The Board of Trustees recognizes that the athletic program constitutes an integral component of the educational program and helps to build a positive school climate. The athletic program also promotes the physical, social, and emotional well-being and character development of participating students. The athletic program shall be designed to meet students' interests and abilities and be varied in scope to attract wide participation.
(cf. 3541.1 - Transportation for School-Related Trips)
(cf. 5137 - Positive School Climate)
(cf. 6142.7 - Physical Education and Activity)
(cf. 7110 - Facilities Master Plan)
Nondiscrimination and Equivalent Opportunities in the Athletic Program
The district's athletic program shall be free from discrimination and discriminatory practices in accordance with state and federal law. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that equivalent athletic opportunities are provided for both sexes.
(cf. 0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)
(cf. 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination/Harassment)
(cf. 5145.7 - Sexual Harassment)
Any complaint regarding the district's athletic program shall be filed in accordance with the district's uniform complaint procedures.
(cf. 1312.3 - Uniform Complaint Procedures)
Sportsmanship
The Board values the quality and integrity of the athletic program and the ethical well-being and character development of student athletes. Student athletes, coaches, parents/guardians, spectators, and others are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play during all athletic competitions. They shall also abide by the core principles of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.
Students and staff may be subject to disciplinary action for improper conduct.
(cf. 3515.2 - Disruptions)
(cf. 4118 - Suspension/Disciplinary Action)
(cf. 4218 - Dismissal/Suspension/Disciplinary Action)
(cf. 5131 - Conduct)
(cf. 5131.1 - Bus Conduct)
(cf. 5131.4 - Student Disturbances)
(cf. 5144 - Discipline)
(cf. 5144.1 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)
(cf. 5144.2 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process (Individuals with Disabilities))
Student Eligibility
The first priority of student athletes shall be a commitment to their education and academic achievement.
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
Eligibility requirements for participation in the district's interscholastic athletic program, including eligibility for a child in foster care or a child of a military family, are the same as those set by the district for participation in extracurricular and cocurricular activities.
(cf. 3530 - Risk Management/Insurance)
(cf. 5111.1 - District Residency)
(cf. 5121 - Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement)
(cf. 6145 - Extracurricular and Cocurricular Activities)
(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements)
(cf. 6162.52 - High School Exit Examination)
(cf. 6173.1 - Education for Foster Youth)
(cf. 6173.2 - Education of Children of Military Families)
Health and Safety
The Board desires to give student health and safety the highest consideration in planning and conducting athletic activities. Universal precautions shall be observed when injuries occur.
(cf. 4119.42/4219.42/4319.42 - Exposure Control Plan for Bloodborne Pathogens)
(cf. 4119.43/4219.43/4319.43 - Universal Precautions)
(cf. 5141 - Health Care and Emergencies)
(cf. 5141.21 - Administering Medication and Monitoring Health Conditions)
(cf. 5141.22 - Infectious Diseases)
Students shall have a medical clearance before participating in interscholastic athletic programs. Care shall be taken to ensure that all athletic trainings and competitions are conducted in a manner that will not overtax the physical capabilities of the participants. When appropriate, protective equipment shall be used to prevent or minimize injuries.
(cf. 5131.61 - Drug Testing)
(cf. 5131.63 - Steroids)
(cf. 5141.3 - Health Examinations)
(cf. 5143 - Insurance)
Coaches and appropriate district employees shall take every possible precaution to ensure that athletic equipment is kept in safe and serviceable condition. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all athletic equipment is cleaned and inspected for safety before the beginning of each school year.
(cf. 5142 - Safety)
Supervision
All athletic teams shall be supervised by qualified coaches to ensure that student athletes receive appropriate instruction and guidance related to safety, health, training, and preparation for competition. Athletic events shall be officiated by qualified personnel.
(cf. 4127/4227/4327 - Temporary Athletic Team Coaches)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
200-262.4 Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex
270-271 Athletes' Bill of Rights
17578 Cleaning and sterilizing of football equipment
17580-17581 Football equipment
32221.5 Required insurance for athletic activities
33353-33353.5 California Interscholastic Federation; implementation of policies, insurance program
33354 California Department of Education authority over interscholastic athletics
35160.5 District policies; rules and regulations
35161 Powers and duties generally
35179 Interscholastic athletics
48850 Interscholastic athletics; students in foster care
48900 Grounds for suspension and expulsion
48930-48938 Student organizations
49020-49023 Athletic programs; legislative intent, equal opportunity
49030-49034 Performance-enhancing substances
49700-49701 Education of children of military families
60850-60859 High school exit examination
PENAL CODE
245.6 Hazing
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
4900-4965 Nondiscrimination in elementary and secondary education programs
5531 Supervision of extracurricular activities of students
5590-5596 Employment of noncertificated coaches
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20
1681-1688 Discrimination based on sex or blindness, Title IX
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 34
106.31-106.42 Discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities prohibited
COURT DECISIONS
Kahn v. East Side Union High School District, (2004) 31 Cal. 4th 990t
Hartzell v. Connell, (1984) 35 Cal. 3d 899
Management Resources:
CSBA PUBLICATIONS
A School Board Member's Guide to CIF and Interscholastic Sports, 1997
CALIFORNIA TASK FORCE REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE
Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children: Preliminary Final Report, March 2009
CALIFORNIA INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION PUBLICATIONS
A Guide to Equity (Equity Handbook)
Pursuing Victory with Honor, 1999
California Interscholastic Federation Constitution and Bylaws
WEB SITES
CSBA: http://www.csba.org
California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov
California Interscholastic Federation: http://www.cifstate.org
National Federation of State High School Associations: http://www.nfhs.org
National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment: http://www.nocsae.org
Policy RAVENSWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: October 14, 2010 East Palo Alto, California