In order for a student to participate in any extracurricular activity sponsored by the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District, a parent or guardian must sign the Extracurricular Code of Conduct and return it to the advisor/coach of the activity in which the student will participate. The Code also serves as parent permission for a student to participate in extracurricular activities.

For more information, contact the High School main office at 853-3182.

A. Introduction
B. Goals of the Extracurricular Activity Program
C. Extracurricular Activity Code Rules and Regulations: Activities

1. Sportsmanship/Citizenship

2. Appearance

3. Practices/performances/competitions

4. Travel

5. Equipment, Property and Facilities

6. Leaving the Activity

D. Extracurricular Activity Code Rules and Regulations: Sports

1. Sportsmanship/Citizenship

2. Appearance

3. Practices and Physical Exams

4. Travel

5. Equipment, Property and Facilities

6. Leaving the Squad

E. Extracurricular Activity Conduct Rules

F. Disciplinary Responses to Violations of the Extracurricular Activity Code

G. Appeals Process

H. Dissemination

I.  Definitions

J. Superintendent's Committee

K. Academic Eligibility Standards

A. Introduction
The Fonda-Fultonville Central School District extracurricular activity programs are an integral part of the total educational program in the schools. Students participating in these programs commit themselves to a standard of responsible conduct as a part of the total learning experience. It should be noted that participated in these activities is a privilege and not a right.

These rules and regulations will be in effect for both boys and girls participating in any extracurricular activity that represents the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District.

It is the belief of the school district that once a student becomes a member of an extracurricular activity representing the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District, that student assumes a major responsibility. The student represents his/her school, his/her advisor/coach, his/her family and himself/herself. The student is expected to conduct himself/herself in an exemplary manner at all times, maintaining the high standards which are accepted along with the opportunity to represent the schools. Appropriate and respectful behavior is expected in the community, in school, and in any activity commencing with its first day.

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B. Goals of the Extracurricular Activity Program

1. To provide participation in one interscholastic sport per season.
2. To develop sportsmanship and the sense of fair play.
3. To develop a sense of responsibility.
4. To develop self-discipline.
5. To learn to follow rules and regulations.
6. To develop the ability to make decisions, to lead, and to follow.
7. To develop positive relationships with teammates, opponents, fellow participants and peers.
8. To develop the body and mind through physical conditioning and the mental activity of developing strategies in various game and activity situations.
9. To learn to sacrifice oneself and one's own interests for the sake of the team, teammates, and others.
10. To develop a sense of citizenship and loyalty to the school community.

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C. Extracurricular Activity Code Rules and Regulations: Activities

1. Sportsmanship/Citizenship
   All student participants commit themselves to act in a sportsmanlike/civil manner at all times, reflecting the pride and self-discipline expected in our extracurricular activity program. top
2. Appearance
   All student participants are expected to present a clean, neat appearance in dress and personal grooming at all times. top
3. Practices/performances/competitions
   - a) Student participants must follow the extracurricular activity code beginning the    
     first day of the activity. A signed extracurricular activity code must be turned in    
     within three days of the start of the activity.
   - b) Student participants must attend all practices, performances and competitions,   
     including those held during vacations unless excused by the advisor and/or building 
     principal upon written request of the parent or legal guardian of the student. It is 
     the responsibility of the student to notify the advisor or principal in advance of the
     vacation period. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the advisor or
     principal in advance of any anticipated absence from an activity. If a participant is 
     detained for academic or disciplinary reasons, and is thus late for an activity,
     he/she must bring a note signed by the person by whom he/she was detained
     stating the time the participant was released, or had previously notified the
     advisor.
   - c) Students must be present in school by 9:30 a.m. if they intend to participate in
     any extracurricular activity that day. They are also required to remain in school for
     the remainder of the day. The only exception to this is when a student presents a
     verifiable legal excuse and is expecting to take part in the extracurricular activity.
     Illness is not an acceptable excuse and therefore disqualifies the student from
     participation that day. In addition, to be eligible to participate in sports and/or
     extracurricular activities, students must carry at least three courses and physical
     education. top
4. Travel
   All students must travel to and from away activities, performances or competitions on school transportation. Exceptions to this rule may be requested by a student's parent/guardian by submitting such a request to the advisor, in writing. While parents and students are encouraged to make arrangements in advance, parents/guardians may present a signed request, in person, at an event from which they will be responsible for the transportation of their own child. Exceptions by reason of emergency/extenuating circumstances are authorized with the approval of the advisor. Students will only be released to their parent or guardian. They must not travel with another family. top
5. Equipment, Property and Facilities
   - a) Student participants are responsible for all equipment issued to them. Equipment
     issued to a student is to be used only for the purpose for which it is intended in  
     practices, performances, contests an/or stipulated by the advisor.
   - b) Students who carelessly or willfully damage or misuse equipment, facilities or 
     property of the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District or of another school district 
     are required to make restitution, the amount to be determined by the full cost of  
     replacement. No awards or honors will be made to students who damage or misuse
     equipment, facilities or property unless restitution has been made.
   - c) No Fonda-Fultonville student shall exchange or trade equipment or property with
     another Fonda-Fultonville student or with a student of another school district. 
     Possession by a Fonda-Fultonville student of unauthorized equipment or property will
     result in that student being charged with theft and being disciplined as outlined in
     this policy.
     The property or equipment shall be returned to its owner. If the property or 
     equipment belongs to another school district, an appropriate written apology will be
     made when the equipment or property is returned. top
6. Leaving the Activity
   A student is expected to remain a member of the activity until the activity is completed. Leaving the activity without prior discussion with the advisor will be considered quitting the activity.
   
   A student who leaves an activity without the approval of the advisor after the third full week following the start of the activity cannot return to the activity without the approval of the advisor and principal. Students should not take lightly the commitment to participate in an activity. top

D. Extracurricular Activity Code Rules and Regulations: Sports

1. Sportsmanship/Citizenship
   All student participants commit themselves to act in a sportsmanlike/civil manner at all times, reflecting the pride and self-discipline expected in our extracurricular activity program. top
2. Appearance
   All student participants are expected to present a clean, neat appearance in dress and personal grooming at all times. top
3. Practices and Physical Exams
   - a) Squad members must follow the athletic code beginning the first day of practice. 
     No squad member will practice without first having a qualifying physical 
     examination. A signed athletic code must be turned in within three days of the start
     of practice.
   - b) Squad members must attend all practices and competitions including those held
     during vacations unless excused by the coach and/or building principal upon written
     request of the parent or legal guardian of the athlete. It is the responsibility of the
     player to notify the coach or principal in advance of the vacation period. It is the
     responsibility of the player to notify the coach or principal in advance of any
     anticipated absence from a squad activity. If a participant is detained for academic
     or disciplinary reasons, and is thus late for a squad activity, he/she must bring a
     note signed by the person by whom he/she was detained stating the time the
     participant was released or had previously notified the coach.
   - c) Students must be present in school by 9:30 a.m. if they intend to participate in
     any extracurricular activity that day. They are also required to remain in school for
     the remainder of the day. The only exception to this is when student presents a
     verifiable legal excuses and is expecting to take part in the extracurricular activity.
     Illness is not an acceptable excuse and therefore disqualifies the student from
     participation that day. In addition, to be eligible to participate in sports and/or
     extracurricular activities, students must carry at least three courses and physical
     education. top
4. Travel
   All squad membes must travel to and from away contests on school transportation. Exceptions to this rule may be requested by an athlete's parent/guardian by submitting such a request to the coach, in writing. Exceptions by reason of emergency are authorized with the approval of the coach. Students will only be released to their parent or guardian. They may not travel with another family. top
5. Equipment, Property and Facilities
   - a) Squad members are responsible for all equipment issued to them. Equipment
     issued to a player is to be used only for the purpose for which it is intended in 
     practices or contests, and/or stipulated by the coach.
   - b) Squad members who carelessly or willfully damage or misuse equipment, 
     facilities or property of the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District or of another  
     school district are required to make restitution, the amount to be determined by 
     the full cost of replacement. No athletic or other awards will be made to squad
     members who damage or misuse equipment, facilities or property unless restitution
     has been made.
   - c) No Fonda-Fultonville squad member shall exchange or trade equipment or
     property with another Fonda-Fultonville squad member or with a squad member of
     another school district. Possession by a Fonda-Fultonville squad member of 
     unauthorized equipment or property will result in that athlete being charged with
     theft and being disciplined as outlined in this policy.
   
     The property or equipment shall be returned to its owner. If the property or 
     equipment belongs to another school district, an appropriate written apology will be
     made when the equipment or property is returned. top
6. Leaving the Squad
   A squad member is expected to remain a member of the squad until the season is completed and players are released by the coaches. Leaving the squad without prior discussion with the head coach, and receipt of the head coach's written authorization, will be considered quitting the squad. Any player (participant) who leaves or quits the squad after the first scheduled contest without written permission of the coach will forfeit 20 percent of his/her next season's regularly scheduled contests.
   
   If a squad member desires to transfer to another squad during the season, he/she should discuss the transfer with his/her current coach before requesting membership on the other squad and must have permission from both coaches before changing teams. top

E. Extracurricular Activity Conduct Rules

Fonda-Fultonville students commit themselves to each of the standards of conduct indicated previously, and all District Policies and Rules and Regulations and refrain from:

1. Use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages or marijuana.
2. Consuming, possession or selling controlled substances (drugs include marijuana).
3. Use of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes.
4. Theft of equipment or property.
5. Verbal or physical abuse of a coach, advisor, chaperone, official, spectator, or other school personnel during a practice, activity, performance or competition.
6. Violation of a curfew imposed by a coach or advisor.
7. Unexcused absence from a practice, performance or contest.
8. Quitting an activity without prior discussion with an advisor/coach.
9. Insubordination.
10. Violating the Penal Law - State of New York - local, state, federal and/or any other state, municipal or foreign country laws.
11. Intentional abuse or misuse of prescription or over the counter medication.

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F. Disciplinary Responses to Violations of the Extracurricular Activity Code

Level 1 - Suspension from 10 percent or at least one contest/activity. If necessary, this will be carried into the student's next season/semester of participation.

• Violation of a curfew
• Unexcused absence from practice or a contest
• Violation of travel on school vehicle
• Insubordination
• Use of tobacco or tobacco substitute

Level 2 - Suspension from 50 percent of the contests/activities. If necessary, this will be carried over into the student's next season/semester of participation on a prorated basis.

• Repeat of Level 1 violation
• Theft of equipment or destruction of property
• Use and/or possession of alcohol or marijuana
• Verbal abuse or use of obscene gestures or language to a coach, advisor, chaperones, or other school personnel, or to an opposing coach, advisor or to a game official.
• Intentional abuse or misuse of prescription or over the counter medication.

An arrest for any violation of the Penal Law of the state of New York, and/or any other state, municipal or foreign country laws, will require an immediate Level 1 suspension by the coach/advisor, further suspension, if any, subject to the Superintendent's Committee review.

Level 3 - 1 Year Suspension from participation

• Physical abuse of a coach, advisor, chaperone or other school personnel, of an opposing coach or of a game official.
• Repeat of a level 2 violation.
• Consuming, selling or possessing controlled substances (drugs) or sale of prescription or over the counter medication or marijuana.

A second arrest or a first arrest for a crime of violence or property damage will require an immediate Level 2 suspension by the coach/advisor, further suspension, if any, subject to the Superintendent's Committee review.

A repeat of a Level 3 violation will result in the student being terminated from extracurricular activities for the balance of his/her tenure as a student at Fonda-Fultonville. Violation of extracurricular activity conduct rules may also result in disciplinary penalties specified in other district policies and/or procedures.

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G. Appeals Process

Alleged violations of the code will be investigated by the appropriate coach, advisor, athletic director and building principal who shall impose penalties for violations of the code. Appeals from these decisions and referrals under Level 2 and Level 3 shall be made to the Superintendent's Committee, which will meet upon receipt of an appeal or referral and render a decision in writing. Appeals must be made in writing within five school days of the receipt by the student and parent of the decision by the principal, athletic director, and advisor/coach.

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H. Dissemination

A copy of this policy shall be made available annually to each participating student.

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I. Definitions

As used in this policy, the following definitions shall apply:

• Drug: defined as a controlled substance in the Penal Law.
• Alcohol: intoxicating liquor/beer, wine/wine cooler and other drinks/beverages containing alcohol.
• In Possession: means the person has a controlled substance or equipment or property in his/her clothing or otherwise on his/her person in an assigned locker, or in a vehicle operated by the individual.
• Sell: means to sell, exchange, give or dispose of to another or to offer to agree to do the same.
• Tobacco product: includes cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snuff, etc.) and/or tobacco substitutes.
• Quitting: unexcused absence from two or more consecutive practice sessions, or combination of contests and practices.
• Season: shall be defined as that period of time beginning with the first day of practice or action, to the last team or organization competition or activity, or the first legal day of practice for the next sport season, as set forth by Section II, which ever comes later.
• School District Property: any property which is owned, operated or supervised by the school district or its personnel.
• Theft and/or Destruction: unauthorized possession or destruction of equipment and/or property belonging to another student, to the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District, to another school district, or to a student from another district.
• Verbal Abuse: swearing, harassing, language or baiting.
• Insubordinate Conduct: failure to comply with the lawful directives of an advisor, coach, school administrator or other school employee in charge of the student.
• Co-curricular/Extracurricular: any school sponsored noncredit bearing activity.

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J. Superintendent's Committee

A committee will be formed by the Superintendent when a student's inappropriate behavior while in or out of school, whether criminal or not, is brought to the attention of school officials, and the student is a participant in extracurricular activities at the time. The committee will meet as soon as possible but not more than five days from the time the superintendent forms the committee.

The superintendent will form a committee, on a case by case basis, composed of three members:

• The superintendent
• An administrator
• A faculty member/athletic director

The committee will determine the facts of the case giving every opportunity for the accused to testify and present witnesses on his/her behalf.

The committee may also call anyone who it feels may contribute to the process.

The committee will do the following:

• The committee will determine what premise the school is using to impose a punishment. The premise must not be arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable and it must determine the interest that the school is trying to protect or promote.
• If it is determined that a punishment is in order, it will impose the punishment according to the extracurricular activity code of conduct.

All of the above will be determined by a majority vote of the committee to be made within ten days of appointment.

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K. Academic Eligibility Standards

• A list of all students failing two or more courses will be published by the guidance office at five week intervals. The list should be published by Tuesday afternoon.
• The coach or advisor is responsible for checking the list, identifying participants, distributing and collecting academic eligibility forms for his/her team/activity. The advisor/coach will then submit these completed forms to the high school office that same day.
• Until the next Tuesday (6th week) these students are on probation, but are  not penalized. Students must get forms from the coach/advisor. Forms are to be signed by the teachers of the courses the students are failing, indicating that the students are either making progress toward passing the course or have shown no improvement. This form must be signed weekly for the remainder of the five week period. Also, if any teacher requests to help a student, the student will review with that teacher for 30 minutes before going to the extra-curricular activity.
• If the student is not making progress in at least one of the two courses (or two of the three, or three of the four, etc.) at the end of the first probationary week, he/she will be suspended from competitions/performances beginning the following Tuesday. He/she may sill practice and/or attend meetings.
• 2nd form - if a student is not making progress in 1 of 2, 2 of 3, 3 of 4, etc. for the second consecutive week in a row, he/she will be suspended from the activity, but will not be removed from the team.
• If a student is not making progress in 1 of 2, 2 of 3, 3 of 4, etc. for the third week in a row, he/she will be removed from the activity. *

*Returning to the activity: A student may return to participate in the activity when the student's weekly report shows improving within two weeks of removal in ALL classes that he/she was failing. (2 of 2, 3 of 3, 4 of 4, etc.)

After each five week list is posted there will be a one week probationary period (#3). However, any student whose name appeared on the previous list will remain at the level they were at, (only for the probation week), then will continue from where they were, (a carryover week vs. probationary) - consecutively on the list - no week grace period.

Process is always in effect even through transitional sports seasons!*

* A final list will be developed in June by guidance for all returning students (grades 9, 10, and 11) as well as all 8th grade students. Every effort should be made on the part of the students to resolve the academic problem by attending summer school. When summer school is not possible, beginning after the 2nd week of school in September, students who are listed as ineligible will need to present proof of their current good academic standing.

Two-Week list at the beginning of the school year

Any student who failed two or more subjects in June will appear on a list two weeks into the school year. Any students involved in any activity will have a one week probation period. At the end of that probation week, these students will bring a form to ALL of their classes where the teachers will give a current indication of "passing/failing." (This is the only time the form will be based on passing/failing.) Any students who are not failing two or more classes will not have to continue getting forms filled out. However, any students who are failing two or more classes, already, will immediately fall under the guidelines of the eligibility policy and continue the process.

The students will have each current course teacher sign the eligibility form; this will serve as the guide for their academic eligibility until the first 5 week report is completed.

Failure to return a form to the coach or advisor by Tuesday afternoon will be regarded as showing no progress.

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