The board recognizes the value of a program of interscholastic athletics
as an integral part of the total school experience to all students of the
district and to the community. The program of interscholastic athletics
shall include all activities relating to competitive sport contests, games
or events, or sports exhibitions involving individual students or teams
of students of this district when such events occur between separate schools
within this district or with any schools outside this district. The board
expects that:
- All interscholastic activities and events shall be in compliance with
the rules and regulations of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association
(WIAA). The schools of the district shall not participate in any out-of-season
athletics that are not sanctioned by the WIAA. The district shall not be
responsible or liable for nonschool-sponsored programs or for programs that
are organized, promoted or participated in by staff members without school
approval. The district shall not be responsible for or control and incur
liability for summer and/or out-of-season activities unless specifically
sponsored by the school district. The superintendent shall establish rules
defining the circumstances under which school facilities may be used and
under which announcements of summer sports leagues and/or clinics may be
channeled to students.
- An athletic coach must be properly trained and qualified for an assignment
as described in the coach's job description. Volunteer coaches work under
the supervision of the head coach.
- A syllabus which outlines the skills, techniques and safety measures
associated with a coaching assignment will be distributed to each coach.
A coach must secure permission in advance if he/she wishes to deviate from
the syllabus.
- Inservice training opportunities will be afforded each coach so that
he/she is trained to attend to the health care needs of participants. Prior
to a sports season, the coach will prepare a plan for handling medical emergencies
at practice sessions and games (home and away).
- Participants will be issued equipment that has been properly maintained
and fitted.
- All facilities and equipment utilized in the interscholastic athletic
program, whether or not the property of the district, shall be inspected
on a regular basis.
- Nonprescribed medications, including such items as analgesic balms,
vitamins and salt tablets, must be approved by the superintendent before
they may be available for use by coaches and/or athletic trainers. After
athletic training medications have been approved, the coach and/or trainer
must secure authorization from the parent and the student's doctor before
the medications may be used during the athletic season. If such release
is not on file, the nonprescribed medications may not be used. This provision
does not preclude the coach and/or trainer from using approved first aid
items.
- The board recognizes that certain risks are associated with participation
in interscholastic sports. While the district will strive to prevent injuries
and accidents to students, each participant and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s)
will be required to sign a statement which indicates that the parent(s)
and the student acknowledge the risks for injuries resulting from such participation
and give assurance that the student will follow the instructions of the
coach.
- Each participant shall be required to furnish evidence of physical
fitness prior to becoming a member of an interscholastic team. A written
report shall be completed when a student is injured while participating
in a school-supervised activity. A participant shall be free of injury
and shall have fully recovered from illness before participating in any
activity.
The superintendent or designee shall annually prepare and approve the
program of interscholastic athletics for the school year. Any change in
the interscholastic athletic program shall be presented to the board for
its consideration. The superintendent shall prepare rules for the conduct
of student athletes including, but not limited to, use of alcoholic beverages;
use of tobacco; use or possession of illegal chemical substances or opiates
not prescribed by a physician; physical appearance; curfew; unsportsmanlike
conduct; absence from practice, gambling; or any infraction of civil law.
Rules and disciplinary actions related to rule violations shall be distributed
to each participant and his/her parents prior to the beginning of an athletic
season.
Adopted:
8/7/67
Revised:
5/7/90
LEGAL REFS.:
RCW 28A.58.120 and 28A.58.125
WAC 18-43, generally
CROSS REFS.:
Student Social & Athletic Events (IGDC)
Physical Examinations of Students (JHCA)