Athletic Code of Conduct

Rockford Middle School Athletic Training Code

The Rockford Public Schools provide a well-rounded program of interscholastic athletics with a wide range of voluntary athletic activities for both young men and women. To be a member of a Rockford athletic team is a privilege afforded by the Board of Education. Every privilege has a number of responsibilities; athletics is not different. Student/athletes must develop and maintain habits of personal behavior and health, which will enable them to perform well, to minimize risk of injury and to represent themselves and Rockford in a manner which merits respect for all. Athletes have a tradition to uphold and an attitude to display. We will be successful with class, style, and sportsmanship.

I. WHO/WHEN

All members of athletic teams (players, managers, trainers) are bound by the following training rules at all times throughout the entire calendar year.

II. SUBSTANCE USE/POSSESSION AND CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS

Athletic training rules forbid the use or possession of tobacco (in any form), alcohol, drugs, anabolic steroids, look-alike drugs, narcotics, controlled substance, and/or actions deemed misdemeanors or felonies under the criminal code by any student/athlete who represents Rockford Public Schools.

A. PENALTY

First offense for use or possession alcohol, drugs, anabolic steroids, look-alike drugs, narcotics, or any controlled substance, and/or actions deemed misdemeanors or felonies under the criminal code will result in immediate suspension from competition for one-third of the scheduled athletic contests in the sport the athlete is participating in, or will participate in.
First offense for use or possession of tobacco (in any form, including e-cigarettes, vapor pens), will result in suspension from competition for one-fourth of the scheduled athletic contests in the sport the athlete is participating in, or will participate in. A suspension will carry over into the next season of competition if the student/athlete does not complete the suspension in his/her present season.
Second offense will result in suspension from all athletics for a period of 12 months from the date of suspension.
Third offense will result in permanent barring of the student/athlete from participating in all athletics for his/her high school years.

B. SUSPENSION PROCEDURE WILL BE:

The student/athlete will be informed of the violation by his/her coach and/or the Athletic Director.
Administration will contact the student/athlete's parents or guardians stating the offense, penalty, and appeal procedure.

III. CONDUCT/BEHAVIOR VIOLATION

Student/athlete shall conduct him/herself in such a manner as to not bring discredit to the school, team or him/herself. Examples of conduct/behavior violations include, but are not limited to: gross misbehavior, vandalism, theft, insubordination, school suspension, inappropriate use of social media, hazing in any form, conduct unbecoming of an athlete, etc.

A. PENALTY

As determined by the Head Coach and Athletic Director upon investigation and based on guidelines of student handbook.

B. SUSPENSION PROCEDURE

As stated above (Section II-B).

IV. SELF REPORTING

If a student self-reports a code of conduct violation, the administration and head coach may reduce the suspension as deemed appropriate. Self-reporting to the principal or athletic director will only be allowed for reductions for first offenses and must be made prior to the investigation by RPS administration.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

RPS STANDARDS: Student must pass five classes with a minimum of four C-'s.

I. GRADE CHECKS

Grade checks will be done multiple times throughout the athletic seasons. Students can gain or lose eligibility with each grade check. For students who become ineligible, a grade check will be done within the two weeks to determine the eligibility of the student.

II. INELIGIBILITY

Students that do not meet the MHSAA standard at the end of a trimester (passing five classes) are ineligible to play on a Rockford athletic team for the next trimester (60 scheduled school days).

Any student/athlete that does not meet MHSAA or RPS requirements during a trimester will be ineligible for a minimum period of one week – Sunday to Sunday.

III. EXCEPTIONS

If the student successfully completes summer school, correspondence courses or on–line courses approved by the school, this restores eligibility as soon as the grades become part of the student/athlete’s official transcript.

IV. SPECIAL EDUCATION WAIVER

Students for whom an individualized education plan (IEP) is on file at the time they would have been declared ineligible will automatically be afforded a review of their grades by a committee of the student’s special education teacher, counselor, coach, and principal. This review may waive the ineligibility period if, in the committee's judgment, the student has made every effort to meet the standard.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Student-Athletes must be present 4 hours of the school day to participate. Excused absences require a doctor/dentist/orthodontist note, otherwise the student could be deemed ineligible to participate in practice or competition that day. Any team rules for missing practice or contest may apply at the discretion of the coach and/or athletic director.

EXCEPTIONS

This may be waived by RPS Administration for school events, funerals, family requests, etc.

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