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COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTIAN
SCHOOL
ATHLETIC HANDBOOK
A Guide for Students and Parents
Table of Contents
Welcome to Countryside Christian Athletic Programs 1
Introduction to the CCS Athletic Handbook 2
The CCS Athletic Mission Statement and Goals 3
Objectives and Outcomes of Participation 4
FHSAA Sportsmanship By-laws 5-6
Expectations of Coaches 7
Expectations of Parents 8-9
Expectations of Student Athletes 9-10
Parent/ Coach Relationship 11-13
Athletic Fee 14
Booster Club 14
Transportation 14
Equipment 15
Physical Exam 15
Awards 16
Eligibility 16-17
Misbehavior During Contests 18-19
Recruiting 20
Non-traditional/Homeschool Students 21
Welcome to Countryside Christian School
Athletic Programs
Dear Coaches, Parents, Athletes:
Thank you for participating in the Countryside Christian School Athletic programs. You play an
important role in the success of our athletic programs. Together as players, parents, coaches,
support staff, volunteers, and administration, we all share common goals. This athletic handbook
will help you understand the challenges facing us in achieving our goals. One thing is for certain,
we will all achieve more with a coordinated effort working together. This handbook is a first step
to coordinating our efforts around the common goals we all aspire to achieve. Building strong
relationships based on trust and mutual respect is another vital first step. These strong bonds will
serve to unify us when facing challenges and provide opportunities to build character from life
lessons. Our accomplishments will be a source of pride, enriching our school and community. I
am proud to be part of this extended family, the Countryside Christian School Athletic Programs.
Respectfully,
Faith Myers
Athletic Director
Introduction to the
Countryside Christian School
Athletic Handbook
Countryside Christian School considers athletics and activities to be very important components
of the comprehensive high school curriculum. These experiences greatly enhance a student’s
involvement with and enjoyment of his/her high school career, and contribute to a well-rounded
and multi-faceted individual. This handbook contains valuable information regarding your
participation in athletics at Countryside Christian School. We kindly ask that you and your
parents review this handbook carefully. As part of any athletic team, you become a
representative of Countryside Christian School. As such, you are expected to behave in an
appropriate manner, both on and off the field. The success of our athletic programs depends on
the quality of the people participating within them. In order to succeed in athletics, good
sportsmanship is required. The administrators and staff welcome you to the Countryside
Christian School Athletic Programs. If we can assist you in any way, please contact us at the
numbers shown below. Good luck and enjoy your participation in the Countryside Christian
School Athletic programs.
Principal Mr. Jody Robertson (352) 332-1493
Athletic Director Mrs. Faith Myers (352) 332-1493
Office Manager Mrs. Jessie Robertson (352) 332-1493
The CCS Athletic Mission Statement &
Goals Our mission is to utilize athletics as a unique educational tool that will glorify God;
while developing Biblical character qualities, as we equip student athletes
intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually in Christ, so that He may use their
gifts, and talents to impact our world for Christ. Our primary mission is to provide
quality interscholastic experiences in a distinctively Christian program. We believe
that athletics can be used as a unique educational tool that will glorify God: while
developing Biblical character qualities, as we equip young men and women
intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually in Christ, so that He may use their
gifts, and talents to impact our world for Christ. We understand the great responsibility
it is to raise up children in today's society, thus our staff looks to partner with parents
in training up their children in the sport of their giftedness while understanding that we
are developing only one component of the total person. We are 100% committed to the
concept of whole person development. (Luke 2:52) We look forward to your support of
CCS Athletics and we encourage you to get out and cheer on our student/athletes as
they represent our entire school community and more importantly as they compete to
honor and glorify Christ in all that they do. (Col 3:23)
Goals for Student Athletes
1. Understand who I am in Christ
2. Strive for excellence in the classroom
3. Become the best athlete I can be
Objectives and Outcomes of Participation
Athletics enhance a successful curriculum by strengthening opportunities that:
• Foster student leadership development.
• Support future academic or career options.
• Promote involvement in the school and the Community.
As a result of their participation in interscholastic athletics, the student/athlete will be able
to:
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship and ethics of competition.
• Respect the integrity and judgment of officials, coaches, and school personnel.
• Develop desirable personal health habits.
• Demonstrate mastery of basic fundamentals to complex motor skills in the related
activity.
• Identify and apply strategies necessary to successfully compete at their level of
competition in the related sport.
• Demonstrate the ability to work with others toward common goals and objectives.
• Demonstrate high levels of skill and health related fitness appropriate to their
developmental stage.
• Most importantly, enjoy the involvement and participation in interscholastic athletics.
Florida High School Athletic Association
Sportsmanship Bylaws
SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES
7.1.1 Sportsmanship Requirement. Players, coaches, administrators, spectators, contest
officials and all other persons connected directly or indirectly with a member school shall
practice and promote the highest standards of sportsmanship and ethics before, during and after
any interscholastic event.
7.1.2 Principal’s Duty. It shall be the responsibility of each member school principal to exercise
control over all individuals to the extent necessary to ensure safety and fair play for all
participants and adherence with these standards.
7.2 UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
7.2.1 “Unsportsmanlike Conduct” Defined. A student who commits an act of malicious and
hateful nature toward a contest official, an opponent or any other person attending an athletic
contest shall be guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct. Such acts may include, but are not limited to,
profanity, striking or threatening a contest official; physical contact with an opponent which is
beyond the normal scope of competition; spitting on a contest official or opponent; directing
gender, racial or ethnic slurs toward a contest official, an opponent or any other person attending
an athletic contest; or other such acts deemed to be unacceptable conduct according to the
principal of the member school the student attends or this Association.
7.2.1.1 Penalty for Students. Students who are found to have committed unsportsmanlike
conduct will be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletic competition for a penalty
period up to one or more calendar years.
7.2.1.2 Restoring Eligibility. The Executive Director, the Sectional Appeals Committee, or the
Board of Directors on appeal, may restore the student’s eligibility prior to the end of the penalty
period, when in the discretion of the Executive Director, the student has been properly
disciplined and the student signs a written statement of his/her intention to comply with these
standards in the future.
7.2.2 Executive Director’s Powers. The Executive Director shall have full authority to
investigate allegations and incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct and invoke penalties against
member schools or individuals involved.
7.2.3 Disqualifications. The disqualification from participation of a coach or student, or removal
of a spectator or other representative of a member school due to unsportsmanlike conduct during
an interscholastic event will subject the school to the appropriate penalties. An unexpired term is
considered to have served a full year only if he/she was appointed prior to and attended the first
meeting of the year.
Sportsmanship is a demonstration of generosity and genuine concern for others. It is a
concrete measure of the understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and
integrity.
• Sportsmanship is a blending of cheers for “your team” and applause for the “opponents,”
observing the letter and spirit of the rules, and showing consideration for others.
• Sportsmanship is the “golden rule” of athletics – treating others as you wish to be treated.
• Sportsmanship is respect – respect for others and one’s self.
• Sportsmanship is all this and much more.
• For a coach, sportsmanship might be accepting a “questionable” call without protest.
• For a student-athlete, it may be extending a helping hand to an opponent who is down.
• For a spectator, it might be cheering for his team when it loses, and applauding the opponent
when it wins.
• For an official, it may be showing restraint when verbally assaulted by coaches, athletes and
spectators.
• Sportsmanship encompasses all that which is good in human nature.
• Sportsmanship is citizenship in action.
Expectations of Coaches
The coaches will maintain a professional role and will keep the role of coach in proper
perspective by:
• Developing and communicating clear and specific goals for the team and individual
players throughout the season.
• Maintaining open and honest communication with students, parents, other coaches and
administration.
• Developing and demonstrating a good knowledge base of best practice specific to their
coaching arena.
• Supporting and collaborating with coaches in other athletic programs.
• Modeling and teaching skills necessary to succeed.
• Supporting student academic expectations, responsibilities, and achievements.
• Coaches will be positive role models in personal management, appearance, ethics, and
behavior by:
• Connecting athletic experiences with life experiences.
• Providing an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration among coaches and players.
• Becoming an integral part of, and developing rapport with, the Countryside Christian
School community including administration, coaches, parents, volunteers, and students.
• Modeling good sportsmanship at all times.
• Creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for student athletes.
• Understanding their leadership style and its impact on student athletes.
• Considering important commitments of student athletes outside their sports.
Expectations of Parents
The parents will communicate fairly and openly with coaches by:
• Communicating openly, honestly, and with respect.
• Communicating issues and concerns in an appropriate and timely manner, including those
of physical and emotional well-being on behalf of their student.
• Following an appropriate chain of communication such as
➢ Parent and Coach/Assistant Coach
➢ Parent and Athletic Director
➢ Parent/Principal
• Attending parent meetings and reading information disseminated by the coaches.
• The parents will demonstrate good sportsmanship by displaying the following behaviors:
• Providing support for coaches and officials to foster a positive, enjoyable experience for
all student athletes.
• Understanding the game is for students and not for the adults.
• Recognizing that student participation in athletics is a privilege.
• Using good sportsmanship as a spectator and conduct themselves in a manner that
reflects well on both the team and the school.
• Promoting the team by being supportive and helpful of the school program.
• Refraining from coaching their student from the stands or the sidelines.
• Expecting consistent student attendance at practices and games.
• Be available to volunteer to collect gate monies or work concession stands at least once
for each sports season.
Expectations of Parents (continued)
The parents will create a positive and supportive environment to promote their
student/athletes well-being by:
• Supporting good conditioning and healthy lifestyle habits.
• Placing the emotional and physical well-being of their student ahead of any personal
desire to win.
• Expecting their student to play in a safe and healthy environment.
• Supporting their student in planning how to meet their academic responsibilities given the
demands of training and practice.
• Being a role model for other parents by remaining positive at sporting events.
Expectations of Student Athletes
• The student athletes of Countryside Christian School will be committed to the school
athletic program on and off-season by:
• Following the rules set by the coaches and the school.
• Participating enthusiastically.
• Making appropriate personal sacrifices for the good of the team.
• Recognizing that student participation in athletics is a privilege.
• Setting challenging and realistic goals.
• Developing a positive attitude.
• Maintaining high academic standards.
• Being committed to skill development in their sport.
Expectations of Student Athletes
(continued)
The student athletes of Countryside Christian School will communicate openly and
honestly with respect for coaches, teammates, parents, officials, and opponents by:
• Developing a team attitude.
• Being coachable and open to constructive feedback.
• Sharing appropriate individual and team concerns with the coaching staff.
The student athletes of Countryside Christian School will demonstrate good citizenship and
sportsmanship by:
• Behaving with integrity.
• Exhibiting pride in their team and school.
• Playing by the rules.
• Accepting responsibility as a role model to others.
• Supporting other sports, activities, and school organizations.
• Playing with dignity and grace, regardless of winning or losing.
The student athletes of Countryside Christian School will develop and maintain mental and
physical (health) behaviors by:
• Being alcohol and drug free.
• Practicing self-discipline.
• Demonstrating good personal health habits.
• Dealing with challenges in a positive manner.
Parent / Coach Relationship
Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding
of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit
to student-athletes. As parents, when your child becomes involved in our program, you have a
right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear
communication from the coach of your child’s team.
Communication You Should Expect from Your Child’s Coach
• Philosophy of the coach.
• Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the team.
• Location and times of all practices and contests.
• Team requirements, such as, fees, special equipment, offseason conditioning.
• Procedures should your child be injured during practice or contest.
• Discipline that will result in denying your child’s participation.
Communication Coaches Expect From Parents
• Concerns expressed directly to coach.
• Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
• Specific concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.
As your children become involved in the programs at Countryside School, they will experience
some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that 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.
Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with
Coaches
• The treatment of your child mentally and physically.
• Ways to help your child improve.
• Concerns about your child’s behavior.
It is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are
professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all
students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be
discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those listed below, must be left to the
discretion of the coach. Issues Not Appropriate to Discuss With Coaches
• Playing time
• Team strategy
• Play Calling
• Other student athletes
There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are to
be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s
position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to
help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.
Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with
Coaches (continued)
If You Have a Concern to Discuss with a Coach, the Procedure You Should Follow:
• Call the school to set up an appointment with the coach.
• If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director.
• Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice.
• These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach.
• Meetings of this nature usually do not promote resolution. We respectfully ask that you
wait 24 hours before contacting a coach.
The Next Step
• What can a Parent do if the meeting with the Coach did not provide a satisfactory
resolution?
• Call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation.
• At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.
Research indicates a student involved in extra-curricular activities has a greater chance of
success during adulthood, therefore, these programs have been established. Many of the
character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a
successful life after high school.
Athletic Fee
The Countryside Christian School participation fee for an individual is $100 dollars per sport.
The fee must be paid prior to the student-athlete’s first contest of that season.
Participation fees are not refundable. There may be additional fundraisers that your student will
be required to participate in or pay the “buy-out” price of the fundraiser. You will be notified by
the coach of any such fundraiser.
Booster Club
The Countryside Christian School Booster Club is a group of friends and parents who are
interested in interscholastic athletics at Countryside School. The booster clubs support and
encourage the athletic activities of Countryside Christian School student-athletes. They also
provide moral and financial support to encourage participation in athletic activities for the
benefit of all students. They will be responsible for generating funds and improving athletic
equipment and facilities. Meetings are held regularly and your participation is encouraged.
Transportation
Please be aware of the Countryside Christian policy concerning the transportation of student
athletes to and from competitions. Countryside School provides transportation to and from all
athletic contests. All athletes are required to use school transportation. At times, the coach will
have to use parents to transport athletes. These drivers must have a current driver’s license and
proof of insurance. A copy of both must be on file in the school office. Athletes may not
participate in an away contest if they drive themselves to the event or if they use alternate
transportation without prior permission from the coach. In extenuating circumstances, parents
may need to drive their own children to or from a contest; but coaches need written notification
and approval from the coach must be granted in advance.
Equipment
An athlete is responsible for each item of equipment that is issued to him/her. Lost or stolen
equipment must be paid for at the replacement cost. An athlete will not be allowed to receive
awards, participate in a subsequent sport, or receive his/her diploma until the equipment record
has been cleared. Please do not abuse your equipment. Much money is spent to supply the best
equipment for your use and safety, please treat all equipment with respect.
Physical Exam
A valid physical examination must be on file in the athletic office on or before the first day of
try-outs/practice of the athlete’s specific sport season. Student athletes will not be allowed to
practice or try-out until a valid physical is on file in the athletic office.
Per FHSSA rules, your physical examination must be performed by a licensed physician,
physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner as set forth in the Florida State Statutes no more than
365 days prior to participation in any such practice, contest, or activity. We strongly encourage
all individuals who plan to participate in interscholastic athletics to complete their physical exam
in late June, July, or early August. Completing the exam during these months will avoid any
ineligibility issues. The following forms are required EL-02 and EL-03. All forms can be
found and downloaded at http://www.fhsaa.org/forms/general.
Awards
We will hold an awards banquet at the end of each sports season. We will combine banquets for
our Fall, Winter, and Spring sports. Coaches will communicate these expectations prior to the
start of each season.
Student Eligibility
In addition to the guidelines listed below, students of Countryside Christian School must
maintain a minimum of “A” privilege to be academically eligible for sports. This is done in
lieu of maintaining a minimum G.P.A.
9.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES
9.1.1 Participation in Interscholastic Athletics a Privilege. Participation in interscholastic
athletic programs by a student is a privilege, not a right. Students who participate are required to
meet the requirements established in state law, FHSAA regulations, and by their respective
schools.
9.1.1.1 Local Rules May Be More Stringent. Schools and /or school districts may adopt more
stringent rules for the students under their supervision. No school or school district, however,
may adopt rules that are less stringent than those of the FHSAA.
9.1.2 School Responsible to Ensure Student Eligibility. A school must not permit a student to
represent it in interscholastic athletic competition unless the student meets all eligibility
requirements and the school has certified the student’s eligibility to the FHSAA Office.
9.1.2.1 Ineligible Student. An ineligible student shall not be allowed on the players’ bench, in
the team box or on the field of play wearing any portion of a team uniform.
9.1.2.2 Falsification of Information. A student and/or parent/legal guardian appointed by a court
of competent
jurisdiction (HB 1403) falsifies information to gain eligibility shall be declared ineligible to
represent any member school for a period of one year from the date of discovery.
9.1.2.3 Eligibility of Recruited Students. A student may be declared ineligible based on
violation of
recruiting rules if (HB 1403):
(a) The student or parent/legal guardian appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction has
falsified any enrollment or eligibility document; or
2012-13 FHSAA Handbook 25
(b) The student or parent/legal guardian appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction accepted
any benefit or any promise of
benefit if such benefit is not generally available to the school’s students or family members or is
based in any way on athletic interest, potential, or performance.
9.1.3 Rationale for Eligibility Standards. Eligibility rules are necessary for participation in
interscholastic athletics because:
(a) They protect the opportunities of qualified students to participate; and
(b) They promote competitive equity among schools; and
(c) They encourage academic achievement by student-athletes.
9.2 ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
9.2.1 Student May Only Participate at School he/she First Attends Each School Year. A
student must attend school, and may participate only in the interscholastic athletic programs
sponsored by the school he/she first attends each school year, which is either: (s. 1006.20(2)(a),
Florida Statutes)
(a) The school where the student first attends classes; or
(b) The school where the student first participates in an athletic activities on or after the official
start date of that sport season before he/she attends classes at any school.
9.2.1.1 Definition of “Attend School.” A student attends school if he/she is present in a school
classroom
on a regular basis or is a “Non-Traditional” student participating for a member school. A student
can attend only one school at a time for the purposes of interscholastic athletic eligibility.
9.2.1.2 Definition of “Interscholastic Athletic Programs.” Interscholastic athletic programs
encompass
all activities relating to competitive sport contests involving individual students or teams of
students from one school against individual students or teams of students from another school.
Such activities include, but are not limited to, tryouts, offseason conditioning, summer workouts,
preseason conditioning, in-season practice and contests.
9.2.2 Attendance Exceptions
9.2.2.1 Home Education Student. A legally registered home education student may participate
at one of the following: (s. 1006.15(3)(c), Florida Statutes)
(a) The public school the student would be assigned according to district school board attendance
area policies; or
(b) A public school the student could choose to attend according to controlled open enrollment
provisions; or
(c) A private school that will accept the student for participation; or
(d) A home education cooperative to which the student belongs.
9.2.2.1.1 Home Education Student Requirements. To participate in interscholastic athletics, a
home education student must: (s. 1006.15(3)(c)1-7, Florida Statutes)
(a) register as a home education student with the district school superintendent of the county in
which he/she resides; and (b) register with the school of his/her intent to participate before the
beginning date of the season for the sport in which he/she wants to participate; and
(c) meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior and performance as the school requires of
other participating students; and (d) certify to the school at the end of each semester that he/she
has the minimum cumulative grade point average required for participation; and (e) meet all
other FHSAA eligibility requirements; and
(f) must be approved by the FHSAA Office each year using a form provided by the Association.
Misbehavior During Contests
1. If you violate the ethics of competition or the principles of good sportsmanship, you may be
barred from interscholastic athletic contests, either as a participant or spectator or both.
2. If you are ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct, you will be ineligible for your
team’s next two sanctioned contest. You may also subject to other penalties as well.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT 30.1 Sportsmanship and Ethics Student-athletes, coaches, administrators, spectators and all other persons connected directly or indirectly with a
member school, as well as contest officials, shall adhere to the principles of good sportsmanship and the ethics of
competition before, during and after all contests in which they participate and/or attend.
30.1.1 Penalties Assessed the School.
30.1.1.1 Storming the playing field, court, or pool by spectators and students during or at the conclusion of an
athletic contest may result in a monetary penalty of a minimum of $250 for indoor events or $500 for outdoor events
and may be increased depending on the severity of the incident.
30.1.1.2 Removal by a coach or school personnel of a team or individual from an athletic contest prior to its
normal conclusion will subject the school to a monetary penalty of a minimum of $250.
30.1.1.3 Vandalism by a team, student -athlete, coach or school personnel may result in a minimum $250
monetary penalty, or any other penalties as outlined in Bylaw 10.1, in addition to the school being financially
responsible for restitution of the item(s) vandalized.
30.2 Unsportsmanlike Act by a Student-Athlete
30.2.1 Penalties Assessed the Student-Athlete. Student-athletes who commit unsportsmanlike acts
before, during or after a contest will be subject to the following suspension levels as determined by the designee of
the Executive Director:
30.2.1.1 Level 1 Suspension. A student-athlete who commits an unsportsmanlike act or a flagrant foul for
which he/she is ejected from the contest will be ineligible to compete for the remainder of that contest and for a
minimum of the next two (2) contests, at the same level of participation in the sport of the suspension and in any
interscholastic athletic contest in any sport, at any level, during the period of suspension, in all sports except
football. For football, the student will be ineligible for a minimum of one (1) football game, at the same level of
participation, and any interscholastic athletic contest in any sport during the period of suspension. If the
unsportsmanlike act or flagrant foul occurs in the last contest of a season, the student will be ineligible for the same
period of time as stated above in the next sport in which the student participates; or
30.2.1.2 Level 2 Suspension. A student-athlete who receives a second Level 1 Suspension or commits an
unsportsmanlike act, as defined in Bylaw 7.2.1, will be ineligible to compete in any interscholastic athletic contest in
any sport, at an level, for a period of up to six (6) weeks; or
30.2.1.3 Level 3 Suspension. A student-athlete who receives a second Level 2 Suspension or commits an
egregious unsportsmanlike act, as determined in the sole discretion of the Executive Director, will be ineligible to
compete in any interscholastic athletic contest in any sport for a period of up to one (1) year; or
30.2.1.4 Level 4 Suspension. A student-athlete who receives three (3) or more Level 2 Suspensions or
commits an egregious unsportsmanlike act, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, will be
ineligible to compete in any interscholastic athletic contest in any sport for the duration of the student-athlete’s high
school career.
30.2.1.5 It is the responsibility of the local school authorities to ensure this policy is enforced. When an ineligible
student is allowed to participate, forfeiture of the contest is mandatory. This policy applies to all regular season and
State Series contests.
30.2.2 Penalties Assessed the School.
30.2.2.1 In the event that more than three (3) students from the same school have been charged with any
suspension level, as defined in 30.2.1, in any one sport, beginning with the fourth suspension, the school will be
immediately placed on administrative probation in that sport for one or more years, and will be assessed a minimum
financial penalty of $100 per suspension in that sport for the remainder of that sport’s season.
30.2.2.2 On the first Level 2 suspension or higher, as defined in 30.2.1, of a student in any sport, a written
warning shall be issued to the school that each subsequent suspension, at Level 2 or higher, in any sport will subject
the school to a minimum financial penalty of $250 per occurrence. Beginning with the next suspension of a student,
at Level 2 or higher, the minimum financial penalty of $250 will be assessed.
30.2.2.3 Participation by one or more student-athletes in an altercation in the bench area, or by leaving the bench
and entering the court or playing field (i.e., bench-emptying) or by leaving their designated position on the court or
playing field to engage in an altercation will subject the school to a minimum $100 per student monetary penalty.
30.3 Unsportsmanlike Act by a Coach or Other Representative of the
School’s Athletic Interests
30.3.1 Penalties Assessed the Coach or Other Representative of the School’s Athletic
Interests.
Coaches or other representatives of the school’s athletic interests (see Bylaw 1.4.18) who commit unsportsmanlike
acts before, during
or after a contest will be subject to the following suspension levels as determined by the designee of the Executive
Director:
30.3.1.1 Level 1 Suspension. A coach or other representative of the school’s athletic interests (see Bylaw
1.4.18)
who commits an unsportsmanlike act for which he/she is ejected from the contest, will be ineligible to coach or
attend the remainder of that contest and for a minimum of the next two (2) contests, at the same level of
participation in the sport of the suspension and in any interscholastic athletic contest in any sport, at any level,
during the period of suspension, in all sports except football. For football, the coach will be ineligible for a
minimum of one (1) football game, at the same level of participation, and any interscholastic athletic contest in any
sport during the period of suspension. If the unsportsmanlike act occurs in the last contest of a season, the coach will
be ineligible for the same period of time as stated above in the next sport in which the coach participates; or
30.3.1.2 Level 2 Suspension. A coach or other representative of the school’s athletic interests (see Bylaw
1.4.18) who receives a second Level 1 Suspension or commits an unsportsmanlike act, as defined in Bylaw 7.2.1,
will be ineligible to coach or attend any interscholastic athletic contest in any sport, at any level, for a period of up to
six (6) weeks; or
30.3.1.3 Level 3 Suspension. A coach or other representative of the school’s athletic interests (see Bylaw
1.4.18) who receives a second Level 2 Suspension or commits an egregious unsportsmanlike act, as determined in
the sole discretion of the Executive Director, will be ineligible to coach or attend any interscholastic athletic contest
in any sport for a period of up to one (1) year.
30.3.1.4 When a coach is disqualified (ejected) from a contest, the coach shall immediately leave the premises or
facility (i.e. gymnasium in basketball, volleyball and wrestling; stadium/field in baseball, football, soccer and
softball, etc.) to a place where the coach is not visible to either student-athletes, officials, spectators or other
coaches; and to where the contest
30.4 Public Criticism of Officials. No coach or other school personnel may publicly criticize or berate
an official prior to, during or following a contest. Professional ethics require that coaches and other school personnel
use proper channels, as per Bylaw 10.3.2, to report their complaints about officials rather than airing them publicly.
A minimum monetary penalty of $50 shall be assessed a school whose coach or other employees are in violation of
this provision.
Recruiting
All forms of recruiting are a violation of FHSAA rules and bylaws!
6.3 RECRUITMENT OF STUDENTS
6.3.1 General Principle. Recruitment or attempted recruitment of students for athletic purposes is an act of
unsportsmanlike conduct and is expressly forbidden.
6.3.2 Definition of Recruiting. Recruiting is the use of undue influence or special inducement by anyone
associated with the school in an attempt to encourage a prospective student to attend or remain at that school for the
purpose of participating in interscholastic athletics.
6.3.2.1 “Undue Influence and Special Inducement” Defined. The Board of Directors shall establish and
maintain a policy which defines undue influence and special inducement; lists examples of violations; establishes
penalties; and regulates academic recruitment and financial aid programs. Refer to Policy on Athletic Recruiting for
details.
6.3.3 Liability for Recruitment. A member school is responsible for any violation of this bylaw and/or the
recruiting policies committed by any person associated with the school, including the principal, assistant principals,
athletic director, coaches, teachers, any other staff members or employees, students, parents, or any organizations
having connection to the school, such as booster clubs. The member school is also responsible for a violation
committed by any third party under the direction of the school or anyone associated with it.
Non Traditional or Home School Students
Please use checklist below and provide all information to the school office.
Non-Traditional or Homeschool Student Checklist
[ ] Verify age – check birth certificate or other applicable official document – see Bylaw 9.6
(NOTE: if a birth certificate or passport from a foreign country is presented see the
“Youth Exchange/Other International/Immigrant Student” checklist and flowchart)
[ ] Verify date entered 9th grade (if applicable) – see Bylaw 9.5.1
(NOTE: if student is a middle school or junior high school student see Bylaw 9.5.2)
[ ] Verify GPA – see Bylaw 9.4.1
[ ] Verify the student has valid EL2 and EL3 for the current school year on file
[ ] Student registered his/her intent to participate before the first day of practice for the
sport(s) in which the student wishes to participate – see Bylaw 9.2.2 and Policy 16.5
(NOTE: Home Education students must submit the EL7 Form)
