2431 - INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS
The Board recognizes the value to the District and to the community of a program of interscholastic athletics for as many students as feasible and in accordance with Policy 2260 - Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity. The Board believes that it is the purpose of an interscholastic program to provide the benefits of an athletic experience to as large a number of students as feasible within the District.
The program of interscholastic athletics should provide students the opportunity to exercise and test their athletic abilities in a context greater and more varied than that which can be offered by a school or the School District alone.
The program should foster the growth of school loyalty with the student body as a whole and stimulate community interest in athletics.
Game activities and practice sessions should provide many opportunities to teach the values of competition and good sportsmanship.
Since the primary purpose of the athletic program is to enhance the education of participating students as indicated in this policy, the Board places top priority on maximum student participation and the values of good sportsmanship, team play, and fair competition, rather than on winning, particularly at sub-varsity levels. The District Administrator is to develop guidelines for coaches to follow which will ensure that as many students as possible have the opportunity to play so they have the opportunity to benefit from the learning experience.
The District Administrator is authorized to establish a set of behavior expectations in the form of a co-curricular code for participants as well as the implementation of appropriate disciplinary procedures against those who violate these expectations.
The District provides the following safeguards:
- Prior to enrolling in the sport,
- each participant shall submit to a thorough physical examination by a District-approved physician.
- parents shall report any past or current health problems along with a physician's statement that any such problems have or are being treated and pose no threat to the student's participation.
Any student who is found to have a health condition which may be life-threatening to self or others shall not be allowed to participate until the situation has been analyzed by a medical review panel that has determined the conditions under which the student may participate.
Any student who incurs an injury requiring a physician's care is to have written approval by a physician prior to the student's return to participation.
Any student suspected of having a head injury or concussion shall be provided with safety protocols specified in Policy 5340 - Student Accidents/Illness/Concussion.
In order to minimize health and safety risks to student-athletes and maintain ethical standards, school personnel, coaches, athletic trainers, and lay coaches should never dispense, supply, recommend, or permit the use of any drug, medication, or food supplement solely for performance-enhancing purposes.
Revised 1/17/22
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