STUDENT/ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES CODE

Philosophy and Beliefs

It is the belief of the Brighton School District that athletes will grow mentally, physically, and socially through their involvement in sports.  Hopefully, this growth will result in a healthy lifestyle, which will be prevalent throughout their lives.

To be part of the Brighton athletic program is a privilege and it is the expectation that each athlete, as a representative of Brighton Central Schools, will adhere to the Student/Athlete responsibility Code set forth by the District.  If a student violates any part of the following code, he/she will be in jeopardy of losing his/her eligibility to participate for a part and/or an entire sports season.  This will depend upon the severity of the violation.  The loss of the student's athletic eligibility may be imposed by a school administrator and/or coach.

Working toward a common goal involves maximum performance and consistent effort for a "successful experience".  Each level of our athletic program develops a certain outcome for each participant.

Academic Expectations

Athletes are expected to work up to their ability at all times in the classroom.  He/she is first and foremost a student, and then an athlete.  All students must take a minimum of five academic subjects and physical education each semester.  Team rosters are generated each sports season and distributed to all faculty.  Any academic problems that arise should be brought to the attention of the Athletic Director and/or the coach.

Any athlete participating on a high school team will be governed by the Brighton Academic Policy (adopted june of 1995).  In brief, any athlete who fails three or more subject in the preceding quarter will be placed on a non-participating five-week probation.  At the conclusion of the five week probation, the student will be reinstated to co-curricular participation if grades meet the standard for participation.  Failing two subject in the preceding quarter will result in a three week probation.  During this time, the student must show that their work or effort is at a passing level.  Failure to do this will result in his/her loss of eligibility for the remainder of the quarter.  This is monitored by the teacher, coach, counselor, principal, and athletic director.  For a more detailed description pertaining to this policy, please refer to the student/parent handbook.

Modified B (7th & 8th Grades)

The 7th and 8th grade modified interscholastic athletic program is the beginning level of athletic competition.  Participation is the priority, as these student/athletes will begin to practice with a purpose and develop skills of teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.  These safe and supervised activities require an athletic code of responsibilities and its ensuing appropriate behavior to facilitate role models in our school.

Modified A (7th,8th & 9th Grades)

The emphasis at this level is for the continued development of an athlete both physically and mentally.  The "winning" aspect is de-emphasized, but the competition level increases from the 7th and 8th grade level.  Each athlete will be given an opportunity to play in regular game situations throughout the season.  This will be left to the discretion of the coach.

Junior Varsity

As development continues for the athlete, he/she will become more familiar with the system used at the varsity level.  Learning how to compete, become a member of a team, and understanding how the individual fits in a team role is emphasized.  Winning and success become more focused.  Each individual will be given the opportunity to play during the season at the discretion of the coach.

Varsity

Varsity athletics is the culmination of continuous commitment and dedication to a particular sport.  Athletes in these sports participate in a highly competitive atmosphere at the interscholastic level.  The athlete will be involved in league and possibly sectional and state competition.  Playing time is at the discretion of the coach.

Attendance Policy

All athletes are expected to attend a full day of school.  In order to practice or compete, and athlete must be in school for a full school day.  This includes homeroom.  Conversely, if an athlete chooses not to attend school, or is frequently tardy, he/she will not be able to practice or compete.  Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances may prevail which will be documented and addressed by the coach or Athletic Director.  Daily attendance sheets will be checked by individual coaches.

Practices

Every athlete is expected to participate for a complete sports season.  All teams need a full squad for practice.  The student/athlete must make all practice sessions and athletic contests.  There may be practices and contests on Saturdays, holidays and over school vacations.  If an athlete elects to leave one sport during a season to start another, the move must be approved by the Athletic Director.  Practices only count for a specific sport.  An athlete, who quits a team before the season has been completed, may not practice or be involved with informal workouts with another out of season school team.

Equipment

Athletic equipment issued to the student/athlete meets certified rulebook specifications and must not be altered.  Equipment that has been altered without authorization becomes illegal and unusable.  School issued equipment must be returned immediately to the coach upon completion of the season.  Any item that is altered or not returned by the athlete must be paid for at it's replacement value.

EQUIPMENT SECURITY

Student/athletes are responsible for locking up their equipment and uniforms in their team locker.  Locker room doors are normally locked, but there are certain times of the day when they are unlocked.  Student/athletes must be aware that equipment left on the floor of the locker room and not locked up in a locker is not secure.  Leaving equipment in any place other than a locked locker is at your own risk.  Valuables unrelated to the sport should not be brought to team locker rooms.

Transportation to Away Contests

All athletes must travel to and from away contests in transportation provided by the Brighton School District.  In special cases, a parent may request to provide transportation for their child only.  In such cases, the request must be made in writing to the coach or Athletic Director.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

Student/athletes are representatives of the Brighton Community.  The behavior they demonstrate is a direct reflection upon their school.  His/her conduct on and off the field of play can result in either positive or negative consequences.  It is the expectation that all athletes exemplify good citizenship at all times both in and out of school.  An athlete failing to do so may be suspended from interscholastic sports.  An athlete serving an in or out of school suspension will not be allowed to practice or participate with their team during the suspension.  Frequent suspensions may result in an athlete being removed from the team permanently.  The competitive edge common to all athletes needs to be kept under control.  Individuals who willfully use inappropriate behavior will receive a one game suspension.  The following behaviors are sampling of activities that world warrant such a response:  Inappropriate language or actions, head butting, stick singing, taunting or hazing (classmates, other teammates or the opposing team), disrespect to officials, throwing of equipment, spitting, inappropriate behavior in school or on the bus.  If a suspension occurs, the parent/guardian will be notified.  Suspension means that athlete may not participate with the team in practice or games while the suspension is in force.  He/she may, however attend games and practices as a spectator.

Flagrant unsportsmanlike behavior is an automatic one or two game suspension per Section V regulations depending upon the sport.  The Brighton district adds an additional game suspension to the Section V requirement.  In addition, the athlete will meet with the Athletic Director to discuss and document the incident with its implications.  Parents will receive written notification from the Athletic Director.  Any second ejection in a given season will involve an automatic *Care Team referral.  An athlete will not be permitted to continue his/her athletic endeavors until the intervention component is initiated.

TRAINING RULES

It is the expectation that all student/athletes will adhere to the district policies governing substance use pertaining to alcohol, tobacco and drugs.  We expect our student athletes to model a healthy, chemical free lifestyle.  Athletes are making a commitment to no use during their season and may not use on or off campus at any time.  Athletes should avoid situations that could jeopardize their eligibility, i.e. smoking areas, parties where alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are available, etc.  If an athlete desires help or is referred (by anyone) for help due to suspected substance use, the *Care Team will be involved.  disciplinary measures will not be pursued by students referred in this manner.  Conversely, if an athlete is found breaking the above rules by school personnel, the following actions will occur:

FIRST OFFENSE:

Athletic Director gives written notification to parent/guardian, counselor and coach

Athlete meets with Athletic Director

A seven calendar day suspension

Automatic *Care Team referral

SECOND OFFENSE:

Athletic Director gives written notification to parent/guardian, counselor and coach

Athlete meets with Athletic Director

A thirty calendar day suspension

Automatic *Care Team referral

Any subsequent offense will be dealt with on an individual basis.

• The Care Team is a diverse group of trained staff members who discuss and plan intervention strategies for students who have been referred because they are struggling with various issues, which may include alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
• Anonymous letters, e-mails or any other forms of communication will not be acted on.