CHAPTER 6: CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES &
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ATHLETICS
The Spaulding High School and Barre
Technical Center Campus offers a wide variety of co-curricular activities and
extra-curricular athletic opportunities. Students are encouraged to make every
effort to involve themselves in the many worthwhile activities of our school.
STUDENT
PUBLICATIONS
THE SENTINEL the school newspaper, published by our
students
OUR ECHO the annual Spaulding yearbook,
published by our students
ORGANIZATIONS
& CLUBS
Animation
Club
Art
Club
Balloonatics
Bull
Session
Chat
Room
Chess Club
Christian Club
**This is not a school sponsored club, but the club does meet on campus.**
Climbing
Club
Computer
Club
Debate/Speech
Team
FBLA (Future Business Leaders
of America)
GLBTQ
Student Group
GMTI (Green Mountain Teen
Institute)
Hacky
Sack Club
Harry
Potter Club
Interact
Club (sponsored by Rotary)
JROTC
Teams - Rifle Team, Drill Team, Raider Challenge Team
Kaleidoscope
– fine arts magazine
Key Club (sponsored by
Kiwanis)
Knitting
Club
PHIT Club
Poetry
Club
Project
Graduation
Restorative
Justice
SADD
(Students Against Dangerous Decisions/VT Teen Leadership Safety Program)
SAFE
(Spaulding's Action For the Environment)
Scholar’s Bowl
Scrapbooking
Club
SKILLS
USA – VICA (Vocational Industry Clubs of America)
Spanish Club
Student
Council/Class Officers
TAC
(Teen Action Council)
Ultimate
Frisbee
Unified
Special Olympics
Young Playwrights
PERFORMING
ARTS ACTIVITIES (some are linked to academic classes!)
Concert Band Chorus Concert
Choir
Drama Club Jazz Band Marching
Band Flag Team
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
ATHLETICS
MISSION/PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE
The mission of the Spaulding High
School interscholastic athletic program is to extend educational opportunities
for students, promote personal development, foster teamwork, and teach
important life skills. Athletic
participation contributes to the physical, social, and emotional health of our
students and promotes a sense of pride amongst our athletes, school and
community.
The purpose of the Spaulding High
School interscholastic athletic program is to:
·
promote good sportsmanship and ethical conduct
·
provide a wide basis of participation in both team and
individual sports
·
develop a competitive program by encouraging and nurturing
student athletes in all sports and providing sufficient opportunity for student
athletes to develop individual ability
·
encourage the development of school spirit among all team
members and coaches
·
cultivate positive attitudes of pride, sportsmanship, and
ethical behavior in student athletes, school, and community members
·
teach fundamental skills and techniques of each sport in a
progressive sequence appropriate for all participants
·
develop and promote healthy relationships between athletic
teams, the student body, faculty/staff, and community members
·
ensure that an individual student’s education consist of
many learning opportunities and that athletic participation is but one part of
that experience
Spaulding High School offers the
following seasonal athletic teams/activities:
Fall Winter Spring
Freshman/JV/Varsity Football Freshman/JV/Varsity Girls’Basketball JV/Varsity Softball
JV/Varsity Boys’ Soccer Freshman/JV/Varsity Boys’
Basketball JV/Varsity Baseball
JV/Varsity Girls’ Soccer JV/Varsity Wrestling JV/Varsity
Boys’ Lacrosse
JV/Varsity Field Hockey Varsity Boys’ Ice Hockey JV/Varsity Girls’
Lacrosse
Boys’ & Girls’ Cross Country Varsity Girls’ Ice Hockey Boys’/Girls’
Track & Field
Cheerleading Boys’/Girls’ Indoor Track Boys’/Girls’
Varsity Tennis
Cheerleading Boys’/Girls’
Varsity Golf
GUIDELINES
– POLICIES - PROCEDURES
Participation in interscholastic
athletics at Spaulding High School is a privilege;
a privilege that demands commitment, a strong work ethic, and a desire to
compete at a high level. Therefore, it
is important that students, parents, and interested persons be aware of the
following guidelines, policies and procedures.
Academic
Eligibility Equipment Program
Commitment
Academic
Makeup Work Harassment Physical
Examinations - Well Exams
Attendance
at Practices/Games Hazing Process to Resolve Concerns
Attendance
at School Health/Accident
Insuranc Substance Use
Behavior
& Conduct Homeschool
Students Suspension
from School
Code
of Conduct/Sportsmandship Injuries Travel/Transportation
Community
Service Inherent
Risk VPA
Ejection Policy
Communication
with Coaches Parent Permission VPA Eligibility
“Cuts”
– Team Tryouts Participation/Playing Time
ACADEMIC
ELIGIBILITY for DRAMA and ATHLETICS
Every
enrolled student must carry a minimum of THREE regular block classes or
approved educational activities each marking period.
Each
student is required to maintain an overall average of “C-" (1.67
G.P.A.) and not fail a course during the previous marking period.
Students
who DO NOT fail any class AND maintain a GPA of 1.67 or higher on report cards
are FULLY eligible to participate in all extra-curricular activities.
Any
student who fails a class (or classes) OR has a GPA below 1.67 at the end of a
marking period will be notified by school personnel (a guidance counselor, the
athletic/activities director, a principal, a teacher advisor). Barring the presence of extenuating
circumstances**, the student will become INELIGIBLE to participate in
extra-curricular activities. Should the
STUDENT choose to continue with their activity, he/she will be placed on
“Academic Probation” upon meeting directly with the Athletic/Activities
Director – NO EXCEPTIONS.
ACADEMIC PROBATION:
·
Continue (or begin) practicing/meeting with his/her
team/group
·
NO game/contest/competition participation
·
NO travel with team or group to events – (no early
dismissals for travel purposes)
·
NO dressing in uniform at games/contests/competitions – may
sit on the bench
·
Complete weekly progress review sheets and submit signed
forms to athletic/activities director
·
Grades will be reviewed by the athletic/activities director
at the FIRST progress report of the next marking period. The grade review will
result in one of the following:
o If the student
is passing all classes AND has a GPA of 1.67, or higher, then they will be
reinstated to full participation.
o If the student
is failing a class (or classes) OR has a GPA below 1.67, then they will be
declared ineligible for the remainder of the marking period.
**
“Extenuating circumstances” will be defined by the Principal, but typically
will include a hardship on behalf of the student. The Principal, or designee, will provide a
final determination on a case by case basis.
Students
who receive an incomplete in any class will have two (2) weeks to make up work
for the class(es) in order to maintain academic eligibility. During this period of time, the student remains
fully eligible to participate in activities.
If the incomplete results in a passing grade, and the student’s GPA is
higher than 1.67, then full participation is permitted. If the incomplete results in a failing grade,
or GPA below 1.67, the student may be placed on academic probation (see
above).
Fall
sport/activity eligibility for sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be
determined by fourth marking period grades from the previous school year. Incoming freshmen are eligible for all
fall activities/athletics. Any
sophomore, junior, or senior who is not eligible for fall sports/activities may
choose to be placed on academic probation (see above). Fall academic probation review will take
place at the FIRST progress report of the first making period.
Any
student who is ineligible following second quarter grades (and for whom
academic probation does not apply at the time) may try out for spring sports
and activities IF they can provide evidence to the athletic/activites
director, that they are carrying at least a 1.67 G.P.A. at the start of the
spring practice period in March.
Determination of final spring eligibility will be made at the time 3rd
quarter report cards are issued.
All
transfer students who meet the eligibility requirements of their previous
school during the most recent marking period are eligible for school activities
until they receive their first Spaulding report card, at which time they become
subject to Spaulding’s eligibility standards.
Note:
Eligibility
CANNOT be lost based upon progress report grades/GPA. Eligibility can only be GAINED at the first
progress report of each quarter IF the student is on academic probation.
ACADEMIC
MAKEUP WORK
Students
who miss class as a result of extra-curricular activities/contests are expected
to see teachers before an event to
get assignments and make up academic work as soon as possible. This may include
before or after school sessions. Participants (and coaches/advisors) should
understand that practice is not an acceptable excuse for failing to complete
make-up-work or for failing to attend after-school help sessions.
ATTENDANCE
at PRACTICES and GAMES
Student
athletes are expected to attend ALL practices and games. The coach and/or athletic director may act
upon individual situations.
Student
athletes with more than three (3) unexcused practices during the season will be
removed from the team.
An unexcused
practice the day before a game will keep the athlete from playing in that game.
Unexcused
practices will
be determined by the athletic director.
ATTENDANCE
at SCHOOL
Student
athletes are expected to arrive on time to school (8:00 AM) and attend all
classes the day of and the day
after a contest and
activities. This includes being present
on Friday before a Saturday contest.
Exceptions are
limited to medical or court appointments, family emergency situations,
religious holidays, death
of a family
member or friend, college visitations, or school sponsored field trips. Further exceptions may be
made in advance by an administrator.
A student
athlete who is absent for any part of the school day because of truancy
(“skipping”) will be ineligible
for that day’s
activities.
If a violation
becomes known at a later date, an appropriate consequence/penalty will be
exercised.
BEHAVIOR
& CONDUCT
Student athletes
shall represent Spaulding High School in a responsible and appropriate
manner at all
times. Examples of inappropriate
behavior and/or conduct include, but are not limited to,
inappropriate
language and/or appearance, derogatory remarks to an official, coach, or
teammate, or
any acts that
are (perceived by the coach or administration) detrimental to the best interest
of the team or school.
A student may
face disciplinary action, which could include suspension or dismissal from the
team/group based
upon the
severity of the offense.
School
citizenship and personal conduct while representing the school are also
important factors in determining
eligibility. When it is decided that it is in the best
interest of either the student or school, the administration will
declare
him/her ineligible to participate in extra-curricular activities.
CODE
OF CONDUCT - Sportsmanship
The essential
elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept
of sportsmanship
and six core
principles: trustworthiness, respect,
responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship. The
highest
potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these six pillars of
character.
A student
athlete will:
·
be a positive role model and encourage sportsmanship by
showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all
players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice, or other
sporting event
·
not engage in any
kind of unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting, refusing to shake hands, using
profane language or gestures) with any official, coach, player, or parent
·
respect the officials and their authority during games
·
inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that
may affect their health, safety, or the safety of others
·
play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to
hostility or violence
·
treat other players, coaches, officials, and spectators with
respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or sexual orientation
·
understand that doing one’s best is important regardless of
the outcome
·
agree that if they fail to abide by rules/guidelines of the
Spaulding/Barre Tech Center athletic program they will be subject to
disciplinary action
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
Student
athletes will perform one (1) hour of community service with their teammates,
under the direction of
their coach,
for each season they play.
COMMUNICATION
WITH COACHES
Certain topics can, and should, be discussed with your
child’s coach. Other topics, however,
must be left to the
discretion of the
coach. The following examples are
offered only as a guide:
Communication from coach to
parents/guardians:
·
Coaching philosophy;
·
Expectations the coach has for your child, and for the team;
·
Locations and times of practices and contests;
·
Team requirements (i.e. practices, special equipment, out of
season conditioning);
·
Proper behavior by athletes on bus trips; estimated time of
return;
·
Procedures to follow should your child be injured during
participation;
·
Discipline that may result in the denial of your child’s
participation.
Appropriate topics for
parents/guardians to discuss with a coach:
·
Treatment of your child;
·
Advance notification of any schedule conflicts;
·
Your child’s behavior.
Inappropriate issues to discuss with a
coach:
·
Playing time;
·
Play calling.
“CUTS”
- TEAM TRYOUTS
In some
athletic activities it may be necessary to reduce (“cut”) the number of
participants to a manageable size;
particularly
when safety, fiscal resources, equipment, facilities, and coaching personnel
are considered.
It is the
responsibility of the coach/advisor (in consultation with the athletic
director) to make decisions about
what the final
number of participants will be in that activity.
EQUIPMENT
All issued
equipment and uniforms belong to the school. Each student athlete is
responsible for any equipment
and uniforms
assigned to him/her. Individuals will be
assessed replacement costs for abnormally damaged or
missing
equipment and uniforms.
Each student
athlete WILL return or pay for any equipment issued by the school. Failure to
do so will prohibit
further
participation in athletics.
HARASSMENT
Please refer
to this Spaulding student/parent handbook’s index for imformation about the
harassment policy.
HAZING
Please refer
to the Spaulding student/parent handbook’s index for information about the
hazing policy.
HEALTH/ACCIDENT
INSURANCE
All
student athletes involved in athletics must
have health and accident insurance coverage as a condition of
participation. An individual may not participate in an activity
before proof of coverage has been submitted to the athletic department.
K. “No student may participate in any VPA-sanctioned activity
without providing evidence to the student’s school administration or designee
prior to participation in an activity showing that the participant is covered
under some private or public health insurance program for the medical care for
injuries that may be suffered on account of participation in an activity.” (Vermont Principals’ Association Policies,
Article 4: RULES FOR ORGANIZED GIRLS AND
BOYS SPORTS: Section 1. General Rules.)
HOMESCHOOL
STUDENTS – VPA Eligibility Standards
A home study
student who wishes to participate in a Spaulding High School co-curricular or
athletic program
shall be an
eligible student under this section if:
(1) The
participating student is enrolled in a home-study program in compliance with
Title 16, Section 166.
(2) The
participating student has a legal residence in the school district or is a
legal resident of a district that
does not
maintain a school and pays tuition on behalf of its students.
(3)
Participation in a school’s co-curricular or athletic activities program shall
not commence until a copy of the
Vermont State
Department of Education Enrollment Letter is presented to the principal by the
parent or
guardian.
(4) The
participating student’s academic program, as referenced in the Vermont State
Department of Education
Letter of
Enrollment, will be reviewed by the student’s parent or guardian at appropriate
intervals as locally
determined and
consistent for all students to determine academic progress. This review and
determination must
be certified
in writing from the parent/guardian to the principal.
(5) Prior to
the start of a sport season or fine arts and performance activities in which a
home study student
wishes to
participate, the parent or guardian and student must notify the principal in
writing that he/she wishes
to participate
in a school’s co-curricular or athletic activities program. Failure to provide
a timely notification
will not
disqualify the student from participating, but may result in some delays in
participation.
(6) The
student may participate in co-curricular or athletic activities sponsored by
Spaulding High School
provided the
student complies with the same physical examination, insurance, age, and any
other requirements
for
participation as required of all students.
(7) The home
study student must adhere to the same standards of behavior, responsibilities
and performance as
other
participants of the team.
(8)
Eligibility issues on all matters other than academic progress may be appealed
in accordance with the
bylaws of the
Vermont Principals’ Association.
(9) Consistent
with law governing all student athletes, participation in co-curricular or
athletci activities
programs is a
privilege, not a right and nothing in these eligibility standards to confer a
right on any individual
to participate
in co-curricular or athletic activities.
INHERENT
RISK
Involvement in
athletics is voluntary and optional, and carries with it certain risks that
must be accepted by
students and
their families.
Injuries
can and probably will occur during practices, games, and interacting with
fellow student athletes. All costs
associated with medical care, emergency medical transportation, medication,
rehabilitation or therapeutic treatment must be paid through the student
athlete’s health and accident insurance carrier. The Spaulding High School/Barre Technical
Center will not accept responsibility for any payment, co-payment, deductible
or related expenses.
INJURIES
All
student athletes who participate in athletics at Spaulding High School are
expected to immediately report all injuries and any medical issues to their
coach and/or the Athletic Trainer.
Any
student athlete incapable of participation has the obligation to report this
information to his/her coach, and has the right to decline participation when
he/she feels incapable of doing so.
All
student athletes are expected to comply with recommendations of their coach,
trainer, and/or physician regarding following and/or seeking medical advice,
diagnosis, rehabilitation, therapeutic care or treatment.
Following an
injury, a student athlete may be required to receive medical clearance from a
physician in order to resume active participation with his/her team.
PARENT
PERMISSION
Student
athletes MUST submit a signed parent permission form prior to
participation. Athletes will not be
permitted to
participate in an activity before the form is completed and turned in to the
athletic department staff.
PARTICIPATION/PLAYING
TIME
Playing time
is determined by the coach of each team.
At the varsity level, some student athletes will play more
than others
based upon individual ability, attitude, and the team situation. At the sub-varsity level, it is expected
that team
members will see action in each contest.
As long as they fulfill their team responsibilites and
expectations,
playing time for individual athletes at the sub-varsity level will be more
nearly equal over the
length of the
season
PHYSICAL
EXAMINATIONS – replaced by “WELL EXAMS”
Student
athletes MUST have a yearly WELL EXAM. Proof of this exam must be provided to
athletic
department
staff prior to participation. NO
EXCEPTIONS. (http://healthvermont.gov/local/school/index.aspx)
PROCESS
to RESOLVE CONCERNS
(Includes
all Co-curricular and Athletic Activities)
The
following process is to be utilized to address and resolve concerns,
misunderstandings, and/or issues.
Step #1 Students
(athletes and participants in co-curricular programs) will address and share
concerns with coach/es (or advisor/s) and attempt to resolve them.
Parent/s
and supporters are expected to permit the student and coach/es (or advisor/s)
to resolve their concerns first
before becoming involved.
Step #2 If step #1 results in an unsatisfactory
outcome, student and parent/s should
address and share concerns with coach/es (or advisor/s) and attempt to resolve
them.
Step #3 If step #2 results in an unsatisfactory
outcome, student (and optionally, parent/s) or the coach/advisor should address
and share concerns with the Athletic Director and attempt to resolve them.
Step #4 Finally, if step #3 results in an
unsatisfactory outcome, student (and optionally, parent/s) or the coach/advisor
should share concerns with an administrator and attempt to resolve them.
SUBSTANCE
USE
The
use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs has a negative effect on an
individual’s ability to perform at his/her full potential. Student athletes will demonstrate a
commitment to themselves, their team, their classmates, and their school by
remaining free of these substances during their activities.
If
a student athlete is proven to have been in possession of, or used drugs,
alcohol or tobacco products, the following terms and conditions will be
initiated:
Week
1 (the first SEVEN days): The student athlete
will not be allowed to participate with his/her team at all. (No practices/games/meetings, etc.)
Week
2 (day EIGHT to FOURTEEN): The student athlete
is permitted to practice, but not participate in any games. (Must accompany team to games and be present
with the team, but may not participate.)
Within the first two weeks of a
student athlete’s suspension from athletic activities, the individual must have met with a school approved
substance abuse counselor, and provide the school’s administration (Athletic
Director and an administrator) with documentation of this meeting.
Week
3 (day FIFTEEN to TWENTY-ONE):
If satisfactory progress has been made in relation to the substance
abuse counseling and any stipulations set by the Athletic Director or an
administrator, the student is able to return to full participation.
The
student athlete must provide weekly documentation of fulfillment of any
requirements established by the substance abuse counselor. Failure to provide documentation will result
in immediate dismissal from the
team.
The
student athlete must complete all treatment requirements in order to be
eligible for the next athletic season.
Any
individual student athlete who committs a second offense or failures to
complete ANY requirements will be subject to a one full calendar year suspension from athletic participation.
SUSPENSION
FROM SCHOOL
Any student
suspended from school is not permitted to attend meetings, practices and/or
games on the days of
the
suspension. (A suspension that overlaps
a weekend – Friday/Monday – will prevent the student from
athletic
participation on Saturday and Sunday.)
TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION
(to & from events)
Participants in Spaulding athletics MUST travel
to and from games in school provided transportation. Student
athletes may
travel home with parents/guardians, provided prior written approval has
been received by the
coach from the
Athletic Director or a principal.
Students may not travel in vehicles driven by other students.
VPA
EJECTION POLICY
Any student ejected
for unsportsmanlike conduct or a flagrant foul shall be suspended from the next
two
contests,
(with the exception of football, skiing and gymnastics, for which the
suspension shall be one contest)
in the sport
from which the student was ejected. If the ejection occurs in the last contest
of the season, the
student shall
be ineligible for the same period of time in the next sport in which the
student participates. If the
ejection
occurs in the last contest of the student's last sport season, the school shall
take appropriate disciplinary
action to
impose a sanction proportionate to the penalties imposed by these rules, and
shall report that discipline
to the VPA.
The suspended student may not be in uniform. A student who is ejected a second
time shall be
suspended for
the remainder of the season in that sport.
Any member of
a team who intentionally strikes, shoves, kicks, or makes other aggressive
physical contact with
an official
before, during, or after an interscholastic contest, shall be disqualified
immediately and may be
ineligible to
participate in all sports for up to one full calendar year. A student who is
disqualified under this
provision
shall not play in any contest, pending a hearing before the Activities
Standards Committee. The
Activities
Standards Committee shall determine the length of the suspension, giving due
consideration to all
relevant
factors, including the seriousness of the offense. NOTE: Member of the team
includes player, manager,
score keepers,
timers, and statisticians.
Judgment calls
by officials ordering ejection shall be final. The only grounds for appeal from
suspension under
this section
shall be that the ejection was caused by gross misconduct by the official, or
that the official has filed
a written
report stating that the ejection was clearly erroneous. Unless a stay of the
suspension is granted by the
Executive
Director in his sole discretion, the suspension shall be immediately effective.
It is the responsibility
of the local
school to ensure this regulation is enforced. When a suspended student or coach
is allowed to
participate,
forfeiture of the contest is mandatory. This regulation shall apply to all
regular season and
tournament
contests.
VPA
ELIGIBILITY
Please visit
the Vermont Principals’ Association web site at www.vpaonline.org or contact the Spaulding
Athletic
Department at 476-6334 for detailed information about all VPA
eligibility requirements for students.
From
VPA Bylaws Section 3. Eligibility Limitations and Amateur Status
A. Contestants or participants must be enrolled
in their school and must meet the school's prescribed academic and eligibility
rules. Students may only compete on school teams sponsored by their own school
during the season, and may only compete for the one school in which he or she
is officially enrolled. Students may participate in meets as individuals but
may not participate as a member of another team.
B. In a sports
season players who have participated in competition as a member of a school
group shall not compete as members of a non-school organized group in the same
sport. Violation of this rule will be handled as follow:
1. For the first infraction, a warning to students will be given that the
choice of participation on one or the other group must be followed.
2. For the second infraction,
students will be dropped from the school group.
C. Transfer
students are eligible at once provided they were bona fide students in good
standing in the school from which they transferred according to the definition
in Item A above and there is a bona fide change is residence. If the transfer
is the result of any coercion, recruiting or inducement to move in order to
participate in interscholastic activities, students will be ineligible for a
period of 365 calendar days from the date of the infraction.
If there is no bona fide change in
residency, students are eligible to participate immediately up to the first
play date of that sports season. If a students transfers, and does not change
residence, after the first play date of that sports season, the student must
wait 20 calendar days after the transfer to be eligible, and must participate
in at least 60% of the season competitions (at the new school) to be eligible
for post season competition.
If there is no bona fide change in
residency, a student who transfers twice or more during a 365 day period will
not be eligible at the new school(s) after his or her subsequent transfers
until one calendar year after the date of the first transfer.
The VPA may grant a waiver of the 20
calendar day waiting period or the 60% eligibility requirement or the 365
calendar day waiting period for multiple transfers upon request by the school
if the school establishes that the transfer was made for reasons not related to
activities.
The principal of any receiving
school shall check carefully to determine the reasons for the transfer. Reports
of suspected violations of transfer students’ eligibility rules must be made to
the VPA immediately.
D. A school
shall be deemed in violation of the rule against recruitment for directly or
indirectly supporting or sanctioning recruitment if a representative or agent
of the school, or any individual or group associated with the athletic programs
of that school, approaches a student athlete in another school, apart from a
publicized meeting for all prospective students in that school, and directly or
indirectly attempts to persuade or induce a student athlete to enroll in
his/her school. A school may also violate this rule by failing to take adequate
steps to control recruitment by third parties.
E. A student
who competes in any VPA sanctioned activity must be under nineteen (19) years
of age, except that a student whose nineteenth (19th) birthday occurs on or
after August 1 is eligible for all activities in the ensuing school year.
Students who have attained the age of nineteen (19) prior to August 1 shall be
ineligible for all VPA sanctioned activities.
F. Students
are ineligible if they have graduated from any course of study in a secondary
school comparable to the Vermont system. The initial determination of whether
the secondary school is comparable shall be made by the school's principal. If
there is a question concerning the eligibility of a student under this rule,
the Executive Director may review the principal's determination. Determining
whether a secondary school is comparable, the principal, Executive Director,
Activity Standards Committee and the Board of Appeals shall give consideration
to the normal number of years of the primary and secondary school program; the
length of the school day and year; the curriculum; whether graduation makes the
student eligible for post secondary education; and any other relevant
information. If the total length of the normal primary and secondary program
for the school system in question is less than twelve years, then the secondary
school may be deemed less than comparable. Waivers of this eligibility rule may
also be granted in accordance with these bylaws.
G. Students
have four (4) consecutive years or eight (8) consecutive semesters of
eligibility for participation in school activities. Attendance of thirty (30)
school days of any semester shall be regarded as a semester. Attendance is
defined as being included in the official roll and attendance records of the
school and not physical presence in the class. A student that is enrolled for
his/her eighth and final semester of eligibility, during the fall-winter term,
may complete the winter sports season as long as he/she is an eligible student
and has not graduated.
H. No student
may participate in the same sport for more than four seasons.
I. Students
are ineligible if they have lost their amateur standing, i.e., they have
accepted remuneration, gifts or donations directly or indirectly for
participation in an athletic contest, or they have participated under an
assumed name, or they have competed on a team some player of which was paid for
his participation, or they have entered into a playing contract with a
professional club or agent. Reference to "gifts or donations" is not
intended to preclude the acceptance of playing apparel and equipment that is
presented by the sponsoring organization.
J. Amateur
Status Rulings and Comments:
1. Students who lose amateur status in one sport do not lose it in other
sports.
2.
Students will lose their amateur status in the sport involved if they accept
any money whether for participation or as a prize for being outstanding
players.
3. Students who become members of a
ski patrol will not jeopardize their amateur standing.
4.
Amateurs or a team of amateurs may participate against a team of professionals.
Amateurs may not participate on a professional team, or on a team where members
of the team are receiving remuneration for their athletic services.
5. High School students should be
advised to exercise great caution in participating in any athletic activity
where there are cash prizes. Youngsters should be extremely careful in
participating in adult bowling leagues where there are cash prizes. These
rulings are made with two thoughts in mind:
(a) Maintaining an amateur status
while participating in interscholastic activities.
(b) Protecting future athletic eligibility for activities after completion of
high school.
K. All-Star
Contests
1. For purposes of this policy, an All-Star contest is defined to be one in
which the participants are selected based upon their performance as a member of
VPA sanctioned school athletic activity. This definition does not include Babe
Ruth, American Legion, summer soccer or basketball, CYO or DeMolay Activities,
etc.
2. The VPA does not sanction or
approve of All-Star contests. Students who participate in an All-Star contest
will lose their VPA eligibility to participate in that same sport at their high
school for the succeeding season. The only exception to this policy is when the
All-Star contest is directly related to the activities of the U.S. Olympic
Committee.
L. Students
who, during the regular school day, attend specialized schools or programs
where the primary purpose of this instruction or program is to enhance skills
in specific sports and/or activities, during the time of established VPA
seasons in that particular activity, will not be permitted to participate with
their home school in that activity.
M. Students
who have matriculated in a post-secondary academic program that grants degrees,
certificates or diplomas shall be ineligible.