2151 Interscholastic Activities
The Board recognizes the value of a program of interscholastic activities as an integral part of the total school experience to all students of the district and to the community. The program of interscholastic activities will include all activities relating to competitive sport contests, games or events, or exhibitions involving individual students or teams of students of this district when such events occur between separate schools within this district or with any schools outside this district. The Board expects that:
A. All interscholastic activities and events will be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). The schools of the district will not participate in any out-of-season athletics that are not sanctioned by the WIAA. The district will not be responsible or liable for nonschool-sponsored programs or for programs that are organized, promoted, or participated in by staff members without school approval. The district will not be responsible for or control and incur liability for summer and/or out-of-season activities unless specifically sponsored by the school district. The superintendent will establish rules defining the circumstances under which school facilities may be used and under which announcements of summer sports leagues and/or clinics may be channeled to students.
B. An athletic coach must be properly trained and qualified for an assignment as described in the coach's job description.
C. A syllabus which outlines the skills, techniques, and safety measures associated with a coaching assignment will be distributed to each coach. A coach must secure permission in advance if he/she wishes to deviate from the syllabus.
D. Coaching stipends and all gifts to a coach that exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) in a season will be approved by the Board of Directors.
E. In-service training opportunities will be afforded each coach so that he/she is trained to attend to the health care needs of participants. Prior to a sports season, the coach will prepare a plan for handling medical emergencies at practice sessions and games (home and away).
F. Participants will be issued equipment that has been properly maintained and fitted.
G. All facilities and equipment utilized in the interscholastic activity program, whether or not the property of the district, will be inspected on a regular basis.
H. Nonprescribed medications, including such items as analgesic balms, vitamins, and salt tablets, must be approved by the superintendent before they may be available for use by coaches and/or athletic trainers. After athletic training medications have been approved, the coach and/or trainer must secure authorization from the parent and the student's doctor before the medications may be used during the athletic season. If such release is not on file, the nonprescribed medications may not be used. This provision does not preclude the coach and/or trainer from using approved first aid items. A sign will be posted that warns students that eligibility to participate may be denied if anabolic steroids are used for the purpose of enhancing athletic ability.
I. The Board recognizes that certain risks are associated with participation in interscholastic sports. While the district will strive to prevent injuries and accidents to students, each participant and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) will be required to sign a statement which indicates that the parent(s) and the student acknowledge the risks of injuries resulting from such participation and give assurance that the student will follow the instructions of the coach.
J. Each participant will be required to furnish evidence of physical fitness prior to becoming a member of an interscholastic team. A written report will be completed when a student is injured while participating in a school-supervised activity. A participant will be free of injury and will have fully recovered from illness before participating in any activity.
K. Each student participating in interscholastic athletic activities is required to have or obtain medical insurance for expenses incurred as a result of injuries sustained while participating in the extracurricular activity. Students will provide evidence of coverage or will obtain such coverage through the insurance plan offered to all students participating in activities in the district. No student will be denied the ability to participate solely because the student's family, by reason of low income, is unable to pay the entire amount of the premium for such insurance. The superintendent or his or her designee may approve partial or full waiver of premiums to permit all students to obtain the required medical insurance.
The superintendent will annually prepare, approve, and present to the Board for its consideration a program of interscholastic activities for the school year. The superintendent will prepare rules for the conduct of student activities including, but not limited to, use of alcoholic beverages; use of tobacco; use or possession of illegal chemical substances (including marijuana/cannabis) or opiates not prescribed by a physician; physical appearance; curfew; unsportsmanlike conduct; absence from practice; gambling; or any infraction of civil law. Rules and disciplinary actions related to rule violations will be distributed to each participant and his/her parents prior to the beginning of an interscholastic activity season.
Legal References:
RCW 28A.400.350 Liability, life, health, health care, accident,disability, and salary insurance authorized – When required – Premiums
RCW 28A.600.200 Interschool athletic and other extra-curricular activities for students, regulation of – Delegation, conditions
RCW 69.41.330 Public Warnings – School districts
RCW 69.41.340 Student athletics – Violations – Penalty
Adoption Date: 12/14/64
Franklin Pierce Schools
Revised: 9/9/08; 10/13/09
Classification: Priority