Awards When Awarded

Certificate All Varsity Letters

Varsity Letter First Varsity Letter (only one)

1st year medal (bronze) First Varsity Letter in a sport

2nd year medal (bronze) Second Varsity Letter in same sport

3rd year medal (silver) Third Varsity Letter in same sport

4th year medal (gold) Fourth Varsity Letter in same sport

Team Patches League, District, Regional, and/or

State champions (may be combined)

2. All J. V. Sports - An athlete must successfully complete the season in

good standing.

J. V. Awards When Awarded

Certificate All J. V. team members

Team Patches League, District, Regional, and/or

State champions (only if moved up

for state tournaments)

3. All Freshmen Sports - An athlete must successfully complete the season in

good standing.

Freshmen Awards When Awarded

Certificate All Freshmen team members

B. Comments

1. Managers may earn a Varsity/Mgr. Letter. Managers, statisticians, and

trainers will be given the same awards as athletes.

2. A violation of the athletic code may jeopardize receiving an athletic

award.

3. Team awards will be given in accordance with the coach’s handbook.

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Part II

MHSAA REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY (As of 2010, for updated MHSAA rules/policies please see www.mhsaa.com)

I. To be eligible for interscholastic athletics, a high school student must

meet the following state regulations.

A. AGE - High school students become ineligible if they reach their nineteenth (19)

birthday before September 1st of the current school year.

B. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION - Students must have on file, in the school’s athletic

office, a physician’s statement for the current school year (after April 15)

certifying that she or he is physically able to compete in athletic practices and

contests.

C. ENROLLMENT - Students must be enrolled in school prior to the fourth Friday

after Labor Day (1st semester/trimester) or the fourth Friday of February (2nd

semester/trimester). A student must be enrolled in the school for which he or she

competes.

D. SEMESTER/TRIMESTERS OF ENROLLMENT - Students cannot be eligible in

high school for more than eight semester or 12 trimesters, and seventh and eighth

semester/trimesters must be consecutive. Students are allowed four first semester

trimesters and four second semester/trimesters of competition and cannot compete

if they have graduated from high school.

E. SEMESTER/TRIMESTER RECORDS - Students must have passed at least 66

percent of full credit subjects in the previous semester/trimester of enrollment,

and must be currently passing 66 percent of the schools full credit load.

F. TRANSFER STUDENTS - A student in grades 9 through 12 who changes schools

is not immediately eligible in the new school unless they meet one or the 15

exceptions and fall within one or more of the 35 interpretations. Students and

parents anticipating a change of school should first seek advice from their high

school administration.

G. UNDUE INFLUENCE - The use of undue influence by any person directly or

indirectly associated with a school to secure or encourage the attendance of a

student for athletic purposes will cause the student to become ineligible for a

minimum of one semester/trimester.

H. LIMITED TEAM MEMBERSHIP - After practicing with or participating with high

school teams, students cannot participate in any athletic competition not

sponsored by his or her school in the same sport during the same season.

Exceptions include ice hockey and all individual sports which apply the rule from

the point of a student’s first participation in a contest of scrimmage, rather than

practice. Students in individual sports may participate in a maximum of two (2)

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non-school individual meets or contests during the school season while not

representing their school.

I. ALL-STAR COMPETITION - Students shall not compete at any time in any

sport under MHSAA jurisdiction all-star contest or national championships

regardless of the method of selection. Participation in such a contest shall cause

that student to become ineligible for a maximum of one year of school enrollment.

J. AWARDS AND AMATEURISM - Students cannot receive money or other

valuable consideration for participating in MHSAA sponsored sports or

officiating in an interscholastic contest except as allowed by the MHSAA

handbook.

Students may accept, for participation in MHSAA sponsored sports,

symbolic or merchandise awards that do not have a value over $25.00.

Banquets, luncheons, dinners, trips, and admissions to camps or events are

permitted if accepted “in kind”. Awards in the form of cash, merchandise,

certificates, or any other negotiable documents are never allowed.

Note: Consult the MHSAA Handbook for detailed regulations and/or interpretations.

Part III

REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATION

By nature, participation in interscholastic athletics includes risk of injury, which may range in

severity. Although serious injuries are not common in supervised school athletic programs, it is

impossible to eliminate the risk. Participants have the responsibility to help reduce the chance of

injury. Athletes must obey all safety rules, report all physical problems to their coaches, follow a

proper conditioning program, and inspect their own equipment daily.

The following are requirements that shall be completed prior to participation on any St. Louis

athletic team. All parts to the form listed below must be signed and on file in the Athletic

Director’s office before an athlete may try-out, practice or compete while representing St. Louis

High School.

A. Physical Form

1. Medical History and Physical Examination are required. Students must

have on file a physician’s statement for the current school year (after April

15).

2. Insurance - St. Louis Schools provide insurance for all athletes. This

insurance applies only to bills and charges not covered by personal

insurance. See Part V St. Louis Athletic Department: Procedures and

Guidelines; Section IX. School Insurance.

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4. Medical Treatment Consent- Each athlete’s parents shall complete a

Medical Treatment Consent form authorizing St. Louis Public Schools to

treat and provide medical services to the child which St. Louis Public

Schools believes to be medically necessary. It also releases St. Louis

Public Schools from liability for these medical services and treatment.

B. Academic Eligibility

In order to participate on a St. Louis athletic team, each athlete must have

satisfied all of the academic eligibility requirements of the MHSAA and St. Louis

High School academic eligibility prior to participation.

C. St. Louis Athletic Code of Conduct

Upon entering 6th grade or at the first time a student tries out for any athletic team,

he or she will be presented with this handbook containing all the necessary forms

and information for participating in athletics.

Each student and their parent or guardian shall read all of the handbook material

and certify, with their signature, that they understand the athletic eligibility rules,

code of conduct, and policies of the school district before he or she is able to

participate in an athletic event. All athletes will need to re-sign the athletic code

after any updates are made.

D. Financial obligations and equipment

1. School issued uniforms, warm-ups, and 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 practices. Equipment not returned in good condition

at the end of the season may be subject to a financial penalty.

Replacement costs are usually higher due to the lower quantities

being purchased. All money earned from team fundraisers belongs

to the school and all items purchased with those funds are property

of the school until stated otherwise. Students will not receive the

next season’s uniform until all previous uniforms and

equipment have been turned in or replaced.

2. Athlete purchased uniforms - In some cases, athletes will be

required to purchase a portion of the game uniform, which will

become their property. (Example: hats, socks, turtlenecks, shooting

tops, etc.)

3. Athletes may be required to purchase various pieces of sport

specific equipment. Examples include, but are not limited to:

shoes, cleats, various gloves, practice jerseys, etc. All athlete-

supplied equipment will remain the property of the athlete.

NOTE: St. Louis athletics are for everyone. If financial conditions exist that make it

difficult for a team member to purchase mandatory equipment or uniforms, please

contact the athletic office so that confidential arrangements can be made to supply

such equipment or uniforms.

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Part IV

ST. LOUIS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC CODE

Code of Conduct

Preamble Representing St. Louis Public Schools in interscholastic athletic competition is regarded as a

privilege and not a right. Students who participate in interscholastic athletics while attending St.

Louis Public Schools are expected to represent the highest ideals of character by exemplifying

good conduct, good sportsmanship, good citizenship and good training, at all times which

includes abstaining from the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Accordingly, this Athletic Code

has been established for all students who aspire to participate in interscholastic athletics while

attending St. Louis Public Schools.

I. APPLICATION OF THE ATHLETIC CODE

When a student voluntarily participates in interscholastic athletics, he or she agrees to

abide by the St. Louis Athletic Code throughout his/her athletic careers. A student may

attend neither tryouts nor practice with a team until he or she has submitted a

signed acknowledgment form agreeing to abide by the Athletic Code. This Athletic

Code applies to candidates, members, and managers of all athletic teams. Any violations

documented under the previous athletic code will be carried over as existing violations in

the student’s high school record.

A. Calendar Application of Athletic Code

Students will be regarded to be under the rules of the School Athletic Code

beginning with their first day of participation in interscholastic athletics and

continuing through to their date of graduation or the last date of participation,

whichever is later. Note: A student’s middle school athletic career will end on the

last day of school of their eighth grade year and their high school career will

begin immediately. An athlete beginning his or her high school athletic career

will start with a clean record.

B. Time/Place Application of the Athletic Code

This includes vacation breaks, summer recess, and off-season times. The

participant is always under the student athletic code from the beginning to the end

of their athletic careers.

C. Verification of Violation

Athletes: It is the responsibility of the athlete to self disclose any violations of the

athletic code of conduct to the Athletic Director.

Parents: It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to report any violation of

the athletic code of conduct committed by their student-athlete to the Athletic

Director.

The Athletic Director may be notified of a violation by one of the following

choices listed below (but not limited to), after which the penalty will begin.

1. Self-disclosure

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2. Parental disclosure

3. Local, County, or State Police

4. Findings of a school investigation

II. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

The following behaviors constitute a violation of the St. Louis Public Schools Athletic

Code and subject the athlete to discipline as outlined in the “Penalties” section of the

Athletic Code:

A. Use, possession, concealment, distribution, sale, or being under the

influence of those substances listed in Items 1- 7 below. For purposes of

this section of the Athletic Code, the term "distribution" includes the

"hosting" of a party at which any of the substances listed in Items 1- 7 are

provided:

1. Tobacco or tobacco products in any form,

2. Alcohol or alcoholic beverages in any form,

3. Illegal drugs, including but not limited to those substances defined as

"controlled substances" pursuant to federal and/or state statues,

4. Steroids, human growth hormones or other performance-enhancing drugs;

5. Substances purported to be illegal, abusive or performance enhancing, i.e.,

"look-alike" drugs;

6. Misused prescription drugs (misuse of prescription drugs may lead to

disciplinary action); and/or

7. Misused non-prescription drugs or inhalants (misuse of non prescription

drugs or inhalants may lead to disciplinary action).

Note: It will not be a violation of the Athletic Code for an athlete to use or possess a

prescription or patent drug when taken pursuant to a legal prescription issued by a

licensed practitioner, for which permission to use in school has been granted

pursuant to Board Policy. An athlete will notify his or her coach if he or she is

taking a prescription medicine that could alter the athlete's behavior or affect the

athlete's ability to participate in physical activity.

B. Use, possession, concealment, distribution, manufacture or sale of devices

designed for and/or associated with the use of controlled substances, e.g., to

include but not be limited to a marijuana pipe, "roach" clip, rolling papers, or

devices used to smoke, inhale, inject, or otherwise consume controlled substances.

C. A violation of federal, state, or local law/ordinance,

including felony or misdemeanor acts other than minor traffic offenses.

Conviction of a said act is not necessary to establish a violation of the Athletic

Code, but will be determined through an independent school investigation and

may result in a penalty as provided in Section III, PENALTIES.

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III. PENALTIES

An athlete must complete the entire sport season in good standing in order for the athlete

to be given credit for serving the suspension. Penalties cannot be served concurrently.

A. Violation of the standards of conduct:

1. First Violation - Suspension of 25% (see charts below). If the

violation occurs when less than 25% of the season remains, the

suspension will be prorated into the next sport in which the athlete

participates, even though it may carry over into the next school

year. The athlete must participate in practice for conditioning

purposes during the suspension. The suspension is to be computed

from the time of verification of the violation.

2. Second Violation – Suspension of 50% (see chart below). If the

violation occurs when less than 50% of the season remains, the

suspension will be prorated into the next sport in which the athlete

participates, even though it may carry over into the next school

year. The athlete must participate in practice for conditioning

purposes during the suspension. The suspension is to be computed

from the time of verification of the violation.

3. Third Violation - Termination of participation for one full

calendar year from all athletics. The suspension is to be computed

from the time of verification of the violation.

4. Fourth Violation - Termination of participation in the St. Louis

High Schools athletic program for the remainder of the student’s

athletic career.

A B C

1 Contest per day Sport 1 Contest per Day Sport Multiple Contest per Day Sport

Cross Country Basketball Baseball

Cheer Football Softball

Golf Volleyball

Pom Pon Wrestling

Track Bowling

Column A & B: 25% (first offense) or 50% (second offense) of dates of competition

rounded up to the nearest competition.

Column C: 25% (first offense) or 50% (second offense) of the number of contests or

dates (whichever more accurately represents the fore mentioned

percentages)*. Contests per season to be determined using the chart

below.

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Baseball/Softball Bowling Volleyball Wrestling

Single game: 1 Dual Match: 1 Dual Match: 1 Dual Match: 1

Double Header: 2 Jamboree: 2 Triangular: 2 Double Dual: 2

Invitational: 2 Invitational: 2 Quad: 3 Invitational: 1

Invitational: 3 Team Dual Invitational: 5

*If the student self reports the incident before and investigation has begun the penalty will

be rounded down to the nearest competition.

*Each case to be determined by the athletic director.

B. Standards of Conduct Offenses: Violation of Conduct Standards Section II.

A, II. B, II. C.

1. Violations will be addressed as set forth in the St. Louis Athletic

Handbook and by team rules established by the coach and approved by the

Athletic Director.

2. Violations of the Student Handbook not covered under standards of

Conduct Section II will be handled at the discretion of the Principal and

Athletic Director and athletes may be disciplined under the Student

Handbook guidelines.

3. In the event that the Athletic Code or other school policies or procedures

do not cover situations that arise, the administration reserves the right to

establish such rules, conditions, and penalties to respond effectively to

unanticipated unique circumstances.

IV. DUE PROCESS

A. Guidelines for Reporting and Investigating Violations

All students are guaranteed the right to due process. To ensure those rights when

investigating a code violation, the following procedures will be followed:

1. All reporting of violations must be submitted in writing to the athletic

director.

2. An athlete will be informed of any charges brought against him/her.

3. An athlete will have the right to present any relevant information that will

support their defense.

**NOTE: Violations will be cumulative during a student’s middle school athletic

career and high school athletic career. An athlete beginning his or her

high school career will start with a clean record.

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4. If a possible violation has occurred, a conference will be held with the

athlete, his/her parent(s) the athletic director, and the building

administrator.

5. If an athlete is suspended, the parent(s) will be notified and will receive a

letter stating the findings of the investigation and action being taken.

6. A written report of the investigation will be held on file in the athletic

office. This report will not become part of the student's academic record

and will be held confidential.

B. Student Appeals Procedure

All athletic code violations reviewed by the athletic director will result in a

recommendation to the principal. He or she may accept or modify the

recommendations. The procedure below is to be followed in sequence:

1. Parent(s) or guardian(s) may request a conference with the principal or

his/her designee. The principal will affirm or modify the terms of the

recommendation within two business days from the date of the

conference.

2. A second appeal may be made to the superintendent of schools within five

business days of the decision of the principal and athletic director.

3. All final appeals may be made to the St. Louis Board of Education within

ten business days of the decision of the superintendent of schools.

C. Student Grievance Procedure

In a situation where there has been no apparent infraction or disciplinary action

applied, but a student wishes to lodge a grievance or present some other issue

involving a respective sport, the procedure below is to be followed in sequence:

1. Direct communication with the coach,

2. Direct communication with the athletic director,

3. Direct communication with the principal,

4. Direct communication with the Superintendent.

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V. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

A. The purpose of our academic eligibility policy is to maintain the proper

balance between athletic and academics within the schools’ educational

objectives.

B. Policy - Any student failing a class will be ineligible to participate in all

scheduled contests during that week. The athlete will, however, practice

during their ineligibility.

1. Scrimmages are considered practices and not a date of competition.

Exception to this rule; if an athlete fails to pass 66% or more of their

classes, the previous semester, he/she is ineligible to participate in a

scrimmage or competition for 60 school days if on a semester schedule.

2. A student entering the 9th grade for the first time (except those who had

eligibility advanced) may compete without reference to his/her record in

the 8th grade”, See Article V, Letter F)

C. Teachers will compute eligibility on the basis of a STUDENT’S OVERALL

CUMULATIVE SEMESTER GRADE.

1. A grade of “A”, “B”, “C” is considered passing.

2. A “D” or “I” is considered a warning (The teacher will notify the student

of the deadline date for the incomplete. After that date the “I” will be

changed to a passing or failing grade and figured in the cumulative grade

that determines the student’s eligibility).

3. A “U” (excessive absences), “E”, or “F” is considered failing

4. If an athlete fails 1 class he or she will be marked ineligible for the first 2

weeks of competition in next semester or until the next weekly eligibility

check, whichever comes first.

5. If a student fails 3 or more classes in a semester they will be ineligible for

sixty (60) school days. This could affect their athletic eligibility in the

next school year. Students entering the 9th grade for the first time in the

fall, (except those who had eligibility advanced) are exempt from this

policy. See the MHSAA Regulation 1, Section 7; Interpretations 40.

6. Dual sport athletes are required to serve suspensions in each sport they

participate in.

D. Approved coaches’ rules may result in removal of the player from the team

due to repeated academic ineligibilities.

E. Weekly Eligibility Checks

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1. Eligibility checks will be conducted after the second week of each

marking period. Each student will receive one warning per marking period

(even if the student is currently failing).

2. The athletic director will run eligibility every Monday by 12:00 p.m. in

order to identify any student-athlete failing a class.

3. Ineligibility will be reviewed and finalized by the athletic office.

4. Students will be called down to the office and be notified of their

ineligibility. Students will call parent/guardian to notify them of their

ineligibility. Athletic Director will call and notify coaches of ineligible

student-athletes.

5. Any student marked ineligible in the weekly check is ineligible from

Monday through Sunday of that week. Academically ineligible students

may not leave school early for away contests.

F. MHSAA Previous Semester/Trimester Record

“No student shall compete in any athletic contest during any semester/trimester

who does not have to his or her credit on the books of the school represented, at

least 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student for the last

semester/trimester or trimester during which he or she shall have been enrolled in

grades nine to twelve, inclusive. A student entering the 9th grade for the first

time, except those who had eligibility advanced under (MHSAA) regulation III,

Section 2 (C), may compete without reference to his/her record in the 8th grade.”

Regulation 1, Section 7 (C) -“ Deficiencies of the previous semester/trimester,

including incompletes, conditions, and failures from a previous semester/trimester

may be made up during a subsequent semester/trimester, summer session, night

school, by correspondence, online or by tutoring, as long as a school’s polices are

applied equally to all student-athletes without regard to athletic performance or

potential. Eligibility may be reinstated during the next

semester/trimester/trimester when the school accepts the credit.

INTERPRETATIONS – SECTION 7

40. A student who fails to pass the equivalent of 66 percent of full credit load

potential for a full-time student at the end of any trimester/semester period

shall be ineligible for the next trimester or 60 school days if on semesters

unless the deficiencies are made up pursuant to Section 7 (C) ” and the

credit is accepted by St. Louis High School.

Part V

ST. LOUIS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT Procedures and Guidelines

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I. PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION

As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have the right to

understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear

communication from the coach of your child's program. If a situation arises which

requires a conference between the coach and the parent, this is encouraged. It is

important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position.

A. Communication you should expect from your son’s/daughter’s coach:

1. Philosophy of the coach,

2. Expectations the coach has for the athletes on the team,,

3. Locations and times of all practices, contests, scrimmages, bus departures,

meetings, banquets, and possible awards,

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

5. Procedure should your child be injured during participation, and

6. Discipline that resulted in the denial of your child’s participation.

B. Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches

It is very difficult to accept as a parent your child’s not playing as much as you

may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on

what they believe to be best for all students involved.

1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.

2. Ways to help your child improve.

3. Concerns about your child’s behavior.

C. Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches

While there are certain issues, which can and should be discussed with your

child’s coach, there are other issues, which must be left to the discretion of the

coach:

1. Playing time,

2. Strategy,

3. Play calling, and/or

4. Other student-athletes.

D. Procedure for speaking with your child’s coach

When parent-coach conferences are necessary, or you have a concern to discuss

with the coach, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a

resolution to the issue of concern. The athlete should be present during any

scheduled meeting with the coach.

1. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before, during, or immediately

after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the

parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

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2. Call the high school athletic department at 681-5405 to schedule an

appointment with the coach.

F. What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a

satisfactory resolution?

1. Call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director at 681-5405 to

discuss the situation.

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

II. TEAM CONDUCT

A. Hazing and Harassment will not be tolerated and should be reported to the

athletic director or coach immediately. Incidents of hazing or harassment will be

subject to disciplinary action as established by the Principal and Athletic Director.

B. It is the responsibility of the Coach to establish team rules that are approved by

the Athletic Director. All athletes will be required to abide by those rules and will

be subject to disciplinary action if team rules are not followed.

III. LIMITS OF PARTICIPATION

Athletes have the option of dual sport participation per season of any school-sponsored

sport.

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A. A contract to establish the primary and secondary sport must be agreed upon and

signed by the athlete, their parent, primary and secondary coaches, and the

athletic director

B. A form outlining event participation and practices must be agreed upon

and signed, by the athlete, their parent, primary and secondary coaches.

C. If the criterion is not met, the athlete will be removed as a member of the

secondary sport team.

D. Athletes interested in participating in dual sports should notify the

appropriate coaches of their intention. Deadlines for this notification are:

Fall Sports August 1(exception: freshmen)

Winter Sports November 1

Spring Sports March 1

Note: Eligible athletes transferring into St. Louis High School should notify the appropriate coaches at time of team sign ups.

IV. TRANSPORTATION

A. All athletes must go to and return from the contest via the method of

transportation under the supervision of the coach. Athletes will make trips as a

team unit. A feeling of being a part of the group cannot be developed without

cooperation in this area. Under special circumstances and prearranged with the

coach and parents, alternative transportation may be authorized.

B. An athlete may leave an away athletic event only with a parent or legal guardian,

providing the parent or guardian has spoken with and given a note to the coach at

the event.

C. All athletes will observe the Guidelines for Athletic Transportation set down by

the school district regarding behavior on a school bus.

VI. DROPPING A SPORT

Dropping a sport without a valid reason is always considered a serious matter. If an

athlete wants to quit any sport, he or she should notify the coach and return all

equipment. If an athlete does quit a sport, he or she will not be permitted to participate in

another sport until the conclusion of that sport season. The exception would be if the

athlete would get the approval of the head coaches of both sports.

VII. COLLEGE RECRUITMENT

College recruitment information is available in both the guidance and athletic offices.

Current NCAA qualifications and standards for recruitment are located in the MHSAA

handbook. Athletes should make the head coach aware of their situation in regards to

being recruited. For more information go to www.eligibilitycenter.org

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VIII. CONFLICTS WITH EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Since the athletic and academic departments recognize that each student should have the

opportunity for a broad range of experiences in the area of co-curricular activities, every

attempt will be made to schedule events in a manner that minimizes conflicts. If a

conflict occurs between a practice and contest or performance on the same day but

different times, all coaches and instructors involved will devise a plan to solve the

conflict. If the conflict cannot be resolved, the athletic director and building principal

will be notified so a solution can be arranged.

IX. ATTENDANCE

A co-curricular participant is expected to attend all classes scheduled on the day of a

contest or practice. Only students with excused absences will be allowed to participate.

X. SCHOOL INSURANCE

St. Louis Schools provides insurance for all athletes. This insurance applies only to

bills and charges not covered by personal insurance. All unpaid charges are covered

except for the following exclusions.

A. Suicide or a suicide attempt while sane; or self-destruction or an attempt to self

destroy while insane.

B. Riding in a vehicle or device for aerial navigation, except as a passenger in a

scheduled aircraft used for the transportation of passengers.

C. Service provided by the Policyholder’s infirmary, infirmary employees or salaried

physician, team trainer or nurse.

D. Declared or undeclared war.

E. Expense covered by:

1. Worker’s compensation or

2. Any occupational disease law

F. Loss covered by other valid and collectible insurance plan.

G. Hernia, in any form.

H. Sickness or disease, in any form.

I. Fighting, unless as an innocent victim.

J. Expense incurred for the use of orthotics unless used exclusively to promote

healing.

K. Use of electric, biomechanical devices.

L. Non-prescription drugs.

M. Off season physical conditioning for interscholastic sports, unless noted on the

application. The “official season” for each sport is the period within the dates

determined by the Michigan High School Athletic Association for the practice and

play of that sport.

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XII. RESTRICTED PRACTICE DAYS

A. All practices are to be held on school days if at all possible. Saturday practices

will be determined by the coach. Sunday practices will be permitted only when:

1. Special permission is granted by the athletic director or

2. A state tournament or play-off contest falls on the following day.

B. Holiday Practices

1. Holiday practices are to be discouraged, especially by non-varsity level

teams. Holiday practices will be permitted only when:

a. Special permission is granted by the athletic director or

b. A tournament or play-off contest falls on the following day.

C. School closed due to weather

1. There will be NO Sub-varsity practices on school days that are cancelled

due to unsafe weather conditions. Exceptions may be made in the case of

fog lifting.

2. Varsity Coaches will be notified by 1:00 pm on days that are cancelled

due to weather and informed if practices will be allowed that day.

XIII. SQUAD SELECTION

It is our philosophy and desire to see as many students as possible participate in the athletic

program while at St. Louis High School. However, time, space, facilities, equipment and other

factor will place limitations on the most effective squad size for any particular sport.

Prior to trying out, the following information will be made available to all candidates for the

team:

A. Extent of tryout period (a minimum number of practice sessions),

B. Criteria used to select the team,

C. Practice commitment if they make the team (practice times and sites, including

possible holiday conflicts and/or commitments),

D. Game commitments, and

E. Season commitments.

XIV. SQUAD REDUCTION

Choosing the members of the athletic squads is the sole responsibility of the coaches of those

teams. When a squad reduction becomes a necessity, the process will include three important

elements. Each candidate will:

A. Have a minimum number of practice sessions,

B. Have performed in at least game-like setting (unless extenuating circumstances

prevent such a setting, e.g. - weather and spring sports), and

C. Be personally informed by the coach if they did not make the team.

Coaches will discuss specific alternative possibilities for continued participation within

the athletic program with the athletes.

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Administration of the Athletic Code of Conduct

A. All Athletes and parents of athletes shall receive copies of the Athletic Code of

Conduct. They shall also be required to sign the Parent/Guardian & Athlete

Acceptance portion of the physical form.

B. The athletic director or the principal will give official notice to an athlete guilty of

a violation of the Code of Conduct. The athletic director or the principal will

notify the athlete’s coach or coaches.

C. An athlete may appeal a suspension from athletics if he or she feels their case has

been treated improperly. The athlete may institute an appeal by notifying the

athletic director or the high school principal of his of her desire to appeal a

suspension and the grounds on which the appeal will be made. Appeals should be

initiated within two (2) calendar days from the suspension.

D. The Athletic Code needs to be signed only one time during the students athletic

career.

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Summary of Changes for 2010-2011 School Year

1) There will now be one Athletic Policy Handbook for all School athletes Middle School

and High School.

2) Sections that were not needed were deleted and other sections were made to be shorter.

3) Adjustments were made the MHSAA policies to meet the current standards

4) The Academic Eligibility sections were adjusted to suite all students on the semester

schedule.

5) Standards of Conduct section was made clearer. Penalties for drug/alcohol use or devices

and violations of the law will be given the same penalty as before. School policy

violations will not receive the same percentage suspensions (unless they fall under the

violations listed above) and will be handled using the student handbook. Also, penalties

will be rounded up to the nearest contest/date of competition unless the athlete self

discloses at that point the penalty will be rounded down.

6) A section on hazing and harassment was added under team conduct.

7) The athlete and parent will now sign a section on the physical form agreeing to follow all

St. Louis Public School Policies instead of handing in a separate form for the handbook.