Code of Conduct

LONG BRANCH ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

CODE OF CONDUCT

ATHLETICS

Academic Eligibility

The New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association Rules and Regulations regarding eligibility are mandatory.  In addition, the Long Branch School District’s Board of Education has adopted the following guidelines for students participating in high school athletics.

• There are higher standards set forth by the Long Branch Athletic Department and approved by the Long Branch Board of Education that state:

• If a student is in failing status for one class, they will go into academic probationary status.  He/she/they will be able to continue to participate in their respective sport, but must attend SAP for the class that they are failing.

• Any student athlete who is in failure status for 2 or more classes at any given point, during any marking period within their athletic season will not be able to participate in practices/or games until they reach probationary status (failing 1 class) or are passing all classes.  During this time it is mandatory that students at this status attend both SAP and Homework Club Daily until they come out of failing status. 

• If a student athlete fails 3 or more courses at the end of a marking period they will be removed from the roster and will not receive end of season recognition. 

A student-athlete in his/her first semester of 9th grade will automatically be eligible for the fall and winter seasons.  Returning student-athletes are required to achieve 30 credits from the prior school year to participate in the fall and winter season.  To be eligible for the spring season, all student-athletes must have obtained 15 credits at the end of the first semester of the school year..

These academic requirements will apply to all cheerleaders, student managers, student trainers, and athletes.  Additional information regarding eligibility can be obtained upon request from the building principal or athletic administrator.

Age Eligibility

A student cannot participate if he/she has reached the age of 19 prior to September 1st of the upcoming  school year.  A 9th grade student cannot reach the age of 16 prior to September 1st going into his freshman year.

Attendance Eligibility

In order for a student to participate in a scheduled athletic event, practice, or school function, he/she must be in school on the day of the event, (no later than 8:00 a.m.)  An excuse from a doctor or prior written approval from the athletic administrator is the only VALID excuse.  Excessive absenteeism, tardiness, and cutting classes will not be tolerated.  These offenses justify removal from a team with consent of the building principal and/or the athletic administrator.

Athletic Equipment Accountability

Athletic equipment used by student participants must be returned or paid for at the end of the sport season and prior to the issuance of any awards or recognition.  Equipment will not be issued and/or physicals will not be given for any upcoming season until all equipment accounts are cleared from the preceding season.

Senior Award Ceremony

In order to participate; students MUST dress appropriately for the ceremony.  Appropriate attire is defined as dress slacks/shirt, dress shirts/blouses, and shoes.  All attire must meet the following:

• Blouses, shirts, and turtlenecks must cover the stomach and shoulder area completely and cannot be low cut or revealing.

• Skin-tight or see through shirts, blouses, or turtlenecks are not to be worn.

• Pants are to be worn so that they cover the posterior part of the body or underclothing fully.

• Skin-tight, spandex-styled, cutoffs, swimsuits, see through pants or clothing with holes is not to be worn. 

• Dresses, shorts and skirts, as well as slits in these garments, are to be no shorter than two inches above the knee. 

Conduct

As an athlete, pride in your school, team and yourself is all part of good sportsmanship.  Your pride is reflected in your personal conduct.  Student athletes will not violate the rules of common decency with each other.  They shall respect the authority of coaches and other school staff and shall conform to requests made by them.  The athletic playing fields are an extension of the classroom and all the same rules apply. Be respectful and responsible.

In addition, an athlete’s appearance should be a matter of pride, which means cleanliness and neatness in dress and equipment.  Student athletes are expected to dress properly when representing their team and school at any athletic or academic function.

Causes for Suspension from Athletic/Extracurricular Teams/Activities

To be eligible, a student must have an acceptable academic, citizenship, and disciplinary record.  Gambling, stealing, the use of tobacco (in any form), possession, sale, and use of drugs (including steroids), and/or alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

• The Student Handbook and Board Policies, clearly detail all aspects of drug, alcohol, substance use and abuse, including other sanctions.

Suspensions are at the discretion of the coach, building principal and the athletic administrator.  Violations include, but are not limited to, insubordination, profanity, fighting,

unsportsmanlike conduct and unexcused absence from practice, unsatisfactory attitude, and a failure to follow any additional rules and regulations that the coach deems necessary to maintain discipline and facilitate the efficient execution of daily procedures. Parental notification by the coach involved will be required in all cases of suspension.  Discipline referrals and school suspensions are justification for suspension or removal from a team.

Immediate Removal Policy

Consideration for Immediate Removal for the remainder of the season

• Fighting

• Stealing

• Bias Incident including but not limited to Racial Slurs

• Public Outbursts/ Display of inappropriate behavior

• Possession of Drugs and/or Paraphernalia on School property

• Smoking, vaping, or the use of tobacco products on school property 

• Threat of physical harm to school, teammates, coaches or opponent

• Possession of an item that might reasonably be constructed as a device that could cause bodily harm 

• Confirmed H.I.B "Bullying"

• Confirmed Positive for drugs or alcohol during a practice or competition 

• Willingly causing, or attempting to cause, damage to school property at Long Branch Public Schools and/or any visiting school

Removal Meetings

• Coach will set up a conference with the parents of the student athlete

• The student athlete’s school counselor will be notified to schedule sessions

• Athletic Facilitator and Coach will meet with the student athlete 

Due Process for Returning to Participation for Subsequent Seasons: 

(Probation Period is a Calendar Year)

• Meeting with Athletic Administrator, Athletic Facilitator, Previous Season Coach, and Current Season Coach

• Behavior Plan Implemented and signed by student-athlete, parent/guardian, and current season coach

  • Mandatory School Based, Counseling scheduled and confirmed prior to starting

  • Failure to follow behavior plan will result in removal from athletic participation for the remainder of the school year and potentially high school career 

Conflicting Activities During Sport Season

Prior to the start of any season, an athlete must realize his/her obligation to the team and refrain from scheduling any conflicting activity during that season.  That student-athlete will be held accountable for the time missed from the team. 

Injuries

Any athlete who sustains an injury during a school-related athletic activity must report it to his/her coach IMMEDIATELY, who in turn will report it to the district athletic trainer.  The athletic trainer will then be responsible for providing this information to the school nurse and athletic administrator.  If any injury occurs outside of school, it must be reported to the coach prior to the athlete’s next practice or game.

Athletic Trainer Visitation

Visitation is permitted during the student-athlete’s lunch shift but needs to be scheduled with the athletic trainer prior to the appointment.

Transportation to and from Athletic Events

All student-athletes must use Long Branch School District provided transportation to and from all away games.  No student-athlete is permitted to use personal transportation.  Official school transportation will be provided, originating at the school and returning back to the school.

*HS Principal Mgt. 1/26/2024

*Coaches Survey 11/22/2022

*HS Principal Mgt. 12/5/2022

*SAC Mgt. 12/5/2022

**Athletic Discipline Committee w/Central Office 12/6/2022