Saint Mary’s High School administration, athletic director and coaches believe that students who are selected for the privilege of membership on teams should conduct themselves as responsible representatives of the school. In order to assure the integrity of the athletic code of conduct, the athletic director and coaches will enforce this Code of Conduct. Furthermore, matters which are brought to the attention of the Dean of Students concerning members of teams who fail to abide by the Athletic Code of Conduct, are subject to disciplinary action by the office of the deans.

Members of teams must always serve as exemplars of high moral character and must demonstrate appropriate academic commitment. As recognized representatives of Saint Mary’s High School, team members are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior whether in season or out of season, in uniform or out of uniform, on campus or off campus.

The interscholastic program is an integral part of Saint Mary’s High School. It holds many educational benefits for those students who elect to participate. The self-discipline required of the students participating in interscholastic competition provides a unique training opportunity not ordinarily available elsewhere in the curriculum.

All interscholastic activities of the school’s athletic department will maintain the ideals and standards that are the policy of the school administration, the Tri City Athletic League, the San Joaquin Section (SJS), and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). Saint Mary’s High School’s athletic department strives to create an environment that promotes competitiveness, spirituality, teamwork and self-discipline. We are committed to building character, developing responsibility, and promoting sportsmanship which will become life-long traits.

Informed Consent

Parents and students need to be aware of the potential dangers of participation in interscholastic athletics since there is a risk of being injured in any sport. The risk of injury may be severe, including varieties of fractures, sprains, contusions, brain injuries, paralysis, or even death. Risk of injury may be somewhat reduced through parent insistence upon student-athletes following carefully all of the guidelines given by the coaching staff and school regarding training rules, safety procedures, proper use of equipment, legal and safe playing techniques, and any and all other safety procedures.

Eligibility

The school’s program operates on the concept of the “student-athlete.” A student wishing to participate in the sports program must meet the following eligibility standards, while making satisfactory progress toward graduation.

a) An athlete must maintain a 2.00 grade point average or be excluded from participation in an athletic sport until the student attains a 2.00 GPA at the next grading period.

b) CIF rules require that semester grades be used to determine eligibility at the end of the second and fourth quarters. Grading periods shall be first quarter, first semester, and third quarter and second semester.

c) A student must have a 2.00 GPA on the report card from the previous grading period (all subjects count toward the determination of the 2.00 GPA) in order to be eligible to participate in sports for the next quarter. No student with two or more grades of “F” is eligible.

d) For the school year: the eligibility period begins when the Vice- Principal publishes the list of ineligible students based on the marks received on the previous semester/quarter report card. Students are ineligible from one publication date to the next.

e) The same procedure will be used for the remaining quarters. The eligibility will always be determined by the previous quarter or semester grades. f) In the event a student receives below a 2.00 GPA on the 2nd semester report card and hence would be ineligible in the Fall, but said athlete goes to summer school and in essence, raises their grade and the grade is acceptable to SMHS it may be counted. If, in the recomputing of the GPA, it rises to 2.00 or above, the student would be eligible for participation in the fall quarter. The student shall remain ineligible until the Vice Principal reviews the grades. Such a student (summer school student) shall be permitted to practice but not participate in events until eligibility is determined after the receipt of the summer school grades. Note: prior to attending summer school, students should consult with the St. Mary’s Vice Principal and Counselor to ensure that credit will be given for courses taken.

g) Students shall not be permitted or encouraged to drop classes, change teachers, or otherwise alter their schedules for the purpose of defeating the intent of this policy.

h) No student entering SMHS from the 8th grade shall be affected by this policy until after their first grading period at SMHS.

i) In all transfer cases, it is presumed that the student is eligible to participate based upon the C.I.F. transfer rules.

j) Ineligible students may not participate in conditioning programs for upcoming sports. They may, however, continue with weight training if they are enrolled in the class. Any special case or extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the athletic director and may be deemed eligible by the athletic director.

Attendance Requirements

a) Minimum attendance for participation in a practice or game is one-half of the school day. Parents must call the attendance office to excuse all absences. The athletic director and Dean of Students must clear any exceptions.

b) Any student-athlete enrolled in a physical education class who does not dress and participate in class on a given day may not participate in practice or in a game on the same day.

c) A student-athlete who cuts a class as determined by the Dean of Students, will not be permitted to participate in any practice or game that day (or as soon as the athletic director is notified and can notify the coach).

Uniform/Equipment

a) Any student who is issued equipment or uniforms is fully accountable for the return, in good condition, of the items issued. Parents will be held financially accountable for any items lost, stolen, or damaged. It is also the policy of the athletic department for all equipment/uniforms being used in the previous seasonal sport to be returned before the athlete will be allowed to participate in the upcoming sport.

b) Uniforms and equipment issued to the student at the beginning of the season for use throughout the sport, shall be stored in a LOCKED locker at school or kept at home for use on game days. No student should give out the combination to any other. It is the student’s responsibility to lock all valuables and possessions at all times during use of the locker room for storage. All lost possessions must be reported to the coach immediately.

Medical Requirments

a) Each student who participates in any sport must provide evidence of a physical examination by a licensed physician M.D. or D.O in order to satisfy C.I.F. and SMHS athletic regulations. Physical examinations are valid for one calendar school year and are offered by the school prior to each sports season in the months of August, October, and January.

b) Athletes must have a signed “Authorization to Consent to Treatment” card on file in the athletic office.

c) Football Insurance: Medical insuranec is required for competition in interscholastic football. This requirement may be satisfied through policies held by the student-athlete that do not exclude interscholastic football, or by the purchase of insurance, through St. Mary's that specifically covers interscholastic football.

d) After an injury which requires medical attention, a release in writing must be obtained from a doctor before a player may resume participation. This is for the protection of the player, coach, and school.

Travel

a) Travel to away contests may be by school vans, a chartered bus, or other method approved by parental permission slips. Transportation of students from their homes to game sites is the responsibility of the parents. Transportation of students to off-campus practice sites are also the responsibility of the parents.

b) Students who travel to a contest by a school van, a chartered bus, etc. must present a signed note from their parents if they are to be permitted to go home with someone else.

c) Athletes are to be dressed neatly and appropriately when traveling to away contests and as well as when attending home games.

Outside Competition

a) According to CIF rules, no student may participate for an outside team (except soccer) and a school team in the same sport during the same season.

b) Athletes are not obligated to attend any meeting when the sport is not in season or when the athlete is still a member of another school team. Athletes may however request their coaches’ permission to attend organizational meetings of another SMHS sport, especially if it would involve missing a practice time.

Athletics Awards Policy

a) Block SM letters will be given for varsity sports only. Athletes must have participated on the varsity level in approximately half of his/her team’s events with the final decision being at the discretion of the head coach or athletic director. Award winners will be limited to one SM block letter with subsequent recognition by certificate and emblems for each sport in which they participate.

b) Awards will be made on the basis of the coach’s recommendations. Athletes who regularly miss practices or games will not receive an award.

c) Players who participate will receive a certificate of participation. All “first-time” participants shall receive a chenille number indicating their year of graduation.

d) Student managers will receive Block SM letter awards with a manager emblem upon the completion of their duties and the recommendation of the coach. Statisticians do not receive a Block SM letter, but may receive a letter of commendation.

e) If an athlete drops out of a sport or is dismissed from the team for disciplinary reasons, they automatically forfeit any award they might have received.

Drugs/Alcohol

The athletic department fully supports the policy set forth in the parent/student handbook concerning the possession of, selling of and use of drugs/alcohol on the way to or from school, at school, before, during or after a school-sponsored event. in addition to the overall school policy, the athletic department shall dismiss the athlete from the sport in which they are currently participating.

The C.I.F. mandates that, “as a condition of membership, all schools shall adopt policies prohibiting the use and abuse of androgenic/anabolic steroids. All member schools shall have all participating students and their parents/caregiver agree that the athlete will not use steroids without the written prescription of a fully licensed physician (as recognized by the American

Medical Association) to treat a medical condition.” Saint Mary’s High School affirms and supports this mandate and encourages all families to discuss this important issue with their student-athlete.

General

a) A completed participation packet is required of all students intending to participate prior to the official starting date for the sport. Packets are available from the athletic office.

b) Athletes who are forced to try out late due to overlapping seasons will be given an equal opportunity to make the team.

c) Any person cut from a team may request an explanation from the coach involved.

d) After joining a team, a player must finish that season before going out for another sport, unless approval is received from the coaches involved and approved by the athletic director.

e) Athletes and their parents are expected to be familiar with the policies and regulations of the SMHS athletic department.

f) Parents of athletes are highly encouraged to join the athletic sports association club.

g) While in season, athletic teams must attend any school optional Mass as a team. They will sit together as a team and dress appropriately. Teams are strongly encouraged to attend a morning Mass in the chapel at times throughout their season.

h) SMHS affirms the dignity of every student. Hazing is unacceptable conduct, as well as illegal, and will not be tolerated.

Cheerleading

Tryouts are held during the spring semester prior to enrollment. All cheerleaders are required to enroll in this class. It is mandatory for each student who makes the team to attend cheer camp in the summer. Both parent and student guarantee attendance to all outside class time practices and performances by signing a contract. The contract also states that the student will abide by all the rules. Up to 20 P.E. credits can be applied toward P.E. requirements.

Drill Team

This performing group acts as a supplement to the band during halftime shows at football and basketball home games. General fitness is important and dance experience is necessary for this class. It is mandatory for each student who makes this team to attend Dance/Drill camp in the summer.

There are no exceptions to this rule. A contract must be signed guaranteeing attendance at all outside class time practices and performances. This contract states that the student will abide by all the rules. This course does not meet GPA requirements.

Grievance Policy

If an athlete or parent should have a grievance with a coach or team member, he/she MUST first attempt to resolve any issues with the coach. When all attempts with the coach have been exhausted, then the athletic office should be contacted.

C.I.F. Pursuing Victory with Honor Athletes' Code of Conduct

Saint Mary’s High School athletes are expected to:

• Do what is right even when it is unpopular.

• Fulfill commitments to the team and school.

• Be loyal to your school and team by putting the team above personal glory.

• Treat all people inside and outside of school with respect.

• Be gracious in victory and accept defeat with dignity.

• Be respectful; do not engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including profanity, obscene gestures, offensive remarks of a sexual nature, trash talking, taunting, boastful celebrations, or other actions that demean individuals or the sport.

• Treat game officials, opponents and coaches with respect.

• Be a student first, knowing that the primary responsibility of a student-athlete is academic achievement.

• Remember that participation in sports is a privilege, not a right.

• Consistently exhibit good character and conduct yourself as a positive role model on and off the field.

• Be a positive role model; do not use any illegal or unhealthy substances, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or performance-enhancing drugs.

• Exercise self-control. Do not fight or show excessive displays of anger or frustration.

• Honor, observe and enforce the spirit and the letter of rules and regulations.

• Maintain academic eligibility.

• Be at school for a minimum of one-half day in order to participate in any extra-curricular activity.

• Abide by and support the parent/student handbook.

St. Mary’s Spectator Code of Conduct

• Discourage any dishonest or unsportsmanlike conduct.

• Treat all participants with respect.

• Be gracious in victory and accept defeat with dignity.

• Not engage in disrespectful conduct including profanity, obscene gestures, and offensive remarks of a sexual nature, trash talking, taunting, boastful celebrations or other actions that demean individuals or the sport.

• Treat game officials with respect.

• Let the coaches coach.

• Display respect for all other spectators.

• Exercise self-control.

• Listen to and obey the requests of the public address announcer and all security personnel in attendance.

• Be at school at least one-half day in order to attend any extra-curricular event.

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Parent Code of Conduct

Saint Mary’s High School parents are expected to:

• Let the coaches coach.

• Consistently exhibit good character and conduct yourself as a positive role model.

• Support the program.

• Encourage communication between your student athlete and the coach.

• Be loyal to the school and team; put the interests of the team above your child’s personal glory.

• Teach your child to live and play with class and be a good sport.

• Treat game officials with respect.

• Support the concept of “being a student first.”

• Be honest with your child about the likelihood of getting an athletic scholarship or playing on a professional level.

• Remember that participation in sports is a privilege, not a right.

• Teach your child to avoid temptations to gain competitive advantage through improper gamesmanship techniques that violate the highest traditions of sportsmanship.

• Abide by and support the parent/student handbook.