FILE: IDFA
Cf: IDFAB
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board believes that the competitive athletic program is a part of the overall educational program of the school system. It also believes that the athletic program should be closely coordinated with the general instructional program of the school, and that the aims achieved through athletics should justify its inclusion in the overall educational program. The athletic program shall also be based on a spirit of non-professionalism so that participation is regarded as a privileged opportunity.
ATHLETIC PROGRAM
Interscholastic athletics may be made available for students in the schools of the school district. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall develop and maintain an athletic program in the school district that emphasizes participation of all students. The conduction of all athletic programs within the school district shall comply fully with regulations of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) and policies of the School Board. The School Board shall allow students to participate in as many sports activities and academic activities as he/she is capable of participating in without fear of reprisal.
Regulations
Regulations governing athletics in Avoyelles Parish schools shall be as follow:
The principal, as the administrator of the school, shall be responsible for conducting all phases of the athletic program in the school.
Athletic and school events shall not be scheduled in conflict with regularly scheduled religious service on Wednesday night and on Sundays.
Excessive extracurricular activities on school nights is detrimental to the best interests of students. It is recommended that in making schedules, that not more than one athletic contest be scheduled on a school night during any one week. It is also recommended that all possible effort be put forth to arrange for games and other activities on Friday night.
Conditioning Program
All students desiring to participate in a sport shall participate in a general conditioning program conducted by the school prior to the first official day of a sport. Students who have transferred to the school will not be required to participate in the mandatory conditioning program.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
No student shall be permitted to practice or participate in any interscholastic athletic program in any public school of the Avoyelles Parish School Board until such student shall have furnished to the principal of the school documentation that he/she has met the following requirements:
Evidence of having had a physical examination by a licensed physician who shall have completed documentation as required by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).
Properly complete a School Entrance and General Health Exam Form/LHSAA Medical History and pass a medical examination by a licensed physician prior to the first time he/she participates in a sport in a LHSAA school. Physicians may continue to use the original LHSAA Sports Physical Form in performing sports physicals. In addition, parents shall be required to complete the Authorization for Release of Confidential Information.
Once a student passes the initial medical examination and completes an LHSAA Medical History Form prior to the sports season in which he/she participates, he/she shall annually pass any medical screening or medical examination required by a licensed physician and shall update his/her LHSAA Medical History Form as required.
A copy of all completed and signed medical examination and participation/release of information forms (and any others required by the School Board) must be on file at the school for every student before he/she practices or participates in interscholastic athletics during that school year.
An agreement signed by the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to hold the School Board and its members, employees, agents, assigns and insurers harmless from and against any liability for any accidents involving the student while participating in such athletic activities and any injuries suffered by the student during, or as a result of, such participation. The agreement shall also authorize team physicians to treat the student in the event of an injury requiring emergency treatment.
Students shall sign a form consenting to random drug screening and must obtain the written consent of their parent(s) or guardian(s) for said tests in order to be eligible to participate in any athletic or extracurricular activity. (See policy IDFAA, Drug Screening of Athletes and Extracurricular Participants)
RULES VIOLATION
Adherence to the rules of athletic representation and participation shall be strictly enforced by the School Board. Any violations of athletic rules shall be immediately reported to the Superintendent by the principal. In the event that a member school, member school principal, or member school coach is penalized or cited by the LHSAA due to a violation, the athletic director, principal, and coach involved shall provide a full report to the Superintendent. If found warranted, the Superintendent in turn shall make a report to the School Board with pertinent recommendations for disciplinary action.
SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS
The School Board endorses the scholastic eligibility requirements as a condition for participation in high school extracurricular activities as stipulated by the LHSAA. Scholastic requirements shall be as follow:
To be eligible for the first semester of the school year, a student shall have earned at least six (6) units from the previous school year, which shall be listed on the student’s transcript, and shall have at least a "C" average as determined by the School Board when considering all "graded" subjects.
To be eligible for the second semester of the school year, a student shall pass at least six (6) subjects from the first semester. A senior attempting four (4) units in the first semester must pass all four (4) units to be eligible in the second semester. Likewise, a senior attempting five (5) units in the first semester must pass all five (5) units, and a senior taking six (6) or more units in the first semester must pass six (6) units for second semester eligibility.
The LHSAA includes specific eligibility rules for special education students which must be met for their participation.
Individual schools or the School Board may set higher, but not lower scholastic requirements for interscholastic athletic participation.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Athletes shall have either school student insurance or a signed statement from the parent showing that the student is otherwise covered for any accident or injuries that may occur during any athletic participation. No students shall be allowed to practice or participate in interscholastic athletics until this requirement has been met.
TRAVEL REGULATIONS
Regulations governing travel for interscholastic activities, particularly sports teams, shall be as follows:
Travel shall be by bus.
A coach or a member of the faculty must accompany students.
All participants shall travel with the team or group to and from activities.
Only authorized personnel shall travel with the team or group. Authorized personnel shall be determined by the principal.
Travel itinerary must be presented to the principal prior to any travel (destination, mode of transportation, drivers, players, or participants, other authorized members, time of departure, and approximate time of return.)
The principal shall be notified of any major change of itinerary.
The Superintendent shall be notified immediately if an accident occurs while traveling, in which personal injury, vehicle, or property damage occurs which necessitates investigation by police.
The use of tobacco or alcohol by students shall be strictly prohibited.
Buses owned by individual schools must have the same insurance coverage as individually owned parish school buses. Operators of buses shall have a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
All local and parish school rules of conduct are in effect during the trip.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board recognizes the value of middle school athletic and extracurricular activities and has approved the Avoyelles Parish Handbook for Middle School Athletics which contains regulations which govern athletics and other extracurricular activities at the middle schools. Middle school athletes shall be required to meet the same scholastic requirements as required by the LHSAA for high school athletes.
Revised: November 2, 2010
Revised: October 4, 2011
Revised: October 1, 2013
Revised: March 6, 2014
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:169, 17:176
Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education
Official Handbook, Louisiana High School Athletic Association
Board minutes, 4-7-60, 8-19-75, 9-16-75, 2-17-76, 1-18-00, 9-2-97, 11-2-10, 10-4-11, 10-1-13, 3-6-14
Avoyelles Parish School Board