Student-Athlete Handbook

While a student has a legal right to attend school, the courts have held that the same right does not extend to participating in athletics. As a result, when student’s elect to participate in a co-curricular activity, they agree to abide by the standards of conduct established for that activity; therefore, it is vitally important for both the student and the student’s parent/guardian(s) to carefully review the expected standards of conduct established in the athletic code or any special rules established by the athletic department and coach for that given activity. And, if for whatever reason the students feel that they cannot abide by such, then the student should not elect to engage in the activity. Above all else, it is important to remember that when student-athletes choose to violate the Athletic Code of Conduct, it is the athlete who has violated their own oath of participation.

Students who participate in Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ interscholastic athletic program are expected to represent the highest ideals of character by exemplifying good conduct, good citizenship and good sportsmanship. Walled Lake student-athletes are also expected to engage in good training habits. Supplemental rules and regulations, unique to a given sport or a coach's philosophy may be implemented upon the approval of a building administrator.

These rules must be in writing and submitted to participants prior to the start of the season. These supplemental rules and regulations may never set a lower standard than our Athletic Handbook. Modification of MHSAA academic eligibility is not permitted. These rules and regulations are in effect twelve months of the year. All penalties for violation of this Code of Conduct shall be cumulative beginning with the student’s participation in the middle school (Grades 6-8) and again in high school (Grades 9-12). Suspensions may carry over from one year to the next.

You are required to live and abide by the standards set forth in the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Student-Athlete Handbook. Student athletes may not participate in athletic activities on days of suspension, athletic contests or practices. Under emergency circumstances, exceptions to the rule may be granted by the building administrator. The coach is to be notified of the granting waiver. When in uniform or letter jacket, athletes are representing Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and must maintain a standard of exemplary conduct.

Teams or individuals who may during the summer months go to team camps, team conditioning camps or individual camps also represent Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and must also maintain a standard of exemplary conduct and are still governed by the Student Code of Conduct.

Coaches

Exemplify the highest moral character, behavior and leadership, adhering to strong ethical and integrity standards. Practicing good citizenship is practicing good sportsmanship!

• Respect the integrity and personality of the individual athlete.
• Abide by and teach the rules of the game in letter and in spirit.
• Describe and define respectful and disrespectful behavior. Stress that disrespectful behavior, especially taunting, trash talking and intimidation will not be tolerated.
• Set a good example for players and spectators to follow.
• Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.
• Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat in public and in meeting/talking with the media. Please confine your remarks to game statistics and to the performance of your team.
• Instruct participants and spectators in proper sportsmanship responsibilities.
• Acknowledge participants and spectators for displaying proper sportsmanship.
• Be no party to the use of profanity or obscene language or improper actions.
• Be organized logical and use a rational approach to coaching which fosters mutual respect among the entire school community.
• Have the ability and willingness to communicate with team, parents, teachers, administrators and the public.

Spectators

• Remember that you are at a contest to support and cheer for your team and to enjoy the skill and competition; not to intimidate or ridicule the other team and its fans.
• Remember that school athletics are learning experiences for students and mistakes are sometimes made. Praise student-athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes and as people; as you would praise a student working in the classroom.
• Remember that a ticket to a school athletic event is a privilege to observe the contest, not a license to verbally assault others and be generally obnoxious.
• Learn the basic rules of the game, so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place.
• Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators and support groups. Treat them as you would treat a guest in your own home.
• Refrain from taunting or making any kind of derogatory remarks to your opponents, especially comments of ethnic, racial or sexual nature.
• Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. Understand that they are doing their best to help promote the student athlete and appreciate their willingness to participate in full view of the public.
• Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
• The use of any controlled substances (alcohol, drugs, etc.) before games, during games, after games and on or near the site of the event (i.e. tailgating) is prohibited.
• Use only those cheers that support and uplift the teams involved.
• Recognize and compliment the efforts of school and league administrators for their efforts in emphasizing the benefits of educational athletics and the role of good sportsmanship to that end.
• Be a positive behavior role model through your own actions and by censuring those around you at events whose behavior is unbecoming.

Student-Athletes

• Accept and understand the seriousness of your responsibility and the privilege of representing your school and community.
• Live up to the standards of sportsmanship established by the school administration and the coaching staff.
• Learn the basic rules of the game.
• Treat opponents the way you would like to be treated.
• Taunting, trash talking or making any kind of derogatory remarks to your opponents during the game, especially comments of ethnic, racial or sexual nature, intimidating behavior is prohibited.
• Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.
• Win with humility; lose with grace. Do both with dignity.
• Respect the facilities both home and away.

Parents

• Refrain from coaching your child or other players during games and practices.
• Respect the officials and their authority during games and never question, discuss or confront coaches at the game field and take the time to speak to coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
• Remember that student athletes participate to have fun and that the game is for youth and not adults.
• Help teach your child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that your child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or by their performance.
• Demand that your child treat other players, coaches and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
• Promote the emotional and physical well-being of the student athletes ahead of any personal desire you may have for your own child to win.
• Discourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the student athletes.
• Be a positive role model for your child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or sporting event.
• Do not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or jesters.

Participation

1. Regular attendance at practice sessions is expected.
2. An athlete cannot drop out of one sport and start practicing in another until the previous sport is over or both coaches agree.

Students who participate in outside athletics of a different sport other than current high school sport (AAU, SELCRA, Community Based Programs, etc.) while representing a Walled Lake athletic team must understand and adhere to the expectation that their commitment to the school team comes first.

The athlete must be in classroom attendance all day in order to dress and participate in an athletic contest and/or practice that day, unless excused by a pre-arranged special excuse. The student must demonstrate proof upon request from the coach and building administrator in charge of athletics.

Insurance

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools does not assume responsibility relative to doctor, ambulance, or medical expense. Athletics are a voluntary co-curricular program in which the student may participate if he/she so desires but does so at his/her own risk of injury.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to obtain adequate insurance coverage for their children either through a family insurance policy or through an independent insurance plan. Informational brochures are available in the school administration office. Note -- there is a separate brochure for football only. This insurance is designed as a supplement to your own insurance coverage.

Potential dangers in athletic participation do exist. Participant numbers suggests that the benefits of athletic involvement exceed the potential hazards. However, parents/guardians and student-athletes should be aware of and work toward minimizing potential dangers.

Athletic activities by their nature create the possibility of serious injury, including permanent paralysis and even death. You assume the risk of serious injury with participation in sports activities even when protective equipment is provided.

Athletes must secure written doctor and parental approval following injuries or illnesses which have caused an absence before being allowed to participate in a practice or contest.

Parent Consent and Physical Examination

A parental consent form and a physical form must be on file in the building’s administrative office and a copy given to the trainer in order for the student to participate in athletics (this includes practice and playing contests).

The consent form gives the parents'/guardians' consent for the named student to participate in athletics as well as for the student to accompany the team on out of town trips.

The medical examination is required by the MHSAA for every athlete. The physical is good for one school year, and must be taken on or after April 15th in order for it to be valid for the following school year. Parent consent and physical examination forms are in the main office of the appropriate schools.

Equipment and Lockers

All equipment issued to the student for athletic participation is the property of Walled Lake Consolidated Schools.

The student is financially responsible for all equipment and uniforms that are issued.

Each athlete is required to check his/her equipment daily and report any problems to their coach. Failure to comply may result in injury (i.e., football equipment). Keep all your equipment clean. Wash your practice gear every week, if not more frequently. Protective pads should also be cleaned on a regular basis. All equipment is to be used properly. Keep your locker clean. This will help keep your equipment aired and also help reduce a major cause for theft. You are responsible for maintaining the condition of your locker. Food and wet clothes should not be stored in your locker.

Athletic Trainers

1. All athletes are required to report any injury to the trainer/coach.
2. The coach and trainer are to know if the athlete is taking any type of medication.
3. The coach and trainer need to know of any medical problem or concerns, such as diabetes or epilepsy, etc.
4. When a student-athlete sees a doctor, a progress report as to practice capabilities is to be given to the coach/trainer.
5. Take care of your body; shower properly and report any skin infections to the trainer and coach.
6. Put all refuse and used tape in trash containers.

Trainers have the right to withhold a student-athlete from practice or game situation if an injury is being evaluated or there is concern about an injury.

Transportation

The standards of good conduct as established by the coach are expected at all times while on trips. All rules and regulations pertaining to Walled Lake Consolidated Schools' Bus Codes along with the Student Code of Conduct and the Athletic Code of Conduct are to be adhered to on athletic trips. Appropriate dress, which is established by the coach, is a must on all trips.

1. The student-athlete is expected to ride to and from athletic events with their team when transportation is provided. If a parent decides to take his/her son or daughter home from event, a note from the parent must be approved by a coach or building administrator.
2. When transportation is not provided by the District, the student must have completed the 2004 (Athletics) Athletic Private Transportation Authorization form before traveling to and from an event.
3. On occasion it may become necessary for a team to stay overnight. When this happens, the following rules will apply: 2004 (Athletics) Extended Overnight Athletic Request Form must be completed.
   • Written permission to participate in an overnight stay must be obtained by the athlete’s parent/guardian by completing the 2004 (Athletics) Extended Overnight Athletic Parent Notice & Medical Consent
   • The name and phone number of the accommodation shall be on file in the District Athletic Director’s office prior to departure and distributed to parents/guardians via the athlete.
   • Payment for the accommodations must be approved by the prior to departure.
   • The coach’s presence is mandatory.
   • Chaperones, if needed, will be selected by the coach. Their names will be provided to the athlete, parents/guardians and the District Athletic Director prior to departure.

Athletes are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and Transportation Code of Conduct at away events/competitions and overnight trips. Any additional expectations will be discussed in advance with the team and parents/guardians.

Ticket Prices

Admission prices for athletic events as determined by the Walled Lake Athletic Department.

High School Athletic Events

The cost of admission is $7.00 for the following athletic events:

• Basketball (Boys and Girls) – Varsity/JV/9th Grade
• Competitive Cheerleading – Varsity/JV/9th Grade
• Football – Varsity/JV/9th Grade
• Gymnastics
• Soccer (Boys and Girls) – Varsity/JV/9th Grade
• Swimming and Diving (Boys and Girls)
• Volleyball – Varsity/JV/9th Grade
• Wrestling

Kindergarten or younger, and seniors 62 and older are admitted free to all home contests except: high school bowling, equestrian, figure skating, ice hockey, lacrosse, water polo, MHSAA tournaments, LVC conference meets, or invitational tournaments.

Admission prices for MHSAA tournaments are determined by the MHSAA.

Family and Student Athletic Passes

Walled Lake Consolidated School students and families are eligible to purchase the following passes to athletic events. Passes are valid for the school year in which they are purchased and are good for admission to home athletic contests in Walled Lake Consolidated Schools. Lost passes will not be replaced. Passes are not accepted at away contests, high school bowling, equestrian, figure skating, ice hockey, lacrosse, water polo, MHSAA tournaments, LVC conference meets, or invitational tournaments.

• High School Family Pass $150
• High School Student Pass $50

Participation Fees

A student must pay all pay-to-participate costs at school registration or prior to the first competition. These pay-to-participate fees are determined each year by the Board of Education. Pay-to-participate information (contracts and financial assistance forms) are available to students prior to registration.

The Board of Education has adopted a plan to partially fund the athletic program that is both legal and reasonable in respect to the financial conditions of the District. The athletic funding will be provided by a combination of revenues from admissions to contests, the student athletic fees paid by participating students and the General Operational Fund of the District. Special provisions are made for students whose families may be financially unable to afford the fee.

Pay to Participate Information and Fees

New sports including, but not limited to, bowling, equestrian, figure skating, ice hockey, lacrosse, and water polo will have participation assessed to each athlete. These sports will pay a “self supporting fee” which may be more than the athletic fee. These fees will be determined by the athletic department prior to the sport season.

Limited Team Membership

The MHSAA Limited Team Membership Rule prohibits athletes on a school team from participation in non-school competition in that sport during the MHSAA season.

During the season an individual may participate in a maximum of three individual sports meets or contest in that sport while not representing her school. Example: a member of the Walled Lake Northern swim team can participate in three swim meets outside Walled Lake Northern meets that are not interscholastic, per MHSAA policy.

Awards

Student-athletes must not have accepted any award or merchandise exceeding $25 in value for athletic performance. Athletes accepting memberships, privileges, services, negotiable certificates, or money are in violation. For amateur practices, students may not have accepted money, merchandise, memberships, privileges, services or other valuable consideration for participating in any form of athletics, sports, or games, or for officiating inter-scholastic athletic contests, or have signed a professional athletic contract. Reinstatement will not be considered for one year.

Awards are earned based on each coach’s criteria. Participation does not necessarily qualify a student athlete for an award. In order to receive an award for any sport, you must be academically eligible, in good standing at the conclusion of the season and meet the criteria for the award. The season is concluded when the coach releases the athletes from the program either after competition or after the awards presentation (whichever date is the latest).

Each sport has certain criteria to be met. These criteria have been approved by the building administrator and the Athletic Department. These criteria are to be discussed and also to be given in writing to the student-athlete and parents/guardians at the mandatory parents meeting at the beginning of the season.

1. Varsity Sports
   • The student athlete who has met the qualifications for a varsity letter will receive a chenille letter “WL,” a pin and graduation numbers will be presented for a first varsity award.
   • Succeeding varsity award winners will receive a certificate. Athletes earning a third letter in a sport will receive a trophy and those earning a fourth letter in a sport will receive a plaque.
   • Student managers, statisticians and student trainers may earn the same awards as athletes.
2. Junior Varsity Sports
   • Each student athlete will receive a certificate for participation.
   • Student managers, statisticians and student trainers may earn the same awards as athletes.

A violation of the Athletic Code may be reason to deny an athletic award to a student-athlete. A student may be denied an athletic award for the following:

• Any student who is dismissed from any team or who leaves the team, even though he/she has satisfied the requirements for an award.
• Any student who has not properly accounted for all equipment issued.
• Any other circumstance deemed necessary by the coach.

LVC Scholar-Athlete

Each Walled Lake high school may recognize the scholar-athlete on a seasonal basis with a Lakes Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete certificate. All varsity letter winners with sophomore or higher status and a 3.25 or higher cumulative GPA are eligible. A patch will be awarded for the first season an athlete has met this standard and a certificate for each season thereafter.

It is the purpose of the Walled Lake Athletic Department to provide and promote interscholastic athletics for the young men and women of Walled Lake. The Athletic Department is responsible to the Walled Lake Board of Education and the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

The Athletic Department offers a wide variety of activities for the students of Walled Lake. Through athletics, the young men and women will be provided an opportunity to grow and mature physically, mentally, and socially. In order to have an effective program, certain policies and procedures have been established.

Responsibilities of the Athlete

These are responsibilities that the student-athlete must impose upon himself in order for successful and competitive athletic traditions to become reality. You alone will have to decide if you want to live up to the responsibilities and training rules to become a champion. In the simplest of terms, each and every student-athlete must be committed to a championship athletic program.

1. Responsibility to Yourself -- The student-athlete must broaden and develop strength of character. Your academic performance, and participation in other extra-curricular activities, as well as sports, assists you in receiving the greatest possible gain from your high school experiences, while at the same time preparing you for life.
2. Responsibility to Your School -- Walled Lake Consolidated Schools cannot maintain a position as an outstanding school system unless you do your best in whatever you engage. By participating in athletics to the maximum of your ability, you are contributing to the reputation of Walled Lake. You automatically assume a leadership role when you are on an athletic team. The student body and citizens of the community know you. The spotlight is on, and it is focused on you. Because of this leadership role, you can contribute greatly to our school spirit and community pride. Make your school proud of you and your community proud of your school by your performance and devotion to the highest ideals.
3. Responsibility to Your Home -- When you know that you have lived up to all of the training rules, that you have practiced to the best of your ability, and that you have given your "Best Effort," you and your family can be justly proud.
4. Responsibility to Your Team -- “A house divided cannot stand." The same is true with your team. It takes only one of the squad not willing to work to his/her fullest potential for the squad to weaken in spirit and actual performance.

Eligibility

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools follow the guidelines set by the Michigan High School Athletic Association academic policy:

1. Enrollment -- He/she must be enrolled in a high school/middle school no later than the fourth Friday after Labor Day (first semester) or the fourth Friday of February (second semester). A student must be enrolled in the school for which he or she competes.
2. Age -- He/she must be under nineteen (19) years of age, except those students whose nineteenth (19th) birthday occurs on or after September 1 of a current school year are eligible for the balance of that school year.
3. Seasons of Competition -- He/she must not have more than four first-semester and four second semester seasons of competition in a sport in a four year high school, or three first-semester and three second-semester seasons in a three year high school, including present seasons. 
4. Semester of Enrollment -- He/she must not have been enrolled for more than eight semesters in grades nine to twelve, inclusive. Seventh and eighth semesters must be consecutive. Three weeks' enrollment or participation in one or more athletic contests constitutes a semester of enrollment.
5. Undergraduate Standing -- He/she must not be a high school graduate.
6. Previous Semester Record -- MHSAA guidelines require a student to be passing a minimum of four (4) full-time subjects to be eligible for participation in interschool contests. Eligibility of our athletes will be checked weekly in all three of our schools and all four of our middle schools.
7. Current Semester Record 
   • High School -- He/she must have received at least two credit hours for work taken during the previous semester of enrollment (four classes passed). Students must maintain academic eligibility in order to be eligible to participate in athletics. High School students must be passing (4) courses (each course passed equals ½ credit per semester) to satisfy the MHSAA guideline. Students ineligible by MHSAA standards, at the semester end, will be withheld from athletic competition the succeeding semester.
   • Middle School -- Athletes must have a 2.0 grade point average with no more than two failing grades (E) and they must have a minimum of a 2.5 average in Citizenship and be in good standing with building administration. Eligibility grades are submitted each Thursday by Teachers; those grades will determine a Student-Athletes’ eligibility for the following week.
   • Eligibility of our athletes will be checked weekly in all high school and middle schools.
8. Transfers -- Student-athletes must have had an accompanying change of residence by the student's parent/guardian or other person with whom the athlete has been living during the period of his or her last high school enrollment, into the district or service area of the school, to be eligible during the first semester in attendance. *Ask the District Athletic Director for exceptions relative to transfers based on the MHSAA rules and policies. In addition, a student transferring to Walled Lake Schools to escape the consequences of his/her actions at a previous school may also be deemed ineligible even if he/she otherwise satisfies the MHSAA transfer regulations.
9. Attendance at Practice and Athletic Contests -- No athlete will be permitted to practice or play in a game, contest or event if absent for any part of the day of the event, unless excused by the building administrator in charge of athletics.
10. Awards -- Student-athletes must not have accepted any award or merchandise exceeding $40 in value for athletic performance. Athletes accepting memberships, privileges, services, negotiable certificates, or money are in violation. For amateur practices, students may not have accepted money, merchandise, memberships, privileges, services or other valuable consideration for participating in any form of athletics, sports, or games, or for officiating inter-scholastic athletic contests, or have signed a professional athletic contract. (Reinstatement will not be considered for one year).
11. Limited Team Membership -- A student who, after practicing with or participating in an athletic contest or scrimmage as a member of a high school athletic team, participates in any other athletic competition not sponsored by his or her school in the same sport during the same season, shall become ineligible for a minimum of the next three days of competition and maximum of the remainder of that season in that school year. * Ask the District Athletic Director for exceptions to this regulation based on the MHSAA rules and policies.
12. Summer Dead Period -- Coach and Student Athletes must observe the Summer Dead Period as set forth by the MHSAA. The Summer Dead Period is a period of seven consecutive calendar days after school is out in June and after a school’s participation in MHSAA tournaments is completed. During the dead period, there is no involvement or contact by the school or coach with students in Grades 7-12 in any MHSAA tournament sport. It is a zero coach-player period; at school or elsewhere. There are to be no school or coach conducted open gyms, conditioning or weight lifting programs on school premises or sponsored by the school or coach at other facilities. This dead period will be the week which includes the July 4th holiday of any given year.
13. Physical Examinations -- No student shall be eligible to tryout, practice or participate without a SIGNED (M.D.,D.O. or another authorized professional) current year physical on file with the athletic department certifying that the student has passed a physical examination and is physically able to compete in athletic practices and contests. (*A current year physical is interpreted as any physical examination given on or after April 15th of the previous school year.)

The Student Code of Conduct is an official declaration of policy of the Walled Lake Board of Education.

The Student Code of Conduct is in effect during the following student-athlete situations and is in effect for all school-sponsored activities. It is important to emphasize that all athletes are covered by the Student Code of Conduct, in and out of season, on or off school property, including vacation periods and the summer months.It shall be the policy of the school district that no school activities which are part of the regular school program or the extracurricular program will be scheduled on a Sunday. This shall be interpreted to include rehearsals, practices, performances or contests. Any deviations must be approved by the principal.

It is the school policy that teams do not practice on Sundays or holidays. This includes formal or informal sessions. Any deviations must be approved by the principal. Any such approval by the principal does not mandate attendance by the athlete on these days. An athlete’s non-attendance will not result in disciplinary action by the coach.

You are required to observe the curfews that may be established by your coaches.

Violations of federal, state or local law/ordinance including felony or misdemeanor acts other than minor traffic offenses. Conviction of said offenses is not necessary to establish a violation of the Athletic Handbook, which will be determined through an independent school investigation. A conference will be held with the coach, student, student's parents or guardians, the district athletic director and/or principal to determine appropriate penalties. Depending upon the severity of the incident penalties will range from restitution, suspension from athletic competition or dismissal from the squad.

Cumulative or gross misconduct, including behavior which school officials consider conduct unbecoming an athlete and a representative of the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools. A conference will be held with the coach, student and the student's parents or guardians, the district athletic director and/or principal to determine appropriate penalties. Depending upon the severity of the incident penalties will range from suspension from athletic competition to dismissal from the squad.

Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational process and are prohibited at all times. Hazing is defined as any willful act done by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, to another student for the purpose of subjecting such student to humiliation, physical abuse or threats of abuse, social or other ostracism, shame or disgrace. Permission, consent or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing does not lessen the prohibition. A conference will be held with the coach, student, student's parents or guardians, the district athletic and/or principal to determine appropriate penalties. Depending upon the severity of the incident penalties will range from suspension from athletic competition to dismissal from the squad.

The Board of Education is committed to preventing and prohibiting bullying at school, consistent with Section 1310b of the Revised School Code. “Bullying,” for purposes of this policy, means any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, that is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one or more District students, either directly or indirectly, by doing any of the following: substantially interfering with educational opportunities, benefits or programs; adversely affecting a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from educational programs or activities by placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing substantial emotional distress; having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a student’s physical or mental health; or, causing substantial disruption in, or interference with, the orderly operation of the school. “At school,” for purposes of this policy means anywhere on school premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle and at a school-sponsored activity, regardless whether the activity is held on school premises. “At school” includes the use of a telecommunications device at or during a school event including arriving and leaving the event. Prohibition. The Board of Education prohibits the bullying of any District student at school, regardless of the motive of the perpetrator. The Board of Education also prohibits retaliation or false accusation against a target of bullying, a witness or another person with reliable information about an act of bullying at school.

Reporting, Notification and Investigation. District staff members and students are required to report to the building principal, or his or her designee, whenever they have reason to believe a District student has been subjected to bullying at school. Upon receiving a report of bullying, the building principal, or his or her designee, will promptly conduct an investigation; prepare a written summary, including his or her determinations of fact and culpability; initiate disciplinary action, if warranted; and, notify the parent(s) of legal guardian(s) of the victim and the perpetrator of his or her conclusions, consistent with the District’s FERPA policy. The investigation will include, at a minimum, interviews with and written statements from the putative victim and perpetrator. In the event of significant discrepancies in the accounts of the putative victim and perpetrator, the investigation will include interviews and written statements from witnesses and the review of documentary information, if available. The building principal will provide a copy of his or her written summary to the District’s Deputy Superintendent.

Violation of any team conduct rule as may be established by the team's head coach and approved by the district athletic director.

Use, possession, concealment, distribution, sale or being under the influence of those substances listed in Items 1-5 below violates the Athletic Handbook. For purposes of this section of the Athletic Handbook, the term "distribution" includes the "hosting" of a party at which any of the following substances listed in Items 1-5 are knowingly available:

1. Tobacco or tobacco products in any form;
2. Alcohol or alcoholic beverages in any form;
3. Illegal drugs, including but not limited to those substances defined as "controlled substances" pursuant to federal and state statute;
4. Steroids, human growth hormones, or other performance-enhancing drugs;
5. Substances purported to be illegal, abusive or performance-enhancing, i.e. "look-alike drugs."

*It shall not be a violation of the Athletic Handbook for an athlete to use or possess prescription or patient drugs when taken pursuant to a legal prescription issued by a licensed practitioner. An athlete shall notify his/her coach if he/she is taking prescription medicine which could alter the athlete's behavior or affect the athlete's ability to participate in a physical activity.

Participation in athletics is a privilege which carries with it a great deal of responsibility. Students who participate in athletics will be expected to abide by certain training rules along with the Student Code of Conduct, and to conduct themselves in a manner which reflects positively upon their teammates, coach, school, and community.

Steps to Disciplinary Action

Because infractions are taken seriously, the building administrator responsible for athletics will conduct and investigation. This investigation will include interviews all appropriate parties, including but limited to, the athlete who is the subject of the interview. The administrator will determine the penalty according to the degree of the infraction. Each violation will be maintained by the building administrator in charge of athletics. These rules and regulations are in effect twelve months of the year.

All penalties for violation of this Code of Conduct shall be cumulative beginning with the student’s participation in the middle school (Grades 6-8) and again in high school (Grades 9-12). Suspensions may carry over from one year to the next.

Self-Referral by Student-Athlete

Student-athletes may take advantage of a self-referral procedure to seek information, guidance, counseling and assessment in regard to student-athlete use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Voluntary referrals do not carry punitive consequences.

1. Referral is allowed one time in a student’s four-year high school career
2. Referral must be only by the athlete or a member of the immediate family.
3. Referral must be before the first violation.
4. Referral cannot be used by athletes as a method to avoid consequences once a code of conduct rule is violated and a student has been identified as having violated one of the code of conduct rules.
5. Referral must be made to a coach, athletic administrator, teacher, building administrator, or guidance counselor.

Complaint Procedure for Athletic Department Concerns

When a student, parent or district employee has a question, concern or complaint regarding an athletic situation, the following line of communication for resolution will be followed:

1. Make an appointment to review the issue with the coach involved. Do not confront the coach in a public setting other than to ask for an appointment. If not satisfactorily resolved, and the coach involved was not the varsity head coach, advance to Step 2. Otherwise, advance to Step 3.
2. Review the issue with the varsity head coach. If not satisfactorily resolved, advance to Step 3.
3. Review the issue with the building administrator for athletics.

If Steps 1-3 have been followed and the issue is still not satisfactorily resolved, the appeal process may begin.

Appeal Procedure

Appeals of disciplinary actions must be initiated by the student or parents of minor students. Appeals must first be directed to the building principal.

Athletic Department Appeal Process and Athletic Appeals Panel

The procedure for appealing an athletic department decision follows:

1. A communication must be sent to the building principal stating, in writing, the nature of the concern or complaint and the Steps that have been followed to date. The communication should also state the relief that is being sought. The request for an appeal to the building principal shall be made within three (3) days* of the meeting date with the administrator in charge of athletics.
2. Upon receiving an appeal letter, the principal, within three (3) days, will schedule a meeting date and determine who should be present at the meeting. If any of the parties have witnesses who can strengthen their case, the principal may interview them upon request. Based on the review of the appeal, the building principal will, in writing, adjust, revoke or sustain the original decision. Copies will be sent to all parties involved. The principal’s final decision will be made within six (6) days after the scheduled meeting.
3. If dissatisfaction still exists, an appeal can be made to the District Director of Athletics. The complainant must send a communication in writing requesting a hearing along with a copy of the original appeal letter and a copy of the principal’s final decision. This must occur within three (3) days of the principal’s decision. The District Director of Athletics will conduct the hearing within six (6) days of receipt of the appeal letter. The hearing will be conducted with all necessary parties as determined by the District Director of Athletics. The District Athletic Director will make a decision and render an opinion, in writing, to both the complainant and the principal within six (6) days of the hearing. The decision of the District Director of Athletics is final.

*Days are defined as work days

The purpose of the Walled Lake Athletic Advisory Council (WLAAC), in partnership with student-athlete team leaders, coaching staff, parents and administrators is to integrate secondary athletics with the total education program of the school district. The function of the WLAAC is to:

• Recommend policy for the entire interscholastic athletic program of the school district, subject to approval by the Board of Education.
• Be an open forum for the discussion and advisement of the athletic concerns of the coaching staff and student-athletes.

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and the WLAAC support the Michigan High School Athletic Association Student Advisory Council Belief Statement as a message of how high school sports are supposed to be played in order to provide a positive and healthy atmosphere in which interscholastic athletics can survive.

“We believe athletes should be competitive, sportsmanlike and excel academically. We believe students in the stands should have fun, but not take the focus away from the game. We believe coaches should act as teachers, helping student-athletes develop while still keeping high school sports in perspective. We believe that parents should always be positive role models and be supportive of their child’s decisions. We believe officials commit their own time to high school sports and respect should always be shown and given to them. The most important goal for student-athletes is to enjoy high school sports while keeping a high level of respect between all those involved in the games.”