Handbook Details

It is the intent of the Ephrata School District to provide any student participant with good instruction, safe equipment and safe transportation; but we cannot eliminate all risks involved in activity participation. ACCIDENTAL INJURY, COMPLETELY UNRELATED TO ANY PREVENTABLE CAUSE, IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE.

This warning form is designed to provide the Ephrata School District with a degree of protection. It is not designed to deny the rights of an injured patient. EPHRATA SCHOOL DISTRICT PROVIDES CATASTROPHIC MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE TO PARTICIPATING STUDENTS. Participation in WIAA sponsored interscholastic activities are all voluntary and extracurricular. As a condition to participate in these activities, athletes and their parents / guardians must understand THE RISKS involved in these kinds of activities.

WARNING

Participating in any activity may involve injury of some type to either the athlete or to a fellow student participant. Such injury can include direct physical and possible crippling injury to one’s body and the possibility of emotional injury experienced as a result of witnessing or actually inflicting injury to another. The severity of such injury can range from minor to catastrophic injury such as complete paralysis or even one’s future ability to earn a living, to engage in other business, social and recreational activities and generally to enjoy life.

Activity injuries can result from the incorrect or correct performance of playing techniques used in tryouts, practices, warm-ups, games, drills, exercises and other, similar undertakings. Injury can also result from failure to follow game, training, safety or other rules. Injury can result from the use of transportation provided or arranged by the school district to and from interscholastic play.

Therefore, the purpose of this WARNING is to aid you in making an informed decision as to whether your child should participate in these activities. In addition, its purpose is to make you aware that as a student participant, or as a parent / guardian of a student participant, it is your responsibility to learn about and / or inquire of coaches, physicians, advisors or other knowledgeable persons, any concerns that you might have at any time regarding the participant’s safety.

All athletes and coaches are to stay in the rooms reserved by the district. No one making the trip as a part of the team is permitted to stay in any other room, such as with a parent. Coaches will make room assignments. This will not be left to the discretion of athletes. All athletes will stay in the room assigned. 

At no time is there to be anyone other than athletes and coaches in these rooms or hanging around this section of the hotel. This includes parents, siblings, other students, girlfriends, boyfriends, alumni, fans, etc. If there is a need for a parent to bring an athlete a forgotten item, it may be done by contacting a coach, who will meet the parent and deliver the item. 

One room key will be issued to each group of athletes staying in the room. Coaches may request a second room key to each room upon checking in. Coaches reserve the right to enter any room at any time at their discretion. The coaching staff reserves the right to search all bags and personal belongings that may be suspicious. 

Curfew will be set by the coaching staff. At that time all athletes are to be in their assigned room. Athletes who violate curfew will face consequences that may include playing time. At no time will student members of the opposite gender be allowed in a room. 

In bed and lights out will be set by the coaching staff. Coaches may go into and inspect every room at that time to ensure that all things are in order. Coaches may randomly go into rooms and make checks after that time as late into the night as is necessary to ensure that there are no problems. A member of the coaching staff may remain in the hallway for as late into the night, including throughout the night if necessary, to ensure that there are no problems. 

Athletes will stay together throughout the trip. An athlete who feels they have a need to leave the group for any reason will seek permission from a coach prior to doing so. At no time will an athlete leave the premises in any non-school transportation, with the possible exception of an athlete leaving with their own parent / guardian with coach permission. 

All rules as defined in the athletic handbook are in place. Athletes who violate the athletic code or team rules will face consequences that may include among other things playing time. In the event of a loss, the athletic code and school rules and expectations remain in place. In some cases, rule violations such as use/possession of alcohol and drugs are also a violation of school rules and will carry additional consequences at school. In such cases, a parent may be required to come and pick up their athlete to return home. Law enforcement may be requested for assistance. Any and all damages to hotel room property or other property will be the responsibility of the athlete and their family. 

In order to implement our sports programs, it is important that our athletes sometimes run”off campus.” Off campus means any time students leave the high school campus and can occur in any sport, but most often in cross country and track. Students may be asked to run:

• On road in the immediate proximity of the school
• By traveling in a school vehicle to a special destination (country road, park, hills, etc.)

The following precautions will be taken:

• Coaches will indicate route to be taken and supervise runs
• Main roads will be avoided
• Traffic safety rules will be observed
• All transportation will be provided by the district vehicles

RUNNING REGULATIONS

• Runners must be under the direction of a coach while running off campus
• Athletes must follow these rules:
  • Run facing oncoming traffic
  • Run on the shoulder of roads
  • Stop and look both ways before crossing streets and intersections
  • Only cross streets at the intersection
  • Never accept a ride in a vehicle
  • Stay away from areas of danger (canals, highways, personal property, etc.)

The endurance development that runners must undertake if they are to be competitive in cross country and track requires long, tedious workouts, sometimes as much as 10 miles in one practice session. The distance coaches agree that to attempt such sessions on the school track or on-campus alone would discourage a distance runner and eventually undermine the cross country and track programs. Running in new settings, and on varied terrain is precisely what inspires the distance runner to continue their difficult endeavor. However, traffic does present risk to athletes while road running.

These regulations are issues to minimize the chances of an accident while road-running for ALL athletes in all sports.
 

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. 

In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. You can't see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek  medical attention right away. 

SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING

Headaches “Pressure in Head” Nausea or Vomiting Neck Pain Balance Problems or Dizziness Blurred, Double or Fuzzy Vision Sensitivity to Light or Noise Feeling Sluggish or Slowed Down Feeling Foggy or Groggy Drowsiness Change in Sleep Patterns

Amnesia “Don’t Feel Right” Fatigue or Low Energy Sadness Nervousness or Anxiety Irritability More Emotional Confusion Concentration or Memory Problems (Forgetting Game Plays) Repeating the Same Question  / Comment

SIGNS OBSERVED BY TEAMMATES, FAMILY AND COACHES CAN INCLUDE

Appears Dazed Vacant Facial Expression Confused about Assignment Forgets Plays In Unsure of Game, Score or Opponent Moves Clumsily or Displays Incoordination Answers Questions Slowly Slurred Speech Shows Behavior or Personality Changes Can’t Recall Events Prior to Hit Can't Recall Event After Hit Seizures or Convulsions Any Change in Typical Behavior or Personality Loses Consciousness

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF MY CHILD KEEPS PLAYING WITH A CONCUSSION OR RETURNS TOO SOON

Athletes with signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves young athletes especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after the concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athletes will often under-report symptoms of injuries. Concussions are no different. As a result, education of coaches, administrators, family and students is key for the athlete’s safety.

IF YOU THINK YOU CHILD HAS SUFFERED A CONCUSSION

Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. The Zackery Lystedt Law in Washington state now requires the consistent and uniform implementation of long and well- established return to play concussion guidelines:

“A youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice of game shall be removed from competition at that time”

- AND -

“...may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a license health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and received written clearance to return to play from that health care provider.”

You should also inform your child’s coach if you think your child may have a concussion. Remember, it’s better to miss one game than miss the whole season. When in doubt, the athlete sits out.

Ephrata Schools will be required to follow the district’s return to play protocol after the license health care provider clears the athlete for participation following a concussion.

For current information on concussions, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/
 

Procedure 2151

The Ephrata School District desires to conduct an athletic program that will make a permanent contribution to the health and welfare of its participants. The following procedure applies to participants in all athletic programs, including team support personnel (managers, stats keepers, etc.)

GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES

1. The athlete will carry out the coach’s directions.
    
2. The athlete will be in attendance at school for the entire day to be eligible to participate in practice or contest that day.

• Exceptions include funeral attendance, legal appointments and reasonable time for medical or dental appointments.

3. Individual sports may also have additional rules concerning, but not limited to:

• Attendance
• Sportsmanship
• Physical Appearance
• Curfew
• Attitude
• Social Behavior

4. All athletes are encouraged to maintain a high academic level. They must meet minimum requirements established by the WIAA in order to be eligible to participate. Students declared ineligible during periodic grade checks will remain ineligible for one week, regardless if the grade improves during the ineligibility period. After three consecutive weeks of academic ineligibility, the coach may remove the athlete from the team for the remainder of the season. 
    
5. Penalties from other school codes for transferring students will be honored.
    
6. A warning, probationary period or dismissal will result from a violation of general rules.
    
7. Contact will be made home to the parent / guardian of the athlete / participant explaining why the individual has been placed on probation or dismissed and any subsequent action that may be taken.
    
8. The athlete will be required to make all practices during any probationary period and will conform to any provisions of the coach.
    
9.  If, after a warning or probation period, an athlete continues to violate the rules, they will be dropped for the remainder of the season.

SEVERE VIOLATIONS AND PROCEDURES

Attendance at Functions where alcohol, marijuana or other drugs are being unlawfully used are a violation of this code. Participants are prohibited from supporting, by their attendance, functions where alcohol or drugs are being unlawfully used, or placing themselves in circumstances where they should reasonably know that such conditions could exist. FIRST OFFENSE: Removal from the next performance in which the student is to participate.

Severe Violations are any possession or use of alcoholic beverages, drugs, controlled substances, tobacco, electronic smoking / vaping devices or other non-prescribed drug paraphernalia; or criminal acts which may include but are not limited to theft or vandalism; or second and subsequent “Attendance at Functions” will result in the athlete being judges as a Level One, Two or Three offender. (Possession is defined as having substance or drug paraphernalia on their person or in their personal belongings.) Disciplinary action regarding allegations of misconduct for severe violations will not be determined prior to an informal conference between the student, athletic director, principal and / or coach.

LEVEL ONE is defined as a first violation and will result in:

1. Suspension for 40% of the regular season contests, which will carry over into the next sport the student participates in if necessary to meet the time requirement (suspension will carry over into next school year if applicable). Suspension will be reduced to 30% if the athlete admits to the violation when first asked by administration or 20% if the athlete self-reports (defined as a first report of the violation made voluntarily to the administration by the athlete involved prior to the start time of the next school day following the incident).
2. The athlete must finish the season in good standing to fulfill the suspension requirement. Suspension from athletics will not eliminate suspension from clubs or activities the student may also be involved in. Also, suspension for an athlete may not be served in a support personnel role such as a manager or stats keeper. 
3. Complete mandatory counseling procedure through the school counselor. 
4. Continued turnout for all practices, but the athlete will not travel with the group or participate in any contest during the period of suspension. 
5. The athlete must be academically eligible for suspended contests to count.

LEVEL TWO is defined as a second violation and will result in:

1. Suspension for the remainder of the sports season and / or 60%, whichever is longer, (50% if student first admits, 40% if student self-reports) of the regular season contests, which will carry over into the next sport in which the student participates, along with 10 hours of community service. Community service will be served at school unless prior approval by the athletic director is granted for a community endeavor. 
2. The athlete must seek assistance for help for a problem with drugs / alcohol through a community agency if this is a second drug / alcohol violation. Documentation must be submitted to the athletic director to show compliance before the student is declared eligible. 
3. Unless suspended for the remainder of the season, the athlete will continue to participate in all practices, but will not travel with the group or participate in any contest during the period of suspension.

LEVEL THREE is defined as a third and subsequent violation and will result in:

1. Suspension for one calendar year from the date of the violation assessment along with 15 hours of community service. Community service will be served at school unless prior approval by the athletic director is granted.
2. The athlete must request reinstatement in the athletic program through a school eligibility board.

 LEGEND DRUGS AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

In addition to the above penalties for severe violations, the penalties for the possession, use or sale of legend drugs (drugs obtained through prescription, (RCW 69.41.020 - 69.41.050) and controlled substances (RCW 69.50, including marijuana as per federal law) shall be as follows: 

1ST VIOLATION - A participant shall be immediately ineligible for interscholastic competition in the current interscholastic sports program for the remainder of the season. Ineligibility shall continue until the next sports season in which the participant wishes to participate unless the student accesses the assistance program outlined in B (below), but in no instance shall the athlete's suspension period be less than the Level One Suspension period as stated under "Severe Violations'' and ineligibility may extend into the next sports season. 

• The athlete will be ineligible for participation in contests for the remainder of that interscholastic sports season and must meet the school's requirements in order to be eligible to compete in the next interscholastic sports season. The school principal will have the final authority regarding the student's participation in further interscholastic sports programs. 
• The athlete may choose to seek and receive help for a problem with use of legend drugs or controlled substances. Successful utilization of school and/or community assistance programs may allow him/her to have eligibility reinstated in that athletic season, pending recommendation by the school. 

2ND VIOLATION - A participant who again violates any provision of RCW 69.41.020 - 69.41.050 or of RCW 69.50 shall be ineligible for interscholastic competition for a period of one calendar year from the date of the second violation. 
3RD VIOLATION - A participant who violates for a third time RCW 69.41.020 - 69.41.050 or RCW 69.50 shall be permanently ineligible for interscholastic competition.

APPEAL PROCESS

Any and all violations and penalties can be appealed through the Athletic Board. This board will consist of a principal or athletic director, one out-of-season coach, one in-season coach (excluding the coach taking the action) and one faculty member chosen by the accused athlete. The appeal must be requested in writing to the athletic director within seven calendar days of the violation assessment. The student and  /or parent / guardian may further appeal the Athletic Board ruling to the Ephrata School Superintendent and Ephrata School Board within three calendar days of the Athletic Board ruling by written notice. The decision of the Ephrata School Board is deemed final.
 

We recognize that the use and possession of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, drugs and other controlled substances has a potentially detrimental effect on individuals. Use of these substances hamper the development of both the physical skills and mental attitudes needed to succeed in interscholastic athletics as well as representing non-healthy choices in life. Students representing Ephrata Schools in athletics will agree to refrain from the use and possession of these substances at all times. Students are not to attend any function where these substances are being illegally used.

Criminal acts, such as theft or vandalism, are also a violation of the athletic code.

It is important that students and parents / guardians understand the expectations of the athletic code. We encourage parents / guardians to discuss this topic with their child.