CODE OF CONDUCT

EXTRA-CURRICULAR PARTICIPANTS

Preamble
Participation in extra-curricular activities means more than competition between two individuals
or teams representing different high schools. It teaches fair play and sportsmanship,
understanding and appreciation of teamwork and the fact that quitting means failure while hard
work and commitment means success. Participation in extra-curricular activities is a privilege that
should only be accepted by a student who is totally committed year-round. With these goals in
mind, this guide has been formulated for the use of all concerned. As the conduct of an extra-
curricular participant is closely observed, be above reproach in all of the following areas:

During competition
The true competitor will give 100% at all times while in a competitive confrontation. A
competitor has complete control of him/her self at all times. A competitor realizes that profanity
is a sign of weakness rather than strength, and will refrain from its use. Although it is a most
important goal that one hopes to realize, a competitor must learn that losing is a part of the game
and that a competitor should congratulate his/her opponent on a well-played game after the
contest. However, if there is nothing good to say to your opponent, leave the area immediately.
Officials in a game or contest are there for the purpose to insure that both teams will receive a fair
deal. Officials do not lose a game or contest for you. All dealings with the officials should be
done by either the coach or designated captain and should be handled with total respect for the
purpose of clarification or interpretation of a ruling. Any behavior that is contrary to this is a
direct reflection on the school, team and coaches. Derogatory action toward officials will not be
tolerated.

In the Classroom
Behavior and appearance in school is of great importance to the competitor. Competitors should
be leaders and set the best possible example since fellow students respect and follow them.

The competitor should present themselves with a “neat, clean and professional” look at all times.
As a member of an extra-curricular program, you represent Rochelle Twp. High School. It is
important to remember that your appearance, behavior and attitude are not only a reflection on
you as an individual, but is also a reflection on Rochelle Twp. High School and its extra –curricular
programs. If there is any doubt about appearance, the building principal or designee will make the
final decision.

Speak with respect to all students and faculty.

The true competitor realizes that he/she will have great influence over many fellow students in
their school. A competitor will use this influence to set a good example toward the betterment of
this school. The good competitor is also a good student. A competitor plans their time and
energy so as to succeed both in competition and in the classroom. All competitors must meet the
following eligibility requirements:
All participants must fulfill the scholastic standing requirements as stated in I.H.S.A.
By-Law 3.020:
3.021 They shall be doing passing work in at least twenty (25) credit hours of high school
work per week.

3.022 They shall, unless they are entering high school for the first time, have credit on the
school records for 25 credit hours of high school work for the previous semester.
Such work shall have been completed in the semester for which credit is granted or
in a recognized summer school program which has been approved by the Board of
Education and for which graduation credit is received.
3.023 They shall not have graduated from any four-year high school or its equivalent.

3.024 Passing work shall be defined as work of such a grade that if on any given date a student
would transfer to another school passing grades for the course would immediately be
certified on the student’s transcript to the school to which the student transfers.

3.025 Work taken in junior college, college, university, or by correspondence may be accepted
toward meeting the requirements of this Section provided it is granted credit toward
graduation from high school by the local Board of Education.

Additional Eligibility Rules

A. Any extracurricular participant who is absent from school any part of the last half of a
school day will not be permitted to participate in the contest or practice and will not be
allowed to make the trip on the bus. Exception: Dentist or doctor appointment, funeral
or an absence excused by the Principal, or Athletic Director.

B. In case of injury, the coach may require the athlete to attend practice, but participation is
not mandatory.

C. If a participant goes to a doctor for an injury, he or she must obtain a written release from
the doctor before he or she may return as a participant.

D. Students suspended in-school will be eligible for practice and contests during the
suspension.

E. Students suspended out of school will not be eligible to participate in contests or practice.

F. If an athlete quits a sport, he or she may not start or practice in another seasonal sport
until that one sport is complete.

Extracurricular Rules and Regulations

A. The coach or advisor may reduce the number of team members to the number the
I.H.S.A. allows to dress for a tournament or fewer.

B. The coach may reduce the number of members of the squad to a lower number than
specified by state organizations (I.H.S.A.) because of disciplinary action.

C. If another school activity conflicts with performance or a game, the coach or advisor
should be notified immediately so that the conflict may be resolved. Activities outside the
school should not conflict with performance or practice or games unless cleared through
the coach. If approved by the coach, no penalties will result.
In addition to earning satisfactory grades, the competitor should give respectful attention to all
classroom activities and show respect for students and faculty at all times. Horseplay and fooling
around in the classroom and halls does not constitute behavior approved of in the Rochelle
Township High School extra-curricular program. If conduct of this nature is repeated and cannot
be corrected, the student may lose the privilege of participation.

The Rochelle Township High School competitor should strive for a fine attendance record. A
competitor should under no circumstances be truant from either school or class. If they must
leave school for an important reason, they should follow the accepted procedure for being excused
from the office. Truancy may carry an out-of-school suspension as a penalty.

When a competitor is suspended from school, he/she misses valuable practice time and thus must
miss or be inadequately prepared for the competition. Competitors who have been suspended
from school shall not be allowed to practice or participate in any competitive event during the
time of suspension.

D. No stereos or radios will be allowed during athletic contests.

E. Practice and Goals:

1. If there is any reason why a participant has to miss practice, he or she should notify
the Coach personally. Notifications must be made as far in advance as possible.
Punishment for missing practice will be left to the discretion of the Coach or
advisor.
2. All extracurricular participant members must cooperate in seeing that the
equipment is not damaged, lost or stolen.
3. School equipment and uniforms should be worn only by the participant, and only
at practices, on game days, or at the discretion of the coach or advisor.
4. All participants are responsible for their equipment and must pay for each item lost
or damaged through negligence. Stolen equipment will be confiscated.
5. Theft of another school's equipment will result in ten school day suspension from
the activity. (Administered by the Principal and/or Athletic Director)
6. The Certified Athletic Trainer will keep medical equipment clean and in good
repair and is responsible for all injuries.
7. The coaches' and advisors' office and training room are off limits to students
unless they are invited in by the coach and/or advisor.
8. Athletes may lift weights only if a coach is present in the weight room.
9. Musical rooms, auditorium and locker rooms should be left in an orderly
condition.
10. All participants must ride the bus to and from away contests, but may return with
their parents or legal guardians if approved by the coach or sponsor. Due to
liability factors, participants may not return with another parent or guardian
without written parental approval and the consent of the Principal or Athletic
Director. It is preferable athletes ride the bus and the coach may require
participants to do so.
11. When enroute to and from a scheduled contest, and in the presence of the public,
athletes not attired in team uniforms should dress to the standards set by the
respective coaches.
12. Curfew:
a. 11:00 P.M. - weeknights
b. 12:00 midnight - Friday and Saturday
c. Night before a performance - to be determined by the coach or advisor.
d. Additional in-season curfew restrictions may be imposed by the coach or
advisor.
 13. When the school is closed due to inclement weather, extracurricular practices shall
be held only with the consent of the Principal or Athletic Director. (If a
participant cannot attend, no recourse will be taken.)

F. Injuries:
1. All participants in the athletic program must submit a signed insurance waiver.
2. Any school-connected injury shall be immediately reported to the coach. The
Athletic Trainer shall be notified as soon as possible.
3. If an individual has any special medical problems, the Athletic Director, coach, and
Certified Athletic Trainer shall be informed.
4. It is the responsibility of the athlete to bring to the coach a written release from the
doctor if that athlete has received a disabling injury. The Certified Athletic Trainer
will keep such releases on file.

G. Uniforms:
1. All equipment and uniforms issued will be the responsibility of each individual
team member with respect to care and maintenance.
2. No awards will be given until the equipment and uniforms have either been turned
in or paid for by the participant.
3. Equipment and uniforms are not to be worn at any time other than at the
performance or contest or at the discretion of the coach.
4. Individuals who do not turn in all equipment/uniforms may be excluded from
participation in another sports season until all equipment/uniforms are returned or
paid in full.

COMMUNICATION PROCESS FOR PARENTS

If at any time you have a question or concern about a situation regarding your child, the following
process of communication will best facilitate appropriate information and resolution:

Extra Curricular Issues:

1. Talk with Coach involved
2. Talk to Head Coach
3. Talk to Athletic Director
4. Talk to Principal
5. Talk to Superintendent
6. Meet with the Board of Education

WHO MAY COMPETE IN ATHLETICS

A. Any student who maintains a passing grade in five academic subjects.

B. Has submitted a waiver form signed by their parents or guardians.
C. Has passed four academic subjects the previous semester.
D. Has parental permission.
E. Have passed a physical examination satisfactorily.
F. Has met the eligibility rules of the Illinois High School Athletic Association.
G. Athletes must have physicals and waivers before they can receive equipment or practice.
H. Agrees to conform to the requirements of the coach/sponsor in that activity.
I. Athletes sign up for a program. The level at which they play is determined by the coaching
staff.
Training Rules
Training regulations are in effect for both on-school property and off-school property and
premises, during and between seasons. All school competitors will be governed by these
regulations. The consequences are progressive and are in force for the entire four (4) school years
of a student’s high school career. Any violation of these regulations may jeopardize status as a
participant in school district competitive activities. These training regulations include:

A. Possession and/or use of any tobacco products.

B. Possession, use, delivery or attempted delivery of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics.
(including steroids)

Possession or use of Alcohol, Drugs, Narcotics, Tobacco Products or Steroids

First Violation
Option (A) Suspension from all phases of the extra-curricular program for one calendar year
from the date of the infraction, unless option B is completed.

Option (B) 1. Suspension from competition for ten percent (10%) of the contests
(performances) allowed by the Illinois High School Association in the season
bylaws. 2. Completion of a Substance Abuse Assessment by a school approved agency and
satisfactory participation in the recommended rehabilitation program. 3. If option B is not fully
completed, Option A will be enforced.

Second Violation
Option (A) Suspension from all phases of the extra-curricular program for one calendar year
from the date of the infraction, unless option B is completed.
Option (B) 1. Suspension from competition for twenty-five percent (25%) of the contests
(performances) allowed by the Illinois High School Association in the season
bylaws. 2. Completion of a Substance Abuse Assessment by a school approved agency and
satisfactory participation in the recommended rehabilitation program. 3. If option B is not fully
completed, Option A will be enforced.

Third Violation
Option (A) Suspension from all phases of the extra-curricular program for one calendar year
from the date of the infraction, unless option B is completed.
Option (B) 1. Suspension from competition for fifty percent (50%) of the contests allowed by
the Illinois High School Association in the season bylaws. 2. Completion of a Substance Abuse
Assessment by a school approved agency and satisfactory participation in the recommended
rehabilitation program. 3. If option B is not fully completed, Option A will be enforced.

Fourth Violation
Option (A) Suspension from all phases of the extra-curricular program for two calendar years
from the date of the infraction, unless option B is completed.
Option (B) 1. Suspension from competition for one calendar year from the date of infraction.
2. Completion of a Substance Abuse Assessment by a school approved agency and satisfactory
participation in the recommended rehabilitation program. 3. If option B is not fully completed,
Option A will be enforced.

Fifth Violation
Removal from extra-curricular program for a period of three (3) calendar years.
In all activities in which there is not a specific season, the suspension from competition or
performance will be decided by the Principal and Athletic Director. The suspension will reflect as
closely as possible the percentages outlined in the training rules.

Students with violations prior to the implementation of the 5-tier policy will remain on their
pre-existing violation tier.

Note: These suspensions are the minimum required and return to interscholastic
competition is at the discretion of the in-season coach.

Voluntary Admission -First time offender (Under #I or II)

If an extra-curricular participant seeks out a coach or other school authorities to admit to a
substance abuse problem, the competitor must complete a substance abuse assessment, and if so
directed by school authorities, participate in a substance abuse program. If the substance abuse
assessment is not completed, the preceding penalty (II-option (B) step I) will be enforced.

Other Infractions
At anytime that a member of an extra-curricular team/squad is not living up to the highest
standards of sportsmanship and citizenship or is regarded as a detriment to the best interest of the
extra-curricular program, the competitor is subject to suspension or dismissal from participation.
The Principal and Athletic Director will serve as hearing officers as such cases warrant. The
Principal and Assistant Principal will serve as hearing officers if the coach involved is the Athletic
Director. If the Athletic Director and/or the Assistant Principal are the coaches involved the
Principal and other designated administrators will serve as hearing officers as such cases warrant.
The Principal will determine if there is a conflict of interest concerning the Athletic Director
and/or Assistant Principal as coach or hearing officer. These violations include but are not limited
to:

A. Use of excessive profanity, as a spectator and/or participant on or off the field.

B. Derogatory action toward officials and/or the public.
C. Inappropriate behavior on trips, when going to or returning from extra-curricular events.
D. Unexcused absences from practice or competition.
E. Repeated truancy from school.
F. Destruction or loss of school property or equipment. (Each competitor is responsible for
the care of the equipment assigned to them, and they shall be held accountable for its
return upon the completion of the season).

Competitors are to wear and use school issued equipment only with permission of the
head coach of their activity.

Participants found to be in violation of the extra curricular code will be informed of the charges
and given an opportunity to respond. The parent/guardian may request a meeting to clarify the
charges and/or penalty assessed. The participants of this meeting will include the Athletic
Director and/or Principal, the parent, the student, and the in-season coach (if applicable). All
others in attendance will be at the discretion of the administration.

Source of Alleged Violation

If a violation is made known by the coaching staff or advisor, administration, and/or law
enforcement agencies the individual will be suspended from the activity by the Athletic Director.
If knowledge of the violation comes from a source other than those listed, the information will be
investigated by the Athletic Director and/or Principal.
 AWARDS IN ATHLETICS

Letters, numerals, and other awards are earned by students participating in the sports programs,
and completing the season in good standing. The criteria for how these awards are earned are
determined by the coach of each sport and will be reviewed at the beginning of the season.
Special awards in all sports are determined by team vote or highest number of points in a given
sport.
Each year the News Leader Award will be presented to that senior boy or girl who has achieved
the greatest number of points during his or her four years in athletic competition. These points
will be added to points earned according to his or her scholastic standing in class.

The Board of Education, administrative staff, and coaching staff of Rochelle Twp.
High School District 212 is requesting your assistance in improving our extra-
curricular program. We feel communication between the school and parents is
imperative for a good program. This line of communication can start with an
understanding of the rules and regulations of the Extra Curricular Code of Conduct.
We, therefore, require each parent/guardian and participating athlete to sign
acknowledging they have read this information.

Please sign and date the 2022–2023 RTHS Athletic Participation signature
page, and return it to the RTHS Athletic Office.