The Tiverton School Department offers each and every student the opportunity to be involved in extra-curricular activities. Yet, with that offering we

want all involved club members, students in leadership roles, athletes, parents, team managers, scorers, cheerleaders, fans, coaches and any other

group associated with our school to understand that it is an opportunity to participate. We should all understand that with this privilege come some

important responsibilities to Tiverton High School, your organizations, your families, and to the Town of Tiverton. At all times you are expected to

uphold the values that we represent and have represented for many years. It is expected that every student will be dedicated to the ideals of hard

work, willing to sacrifice of yourself and for others, be honest, and at all times attempt to do the right things, be loyal and willing to be a

representative of your school and your community.

Equally important, you must be willing to conduct yourself in a manner, which adheres to your group, team, and school policies, that you represent

not only your school but also your community with the pride, and maturity that is expected of leaders. At all times you demonstrate your individual

prowess, but also demonstrate the quality character that is expected of you as an outstanding citizen and leader within the Tiverton community.

It is essential that all members clearly understand all standards of performance to which Tiverton High School students are expected to adhere. By

attending and continuing to attend your activities, it is your expression of acceptance of these responsibilities and policies. Students that are not

willing to accept these responsibilities and policies will not be allowed to participate. Any behaviors unbecoming a Tiverton student will be

investigated and disciplined as set forth by the Tiverton Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct.

Every advisor and coach is required and expected to immediately report any disciplinary infraction of a substantial nature to the assistant principal or

athletic director who will then review the incident with the advisor/coach and the student. If any disciplinary action is taken, the assistant

principal/athletic director will notify the student and his/her parents. If the circumstances warrant, the principal or superintendent may be notified of

the infraction as well as the disciplinary action that was taken by the advisor/coach. A parent may have the case reviewed by the following

procedures:

of the disciplinary action;

Substance abuse is becoming a serious problem in today’s society and, if the schools have any role in attempting to curb and/or control this abuse, it

must, in addition to fulfilling its responsibility for teaching the hazards of substance abuse, set and hold to high standards which signal the

seriousness with which it intends to fulfill this responsibility.

Tiverton High School recognizes that the misuse and abuse of chemicals by students, both on and off campus, negatively affects health, academic

performance and achievement, extra-curricular participation and development of related skills.

Because of these realities and in acknowledgement of the overwhelming opinion of health educators, coaches, and advisors, that students perform

best when they follow intelligent rules which include restriction on tobacco, alcohol and any type of mood, modifying substance which produces

harmful effects on humans, The Tiverton Public Schools support education and awareness training in student chemical use problems, including the

results of chemical dependency.

The administration, faculty, and club advisors of Tiverton High School are deeply concerned with the health habits of the students of this community

and remain convinced that students and the use of these substances are not compatible. It is expected that the close contact that club advisors

have with students provide them with a unique opportunity to observe and assist young people in this regard.

All students at Tiverton High School must follow this code in order to participate in any extra-curricular activity. This code of conduct will apply to all

school and non-school related activities. Current school policies describing penalties for violations on school grounds involving tobacco, drugs, or

alcohol are also in effect and will run concurrently with this code.

The importance of enforcement of all regulations in this code should be apparent. A fair and firm policy of enforcement is necessary. This

community, school administration, teachers, and club advisors feel strongly that high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential in

maintaining high student morale, performance, and accomplishment.

A. Participation in any school-sponsored club organization, school or class, and/or non-athletic team or group.

1st Offense: Student is suspended from all membership participation in school-related activities for a period of fourteen (14) calendar days

from the date the infraction is discovered by the coach, advisor, athletic director, or school administrator. Parents shall be notified, and the

student shall be referred to the student assistance counselor for immediate counseling.

2nd Offense: Student is suspended for a period of 20% of the quarter or season.

Student must admit that they have a problem with this substance, and must

enroll in a certified treatment program and be able to demonstrate their

enrollment via written documentation. If a student refuses to admit they have a

drug/alcohol problem, then they will be immediately removed from the activity(s)

they are participating in for the remainder of the season and or school year. Student

must present documentation to improvements being made in the treatment process

before they can be allowed back to participation. If the student refuses/fails in this

process, at any stage, he/she is automatically suspended from all extracurricular

programs for a calendar year from the point of the infraction.

B. Participation – Special Activities

Special activities are defined as those activities that occur once during the school year. These activities may be open to any member of the

student body and generally require a period of rehearsal or practice prior to the event.

1st Offense: Student is suspended from all membership participation in related activities for a period of fourteen (14) calendar days from the

date the infraction is discovered by the coach, advisor, athletic director or school administrator. Parents shall be notified, and the

student(s) shall be referred to the student assistance counselor for immediate counseling.

2nd Offense: Student is suspended for a period of 20% of the length of the activity. Student must admit that they have a problem with this

substance, and must enroll in a certified treatment program and be able to demonstrate their enrollment via written documentation. If a student

refuses to admit they have a drug/alcohol problem, then they will be immediately removed from the activity(s) they are participating in. Student

must present documentation to improvements being made in the treatment process before they can be allowed back to participation. If the

student/athlete refuses/fails in this process, at any stage, he/she is automatically suspended from all extracurricular programs for a calendar

year from the point of the infraction.

Students engaged in any and all extra-curricular programs are prohibited from any use of and/or dealing in tobacco, alcohol, and/or drugs any time

during the calendar year. Violators will be disciplined as follows:

1. First offense. Use of tobacco: a warning; warnings also to be recorded in a book kept

in the Assistant Principal’s and/or Athletic Director's office.

a. Second offense. Use of tobacco: automatic suspension from all extracurricular programs for a period of fourteen calendar days from the date

the infraction is discovered by the coach(es) or Athletic Director. The suspension will be carried over to the next school year. Parents shall be

notified, and the student(s) will be encouraged to seek counseling or enroll in a certified treatment program.

b. Third offense. Use of tobacco: the student is suspended for 28 days of the total games, practices or meetings of the season that they are

presently in. In the event the offense occurs and the remaining games/meeting/practices are less than 28 days, the suspension will be carried

over to the next school year. Parents shall be notified, and students will be encouraged to seek counseling or enroll in a certified treatment

program.

2. First offense. Use of alcohol and/or drugs: automatic suspension from all school extracurricular programs for a period of fourteen calendar days

from the date the infraction is discovered by the advisors, coach(es) or Athletic Director. The suspension will be carried over to the next school

year. Parents shall be notified, and the student(s) shall be encouraged to seek counseling or enroll in a certified treatment program.

a. Second offense, use of alcohol and/or drugs: the student is suspended for a period of 28 days of the season that they are presently in. In the

event the offense occurs and the remaining games/meeting/practices are less than 28 days, the suspension will be carried over to the next

school year. Parents shall be notified, and students will be encouraged to seek counseling or enroll in a certified treatment program.

3. A suspension is defined as: the student is removed from active participation with their respective activity, yet must attend all practices and

events during that time period.

4. Student participants dealing in the sale or distribution of alcohol, and/or drugs shall be barred for 365 days from all school extra-curricular

programs. Parents shall be notified, and the student(s) will be encouraged to seek counseling or enroll in a certified treatment program.

5. Any student(s) or his/her parents/guardians having legal custody may request a hearing before the superintendent provided the request is made in

writing and is received by the superintendent not later than five (5) school days after the action taken begins. If written request be made within five

(5) days after the superintendent's written decision is received by the student(s), he/she and/or his/her parents/guardians may appeal to the

School Committee for a review of the action taken. The action taken shall not be stayed pending the hearing, or the review, unless so ordered by

the Superintendent or School Committee respectively, for good cause shown.

6. Before any student(s) shall be eligible to participate in any and all school programs, he/she and his/her parents/guardians having legal custody,

shall sign a form agreeing to the above provisions and deliver the same to his/her coach, advisor, or the Athletic Director; otherwise, he/she shall

not be permitted to participate.

Officers of the Student Council and of the respective classes and official school clubs must lead by example. As such leaders, their conduct and

personal behavior should be above reproach. Furthermore, since the major goal of our educational community is the fostering of learning and

academic achievement and since serving as a class officer constitutes in reality an extra-curricular activity, it makes perfect sense that our students

should be expected to attain some minimum level of academic success.

The following guidelines shall apply to all Student Council, class and club officers seeking to hold office:

1. Eligibility for Holding Office.

A. Academic

A student seeking any office must be academically eligible. Academic eligibility is defined as: (See below Part 4– Academic Eligibility)

B. Discipline

A student who has been in serious violation of school rules may be declared ineligible to seek or hold class office. Such cases will be

reviewed by the Administration.

2. Maintaining Eligibility for Club/Activity Membership.

For definition of the various clubs and activities, refer to student handbook.

Every student is expected to pass all subjects for which they register.

The Tiverton School Department sets forth the following additional academic requirements for participation in extra-curricular activities.

Students must pass 60% of all classes they are enrolled in to continue to participate in any extra-curricular activity. This will be based on term (1-4)

grades for any student in grades 9 – 12 and fourth term grades for any grade eight students entering or transferring to the high school the following

fall. A student will be declared academically ineligible for the entire term; effective the first day of the next term. Tutoring will be available for one

* This requirement will go into effect for all students on September 2, 2004. Tutoring will be available for all students effective November 8, 2004.

1. To be eligible to play in games, attend practice, or participate in any extra-curricular activity, the student must attend what is considered a

full day of school. If the student enters school after 11 a.m., it is considered that they have not met that requirement and are not allowed to

attend practice, games, or extracurricular activity on that day.

A. If a student is absent on a Friday, that student must gain the permission of the Athletic Director, Vice-Principal or Principal to participate

over the weekend in games, practice situations, or extra-curricular activities.

B. Students who have an excused absence must gain the permission of the Athletic Director, Principal or Vice Principal to participate in

practice, games, or activity on that day.

C. At all times, it is the responsibility of the student/athlete to seek permission in absentee/participation situations. This permission must be

acquired in a timely and appropriate fashion. Written approval will be given to the head coach of that sport or advisor of the activity.

D. The above requirements will also apply to holiday practice or game situations.

1. If a student is suspended from school, all extra-curricular activity is suspended until the school suspension is completed.

A. The student will not be allowed to practice, play in games, or any extra-curricular activity until the suspension has been completed.

B. If it is an external suspension, the student/athlete is not allowed on school grounds to watch practices, games, or extra activity. If it

is an in-house suspension, at the end of the suspension day the student/athlete is required to go home if they have further days to

serve. Once the suspension period is completed the student will then become immediately eligible to return to his/her team or extracurricular

activity and resume activity at the discretion of the coach or advisor.

C. If the suspension is scheduled to carry over a weekend or holiday break, the student may be declared eligible to participate at the

discretion of the administration

D. Suspensions from school demonstrate a blatant disregard for the code of behavior expected from a Tiverton High School student.

E. If a student is suspended externally more than once in a season or during an activity, they will be suspended from the activity for the

remainder of the season/year.

1. Anyone involved in the act of hazing, forcing someone to do something against their will, that leads to physical, mental or social harm of

another student will be subject to suspension from school and the athletic program for the rest of that school year. They will also face

criminal actions in a court of law.

A. The term “hazing” shall mean any conduct or method of initiation with any student or student organization, whether on public or

private property which will willfully or recklessly endanger the physical, mental or social well-being of any student or students.

B. Such actions could include any treatment that will adversely affect the physical, mental or social well-being of a student or subjects

such student to extreme mental stress, including deprivation of sleep or rest.

C. If any student is aware of another person who was a victim of hazing and or is at the scene of such an action, he/she shall report

such behavior to appropriate school personnel as soon as possible.

1. The school requires that all band members/athletes demonstrate that there is some form of health insurance in the family. If there is no

insurance, it is mandatory that the student take the school insurance to participate.

A. Each athlete with be asked to fill out an insurance form requesting the parents to name and give the insurance policy number as

proof of their policy. If there is no insurance the student/athlete will not be allowed to participate until school insurance has been

purchased.

B. All student/athletes must report each injury, however minor, to the advisor/coach.

C. The student or his/her parent should obtain insurance claim forms from the main office of the high school.

D. Once the parent has completed the insurance form, it should be submitted to the Advisor/Athletic Director for completion and

submission to the insurance company.

E. The school will not be accountable for a student’s failure to report an injury. It is highly recommended that all parents take out the

school insurance plan to increase coverage protection.

F. The Rhode Island Injury Fund will cover all expenses that an athlete incurs that your insurance does not cover if you have both

school and personal insurance coverage. If you only have one, they will deduct at least $100.00 of the overall payment in regard to

payment of the total bill.

G. Parents can apply for additional coverage from the Rhode Island Injury Fund. Forms can be obtained from the Athletic Director.

1. Acceptable conduct is expected at all times and the individual advisor/coach determines attire.

A. All team personnel are required to take the team bus to and from away events/contests.

B. A student may ride to/from away contests only with parents, providing the Athletic Director/Vice Principal has approved a written

request and the advisor/coach has been notified.

C. A student will not be given permission to ride to and from an event/contest with any other third party.

D. Parents are asked to refrain from making this request, as law precludes the high school from releasing players to any persons

other than the parents or legal guardians directly.

1. All athletes must pass a physical exam and complete a medical history form.

This form must be completed after July 1 of the up-coming school year or the physical exam will not be considered valid.

2. Parents must sign this form giving the student consent to participate and understand that he/she must abide by the Tiverton Athletic Code

of Conduct.

3. The doctor must sign and give consent for the athlete to participate.

4. Parents and students are responsible for arranging their own physical examinations.

5. All student/athletes and their parents must read, understand, and sign our Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Policy before they can be allowed to

participate.

6. Risk forms are required for all sports and must be signed by the parent and the student and notarized. All freshmen sports require one

Middle School Risk Form as well. This risk form only has to be filled out once in the athlete’s 4 years of participation at Tiverton.

7. Parents must fill out the insurance form demonstrating that they have private health insurance or school insurance. This form must be

completed and returned before their child can participate.

8. The medical consent form is filled out prior to each athletic season that an athlete is involved in so treatment can be given, if necessary, if

an injury occurs, and the parent cannot be reached by the hospital.

9. Each of these forms must be completed and returned to the respective head coach prior to participation. If any form is missing, the athlete

will not be allowed to start competition until all necessary paperwork is completed.

1. Students are accountable for all athletic equipment/supplies and uniforms issued to them. These items are to be returned within a week after

the completion of their season.

2. In the event that the requirements are not met within the stipulated time frame, notification will be mailed to the student’s parents in the form of a

bill.

3. Until said equipment, supplies, or uniforms are returned or reimbursed, that student will become ineligible for the next extra-curricular activity.

I have read, understand and accept the rules and regulations of the Tiverton Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct.

Activity/Sport Participating in at Present Time

Student Name PRINTED

Student Signature Date

Parent Signature Date