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ATHLETICS

The MSSD Athletic Department proclaims eligibility rules governing the participation of our student-athletes and conduct of our programs. The following represent the general rationale addressed by the National Federation of State High Schools Association and the Independent Schools League eligibility rules:

A. ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY

1. AGE ELIGIBILITY

Athletes who are 19 years old or older as of July 1 are ineligible to participate in interscholastic competition for the school year ahead.

2. PLAYING ELIGIBILITY

• Athletes shall not participate at the varsity level for more than four years in one sport.
• Athletes shall be regularly enrolled students at MSSD.
• Athletes on MSSD teams that are governed by the League shall comply with all League regulations. Violation of the regulations may result in suspension or dismissal according to the League by-laws.

3. PARENTAL CONSENT

Athletes shall submit all forms completed and signed by their parent or legal guardian indicating permission for participation.

4. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Athletes shall be examined and certified as being physically fit to participate in any try-out or to be a member of a school team. A qualified physician shall perform the examination.

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B. PRACTICE AND GAME ATTENDANCE

1. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

• Athletes are required to attend their classes on the day of a game. Any athlete absent from class or work internship on a game day shall not participate in that game unless the student is granted an excused absence.
• Athletes agree to be on time for all practices, meetings, and games.
• Athletes agree to obtain prior permission from the coach if they know they will be late or miss a team function.
• Athletes realize that being late to practice without a reason is unexcused and will not be tolerated.

2. ACADEMIC PROBATION

Students are placed on academic probation for the subsequent quarter if they receive two or more failing grades and/or receive a GPA below 2.0 for the previous quarter. Students who are placed on academic probation can participate in practice but will not be able to participate in athletic contests for the first three weeks of the subsequent quarter. If after the first three weeks of that quarter, students show progress in their academic performance, they may participate in athletic contests.

Students will be required to submit a grade tracking form to each of their teachers weekly. Students who do not turn in their tracking forms at all or who earn two or more grades of 70 or lower on their forms any time after the first three weeks of the new marking period will automatically be removed from the team roster for the remainder of the quarter.

3. ENHANCING STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAM

Athletes in the Enhancing Student Success Program (ESSP) will not be able to participate in practice or compete in games during its duration. Athletes may or may not return to the team depending on the seriousness of the violation of school rules.

4. INJURY OR ILLNESS

• Athletes recognize that lack of practice due to any injury may limit their playing time.
• Athletes understand their responsibility to attend practices and games unless excused by their coach.
• Athletes agree to inform their coach of an illness or injury that they feel may affect their playing ability.

5. FIGHTING

Athletes are not allowed to fight at any time. Violation of this rule shall result in an automatic one-game suspension.

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C. ATTITUDE AND RESPECT

1. ATTITUDE

• Athletes agree to keep an attitude of encouragement towards their teammates in every situation.
• Athletes agree to perform any function that the coach in his or her judgment, not theirs, determines is best for the team’s success.

2. RESPECT

• Athletes shall respect themselves and others at all times.
• Athletes shall not participate in any form of bantering, joking, or hazing towards teammates and managers.

D. COMMITMENT

• Athletes agree to remain committed to the team throughout the season. They understand that quitting during the season will cause them to lose their privilege of joining any sport during the following season.
• Athletes agree to give 100 percent effort on the court during practice and in games.
• Athletes agree to maintain their grades and inform their coach of any academic problems they may encounter, such as low grades, a term paper due, or upcoming tests, which may necessitate help in managing their time properly (i.e., tutoring).

E. SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Athletes are expected to refrain from drinking and using illegal drugs at all times. Athletes are not permitted to possess alcohol, illegal drugs, or illegal drug paraphernalia at any time anywhere. If caught for the first time, the athlete will be suspended from participating in any sports-related activities (i.e., practices, games, managing, trips) for two academic weeks. If caught a second time, the athlete will be suspended from participating in any sports-related activities (i.e., practices, games, managing, trips) for three academic weeks. If caught a third or fourth time, the athlete will be banned from any sports-related activities for 12 academic weeks for each time.

If caught selling or distributing illegal drugs and alcohol any time anywhere, the athlete will be suspended from participating in any sports-related activities (i.e., practices, games, managing, trips) for 12 academic weeks.

Athletes are expected to refrain from smoking and chewing tobacco at all times. If caught for the first time, the athlete will be suspended from participating in any sports-related activities (i.e., practices, games, managing, trips) for one academic week. If caught a second time, the athlete will be suspended from participating in any sports-related activities for two academic weeks. If caught a third or fourth time, the athlete will be banned from any sports-related activities for three academic weeks for each time.

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F. TRANSPORTATION

Athletes agree to inform their coach of transportation problems as soon as they arise.

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G. EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS

Athletes will take good care of their uniforms and equipment and will pay to repair or replace them if damaged or lost due to negligence.

Note: Athletes shall abide by the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct. Violation of the code and any other violations that are not included in the handbook may result in suspension or dismissal from the team as determined by the athletic director or other school administrators.

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