CODE: 6145
SECTION: INSTRUCTION
ATHLETICS/EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The Board believes that the educational goals and objectives of the district are best achieved by a diversity of learning experiences, some of which are more appropriately conducted outside the regular classroom program.
The purpose of extracurricular activities shall be:
To develop useful new capabilities in pupils that can lead to extension of career opportunities;
To develop pupil initiative and provide for the exercise of responsibility;
To develop leadership capabilities and good organizational skills;
To aid pupils in the social skills;
To enable pupils to explore a wider range of individual interests than might be available in the regular program.
For purposes of this policy, "extracurricular activities" shall be those activities which are sponsored or approved by the board but are not offered for credit toward graduation. Such activities shall generally be conducted outside the regular school day, available to pupils who voluntarily elect to participate, marked by pupil participation in the processes of initiation, planning, organizing and execution and shall ordinarily include band, clubs, dramatic or musical presentations, and intramural and interscholastic sports.
Equal access to school facilities shall be granted to all activities that meet this definition.
The Superintendent shall prepare procedures to implement an extracurricular program which shall:
A. Assess the needs and interests of the pupils of this district;
B. Ensure the provision of competent guidance and supervision by staff;
C. Guard against the exploitation of pupils;
D. Provide for a variety of experiences and a diversity of organizational models;
E. Provide for the continuing evaluation of the extracurricular program and staff;
F. Ensure that all extracurricular activities are open to all eligible pupils and that all pupils are fully informed of the opportunities open to them.
The guidance goal for each pupil shall be a balanced program of appropriate academic studies and activities to be determined by the school, the parents/guardians and the pupil. Guidance is necessary to encourage nonparticipants, and to prevent the overenthusiastic from emphasizing activities at the cost of their academic performance.
Only persons in the employ of the Board of Education shall be permitted to organize district pupils during school time or during any recess in the school day for purposes of instruction or coaching or for conducting games, events, or contests in physical education or athletics.
No activity shall be considered to be under the sponsorship of this Board unless it has been approved by the board on recommendation of the Superintendent. Fund-raising
activities of extracurricular groups must be approved by the board.
All pupils in good disciplinary and academic standing shall have equal access to all extracurricular activities regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, social or economic status, or non-applicable handicap.
Student Eligibility - Athletics/Extra Curricular Activities (High School):
I. High School Academic Standards and Procedures
A. Effective September 1, 1994, the academic eligibility standard for West Milford Township High School for student participation in athletics and co-curricular activities shall be: 2.0 GPA or better for grade 9, 10, 11 and 12. In addition, any student who fails two or more subjects is also ineligible.
1. Eligibility for the fall season is based on the previous years GPA, with the exception that all freshmen are declared eligible.
2. Eligibility for the winter season is based on the first marking period GPA.
3. Eligibility for the spring season is based on the first and second marking period averaged grades.
B. Once a student is declared eligible for a season, the student's eligibility will continue for the duration of that season.
C. It is the responsibility of the head coach or advisor to monitor all grades of student participants.
D. Any appeals to this policy will be heard and decided by the Principal.
E. Students falling below a 2.0 GPA may be placed on academic probation after appealing to the principal. The students' parents or guardian must support the appeal and must agree to closely monitor student study and homework habits. Students will be required to attend supervised study and tutoring sessions.
F. Classes that have requirements or a class extension that necessitate participation in a specific co-curricular activity, are exempt from the provisions of this policy.
G. The High School Eligibility Committee will meet each Spring to review this policy and make any appropriate recommendations.
H. Students must carry a minimum of 27.5 credits per year or meet the credit requirements of the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (N.J.S.I.A.A.), whichever is greater.
II. High School Athletic Training Rules
A. The use of tobacco, alcohol, steroids, and other drugs, except such drugs that are prescribed by a physician, is strictly prohibited. A first time violation of this rule will result in the suspension of the athlete from the next scheduled contest.
During the suspension period, the athlete will be required to fulfill all other team requirements, i.e. attend practice (s), meeting (s), etc.
In addition to the one contest suspension, the athlete and his/her parents will be required to meet with the Substance Awareness Coordinator. The purpose of this meeting is to determine the extent of the problem, i.e. whether it was an isolated incident or whether it may indicate chemical abuse or dependency. The Substance Awareness Coordinator will develop a treatment plan for the athlete should one be necessary. Should the athlete refuse to meet with the Substance Awareness Coordinator for the initial assessment or for additional counseling sessions, if it is deemed appropriate, by the Substance Awareness Coordinator, he/she will be dismissed from the team.
A second violation of this rule will result in the dismissal of the athlete from his/her respective team. In addition, the athlete and his/her parents will again be required to meet with the Substance Awareness Coordinator.
Penalties for violation of rules B through E will be determined by the head coach.
B. Observe the curfew established by coaches during each season to insure proper sleep and rest and attention to his/her responsibilities athletically and scholastically.
C. Conduct themselves in such a manner at all times to reflect credit upon their school, team, and coaches, especially in the classroom, on the field and in the community.
D. In order to participate in a game, practice or activity a student must be signed into school before the mid-point of the regular school day. Medical and non-medical excusable absences will be honored, including students, who because of religious observances/purposes, have to miss a practice or a game.
E. Students are expected to attend every practice. Penalties for violation will be determined by the head coach or advisor.
Attendance
The district's attendance policy shall also apply.
Implementation
The Superintendent shall direct development of detailed regulations to ensure equitable implementation of this policy. Particular care shall be taken to ensure that all extra-curricular programs and their operation comply with district affirmative action/equity requirements. Participation in academically related coaching or tutoring groups may be exempt from the eligibility requirement at the Superintendent's discretion.
First Reading: December 12, 2000
Adopted: December 19, 2000