Athlete Code of Conduct

The goal of education is to help young people to develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually. The athletic program at Rochester Community Schools is meant to contribute to this goal by providing our student athletes with opportunities to participate as team members in interscholastic athletic competitions. Desirable individual outcomes include the development not only of physical skills but also of sportsmanship, teamwork, self-discipline, loyalty, tolerance and perseverance.

As an athlete you are a highly visible representative of your team, your school, and your community. You are expected to demonstrate high standards of conduct and sportsmanship as a member of the team. Whether on the court, on the sidelines, or just wearing your colors, you will be commended for, or be held responsible for, your actions. Rochester Community Schools expects good sportsmanship, fair play and good citizenship at all times for its athletes, coaches, and teams. Athletes not in compliance with the Rochester Community Schools Student Code of Conduct and the Student Athlete Code of Conduct during the Michigan High School Athletic Association athletic school year of August through June inclusive will be disciplined under both.

Rules which have been adopted by Rochester Community Schools and are also covered by MHSAA rules are indicated by an asterisk (*). Students are subject to all MHSAA rules and regulations even though such rules may not be included specifically in this document.

The following rules of eligibility must be observed in order to participate in the interscholastic athletic program.

A. *Enrollment

The student must be enrolled in the school for which he/she competes by the Monday of the fourth week of the semester in which he/she competes or must move into the school district with his/her parents or guardian with whom they lived during the current school year. The student must reside in the school service area in which he/she attends school unless he/she has received prior district and MHSAA approval to compete in a different school.

B. *Age

High School: A student in grade nine through twelve who participates in any interscholastic athletic contest must be under nineteen (19) years of age. When a student’s nineteenth birthday occurs on or after September 1 of the current school year, he/ she is eligible for participation for the balance of the school year.

Middle School: A sixth, seventh or eighth grade student must be under fourteen (14) and fifteen (15) years of age respectively. A student who reaches that age after September 1 is eligible for participation for the balance of that school year.

C. *Participant Physical Examination

A student must have a physical examination by a physician certifying that the student is fully able to compete in athletics. This physical must take place after April 15 of the previous school year to be used for the current school year. All high school and middle school athletes must be registered into Final Forms and have their physical form scanned and uploaded. Student athletes cannot try out or practice until fully registered into Final Forms.

D. *Seasons of Competition

A student, while enrolled in grades nine through twelve, shall be eligible to compete in no more than four (4) seasons in either first or second semester athletics. For example, a student may not compete in more than four (4) seasons of a particular sport: football, soccer, tennis, etc. Students enrolled in grades seven or eight are not limited in the number of seasons of competition. A student shall be limited to participation in only one sport season when that sport leading to a state championship is sponsored twice during the school year.

E. *Semesters of Eligibility

A student shall not be eligible to compete in any branch of athletics who has been enrolled in grades nine to twelve for more than eight semesters. The seventh and eighth semesters must be consecutive. Students in grades six, seven or eight are not limited in the number of semesters in which they may be eligible.

F. *Academic Eligibility - Rochester Community Schools' Requirements

 High School: A student must earn credit in a minimum of five (5) classes during the previous semester and must maintain passing grades in a minimum of five (5) classes during the current semester to be eligible to participate in athletics.

Middle School: A student must have received passing grades in a minimum of four (4) classes during the previous semester and must maintain passing grades in a minimum of four (4) classes during the current semester to be eligible to participate in athletics.

For a student to maintain academic eligibility during a semester he/she must be passing the required number of classes. Compliance will be checked at the end of each marking period. If the student does not meet the requirements, the student will be ineligible for competition until the requirement is met, a period of not less than one calendar week.

Individualized Academic Plan

A student not passing a minimum of five (5) classes (high school) and four (4) classes (middle school) at the ten (10) week marking period in the current semester will be identified as needing intervention in the form of an individualized academic plan. This plan will be developed by the counselor and the student and will reflect a realistic set of academic goals and expectations based on the individual capabilities of the identified student. Any such plans must be committed to, in writing, by both the student and his/her parent or guardian.

The plan must include:

• A goal for “current” grade point average as measured at next card marking.
• Week to week eligibility determined with grade checks from instructors.

The plan may also include provisions for:

• Meeting with the teacher(s) as appropriate.
• Develop a daily schedule for time management.
• Where appropriate, contact with school support services.
• Evaluation of students’ performance in meeting obligations of the contract.
• Goals which demonstrate academic improvement.

Failure to Comply

Any student who fails to meet any of the above academic regulations will not be allowed to participate until such time as he/she complies with the regulations in this section, as determined by Rochester Community Schools. The student is ineligible until deficiencies are corrected and Rochester Community Schools approves continued participation. Students who fail to pass the required classes during the previous semester are not eligible to participate the entire current semester.

An asterisk (*) indicates an MHSAA Rule

A. A student will not accept from any source anything for participation in athletics other than an emblematic award. An emblematic award would include, but not be limited to any medal, ribbon, badge, plaque, cup, trophy, banner, pictures or regular letter award.

B. No acceptable award shall exceed forty dollars ($40.00) in value with the exception of the regular letter award of the school. The cost of engraving a medal or similar award need not be included in determining the value of the award.

C. No one, such as a parent, friend or other person, may accept an award on behalf of the athlete at any time prior to graduation from high school.

D. Acceptance of such items as cash, merchandise, memberships, privileges, services, sweaters, athletic equipment, wearing apparel, and watches would be a violation if they are accepted for participation in athletics.

Failure to Comply: Any student violating any area of this section would be ineligible for interscholastic competition for a period of at least one semester from the date of the violation. If the violation occurs after Monday of the fourth week of a semester, a student is ineligible for the balance of that semester and the succeeding semester.

A. Students participating in athletics or planning to do so, in his/her school career, will not: (1) accept any money for participating in athletics, sports or games; or (2) sign a contract with a professional athletic team.

B. The above rules apply to the following sports: baseball, basketball, competitive cheer, cross country, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track, volleyball and wrestling.

Failure to Comply: A student violating this section is ineligible and may not apply for reinstatement until the equivalent of one full school year has elapsed from the date of the last violation.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association allows student-athletes to earn compensation from the individual use of their Personal Branding Activity (PBA), including activities such as commercials, product endorsements, personal appearances, autograph or photo sessions, merchandise, sports cards, apparel sales, group licensing, personal logos, or acting as a social media influencer. These must be individual opportunities for individual student-athletes.

A student-athlete shall not use the name, logos, mascots, trademarks, or other obvious identifiers of the MHSAA or any MHSAA member school or use the facility or property of any member school. A student-athlete should not imply that the member school or the MHSAA approves of or endorses the PBA.

The student may not engage in any PBA associated with products, services, individuals, companies, or industries deemed inappropriate, unsafe, or inconsistent with the values and goals of interscholastic athletics

The student-athlete/parent/guardian is responsible for determining what, if any, effect the PBA may have on eligibility with the NCAA, NJCAA, and/or NAIA. The student-athlete/parent/guardian is also responsible for any and all student employment responsibilities and documents, tax obligations with the IRS, and any other local, state, or federal law requirements associated with such PBA.

Student athletes are required to disclose PBA agreements to the MHSAA by submitting this Disclosure Form within seven (7) business days of any PBA agreement, contract or opportunity being finalized.

A student who has participated in any athletic contest as a member of a school team may not participate in the same sport in the same season in any athletic competition outside of and not sponsored by the school. The exception to this rule is the individual sport athlete who may participate in a maximum of two (2) individual sports meets or contests during that sport season while not representing his/her school. Seniors may participate in All Star contests subject to approval from school administration and the MHSAA. Contact your athletic administrator with questions

Failure to Comply: A student violating rules in this section will be ineligible to participate in athletic contests and scrimmages for a period from a minimum of the next three contests up to a maximum of one school year, depending on the violation.

Students are to attend school during the total school day in order to participate in athletics during the same day or evening. If a student athlete misses part of the school day to a family emergency, college visit, funeral, or medical visits; they will be allowed to practice or play in contests that day. Missing school for any other reason will result in the student athlete being ineligible to practice or play that day.

A. Attendance at practice sessions is essential to prepare athletes physically and mentally for athletic contests. All team members are required to be at all athletic practice sessions and contests at the times designated by the coach. Should situations occur when it is impossible for a participant to attend due to illness, injury and other required school or family commitments; the student shall make prior arrangements with the coach for an excused absence.

B. Participants shall be excused from team practice during regular school vacation periods when taking part in a school sponsored or parent approved trip. It is the expectation of the coach and athletic administration that the student will notify the coach prior to the excused absence.

Failure to Comply: A participant, who fails to attend a regularly scheduled practice session during a season and receives an unexcused absence, may be withheld from athletic contests at the discretion of the head coach consistent with team rules and policies. Upon reinstatement, the participant will be considered a regular member of the team. If an additional unexcused absence occurs, the participant may be excluded from team membership at the discretion of the head coach.

District Provided Transportation: The District’s choice to offer round-trip transportation to an away contest/practice is dependent on several factors including (but not limited to) location, contest level, bus availability, and parent involvement. Drop-only transportation may be offered based on the same factors.

Return Transportation Policy: Any student traveling to an away athletic contest/practice with round-trip transportation provided by the District, shall return to their home school on the same vehicle after the contest/practice is over. The only exception is if a parent/guardian notifies the head coach in writing that they will take their student athlete home after the contest in lieu of a return bus. For drop-only transportation, parents should make prior arrangements with the coach for the student’s return with the student’s parents or the legal guardian.

Athletic participants are responsible for the care, security and use of uniforms and equipment issued to them by Rochester Community Schools.

Failure to Comply: Athletic participants will be responsible for paying the replacement cost for uniform or equipment items that are abused or not returned. Athletes will not be allowed to participate in athletics in succeeding seasons until this obligation is met.

Rochester Community Schools does not provide health or accident insurance for injuries incurred by the students while they are at school or participating in extracurricular activities. However, as a service to students and their families, the school district makes available to students, an accident insurance plan at a nominal cost. Contact the athletic office for further information and a policy application.

Excellent physical and mental condition is necessary for high performance in athletics as well as to protect the personal health and safety of the participant.

Consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, students participating or planning to participate in the athletic program are prohibited from the use, possession, or transmittal of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, performance enhancing substances, or any prescription drug substance not prescribed to the student by a doctor. Said students are prohibited from attending any activity or gathering at which illegal drugs are present and/or being consumed. In addition, said students are prohibited from attending any activity or gathering at which tobacco or alcohol are present and/or being consumed, unless the activity or gathering is supervised by a parent or legal guardian of a student or students, and the tobacco and/or alcohol are not being used or consumed by persons under the age of 18 with respect to tobacco, or under the age of 21 with respect to alcohol.

Failure to Comply: All referrals for disciplinary action shall go to the administrative personnel designated by the principal.

First Offense: A student found in violation for the first time during the MHSAA Athletic School Year shall be suspended from interscholastic athletic competition (non-scrimmages) for 20% of the scheduled contests. This policy will be enforced immediately upon the determination of a violation. If less than 20% of the regular season remains, the suspension shall carry over to any post season contests in that sport. If the 20% suspension will not be completed with post season contests, or the violation occurs when the student is not participating in a sport,

the suspension will be determined by the school’s administration. In addition to serving a suspension, it is recommended that the student enroll in a substance abuse program.

Middle School athletes found in violation will be suspended for one (1) calendar week of competition. This policy will be enforced on the next consecutive date(s).

*These dates reflect the MHSAA school year and are subject to change each year.

Second Offense: A student found to be in violation a second time during the MHSAA calendar year inclusive will be excluded from all interscholastic participation for the remainder of the current MHSAA calendar year. It is recommended that the student enrolls in a substance abuse program.

Third Offense: A student found in violation a third time during his/her middle school or high school years will be excluded from all interscholastic participation for the remainder of his/her middle school or high school years. It is recommended that the student enrolls in a substance abuse program.

Any athlete seeking help, who turns himself/herself into the Athletic Director, Coach, or an Administrator, will not be dismissed from the team provided that he/she is making progress while receiving assistance on an ongoing basis. *Self-turn in** will result in the student being prohibited from competing in the number of games equaling ten percent of the scheduled games for the regular season. Suspension will include post season games.

An athlete can only turn himself/herself in once. A second self-admission will be treated as a second offense and dealt with accordingly.

A self-turn in is defined as an athlete coming forward to the Athletic Director, Administration, Coach to admit violations of alcohol or substance use prior to and exclusive of any of the above-mentioned parties being aware of the behavior. Moreover, any student already legally cited/ticketed for violation by authorities will no longer have the option of self-turn in. The intent of the self-turn in opportunity is for the student to seek assistance in order to change their behavior.

Interpretations

1. The term “attending” as used in this Athlete Code means being present on the property. A student will not be deemed to have attended an activity or gathering prohibited by this Code, if the student can be present within the sole discretion of the building administrator or designee, clear and convincing evidence that (a) the student promptly left the prohibited activity or gathering after the student knew or reasonably should have known that tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs were present and/or being consumed, and (b) that the student in question did not himself or herself consume such tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs.
    
2. Athletic coaches or team rules may impose greater restrictions and/or penalties than contemplated by this Athlete Code.
    
3. The penalties for violation of this Code are cumulative for the four (4) years of a student’s participation for our high schools or the three (3) years for our middle schools.
    
4. Interscholastic athletic competition is defined as contests between two, or more schools and complies with the MHSAA limits of competition.
    
5. A scrimmage does not count as an athletic contest.
    
6. A student’s penalty will be enforced on the next consecutive contest(s) of the current athletic season or next athletic season whichever comes first following the alleged violation. Cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances will not count as an athletic contest.
    
7. A student, in completing his/her penalty must begin and finish the sports season in good standing.
    
8. A student with two (2) offenses (second offenses penalty) that occur in different MHSAA calendar years will be required to fulfill the game suspension(s) and will be placed on the “second level” with eligibility for the remainder of the school year.
    
9. Any athlete disciplined of this Athlete Code during his/her current sports season as defined by the Michigan High School Athletic Association calendar will not be nominated by his/her coach for any Rochester Community Schools’ honors (i.e., Captain, MVP, Blue/White, Brown/Gold, Navy/White).

A variety of sports camps, schools, clinics and training programs are offered to athletes during the off-season and summer months by individual coaches, parks, recreation, and community education programs. These programs provide opportunities to aspiring athletes to improve their skills in a chosen sport. These summer and off-season programs are voluntary.

Athletes shall not be required to enroll in these programs as a condition for membership or placement on an athletic team the succeeding season.

Students participating in the Interscholastic Athletic Program are to refrain from any infraction of school and *team athletic rules not covered explicitly by this Athlete Code and the Student Code of Conduct. It is understood if a student is removed from school under the Student Code of Conduct, the athlete is placed in suspension of interscholastic contests and team practices. A team member who is suspended from school as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct may not participate in practices or contests because the suspension covers all school activities. However, a team member who is ruled academically ineligible to participate in contests and scrimmages may still be able to practice with the team. Any participant who is dismissed from the team for the remainder of a sports season will have forfeited the opportunity to earn an athletic award. The coach and/or athletic director reserve the right to deny athletic participation to any student whose inappropriate actions or conduct are not specifically covered in this handbook or individual team rules.

*Team Rules

Coaches may set rules for their athletes in addition to the standards outlined in this code. Coaches may not set standards less stringent than those in the code. Coaches who choose to set additional standards must follow these guidelines.

1. The standards must have building administration approval.
2. The standard must be on a written form which has been read and signed by athletes and their parents, indicating their understanding and willingness to adhere to the standards.

Student-Athletes are prohibited from the following acts on social media, which are determined to be substantially disruptive of school operations by their nature:

1. Posting derogatory language or remarks about teammates, coaches, other student athletes, teachers, or administrators of our school or other schools.
2. Posting demeaning statements, inflammatory language, or threats to any other person, school, or organization.
3. Incriminating photos or statements depicting or insinuating violence, bullying, hazing, sexual harassment, vandalism, stalking, underage drinking, or the selling, possessing, or use of controlled substances.
4. Creating a serious danger to the safety of another person or making a credible threat of serious physical or emotional injury to another person.
5. Indicating knowledge of an unreported felony theft or felony criminal damage to property.

Student-Athletes are reminded that:

1. Personal identifying information posted on social networking sites becomes semi-public information. Your personal page and information can be easily accessed. It is unwise to make available information, including but not limited to: full date of birth, social security number, address, phone number, cell phone numbers, class schedules, bank account information, or details about your daily routine. All of these can facilitate identity theft or stalking.
2. Potential current and future employers and college admissions offices often access information you place on social media. You should think about how the information or photos you post could affect your future.
3. Freedom of speech is not unlimited. Social media sites are not a place where you can say and do whatever you want without repercussions.
4. Photos put on the social network site's server become their property.

The coach and/or athletic director reserve the right to deny athletic participation to any student whose inappropriate actions or conduct are not specifically covered in this handbook or individual team rules.

Unsportsmanlike conduct, insubordination, inappropriate behavior/conduct in school or at away events, etc. are not indicative of a Rochester Community Schools student-athlete and will not be tolerated.

Should a student, parent, or legal guardian request an appeal, of any discipline imposed, pursuant to this Athlete Code, such appeal shall be directed to the building principal or designee.

1. The disciplinary action shall begin upon written notification to the student and parent or legal guardian. A request for an appeal shall be made within three (3) school days of the written notification of disciplinary action taken and must be made in writing to the building principal or designee stating the reasons for the appeal.
2. The student, the student’s parents, legal guardian, athletic director and affected coaches have a right to be present at a review hearing.
3. An appeal hearing at the building level shall be held. The building principal or designee shall conduct the appeal hearing.
4. During the appeal process, said student shall remain in the program, but will refrain from all interscholastic practices or contests.
5. The building principal or designee is the final level of appeal, except in cases where the principal was the suspending administrator or a witness against the student. In such cases, the hearing shall be conducted by the Superintendent or designee whose decision shall be final.

A student must complete their athletic season in good standing in order to receive an athletic award. A student athlete that is removed from a team or quits during the season will not be eligible for an athletic award.

Middle School Athletic Awards

High School Athletic Awards

Freshman
Certificates: All athletes will be awarded a freshman school athletic certificate for each sport season they complete during their ninth grade year.

Junior Varsity
Certificates: All athletes will be awarded a school athletic certificate for each junior varsity sport season they complete.

Varsity
Varsity Letter: All athletes will be awarded one (1) chenille varsity letter for athletic participation during their high school years, the JV patch and class numerals will be given out along with the Varsity letter.

Certificates: All athletes will be awarded the Varsity Letter certificate, for each sport season they complete.

Captain's Star: All athletes selected as captains of their team will be awarded the two-inch chenille school star for each such honor.

Scholar-Athlete Pin: All participating athletes that maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.30 will be awarded the athletic department scholar-athlete pin.