Athletic Code and Eligibility

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Below you will find detailed information pertaining to the athletic code of conduct for both Middle and High School students in the Olympia School District.  Included a link to the High School Athletic Code, as well as a series of eligibility and conduct Q & A's.

 

High School Athletic Code (OSD Policy 3202)

 

High School Eligibility & Conduct "Questions and Answers"

 

What grades do I need to maintain academic eligibility?

  • ACADEMIC STANDARDS – PREVIOUS SEMESTER
    An athlete will have been in regular attendance and have passed all classes (six classes Grades 8 – 11 (five classes Grade 12 if on track for on-time graduation) in a middle or high school during the semester immediately preceding the season in which they wish to participate. Athletes enrolled in Running Start, approved Online Education Programs, and/or those in approved Home School programs, must meet all requirements under section 18.0 of WIAA Rules and Regulations.

  • Incompletes must be made up for credit during the first five (5) weeks of the subsequent semester. The student will be ineligible for competition until the incomplete(s) is cleared. Students receiving a “No-Credit - NC” grade will be declared ineligible for competition for a period of five (5) weeks.

  • Athletes failing to meet these academic requirements will be placed on probation for a period of five (5) weeks from the first day of practice for that sport. For fall sports, the probationary period will begin the first day of practice through the fourth Saturday in September. Students are eligible for competition on the Monday of the week following the suspension period. During the probationary period, the student is eligible to practice but may not participate in any competition. An athlete on academic probation will be referred to, and encouraged to participate in, an academic enhancement program and may request to have practice time reduced to allow for additional study time. If the athlete is passing all classes at the end of the probationary period, full eligibility will be reinstated. The building Athletic Director will meet individually with each ineligible student, contact their parents and discuss available methods designed to assist the student in achieving a passing grade.

  • ACADEMIC STANDARDS – CURRENT SEMESTER
    In order to maintain eligibility during the current semester, athletes must maintain regular attendance and have passing grades in all classes. The site athletic director will check each athlete’s grades every four (4) to six (6) week of the school year.
    At the time of any grade check, if the athlete is failing a class they will be placed on academic probation and ineligible for games/competition until a passing grade is confirmed by the teacher and the site athletic director. If failing two or more classes the athlete will become ineligible for both practice and games until passing grades are confirmed. Athletes participating in winter sports will have a grade check conducted at the end of the 1st semester. If failing class(es) at that time, they will be placed on academic probation, as defined above, for a period of five (5) weeks. Students placed on academic probation will be referred to, and encouraged to participate in, an academic enhancement program and may request to have practice time reduced to allow for additional study time.

What happens if I violate school rules?

  • Student athletes must obey all school and school district rules stated in both the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (Policy 3200) and the Athletic Code (Policy 3202). If rules are violated, disciplinary action, including possible suspension or removal, from the team will be imposed.

  • The High School Athletic Code is in effect: (1) throughout the school year from the first day of turn out for a sport or activity through the remainder of the calendar year until the participants first turn out of the succeeding year--exclusive of summer break, (2) at school or at any school sponsored program/event even those occurring during breaks in the school year, and (3) at any program/event at which students are representing their school or the District regardless of when the event occurs and regardless of sponsorship.

  • All violations during the time of high school eligibility are considered when determining appropriate disciplinary action.

     

What happens if I use tobacco products?

  • The use or possession of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, “vapes”, or paraphernalia (or that which purports to be) is prohibited at school and/or at school events, and will result in the following:

  • First Violation: A two (2) game suspension will be imposed.

  • Second Violation: A seven (7) game suspension will be imposed. If less than seven (7) games remain in the current season the balance will be served beginning the first day of the next season of participation.

  • Third Violation: Suspension from all athletic/activity participation (practice and games) for a period of one (1) calendar year from the day of suspension.

  • Violations are considered cumulative for the duration of high school eligibility.

     

What happens if I use alcohol or drugs?

  • At any time while under the Athletic Code, regardless of the location and/or school supervision, the following sanctions for possession, being under the influence, sale/transfer or attempt to sell or transfer alcohol, legend drugs and controlled substances will be considered as one part of the total school disciplinary process. Violations of this section are considered cumulative from 8th grade through the duration of high school eligibility.

  • First Violation: Immediate ineligibility from all scheduled athletic participation (practices and games) for the remainder of the season. An athlete found in violation for the first time who seeks and receives a formal chemical dependency assessment, from an approved community agency, and remains in full compliance with any assessment recommendations made, may have the period of ineligibility reduced by the building principal, in direct consultation with the site athletic director, to a minimum of fourteen (14) days of scheduled athletic participation. If less than fourteen (14) scheduled athletic participation days remain in the student-athlete’s current season, the balance of ineligibility will be served beginning the first day of the athletes next season of participation. An athlete failing to remain in full compliance with all assessment and school recommendations will have the full term of ineligibility reinstated and will be ineligible for all post-season competition for a period of one (1) calendar year from the date verification of non-compliance is received by the building principal.

  • Second Violation: Immediate ineligibility from all participation (practices and games) for a period of one (1) calendar year from the date of the violation.
    An athlete found in violation for the second time will be referred to an approved community agency. Those who complete a chemical dependency assessment and follow recommendations made as a result of the assessment may have the period of period of ineligibility reduced by the OSD Athletic Committee, based on the recommendation of the building principal, to a minimum of one hundred-twenty (120) athletic participation days plus ineligibility form all post-season competition for a period of one (1) calendar year from the date of the violation.

  • Third Violation: Immediate ineligibility from all participation (practices and games) for the remainder of high school eligibility.

  • Sale, Distribution, Trade or Transfer: An athlete found to have sold, distributed, traded, or transferred alcohol, other drugs, or paraphernalia (or that which purports to be) will be immediately ineligible for participation in athletics, including drill, cheer and dance, for the remainder of their high school eligibility.
    Note: For the process to appeal a building or district decision on sanctions implemented for violations of this section refer to the “Appeal Process—Disciplinary Action” section of this Code.

 

What happens if I am at a party where alcohol or other drugs are used—or I use them?

 

  • If the athlete attends a function where alcohol and/or other drugs are illegally used, they must make an immediate and reasonable attempt to leave. If the athlete remains, but has not used or possessed alcohol and/or other drugs, a maximum ineligibility sanction of seven (7) athletic participation days will be imposed. If extenuating circumstances warrant, a lesser or greater disciplinary consequence may be used if appropriate. When considering extenuating circumstances for a consequence, the athletic administrators will discuss the details with the principal and district designee prior to issuing such discipline.

  • Note: All ineligibility sanctions noted include both practices and contests. The period of ineligibility begins on the day official notice of ineligibility is given to the athlete and parent/ guardian.

 

Can I appeal academic and/or disciplinary probation/ineligibility?

  • Yes. Students who are declared ineligible or in violation of WIAA/ OSD rules and regulations may appeal.

     

How do I appeal?

  • Within three (3) school business days of receiving notice of athletic disciplinary sanctions, the athlete and/or parent guardian may request an informal conference with the building principal and site athletic director for the purpose of resolving the grievance. During the conference, the athlete and parent guardian will be subject to questioning by the building principal and site athletic director and will be entitled to question school personnel involved in the matter. 

  • If the aggrieved sanction was imposed for violations of the alcohol, legend drugs and controlled substances provisions of this policy/procedure and during the informal meeting the violation is confirmed, the sanctions noted in this policy/procedure will be imposed. 

  • If the grievance is not resolved, the athlete and/or parent guardian may file a written request for a formal hearing by the District Athletic Committee. The District Director of Health, Fitness and Athletic Programs must receive the written request for a hearing within three (3) school business days of the building decision. The District Committee will conduct a hearing within seven (7) school business days after receiving the written request.
  • At the hearing the athlete and parent guardian will be subject to questioning by Committee members and will be entitled to representation and to present information directly related to the issue resulting in athletic sanctions being imposed.
    The Committee chair will notify the athlete and parent guardian of the Committee decision within three (3) school business days of the hearing.
  • If the grievance is not resolved, the athlete and/or parent guardian will have the right to present a written and/or oral grievance to the Board of Directors during their next regular meeting; the grievance will be heard in Executive Session. The District Director of Health, Fitness and Athletic Programs must receive the written request for the grievance presentation to the Board within two (2) school business days of the District Athletic Committee decision. The athlete and/or parent guardian will be notified of the Board decision within three (3) school business days of Board action.
  • WIAA RULE VIOLATIONS APPEALS
    Appeals related to specific violations of WIAA Rules and Regulation must follow established WIAA procedures. The aggrieved party will meet with the site athletic director within three (3) school business days of the notification of a WIAA violation to review the appeal process.
    The Superintendent will broadly disseminate this policy/procedure and its’ provisions in school and District publications and in a manner that will reasonably provide athletes and their families with notification.

 

If I have additional questions or concerns who should I speak with?

  • The site athletic director can answer any questions you might have.  Capital High School Athletic Director, Steve Taylor at 596-8070 or email [email protected].  Olympia High School Athletic Director, Mark Iddins at 596-7028 or email [email protected]

  • In addition, you may contact James Whitehead, District Executive Director of Secondary Education at 596-8545 or email  [email protected]
  • You may also contact WIAA at 425-687-8585.

 

Middle School Athletic Code

The following rules and regulations have been adopted by the District Board of Directors to meet Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) rules and regulations as well as standards set forth by the Olympia School District. All rules and regulations apply to interscholastic activities.

 

Eligibility

 

Previous Semester Rule

A student shall have been in regular attendance in an elementary or middle school during the semester/quarter preceding the season in which the contest is held. A student shall have passed at all subjects in the immediately preceding semester/quarter with a minimum of a C grade. Provided further that exceptions may be granted for those with approved Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

 

Scholarship

In order to maintain athletic eligibility during the current semester/ quarter, the student shall maintain a C grade in all subjects. A student who has been in regular attendance and has failed to achieve the foregoing grade requirements in either/or the previous or current semester/quarter shall be placed on probation for a period of three (3) weeks; during this time he/she is ineligible for competition. At the end of the probationary period, if the student is passing all subjects with a C grade, he/she shall be reinstated for full participation. Provided, further, that exceptions may be granted for those with approved IEPs. The school will inform students and their parents on probation of available resources to enhance study skills and/or their abilities in specific subjects.

 

Total Semester/Trimester Eligibility and Age

A student shall be eligible for two years of participation. A middle school participant shall not have reached his/her 15th birthday prior to June 1 of the previous school year.

 

Residence

A student must be residing within the boundaries of the District and designated attendance area of the school. All requests for exceptions must be submitted, in writing, to the Athletic Director and Principal.

 

Transferring Students

After registering with and/or attending, students changing enrollment to/from one school district to another shall be considered transfer students. In order to be eligible for participation, they must meet normal residency requirements and specific requirements stated in WIAA regulations 18.10.

Students coming to this country for a one-year cultural/educational experience are eligible to participate at all levels of competition for one (1) year only in the school in which they have been placed, provided all other rules and eligibility have been met.

 

Physical Examination

Prior to the first practice for participation in middle school athletics, a student shall undergo a thorough medical examination and be approved for interscholastic athletic competition by a medical authority licensed to perform a physical examination. The physical examination shall be valid for thirteen (13) consecutive months. For each subsequent thirteen-month period, the student shall furnish a statement or physical examination form signed by a medical authority licensed to perform a physical examination that provides clearance for continued athletic participation.

 

Attendance Regulations 

 

School Attendance

A student must be in full attendance all classes in order to participate. The Athletic Director or Assistant Principal must clear any absences. Provided, further, that exceptions shall be granted by the Athletic Director for excused tardies.

 

Practice Attendance

Regular attendance and promptness at practice is a must. If a student is either late or absent, he/she must notify the coach in advance and/or have a valid excuse upon return.

 

Amateur Standing

An amateur student is one who engages in athletics for the physical, mental, social and educational benefits he/she derives there from and to whom athletics is an avocation and not a source of financial reward. In order to maintain his/her amateur standing, he/she may not:

  1. Accept merchandise or in-kind gifts of more than $100.00 in fair market value during any one calendar year September 1 through August 31. Reduced membership fees or reduced user fees from an athletic club, recreation center, fitness center, golf course, etc., do not count towards the $100 limit.

  2. Accept any cash awards.

  3. Enter a competition under a false name.

  4. Accept payment of expense allowances over the actual and necessary expenses for the trip (note: entry fees are not considered a reimbursable expense).

  5. Sign or have ever signed a contract to play professional athletics. Play or have ever played on any professional team in any sport.

  6. Received or have ever received, directly or indirectly, a salary or any other form of financial assistance (including scholarships or educational grants-in-aid), from a professional sports organization or any of his/her expenses for reporting to or visiting a professional team.

Special Regulations 

 

General Conduct

Participants are to abide by all the rules and regulations stated in the school's Student Handbook, Athletic Code, and under Olympia School District policies for Student Conduct. Failure to do so will result in discipline and/or suspension from participation. Discipline that is administered is cumulative for the duration of middle school eligibility, unless otherwise noted.

 

Tobacco Use

The use or possession of tobacco products is prohibited and will result in the following;

  1. First Violation: A ten (10) school day suspension from participation. Provided, further, that a reduction may be granted for participation in tobacco cessation classes. The full suspension is to be reinstated if the cessation program is not completed.

  2. Second Violation: Suspension from participation for a period of one (1) calendar year.

  3. Third Violation: Suspension from participation for permanently ineligible for interscholastic competition remainder of middle school.

After any suspension for tobacco use, the student shall meet with the school eligibility committee and request approval for future participation. The school eligibility committee shall recommend to the Principal appropriate action to be taken regarding any future participation. The school Principal shall have the final authority as to the student's future participation in interscholastic activities.

The above sanctions shall be implemented in addition to school discipline procedures. Violations are considered cumulative for the duration of middle school eligibility.

 

Alcohol, Legend Drugs and Controlled Substances

The following Code sanctions for possession, being under the influence, or sale/transfer of alcohol, legend drugs (drugs obtained through prescription, RCW 69.41.020-050) and controlled substances (RCW 69.50) shall be considered as one part of the total school disciplinary process for violations of Policy No. 3200. If found in violation of District Policy No. 3200, these specific Athletic Code sanctions will be imposed in addition to established District procedures. Violations are considered cumulative for the duration of middle school and high school eligibility.

 

First Violation

A participant shall be immediately ineligible for interscholastic participation for the remainder of the sports season. In order to be eligible to participate in the next sports season, the student shall meet with the school eligibility committee and request approval. The school eligibility committee shall recommend to the Principal appropriate action to be taken. The school Principal shall have the final authority as to the student's future participation in interscholastic sports.

 

Second Violation

A participant found in violation of this rule, at any time during middle school eligibility, shall be ineligible for any interscholastic participation for a period of one (1) calendar year from the date of the second violation. In order to be eligible to participate in any interscholastic activity, after the complete term of the suspension, the student shall meet with the school eligibility committee and request approval. The school eligibility committee shall recommend to the Principal appropriate action to be taken. The school Principal shall have the final authority as to the student's future participation in any interscholastic activity.

 

Third Violation

A participant found in violation for a third time shall be found permanently ineligible for any interscholastic participation for the remainder of high school eligibility.


In no instance shall participation in a school and/or community-approved assistance and/or treatment program excuse a student from compliance with these regulations. However, successful completion of an approved program may be considered when requesting reinstatement by the eligibility committee.

 

Student athletes who attend and remain at any function where alcohol or other drugs are illegally used shall be ineligible for all participation for a period of fifteen (15) practice/game days from the date of notification. Upon return from ineligibility, a required number of practices may be necessary prior to participation in competition. If found to have been in possession, under the influence, or sale/transfer the sanctions noted for first through third violation will be imposed.

 

Activity Specific Rules and Regulations

Because of individual sport differences, head coaches shall inform, in writing, participants and parents of any additional rules and regulations which they believe necessary and are not in violation of any rules or regulations in this code or District policy. Activity specific rules and regulations must be approved by the Athletic Director and building Principal prior to distribution to participants and parents. Activity specific rules and regulations may not relate to scholarship, attendance, tobacco, alcohol or other drug rules and regulations as stated in the District Athletic/Activities Code.

 

Enforcement of Regulations

Violation of the Middle School Athletic Code will result in immediate discipline and/or suspension by the head coach or school administrator for the remainder of the sport season. The head coach will notify the Athletic Director and school administrator of all violations. The head coach or school administrator will immediately notify, by phone and in writing, the participant and his/her parent/legal guardian of the violation and disciplinary action taken and his/her right to appeal. Upon appeal disciplinary action will be reviewed by the building athletic committee. During an appeal, the participant and/or his/ her parent/legal guardian may or may not:

  1. appear personally,

  2. appear with parents, or

  3. submit a written statement to the athletic committee.

Student Appeals

Any student declared ineligible or in violation of WIAA, district/building or Athletic Code rules or regulations who wishes to appeal this decision, must first meet with the Athletic Director to review proper appeal procedures.

 

Athletic Committee Membership

The following building staff are to be included on the Athletic Committee:

 

  • Principal or Assistant Principal (presiding official)

  • Athletic Director

  • Coach(es) from sports not involved in the specific appeal (3)

 

Checklist Needed for Participation

A participant must present a completed eligibility packet, including current medical examination, insurance coverage and a copy of the Athletic Code signed by the participant and parent/legal guardian prior to initial participation. Student Athlete Information Sheet must be complete even if information is redundant.

 

In this section, you will find a multitude of athletic resources for parents and coaches in our District.  Please review these materials if you or your child is getting involved in athletics at the Olympia School District.  From spectator conduct to the requirements for sports physicals, this is the place for answers to any questions you may have.