ATHLETIC PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
Interscholastic activities shall supplement the secondary curricular program and shall provide most worthwhile experiences to students that shall result in those learning outcomes that will contribute toward the development of the attributes of good citizenship. Emphasis shall be upon teaching through school activities. To this end only can interscholastic activities be justified.
ATHLETIC PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
THROUGH OUR ATHLETIC PROGRAM WE WILL WORK:
- To ensure that interscholastic activities shall supplement the curricular program of the school, to provide opportunities for youth, to acquire worthwhile knowledge, skill and emotional patterns.
- To promote the educational values inherent in interscholastic activities, this will contribute to the accepted aims of education.
- To develop standards for the approval and direction of interscholastic activities and contests.
- To formulate minimum uniform and equitable standards of eligibility that must be met by students to attain the privilege of representing their school in interscholastic activities.
- To avoid interference with the educational program of the school and to prevent exploitation of high school youth and the athletic program by special interest groups.
- To foster a cooperative spirit and good sportsmanship on the part of school representatives, school patron, and students.
- To offer desirable social and competitive experiences that will instill courage, alertness, emotional control, and good sportsmanship in our athletes.
- To develop qualities of strength, endurance, agility, and neuromuscular skill in our athletes.
- To follow all of the regulations set forth in the Constitution and the Bylaws of the Missouri State High School Activities Association Official Handbook.
It is with these objectives in mind that the Athletic Director and coaches of Lathrop High School have written this athletic handbook. As with any handbook, situations may arise that are not covered. Should this be the case the situation will be dealt with by a cooperative effort between the school administration, athletic director, and coaches.
Parent/Coach Communication
Parent/coach communication is important for any and all athletic programs. Every coach will conduct a parent meeting at the beginning of each sport season to discuss program expectations and address any parental or athlete questions. We strongly encourage each parent to attend these meetings to aid in the communication process.
If parents have questions about their son or daughter’s program they should contact the coach to set up a meeting to discuss their concerns. Subjects such as playing time, team strategy and/or team members are totally the coaches’ responsibility. If parents’ concerns pertain to a situation in a contest, our coaches will welcome a meeting scheduled the following day to discuss the situation. If issues are not resolved after a meeting of coach and parent, a meeting can be arranged between the coach, parent and athletic director.
Confrontations with coaches or players during/or following games are unacceptable and may result in the exclusion of those persons from school contests. Non-team personnel are not allowed in the team and coach’s bench area at any time before and during games and practices. The MHSAA requires member schools to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all in attendance at athletic contests. Restrictions and controls on spectator behavior fall under this jurisdiction and will be enforced.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
The coaches and administration of the Lathrop School District believe the first priority of a student should be his or her academic development. Our athletic programs offer opportunities for social, physical, and emotional development, but these objectives are considered a second priority when compared to academic development. It is for this reason that minimum academic standards for eligibility to participate in an athletic program have been established.
Eligibility to participate in extra-curricular activities is a privilege that is attained by meeting the following standards. Only by abiding by all these standards can you be eligible to take part in extra-curricular activities. These standards are to be used along with those set forth by the MSHAA.
The following High School eligibility standards are the minimum. They are not intended to replace higher standards that are already in force, such as those for NHS, Student Council, etc. All eligibility is determined quarterly. It applies to all extra-curricular activities including athletics, clubs, and organizations.
1. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 subjects for a full time student and 3 subjects for a part-time student, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 each quarter, without any grades of “F”, to be fully eligible. A student who receives three or more F’s in one quarter will automatically become ineligible. Students who have earned 2 F’s or less, or have earned below a 2.0 GPA will be placed on academic probation for the quarter.
2. A list of those students not meeting the above standards will be given to each teacher, as soon as possible after the end of each quarter, with a letter being sent to parents as well. These students will be placed on probation, with participation allowed the following quarter so long as the following standards are met:
A. Students on academic probation will have to maintain and prove their eligibility on a week-by-week basis through the process of “green slipping”. Green Slip expectations are listed below.
1.
Students are expected to get a green slip from the high school office and see teachers to get grades in all of their respective classes.
2.
Students are required to green slip on MONDAY of each week and turn the green slip into their coach who then turns it into the principal by 3:30 on Monday to prove they are eligible for the next week. (Tuesday AM to Tuesday AM) All teachers must sign the green slip and provide the student’s current grade in each class at LHS. If a teacher was out of the building on Monday and a current grade cannot be retrieved, the grade from the previous week will be used under the discretion of the principal. If there is no school on Monday, the athletes will be required to green slip on Tuesday for all 8 blocks.
3.
Students who miss the deadline will be ineligible for the next week of competition unless an excused absence occurred. If the absence is excused, the previous week’s grades will be used to verify eligibility status.
3. Failure to remove oneself from probation will result in that student being ineligible to participate in any extra-curricular activity for the following quarter. The student is to use his/her time during this quarter to re-establish his/her eligibility. He/she will remain ineligible until this is done.
4. Eighth Graders entering High School and Sixth Graders entering Seventh Grade must also meet eligibility requirements per district standards. If they do not meet our academic requirements they will enter high school on academic probation and will be required to green slip.
5. In order for student to remain eligible for extra-curricular activities, they will also be expected to behave as good citizens. Students who are habitually absent or late to class, who create problems in class or out of the classroom, who must be continually spoken to, may find themselves ineligible because of their actions alone.
The following Middle School eligibility standards are the minimum. They are not intended to replace higher standards that may be already in force, such as for Student Council. This criteria applies to all extra-curricular activities including athletics, student form, school dances, etc.
- Students must maintain a “C” average scholastically.
- Students must not receive a grade of “F” or “Incomplete”.
- Citizenship grades for all classes must be a “2” or higher, with no more than one “3” in all subjects combined.
Student eligibility will be determined once each quarter and will be based on the previous quarter grades. A list of Eligible students will be posted at the end of each quarter. Quarter grades will serve as proof of Eligibility for the week following distribution.
Student not maintaining the above standards shall be placed on probation with participation allowed as long as standards are met. On Monday of each week a probationary student shall prove eligibility by having all teachers complete a green slip indicating present scholastic and citizenship standing. Completed green slips must be turned into the Middle School Principal no later than 3:15pm on Monday. All students that meet the above standards on a weekly basis will remain eligible to participate.
In those activities requiring practice probationary students shall with the consent of the coach, sponsor or instructor be allowed to practice but in no way be allowed to represent the school district (compete) until standards are met.
No student is to participate in any activity, including practices of any kind, if he/she has an unexcused absence from school (SEE ATTENDANCE POLICY) on the day of the activity. (THIS WILL INCLUDE BEING IN SCHOOL ON THE LAST SCHOOL DAY BEFORE AN ACTIVITY, PRACTICE, ETC) The student will not be allowed to compete on the following day. Students may participate if they have an excused absence and have building administrative approval. *This is also applicable to student spectators as well. * Inclement weather will be taken into consideration.
6. Those students who have an IEP program on file will receive special consideration in that they must make standard progress in all their subjects.
7. Extra-curricular activities will be those organized and supervised activities conducted under the auspices of the school district, which primarily involve students in activities occurring outside academic class time, for which no units of credit are awarded. These activities will provide for individual, small group and/or student body participation.
8. It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with these requirements.
9. Any student enrolling in school after the first eleven days of the school year will be placed on probation for that quarter until an official transcript is received. Should a student enroll after the fourth (4th) week of a particular quarter, he/she will be on probation through the following quarter also. Once an official transcript is received, the status of that student will be reviewed.
10. Any student may participate in summer camps and summer competition regardless of their academic status.
11. Participation in Non-School Sponsored Athletic Activities during the same season a student is in a school sponsored activity must have approval by their respective Building Administration. Failure to do so may affect your eligibility. Request for approval must be in writing outlining the activity.
All coaches will uphold standards set in this manual. Consider this Administrative Policy.
Hopefully, the desire of each student to be able to participate in extracurricular activities will cause him or her to become a better student and citizen.
CITIZENSHIP STANDARDS
The following is taken from the Missouri State High School Activities Association Official Handbook:
Students who represent a school in interscholastic activities must be creditable citizens and judged so by the proper school authority certifying a list of students for competition. Those students whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon themselves or their schools are not considered "creditable citizens." Conduct shall be satisfactory in accord with the standards of good discipline.
A student shall not be considered eligible while under suspension. The student who is expelled or who withdraws from school because of disciplinary measures shall not be considered eligible for 365 days from the date of expulsion or withdrawal. Any athlete that is removed from eligible participation in an activity as a result of discipline measures may lose his/her privilege to letter in that activity if they do not stay in good standing with the team and/or coach.
An athlete that is guilty of physical assault on another student or district employee will be removed from eligible participation in that activity and may lose eligibility to be a participant in extra curricular activities in the Lathrop R-II School District for the duration of that student’s enrollment in the Lathrop R-II School District.
Any student athlete or participant of a Missouri State High School Athletic Association activity that has found themselves in a situation of being arrested, charged with breaking a law or ordinance and or given a court date must share that information with their coach and athletic director immediately. The Lathrop School Board of Education will determine the status of a student’s citizenship after a court decision.
The ideas reflected in these paragraphs have been used in the establishment of the disciplinary sections of this handbook.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Students must be in attendance on the day of participation in an event whether it is a practice or a game. To be in attendance, a student must be in school all day with the exceptions of doctor or dentist appointments, funerals, or other principal pre-approved absences.
If a student is absent on Friday he or she will not participate on Saturday unless it was because of a doctor appointment, funeral, or other principal pre-approved absence.
Athletes must be in school, on time, the day after participation in an activity. Failure to do so will result in the participant not participating in the next game. Exceptions will be made if the parents notify the school before 9 am that day and the absence or tardy is recognized as excused by the administration.
GENERAL GUDIDELINES FOR ACTIVITY PRACTICES
- Students are not to arrive on school property prior to 6:00am on school days for any type of practice.
- Practices on school days will not be over 2 1/2 hours long once competition begins.
- Wednesday practices will end by 6:00pm
- Saturday practices will be approved by the Athletic Director or Building Principals.
- Sunday Practices will not be Mandatory.
- Non mandatory Sunday Practices must be approved by the AD or Building Principals. (Excludes Open Gym)
- Dual Sports Policy is to be Followed.
- FAMILY CONSIDERATION WILL ALWAYS BE CONSIDERED WHEN PREPARING PRACTICE SCHEDULES.
PRACTICE ATTENDANCE
An athlete who misses a practice will be excused only if he or she has informed the coach in advance of the missed practice. Absences that will normally be considered excusable include doctor appointments, funerals, and other conflicts discussed with the coach beforehand.
The penalty for unexcused misses from practice is as follows: the first offense will result in the athlete missing playing time in the next contest and be given additional consequences based on the coach’s discretion, the second offense will result in missing the next game of the appropriate activity, the third offense will result in the removal of the athlete from the team.
Exclusionary clause: Any missed practices that result from an athlete receiving an OSS assignment because of excessive tardies and or school absences will not cause the athlete to be dismissed from the team on the third offense but will still result in the appropriate consequences as described.
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR IN SCHOOL
Participation in athletics is a privilege granted to those students who show the ability to conduct themselves properly in school. Participation is not a student's right. Athletes must therefore maintain good conduct in the classroom and other school settings or activities. The privilege of participation must be taken away if an athlete is involved in behavioral problems.
If a student is assigned an “Out of School Suspension,” he or she on the first offense in an academic year will be ineligible to participate during the suspension. Each coach will deal with any additional punishment during that season. If the student receives a second Out of School Suspension in the same academic year, he or she will be expelled from the team.
Inappropriate behavior in school that results in “In School Suspension” will cause the athlete to receive the following consequences: the first offense resulting in one of these consequences will be disciplined at the coach’s discretion. Should an athlete receive an “ISS” for discipline that athlete will not compete until the “ISS” is served. The athlete may practice. Serving of the “ISS” will occur immediately following the assignment of the “ISS”. The building administration will consider unforeseen circumstances. The second offense will result in missing the next game of the appropriate activity. The third offense will result in the removal of the athlete from the team. As far as this rule is concerned, the succession of penalties for first, second, and third offenses will start over with the beginning of each sport season. Again the exclusionary clause applies to this policy.
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AT AN EVENT
Athletics is the most visible part of our school system. Rarely, is the public given an opportunity to see the other functions of our school as often as they see our athletic programs. Our classroom instruction and other extracurricular programs have far less public exposure.
The behavior of our athletes is very important. Our athletes represent not only themselves, but also their classmates, school and community. We must therefore stress proper behavior and the consequences for improper behavior in our athletic programs. These rules have been written to encourage our athletes to represent our community in a positive manner at all times.
The succession of penalties in this section of the handbook will start over with the beginning of each sport season
An athlete that shows unsportsmanlike conduct that is determined to be caused by an uncontrolled anger or frustration (such as cursing; verbally threatening a spectator, player, or official, and others) will be removed from that contest at the time of the infraction and will not be allowed to return to play until the same time the foul occurred in the next contest. The next contest must be at the same level the infraction occurred. On the second offense the athlete will receive a one week suspension from the team, and be removed from the team on the third offense in a season. Flagrant Fouls by participants will have the same consequences as participants getting Technicals. Discipline may be carried over to the next season. (Last week of season, last game of season.) The action must be deemed flagrantly unsportsmanlike for this policy to apply.
Fighting in any form will not be tolerated. Fighting includes pushing, wrestling, striking, or any other aggravated, physical act toward another person. If attacked by another, we expect our athletes to protect themselves and then back away from the incident. Striking a person, no matter who begins the incident, will not be considered self-defense. If an athlete is involved in any such incident and acts in some manner other than simply protecting himself, he or she will be considered to have been fighting. If an athlete fights he or she will be removed from the remainder of the current game and will be held from the next game after review with the coach, athletic director and principal. On the second offense the athlete will be removed from the remainder of the current game and the team in that season.
If such behavior occurs at such a point in the season that the above disciplines cannot be administered the discipline will be decided by the joint decisions of the appropriate coach, athletic director and principal or may be carried over to the next season.
Students and athletes are not to leave an activity when on trips away from the Lathrop School District. All participants should stay in the building if the activity is inside. They should stay on the premises if the activity is an outside activity. Never leave a motel/hotel without a sponsor from the Lathrop School District. STUDENTS ARE UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF THEIR SPONSOR. THE SPONSOR/COACH IS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH OF THEIR STUDENTS!
MISSING GAMES
An athlete that has received punishment of missing a game will still be expected to dress up for the game, travel, and sit with the team. For the purpose of these rules, a game is defined as the length of competition normally played on one date (a game in track would mean one entire meet and a game in volleyball would mean one entire match.) A two-day event, such as the state wrestling or track meet will be considered as one game.
TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, AND DRUGS
The use of tobacco products limits an athlete's ability to perform up to his or her potential. If a coach or school administrator receives information that an athlete is guilty of use or possession of tobacco products, the first offense will result in a reprimand and a one mile run after practice; the second offense will result in a one week suspension and the athlete must practice but will not be allowed to participate in any games during that week and on the third offense the athlete will be dismissed from the team.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY: Should law enforcement, a teacher, coach or administrator catch any student or catch any student with any one under age manufacturing, using, possession, sale distribution or being under the influence of controlled substances or alcoholic beverages on or off any school property or on any school-approved vehicle used to transport students to an from school or school activities, off school property at any school-sponsored or school-approved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event is prohibited and a student athlete is subject to discipline for a violation of the policy. It is also the policy of the District that any violation by a student athlete of any federal, state or local law dealing with controlled substances and alcohol is also a violation of the School District’s policy. A violation of the policy occurs whether the student is convicted, found guilty or pleads guilty, notwithstanding that a Court may impose a suspended imposition of sentence and probation. When it is evident that a student has consumed alcoholic beverages or controlled substances off school property and/or before a school activity, the student will not be allowed on school property, or to participate in school activities. Any such violation will be subject to the same penalties as for possession or consumption on school property.
Violation of the Alcohol and Drug Policy Results In:
First Offense: The student athlete shall be suspended from competing in that students’ athletic sponsored activity for up to 30 athletic activity days. { first offense violation includes an option for community service for a reduction in the number of suspension days. } The athlete will be allowed to practice during the 30-day suspension. Suspension may be imposed after the violation, regardless of the status of any federal, state, or local court proceeding.
Second Offense: The student athlete shall be suspended from participating in that students’ athletic sponsored activity for 90 athletic activity days. {No competition or practice will be allowed.}
Third Offense: The student athlete will lose eligibility for participation in athletics at LHS for the remainder of the students’ Middle School/High School career.
*****{ THE PENALTIES CARRY OVER TO THE NEXT YEAR AND THE POLICY IS CUMULATIVE.}
APPEALS: Appeals shall be in writing to the applicable principal. Appeals from a decision of the principal shall be made in writing to the Superintendent of Schools.
ces. RANDOM DRUG TESTING PROGRAM AT LHS
All student athletes and their parents/guardians must sign a District Drug Testing Consent Form before participation in Activities at Lathrop that are sanctioned by the Missouri State High School Athletic Association. This form is located at the back of this handbook. A copy of the Drug Testing Policy can be obtained in the building offices.
INJURIES
It is important that athletes inform a coach of any injuries sustained during a practice or game. In most cases, the coaches will be aware of athletes that are hurt, but situations can happen where the coach might not have noticed an injured athlete. Coaches must be informed of any such cases so that the proper actions are taken.
DRESS CODES
Individual coaches may establish dress codes for their athletes for game days and penalties for those not following the codes. All athletes representing the Lathrop School District are expected to wear appropriate clothes.
- Dress up when attending award ceremonies with the best clothes you have.
- Shorts are not to be worn to Award Ceremonies. Shirts are to be tucked inside the pants.
- Hats or ball caps are not appropriate dress.
- Uniforms if worn during the school day must be covered up if they do not meet the required school dress code.
- Uniforms are not to be worn home after a contest with the exception of Track, Wrestling, Baseball, Softball, and Cheerleading.
Special exceptions may be made at times with the approval of the Principal and Athletic Director. Uniforms associated with an athletic activity are not to be worn inside out.
TRANSPORTATION
Athletes must ride the school bus to games. Exceptions may be made for the athlete to ride with a coach or school administrator in emergency situations (doctor or dentist appointments, funerals, and others.)
Athletes will be expected to ride the school bus back to Lathrop High School / Middle School following contests. Exceptions will be made only when the athlete's parent or legal guardian hand delivers the activity sponsor or coach a note granting the athlete permission to use another means of transportation or if the parent or guardian signs a standard sign-off sheet for alternate means of transportation home from an event. If the student is not riding with the parent/guardian, the permission note must
Be on file at the school prior to the trip departure.
- Should an athlete not ride the school bus without a proper guardian signing them out, the student will receive a game suspension and may lose the privilege of “signing out”.
Athletes are not to drive to a practice without completing the “Transportation to Practice Parental Permission Form”. This includes cheerleaders. This Form must be completed before driving or riding with another student or with a coach.
DEBTS DUE TO LOSS OF EQUIPMENT
Expensive equipment and uniforms are checked out to the athletes for their use in our programs. The athletes and their parents are responsible for the proper care and washing procedures of these items. Items that are lost, stolen, damaged through improper use, excessively faded, or discolored by improper washing procedures will be paid for by the athlete or his or her parents. These measures are necessary to enable the athletic program to continue to outfit and provide the safest equipment affordable.
If an athlete and his or her parents owe money to the athletic account because of unreturned or damaged equipment, he or she will not be allowed to participate in a game of any sport until the money is paid. The athlete will be allowed to practice the sport, thus giving him or her an appropriate amount of time to pay the fines. The athlete's grades will also be held until the fines are paid.
LEAVING TEAM DURING SEASON
If an athlete who is participating in an activity quits that activity, he or she is not eligible to begin participation in another activity and will lose lettering privileges. The period of ineligibility will last only as long as the season of that activity from which the athlete quit. Any athlete who leaves an activity by consent of the coach may be eligible to begin participation in another activity during that season within the first two weeks of the official start of the season.
LETTERING POLICIES
Individual coaches may establish lettering policies for the athletes in their sports in co-operation with the building administrator. A copy of those policies must be on file in the Athletic Director's office and may be viewed on request. Any athlete that is removed from eligible participation in an activity as a result of discipline measures may lose his/her privilege to letter in that activity if they do not stay in good standing with the team and/or coach.
DUAL SPORTS
Athletes participating in more than one school sponsored activity during the same season must complete the “Dual Sport Agreement Form” before participating in any activity. Band, Choir, Academics, Winterguard and Forensics are exempt from the Dual Sport Requirements. [ These are Activities and not Sports.] Both coaches of the different sports would have to work together and come to an agreement on any concerns.
TRAINING RULES
Individual coaches may establish training rules for their athletes and penalties for those not following those rules in co-operation with the building administrator. These training rules will be given to the athletes when the preseason practices begin. As a standing training rule for all athletes, "Facial hair will not be allowed during the activities' season on a game or competition day." Tatoos - Inappropriate tatoos will be covered before individual participation will be allowed. (Obscene, gang related, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco fall under this ruling.)
MISSOURI STATE HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION
RULES AND REGULATIONS
The following rules and regulations are excerpts from the MSHSAA Official Handbook. The Lathrop School District is a member of this association and will do its utmost to abide by these rules and regulations.
Prior to each year of interscholastic athletic participation, a student shall furnish a statement, signed by the student's parents or guardians, which grants permission for the student to participate in interscholastic athletics.
PHYSICAL EXAMS AND INSURANCE
The school shall require of each student participating in athletics a physician's certificate stating that he or she is physically able to participate in athletic contests of his or her school.
A student shall not be permitted to practice or compete for a school until it has verification that he or she has basic athletic insurance coverage.
CONDITIONING STANDARDS
Each squad must have fourteen days practice on fourteen different days and each individual must have participated in fourteen school practices on fourteen different days prior to the first game in which a student participates, except when a student has been a member of another school sports squad immediately preceding and has had the fourteen days conditioning. Activities, which require 10 days, are: Softball, Baseball, Cheerleading, Dance, and Girls/Boys Golf.
SEMESTERS OF PARTICIPATION
A student shall not participate for more than four seasons while in grades 9-12 in any interscholastic activity, and these shall be during the student's first eight semesters of attendance in high school beginning with his or her entrance in the ninth grade, and the eighth semester shall follow immediately the seventh semester. Any part of a contest of interscholastic event in which a student competes shall count as a season of participation in that activity.
A student is eligible for only two semesters in each the seventh and eighth grade beginning with the first semester of entrance in each grade. A student who is repeating a grade is not eligible.
AMATEUR AND AWARD STANDARDS
Any student who represents a school in an interscholastic sport shall be an amateur.
An athlete forfeits amateur status in a sport by competing for or accepting money or other monetary compensation (it is permissible for a student to accept necessary meals, lodging, and transportation in connection with playing a contest.)
Receiving any award or prize of monetary value which exceeds the amount that has been approved by the MSHSAA; ($100 in the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.)
An athlete cannot capitalize on athletic fame by receiving money, gifts of monetary value, or merchandise.
An athlete cannot sign a professional playing contract in that sport.
Accepting a nominal, standard fee or salary for instructing, supervising or officiating in an organized youth sports program or recreation or playground activities shall not jeopardize amateur status.
Only symbolic awards of no intrinsic value may be accepted by a student-athlete as a result of participation in school or non-school competition in a sport. A student may receive the following without violating this standard: unattached school letters or emblems, medals, ribbon, plaques, trophies, etc... A student shall not have accepted or competed for the following types of awards: services, cash, and gift certificates.
A student may receive a merchandise award that shall not exceed $100.00 in manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
A student may receive an award of commemorative jewelry of a value greater than $100.00 in recognition of achievements in the school athletic program only if purchased and awarded by the school.
An award presented to a student in recognition of achievements in the school athletic program by a non-school organization or individual shall be approved in advance by the school administration.
This standard shall not prevent a student from signing an agreement which binds him or her to play only for a particular team or an athletic letter-of-intent with a university or college.
AGE STANDARDS
A student shall not have reached the age of 19 prior to July 1 preceding the opening of school. If a student reaches the age of 19 on or following July 1, the student may be considered eligible for that year.
To be eligible for junior high school competition against teams all in a particular grade classification, the student shall not have reached the following ages prior to July 1 preceding the opening of school: Grade Seven--14; Grade Eight--15. If a student does not meet the age standard for a particular grade classification, that student may compete on a team of a higher grade classification. Seventh and eighth grade students shall not compete with or against students in grade 10 or above except in cases where they attain the age of 15 prior to July 1 preceding the opening of school and their school does not sponsor a separate ninth grade team in the sport concerned, or where they attain the age of 16 years prior to July 1 preceding the opening of school.
NONSCHOOL COMPETITION
During the sport season a student represents his or her school by competing in an interscholastic athletic contest, he or she shall neither practice nor compete as a member of a non-school team or as an individual participant in organized non-school competition in that same sport, but he or she may compete in organized non-school competition in other sports in which MSHSAA member schools compete interscholastically under the following conditions: no school time is missed to compete, practice for, or travel to the site of such non-school competition unless the absence is approved in advance by the school administrator and the student shall not practice for or compete in the non-school competition on the same date he or she practices or competes for the school.
TRANSFER OF ENROLLMENT STANDARDS
The following standards are for the purpose of assuring fairness to all students.
Students who transfer for reasons other than promotion are ineligible of 365 days unless their cases meet the standards under the following exceptions.
If there is a corresponding change of residence of parents or guardian from the district where a student has been in attendance to the new district, the student will be eligible. A transfer of residence during the school year for the primary purpose of making an athlete eligible shall not be accepted. Guardianship shall be recognized under this standard only if neither parent is living or legally competent. A guardian appointed for the primary purpose of making an athlete eligible shall not meet this standard. A change of residence under this rule shall consist of the moving of all household properties to the new address and the parents and student actually living there: a second family residence shall not meet the requirements of this standard.
The Board of Control of the MSHSAA may grant a student eligibility who does not meet the Transfer Standards when sufficient evidence is provided to show that it was necessary for the student to transfer because of unforeseen, unavoidable or unusual circumstances; including, but not limited to, broken home conditions, death of parents or guardian, and abandonment and provided the transfer was not for athletic reasons and there was no undue influence.
A student must be eligible in all respects at the school from which he or she is transferring to be eligible at the school to which he or she is transferring.
Even though a student transfers schools under circumstances which do not meet the terms of the Transfer of Enrollment Standards, he or she still may be granted eligibility to participate in interscholastic athletics if the student qualifies under the following terms and conditions: A student whose name has been included on a school eligibility roster at any level for a given sport during the 12 calendar months preceding the date of such transfer can be eligible only for sub-varsity competition in that sport. A student may have unrestricted eligibility in all other sports in which his or her name has not appeared on a school eligibility roster. Eligibility can be granted provided the athletic eligibility is approved by the principals of both the sending and receiving schools and the Board of Control and further provided there is no athletic purpose involved in the transfer (approval must be granted on the special MSHSAA FORM provided.)
SPORTS CAMP ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
A student may participate in a specialized camp, clinic, or other similar program involving coaching and instruction in a sport provided the program and the student's participation meet the following requirements.
No school coach or other school representative may directly or by implication direct a student to attend a specialized sports camp as a condition for team membership.
No camp involving a fall season sport shall be attended after July 31.
A student may not attend a camp or camps (combination of school and non-school) in any one sport for longer than two calendar weeks in any one calendar year where he or she receives instruction or coaching from a member of the coaching staff of the school the student attends.
There is no restriction on the number of specialized sports camps an individual athlete may attend during the summer (when school is not in session) provided all of the guidelines in this section are met.
COLLEGE TRY-OUTS
A student may participate in a college try-out, audition or evaluation event outside the school sport season of the sport concerned under the following conditions:
- During the school year, prior approval from a school administrator must be secured
- No school time is missed for travel or participation in the try out
- A student may accept only one invitation to an evaluation event per year. There is no limit to college auditions directly sponsored by the institution.
LOCAL SCHOOL STANDARDS
Each individual school has the authority to set more restrictive citizenship standards and shall have the authority to judge its students under those standards.
Any member school shall have the authority to set any restrictive that it deems advisable.
NOTE: IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING ANY RULES, REGULATIONS, OR PROCEDURES OF THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT THE COACHES, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, OR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS. Larry Hughes, A.D. (528-7405)
ACTIVITY CARDS
Activity cards, good for admission to all home athletic events, excluding tournaments, throughout the school year are available in the Principal’s or Superintendent’s office at the following prices: $40.00 per adult, $30 per high school, junior high school, or elementary student.
Family passes $110. Family passes are restricted to immediate family members only.
PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
DEAR PARENTS:
THE LATHROP R-II BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS ADOPTED THE ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITIES HANDBOOK PROPOSED BY THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AND COACHES OF LATHROP HIGH SCHOOL. WE FEEL THAT ALL PARENTS AS WELL ATHLETES AND ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS SHOULD READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS HANDBOOK. ALL ATHLETES AND ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE TO ABIDE BY THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS IF THEY WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS AND OR ACTIVITIES IN THE LATHROP SCHOOL DISTRICT.
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PLEASE HAVE THE STUDENTS AS WELL AS YOURSELF SIGN BELOW FOR VERIFICATION OF READING THIS HANDBOOK. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE UNTIL RETURNED WITH SIGNATURES.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
PLEASE RETURN THIS PAGE TO: The High School Office The Middle School Office
Lathrop High School Lathrop Middle School
102N School Drive 612 Center Street
Lathrop, MO 64465 Lathrop, MO 64465
STUDENTS SIGNATURE DATE:
__________________________________ _________
PARENTS/GUARDIANS DATE:
__________________________________ _________
Larry Hughes, AD
816-528-7405 (office)
816-769-5037 (cell)
Lhughes@lathrop.k12.mo.us
Lathrop R-II School District
Drug Testing Consent Form
2009-2010
I have read and understand the Lathrop R-II School District’s drug testing policy and procedures.
I hereby give consent for my student to participate in the random drug testing program at Lathrop R-2 School District. I understand that my student will be placed in a pool for random drug testing and that the Lathrop R-II School District will pay for the random test if my student is selected. I also understand that if my student tests positive for drugs during a random test, I will pay for the drug test for my student to be reinstated into extra-curricular activities.
I understand that students who wish to drop out of the drug testing pool must first have their parent/legal guardian schedule a meeting with the Athletic Director. The student must sign a release form stating they no longer wish to participate in the random drug testing pool.
I understand that if my student drops out of the random drug testing pool they are no longer eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities at Lathrop High School.
_____ Yes, I would like my student to be enrolled in the random drug testing for LHS and be able to participate in any extra-curricular activities.
_____ NO, I would NOT like my student to be enrolled in the random drug testing for LHS and therefore, will NOT be able to participate in any extra-curricular activities for this entire school year.
Student Name (Please Print)_____________________________________
Student Signature __________________________________________
Parent/Legal Guardian (Please Print)____________________________
Parent Signature _______________________________Date______________
This form must be completed before a student can participate in any extra-curricular activities at Lathrop High School. This consent form is good for the current school year and must be renewed annually in order for the student to be eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities.
Lathrop School District
Lathrop Students Transportation to Practice
Parental Permission Form
Lathrop students that participate in activities provided by the Lathrop School District might need to drive personal vehicles to practice areas that are located away from the Lathrop High School. These areas include the Football Field, Track, Baseball Field, Softball Field, Middle School and Elementary School.
The Lathrop School District needs the parent’s permission for their student to drive their vehicle to these practices areas. The Lathrop School District needs for the parents whose students are not old enough (Freshmen) or do not have a driver’s license or vehicle to give permission for those students to ride with a student that is old enough and drives to other practice areas within the Lathrop School District. Please answer the following statements. Write the name of your student in the blank areas.
- We allow our son/daughter _________________________ to drive their vehicle to the necessary practice areas of their respective activities within the Lathrop School District.
- We allow our son/daughter _________________________ to ride with Lathrop students that are allowed to drive their vehicle to the necessary practice areas of their respective activities within the Lathrop School District.
- We allow our son/daughter _________________________ to ride ONLY with the following Lathrop student or students that are allowed to drive their vehicle to the necessary practice area of their respective activities within the Lathrop School District.
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
Parents Signature: Father ______________________________
Mother ______________________________
Guardian ______________________________
Date: _________________________
Larry Hughes, Athletic Director
Lathrop School District
LATHROP HIGH SCHOOL
DUAL SPORTS PARTICIPATION
REQUIREMENTS:
-
Prior to the beginning of the sport’s season the athlete must declare a Primary Sport and a Secondary Sport.
- The athlete must sign an agreement of these intentions with the coaches of both sports involved.
- The athlete must also sign training rules for both sports involved.
- The signature of the Athletic Director will signify final approval of the dual participation plan.
- A plan must be created before the dual participation can begin, outlining how the dual participation will be conducted.
- The primary sport will take precedence in all cases of conflict. The athlete chooses which sport is primary and therefore understands that it will have precedence.
- Conflicts include: practices, meetings, games, etc.
- The plan must look ahead into the season and foresee where conflicts will arise and try to work to eliminate conflicts of possible. This can be done with constructive planning.
- The secondary sport has been chosen as a lesser priority and therefore the athlete will only be able to participate in this sport according to the guidelines of the plan.
**You cannot participate in an activity while being disciplined in either activity.
- Students may drop out of an activity after parents, Coaches and or sponsors have been notified. (This is to ensure that the parents and coaches know the intention of the student).
**Any activity or situation that is Academic in nature will take precedence over other activities should there be a conflict.
- The Lathrop High School and Middle School Athletic Handbook will be in effect.
- *Missouri State High School Activities Association statues must be in effect at all times.
- Coaches/Sponsors standards may be more restrictive than those of the MSHSAA
LATHROP HIGH SCHOOL
DUAL SPORTS PARTICIPATION
ATHLETE/COACHES AGREEMENT
Athlete’s Name: ______________________________________
Primary Sport: __________________________________________
Secondary Sport: _________________________________________
I, _____________________________________ agree to the dual participation plan set forth by the coaches/sponsors of the above chosen activities. I understand that my primary sport will take precedence over any cases of conflict involving both sports/activities. I have read, understand and agree with all training rules.
I understand that any activity or situation that is Academic in nature will take precedence over other activities should there be a conflict.
The signature of the Athletic Director will signify final approval of the Dual Participation Plans.
This student may participate in the sports/activities chosen above. He or She may terminate an activity after they have notified the coaches/sponsors and parents/guardian.
Coach of the Primary Sport: __________________________
Coach of the Secondary Sport: _________________________
Parent/Guardian signature: ____________________________
Athletic Director: ____________________________________
Date: _____________
