THE ALAMANCE-BURLINGTON SCHOOL SYSTEM

Athletic and Activities

Code of Conduct

1712 Vaughn Road Burlington,NorthCarolina27217

336-570-6060

It is the mission of athletics in the Alamance-Burlington School System to provide a program of wholesome athletic activities to assist all student-athletes to become responsible

citizens and demonstrate a spirit of sportsmanship and fair play while creating lasting memories.

GOALS OF THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM

• To offer a program that will bring pride and tradition to our school, ourcommunity, and to all participants.

• To offer a program that will enhance the school spirit of our present students aswell as continue the excitement within the alumni of our school and our communityfollowers.

• To offer a program that contributes to the goals and objectives of the total schoolprogram.

• To offer a well-rounded program realizing that all athletic activities are equallyimportant to the members of each and every team.

• To offer student-athletes a program that encourages them to participate in as manydifferent programs as they desire without specializing in one activity.

• To keep the student-athlete’s enjoyment as the major focus in all athletic activities.

• To provide coaches who have a sincere interest in the total development of thestudent athlete and not solely his/her athletic performance.

• To offer our student-athletes the opportunity to learn by experiences the roles thatindividuals play in the “team concept.”

• To teach our student-athletes the learning opportunity that exists, in both winningand losing outcomes and to teach them how to deal with the successes anddisappointments that they will experience in life situations.

Table of Contents Superintendent’s Welcome ........Error! Bookmark not defined. Obligations .................................................................................2 Sports Offerings .........................................................................3 Requirements for Participation...................................................4

High School Eligibility Requirements ................................4 Middle School Eligibility Requirements.............................6

Consequences for Violating Rules.............................................7 Criminal Charges .......................................................................9 Hazing/Bullying Policy................................................................9 Social Media Policy....................................................................9 Student/Athlete Pledge ............................................................11 Expectations of Parents ...........................................................12

Parent/Coach Relationship .............................................12 Coach's Expectation of Communication .........................12

Communication Timeframe Expectation ..................................13 Parental Pledge .......................................................................14

S I G N I F Y I N G E X C E L L E N C E

Dear Students, Parents, Sponsors, and Coaches

As an extension of valuable learning experiences, the Alamance-Burlington School System provides essential opportunities for participation in athletics and extracurricular activities. Participation in athletics and extracurricular activities provides time for students to apply what they have learned beyond the classroom, particularly in the areas of communication, collaboration, and leadership.

The Alamance-Burlington School System celebrates students representing our school system in a highly visible manner that extends beyond the classroom. When students participate in athletics and extracurricular activities they accept the additional responsibility to positively communicate, collaborate, and demonstrate leadership.

We have high expectations for excellence in the classroom as well as for our teams. The expectation for all involved in athletics and extracurricular activities is to exercise good judgment and conduct themselves with honesty, integrity, and respect for others at all times.

Please remember participating in athletics and extracurricular activities is a privilege and not a right. Failure to meet the expectations outlined in our Athletic and Extracurricular Code of Conduct and Board of Education Policy will result in disciplinary action.

I wish you well in your upcoming season.

Work hard. Play hard. Represent us well.

Sincerely,

W. Bruce Benson, Ed. D.

Superintendent

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OBLIGATIONS AS A STUDENT

In addition to the rules of this code of conduct, a participating student must at all times conform to the rules of conduct of the extracurricular/co-curricular organization in which he/she is participating, as well as all school and school system rules. He/She shall not expect nor receive special privileges with regard to meeting his/her obligations to teachers and any other school personnel.

OBLIGATIONS AS AN EXTRACURRICULAR/CO CURRICULAR PARTICIPANT

A. Each sport, club, NJROTC and cultural arts activity has certain individual requirements that lead to the development of specific skills requiring different types of training. Every athlete has an obligation to know the rules of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association as well as the rules governing his/her sport. Students participating in clubs, NJROTC or cultural arts are responsible for learning and adhering to the by-laws of their respective organizations.

B. As an extracurricular/co-curricular participant, the student not only represents himself/herself, fellow team members, coaches, and teachers, but also the school and its student body. For these reasons, the participating student is expected to display the highest form of character and sportsmanship. If at any time a student’s actions bring harm or discredit to the organization of which the student is a member or to the school, the student may be subjected to disciplinary action, including suspension and/or removal from the extracurricular/co-curricular organization.

OBLIGATIONS TO THE SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY

A participating student is supported actively by the school and the community. Many volunteers work long hours to provide the finest equipment and facilities so that our extracurricular groups can have the best possible opportunity to compete on an even basis with any established program in the state. Participating students are held accountable for the equipment/materials issued to them and shall reimburse the school for any equipment/materials not returned or damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Participating students are expected to exercise respect for and take care of the facilities and equipment provided by the school and booster club.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS OFFERINGS:

Fall Sports Winter Sports Spring Sports Activities

Cross Country Basketball Baseball Cheerleading

Football Girls Soccer

Softball Boys Soccer

Track & Field

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS OFFERINGS:

Fall Sports Winter Sports Spring Sports Activities

Cross Country Basketball Baseball Cheerleading

Football Indoor Track & Field Lacrosse

Men’s Soccer Swimming & Diving Men’s Golf

Volleyball Wrestling Men’s Tennis

Women’s Golf Softball

Women’s Tennis Track & Field

Women’s Soccer

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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION

1. In order for a participating student to practice or participate in a game/activity, he/she must be inattendance for at least 50% of the school day.

2. Any athlete who quits without permission of the coach or who is officially dismissed from a team beforethe season is over (including the playoffs) may not practice or participate with any other athletic team untilthat season is completely over (including the playoffs). An athlete is considered a member of a team ifhe/she is listed on the final eligibility list.

3. All participating students are required to turn in all uniforms and equipment that are issued to them. Aparticipating student may not participate in any other extracurricular/co-curricular activity until he/she hasturned in his/her uniform and equipment to the coach/faculty representative.

4. Any athlete participating in a sport or club activity must understand the school’s activity supersedes anyother similar outside activity. While your sport is active, your first obligation is to your scholastic team orclub. Participation in academic performances supersedes athletic participation since thoseperformances reflect a student/athletes grade in a particular subject. For example, missing a school-sponsored game or practice to attend a travel or recreation team activity is prohibited unless permission hasbeen granted by your scholastic coach. If this rule is violated, disciplinary actions can be taken up todismissal from the scholastic team or club. Your first obligation is to your school, and any other teams orclubs that will interfere with that particular sport or activity must be secondary. Simply put, school activitiesmust come first if you are going to be a member of a team or club.

HIGH SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

A student is eligible at any member school upon initial entry into ninth grade. Initial entry is defined as the first day of classes that a student is in attendance and counted present or, if sooner, the first day a student practices or otherwise takes part as a member or potential member of a member school’s athletic team prior to the start of the academic year (e.g., if a student participates in preseason football workouts prior to the beginning of the ninth grade academic year, this will be deemed the student’s initial entry at this member school).

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Academics

A student must have passed a minimum load of work during the preceding semester to be eligible at any time during the present semester. The semester is normally considered half of the academic year. All students must also meet local promotion standards, set by the LEA and/or the local school. A minimum load is defined as five courses in the traditional school schedule and three courses for schools on the “block” format. Any student, including seniors, must pass that minimum load, even if they need fewer for graduation.

Age

No student may be approved for any athletic contest if his or her 19th birthday comes on or before August 31 of the current school year. The principal shall have on file evidence of the legal birth date of each athlete.

Residence

A student is eligible to participate at the school to which he or she is assigned by the local board of education, within the administrative unit of residence. “Residence” as used for athletic eligibility purposes is defined as the equivalent of the term “domicile” as applied by the courts of North Carolina. Under no circumstances can a student have more than one residence for eligibility purposes. It is the obligation of the school to know the residence status of each athlete and to require compliance with these requirements.

Semester Rule

No student may be eligible to participate at the high school level for a period lasting longer than eight consecutive semesters, beginning with the student’s first entry into grade nine, or participation on a high school team as an overage seventh- or eighth-grade student, whichever comes first.

Sports Pre Participation & Medical Release

In order to be eligible for practice or participation in interscholastic athletic contests, the student must receive a medical examination once every 395 days by a duly licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

Only students in grades six through eight may participate in middle school (6th, 7th, and 8th grades) interscholastic athletic competition.

Note: Sixth-grade students are ineligible to participate in football.

Academics

In grades six, seven and eight, the student must pass all (4) core courses each semester and (1) elective and meet promotion standards established by the ABSS. If an athlete is "academically eligible” or "academically ineligible” at the beginning of any semester, that status is retained throughout the full semester.

Age

The principal must have evidence of the legal birth date of the student. A student shall not participate on a sixth, seventh, or eighth-grade team if the student becomes 15 years of age on or before August 31 of that school year.

Residence

School assignment is based on the residence of the parent or legal custodian (Court ordered custody, not guardian) within the administrative unit. The student must live with the parents or legal custodian. A “Legal Custodian” is a person or agency awarded legal, court-ordered custody of a child.

Semester Rule

No student may be eligible to participate at the middle school level for a period lasting longer than six (6) consecutive semesters, beginning with the student’s entry into sixth grade. The principal shall have evidence of the date of each player’s entry into the sixth grade and monitor the six (6) consecutive semesters.

Sports Pre Participation & Medical Release

In order to be eligible for practice or participation in interscholastic athletic contests, the student must receive a medical examination once every 395 days by a duly licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

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CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING RULES OF CONDUCT

These consequences apply in addition to any consequences imposed by the school, school district or extracurricular/co-curricular organization for violation of their separate rules of conduct.

A. IN-SCHOOL AND OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS

1. If a participating student is assigned to in-school suspension, he/she will not be allowed to practice or participate in a game/activity on the day (s) of suspension. Suspensions will be carried out regardless of the game/activity days or events.

2. If a participating student is given out of school suspension for any reason, he/she will be subject to the following additional consequences:

a. FIRST OFFENSE: A student participating in athletics will not be allowed to practice or play during the suspension period. If there is not a game during the suspension period, the student will not be permitted to play in the next game after the period of suspension. A student participating in other clubs or activities will not be allowed to practice, participate, or perform during the suspension period. If there is not a performance or major activity during the suspension period, the student will not be allowed to perform or participate in the next major activity immediately following the suspension.

b. SECOND OFFENSE: The student will be removed from extracurricular/co-curricular activities for the remainder of that season or semester or for 30 school days**, whichever is greater.

c. REPEATED OFFENSES: If a student continues to be suspended from school or has consistent disciplinary infractions, the principal may remove that student from extracurricular/co curricular activities for up to the remainder of the school year or 30 school days, whichever is greater.

B. USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS/ALCOHOL

The possession, use, distribution or sale of illegal or counterfeit drugs/alcohol by participating students is not acceptable at any time, on or off campus, including off season and school breaks. Every effort will be made by the school and the extracurricular departments to make students aware of the detrimental effects of alcohol and drugs through educational programs and opportunities. Students who willfully violate this policy are subject to the following consequences:

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1. FIRST OFFENSE FOR POSSESSION OR USE

Any student in violation of this policy for possession or use will be removed from participation for 60 school days or the remainder of the current season/semester, whichever is longer. The student must also be evaluated by a drug counselor as recommended by the school and must comply with all recommendations and treatment programs and receive a negative drug test result before resuming participation in any extracurricular/co-curricular activity.

2. SECOND OFFENSE FOR POSSESSION OR USE DURING HIGH SCHOOL CAREER

A student with a second offense of this policy during the student’s high school career for possession or use shall be removed from activities for 120 school days or the remainder of the school year, whichever is greater. The student must also be evaluated by a drug counselor as recommended by the school and must comply with all recommendations and treatment programs and receive a negative drug test result before participating in any extracurricular/co-curricular activity and must submit to periodic, unannounced drug testing for a 12 month period. All costs of such drug testing shall be borne by the student.

** For purposes of this policy “school days” includes days that the student is scheduled to participate in school-sponsored activities, including school holidays and summer break.

3. THIRD OFFENSE FOR POSSESSION OR USE DURING HIGH SCHOOL CAREER

A student with a third offense of this policy in the student’s high school career for possession or use shall be prohibited from participation in all extracurricular/co-curricular activities for the remainder of the student’s high school career. The student and the student’s parent or guardian will also receive information regarding drug-use counseling and prevention.

4. ANY OFFENSE INVOLVING SALE OR DISTRIBUTION

A student with a first violation of this policy for sale or distribution or conspiracy to sell or distribute drugs/alcohol or counterfeit drugs/alcohol shall be prohibited from participation for 180 school days. A second offense shall result in removal from activities for the remainder of the student’s high school career.

5. VOLUNTARY ADMISSION BY STUDENT

If a student who is not under investigation for or currently charged with a violation of this section voluntarily admits that he/she has an alcohol or drug-related problem and voluntarily enters a rehabilitation program, the principal may choose not to impose the consequences outlined in this section.

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CRIMINAL CHARGES:

Any participating student charged with a criminal offense may be suspended from extracurricular/co-curricular activities while the principal investigates the underlying circumstances and assesses the impact of the matter on the school environment. Charges involving weapons, drugs, extreme acts of violence and of a sexual nature will result in immediate removal from participation. In all other matters, the principal will review each offense individually and determine what action will be taken.

HAZING/BULLYING POLICY

The NCHSAA, NCDPI and the Alamance-Burlington School System encourage coaches and other school personnel to vigorously enforce rules against hazing and similar practices. Hazing is defined as deliberately subjecting another person to physical injury as part of an initiation or prerequisite for membership … (House Bill 171). It is against North Carolina Law (G.S. 14.35). Regardless of a student’s willingness to participate, hazing, and other humiliating activities expected of a student to belong to a team or group, have many negative consequences. It obstructs the development of good citizens, escalates the risks of participation, negates positive contributions, and destroys respect for self, others, and a “wholesome” athletic environment.

Reporting Procedure: Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of hazing or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct, which may constitute hazing, shall report the alleged acts immediately to a Teacher, Coach, Athletic and/or Administrator. Students who willfully violate this policy are subject to short term suspension from extracurricular/co-curricular activities up to removal from teams or clubs at the discretion of the coach and principal. Students who have knowledge of instances of hazing and bullying and fail to report will be subject to disciplinary action as well.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Appropriate use of social networking sites/social media is every student’s responsibility. It is important to remember that all posts are public information. Any text or photo placed online is completely out of an individual’s control the moment it is placed online even if access to the site is limited. Information (including pictures, videos, comments, and posts) may be accessible even after it has been removed.

Similar to comments made in person, the Alamance-Burlington School System will not tolerate disrespectful comments and behavior online, such as; derogatory or defamatory language; comments that create a serious danger to the safety of another person or that constitute a credible threat of serious physical or emotional injury to another person; comments or photos that describe or depict unlawful assault, abuse, hazing, harassment, or discrimination; selling, possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other illegal or prohibited conduct.

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Students who willfully violate this policy are subject to short term suspension from extracurricular/co-curricular activities up to removal from teams or clubs at the discretion of the coach and principal. Students who have knowledge of instances of hazing and bullying and fail to report will be subject to disciplinary action.

• What you post may affect your future. Many employers and college admissions officers review socialnetworking sites as part of their overall evaluation of an applicant. Carefully consider how you wantpeople to perceive you before you give them a chance to misinterpret your information (including pictures,videos, comments, and posts).

“Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are. “

John Wooden

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ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

STUDENT/ATHLETE PLEDGE

*Students should review the following, initialing each statement and signing at the bottom.*

_____I have received and reviewed the Alamance-Burlington School System Athletics and Activities Code of Conduct and agree to meet expectations outlined within.

_____I accept that I have a responsibility to represent my school and community in a positive manner and will conduct myself with honesty, integrity, and respect for others at all times.

_____I understand that I must be in attendance at school in order to practice, compete, or participate in athletics or extracurricular activities and will notify my coach/advisor in advance if missing practice time and/or competitions.

_____I agree to follow all expectations outlined in the Alamance-Burlington School Systems’ Athletics and Activities Code of Conduct as well as the Student Code of Conduct.

_____I will not engage in any conduct prohibited by law. If I witness such acts perpetrated by others, I will report them to my coach, sponsor, or an administrator.

_____I will not engage in any act, including via social media, that subjects another person, voluntarily or involuntarily, to abuse, mistreatment, humiliation, harassment, or intimidation. If I witness such acts perpetrated by others, I will report them to my coach, sponsor, or an administrator.

_____I will not consume or use alcoholic beverages, dietary supplements, anabolic steroids, tobacco/vaping products, or illegal drugs.

_____I will follow all team rules established by my coach/advisor and meet behavioral expectations established by the school system and team at all times.

_____If I observe a fellow student in distress of any kind, I will notify a coach or activity sponsor immediately.

_____I understand that failure to conduct myself responsibly, as stated and implied in the Alamance-Burlington School System. Athletics and Activities Code of Conduct, Student Code of Conduct, and in the above statements, may result in sanctions, ranging from limited participation up to and including suspension or dismissal from the team, and suspension or expulsion from Alamance-Burlington School System.

__________________________ _______________________ _____________________

Student Name (print) Student Signature Date

__________________________ ______________________ _____________________

Parent/Guardian Name (print) Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS

Your child has indicated a desire to participate in interscholastic athletics and activities. Supporting policies that govern school competition and the conduct and training of school athletes enables our community to create programs with positive opportunities and experiences for all students. Participation in athletics and activities is an extension of a student’s school experience and provides many valuable life lessons to young student-athletes. The Alamance Burlington School System is committed to providing a challenging, meaningful, and positive extra-curricular experience for students, parents, and coaches.

Participation in athletics and activities is an extension of a student’s school experience and provides many valuable life lessons to young student-athletes. The Alamance Burlington School System is committed to providing a challenging, meaningful, and positive extra-curricular experience for students, parents, and coaches.

o Athletics and extra-curricular activities complement, support, and extend a student’s overallacademic experiences.

o Involvement in athletics and activities provides opportunities to develop character,discipline, leadership, responsibility, and skill.

o A successful athletics and activities program requires the cooperation and support ofcoaches, athletes, parents/guardians, students, community members, and school personnel.Conduct and training of school athletes enable our community to create programs withpositive opportunities and experiences for all students.

PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIP

· Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of eachposition, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to children.

· As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have a right to understand whatexpectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’sprogram.

COACH’S EXPECTATION OF COMMUNICATION

· Concerns should be expressed directly to the coach

· Notification of any schedule conflicts should be communicated in advance

· Understanding of a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations

· As your children become involved in the programs with the Alamance Burlington School System, theywill experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that

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there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.

· Team concerns/questions should be communicated in the following order: Coach, Athletic Director,School Assistant Principal for Athletics, School Principal, then the District Athletic Director. If theDistrict Athletic Director is contacted first, the parent will be redirected to the school.

· Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches include playing time, team strategy, play calling, and otherstudent-athletes (except to report a violation of the Athletics and Activities Code of Conduct).

· These are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These interactionsare to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’sposition. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to helppromote a resolution to the issue of concern.

COMMUNICATION TIMEFRAME EXPECTATION

Please allow 24 hours to receive a return of all phone calls and 48 hours for returned emails from the coach/sponsor, Athletic Director, and/or Assistant Principal of Athletics and Activities.

* Negative comments and unsportsmanlike behavior toward other parents, athletes,coaches/sponsors, or officials will not be tolerated and may result in removal from that event,possibly for the remainder of the season.

"Parents with their words, attitudes, and actions possess the ability to bless or curse the identities of their children."

Craig Hill

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__________________________

__________________________ ______________________ ______________

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

PARENT PLEDGE

After reading and reviewing the sections pertaining to your child’s level of participation in extracurricular activities offered by the Alamance-Burlington School System, please indicate your understanding by initialing the statements below.

_____I received a copy of the Alamance-Burlington School Systems’ Athletics and Activities Code of Conduct.

_____I read and agree to the sections pertaining to my level of participation, including guidelines and expectations, in Alamance-Burlington athletics and activities.

_____I will follow all protocols associated with my participation in ABSS athletics and activities.

_____I understand my child must submit completed Student Statement of Understanding and Parent Statement of Understanding forms at least one day prior to the first contest in order to participate.

_____I agree to be a positive supporter of my child’s participation in athletics/activities.

_____I agree to allow coaches to coach and sponsors to lead.

_____I will interact in a respectful manner with all stakeholders involve in athletics/activities.

_____I realize that by not following proper behavior requirements while attending an athletic/activity event, I may be removed from that activity and possibly the remainder of the events associated with that sport or activity. Furthermore, inappropriate conduct may result in additional consequences, including an issuance of no-trespass on school property.

_____If I have a question or concern, I will communicate in the following sequence: Coach or Sponsor, Athletic Director, Principal, and lastly the District Athletic Director.

Student Name (print)

Parent/Guardian Name (print) Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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