REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION

Student participation in Marengo Community Middle School athletic activities is dependent on the following:

 Eligibility 

Once a student has earned a spot on a sport team, the student’s academic eligibility will be checked on a weekly basis. The eligibility report will be pulled ay 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays.  A student must have a minimum of five (5) grade entries in a particular class in order for the grade to count. Students in grades 6th-8th that do not achieve a 1.0 cumulative grade point average in their four (4) core classes (ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies) he/she is ineligible from Saturday to Friday. The student can practice but cannot play in any games for that week. If the student remains ineligible for the 2nd week, then no practice, no games and the student must attend after school homework club. If ineligible for a 3rd week, then the student is removed from the team. Students who have earned PBIS incentives will be allowed to participate in PBIS events.

General Athletic Policies

1. All athletes are expected to maintain an acceptable level of conduct, attitude and general school spirit. Any behavior, which has a negative reflection of the school/team, could result in suspension from a number of games and possible dismissal from the team. 

2. Behavior, which will result in dismissal from the team: dishonesty, vandalism, stealing, cheating, and possession of drugs, tobacco, vapes, or alcohol. 

3. All athletes are responsible for all pieces of equipment issued to them, including uniforms and will be held financially responsible for the current replacement cost for all lost, stolen or damaged equipment. An athlete will be denied future equipment and the privilege of participation in athletics until the financial charges have been paid. 

4. Any student not in attendance at least one-half day of school or in a before or after school detention or serving a ISS the day of an activity will not be allowed to participate in any after-school activity. If a student leaves due to illness on a game day, they will not be eligible to play that day. The only exception is prior approval from the building principal or their designee. 

5. A physical examination of the student must be conducted by a physician, PA or APN and given or faxed to the school office prior to the student participating in any athletic activity. A physical examination or sports physical is required annually and expires one year from issuance. 

6. All school fees for the student athlete must be paid prior to the first game/meet; including registration, damage to school property (broken computer or IPAD), and activity fees. 

7. Any student who does not dress and participate for P.E. will not be allowed to participate in after school activities. All students must participate in physical education classes on a daily basis. Students are required to wear their P.E. t-shirt and P.E. shorts (purchased at school) and proper athletic shoes. Students should have sweatpants and sweatshirts (purchased at school) available when the weather is cool. A school issued lock and locker will be given to each student, and they are expected to lock all belongings away during and after class. All other P.E. policies and procedures will be reviewed with students during the first week of school. 

8. Written permission must be given by the parent(s)/guardian(s) for the student’s participation, giving the District full waiver of responsibility for the risks involved, in addition to, a signed emergency medical release form. 

9. A mandatory meeting will be held prior to the start of each athletic season. This meeting will ensure open communication between school and home regarding Marengo Community Middle School’s requirements, rules or participation, conduct, and eligibility. If a parent/guardian is unable to attend the scheduled meeting, they must schedule an individual conference with the principal, athletic director, or coach within 5 working days of the parent meeting. The athlete will not be able to participate until this requirement has been met. 

10. Pick- up rides should be arranged and be on time following practices and games. 

11. The district allows a student to modify his or her athletic or team uniform for the purpose of modesty in clothing or attire that is accordance with the requirements of his or her religion or his or her cultural values or modesty preferences. A student is not required to receive the prior approval of the school board for such modification. 

Bus Riding Policy

 All athletes who ride to and from athletic contests on a District #165 school bus will return to school on the bus UNLESS a note signed by his/her parent or guardian, has been given to the coach before leaving MCMS. This should be done prior to game time. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made to this rule.