ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

Dixie Heights Athletics

An interscholastic athletic program as a co-curricular activity is an integral part of the total education and growth experience at Dixie Heights. Student-athletes, coaches and parents are called upon to work together in a true spirit of sportsmanship to assist in creating an environment in which positive values can be revealed, tested, and proven relevant both to participants and the entire school community. Through participation in athletics students will mature physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.  They will learn to take responsibility for personal growth by developing loyalty, pride, integrity, and commitment.  Athletics provide the opportunity for the student-athlete to exhibit a progression of physical skills and knowledge of a particular sport, enabling him/her to apply these skills and knowledge to new situations and a variety of learning formats.  Every member of the Dixie Heights community must seek to encourage, instill, and foster such growth and development in all student-athletes.

I.                 The Role of Athletics at Dixie Heights

The primary goal of athletics at Dixie Heights is the betterment of the student-athlete as an individual.  Participation in athletics is a privilege.  Actions of student-athletes are expected to bring honor to the team and the school.  Actions that bring dishonor to the team will result in negative consequences or dismissal from the team.

• Responsibilities to Yourself- The most important of these responsibilities is to broaden one’s self and to develop strength of character.  You owe it to yourself to get the greatest possible good from your high school experiences. Your studies, your participation in other extra-curricular activities as well as sports, prepare you for your life as an adult.

• Responsibilities to Your School- Dixie Heights cannot maintain its position as an outstanding school unless you do your best in whatever activity you wish to engage in.  By participating in athletics to the maximum of your ability, you are contributing to the reputation of your school. You assume a leadership role when you are on an athletic team.  The student body, our community, and other communities judge our school by our conduct and attitudes on and off the field.

•  Responsibilities to Others- As an athletic team member, you also bear a heavy responsibility to your home.  When you know in your heart that you have practiced to the best of your ability every day, and that you have played the game all out, you and your family can be proud.  The younger students are watching and learning from you.  They will copy you in many ways.  Do not do anything to let them down.

II.             Conduct of an Athlete

The conduct of an athlete is closely observed in many areas of life.  It is important that your behavior is above reproach in all of the following areas:

• On the Field- In the area of athletic competition a real athlete does not use profanity or illegal tactics, and learns fast that losing is part of the game.  You will be gracious in defeat and modest in victory.

• In the Classroom- An athlete cannot be a classroom failure and be an outstanding athlete.  If you are lazy in the classroom, you will be lazy on the field.  As an athlete, you must plan your schedule so that you give sufficient time and energy to your studies to insure acceptable grades.  In addition to maintaining good grades, an athlete should show respect to other students and faculty at all times.

III.          Grades and Eligibility

Academics will always come before athletics.  It is recommended that the head coach monitor each of his/her athletes’ grades regularly. The Athletic Director will conduct a weekly grade check for all athletes who are currently in season each Monday.  The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and Dixie Heights High School require that each student-athlete be passing a minimum of 66% of their current course load to remain eligible on a weekly basis (passing 5 out of 6).  Students who choose to serve as an aide must be passing all classes on a weekly basis to maintain eligibility.  If an athlete is ruled ineligible for a given week, he/she is not permitted to practice or compete during that time period in accordance with KHSAA Bylaw 5, Section 3.  Any student who is ineligible academically will be suspended from the team until such ineligibility is reversed.  

*** Student-athletes who miss tryouts for academic issues will not be granted an extension. ***  

IV.           Attendance

Regular attendance is expected of all athletes.  Athletes must be in attendance for at least one-half of the school day to participate or compete in a game or practice.  Please note that athletes must be at school by 11:20 AM in order to be counted for half a day of attendance. Athletes with an excuse from parent(s) may be exempt from school and permitted to practice or compete on a particular day.  The Administration reserves the right to review all absences and allow the student athlete to participate if there is, in the administrator’s judgment, a valid reason for the absence.  Attendance at all games and practices is mandatory unless excused by the coach before the competition or practice.  Athletes who are absent from school the day before a non-school day activity, may not participate in following days activity.

V.              The Loss of School Time

Loss of school time disrupts instruction and takes time away from the student’s education.  Accordingly, lost time will be kept to a minimum.  Coaches, in consultation with the athletic director, should schedule practices, scrimmages, and competitions at times that will not interfere with the athlete’s classes.  Some conflicts, however, may be unavoidable.

VI.           Physical Examinations and Consent Forms

All participants in interscholastic sports must provide evidence of a medical examination (pre-participation physical) that certifies that the athlete is physically capable of participating in athletic activities.   Please note that the school does not provide funds for pre- participation examinations; this is the family’s or participant’s responsibility.  Pre-participation examinations (PPE) are valid for one year.  A complete pre-participation examination shall be done before the athlete enters our competitive sports program.

VII.        Transfers

A student who transfers enrollment to Dixie Heights with or without a corresponding change of residence by his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) shall not practice or play until the KHSAA transfer waiver approval process is complete.  Transfer students shall meet all the eligibility requirements of the KHSAA and Dixie Heights prior to participation.

VIII.    7th & 8th Grad Participation (Middle School)

To be eligible to try out and participate at the high school level, middle school students must meet all applicable KHSAA and District requirements. The Superintendent/Designee in cooperation with principals, SBDM councils, coaches, and athletic directors, as deemed appropriate, have developed the following guidelines for Board approval addressing playing up.

1. The parent/guardian must provide a written request to the head coach of the high school sport/sport activity.

2. The head coach, in consultation with the high school principal/designee, may or may not allow students below the 9th grade to participate on the high school team.

3. The student, at the time of the request, must possess abilities equal to or greater than high school students participating on the team to be selected for the sport/sport activity.

4. If selected for the sport/sport activity team: high school head coach, high school principal/designee, and parent/guardian must all agree playing up is in the best interest of the student.

5. Consideration will only be given to athletes capable of  moving up 2 levels (JV).

IX.          Age Limitation 

If a student enrolled in high school and turns 19 years of age before August 1 of a given year, the student shall be ineligible to compete in an interscholastic athletic program.

X.              Quitting a Team

If an athlete quits or is removed from a team he/she will not be permitted to compete in another activity for the remainder of that sports season and will not receive a letter, bar, or certificate of participation.  Exceptions can be made for medical reasons. Those individuals selected to any athletic team shall be considered a member of that team through the regular and post season.  All squad members who complete the season shall be invited to participate in an end of the year athletic awards banquet.

XI.          Return to Play

If a student-athlete is injured or has other medical issues that may affect his/her participation in an athletic activity that student must be cleared by the Dixie Heights Athletic Trainer and/or the consulting team physician in order to return to play.  If a physician has treated the student-athlete, that athlete must have a signed documentation from the physician stating he/she has been evaluated and they are permitted to return to play.  The note must stipulate the day the athlete may return to normal activity and any restrictions imposed on the athlete’s activities.

XII.      Fundraising

Fundraising will be limited to the sport in season.  If a student is involved in a school    sport he/she will not be asked to fundraise for another sport.  All fundraising must be approved by the Principal or Athletic Director and have the proper paperwork completed (KCSD Fundraiser Form).

XIII. Tobacco

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky has deemed that usage by a minor (those under age of 21) of tobacco is illegal.  Tobacco includes but is not limited to cigarettes, nicotine vapes, and chewing tobacco.  Disciplinary action for use of these items will be as follows:

1st Offense- loss of 10% of season (based on the total number of regular season games).  Students are permitted to practice.

2nd Offense- loss of 50% of season (based on the total number of regular season games).  Students are permitted to practice and will be referred to the school guidance office for counseling.

3rd Offense- Students will be dismissed from the team for the remainder of the season and will not be permitted to participate in any other sport during that school year.

***Students may also face disciplinary action from theKCSD and the Dixie Heights Administration, which may include dismissal from the team, if warranted.***

***Student-athletes who miss tryouts for behavior issues, drug and alcohol violations, skipping school, or code of conduct violations will not be granted an extension and will not be permitted on the team.***

 XIV.  Drugs and Alcohol

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky has deemed that usage by a minor (those under age of 21) of alcohol, and non-prescription narcotics (including vapes that contain THC) is illegal.  Disciplinary action for use of these items will be as follows:

1st Offense- loss of 50% of season.  The student is not permitted to practice until they meet with a school guidance counselor. Once the student has met with a guidance counselor, they may request reinstatement on the team.

2nd Offense- Students will be dismissed from the team for the remainder of the season and will not be permitted to participate in any other sport during that school year.

***Students may also face disciplinary action from the KCSD and the Dixie Heights Administration which may include dismissal from the team, if warranted.***

***Student-athletes who miss tryouts for behavior issues, drug and alcohol violations, skipping school, or code of conduct violations will not be granted an extension and will not be permitted on the team.***

 XV.      Athletic Lettering

To earn a varsity letter, an athlete must:

1. Be a member of a varsity team and complete the full season in good standing

2. Meet one of the following participation criteria:

   • Compete in at least 50% of varsity contests.

Additional Provisions:

• Seniors or athletes who participate in the same sport for four years may be awarded a varsity letter

Upon completing a sport or sports activity, all players will receive a Chenille Bar. 

XVI.  Fees/Finances

Athletes are required to pay athletic fees to participate in sports, $40 for each sport the student-athlete participates in. All participation fees, gate admission fees, season pass revenue go directly to the Athletic Department.  The Athletic Department will assist in providing financial support for state and conference registration fees, officials, KHSAA sanctioned entry fees and necessities such as balls, nets, etc. 

XVII.             NCAA Signing Days

Dixie Heights High School recognizes the academic and athletic achievements of student-athletes who commit to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. This policy establishes guidelines for athletic signing ceremonies to celebrate these accomplishments while maintaining focus on the educational mission of the school.

School-Sponsored Signing Ceremony

• The school will sponsor one (1) official signing ceremony per academic year, held in May.

• This ceremony will honor all student-athletes who are continuing their  athletic careers at the collegiate level.

• The ceremony will be organized and funded by the Dixie Heights Athletic Department.

• All eligible student-athletes are invited to participate in this school-wide  event.

Individual Team Signings

• Individual athletic teams may organize separate signing ceremonies for their student-athletes.

• Student-athletes who choose to participate in an individual team signing ceremony will not participate in the school-wide May signing ceremony.

• Team coaches and/or booster organizations are responsible for:

1. Scheduling the individual signing event

2. Organizing all aspects of the ceremony

3. Covering any associated costs

4. Ensuring compliance with school policies

Approval Process

• Individual team signing requests must be submitted to the Athletic  Director at least two (2) weeks in advance.

• The Athletic Director will coordinate with building administration for  final approval.

Additional Requirements

• All signing ceremonies must take place outside of the regular instructional  school day.

• Standard facility usage policies and procedures apply.

• Teams are responsible for setup, cleanup, and any facility fees.

XVII. Elastic Clause                  

It would be impossible for every situation to be cited in this handbook.  With this in mind, situations that arise will be dealt with on an individual basis.  Coaches may have more stringent rules and policies than the ones that are established in this handbook as long as they have been articulated to their team.

Appendix A

Parent/Coach Communication Policy 

Positive involvement in sports requires commitment from students, parents, and coaches.  To be successful, everyone involved must work together to ensure effective communication.  Positive and effective communication will only strengthen our Athletic Program.  The following guidelines are intended to aid parents and coaches in their interactions.

Communication parents can expect from coaches:

1. Parent meeting before the start of season.

2. Location and time of practices and games.

3. Coach’s expectations and philosophy.

4. Team requirements, i.e. –fees, special equipment, off season conditioning.

5. Notification when a student-athlete is injured during participation.

6. Notification of disciplinary action that results in suspension from the team.

7. Request for support towards the commitment of the program. Coaches may ask for parents' help ensuring that the student-athlete is at practice on time etc.

8. Awards Banquet at the end of the season.

What are appropriate concerns for parents to discuss with coaches?

1. The treatment of their child, both physically and mentally.

2. Skill improvement and development.

3. Concerns about their child’s behavior

What are things not appropriate for parents to discuss with coaches?

1. Playing time

2. Team strategy

3. Play calling

4. Other student-athletes

Communication coaches should expect from parents:

1. Individual concerns expressed directly to the coach.

2. Advance notification of any schedule conflicts

What is the procedure to discuss concerns with the coach?

1. Make an appointment with the coach

2. Contact the athletic director

3. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before, during, or after a contest or practice.

What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution?

1. Contact and set up an appointment with the athletic director to discuss the situation.

2. At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined

Appendix B

Guidelines for Choosing Student-Athlete for Athletic Teams:

Students may be denied the privilege of participation because a sport prescribes a specific number that may participate. The number of participants in each sport will be determined by the head coach and the athletic director.  Some of the criteria that determine the size of the team may include but not limited to:

1. Talent and work ethic of those trying out.

2. Number of individuals trying out

3. Optimum number determined by coach to conduct productive practices

4. Academic eligibility of those trying out.

5. Students Behavior

Guidelines for Cutting Student-Athletes:

1. Our coaches realize that as difficult as this process is on them, it is much more difficult on the student-athletes.  We make every attempt to use this opportunity to let student-athletes know that this is not a personal decision and that we support their efforts to try out in the future. The following are minimum procedures that coaches will follow when cutting student-athletes:

2. Tryouts will last at least three (3) full practice sessions.

3. Coaches will not use cut lists and will tell each student-athlete why they were not selected.

4.  Student-athletes who miss tryouts for behavior issues, drug and alcohol violations, skipping school, or code of conduct violations will not be granted an extension and will not be permitted on the team.

5. Excused Absences (Pre-arranged  Doctors Appointment, Illness, College Visit, etc.) will not count towards the Athletes 3 days of tryouts.

  Appendix C

Prohibition of Hazing:

The Athletic Department at Dixie Heights High School supports only those activities which are constructive, educational, inspirational, and that contribute to the personal development of student-athletes.  The administration unequivocally opposes any situation created intentionally to produce embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.  Dixie Heights interprets hazing as any act whether physical, emotional, or psychological, which subjects another person, voluntarily, involuntarily, to anything that may abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass, or intimidate.  In addition, any requirements by a member which compels another member to participate in any activity which is against high school policy or state/federal law will be defined as hazing.

Appendix D

Athletic Contest Code of Conduct:

Dixie Heights strives to encourage good sportsmanship throughout our entire Athletic Program.  We expect all of our players, coaches, and spectators to be respectful of other players, coaches, officials, and spectators.  We believe our fans should cheer for our team, not against the other team.  We also believe that it is imperative to let the players, coaches, and officials play the game.  Dixie Heights will not permit any behavior that distracts from the proper conduct of the game.