2431.01 - INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS (4 – 5)
The School Board recognizes the value to the Corporation and to the community of a program of interscholastic athletics for as many students as feasible.
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 Corporation 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 the values of good sportsmanship, team play, and fair competition, rather than on winning, particularly at 4-5 grade levels. The Superintendent is to develop guidelines for coaches to follow which will ensure that as many students as possible have the opportunity to participate so they have the opportunity to benefit from the learning experience.
The Superintendent shall develop appropriate administrative guidelines for the operation of the Athletic Program and a Code of Conduct for those who participate. Such guidelines should provide for the following safeguards:
Prior to enrolling in the sport, 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 life-threatening health condition such as a heart defect, respiratory dysfunctions, and the like, must have authorization in writing by the student's physician and parents in order to participate in any athletic activities.
Any student who incurs an injury requiring a physician's care is to have the written approval of a physician prior to the student's return to participation.
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 for performance-enhancing purposes.
The Superintendent is to develop and review periodically guidelines that stresses sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity in the manner in which the athletic program is conducted and the actions of students who participate.