Student-Athlete/Parent Handbook

Each SBCSC High offers a varied and comprehensive athletic program. Student participation in one of these programs is governed by rules and regulations established by the Indiana High School Athletic Association, the South Bend Athletic Council and is affiliated with the Northern Indiana Conference. These guidelines have been developed to provide for:

The uniform organization and management of each sponsoreactivity
The safety and welfare of each student participant.
The protection of individual student rights.
The instruction in the essential skills and attitudes needed for
participation.

I. Adherence to the rules governing school sponsored sports activities. The student will abide by the rules and regulations of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, National Federa-tion, Northern Indiana Conference, and the High School Athletic Council of the South Bend Community School Corporation. All rules are effective the entire school year. Your signature and that of your parent/guardian signifies all parties have read and understand the rules and regulations under which high school sports participation may take place.

II. ELIGIBILITY

The student must meet all age, enrollment, attendance and scholastic requirements established by the IHSAA. To be considered eligible academically, a student must be enrolled in five full credit courses and must be passing five full credit sub-jects from the previous grading period. Freshmen are granted a grace period the first grading period of their fall semester.

Students are considered too old on the day they reach their twentieth birthday.

Students must refrain from competing during their sport season in any non-school programs of the same sport.

Students must be enrolled in the school at which they attend and compete. Students' residence must be in the school district at which competes. Exceptions must be cleared through the pupil personnel department of the SBCSC.

Students must reside with a parent or legal guardian. If a student transfers to a new school district, an IHSAA transfer form must be completed. The student will not be eligible to compete at the new school until the transfer has been approved by the IHSAA commissioner.

Students must not be under an pre-trial diversion agreement with a law enforcement agency. The student will not be eligible until such time as the prosecutor withdraws the charges in the case.


III. FORMS AND RELEASES

Before a student may participate in any sport practices, he/she must have the following information filed with the Athletic Director through their coach.

A. The IHSAA Student-Parent-Physician Form (Physical)

B. Insurance payment and Insurance signatures form

C. Emergency Medical Release Form

D. Handbook signature form

E. School Transportation waiver (if needed)

F. Dual Participation Agreement (if needed)


IV. ATTENDANCE

A student is expected to attend all classes . It is a violation of school rules to habitually be absent or tardy from class. Participation may be denied in extra-curricular activities for a period determined by the principal. To be eligible to participate in a contest a student must be in attendance the afternoon of the day of the contest, unless the student has been excused by a school administrator from school for such reasons as doctor's appointment, field trip, college visitation or other such reasons other than illness. The purpose of this clause is to keep a student from participating when he/she is ill. Team members are expected to be present at all practices, team meetings, contests and special occasions unless excused by the head coach. Notifying the coach of your intention to miss practice or contests does not excuse the absence. Only the coach can do that.


V. COMMITMENT

Commitment to school organized programs requires athletes to refrain from absences from practice and contests caused by participating in non-school activities and clubs. It isn't fair to the coaches and team members if we allow students to determine if and when they show up for school related activities. In season activities take precedence over out of season activities.

VI. CARE OF SCHOOL EQUIPMENT

The athlete is responsible for all equipment issued to him/her. Lost,damaged or stolen equipment must be paid for by the athlete or his parents/guardians before participating in another activity. For seniors, obligations must be honored to receive a diploma. When equipment is issued to athletes and not returned, someone is denied the privilege of being a part of a sports team. It is more expensive to replace one item of a uniform than it is to buy a series of uniform part: To prevent from having to pay the higher cost, return the issued equipment in good condition. Athletes who fail to return equipment issued to them at the end of each season fall under the code of conduct violation Section 1 Which, pending the return of the equipment issued, carries an temporary suspension. Suspension penalties are lifted upon return of all equipment issued.

VII. TRANSPORTATION TO ATHLETIC CONTESTS All team members are expected to ride team buses or vans when provided. Students are expected to be early for departure to prevent the team from being late waiting for late arrivals. Cheerleaders may ride with teams or have their own bus. Students must ride school transportation to practice or contests unless a waiver is signed. It is generally held that teams ride together to encourage team morale and camaraderie. Exceptions to this rule must be cleared through the athletic director.

VIII. INJURED ATHLETE In the event of injury or illness as a result of a practice, conditioning session, or school competition, injured athletes shall be evaluated and treated by the appointed school athletic trainer, physicians, or other medical or paramedical personnel. All conditions usually managed by trainers and primary care sports medicine personnel will continue to treat the injured athlete. All other major conditions will need to go to family doctor or major medical facility. To return to competition or practice, an athlete must provide a doctor's release. In extended absence from practice and competition, an athlete is required to practice a prescribed number of days before returning to competition. An accident report will be made by the coach which begins the insurance claim process. Be sure your child's coach is aware of any injury which requires medical attention. The claim process is described in the insurance pamphlet issued at the beginning of each sport. School insurance is supplemental and has a deductible. If you have any questions, call your athletic director.

IX. PERSONAL CONDUCT Participation on an athletic team or cheerleading squad is a privilege. Participants must conduct themselves with dignity and pride. Captains are expected to set an example for their peers to follow. The Code of Conduct is a guide for students and parents to lead an exemplary lifestyle. We expect our athletes to be drug free, arrest free and well disciplined avoiding any call for school administrators or coaches to apply punishment. However, in the absence of self-discipline, punishment will be assessed according to the offense. Athletes set the tone