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This handbook has been prepared to be used as a reference by students and parents of students participating in any Extracurricular activity at the Hornell High School.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) says, “Extracurricular activities support the goal of teaching students to be responsible and give them opportunities to develop character, think critically, problem solve, and develop their leadership skills.”

Additional research has shown a strong relationship between participation in student activities and academic achievement. Numerous interscholastic sports, clubs, and activities are available to meet the many interests of our student body for this school year.

It is the goal of the District that every student finds interest in the many extracurricular clubs and activities we offer. Students are highly encouraged to be as active in the school community as possible. If you have suggestions for new clubs or activities please see your Athletic Director or your respective Assistant Principal.

Go Red Raiders!!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Interscholastic Athletic Activities
• Extra-Curricular Activities
• Philosophy Statement
• To the Parents
• To the Students
• Student- Athletes
• Coaches/Advisors Sportsmanship
• Code of Ethics
• Mandatory Meeting
• Student Accident Insurance
• Levels of Participation
• NYSPHSAA Advanced Placement Process (APP) Requirements
• Age Requirements
• Transporting Students from an Athletic Event
• Communication Checklist
• Failure to Complete a Season
• Modified and Varsity Minimum Season Requirements Chart
• Extra-Curricular Academic Eligibility
• Code of Behavior for Extra-Curricular Activities

• Rules for Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

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Interscholastic Athletic and Extra-Curricular Activities

The Hornell City School District is proud to offer the following Interscholastic Athletic Activities to resident students who meet all NYSPHSAA standards and are enrolled on a full-time basis in our school district.

Fall

Varsity	Junior Varsity	Modified
Boys: Cross Country Football Soccer	Boys: Football Soccer	Boys: Cross Country Football Soccer
Girls: Cheerleading Soccer Swimming Volleyball	Girls: Cheerleading Soccer Volleyball	Girls: Soccer Volleyball

Winter

Varsity	Junior Varsity	Modified
Boys: Basketball Indoor Track Swimming Wrestling Skiing	Boys: Basketball	Boys: Basketball Indoor Track Wrestling
Girls: Basketball Cheerleading Indoor Track Skiing	Girls: Basketball Cheerleading	Girls: Basketball Indoor Track

Spring

Varsity	Junior Varsity	Modified
Boys: Baseball Golf Tennis Track	Boys: Baseball Tennis	Boys: Baseball Track
Girls: Softball Golf Tennis Track	Girls: Softball Tennis	Girls: Softball Track

WARNING: Participating in interscholastic athletics does involve some risks. By consenting to participate in school-sponsored athletic activities, a student and his/her parents acknowledge the potential for physical injury to occur.

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Extra-Curricular Clubs and Activities

• Academic All-Stars
• Adirondack Club
• Art Club
• DECA Club
• French and Friends Club
• History Club
• Special Olympics
• Interact Club
• Ski Club
• Kaleidoscope
• Maple Leaf Yearbook
• Nat’l Jr. Honor Society
• Nat’l Honor Society
• Color Guard
• Student Council
• Marching Red Raiders
• Pep Band
• Jazz Choir
• Jazz Band
• Musical Productions
• Drama Club
• Chess Club
• Show Choir
• All- County / All- State
• Mock Trial Club
• High School Musical
• Solo Fest
• Gay Straight Alliance

Philosophy Statement

The Hornell City School District believes that a dynamic program of student activities is vital to the educational development of the student. Athletics function as an integral part of the total curriculum and life at Hornell High School. Athletics serve as a miniature model of life in that they provide opportunities for students with regard to responsibility, fair play, cooperation, concern for others, leadership, respect for authority, good citizenship and loyalty.

At Hornell City School, we believe that the interscholastic athletic program and extra-curricular activities contributes significantly to preparing our students for becoming productive, contributing citizens for our community and society.

Additionally, our aim is to develop a student with an improved self-image, the ability to learn a new skill, and an intrinsic motivation for growth and development. We want to see a student who will demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibility for his/her actions, measure him/herself against standards of quality, express ideas and solutions to problems, and value fair play, honesty, integrity, and cooperation.

Participation in the athletic/extra-curricular programs is a privilege, one in which a student-athlete enters into voluntarily. It is understood that with the privilege comes responsibility to one’s self, one’s team, and one’s school.

At no time will our educational curriculum be placed secondary to athletics/extra-curricular activities. All parents and student athletes need to clearly understand that education and success in school comes first.

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To the Parents

This athletic/extra-curricular handbook is presented to you because your son or daughter has indicated a desire to participate in our interscholastic athletic program or in one of the many extra-curricular activities Hornell has to offer. Your family interest in and support of our athletic and extra-curricular programs are most welcomed and appreciated.

Children learn by doing and by observation. We ask that you as parents pledge to provide positive support, care and encouragement for your child. That you will show and promote good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and other parents at every game, practice, or other sporting events.

A properly committed, well-organized athletic program meets all students; goals of self-expression, mental alertness and physical growth. It is our hope and belief that the athletic program and extra- curricular activities at Hornell High School helps to meet these goals.

To the Student

A student who chooses to participate in athletics or extra-curricular activities is voluntarily making a choice of self-discipline as well as self-denial. The student athletes who participate in interscholastic athletics or extra-curricular activities should recognize that they have an obligation to themselves, their teammates, and the school community to strive for excellence. Within athletic competition, and within the classrooms, you should strive for excellence and not accept mediocrity

Student-Athletes

A positive attitude is one of the principle requisites in athletic participation, defined as how the athlete acts, feels, and thinks in showing his/her disposition. There is no place in high school athletics for students who will not discipline their minds and bodies for rigorous competition.

An athlete displays a positive attitude by showing respect, displaying good conduct, cooperating at all times, accepting decisions and avoiding any unsportsmanlike conduct.

It is expected that all athletes will follow this code:

• Learn and understand the rules of the organizations
• Demonstrate self-control and respect for others, including opponents and officials at all times
• Deal with opponents with respect. Shake hands with opponents prior to the game and wish them luck. Congratulate opponents following victory or defeat.

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Coaches/Advisors

Coaches/Advisors have special opportunities to work with young people through athletics and clubs, and play a significant role in the development of our students. No doubt coaches and advisors bear the greatest responsibility for good sportsmanship. Coaches/Advisors must teach good sportsmanship through example.

It is expected that coaches/advisors will follow this code:

• Know the rules, abide by and respect the decisions of the officials. This can be accomplished by accepting coach’s roles as a teacher, by utilizing appropriate avenues for questioning officials’ calls.
• Win with character and lose with dignity. Openly congratulate coaches and players of opposing teams following the game and acknowledge good performances.
• Approach competition as a healthy and constructive exercise, not as a life or death struggle that requires victory at any price.
• Refrain from the use of crude, insensitive or abusive language with players, opponents, officials, and spectators.
• Set the positive example. Instruct players in the elements of good sportsmanship and remove players from competition who demonstrate unsportsmanlike behavior.

Sportsmanship/Section V Motto-“Be Loud, Be Proud, Be Positive”
Sportsmanship is of major importance and highly emphasized at Hornell City School. The ideals of good sportsmanship, ethical behavior and integrity permeate our culture. The value of good citizenship and high behavioral standards apply equally to all educational activities, including athletics. We define good sportsmanship as those qualities of behavior which are characterized by generosity and a genuine concern for others. Good sportsmanship is viewed as a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, and integrity. The concept of ‘sportsmanship’ must be taught, modeled, and reinforced in the classroom and in competitive activities. Athletics provide an arena for participants to grow, excel, understand and value the concept of sportsmanship and teamwork. Sportsmanship is good citizenship in action, and during each contest, each season, our students, coaches and spectators are rated by officials to determine our overall sportsmanship rating. We must realize that our actions on and off the field play an important role in establishing a positive reputation for the Hornell City School District.

Hornell Athletic Code of Ethics

It is the duty of all concerned with high school athletics:

1. To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.
2. To eliminate all possibilities which tend to destroy the best values of the game.
3. To stress the values derived from playing the game fairly.
4. To show cordial courtesy to visiting teams and officials.
5. To establish a happy relationship between visitors and hosts.
6. To respect the integrity and judgment of the sports officials.
7. To achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and the standards of eligibility.
8. To encourage leadership, use of initiative, and good judgment by players on the team.
9. To recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well-being of the individual players.
10. To remember that an athletic contest is only a game—not a matter of life and death for player, coach, school, fan, community, state or nation.

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Mandatory Meeting

Pre-season Parent/Athlete Meeting: Before the start of each sports season an informative parent/athlete/coach meeting is held to bring all participating parties up to date on changes or new regulations regarding their student athlete’s participation on one of that season’s athletic teams. Parent and athlete attendance is mandatory. The meeting will contain the following information:

• The Athletic Coordinator will explain the philosophy of the school, and the role of the site coordinator to control disciplinary actions.
• The Varsity coach will introduce the coaches and explain what their basic philosophy is at the different levels of play.

Student Accident Insurance

The Hornell Board of Education subscribes to the Pupil Benefit Insurance. The purpose of this insurance is to assist the parents with expenses. Parental insurance is the primary insurance provider. The policy the Hornell Board of Education subscribes to is excess coverage only. It provides indemnity for medical, dental, and hospital service (in accordance with the company’s schedule) for accidental bodily injury occurring while engaged in school sponsored activities. Parents who have medical bills concerning an athletic injury can pick up a claim form at the Business Office or Senior High Main Office. This form will have instructions on how to process the claim with the insurance company. It is the responsibility of the parent(s) to submit the completed form to the insurance company.

Levels of Participation (Athletics)

Depending upon the student athlete’s physiological development and skill level at a specific sport, the following levels of interscholastic sports programs are available to students at the Hornell City School District. The basic goals we have established at each level of play are outlined below:

Modified: The modified program is available only to students in 7th 8th and possibly 9th grade (depending on a JV squad). The modified program of competition focuses on teaching the fundamentals of the game, skill development, responsibility, and sportsmanship. Maximum participation for all student- athletes is the goal. The role and purpose of the modified sports program:

• Sportsmanship promoted as a function of the athletic experience
• Develop the basic skills, fundamentals, and rules of the sport
• See if it is a sport that the athlete would like to continue
• There is a possibility that some players may be cut during tryouts
• Give all participants fair playing time (coach’s discretion)

Junior Varsity: Junior Varsity teams are usually comprised of 9th and 10th grade students. The role and purpose of the Junior Varsity sports program is:

• Sportsmanship promoted as the primary goal of the program
• Further develop the skills and physical condition of the athlete to its full potential
• Prepare for the varsity level
• Place more emphasis on competing but not to the extent of the Varsity level
• There is a possibility that some players may be cut during tryouts
• It is our hope that each member of the team will see some playing time

Varsity: The main focus of our Varsity sports program is to compete at the highest competitive level. Players who try out and are determined by the coach not to have the necessary skills, discipline, or positive attitude that will contribute to the winning team may be cut during tryouts. The role and purpose of the Varsity sports program is:

• Sportsmanship displayed at all times
• •Playing time is earned, not granted
• •Develop skills and physical conditioning of the athlete to its full potential
• Allow the talented athlete the chance to excel and prepare for college level
• Learn to set goals and strive to achieve them
• Be a role model to younger athletes
• Any JV athlete moved up to a Varsity team should see significant playing time unless this move was made to deal with an emergency situation
• Notification will be given during the preseason to those athletes and their parents that the coach feels will see only minimum playing time

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NYSPHSAA Advanced Placement Process (APP) Eligibility Requirements

7th and 8th graders who wish to participate on a JV or Varsity team must meet the NYSPHSAA Eligibility requirements administered by the Director of Athletics. The APP is as follows:

a.  Students will be selected/recommended by the Varsity Coaches and Athletic Coordinator’s discretion.

b. The parent or guardian must request and sign a permission form that outlines the program requirements and goals.

c.  The student must pass a physical administered by the school doctor. The physical tests the students’ developmental maturity.

d. A fitness test will be administered to students who meet the developmental maturity level. The test will be given roughly two-weeks before the first day of each sports season.

Students will also have an opportunity (if he/she wish) to pass portions of the fitness test in which they were unsuccessful in meeting the minimum standard(s). Students will have two (2) chances to pass the test per season.

e.  The student-athlete will have three days as a ‘try-out’ to make the team.

Additional information outlining participation requirements as outlined by the NYSPHSAA may be obtained upon request to our Athletic Coordinator.

Age Requirements

Outlined below are the age and/or grade requirements a student must meet in order to be eligible for interscholastic sports competition under NYSPHSAA guidelines:

• An athlete’s eligibility begins for 4 consecutive years once he/she enters the 9th grade
• An athlete’s eligibility begins for 5 consecutive years once he/she enters the 8th grade if the student meets all selective/classification eligibility requirements.
• An athlete’s eligibility begins for 6 consecutive years once he/she enters the 7th grade if the student meets all selective/classification eligibility requirements.
• A year of eligibility is determined when a student is a member of a sports team, which has completed at least one contest.
• A pupil is who turns 19 on or after July 1st is eligible for participation during that school year in all sports.

Transporting Students from an Extra-Curricular Event

Each student who participates in an extra-curricular event at the Hornell City School District is expected to ride the bus to and from all school sponsored activities and if applicable, practices. If parents wish to take their children home after an extra-curricular event it will be necessary to sign out with the advisor/coach after the event on the form provided by the advisor. If parents wish to have their children ride home with another adult, a signed note will need to be provided. This note should include the child’s name, date, name of the event and the name of the adult who will be taking the child. Permission notes need to be signed by the Athletic Coordinator or administrator and given to the coach/advisor prior to the event. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the adults in advance who will be transporting their children. The adult to whom the student will be released will need to sign the child out with the coach/advisor at the event on the form provided.

If an emergency arises to prevent a student from riding the bus to or from an away event, contact the school immediately.

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Communication Checklist

During the course of the season, concerns may arise. The following communication process should be followed:

1. Player arranges meeting with the coach/advisor
2. Parent arranges meeting with the coach
3. Parent arranges meeting with Athletic Coordinator
4. Parent arranges meeting with the Superintendent

Failure to Complete a Season

Any student who fails to complete a season, who is dismissed or quits a team will forfeit any athletic awards they may have otherwise earned. The athlete who fails to complete a season may receive a suspension from interscholastic contests/competitions of the next sports season that he/she competes in, up to 10% of regular season contests. In order to fully serve this penalty, the athlete must finish that season in good standing. All athletes who decide not to finish a season will be required to meet with the Athletic Coordinator and complete a “Failure to Complete a Season” Form, see appendix B. There may be certain cases where it is in the best interest of a student-athlete to not continue participation. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. It will then be left to the decision of the Coach, Athlete and Athletic Coordinator to decide whether the student will be penalized or not. All decisions made may be appealed to the Athletic Council.

Once a student is dismissed from a team or chooses not to finish the season with a team, he/she will not be allowed to compete on any other team during the same sports season.

Minimum Sport Season Requirements

The chart on the following page outlines minimum requirements for practice, scrimmages, and number of contests of each sports season.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS STANDARDS CHART

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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR GRADES 7-12

Participation in extracurricular activities is deemed a privilege to be enjoyed by students who are attending to their academic responsibilities in a satisfactory manner. Students who do not maintain a satisfactory level of performance in their class work jeopardize their participation in these activities. Extracurricular activities include but are not limited to events such as a play or musical, and athletic contests. School-sponsored events open to non-participants of the club or sport for fundraising purposes (such as dances, dodgeball tournaments, etc) are not included in eligibility. Ineligible students are still allowed to participate in all practices. Ineligible students will be allowed to attend all contests with their teams, but they will not be allowed to participate in those contests. Similarly, participants in clubs can attend regular meetings but not contests, field trips or other club-sponsored events. This does not apply to a student participating in an after school activity which is required for a credit bearing course.

In order for a student to participate in a school-sponsored activity or athletic contest, it is necessary that the student attend all classes during the day unless they have been legally excused and/or are no more than 15 minutes tardy after the school day begins.

Any student assigned an in-school or out-of-school suspension cannot participate in any activities for that day or length of suspension. If a student is suspended on the last day of the school week, they cannot participate in weekend contests.

Student’s eligibility for extracurricular activities and interscholastic athletics will be based on their individual course averages as reported weekly. The passing averages for the 7th through 12th grades are: 65%

Grade reports are run every Tuesday morning. The 1st and 3rd marking period report will be run starting week 3 and for marking periods 2nd and 4th will run starting week 2. Any student who is failing two or more courses is ineligible to participate in extracurricular and athletic contests until the next list is run the following Tuesday. In the event that eligibility is run before a long break (Winter Recess, Mid Winter Recess, and Spring Break), we will have special consideration during that time. The Athletic Director will have conversations with the Teachers and the Teacher can decide if adequate progress is being made to allow the student to regain eligibility during the break.

Code of Behavior for Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

All of this information pertains to students involved in extracurricular activities and athletics during their time of participation whether an athletic season, extracurricular event, etc. Furthermore, it is the desire of all coaches/advisors that all students involved in the program, in any capacity, will have the responsibility to follow these guidelines on a continual basis. Thoughtful consideration and decisions are necessary at the beginning of each school year, event and sport season. It’s your opportunity and it’s your school, but when you are part of a club, ensemble, team, etc, you must be concerned with others as well as yourself. We would encourage and stress the idea of team cooperation, togetherness, and school spirit. Such factors are essential to the success of our extra-curricular and athletic programs.

Individuals who have earned the privilege of being selected to represent our school as members of a club, ensemble, athletic team or other extracurricular group must adhere to the codes established.

The following information is provided as a guide for the student involved in extracurricular activities and athletics as well as for their parents.

Rules for Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

It is the purpose of the Hornell City School District to provide a safe, drug-free environment in which our student participants can strive to reach their fullest potential. The District has established the rules, as set forth below, for the benefit of our students and our interscholastic athletic program and extracurricular activities. These rules attempt to insure the physical well-being, mental alertness and the moral characteristics that are so necessary for the participation in athletics and extracurricular activities. A student who violates the rules and regulations regarding substance possession/use during school hours will be dealt with according to the Student Code of Conduct and the rules established within this handbook. If the violation occurs after school hours, the student will receive consequences solely according to the rules of this handbook.

Since participation in our athletic program and extracurricular activities is a privilege, living by the rules is a responsibility that each student accepts when becoming a member of an interscholastic team, a member of a club, or ensemble. These rules apply to all students that are involved in any extracurricular activity or athletic team as defined earlier in this handbook, with no exception. Individual advisors and coaches may insist on higher expectations. In such cases, the coach must present the expectations in writing to both the student and the Athletic Director and/or High School Principal.

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Conditions for Participation in Athletics and Extracurricular Activities Consent Forms

Students involved in extracurricular activities and/or athletics shall be provided and must read a copy of the Athletic and Extracurricular Handbook. The student and parent or guardian must sign and submit the consent form before the first day of that event whether practice, rehearsal or meeting. A student may not participate in any way without the signed consent form. A consent form will be signed at the beginning of each year and will be in effect for the entire school year.

Attendance

Students must abide by the following minimum attendance requirements:

a. Students must be in school 15 minutes after the start of homeroom unless legally excused in order to be eligible for a practice, scrimmage, game, meeting, rehearsal, or other extracurricular event that day.

b. The student must attend all classes that day in which the activity occurs.

c.  Excused absences (medical appointments, college visits, etc.) will be left to the discretion of the Athletic Director or building administrator. For an absence to be considered excused, a note from a doctor, college recruiter, etc., must accompany the student upon arrival to school.

d.  If a student is illegally absent from school on Friday, or released from school due to illness, the student will not be able to participate in practice and/or contest that day or the following Saturday, unless the nurse sends the student home. In this instance, students may not participate in a practice/game on Friday night. However, they will be able to participate in a practice/game on Saturday.

Excessive unexcused absences and/or tardies to school may result in further consequences as outlined in the consequences portion of this document.

Practice/Contest Attendance

All participants are expected to attend all events, meetings, practices and games. All absences without prior notification given to the coach are considered unexcused. If students believe they will have consistent challenges with attendance for whatever reason, they need to meet with the advisor/coach to discuss the challenge and determine the impact on their participation in this club, activity, or athletic team. Student participants are allowed two unexcused absences.

In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension

A student who receives an in-school (ISS) or out-of-school (OSS) suspension will not be able to participate in practice, games, contests or activities during the day of the suspension. A student who receives ISS or OSS for a Friday will not be able to participate in that Saturday’s events. Further, if ISS or OSS is assigned on a Friday for the following Monday then that student will not be able to participate in that weekends’ events. Disciplinary action will also result in consequences detailed below.

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Costumes/Equipment/Uniforms

It is expected that costumes, equipment, uniforms and other supplies will be cared for properly.. Monetary compensation will be expected for destruction or loss of any of the above mentioned.

• School supplied uniforms, costumes and equipment must be used only at scheduled events. This does not include any regular practice or meeting unless directed otherwise by the adult supervisor, for example yearbook picture day. The student is responsible for all equipment issued to him/her and must return all of it at the advisor/coach’s request.
• Steps for equipment/costume/uniform collection:
  • Collection time will be determined by advisor or faculty athletic manager
  •  Individual contact with student
  • Parent contact by advisor/coach
  • Awards withheld at banquets
  • Bill for unreturned equipment will be sent by certified mail to the student’s mailing address. This will be done by the supervising administrator, either the Athletic Director and/or High School Principal.
  • The student will not be allowed to participate in the event, the next sport season, and/or year long activities until the costume, uniform or equipment is returned or paid for.

Theft and Vandalism

Items that have been taken from any venue while representing the school must be returned to the Athletic Director and/or High School Principal at that school. Students who damage property at any venue while representing the school will pay for the cost of repairs. In both instances, an apology for such misconduct shall be included with any additional consequences outlined in the consequences portion of this document.

Hazing

Hornell High School students will not participate in any activity that might be considered hazing. Hazing activities intend to bring physical, emotional embarrassment or attention to a student due to the student’s participation on a sports team, club, ensemble or other school group. Hazing activities discriminate between students based upon age, gender, years of participation experience, and school class. Hazing includes (but is not limited to) initiations, ‘rites of passage’, and entry rituals. Any action or behavior of this type will not be tolerated. Consequences are outlined in the consequences portion of this document.

Travel

When your group is on a trip you are expected to travel to and from the contest with your group.

Parents are encouraged (but not required) to supply a written note prior to the event that their child will be riding home with them. If parents wish to have their child ride home with another parent a prior written note is required. All parents must sign their child out with the advisor/coach prior to taking them home from the event.

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Injuries

The student, parent or guardian must report all injuries to the advisor/coach within 48 hours. If notification is not given, be advised that the injury may not be covered by school insurance. Advisors/coaches have been instructed to fill out an accident report after being notified.

Citizenship and In-School Behaviors

All students will conduct themselves as good school and community citizens. Discipline problems in and out of school (including criminal conduct) may result in disciplinary action by the Advisor/Coach, Athletic Director and/or the Youth Court. Disciplinary action may also result in consequences as detailed below.

Appropriate Personal Conduct

Respect will be shown to all decisions made by officials or judges as well as within discourse between other schools, teams, and the general public. There is to be no visible show of anger regardless of how students personally view the situation. A student or parent(s) ejected from a contest will abide by the Section V policy. If a student receives any disciplinary action; for example a technical foul or red card during a competition, or is removed/ejected from a contest or game, concert, play or musical the following steps shall be taken:

1. 1st occurrence: Meet with the Athletic Director or HS Principal
2. 2nd occurrence: Meet with the Athletic Director or HS Principal, Coach/Advisor and parents; disciplinary action may be taken.
3. 3rd occurrence: Three game suspension or extracurricular equivalent

Inappropriate personal conduct may also may also result in consequences as detailed below.

Social Media

Students participating in extracurricular activities serve as role models. This responsibility also extends to social media. It is unacceptable for any student to post or communicate anything through social media that disrupts the educational, extracurricular or athletic environment. Inappropriate posts or communication shall result in disciplinary action as outlined in the consequences portion of this document.

Illegal or banned substances/banned activities

Students will be subject to disciplinary action for the use and possession of illegal drugs including alcohol, marijuana, non-prescribed prescription drugs, and tobacco. Even if a student may be of legal age (18 years-old) to purchase, possess, and use tobacco while still enrolled in school , they will be held accountable as per the guidelines stated in the Board of Education Policy governing Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs and Other Substances for Students. Any violation of this policy will also be considered a violation of the rules in the Athletic & Extracurricular Handbook.

The rules associated with illegal or banned substances are as follows:

1. A student shall be subject to disciplinary action for possession, sale or use of tobacco products. Examples include but are not limited to: cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapor products, snuff or chew.
2. A student shall be subject to disciplinary action for possession, consumption, sale or being under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal substances, including pipes, syringes or other paraphernalia.
3. If a student is present at any time where underage consumption of alcohol or other illegal substances is occurring, it is the student’s responsibility to leave immediately. Alcoholic beverages include but are not limited to: rubbing alcohol, spirits, liquor, wine, beer, hard cider and beverages sold as non- alcoholic beverages such as NA beer. Immediately is defined by a time as soon as the presence of an illegal substance is identified. Leaving requires the student to physically leave the location even if it is necessary to walk away from it while transportation arrives. Any student who returns for any reason will be subject to consequences contained in this policy.

Good Samaritan Clause: Should a student be present to assist another student to leave a location where banned substances are present, the student providing aid must make every effort to assist and immediately leave the location. Any indication that the student providing aid is present for longer than what would be deemed reasonable to attend to this task would make them subject to discipline as if attending the event.

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Consequences for Violation of Rules

The charts below are used as a reference to guide the administration in executing consequences for violations of the above mentioned rules based on the level of infraction and frequency by which the rules have been violated. Contained within the chart are examples of infractions and consequences that could be assigned.

Consideration may be taken into account based on level of cooperativity, character, remorse, legal consequences and/or degree by which the event negatively impacted the school community. Administration has the authority to assign consequences at each of these levels for any violation of the aforementioned rules.

Suspensions are for calendar weeks/days and begin immediately once issued. Suspensions are levied for all students and once in place prohibit competition in extracurricular activities, events, and contests. However, students are permitted to practice and rehearse as appropriate with their club/team. Advisors or coaches may levy additional consequences for students beyond these minimum consequences as per club/team rules. Any of these additional consequences will be based on expectations clearly communicated in writing prior to the beginning of the start date.

First Offense:
Tier 1

• Two week suspension (14 days) and meeting with coach/advisor

Infractions to the rules may include but are not limited to:
Tier 1

• Possession of tobacco\
• OSS
• Bullying, harassment, hazing that has resulted in multiple behavioral referrals
• Attended a party with alcohol or drugs
• Other ongoing in- school behaviors
• Pattern of unexcused absences/tardies from school

Subsequent Offense
Tier 1

Ten week suspension (70 days) and meeting with coach/advisor

Infractions to the rules may include but are not limited to:

Tier 1

• Possession of tobacco\
• OSS
• Bullying, harassment, hazing that has resulted in multiple behavioral referrals
• Attended a party with alcohol or drugs
• Other ongoing in- school behaviors
• Pattern of unexcused absences/tardies from school

Tier 2

• Ten Week suspension (70 days) and meeting with coach/advisor

Infractions to the rules may include but are not limited to:

• Arrest
• Assault (physical and verbal)
• Possession and/or use of drugs and/or alcohol
• Superintendent hearing

Subsequent Offense
Tier 2

• Forty week suspension (280 days) and meeting with coach/advisor
• Arrest
• Assault (physical and verbal)
• Possession and/or use of drugs and/or alcohol
• Superintendent hearing
• Severe tier 1 action with extenuating circumstances per superintendent

Tier 3

• Forty week suspension (280 days) and meeting with coach/ advisor

Infractions to the rules may include but are not limited to:

• Severe Tier 1 or Tier 2 action with extenuating circumstances, per Superintendent

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Reduced Suspensions

Students who receive suspensions beyond two weeks may elect to engage in school-approved community service, counseling sessions dealing with the dangers of substance abuse, provided by a school counselor or an outside mental health provider. If proof of the above is provided to the High School Principal or Athletic Director, suspensions may be reduced by up to 14 days.

Suspension Rollover

Suspensions will be served in full, less any approved reductions. Suspensions may carry over across seasons, extracurricular events, and across school years until completely served. For example, a 10 week suspension imposed to a high school junior in June may be served with the first 4 weeks occurring in June and the balance being served with the resumption of activities of the senior year.

Cumulative Consequences

Students who receive consequences for their first offense shall receive consequences for subsequent offenses as per the chart above provided that those subsequent offenses occur within one calendar year of the first offense. If a student has no violations after one calendar year then a subsequent violation will be deemed as a first offense with consequences assigned appropriately. For example, a student has a first offense on 9/12/18 and then a second on 4/15/19, then the second offense would be assigned consequences per the subsequent offense chart. However, if that student did not have any offenses for the rest of that school year and had a second offense on 10/15/2019, then the student would be assigned consequences as if it were a first offense.

Assigning of Consequences

The Athletic Director, High School Principal, and/or Assistant Principals will be charged with determining if a violation of the athletic & extracurricular rules has been founded. When a violation has occurred, consequences will be assigned as quickly as possible with notification provided to students and parents within 48 hours of when it was determined that a violation occurred.

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Required Meeting

Students are required to meet with their advisor/coach if they are found to be in violation of the rules. This meeting is not to determine a violation. This meeting will be to outline and discuss the concerns leading to the violation as well as means for maintaining good standing with the team, group, or ensemble. If the supervising adult has a more strict code of conduct that has been clearly articulated in advance additional consequences will be discussed at this time.

Appeal of Consequences

Any appeal of the assigned consequences will be heard by the school’s youth court once it is established. The youth court will hear the facts of the case and provide written findings of fact to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee which shall be made in advance. The Superintendent can agree or disagree with the opinion of the youth court and will make the final ruling. The Superintendent represents the final stage in the appeals process and will provide a written decision of the appeal within 24 hours of the opinion delivered by the youth court.

Until the youth court is established, a committee (selected by the non-voting administrative facilitator) composed of one student, one coach, and one advisor not involved in the activity or assigning of consequences will hear the appeal. This committee will hear the facts of the case and provide written findings of facts to the Superintendent of Schools or the Superintendent’s designee. The Superintendent can agree or disagree with the findings of fact of the committee and will make the final ruling. The Superintendent represents the final stage in the appeals process and will provide a written decision of the appeal within 24 hours of the findings of fact delivered to the Superintendent or designee

Conditions for Participation for Athletics

All student athletes are required to meet the following standards in order to participate on any interscholastic team at the Hornell City School District:

1. Physicals
   Each year, every athlete must pass an approved physical examination prior to participating in an interscholastic contest. Physicals are good for one calendar year. NO ATHLETE CAN PARTICIPATE IN A SCHEDULED COMPETITIVE CONTEST OR PRACTICE WITHOUT AN UPDATED PHYSICAL.
2. Locker Room
   1. No glass containers are allowed in the locker rooms
   2. Please keep your locker clean and your clothing washed regularly
   3. Please report locker room misconduct as soon as it is observed
3. Joining a Team Already Practicing
   A student who wishes to join a sport that has already started must sign up before the first week of practice is completed. After the first week of practice is over, the student may not join unless:
   1. The student could not participate due to an injury and needed a doctor’s release
   2. The student is a legal transfer
   3. The student is completing an extracurricular suspension from a previous sport
   4. The previous season sport had extended post-season play

Concussions

Prior to participating in interscholastic athletics, all student athletes must complete an online concussion test (ImPACT) to determine a baseline reading. If a concussion occurs, the student must complete a post- concussion “return-to-play” (RTP) protocol. The final approval for returning to play is determined by the HHS school doctor. A student’s best chance for a timely recovery hinges on two critical components: cognitive and physical rest.

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