FILE:  IDFA

Cf:  IDE, IDFAA

 

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

 

 

The Cameron Parish School Board believes that the competitive athletic program is a part of the overall educational program of the school system.  It also believes that the athletic program should be closely coordinated with the general instructional program of the school, and that the aims achieved through athletics should justify its inclusion in the overall educational program.  The athletic program shall also be based on a spirit of non-professionalism so that participation is regarded as a privileged opportunity.

 

ATHLETIC PROGRAM

 

Interscholastic athletics may be made available for students in the schools of the school district.  The Superintendent or his/her designee shall develop and maintain an athletic program in the school district that emphasizes participation of all students.  The conduction of all athletic programs within the school district shall comply fully with regulations of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) and policies of the School Board.  The Board shall allow students to participate in as many sports activities and academic activities as he/she is capable of participating in without fear of reprisal.  

 

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

 

No student shall be permitted to practice or participate in any interscholastic athletic program in any public school of the Cameron Parish School Board until such student shall have furnished to the principal of the school documentation that he/she has met the following requirements:

 

  1. Evidence of having had a physical examination by a licensed physician who shall have completed documentation as required by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).

  2. Properly complete a School Entrance and General Health Exam Form/LHSAA Medical History and pass a medical examination by a licensed physician prior to the first time he/she participates in a sport in a LHSAA school.  Physicians may continue to use the original LHSAA Sports Physical Form in performing sports physicals.  In addition, parents shall be required to complete the Authorization for Release of Confidential Information.

  3. Once a student passes the initial medical examination and completes an LHSAA Medical History Form prior to the sports season in which he/she participates, he/she shall annually pass any medical screening or medical examination required by a licensed physician and shall update his/her LHSAA Medical History Form as required.

  4. A copy of all completed and signed medical examination and participation/release of information forms (and any others required by the School Board) must be on file at the school for every student before he/she practices or participates in interscholastic athletics during that school year.

  5. An agreement signed by the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to hold the School Board and its members, employees, agents, assigns and insurers harmless from and against any liability for any accidents involving the student while participating in such athletic activities and any injuries suffered by the student during, or as a result of, such participation.  The agreement shall also authorize team physicians to treat the student in the event of an injury requiring emergency treatment.

  6. Students shall sign a form consenting to random drug screening and must obtain the written consent of their parent(s) or guardian(s) for said tests in order to be eligible to participate in any athletic activity. (See policy IDFAA, Drug Testing of Student Athletes)

 

RULES VIOLATION

 

Adherence to the rules of athletic representation and participation shall be strictly enforced by the Board.  Any violations of athletic rules shall be immediately reported to the Superintendent by the principal.  In the event that a member school, member school principal, or member school coach is penalized or cited by the LHSAA due to a violation, the athletic director, principal, and coach involved shall provide a full report to the Superintendent.  If found warranted, the Superintendent in turn shall make a report to the School Board with pertinent recommendations for disciplinary action.

 

SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS

 

The School Board endorses the scholastic eligibility requirements as a condition for participation in high school extracurricular activities as stipulated by the LHSAA.  Scholastic requirements shall be as follow:

 

  1. To be eligible for the first semester of the school year, a student shall have earned at least six (6) units from the previous school year, which shall be listed on the student’s transcript, and shall have at least a "C" average as determined by the School Board when considering all "graded" subjects.

  2. To be eligible for the second semester of the school year, a student shall pass at least six (6) subjects from the first semester.  A senior attempting four (4) units in the first semester must pass all four (4) units to be eligible in the second semester.  Likewise, a senior attempting five (5) units in the first semester must pass all five (5) units, and a senior taking six (6) or more units in the first semester must pass six (6) units for second semester eligibility.

  3. The LHSAA includes specific eligibility rules for special education students which must be met for their participation.

 

Individual schools or the School Board may set higher, but not lower scholastic requirements for interscholastic athletic participation.

 

INSURANCE COVERAGE

 

Athletes shall have either school student insurance or a signed statement from the parent showing that the student is otherwise covered for any accident or injuries that may occur during any athletic participation.  No students shall be allowed to practice or participate in interscholastic athletics until this requirement has been met.

 

ATHLETIC DISCIPLINE POLICY

 

The following provisions, which include discipline infractions and specific consequences, are in effect for all Louisiana High School Athletic Association sports athletes, National High School Rodeo Association rodeo athletes, and members of secondary cheerleading squads, pep squads and dance team(s).  For the purpose of clarity, the word team refers to the students involved in the activity and the word coach refers to the official teacher(s) responsible for the team.

 

These provisions shall apply to every in-season sport in which the student athlete is involved.  Consequently, a violation will result in suspension or dismissal from each in-season sport at the time of violation.

 

  1. Blatant disrespect in the form of verbal physical or other abuse

    After full investigation, dismissal from the team or other disciplinary action at the coach's discretion

  2. Possession or use of illegal drugs

    Outside of school conviction:  after full investigation, dismissal from team for duration of season(s) in which the conviction occurs

    At school or if student self-refers (willingly admits to drug use outside of or at school):  Cameron Parish School Board policy applies

  3. Possession or use of alcohol

    First offense outside of school:  after full investigation, one athletic event suspension plus make-up conditioning

    Second offense outside of school: after full investigation, dismissal from team

    At school or if student self-refers (willingly admits to use of alcohol outside of or at school):  Cameron Parish School Board Policy applies

  4. Possession of tobacco

    First offense outside of school:  after full investigation, the Athletic Director and the Head Coach will apply appropriate disciplinary action

    Second offense outside of school:  after full investigation, one athletic event suspension plus make-up conditioning and/or dismissal from team

    Third offense outside of school:  after full investigation, dismissal from the team

    At school:  Cameron Parish School Board Policy applies

  5. Use of tobacco

    First offense outside of school:  after full investigation, one athletic event suspension plus make-up conditioning

    Second offense outside of school:  after full investigation, one athletic event suspension plus make-up conditioning

    Third offense outside of school:  after full investigation, dismissal from the team

    At school:  Cameron Parish School Board Policy applies

  6. Theft and/or Vandalism

    First offense:  after full investigation, one athletic event suspension plus full restitution

    Second offense:  after full investigation, dismissal from the team plus full restitution

  7. Practice Missed

    Excused and the coach notified:  after full investigation, responsible for make-up conditioning

    Unexcused and/or the coach is not notified:  after full investigation, athlete does not start or does not participate in the next athletic event and is responsible for make-up conditioning

  8. Game Missed

    Excused Absence:  after full investigation, possible reduction in participation time and is responsible for make-up conditioning

    Unexcused Absence:  after full investigation, does not participate in the next athletic event

  9. Suspension

    Suspension must be administered as soon as the investigation is complete. Suspension shall not be delayed because of an event.

 

All students are afforded due process as per Cameron Parish School Board policy JCAA, Due Process.

 

The student athlete, his/her parent/guardian, the head coach or athletic director, and principal shall each sign the Cameron Parish Athletic Discipline Policy acknowledging receipt and understanding of the Policy, and as well as agreement to adhere to the stated policy.  Any student without official signatures above shall be classified as ineligible for participation in any LHSAA, NHSRA and/or school athletic events.

 

Revised:  June, 2003

Revised:  August, 2010

Revised:  May, 2004

Revised:  August, 2011

Revised:  July, 2008

Revised:  December 9, 2013

 

 

Ref:     La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:169, 17:176

Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education

Official Handbook, Louisiana High School Athletic Association

Board minutes, 11-5-01, 6-9-03, 6-30-04, 7-14-08, 10-11-10, 10-10-11, 12-9-13

 

Cameron Parish School Board

 

 

The signatures below indicate receipt and understanding of Cameron Parish Athletic Discipline Policy, as well as agreement to adhere to this policy:

 

 

Date:_________________            ________________________________________

                                                                                    (student athlete)

 

Date:_________________            ________________________________________

                                                                                    (parent/guardian)

 

Date:_________________            ________________________________________

                                                                        (athletic director/head coach)

 

Date:_________________            ________________________________________

                                                                                          (principal)

                                                                                   

Any Cameron Parish School Board student without official signatures above shall be classified as ineligible for participation in any LHSAA, NHSRA and/or school athletic events.