Forms & Code of Conduct - Burnt Hills - Ballston Lake Central School District

Forms & General Information

Athletic Code of Conduct

Guidelines for Participation in Interscholastic Athletics

Your child has expressed an interest in participating in the District interscholastic sports program. Participation in athletics provides many opportunities for enrichment in a student’s educational program. These guidelines are intended to set forth standards, rules, expectations and procedures associated with such participation. Student athletes shall be subject to the Student Code of Conduct, Student Rights and Responsibilities and all related matters as set forth in the High School Spartan Handbook hereafter referenced as “Handbook.”

Academic Standards

Athletics are intended to have a positive effect on performance in the classroom and attitude toward all school experiences. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to determine whether a son/daughter will continue to participate in athletics if grades and classroom attitude are not acceptable. Parents should consult with their child’s guidance counselor, assistant principals or coach if they have questions regarding academic standing and athletic competition. Student athletes are also subject to the conditions of the “Academic Guidelines for Participation in Interscholastic Athletics.”

Student athletes who fail two or more subjects will be required to seek regularly scheduled help in those subjects. Arrangements for such assistance may include but not be limited to:

Contacting /conferencing with individual teachers
Study sessions during Activity Period prior to regularly scheduled practices.
Privately paid tutoring sessions will be accepted
Academic Support Center attendance during study halls or free blocks during the regular school day.

Student athletes subject to this requirement and who fail to seek the required assistance will not be allowed to participate in athletic contests. Determination of compliance with this provision shall be made cooperatively with the coach, administrators and Athletic Director. In addition, student athletes who are failing 3 or more classes will be removed from their sport (practices and contests). The Athletic Director shall make a specific recommendation for student athlete participation.

Team Standards

All student athletes must receive a sports physical before participating in any practice or contest. Sports physicals may be provided by the School Physician. Physicals provided by the athlete’s personal physician must be accepted and approved by the School Physician. A sports physical will be valid for one school year, subject to review if there is a significant injury or illness as determined by the District representatives. A sports physical
update by the District Nurse must occur prior to participation in the student athlete’s next sports season.
All student athletes must attend all practices and contests throughout the season, which may include practices and contests over school break (Varsity athletes will have practices/contests over breaks.) Unexcused absences will result in consequences being enforced.
All student athletes must demonstrate respect or fellow teammates, coaches, game officials and opponents. This includes the avoidance of physical or verbal abuse, including so-called trash- talking toward team-mates and/or opponents.
Student athletes must demonstrate control over emotions and language.
Student athletes must follow any specific rules provided by the team coach.
All student athletes must ride the District team bus to and from all athletic contests requiring travel. An athlete may be allowed to ride home after an athletic contest with a signed consent from his/her parent guardian. This consent may be obtained from the coach after the conclusion of the contest.
To be eligible to participate in any contest or practice, student athletes must be in attendance at school for the
entire school day, including homeroom and all classes. Any student athlete who receives ISS for the day is ineligible to participate in any contest/practices scheduled that day. Even though the student athlete is ineligible they are expected to be present with the team at practice or the athletic contest. Exceptions for educational, medical, religious and bereavement absences will be accepted. Students who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to disciplinary action by the schools administration which may include suspension from practices
and/or games.
HAZING – Coaches will not permit student athletes to stage any type of initiation ceremony or hazing of
athletes at any level. BH-BL will not tolerate any athlete giving another athlete haircuts, shaving, locker/shower pranks, etc.
BULLYING/CYBERBULLYING – Coaches will not permit student athletes to consciously, willfully and deliberately cause a hostile activity which is intended to harm another student either physically or mentally.
SOCIAL ELECTRONIC / MEDIA EXPECTATIONS – Images/posts/etc. of inappropriate or illegal behavior posted on any electronic media shall constitute a basis for discipline under this Code (i.e.. Texting, Social Media, etc.). Violation of the above team standards will result in disciplinary action. Discipline may include suspension from athletic contests, suspension from practice sessions and permanent suspension from team activity for the balance of the sports season. The coach and administrator will recommend the penalty to the Athletic Director, who shall make the determination.*Violations of team standards can be enforced by the coach, Athletic Director or a combination of both. Repeat offenders may result in additional consequences from the Athletic Director and/or School Administration.

Athletic Training Rules

Student training rules shall include the Student Code of Conduct regulations set forth in the Handbook. In addition, the team coach will provide specific training rules for each team sport not otherwise covered by these guidelines. Student athletes are expected to follow healthy eating habits, habits of cleanliness, absence of alcohol, tobacco and non-prescription drug use. Diet supplements, weight loss pills, performance enhancing drugs such as steroids and other related items are strictly prohibited.
Substance Abuse – From the start of the fall athletic season to the end of the
school year any student athlete is strictly prohibited from:
1. The use or possession of alcohol, tobacco (including snuff, chewing and smokeless tobacco), non-prescription, synthetic (ex. vape pens, Juul, Dab Pens/Devices), or illegal drugs as defined by the New York State Penal Law.
2. Hosting and/or attending alcohol or drug parties, selling or purchasing illegal drugs or alcohol and any other illegal conduct as defined by the Penal Law.
3. We hope that during the summer months parents will continue to uphold the above standards.
Due Process and Penalties
1. All due process requirements are specified in Article IV of these guidelines.
2. Upon determination that a student athlete has violated the substance abuse guidelines, the following penalties may be applied:

First Offense

Beginning from the date when the offense is verified, the student athlete will be placed on probation for three (3) consecutive District athletic seasons.
If the offense occurs during his/her current season the student athlete will be suspended for a minimum of 20% of the teams’ contests that season as determined by the coach and Athletic Director.
A conference involving the team coach, Athletic Director, Building Administrator, and student athlete will be held. The parent/guardian will be informed by phone of the consequences and his/her role on the team during the suspension period. During the suspension period, the student athlete will be referred to the appropriate school personnel for counseling and assistance.

Second Offense of Similar Nature

The student athlete will be suspended for the remainder of the current sport season, following the due process procedures referenced in Article IV herein.
The student athlete may be suspended for a minimum of 30% of the teams contest during his/her next succeeding sports season as determined by the coach and Athletic Director.
If second offense occurs out of season the student athlete will be suspended a minimum of 30% of his/her
next succeeding sports season.
The student athlete will be required to obtain mandatory in-school counseling. The counseling must begin prior to the student athlete’s return to competition. Failure to attend counseling will result in the student athlete becoming ineligible for competition until such counseling has been completed to the satisfaction of the Athletic Director and the High School Principal.

Third Offense

The student athlete will be suspended from participation in interscholastic athletics for three (3) consecutive athletic seasons following the completion of the due process procedures set forth in . Article IV herein.

Self Referral

A student athlete who voluntarily admits to violation of these guidelines or who requests assistance prior to any verified violation will be referred for assistance. The student athlete may be suspended from competition as determined by the coach and Athletic Director. A one year probationary period will go into effect from the date of admission, and any future violation of these guidelines will be considered a second offense as set forth in these guidelines.

Due Process Procedures

Parents and student athletes must recognize that participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege and not a right. Therefore, certain standards of due process that apply to regular school codes of conduct may not apply in the interscholastic setting. The District is committed to providing fair and equitable treatment with respect to the enforcement of these guidelines and to provide an opportunity for parents and student athletes to discuss factual issues related to any and all rules, standards and procedures set for the in these guidelines. Due process procedures will include the following:

All allegations will be investigated by an administrator and Athletic Director in order to verify, to the extent
possible, the fact basis of such allegations.
Parents and student athletes will be notified of any allegations that are verified and which result in discipline
being imposed according to these guidelines. Parents and student athletes may request a meeting with the coach and Athletic Director to review these matters prior to the imposition of any discipline.
If the student athlete and/or parents wishes to contest the allegations, fact determinations, or proposed discipline, a request for a hearing can be made with five days of notification to the high school principal/designee. The high school principal/designee will schedule such a hearing as soon as is possible and shall act in the capacity of the hearing officer. This hearing is intended to be informal, but to allow both the affected student athlete and district to provide information to the high school principal/designee for a determination. The high school principal/designee’s decision will be final and binding upon all parties.

V. Quitting Team/Dismissal

Any student athlete who voluntarily leaves a team during the competition season will not be permitted to join another team during that season, except with permission of the Athletic Director. Any student athlete who is dismissed from a team for violating these guidelines will not be permitted to join another team during the same sports season. In addition, any student athlete who voluntarily quits or is dismissed under this provision without permission from the Athletic Director or coach will receive the loss of 20% of their next sports season.

VI. Citizenship

Any student athlete suspended from school will become (at the discretion of the District administration) ineligible to participate on any team during the season in which the infraction occurred. Repeated offenses will result in ineligibility for additional sports seasons, and as such may be determined by the Athletic Director and High School Principal. Student athletes convicted of criminal activity may be suspended from athletic team eligibility for up to six (6) consecutive athletic seasons.

VII. Injuries and Insurance

Parents will be advised of the fact that there are inherent risks associated with participation in interscholastic athletics. Even with proper instruction and all available safety precautions, it is possible for injuries to occur. Students shall report any injury to his/her coach immediately. Parents’ insurance will apply first for any accident or injury. The District will maintain an insurance policy which may supplement the parents’ insurance and to assist those who do not have any health and accident insurance coverage. Questions regarding this coverage should be referred to the coach or Athletic Director.

VIII. Outside Team Rule

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association permits outside (non-school sponsored) competition. Student athletes must recognize that commitment to the school team is the first priority and outside participation should not be detrimental to the student athlete or to the school team. Any outside participation should only occur following notification to and approval from the coach of the school team. In circumstances where the outside activity conflicts with the school team schedule, the school team schedule shall be followed. Failure to comply with this provision will result in discipline to the student athlete, including suspension from practices, contests or continued participation with the sport program as determined by the coach and Athletic Director.

IX. Issuing of School Equipment and Clothing

It is the responsibility of a student athlete to return all issued equipment and clothing to the team coach. Failure to comply with this guideline will result in the student athlete not being allowed to participate in another sport
until equipment is either returned or paid for. The Athletic Director and/or High School Principal will notify parents and students of the missing equipment and the amount of payment due the District for replacement.

X. Athletic Placement Process

Students in grades 7 or 8 who are exceptional athletes are provided an opportunity to try out for a freshman, junior varsity and/or varsity team. Students must meet the requirements outlined in the New York State Athletic Placement Process. These requirements may be obtained from the Athletic Director.

XI. Transportation for Special Competition

During the course of the school year, individual teams may have the opportunity to compete with schools outside of Section II. Board of Education approval is required for all such competition. If approved, the team will provide its own transportation to the contest, and will not use School District vehicles. Parents will be required to sign a transportation authorization in order for student participation and transportation by private non-school vehicles. Authorization forms will be provided by the team coach, or obtained from the Athletic Director.

XII. Administration of Guidelines

It is the intention of the District, Athletic Director and coaches to provide a positive experience for all student athletes in the District’s interscholastic athletic program. These guidelines have been developed to enhance that experience and to clearly define District, Athletic Director and coach expectations for such participation. The Athletic Director, coach and High School Principal shall have the general administrative authority to implement these guidelines, and to address those situations which may not be specifically set forth in this document. The District, Athletic Director and High School Principal further reserve the right to amend these guidelines, and to provide notice of such amendments to all parents and student athletes participating in the District’s interscholastic athletic program.

Concussion Information

The Invisible Injury

A concussion is a reaction by the brain to a jolt or force that can be transmitted to the head by an impact or blow occurring anywhere on the body. Essentially a concussion results from the brain moving back and forth or twisting rapidly inside the skull.

Facts about concussions according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

An estimated 4 million people under age 19 sustain a head injury annually. Of these approximately 52,000 die and 275,000 are hospitalized.
An estimated 300,000 sports and recreation related concussions occur each year.
Students who have had at least one concussion are at increased risk for another concussion. In New York State in 2009, approximately 50,500 children under the age of 19 visited the emergency room for a traumatic brain injury and of those approximately 3,000 were hospitalized.

Requirements of School Districts

Education

Each school coach, physical education teacher, nurse, and athletic trainer will have to complete an approved course on concussion management on a biennial basis, starting with the 2012-2013 school year.
- School coaches and physical education teachers must complete the CDC course. (www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/online_training.html)
- School nurses and certified athletic trainers must complete the concussion course. (http://preventingconcussions.org)

Information

Provide concussion management information and sign off with any parental permission form.
The concussion management and awareness information or the State Education Department’s web site must be made available on the school website, if one exists.

Removal from athletics

Require the immediate removal from athletic activities of any pupil that has or is believed to have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury.
No pupils will be allowed to resume athletic activity until they have been symptom free for 24 hours and have been evaluated by and received written and signed authorization from a licensed physician. For interscholastic athletics, clearance must come from the school medical director.
- Such authorization must be kept in the pupil’s permanent health record.
- Schools shall follow directives issued by the pupil’s treating physician.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a concussion are the result of a temporary change in the brain’s function. In most cases, the symptoms of a concussion generally resolve over a short period of time; however, in some cases, symptoms will last for weeks or longer. Children and adolescents are more susceptible to concussions and take longer than adults to recover.

It is imperative that any student who is suspected of having a concussion is removed from athletic activity (e.g. recess, PE class, sports) and remains out of such activities until evaluated and cleared to return to activity by a physician. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

Decreased or absent memory of events prior to or immediately after the injury, or difficulty retaining new information
Confusion or appears dazed
Headache or head pressure
Loss of consciousness
Balance difficulties, dizziness, or clumsy movements
Double or blurry vision
Sensitivity to light and/or sound
Nausea, vomiting and/or loss of appetite
Irritability, sadness or other changes in personality
Feeling sluggish, foggy or light-headed
Concentration or focusing problems
Drowsiness
Fatigue and/or sleep issues – sleeping more or less than usual

Students who develop any of the following signs, or if signs and symptoms worsen, should be seen and evaluated immediately at the nearest hospital emergency room.

Headaches that worsen
Seizures
Looks drowsy and/or cannot be awakened
Repeated vomiting
Slurred speech
Unable to recognize people or places
Weakness or numbness in arms or legs, facial drooping
Unsteady gait
Change in pupil size in one eye
Significant irritability
Any loss of consciousness
Suspicion for skull fracture: blood draining from ear or clear fluid from the nose

State Education Department’s Guidance for Concussion Management

Schools are advised to develop a written concussion management policy. A sample policy is available on the NYSPHSAA web site at www.nysphsaa.org. The policy should include:

A commitment to reduce the risk of head injuries.
A procedure and treatment plan developed by the district medical director.
A procedure to ensure proper education for school nurses, certified athletic trainers, physical education teachers, and coaches.
A procedure for a coordinated communication plan among appropriate staff.
A procedure for periodic review of the concussion management program.

Return to Learn and Return to Play Protocols

Cognitive Rest: Activities students should avoid include, but are not limited to, the following:

Computers and video games
Television viewing
Texting
Reading or writing
Studying or homework
Taking a test or completing significant projects
Loud music
Bright lights

Students may only be able to attend school for short periods of time. Accommodations may have to be made for missed tests and assignments.

Physical Rest: Activities students should avoid include, but are not limited to, the following:

Contact and collision
High speed, intense exercise and/or sports
High risk for re-injury or impacts
Any activity that results in an increased heart rate or increased head pressure

Return to Play Protocol once symptom free for 24 hours and cleared by School Medical Director:

Day 1: Low impact, non strenuous, light aerobic activity.

Day 2: Higher impact, higher exertion, moderate aerobic activity. No resistance training.

Day 3: Sport specific non-contact activity. Low resistance weight training with a spotter.

Day 4: Sport specific activity, non-contact drills. Higher resistance weight training with a spotter.

Day 5: Full contact training drills and intense aerobic activity.

Day 6: Return to full activities with clearance from School Medical Director. Any return of symptoms during the return to play protocol, the student will return to previous day’s activities until symptom free.

Concussion Management Team

Schools may, at their discretion, form a concussion management team to implement and monitor the concussion management policy and program. The team could include, but is not limited to, the following:

Students
Parents/Guardians
School Administrators
Medical Director
Private Medical Provider
School Nurse
Director of Physical Education and/or Athletic Director
Certified Athletic Trainer
Physical Education Teacher and/or Coaches
Classroom Teachers