The Board, with support from its administrative staff, recognizes that competing in athletics is not a right but a privilege, and expects athletes to assume their responsibilities in adhering to the Interscholastic Athletics policy, 7210. Policy 7210 and these rules shall be published in the student handbook. Students who are members of athletic teams represent themselves, their school community, parent(s)/guardian(s) and team. Conduct at all times, both on and off the athletic field, will be of the highest standard.
The Board supports a code of conduct for coaches and that their ability as coaches should be measured by not only games won and lost, but also their effect upon the academic progress, development of the character and positive attitude of the athlete toward the school, the team and teammates.
League Membership
Membership of the District in an interscholastic athletic conference or league shall be subject to Board approval upon recommendation of the Superintendent and the athletic staff. The Board shall review the constitution and bylaws of such organization and its rules and regulations before giving its approval. The designated voting delegate to the conference governing body is a representative of the District. Therefore, before voting on changes in bylaws, rules or regulations that will affect in any way the District or the school’s athletic teams, said representative shall advise the Board of the proposed change and follow its direction in voting if such direction is given.
Likewise, the District or its schools are eligible to vote on changes in the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Constitution, bylaws, or rules and for membership to the Association Athletic Council. The Principal, through the Superintendent, shall bring such matters to the attention of the Board prior to casting a vote in order to ascertain how the Board feels on the matter to be voted upon and to receive direction if such is the desire of the Board.
The Principal, through the Superintendent, shall make recommendations as to the action to take and provide the Board with background information and rationale for the recommendations.
Coaches
It shall be the District's practice to utilize qualified coaches and, to the extent possible, secure them from the school’s teaching faculty and/or other District personnel. If it is necessary to secure persons from outside the staff, the Superintendent shall recommend only those persons who are qualified to coach the sport, work with young people, and who have knowledge of first aid and the physical needs and limitations of students who are participating in the sport. In-service training shall be provided to acquaint the outside coach with the school system, Board and administrative policies and rules governing interscholastic athletics and basic instruction in first aid. The Superintendent is delegated the authority to appoint teaching staff members or outside coaching personnel to coaching staff positions and shall so inform the Board.
Budgets
Budgets for athletics shall be presented to and approved by the Superintendent, who shall in turn inform the Board. Budget and/or budget projections shall adequately support the outcomes and/or any District approved changes to athletic programs. If the budget requires additional expenditures, other than coach’s salaries, from the Board’s general fund, it shall require Board approval.
Physicals
No student may practice for any athletic team until he/she has been examined and approved by a medical doctor for competition and until written consent to participate in the specific sport has been obtained from the parent(s)/guardian(s). Parent(s)/ Guardian(s) consent will not be necessary for students who have reached their 18th birthday.
Students shall also comply with the District's requirement relative to insurance before participating. A student who is under a doctor’s care for illness or injury shall not be allowed to participate in an athletic practice or contest until he/she has written permission from the physician to do so.
Membership in Michigan High School Athletic Association
The Board shall annually enroll the District's high schools as a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association and participate in the approved inter-school athletics activities sponsored by said association. The Superintendent shall be responsible to supervise and control said activities. It is further the intent of the Board to accept the constitution and bylaws of said association and adopt as its own the rules and regulations of the association as minimum standards.
