DIXON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC CODE

1.0       STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

In compliance with the philosophies of the California Inter-Scholastic Federation (C.I.F.) and the Dixon Unified School District, we, the athletic staff of Dixon High School, find it our purpose and duty to teach, encourage and reinforce through athletics, good citizenship and positive social, emotional, and ethical values within our athletes.

We believe that high school sports offer a meaningful opportunity for personal development.  As identified and adopted by the C.I.F., the essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles that we will teach and model:
 

-         Trustworthiness

-         Respect

-         Responsibility

-         Fairness

-         Caring

-         Good Citizenship

This Athletic Code helps to define the standards and expectations for our student athletes.  Its intent is to help students include the six principals in their conduct and allow others to see them in play with all of our students in our programs.

Athletes, as well as parents/guardians, must have the understanding that in signing this contract and others associated with the Athletic Department they are giving their word and making a personal commitment on some very basic points:

1.      They understand the contents and terms of the contract.

2.      They pledge to obey the terms of the contract.

3.      They agree to promote the behaviors in the contract

4.      They understand the consequences for violations of these terms.

It is our desire and intent that students and parents carefully read and consider the terms and contents of the Athletic Contract and Substance Use and Abuse Prevention Policy before signing and becoming part of and athletic program that is representing the Dixon community.

If a student or parent cannot agree to uphold these contracts, he/she should return the contract unsigned, knowing interscholastic sports is not for him/her. 

2.    2.0    CONDUCT IN PRACTICE, TRAVEL, AND COMPETITION/PERFORMANCE

Athletes involved in practice/team commitments should:

A.     Attend all practice sessions unless excused by the coach prior to the practice session.

B.     Obey all school rules.

C.     Respect each other’s personal property.

D.     Respect all school facilities and equipment as if they were their own.

E.      Obey all rules regarding the use of equipment and facilities.

F.      Be financially responsible for any loss or damage to equipment that does not take place during the course of the normal usage.

G.     Respect deadlines set by coaches for turning in school equipment. 

Athletes involved in travel should: 

A.     See the teacher of the class(es) to be missed in advance to get homework and/or class assignments.

B.     Obey all school rules.

C.     Act in a positive, responsible manner at all times (including the avoidance of profanity).

D.     Dress for the trip in a way that will not bring discredit to themselves, their teammates, the school and the district.

E.      Behave appropriately on the bus and obey the bus driver’s and coach’s instructions.

F.      Always have parents make personal contact with the coach if the athlete is to travel home with their parents.* 

Athletes in competition should: 

A.     Avoid use of profanity or illegal tactics.

B.     Be gracious in defeat and modest in victory.

C.     Respect his/her opponent.

D.     Have complete control of himself/herself at all times.

E.      Be courteous and polite.

F.      Never question an official’s decision (captains may, in accordance with the rules, talk to an official).

G.     Give his/her best at all times.

H.     Never try to hurt an opponent.

I.        Cheer for his/her team, not against his/her opponent. 

* The only time an athlete may travel to or form an athletic contest without the presence of their parent or guardian is when the driver is an adult who has been processed as a Dixon Unified School District Volunteer Private Vehicle Driver, and the athlete’s parents have given written approval for their son or daughter to travel with that particular driver. 

Students are encouraged and expected to engage in the positive behaviors listed above in this section.  Exceptions of a minor nature may result in removal from an athletic contest or practice session.  Those of a minor nature may result in removal from an athletic contest or practice session.  Those of a minor serious nature may result in suspension and possibly removal from the team.  Any suspension must be reviewed by the Athletic Director.  

A player who is removed from two (2) games or practices either by his/her coach or the officials in one season of sport due to roughness, unsportsmanlike conduct, or behavior deemed detrimental to the team may be dropped from the team. 

Any player who is found guilty of striking an official may be barred from athletic competition at this school for the remainder of his/her eligibility. 

3.0    BEHAVIOR  

I.       STUDENT DRUG TESTING POLICY 

a.      Alcohol/Drugs:     The Dixon Unified School District Substance Use and Abuse Prevention Policy clearly states that the use of even small amounts of any drug (including alcohol) by an athlete in season at Dixon High School will result in their suspension from athletics. 

         Self Referral:    Suspension from practice pending clearance by a physician and enrollment in a recognized drug education program.  Mandatory urinalysis will be required. 

         First Violation:     Suspension from athletic competition for four weeks.  Enrollment in a recognized drug education program.  Mandatory urinalysis will be required. 

         Second Violation:   Suspension from athletic participation for one calendar year. Enrollment in a sixteen hour (16 week) drug education program.  Mandatory urinalysis will be required. 

         Third Violation:      Suspension for the duration of the student’s high school career. 

II.     POSSESSION OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL

         If an athlete is found to be in possession of drugs or alcohol while under direct supervision of the Dixon High School or its personnel as defined by the California Education Code, that student will automatically subject to consequences equal to a First Violation of the Substance Use and Abuse Prevention Policy as outlined above. Additionally, applicable sections of the California Education Code regarding possession of drugs or alcohol will be enforced, with suspension and/or expulsion possible.                                         

         III.    Personal Conduct 

         Consequences for any violation of Personal Conduct are listed at the end of this section.        

         a.      Personal Behavior:    Athletic teams represent Dixon High School and the community of Dixon to other schools and communities far more often than any other group on campus.  As such, we expect athletes to have excellent personal behavior, incorporating those principles identified at the beginning of this code.  Additionally, athletes should not be in the presence of other persons who are involved in unlawful activity without doing everything in their power to remove themselves from that situation. 

         Consequences for serious incidents will be determined by the Principal and Athletic Director and my exceed those stated below. 

         b.      Tobacco:  The use or possession of tobacco in any form (smoking or chewing) is prohibited. 

         First Offense:  One week athletic suspension from all competition, and one game if no competition is scheduled during the suspension week.  (The athlete will be expected to participate in all scheduled practice sessions during suspension). 

        Second Offense:  Immediate dismissal from the team for the remainder of the season. 

4.0    ATTENDANCE   (CIF By-Laws, Article 3 Section 302.1) 

In order to practice, compete and travel with an athletic team, and athlete must have attended a minimum of four (4) regular class periods during the day of the game or practice.  Travel and competition time are considered school attendance.  The only exceptions are for funerals, pre-approved verified doctor’s appointments, or court dates. 

         5.0    APPEARANCE 

An athlete’s appearance should be in compliance with both the Dixon High School Dress Code and the rules of the athlete’s team.  If he/she is to suit-up at the other school, he/she is expected to dress in the prescribed manner as determined by his/her coach. 

6.0    SCHOLASTIC ELIGIBILITY   (CIF By-Laws, Article 2, Section 204-C) 

A student must be currently enrolled in at least 20 semester units of work and have passed at least 20 units the prior semester (any combination of numbers of subjects) of new work during the previous report period, and must have a 2.0 grade point average. 

A student who does not meet the minimum standards may practice during a probationary period of 2 weeks prior to each eligibility period (every six weeks) provided the student turns in a progress report showing that they are carrying a 2.0 grade point average or better, and gains the approval of the Athletic Director and Principal.  A student may not participate in any contests during this probationary period, and must be eligible to participate with their six week progress report grades to remain with the team after this two week probationary period. 

7.0    INSURANCE  (Dixon Unified School District Requirement)

All athletes are required to have insurance covering the sport before they will be allowed to practice.  Information regarding school sports insurance can be secured from the Athletic Department. 

8.0    PHYSICAL EXAMINATION (CIF By-laws, Article 3, section 306)

An annual physical examine, or statement by a medical practitioner, certifying that the student is physically fit to participate in athletics is required before a student may try out, practice, or participate in interscholastic competition.  A student will be excused from this physical examination provided there is compliance with the Education Code provisions concerning Parent’s Refusal to Consent. 

A student who has been injured and has had medical treatment cannot participate again without written permission from a medical doctor 

9.0    QUITTING, DROPPING, ADDING OR ENTERING A SPORT 

It is our hope that all students who choose to participate in a sport successfully complete its season.  We recognize that this sometimes does not occur, for a variety of reasons.  For the best management of the athletic programs, all athletes that either quit or drop a sport must fill out an Athletic Team Withdrawal Form and return it to the Athletic Director. 

Quitting a sport (defined as without coach’s permission)

         Student forfeits awards. 

No athlete who quits a sport will be allowed to participate in another sport during the same season or portion of the same season, unless by mutual written consent of both head coaches involved. 

Dropping a sport (defined as with coach’s permission). 

The proper way to withdraw from a sport is to make a personal contact with the coach and obtain his/her approval within a week prior to withdrawal.  This is extremely important if the athlete wishes to remain eligible for other sports.  

Before any athlete, for any reason, can be officially dropped, suspended, or quits any team at any level, he/she and a parent/guardian shall have the opportunity to meet with the head coach of the sport to review the case.  Any removal from a sport may be reviewed by the Athletic Director upon the written request of the athlete. 

Entering a sport (Late admission to school, re-entry into sport, eligibility re-entry ;) 

If the athlete starts the sport late for ineligibility or school enrollment reason, then it is up to the coach of that sport to allow the athlete to participate in that sport or not.  

Dual sport athletes 

Participation in more than one sport at a time will not be allowed unless by mutual written consent of both head coaches involved. (Example: Track and Tennis) 

10.    SEASON OF SPORT (CIF By-laws, Article 5, Section 511)  

The Season of sport will be defined as being from the first day of practice (as allowed by C.I.F.) through the last scheduled contest, meeting or awards program.  If an overlap of sports occurs between the participation in one sport and the awards program for another, the athlete will be subject to the policies and rules of both sports.  

11.    TEAM POLICIES AND RULES 

Each individual sport shall establish its own rules for attendance.  Any athlete may be dropped from the team for unexcused absences from a game, practice session, or team meeting.  

Any meeting or appeal that takes place between an athlete and/or parent and coach prior to the dismissal of that athlete from a team will be summarized on the athlete’s Athletic Team Drop Form. 

Coaches can make additional policies and rules for their teams, so long as those rules only involve dress, time of practice, travel, competition/performance, financial obligations, and other similar team expectations.  These rules must be in writing, reviewed by the athlete and parent/guardian, and signed. 

12.    APPEALS PROCESS                                                                                                                                    

Any disciplinary action which results in the suspension or dismissal of an athlete from his/her team through provisions of the Athletic Code may be appealed to the Principal. Appeals will only be heard on procedural issues.  Any suspension will remain in effect until the appeal is heard.