USE OF DRUGS (Including Alcohol and Steroids)

The use of illegal drugs, steroids, or drinking of alcoholic beverages is forbidden while being a member of an athletic team. Therefore, any athlete possessing, selling, using, or otherwise furnishing or having a restricted drug, steroid, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant during or before school or school related activity will be suspended from school in accordance with our drug abuse policy and from interscholastic competition for the remainder of the season.

SMOKING (Including Smokeless Tobacco)

In the best interest of health and conditioning we encourage that student athletes refrain from smoking. Smoking by a student athlete at any school related function is prohibited.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

1. Benching of a Player by a Coach for Disciplinary Reasons
   Benching of a player is interpreted as a player in uniform for a game but not allowed to participate in a game for disciplinary reasons. Prior to the game it is the coach’s responsibility to inform the athlete of the benching and the reasons for it. It is the coach’s prerogative to bench a player for a game. If a player is benched for more than one game then the coach is to notify the Athletic Director of the reason and the duration of the benching.
2. Suspension of a Player (Player not dressed for one or more contest)
   A one game suspension is the prerogative of the coach. However, all suspensions must be reported to the Athletic Director and parents by the coach with the reason and duration of the suspension. More than one game suspension requires approval of the Athletic Director and notification of parents by the coach of reason and length of suspension.
3. Suspension of a Player for the Remainder of the Season
   Coach recommends the suspension of a player for an indefinite period of time with a written report stating facts and reasons for recommending to the Athletic Director. Written notification of the indefinite suspension should be sent to the parent by the principal or his designee.
4. Ejection from Contest
   Any athlete ejected from a contest for fighting or unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended from the next regularly scheduled contest. An athlete ejected twice will be suspended for the remainder of the season. Any athlete who makes physical contact with an official before, during or after any contest, shall be expelled from the game immediately and banned from further participation in all sports for one calendar year (365 days) from the date of the offense. Each incident is subject to review by the Athletic Director and/or Principal.
5. Non-School Competition
   A member of a school team is a student athlete who is regularly present for, and actively participates in, all team practices and competitions. Bona fide members of a school team are prevented from missing a high school practice or competition to compete with an “out-of-school team.” Whenever a conflict arises between the high school team practice/competition and an out-of-school practice/competition on the same day, the high school team practice/competition must be honored by the student athlete. Priority must be given at all times to the high school team, its practices, and its contests unless a waiver has been granted by the principal and athletic director on a case by case basis. Penalties: Any student athlete who violates this rule, unless a waiver has been granted as stated above, for the first time shall be declared ineligible for the next four consecutive interscholastic events or three weeks of a season in which the student athlete is a participant, whichever is greater. This penalty is effective from the date of his or her last participation in a high school sport. Any student athlete who violates this rule a second time or subsequent time shall be declared ineligible for participation in any high school sport for the balance of the school year.

PRE-SEASON REQUIREMENTS

Before any athlete is allowed to tryout, practice, and/or participate in any school year, the athlete must have:

• A written statement from a physician stating that he/she can compete in interscholastic activities. The medical statement must certify that the pupil has passed a pre-participation physical examination prior to the beginning of his/her middle school and/or high school career. In every subsequent year, the athlete shall have an annual medical history examination pertinent to their needs. Any pupil significantly ill or injured should be re- examined by a physician in order to be eligible. (NHIAA guidelines)
• A completed permission form signed by the student and his/her parent or guardian.
• School insurance or verification from parents that they have equivalent of school insurance.