CODE OF CONDUCT

The Code of Conduct for Student-Athletes should demonstrate high standards of ethics and sportsmanship, and promote the development of good character and other important life skills. The highest potential of sports is achieved when participants are committed to pursuing victory with honor, according to six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. This Code applies to all student-athletes involved in sports at DMS. I understand that, to participate in DMS athletics, I must act in accordance with the following:

TRUSTWORTHINESS

• Trustworthiness — Be worthy of trust in all I do.

• Integrity — Live up to high ideals of ethics and sportsmanship and continuously pursue victory with honor; do what’s right even when it is unpopular or personally costly.

• Honesty — Live and compete honorably; do not lie, cheat, steal, or engage in any other dishonest or unsportsmanlike conduct.

• Reliability — Fulfill commitments; do what I say I will do; be on time for practices and games.

• Loyalty — Be loyal to my school and team; put the team above personal glory.

RESPECT

• Respect — Treat all people with respect all the time and require the same of other student-athletes.

• Class — Live and play with class; be a good sport; be gracious in victory and accept defeat with dignity; give fallen opponents help, compliment extraordinary performance, and show sincere respect in pre- and post-game rituals.

• Disrespectful Conduct — Do not engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort, including profanity, obscene gestures, offensive remarks of a sexual or racial nature, trash talking, taunting, boastful celebrations, or other actions that demean individuals or the sport.

• Respect Officials — Treat contest officials with respect; do not complain about or argue with official calls or decisions during or after an athletic event.

CARING

• Concern for Others — Demonstrate concern for others; never intentionally injure any player or engage in reckless behavior that might cause injury to myself or others.

• Teammates — Help promote the well-being of teammates by positive counseling and encouragement or by reporting any unhealthy or dangerous conduct to coaches.

FAIRNESS

• Be Fair — live up to high standards of fair play; be open-minded; always be willing to listen and learn.

CITIZENSHIP

• Play by the Rules — Maintain a thorough knowledge of and abide by all applicable game and competition rules.


• Spirit of Rules — Honor the spirit and the letter of rules; avoid temptations to gain a competitive advantage through improper gamesmanship techniques that violate the highest traditions of sportsmanship.

RESPONSIBILITY

• Importance of Education — Be a student first and commit to getting the best education I can. Be honest with myself about the likelihood of getting an athletic scholarship or
playing on a professional level, and remember that many universities will not recruit student-athletes that do not have a serious commitment to their education, the ability to succeed academically, or the character to represent their institution honorably.

• Role Modeling — Remember, participation in sports is a privilege, not a right, and I am expected to represent my school, coach, and teammates with honor, on and off the field. Consistently exhibit good character and conduct yourself as a positive role model. Suspension or termination of the participation privilege is within the sole discretion of the school administration.

• Self-Control — Exercise self-control; do not fight or show excessive displays of anger or frustration; have the strength to overcome the temptation to retaliate.


• Healthy Lifestyle — Safeguard your health; do not use any illegal or unhealthy substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, or engage in any unhealthy techniques to gain, lose, or maintain weight.

• Integrity of the Game — Protect the integrity of the game; don’t gamble. Play the game according to the rules.

Rule violations will be dealt with in the following manner:

1. The coaching staff will take immediate action for any rule violation.

2. The coaching staff will notify the administration of the violation and the action taken and recommend disciplinary action.

3. Violators will have the opportunity to state their version of what happened.

4. The Athletic Director or other DMS administrator will make the formal decision as to the penalty imposed based on all evidence presented.

5. Bullying, harassment, or hazing of any kind is not permitted.  Any student-athlete who participates in such activity will be subject to disciplinary action, which could include possible suspension or removal from his/her team.

6. Additional penalties may include the following:

      a. Reprimand

      b. Probationary period

      c. Disqualification from future activities

      d. Recommendation for suspension from school