The Board of Education believes individual students will benefit from opportunities to grow physically and intellectually through experiences that provide the opportunity for self discipline and team efforts made possible through competitive inter-school and intramural team and individual sports activities. 

District participation in interscholastic athletics shall be subject to approval by the Board. This shall include approval of membership in any leagues, associations, or conferences, of rules for student participation, and of annual sports schedules. 

The purpose of the interscholastic and intramural athletics programs is to encourage and provide opportunity for students to engage in the sports sponsored by the school district. These programs are open to all interested students and will be conducted according to the highest standards of health competition and sports like behavior. 

It is the Board's policy to provide to students interscholastic athletic competition in a variety of sports. Students shall be allowed to participate in individual sports on the basis of their physical condition and desire. Qualified personnel shall be provided for coaching and supervising individual sports. In addition, it is the policy of the board to provide intramural athletic activities as an outgrowth of class instruction in physical education commensurate with the grade level of the students involved. 

Every possible effort shall be made to offer equal opportunity for both sexes, and all races in sports and activities which shall include life sports that a student can carry through adulthood. 

All students participating in any of these programs should have appropriate individual insurance coverage. The Board will also provide insurance coverage for those sports excluded under the student insurance policy. 

Each student who chooses to participate in an interscholastic athletic program is required to have on file, in the offices of the building administrator and the athletic director, a certificate of consent which is signed by the parent or legal guardian. No student may start practice for any athletic team until he or she has been examined and approved by a medical doctor. This certificate of consent shall be in effect for each student for each sports season. 

The purpose of school athletics is both educational and recreational. The athletic program should encourage participation by as many students as possible and should be carried on with the best interests of the participants as the prime consideration. Participation should be without unreasonable interference with other obligations in the school, community and home. 

It is recognized that a well-organized and well-conducted athletic program is a potent factor in the morale of a student body and an important phase of good community-school relations. 

Every possible effort shall be made to offer equal opportunities for both sexes in sports and activities which shall include life sports that a student can carry through adulthood. 
To be eligible to participate on any interscholastic team or to be on the cheerleading squad representing Hamden High School a student must meet the following academic standards: 

CIAC eligibility rules apply, except students failing one (1) course will be reviewed as to whether or not to continue to play. Students failing in two (2) or more courses will not be eligible. 

In addition to complying to CIAC rules on athletics, students wishing to try out and become a member of an inter-scholastic athletic team or to be a cheerleader must comply with the following rules:

1. A student who receives two or more failing grades on his/her most recent report card may not participate in practice or games of school team.
2. Any student who has unfulfilled obligations to the athletic department will not be allowed to try out for any athletic team until the obligation is fulfilled.
3. No student may participate in competitive athletics on the Varsity, Junior Varsity or Freshman level or be a cheerleader until there is a school authorized form provided by the school nurse for a physical examination signed by a licensed medical doctor, physician assistant or nurse/practitioner and permission to participate statement signed  by the student’s parents or legal guardian.
4. Any student who is a member of an interscholastic athletic team or cheerleader and who does not adhere to the school’s rules and regulations may be removed from the team by the Principal and/or Athletic Director.

Code of Behavior 

Students participating in interscholastic athletics assume a special responsibility.  They serve as models for much of the student body and are representatives of our school district to other school districts and the communities served by our schools. 

Student athletes are expected to behave in a manner which will bring credit to themselves and their school.  It is our expectation that students involved in the athletic program will refrain from smoking and the use of alcohol or any other behavior altering drug. 

Athletic Eligibility 

In order to participate on an interscholastic athletic team or as a cheerleader, a student must meet the following criteria: 

1. A student who receives two or more F’s in a marking period or two or more F’s as final grades on his/her most recent report card may not participate in practice or games.
2. A minimum of a _________ average must be maintained.

In addition, the student participating on an interscholastic team agrees: 

1. Not to participate on another similar team outside of school while on the school's team.
2. Not to receive any personal economic gain based upon athletic skill.
3. To participate only under his or her own name.
4. Not to participate in any post season or invitational contests as a representative of the Hamden Public Schools without the school's explicit and expressed permission.

The failure of one (1) team member to abide by all of the eligibility rules will result in the forfeiture of all contests for the team while the individual was ineligible. 

Legal Reference: 

Connecticut General Statutes 

10-149  Qualifications for coaches of intramural and interscholastic athletics.

Stratton, P.P.A., v St. Joseph's High School, Bridgeport Superior Court, June 4, 1986 (12 CLT 26) 9/87. 

 

Policy adopted:  April 11, 2000

Hamden Public Schools     Hamden, Connecticut

 

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Regulation 6145.2

Interscholastic Competition 

All athletes participating in interscholastic athletics are expected to adhere to the student athletic code. This also applies to cheerleaders. 

Coaches’ Authority 

Coaches of each sport may establish any specific rules and regulations they feel are proper for the conduct of students in their sport. In general, and depending on circumstances, coaches will discipline students for failure to follow these rules and regulations and for failure to follow any specific team rules not included in the general rules and regulations. 

Attendance 

Attendance shall be required at all practices and games unless previously excused by the coach. Students missing more than the CIAC minimum of four (4) courses and gym due to tardiness or dismissal will be ineligible to play or practice interscholastic athletics on that day. Students who are tardy or absent on the day after a game may be removed from athletics. 

Dress 

When athletes are not in uniform for athletic participation, the dress code shall be aligned with that required of all students in his/her respective school. 

Physical Examinations 

All students participating in interscholastic athletics are expected to have a physical examination annually. Although the school provides physicals for players at no cost, students are encouraged to arrange for physical exams through their family doctor. 

Smoking, Drinking and Drugs 

Tobacco, alcohol and drugs are detrimental to one's health. Those found using, selling, or possessing drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol or tobacco will be suspended from the team. 
Academics 

CIAC eligibility rules apply, except students failing one (1) course will be reviewed as to whether or not to continue to play. Students failing in two (2) or more courses will be ineligible. In grades below nine there may be additional academic requirements. 

Travel 

Athletes must travel to and from all contests with the team.

 

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes 

10-149 Qualifications for coaches of intramural and interscholastic athletics.

Stratton, P.P.A., v St. Joseph’s High School, Bridgeport Superior Court, June 4, 1986 (12 CLT 26) 9/87 

 

Regulation approved:  April 11, 2000

Hamden Public Schools     Hamden Connecticut