Student-Athlete Code of Conduct Handbook

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education amendments of 1972, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, and Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1977, it is the policy of the Hazel Park School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion ,military status, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law,) height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination during any program, activity, service or employment. Inquiries related to any nondiscrimination policies should be directed to the Superintendent, 1620 E. Elza, Hazel Park, MI 48030, (248) 658-5200.

Anyone involved in our athletic program is expected to represent Hazel Park Schools and its schools and community in a first-class quality manner at all times. This includes both on and off the field of athletic competition and events .

Hazel Park Schools expects all of our student-athletes to focus on being the best they can be in the following three areas:

1. Be the best Person by the manner in which we act. Sportsmanship, work ethic and how we treat others is paramount in setting the right example for our young people in our community. Taking responsibility and representing our teams, school and community is very important in establishing the type of standards that we must constantly be striving for in the Hazel Park Schools. We must realize how destructive complaining, making excuses and blaming others can be in becoming successful teams and individuals. It is far more important to work at having a positive attitude, team loyalty, dedication, and placing the team ahead of individual accomplishments. These are the characteristics that will stand the test of time and result in having an athletic program with a solid foundation.
2. Be the best Student by stressing solid study habits and commitment in this area. We are in school to learn first and participating in athletics is a privilege. If a student chooses not to maintain solid study habits he/she will be jeopardizing this privilege. To reach our potential as a student it must be emphasized and made a priority at all times. Academic achievement must be a goal we are willing to set with high standards that demonstrate good organization of time and solid efforts. All athletes must be willing to make sacrifices and pay the price of hard work in the classroom if they are real team players. Don't let your team down when it comes to this critical matter.
3. Be the best Athlete by taking care of being a solid person and student first. We don't have a chance at becoming a true student-athlete without the proper attitude as a person and student.

Actions in the classroom and community will definitely carry over to how well a student-athlete performs in athletics. Being a student-athlete does not result in special privileges. In fact, it is just the opposite. Student- athletes have more responsibility and far more to lose if they fail as a person or student. The genuine student-athlete is not afraid of the extra responsibility and work. The real student-athletes look at these obligations and expectations as challenges. They are not afraid to help others and do not go around thinking they are better than the rest of the student body. Real student-athletes appreciate the opportunity he/she has and does not take himself too seriously. Hazel Park Schools expect our student-athletes to constantly realize there are small eyes upon them and watching what they say and do!

"Our Attitude determines our Actions and our Actions reveal our Character."

Code of Conduct

Student-athletes are subject to all MHSAA rules and regulations even though such rules may not be included specifically in this document. A copy may be reviewed at the Middle School Main Office, High School Main Office, and Board of Education and Administrative Office.

The following rules of eligibility must be observed in order to participate in the interscholastic athletic program at Hazel Park Schools:

1. Enrollment (MHSAA Regulation - Section 1a)

The student-athlete must be enrolled in the school by Monday of the fourth week of the semester in which he/she competes. The student-athlete must reside in the school service area in which he/she attends school and must be enrolled in the school for which he/she competes.

1. Age (MHSAA Regulation - Section 2a)

High School: A student-athlete in grades nine through twelve who participates in any interscholastic athletic contest must be under nineteen (19) years of age. When a student-athlete's nineteenth birthday occurs on or after September 1 of a current school year, he/she is eligible for participation for the balance of that school year.

Middle School: A seventh or eighth grade student-athlete must be under fourteen (14) and fifteen (15) years of age, respectively. A student-athlete who reaches that age after September 1 is eligible for participation for the balance of that school year.  

1. Participant Physical Examination (MHSAA Regulation - Section 3a)

A student-athlete must have a Physical Examination Form completed by a physician certifying that the student is fully able to compete in athletics. The physical must take place after April 15 of the previous school year to be used for the current school year. The student-athlete must submit the completed physical form to the coach prior to participating in tryouts, practice sessions, or contests. The completed form will be kept on file in the athletic office during subsequent sports seasons.

1. D) Seasons of Competition (MHSAA Regulation - Section 4a)

A student-athlete, while enrolled in grades nine through twelve, shall be eligible to compete in no more than four (4) seasons in either first or second semester athletics. For example, a student may not compete in more than four (4) seasons of a particular sport: football, tennis, etc. Student-athletes enrolled in grade seven or eight are not limited in the number of seasons of competition. A student-athlete shall be limited to participation in only one sport session when that sport leading to a state championship is sponsored twice during the school year.

1. E) Semester of Eligibility (MHSAA Regulation - Section 5a)

A student-athlete shall not be eligible to compete in any branch of athletics that has been enrolled in grades nine through twelve for more than eight semesters. The seventh and eighth semesters must be consecutive. Enrollment in a school for a period of three weeks or more, or competing in one or more interscholastic athletic contests, shall be considered as enrollment for a semester under this rule. Student-athletes in grades seven or eight are not limited in the number of semesters in which they may be eligible.

MHSAA Regulation - Section 7a

The Hazel Park Schools will abide by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) regulation concerning eligibility.

While the MHSAA rules state that a student-athlete must have received passing grades in a minimum of 66% of classes (e.g. 4 classes) during the previous semester and must maintain passing grades in a minimum of 66% of classes (e.g. 4 classes) during the current semester to be eligible to participate in athletics, Hazel Park Schools require student-athletes pass 100% of his or her classes with a 60% or higher to participate on an athletic team. If a student- athlete drops/withdraws from a class and it is deemed a drop/fail, the student becomes immediately academically ineligible.

In no case shall Hazel Park Schools’ regulations be less than those of the MHSAA.

1. The previous semester grades will be used to determine eligibility for the start of the next semester. Student-athletes who fail a class or classes in the spring semester may be eligible to participate in a sport which begins before the start of the fall semester only after the successful completion of a class or classes which makes up for the class or classes failed (e.g. summer school).

Student-athletes who are ineligible at the start of the fall semester may be eligible to participate in an interscholastic contest (game) after a satisfactory progress report is submitted after the third week of the semester. While the student-athlete is ineligible, he/she may practice with the team.

1. Eligibility for maintaining passing grades shall begin on the first day of the fourth week of each semester. If a student-athlete receives a failing grade (e.g. one F or more), he/she will become immediately ineligible.  The academic check procedure will be repeated biweekly for the entire season. Eligibility will be reinstated at the point when the student-athlete’s grade becomes passing or when teacher communication is apparent and the student is taking responsibility for the agreed upon academic plan of action (e.g. turning in all assignments, paying attention at all times in class, seeking extra help from the teacher, etc.). Academic eligibility checks will be done bi-weekly. A student-athlete’s eligibility status will be based on his/her grades in the current quarter. Appealed eligibility can be reinstated at the discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee.
2. The eligibility check will be done by the designee of the Superintendent.
3. A student-athlete’s academic record is based upon their originally scheduled class   load. Therefore, virtual classes may not be utilized toward semester eligibility, with the exception of summer school.

MHSAA Regulation - Section 11

1. A student-athlete may not accept from any source anything for participation in athletics other than an emblematic award. An emblematic award would include, but not be limited to, any medal, ribbon, badge, plaque, cup, trophy, banner, picture, or regular letter award.
2. No acceptable award shall exceed forty ($40.00) dollars in the value with the exception of the regular letter award of the school. The cost of engraving a medal or similar award need not be included in the determining the value of the award.
3. No one, such as parent, friend, or other person, may accept an award on behalf of a student-athlete at any time prior to graduation from high school.
4. Acceptance of such items as cash, merchandise, memberships, privileges, services, athletic equipment, apparel, and watches would be a violation.
5. Attendance at season banquet is required in order to receive your award, unless prior arrangements have been made with the coach and Athletic Director.
6. A student-athlete violating any area of this section would be ineligible for interscholastic athletic competition for a period of at least one semester from the date of the violation. If violation occurs after the Monday of the fourth week of a semester, a student-athlete is ineligible for the balance of that semester and the succeeding semester.

1. A student-athlete participating or planning to participate in interscholastic athletics may NOT (1) accept any money or other valuable consideration for participating in athletics, sports, or games, (2) receive any money or other valuable consideration for officiating at interscholastic athletic contests, or (3) sign a contract with a professional team.
2. The rule in (A) above applies to the following sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Softball, Tennis, Track, Volleyball, or Wrestling.
3. A student-athlete violating this rule is ineligible and may not apply for reinstatement until the equivalent of one full school year has elapsed from the date of the last violation. After that date the student-athlete may request reinstatement to the MHSAA. any request to the MHSAA for reinstatement shall be submitted on behalf of the student by Hazel Park Schools.

MHSAA Regulation - Section 11

1. A student-athlete who has participated in any athletic contest as a member of a school team may not participate in the same sport in the same season in any athletic competition outside of and not sponsored by the school. The exception to this rule is the individual sport athlete who may participate in a maximum of two (2) individual sports meets or contests during that sport season while not representing his/her school. A student- athlete may not compete in any "all-star" contests at any time in any sport sponsored by the MHSAA during the school year.
2. A student-athlete violating rules in this section will be ineligible to participate in athletic contests and scrimmages for a period from a minimum of the next three contests up to a maximum of one school year depending on the violation.

1. Student-athletes are to attend school during the total school day in order to participate in athletic contests or practice during the same day or evening. Should there be a situation whereby a student-athlete cannot attend school, who would normally receive a verified absence, the student-athlete will be allowed to participate in the contest with approval of the Athletic Director.
2. A student-athlete with a non-verified absence from school may not participate in the athletic practice or contest scheduled for that day.

Attendance at practice sessions is essential to prepare athletes physically and mentally for athletic contests. All student-athletes are required to be at all athletic practice sessions and contests at the times designated by the coach.

Student-Athletes May Be Excused for the Following:

Verified absences, school-sponsored events, and family emergencies are excusable absences. If interpretation is needed it will be done by the coach in conjunction with the Athletic Director. Saturday and Sunday practices, even if scheduled in advance will be considered optional. Any student-athlete suspended shall not participate in practice or contest during their suspension.

Both parent and athlete must understand that any absences may affect an athlete’s performance, playing time, and therefore his/her relative position on the team.

Failure to Comply

Failure to attend scheduled practices or contests without an excused absence may lead to disciplinary action by the coach. Any student-athlete who has 3 unexcused absences will be dismissed from the team and not allowed to participate in that or any other sport during that season.

Any student-athlete on a team traveling to an away athletic practice or contest on school owned or chartered transportation or other such approved vehicles shall return to the home school on the same vehicle after the practice or contest is over. The only exception is when prior written or verbal arrangements are made and the coach grants permission for the student-Athlete to leave the contest site with his/her parent or guardian. Student-athletes may not drive to games, whereas carpools must be arranged with parent drivers.

Failure to Comply

Any student-athlete not returning from any away contest with a team without permission of the coach is ineligible to participate in athletic contests for one (1) calendar week from the date of the violation. Student-athlete may practice with the team. A second violation will result in immediate dismissal from the team for the remainder of that sport season.

Student-athletes will be responsible for the care, security, and use of uniforms and equipment issued to them.

FAILURE TO COMPLY
Student-athletes shall be responsible to pay the replacement cost for uniform or equipment items that are abused or not returned. Student-Athletes shall not be allowed to participate in athletics in succeeding seasons until this obligation is met .

Tobacco, Alcohol, Marijuana, Narcotic, Controlled Substance (E.G. Anabolic Steroids), or Possession of Drug Specific Paraphernalia

Hazel Park Schools expects student-athletes to conduct themselves is a way that positively reflects the district, community and student-body twenty-four hours per day, three- hundred sixty-five days a year. At no time shall a student-athlete use, possess, buy, sell, or give away any drug E.G. tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, narcotic, controlled substance (E.G. anabolic steroids), or possession of drug specific paraphernalia

Self-Disclosure:

Any student-athlete, who by himself/herself or together with his/her parents or legal guardians, voluntarily discloses to a coach, (who must immediately follow-up with an administrator) or to an administrator a violation of Section X during the self-disclosure window shall be subject to the following disciplinary actions:

Consequences for Self-Disclosure:

The student-athlete shall select either Option 1 or Option 2 as follows:

Option 1: Forfeit 50% of the current season (or 50% of the upcoming season if the violation occurs out of that student-athlete’s season). If the current season is near its ending, then future or next sport seasons will be used to fulfill the 50% forfeiture clause.  The student-athlete must also show evidence of attending a program for drug abuse or awareness approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee. The student-athlete shall also submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing as determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Option 2: Forfeit 25% the current season or 25% of the upcoming season if the violation occurs out of that student-athlete’s season. The student-athlete must also show evidence of attending a program for drug abuse or awareness approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee. The student-athlete will also be required to fulfill 40 hours of community services approved by and in conjunction with the Athletic Director.

The self-disclosure window shall be defined as thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the incident or the date the Superintendent received credible information regarding incident, whichever is lesser. Credible information shall be defined as, but not limited to law enforcement reports and first-hand witness statements by staff or Board of Education members.

In Option 1 or Option 2, a student-athlete failing a required drug and/or alcohol test or self- reporting additional offenses shall immediately result in a one (1) calendar year suspension from athletic programs in Hazel Park Schools.

A student-athlete that does not self-disclose during the disclosure window shall be subject to the disciplinary actions listed under Failure to Comply for Not Self-Disclosure.

Consequences for Not Self-Disclosing:

First Violation:

Six (6) month suspension from participation in any and all athlete practices and contest. Should the six (6) month suspension not encompass a sport that the student-athlete  participates, then the suspension shall be 50% of upcoming

athletic season that the student-athlete participates in. Prior athletic involvement shall be used to determine the 50% suspension. The student-athlete must also show evidence of attending a program for drug and/or alcohol abuse or awareness approved by the Athletic Director.

Second Violation:

Immediate dismissal from the team and one (1) calendar year suspension of athletic   participation from the date of the incident. The student-athlete must also show evidence of attending a program for drug and/or alcohol abuse or awareness approved by the Athletic Director.

Third Violation:

Permanent dismissal from the athletic program at Hazel Park Schools.

Penalties shall be cumulative beginning with and throughout the student-athlete's participation in the Hazel Park Schools’ athletic program.

Student-athletes charged with a misdemeanor or felony not covered in Section X are subject to a hearing by the Athletic Review Committee, as defined in Section XXII. Consequences can range from game suspensions to removal based on severity.

A variety of sports camps, schools, clinics, and training programs are offered to student-athletes during the off-season and summer months by individual coaches and parks and recreation departments. These programs provide opportunities for aspiring student-athletes to improve their skills in a chosen sport. These summer and off-season programs are voluntary. Student- athletes shall not be required to enroll in these programs as a condition for membership or placement on an athletic team the succeeding season.

It is extremely important that our student-athletes represent Hazel Park Schools in a first class manner at all times. This is expected while the athlete is in school, on the athletic field and in the community. A student-athlete is eligible to participate in athletics if in the judgment of the Superintendent or his/her designee, school administration, teaching and coaching staff, he/she is a representative of the schools in matters of citizenship, integrity and sportsmanship. Participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right. Hazel Park High School will deal with misrepresentation in any form very severely when it deems necessary.

Student-athletes who are removed from an athletic contest for unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended for the remainder of day’s contest(s) and the next date of competition under MHSAA Regulations. If the conduct is deemed flagrant, the student-athlete may be suspended for more than one contest or removed from the team for the remainder of the season as determined by the Athletic Director.

A student-athlete who signs up to for a team that has a tryout period, and does not make the final cut, will be allowed to try out for another team (sport) upon mutual approval of the Athletic Director and the coach involved, and if the roster for that team has not been finalized by the Athletic Director. After the first official week of practice for any team, a student-athlete may not transfer from one team (sport) to another.

It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to report any in school minor or major violations of the Student Code of Conduct to the Athletic Director. When a student-athlete violates the Student Code of Conduct, the following consequences shall occur in addition to the consequences provided by the school principal or his/her designee:

First Major Violation:

Sport with ten or less game dates - 1 game date suspension

Sport with more than ten game dates - 2 game date suspension (max 3 games)

Second Major Violation:

Sport with ten or less game dates - 2 game date suspension

Sport with more than ten game dates - 4 game date suspension (max 6 games)

Third Major Violation:  Dismissal from the team for the remainder of the season.

Jr. High School Expectations:
Jr. High School students who have two or more 5’s in citizenship will not be eligible to participate in athletics. If a student has a 4 or 5 in citizenship, they will be placed on probation and will be required to have their teachers complete a weekly progress report. In order to remain eligible, the weekly progress report must indicate that the student’s citizenship in class has improved and remains at an acceptable level.

A student-athlete shall receive a one (1) game suspension for every six tardies (per season per class).  First hour classes will not be counted towards tardies.

1. Student athletes are not to be in the locker room, gymnasium, athletic fields with school equipment, bus, or in the school building without a coach in the immediate area.
2. The school building is off limits to the student-athlete after 3 P.M. on school days, non- school days, and weekends without a coach or authority from a building staff member.
3. Anytime a building staff member directs or requests a student athlete to vacant an area the student is to respond in a respectful and timely manner. A student athlete is not to argue or debate any request by a building staff member. Any disrespect or insubordination on the part of a student athlete may result in disciplinary action.
4. It is important that students and coaches adhere to all policies. Try to create as safe of an environment as possible for everyone involved in our program.

Coaches may have a dress code for the entire season. The dress code shall be communicated to student-athletes by the coach at the beginning of the season.

Supplemental rules/ regulations unique to a given sport may be implemented upon the approval of the Athletic Director. These rules must be in writing and submitted to participants prior to the start of the season, except under special circumstances as approved by the Athletic Director.

The Athletic Director is the only party who may exclude a student from athletic participation. Exclusion is generally based on the recommendation of the coach and/or building administrator.

In the event that a suspension from athletics cannot be fully served during a season, it will carry over into the following season. The only exceptions to the above rule would be in the case of a senior, in which case the suspension would carry over into the next sport he/she participates in that year. In case of MHSAA infraction, the MHSAA rules of “Carry Over of Penalties” supersede the rules outlined in Section XXI.

The consequences and/or disciplinary action that a student-athlete is subject to, under the guidelines of the Student-Athletic Code of Conduct Handbook, may or may not be appealed. The decision to grant the request for an appeal is at the discretion of the Athletic Director.

The student-athlete and/or their parent/guardian must initiate a written request to the Athletic Director to appeal the disciplinary action taken within three (3) school days of the date of disciplinary action. The written request to the Athletic Director must include the following information:

• Student-athlete’s first and last name, address, and telephone number.
• Parent/Guardian’s first and last name, address and telephone number.
• Summary of the incident and discipline action taken.
• Reason and request for the appeal to be considered.
• Signature of the student-athlete and their parent/guardian.

Any documentation received by the student-athlete or parent/guardian regarding the discipline  action taken must be attached to the written request for appeal to the Athletic Director.

After reviewing the written request for appeal, the Superintendent may or may not forward the appeal to the Athlete Review Committee. The decision of the Superintendent shall be provided in writing to the student-athlete within five (5) school days of the receipt of the appeal request. The Superintendent’s decision is final.

If the Superintendent’s decision is to forward the request for appeal to the Athletic Review Committee, the committee shall meet within ten (10) school days of the Superintendent’s decision. The five (5) member Athletic Review Committee shall consist of the Designee of the Superintendent (e.g. Athletic Director), two (2) athletic coaches, one (1) teacher and one (1) administrator.

The Superintendent shall present to the Athletic Review Committee the written request for appeal received and any documentation relevant to the incident. The student-athlete and parent/guardian shall have an opportunity to address the Athletic Review Committee. Other than the student-athlete, their parent/guardian, and committee members, No other individuals may be present during the appeal proceedings.

The decision of the Athletic Review Committee shall be communicated to the student-athlete and parent/guardian by the Superintendent within three (3) days of the committee hearing.

The Athletic Review Committee is final and not subject a Board of Education appeal.

Failure to Comply

The sanctions set forth under each section are intended to illustrate sanctions for each particular offense. However, the district reserves the right to impose any of the sanctions listed for any violation of the Code of Conduct.

A student must complete their athletic season in good standing in order to receive an athletic award. A student athlete that is removed from a team or quits during the season will not be eligible for an athletic award.

FRESHMAN AWARDS

• CLASS NUMERALS: All athletes will be awarded one (1) set chenille class numerals for athletic participation during their high school years
• CERTIFICATES: All athletes will be awarded an athletic certificate for each sport season they complete during their ninth grade year.

JV AWARDS

• SCHOOL PATCH: All athletes will be awarded one (1) chenille Viking patch for athletic participation on a junior varsity team during their school years.
  • First JV Award in a sport - Class Numerals
  • Second JV Award in a sport - School Patch
• CERTIFICATES: All athletes will be awarded a school athletic certificate for each junior varsity sport season they complete.

VARSITY AWARDS

• VARSITY LETTER: All athletes will be awarded one (1) chenille varsity letter for athletic participation during their high school years.
  • First Varsity Award in a sport - Varsity letter
  • ​​​​​​​Second Varsity Award in a sport - Class Numerals, if they have not already received.
  • Third Varsity Award in a sport - School Patch, if they have not already received.
  • Fourth Varsity Award in a sport - Wood school varsity plaque
• CERTIFICATES: All athletes will be awarded the appropriate school athletic certificate for each sport season they compete.

Each season, student-athletes participating on a varsity team can earn an award as a “Scholar-Athlete”. A “Scholar-Athlete” is one that achieves a 3.50 or above GPA in their assigned class schedule during the season. The GPA will be determined for each season as defined below:
Fall Sports: 1st marking period grades and the 2nd marking period grades until the time that the season officially ended. Grade reports will be run the following week after a season has ended.
Winter Sports: 3rd marking period grades and the 4th marking period grades until the time that the season officially ended. Grade reports will be run the following week after a season has ended.
Spring Sports: 5th marking period grades and the 6th marking period grades until the time that the season officially ended. Grade reports will be run the following week after a season has ended.
​​​​​​​Scholar-Athletes will receive a pin the first time they achieve the status of “scholar-athlete” along with a certificate. Subsequent times, only a certificate will be given. In short, a student-athlete will be given only one pin during their time in high school.

1. Each student-athlete and parent/guardian is responsible for his/her own insurance program.  Hazel Park Schools is not responsible for any insurance (this includes use of an ambulance).
2. Hazel Park Schools will not pay medical expenses resulting from bodily injury to anyone who participates in athletic programs.  The MHSAA has an insurance policy to assist in reimbursement of medical expenses resulting from concussions.
3. It is possible that serious injury or death may result from participating in athletic activities.

1. Warning: Participation in supervised interscholastic athletics and activities may be one of the least hazardous activities in which any student will engage in or out of school.
2. Participation in interscholastic athletics still includes a risk of injury which may range in severity from minor to long term catastrophic.
3. Although serious injuries are not common in supervised athletic programs, it is impossible to eliminate this risk.  Participants have the responsibility to help reduce the chance of injury.
4. Players must obey safety rules, report physical problems to their coaches, follow a proper conditioning program, and inspect equipment daily.