Athletic Competition
A variety of competitive athletics is offered at Highland High School. Highland High School participates in the Mississippi Valley Conference, consisting of the following schools: Civic Memorial, Jersey, Mascoutah, Triad, and Waterloo. Fall sports include cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, boys soccer, girls tennis, and girls volleyball. Winter sports include basketball, bowling, competitive cheerleading, competitive dance, and wrestling. Spring sports include baseball, softball, girls soccer, boys tennis and track and field. Students may participate in only one sport per season. Highland is also a member of the Illinois High School Association, and our teams participate in the IHSA State tournaments.
Athletic Philosophy
Student athletic programs shall be considered a supplement to the district’s educational programs and participation is considered a vital part of the student’s educational experiences. Such participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, the athletic program, the student body, the community and the student themselves. In turn, the program has a responsibility to the athlete to work and develop their skills to the best of the athlete’s capabilities. This individual development is found to be an important component in creating a successful athletic program. These experiences contribute to the development of learning skills and emotional patterns that enable the student to make maximum use of the student’s education. The Board of Education shall approve the appointment of coaches in all athletic programs on an annual basis prior to the beginning of the school year. The High School and Middle School Coaches and Athletic Directors will collaborate to develop a consistent program. This collaboration is intended to build and develop the individual athletic programs, with a goal of reaching team success at the High School Varsity level. There may be factors that impose a limitation on the number of students that can be accommodated in specific programs. If the number of students trying out for a team creates a situation that is unmanageable, then reducing team size may be necessary. The number of teams and size of the squad in any program will be determined by factors that include the following: a safe environment, qualified coaches, suitable facilities, and financial resources. The coaches will have the responsibility of choosing their team with the Athletic Directors overseeing the selection process. Playing time is dependent on the coach, and winning is valued, but at the lower levels, playing time should be considered. This will help to develop the skills of the athlete, and to better prepare the athletes for Varsity sports. Student athletes in all programs, regardless of level, are expected to be committed and give a full effort to practice and game sessions, as well as maintain a positive and cooperative attitude. Participation by student athletes in any program will be subject to the coach’s consideration of academic grades, behavioral issues, attendance, abilities, and performance.
Highland High School Athletic Programs
High School programs shall develop student athletes to ultimately compete at the Varsity level. Freshman and Sophomore teams will build on the development and instruction that took place at the Middle School. These teams shall continue to develop student athletes by promoting skills and character development. Junior Varsity teams are the final step before Varsity athletics. The Junior Varsity programs will further build on the development and instruction that took place at the previous levels. The JV program will also continue the implementation of the program’s philosophy and strategies. Varsity teams are the final level of competition available to student athletes. At the Varsity level, the outcome of the contests shall be a primary concern for the coaches and their staff. The goal for Varsity teams shall be to win conference, regional, and state titles.
Objectives of Athletics
• To provide a positive image of school athletics at Highland High School
• To ensure growth and development of the athletic program
• To provide opportunities that will allow the program to serve as a model where students may cope with problems, and handle situations similar to those encountered later in life
• To provide opportunity for team play with the development of such commitments as loyalty, cooperation, fair play, and other desirable social traits
• To develop an understanding of the value of athletics in a balanced educational process
Pre-Participation Requirements
Students must have a current sports physical on file (within the last 13 months), have filled out the concussion information sheet, and the performance enhancing substances form in order to tryout or participate in any sport.
School Code of Conduct
This code has been adopted by the Board of Education of Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 and applies to all students in grades 9-12 who desire to participate in athletics, cheerleading, dance, and student activities. This code applies every day of the year, all seasons. The athletic/activities code encourages students to make responsible and ethical decisions. With that in mind, students are expected to leave a party or gathering where illegal activities (i.e., theft, underage drinking, illegal drug use, etc.) are occurring. Remember the code of conduct is enforced 365 days a year.
The Board of Education believes the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other performance altering substances by a student who participates in athletics, cheerleading, dance, and student activities, when not prescribed for the student for a particular and appropriate medical purpose, presents a hazard to the health, safety, and welfare of the student and to those with whom the student participates or competes.
The Board of Education also believes that students should be held to high standards of conduct with regard to other prohibited behaviors as detailed in our Highland High School Behavior Chart. Any student that is involved in acts of gross disobedience and misconduct will be subjected to the same penalties outlined in this code of conduct. These acts may include, but are not limited to: fighting; the use, possession, distribution, or attempted distribution of any tobacco or e-cigarette products and/or illegal/ nonprescription drugs; the setting off of a fire alarm; and/or the possession/use or threat to use a weapon.
The Board of Education has determined participation in athletics, cheerleading, dance, and student activities is a privilege, not a right. With the privilege to participate goes certain responsibilities. If a student fails to comply with the terms of this policy, the privilege to participate in athletics, cheerleading, dance, and/or student activities may be lost in accordance with the terms of this policy.
It is the sincere intent of the Board of Education to establish a policy that encourages students to practice good health habits and appropriate responsible behavior. The Board of Education has attempted to adopt a policy that protects the safety and integrity of the student body as well as the participants in athletics, cheerleading, dance, and student activities. Definitions and IHSA rules can be found online in the unabridged parent/student handbook.
Eligibility
Highland High School is a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). Highland High School belongs to the 19th Legislative District of the 7th Administrative Division of the IHSA. The IHSA serves to provide leadership for the development, supervision, and promotion of good sportsmanship in interscholastic competition. The IHSA Constitution and By- Laws have been voted into effect by IHSA member schools. As an approved member school, HHS has agreed to abide by each article of the IHSA Constitution (1.00 Constitution, 2.00 School By-Laws, 3.00 Athletic Eligibility By-Laws, 4.00 Non-Athletic Eligibility By-Laws, 5.00 Sport Season By-Laws, 6.00 Protest Penalty By-Laws). The high school principal serves Highland High School as the official representative to the IHSA. You can find more IHSA information in the Student/Parent Handbook online at www.highlandcusd5.org.
Any questions concerning athletic eligibility should be referred to the high school building principal and/or athletic director.
Athletic Fees
There is a $150.00 fee for participation in sports at HHS, with the maximum of $600.00 per family per year. This cap applies to all extracurricular activities including band, chorus, clubs and sports. All athletic fees will be invoiced after the start of the season. Payment due dates are listed below. Families that apply and qualify for free or reduced meals do not need to apply for a separate athletic fee waiver. If a student receives free meals, their fees are waived. If a student receives reduced meals, they will be invoiced for 50% of their fees.
Athletics and Severe Weather Policy
On days when Highland Community School District #5 Schools are not in session because of inclement weather, the decision to have practices and games will come from the administration. The superintendent is empowered to close the school district schools or dismiss them early in the event of hazardous weather conditions or other emergencies which threaten the health or safety of students and personnel.
1. There may be times when school is closed due to inclement weather at the start of the school day, but by mid-day weather conditions may improve permitting games or practices to be held. Each situation will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The athletic director and principal will collaborate with the Superintendent, and the National Weather Service information to determine if events can take place.
2. In case school has been canceled or dismissed early due to hazardous conditions, the athletic teams will
follow the procedures below as they relate to practice and scheduled home athletic events:
*Coaches will check with the athletic director for permission to practice or continue with scheduled games.
*Practices may not take place before 11:00 a.m.
*Practices are optional and athletes will not be penalized for not attending.
*Games will be played if weather permits.
The Highland H.S. Athletic Department prides itself in creating safe, competitive interscholastic activities for our student-athletes. Students’ safety will be the highest priority when determining whether or not to hold practices or contests when schools have been closed.
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