If an athlete has a medical excuse from all physical education activities, he/she will not be permitted to participate in any phase of the athletic program. An exception to this rule would have to be approved by the Athletic Director and School Nurse.

The student participant will be expected to make a neat personal appearance for contests and practices. This includes street clothes and uniforms. Participants must conduct themselves in such a manner as to contribute to good morale.

Students who are absent from school may not participate in any co-curricular activities, clubs, and/or athletics the day of their absence. Additionally:

• Participants must be present in school (minimum of 4 periods) on the day of the game or practice session.
• If a competition, performance or other event is scheduled for a weekend day, students must be present in school the final school day of that week (i.e. in school on Friday for a Saturday performance-minimum of 4 periods).
• Two unexcused absences from practice shall be sufficient cause for dismissal from any squad.
• In order for an athlete and/or participant to obtain an excuse from practice or game, the participant or parent/guardian must personally contact the coach in advance.
• All participants are expected to be prompt in reporting for practice. Continued tardiness (twice) may result in disciplinary action being taken by the coach. Habitual tardiness may result in dismissal from the squad or activity.
• Any exceptions to these guidelines require approval by the Associate Principal of Student Activities, Dean, or Athletic Director’s Office.

Participants will be eligible for a varsity letter upon participation in a minimum of 2/3 of the varsity contests as a member of the varsity squad or earn a specified number of meet points. Awards will be made to a senior who has been a member of the athletic squads in a particular sport for four years without earning enough participation time to earn a letter. When students who are participating on a squad are injured and are thereby kept from earning enough participation time in and of the contests, the recommendation of the coach will be adhered to. In special instances athletes will be eligible for awards upon the approval of the athletic director. To be eligible for an award the student must adhere to the rules established by the Athletic Department.

Awards nights are considered an extension of the season and participants are expected to be present. (Unexcused absence could jeopardize an athlete’s award). Appropriate student behavior is expected.

Switching from one team to another is discouraged. A change will be made only with the approval of both of the coaches involved and the Athletic Director.

The following forms must be completed and on file before any athlete will be allowed to participate in practice session or game:

• Parent Permission/IHSA Physical Exam Card/Insurance Purchase or Waiver Form.
• Eligibility. Must have successfully passed 25 hours of work the preceding semester (5 full credit courses).
• Parents will complete sign-off acknowledging IHSA performance enhancing drug testing (Review final policy)

To be eligible for participation in Illinois High School Association affiliated contests a student must be passing at least 25 hours of classroom work per week (25 hours equal’s 5 full credit courses) and have passed at least five (5) subjects including P.E. the previous semester. Additionally, students must not have reached their 20th birthday. Students are not eligible for the season in which he/she becomes 20 years of age. Eligibility may be regained by summer school attendance. Students must adhere to all IHSA eligibility rules. Parents and students are encouraged to consider these eligibility requirements before requesting schedule changes or dropping classes.

The participants are responsible for all equipment issued to them. Until issued equipment is returned or paid for, athletes will not receive awards or participate further in the athletic program. Athletes are expected to keep their equipment clean and in good repair.

Following an injury, the participant must report to the nurse’s office to complete an injury report for the student medical record. Injured athlete must report to athletic trainer to complete athletic injury report.

All students participating in the co-curricular athletic programs are required to carry school accident insurance or to SIGN a school insurance waiver that indicates they are insured by another policy. These waiver forms are available in the Athletic Director’s office and are available at schedule pick-up.

Candidates for athletic teams are required to have an annual sports physical examination. The examination attempts to detect impairments of the heart, respiratory, skeletal and muscular systems that would interfere with fitness for athletics. For freshman year, the school physical can be used for sports for 13 months from the date of the physical.

Participants are not to be in locker rooms at any time unless a coach is present. Squad members must enter and leave building through the designated activity doors. Squad members are to remain in the specific area being used for their activity.

Participants are to go and come home on transportation provided by the school. EXCEPTION: A parent may take the participant home providing it is satisfactory with the coach. The parent must personally contact the coach. On overnight trips, participant must have a signed Parent Notification Form on file before being allowed to make the trip. Eating on the bus will not be permitted unless the bus is at its destination. Participants are expected to leave the bus as clean as it was when they boarded it. The participant is expected to help the coach make sure that litter has been picked up and discarded upon exit. Participants are expected to behave in a courteous manner on the nightly extra-curricular activities run.