2008 7421

STUDENTS

SUBJECT: ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Beliefs and Applicability
   Interscholastic athletes can play an integral part in the education and development of students of the Geneva City School District.  We strongly believe that participation in the Athletic Program will help to develop the “total” student.  Participation in athletics is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, to the team, to the student body, and to the community. Student-athletes are expected to exhibit good conduct as defined by Section III, A. Violation of the athletic code occurs when a student-athlete engages in unacceptable behavior.  Substance consumption or abuse, whether alcohol, prohibited drugs or tobacco, is a violation of the code.  Misconduct in competition toward opponents, officials, spectators or others merit sanction under the terms of this policy and the appropriate Section V policies. 
    
2. Scope of Code
   The Athletic Code of Conduct is in effect for all student-athletes, grades 7-12.  Student-athletes will follow the Student Code of Conduct and the Athletic Code of Conduct for the entire year (July 1 – June 30).  The Athletic Code of Conduct and Student Code of Conduct will apply to activities both on and off school grounds.
3. Definitions 
   1. Good Conduct –  The student-athletes’ responsibility is that of good citizenship and sportsmanship.  Student-athletes will abide by the laws of the country, state, county, town and city, and will follow the rules and policies of the school district and athletic department. Student-athletes will maintain good conduct, as defined by the Student Code of Conduct.
   2. Examples of Unacceptable Behavior – Some examples of unacceptable behavior, both on or off school property, include, but are not limited to:
      • Insubordination                      
      • Substance abuse issues involving law enforcement
      • Fighting                                  
      • Misconduct issues involving law enforcement
      • Vandalism                              
      • Truancy or illegal absences from school/classes
      • Stealing                                   
      • Lack of cooperation with school personnel
      • Assault                                   
      • Violation of the rights of others
      • Bullying                                 
      • Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism
      • Harassment                            
      • Hazing
   3. Player Ejection Policy (NYSPHSAA Section V) – Any player on a varsity, junior varsity, freshman, or modified team in Section V shall be suspended for the next contest if ejected by an official from a contest for unsportsmanlike behavior.  The next contest is defined as the next contest in which the disqualified student-athlete is eligible to play, whether it be that sport season, the next sport season, or the next school year.  Sectional, regional, or state contests, including invitationals, are NOT exempt from this rule.  If a disqualified student-  athlete plays illegally in a contest, that contest is subject to forfeiture, pending a decision of the Section V Sportsmanship Committee.
   4. Suspension – In the event of suspension, the student-athlete will not compete in scheduled contests. At the discretion of the Athletic Director and coach, the student-athlete may be permitted to practice, and to be present with the team during all contests, but will not be in uniform. Suspension will include all post-season contests.            
4. Investigation Procedures
   1. Report – The disciplinary procedures for an alleged violation of the Athletic Code of Conduct will begin with notification to the Athletic Department deemed credible by the Athletic Director.  
   2. Investigation – Once the Athletic Director has determined that credible evidence of an alleged violation exists, the student-athlete will be suspended from competition and practice.  A meeting will occur with the student-athlete and the Athletic Director or designee to discuss the violation. If the Athletic Director determines that a violation has occurred, the student-athlete is subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Athletic Code of Conduct.  If, as a result of the investigation, the alleged violation does not rise to the level of suspendable offense, the student-athlete will be returned to participation in the athletic program.
5. Conduct Violations and Consequences
    
   If the student-athlete violates the student Athletic Code of Conduct and/or the Student Code of Conduct, other than the provision entitled, “Substance Abuse Violation and Consequences,” the student-athlete, based on the nature of the offense, will be subject to consequences which may include but not limited to the following:
    
   1. Verbal/written reprimand
   2. Student-Athlete/Coach meeting
   3. Student-Athlete/Parent/Athletic Director meeting
   4. Suspension from practice and/or competition
   5. Removal from athletic team
   6. Removal from Athletic Program
      
      
   1. Civil or Criminal Offenses:
      If the student-athlete has been accused of a violation of a civil or criminal law, the student-athlete will:
      1. Forfeit the right to use the self admission provision.
      2. Be immediately suspended from playing in scheduled contests until such time as a   decision is rendered.  Contests shall be defined as contests played and completed.
      3. Participate in practice pending the decision of the Athletic Director or designee.
   2. Progressive Consequences for Conduct Violations:
      1. 1st Offense — Based on the nature of the offense, the student-athlete may be subject to consequences a through e, listed above.
      2. 2nd Offense —  Based on the nature of the offense, the student-athlete may be subject to consequences d through f, listed above.
      3. 3rd Offense — The student-athlete will be removed from the athletic program.
6.  Substance Abuse
1. Substance Use Defined – Includes possession, consumption, buying, selling, or exchanging any illegal drug,  unauthorized sharing of prescription drugs, or any substance represented as a controlled substance (a look-alike), as defined by New York State Law. A substance abuse violation shall further include the use of smoking tobacco products, chewing tobacco, and smokeless tobacco, as defined by New York State Law.  A substance abuse violation shall also include use or possession of alcoholic beverages as defined by New York State Law. Student-athletes shall not use, possess or consume tobacco, alcohol and/or drugs.  Student-athletes are not to attend functions where alcohol or controlled substances are being used by minors. If the student-athlete attends such functions and observes such behavior, they are expected to leave the site immediately.  This may be accomplished by calling the parent/guardian, to arrange for alternative transportation.  Other alternatives, which may be discussed between parent/guardian and student-athlete include, but are not limited to:
    
   1. Arranging a ride with public transportation.
   2. Seeking taxi cab conveyance.
   3. Seeking the assistance of the coach or law enforcement.
   4. Seeking the assistance of law enforcement.
2. Consequences of Substance Abuse Violation – Student-athletes found to be in violation of the substance abuse policy are subject to the following:
   
   1. 1st Offense:  The student-athlete will be suspended from competition, for the equivalent of a minimum of 50% of the scheduled contests for that season.  Any suspension not completed by season end, will be carried over to the start of the next season during which the student-athlete participates.  The number of contests the student-athlete will miss during the next season will be based on the portion of the suspension not yet completed. Example – In a twelve (12) game season, the student-athlete has been suspended for six (6) games, but serves only 25% of the penalty.  During the next season that the student-athlete participates in, they must serve the remaining 25% of scheduled contests.  If that season is an eight (8) game season, the student-athlete will be suspended for two (2) games.  If the number is not a whole number, the duration of the suspension shall be rounded up to the next whole number of scheduled contests. The student-athlete will be strongly encouraged to attend substance abuse counseling.  The District will guide the student-athlete in securing these services.
   2. Self-Admission Provision:  If the student-athlete accepts responsibility for their actions and admits guilt, the penalty will be reduced by half, to 25% of scheduled contests.  The student-athlete will also co-sign a statement of admission, along with the parent/guardian.
   3. 2nd Offense:  The student-athlete will be suspended from competition for the equivalent of a minimum of 75% of the number of scheduled contests for that season.  Any suspensions not completed by season end, will be carried over to the start of the next season during which the student-athlete participates. The student-athlete will be strongly encouraged to seek substance counseling.  The District will guide the student-athlete in securing these services.  Successful completion of a substance abuse counseling program, in a manner acceptable to the Athletic Director, may be the basis for a recommendation to the Superintendent for a reduction of the consequence. 
   4. 3rd Offense:  The student-athlete will be expelled from participation in the Geneva City School District’s Athletic Program for the remainder of his/her high school years.
7. Superintendent Consultation Prior to Imposition of Penalty
   The Superintendent will be consulted before the consequence is imposed.  The consequence recommended by the Athletic Director may be adjusted by the Superintendent, based upon a review of the evidence and circumstances associated with the conduct of the student athlete.  In all cases, the parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the consequence imposed.
8. Discretion of the Superintendent
   Nothing described in this code shall prevent the Superintendent of Schools from exercising judgment and discretion in addressing violations of the athletic code and circumstances not anticipated by this policy.