CODE OF ETHICS CONTRACT FOR PARTICIPATION IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Co-curricular activities are an integral part of the school’s total educational program. All school activities, curricular and extra-curricular, in the classroom and on the playing field, must be congruent with the school’s stated goals and objectives established for the intellectual, physical, social and moral development of its students. When Oak Park students participate in co-curricular activities, they represent not only themselves, but also their families and our school and community. They are expected to display appropriate and acceptable standards of sportsmanship and behavior – on and off the field, in and out of school, including and not limited to, nights and weekends, in or out of the season of sport or activity. They are further expected to do everything in their power to not be involved with or present at functions where any prohibited activities are taking place.

• Place academic achievement as the highest priority. This includes maintaining a 2.0 Unweighted GPA with no “F’s” in all subjects during the preceding marking period and during the season of sport/activity. Eligibility will be checked at the quarter and semester report card times. Students with 2.0 and one “F” may petition for probation. Scholastic probation may be granted to a student only once in their high school career.

• Attendance – Students must attend all scheduled periods the day of any co-curricular activity in order to participate in that activity, practice, contest or performance. If the activity takes place on a Saturday or holiday, then the student will be required to attend all periods on the preceding school day. Exceptions must be cleared by an administrator. Truancy from any class or classes will result in suspension from the next contest/activity. Students on disciplinary suspension will not be allowed to participate in practices/ games during the period of suspension.

• No athlete/participant may quit one co-curricular activity and go out during the same season for another.

• Show respect for teammates, opponents, officials, coaches and all other participants.

• Respect the integrity and judgment of activity officials.

• Exhibit fair play, sportsmanship and proper conduct on and off the playing field.

• Refrain from the use of profanity, vulgarity and other offensive language and gestures.

• Adhere to the established rules and standards of the activity.

• Respect all equipment and use it safely and appropriately. Students are financially responsible for all equipment checked out to them. All equipment must be returned in a timely manner. A delinquent account will result in a “hold” on transcripts, report cards, yearbooks, and/or diplomas.

• Know and follow all school rules, and CIF rules and regulations as they pertain to eligibility and sports participation.

• Win/perform with character, and face challenges with dignity.

• Athlete/participants must travel to and from contests in transportation provided for and arranged by the school. Any exception to this is rare and must be approved by an administrator at least 48 hours in advance.

• Refrain from participation in hazing. Hazing is defined as any behavior that is physically, emotionally, or psychologically abusive to an individual, or selected group of individuals, for the purpose of gaining entrance or acceptance into an established group.

• Refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal and non-prescriptive drugs, anabolic steroids or any substance to increase physical development or performance that is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, Surgeon General of the United States or American Medical Association.

• Refrain from being arrested or cited for any misdemeanor or felony at school or in the community.

I understand that a participant will be immediately suspended from the co-curricular activity if they exercise poor judgment and acts in an irresponsible manner as outlined above. This suspension will remain in force until the advisor/coaching staff and administration has had time to conduct an investigation and determine an appropriate consequence. I further understand that since I have been put on notice of these conduct guidelines by the staff that any violation may result in suspension or removal from all-co-curricular activity for up to one calendar year from the date of the incident, in addition to other administrative actions.

Parents: Acknowledging receipt of this form during the 2020 registration process on Q-Parent Connect indicates that you and your OPHS student have read and understand the expectations of Oak Park High school regarding student conduct and that this contract is applicable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students are expected to display appropriate and acceptable standards of sportsmanship and behavior – on and off the field, in and out of school, including but not limited to, nights and weekends, in or out of the season of sport or activity. As a parent, you support the efforts of Oak Park High school to encourage and enforce proper standards of conduct for your child.