2024-2025 Athletic Opportunities

MHS Extracurricular Activities

Student-athletes are expected to play only one sport per season. However, under special circumstances and with the approval of the Principal, Athletic Administrator, parents and coaches a student may be permitted to participate in more than one sport per season through our “Two-Sport Contract.”  A student who attempts to participate in several extracurricular activities may be in a position of conflict among their activities. We understand that each student has the opportunity for a broad range of experiences in the area of extracurricular activities. Every attempt will be made to schedule events to reduce the chance of conflicts.  It is the student's responsibility to notify the advisors, coaches, and faculty members involved when a conflict arises.  At that time, all those involved (coaches, advisors, students and parents) will work out a solution.  The decision will be based on the following criteria: the relative importance of each event, the importance of each event to the student, the contribution the student can make, and how long each event has been scheduled.

The RSU 35 Board of Directors believes that competition should be a healthy, positive and safe experience for everyone who is involved. The policy is outlined in JJIBB. Further, the Board believes that such events should occur in an environment that teaches values and ethics, promotes competition without conflict and enriches the lives of all participants. An emphasis is placed upon handling success with grace and losing with dignity. The expectation is that everyone involved will exhibit good sportsmanship, and the core values of discipline, fairness, responsibility, trustworthiness and citizenship will be promoted.  In particular, adult spectators are expected to be role models for students and to provide a positive model of behavior that contributes to the value of the experience.  School administrators and officials have the authority and discretion to remove any spectators who do not comply with the expected rules of conduct and sportsmanship.

Therefore, when attending competitive events, spectators are expected to:

• Respect the purpose of the competition and act in the role of support for all of the participants;

• Show positive support for outstanding performance, regardless of school affiliation;

• Show concern for injured participants, regardless of school affiliation;

• Refrain from any angry or abusive language or actions toward any adult or student participants or other spectators;

• Refrain from any act that creates a danger for participants or spectators;

• Refrain from any act that could be considered taunting, heckling or berating of participants, officials, or coaches;

• Follow all Board rules and policies pertaining to conduct on school property, including but not limited to use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or weapons.

Students, or any spectators, who engage in unsportsmanlike conduct will be subject to the penalties described in the parent-student handbook, including Board policy, team rules and the Student Code of Conduct.  In all cases, unacceptable conduct will result in appropriate disciplinary consequences.  Adult spectators or other visitors from outside of the school who engage in unsportsmanlike conduct may be asked to leave the premises and may be excluded from future events.  The administrator in charge of the event may seek the assistance of law enforcement authorities if necessary to remove or exclude a spectator deemed to be in violation of these rules of conduct or Board policy; law enforcement may remove anyone who is disrupting an event or creating an unsafe environment or damaging public property. (Board Policy JJIBB.)

On occasion, a student may find it necessary to drop an activity before the completion of the “season.”  If this is the case, students must: consult with their immediate coach, head coach, and athletic administrator.  Return all equipment/uniforms, etc. to the coach/advisor.

The Athletic Department strongly discourages any changes of teams after the first two weeks of the season.  If a student-athlete wishes to change sports in-season he/she needs to discuss the issue and receive permission from both coaches involved as well as the athletic administrator. The decision will be made based upon what is in the best interest of the student as well as the teams involved.

1. Equipment

All school equipment issued will be signed for and is the student's responsibility.   Equipment is expected to be kept clean and in good condition. Any loss or damage to the equipment is the student's financial obligation. Students who do not return any school equipment/uniforms will not be allowed to participate in activities until they satisfy their obligations.  Students are only to return equipment and uniforms to the coach who distributed it to them.  They SHOULD NOT return to main office or athletic office unless priorly approved between Student-Coach-AD.  This will ONLY be granted in e-mail format. 

2. Attendance 

Students must be in school and in class to participate in extracurricular activities.  Coaches/Advisors will monitor attendance and will have team consequences for tardies and absences to school, team practice(s) or games.  A student who arrives after 9:00 a.m (9:15am on Thursday late start days)., is dismissed from school early, or misses any part of the school day may not participate unless excused beforehand and approved by the administration.  After 3 unexcused absences, a meeting will be held with the student, coach/advisor and administrator to determine continued participation.  Absences due to suspension (in school or out of school) will be unexcused.

3. Travel

All students must travel to and from activities on transportation provided by the district. Exceptions will be made only under special circumstances and prior approval by administration. Student-athletes must complete a travel release form and submit it to their coach/advisor one day ahead of time in order to be  released to their  parents after games/activities.   Students will not be allowed to travel with other students or parents of other students without signed approval from the Athletic Administrator/School administrator the day prior to the event.

4. Release from Class

On occasion (MPA sponsored tournament games) it may be necessary for a student-athlete to miss class. Under these circumstances it is the responsibility of the student to see the teacher(s) involved and get all assignments prior to the absence.

5. Vacations

Student-athletes are expected to be committed to their sports program and make every effort to be in attendance for all team events.  There are times when practices/games may be scheduled on a designated holiday or during a school vacation.   The designated holidays/vacations that conflict with sport seasons are as follows:

• Labor Day

• Indigenous People’s Day

• Thanksgiving Vacation

• Christmas Vacation

• February Vacation

• April Vacation

• Memorial Day 

As a school, the importance of family time is understood.  The school will attempt to avoid sub varsity team events during school vacations or on a designated holiday.  For varsity team events, every effort is made to not schedule countable athletic events on a designated holiday or during a school vacation.  However, there are occasions when a countable game may be scheduled  during these times.  These occasions occur in sports where games need to be safely spread out over a season to provide student athletes adequate time to recover between events and the flexibility for rescheduling events is needed.   Other  team events, such as holiday tournaments and playoff events, may be scheduled during  a school vacation by the Maine Principals’ Association.

Student athletes planning to be absent during a school vacation must inform their coach as soon as possible to provide the coach the opportunity to plan. Coaches are required to monitor all absences from team events.  When student athletes are absent from team events, there may be initial natural consequences that may impact their role/playing time upon return.  Student athletes missing three or more consecutive practices/games will be required to practice one day for each day they miss beyond the second missed practice/game, with a maximum of five days of practice required before being able to enter into an interscholastic contest.  This policy is based on the recommendations of the MPA Sports Medicine Committee’s regarding student athlete conditioning and safety.

Any team event that is scheduled by a coach on a Sunday or holiday, is considered optional and if missed by the student-athlete, will not negatively impact the student-athlete in any way.  If a student athlete does not finish the season with a team/group for any reason (discipline, vacation, etc) they WILL NOT be eligible for postseason awards.

6. Squad Selection/Cutting

It is our desire to have as many students as possible participate in the extracurricular program while at Marshwood. Our coaches/advisors try to keep as many students as they can without unbalancing the integrity of the activity. Safety, time, space, facilities, equipment and other factors will be some of the determining factors as to the most effective squad size for a particular activity.

7. Choosing the members for extracurricular squads is the sole responsibility of the coach/advisor. Before trying out, coaches/advisors shall provide the following information to all candidates for their respective squad:

1. Extent of try-out period;

2. Criteria used to select the team/squad;

3. Number of players/participants to be selected;

4. Practice commitment if they make the team/squad;

5. Game/contest commitment.

When it is necessary for a coach/advisor to cut, they will personally inform each student and speak about their areas of strengths and needs for improvement. 

8. Reporting of Injury

All injuries must be reported immediately to the coach/advisor.  The coach will inform the athletic trainer and the ATC will inform an administrator.  If a physician, or higher medical authority treats an athlete for an injury, the athlete must obtain the doctor's written permission before returning.

9. Length of Sports Season

All sports seasons start and end as designated by the MPA.  See dates here. Students at Marshwood High School will be held to all eligibility rules and guidelines during the specified dates on the MPA sports season calendars.  This will hold true when considering eligibility, situations with substance use and abuse infractions, as well as, all other student expectations.

10. Nutrition Supplement Use Policy

The use of any supplement as a performance-enhancing agent, such as creatine, androstenedione, bronchodilators etc., is contrary to the philosophy of Marshwood High School. Any and all personnel associated with Marshwood High School, officially or unofficially, are prohibited from distributing, promoting or assisting with the distribution or use of any nutritional supplement. No student should use supplements without the expressed written approval of a physician.

11. Locker Room Regulations 

• Locker Rooms are not to be accessed unless supervised by an adult

• No rough play

• Absolutely no hazing

• Glass containers are not to be brought in the locker rooms

• All spikes/cleats must be removed before entering the building

• All valuables must be locked or secured. The school is not responsible for lost or missing items

12. Hazing

Maine statute defines injurious hazing as “any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student enrolled in a public school.”  It is the policy of the Board of Directors of RSU 35 (Board Policy ACAD) that injurious hazing activities of any type, on or off school property, by any student, staff member, group, or organization affiliated with the schools, are inconsistent with the educational process and shall be prohibited.  No student shall plan, encourage, or engage in hazing activities.  Violators of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension from school and/or extracurricular activities, expulsion, or other appropriate measures.

13. Substance Use/Abuse

The school has a duty to encourage behavior, which keeps all of our students safe.  The following policy was developed to encourage extracurricular participants to make decisions that will keep them safe and healthy, and act as role models, influencing others to make safe decisions as well.  As a school, we do not condone the use of substances by any students.  Since it is a privilege to participate in extracurricular activities, students must meet a higher level of expectations during their athletic season and/or duration of their club or activity.  In all cases of substance infractions by extracurricular participants, parents, coaches/advisors, and authorities will be notified.

For infractions involving drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco, or look-a-like substances, disciplinary action will be taken as specified below (in addition to discipline imposed under JICH ). Coaches/activity advisors may not impose additional disciplinary consequences. Repeat or extreme violations will warrant administrative review and additional sanctions. Violations are cumulative during a student’s middle school career, but do not carry over to high school. Violations during a student’s high school career are cumulative.

Investigation of Violation of Substance Abuse Policy

The Athletic Director will investigate a violation of the substance abuse policy for violations occurring at the high school.  In incidents involving the middle school, the Principal or his/her designee will investigate. When verification reasonably confirms the infraction, the Administrator will temporarily suspend the player until the Athletic Director and Building Principal discuss the infraction.  The Athletic Director or building administrator will contact the student/athlete and offer him/her Due Process Rights.  The parent/guardian will be notified of any decision.  There will be an appeals process, which would involve the Building Principal.

Drug , Alcohol, and Tobacco Violations Self-Reporting of Violation

In an effort to encourage students to acknowledge a mistake and seek assistance if they violate the Board’s policies on substance abuse, a student who violates Policy JICI has the opportunity to report his/her violation to the Athletic Director by noon of the following school day. A student who self-reports will not be disciplined, but is required to meet with the School Counselor/Social Worker/Substance Abuse Counselor. This provision can only be used once. This provision cannot be used to avoid discipline under this policy for a violation that has already been reported to the school or to avoid discipline for violations of Policy JICH, Student Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Use.

Disciplinary Measures First violation:

 No participation in co- and/or extra-curricular contests for three weeks (20 calendar days). The student and his/her parent must participate in a meeting with an administrator and the School Counselor/Social Worker/Substance Abuse Counselor, to create a reintegration plan, prior to returning to the activity. Students are required to comply with any activities recommended by the School Counselor/Social Worker/Substance Abuse Counselor. If the reintegration plan is completed and approved, the student athlete will then be permitted to participate in practices after 7 school days. Student-athletes must engage in appropriate conditioning prior to returning to the activity based on Maine Principals Association Wellness guidelines. If the suspension occurs during a change over in season, student athletes will only be permitted to try out for the next extra-curricular activity if a reintegration plan has been created and approved.

Repeat violations: 

No participation in co- and/or extra-curricular contests for 60 calendar days. The student and his/her parent must participate in a meeting with an administrator and the Guidance Counselor/Social Worker/Substance Abuse Counselor, to create a  reintegration plan prior to returning to the activity. Students are required to comply with any activities recommended by the School Counselor/Social Worker/Substance Abuse Counselor. If the  reintegration plan is completed and approved, the student athlete will then be permitted to participate in practices after 21 school days. If the suspension occurs during a change over in season, student athletes will only be permitted to try out for the next extra-curricular activity if the rehabilitation plan has been created and approved.

If a violation occurs near the end of the school year, the suspension shall carry over to the next school year. Student-athletes must engage in appropriate conditioning prior to returning to the activity based on Maine Principals Association Wellness guidelines.

14.Transfer Rule

A student who transfers enrollment to another school without a corresponding change of residence by his/her parent (s) or legal guardian(s) may become eligible to participate in interscholastic activities if a “Transfer Waiver Approval Form” is properly filed with the MPA office.  The form must be initiated by the receiving school with the student, parent/guardian, sending and receiving principals all certifying that the transfer was not primarily for athletic purposes.  For further information please see “ pg 17, Section 4, Transfer Rule” at www.mpa.cc.

15. Exchange Students

Exchange students do not pay tuition, must have a J1 visa limited to one academic year and should be placed by a Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) listed foreign exchange program.  A transfer waiver MUST be completed as well as registered at Marshwood High School through the School Counseling office prior to any participation with a team.  Schools must ensure that a student has not graduated from the home country’s equivalent of high school.  If the student has graduated they will be limited to participation on the sub-varsity teams.  For further information please see “p 45, Appendix X, Foreign Exchange and Foreign Students” at www.mpa.cc.

16. Athletic Awards

The following guidelines are used by coaches to determine varsity athletic awards:

• Cross-country – finish one-half of the regular season races as a team scorer (top 5) or qualify for the regional meet;

• Football – play in one-half of each game or a total of eight (8) halves for the season;

• Soccer (Girls) – played in one-half of the regular season contests;

• Soccer (Boys) – played in one-half of the regular season contests;

• Field Hockey – played in one-half of the regular season contests;

• Golf - each golfer must earn at least one (1) point to qualify for a varsity letter;

• Basketball – played in one-half of the regular season contests; 

• Skiing – finish in top 6 for the team in 50% of regular season races OR be named to the state team as a racer or alternate. 

• Wrestling – compete in at least one (1) varsity match;

• Cheering – all varsity cheerleaders;

• Indoor Track – score at least 12 points during the season or qualify for state meet;

• Hockey – played in one-half of the regular season contests;

• Track – score at least 12 points during the season or qualify for the regional track meet;

• Baseball – play a minimum of 25 innings;

• Softball – play a minimum of 25 innings;

• Weightlifting - lifting weights in the MHS weight room for the duration of a sport season The athlete must lift at least three (3) days a week under staff supervision;

• Lacrosse – played in one-half of the regular season contests;

• Tennis – competes in at least 6 varsity matches.

To be eligible to receive any post season award the athlete must successfully complete the season. Letters, pins, plaques etc. will not be awarded to those who do not finish the season for any reason other than injury.   

*Letters may be awarded to seniors at the discretion of the coach. 

Upon being awarded a varsity letter for the first time, the athlete will receive the following:

• A purple chenille "M";

• A metal insert signifying the sport;

• A varsity certificate;

• A bar pin is awarded for subsequent letters in the same sport.  Captains will be awarded a captain’s pin.

Other important athletic awards presented by the Athletic Department are:

• Scholar-Athlete Award

• Team Scholar Award

• Most Improved and Coaches Awards

• JV Achievement Award

• Kenniston Award

• Senior Athlete Award

Insurance

The school district does not provide insurance coverage for students.  All students who participate in interscholastic athletics must provide proof of medical insurance in order to participate.  The district provides a reasonably priced insurance policy that can be purchased by parents/students through the school.

Season Tickets

Student and adult season tickets are available at the high school office.  The cost is $50.00 for students and $100.00 for adults.  Senior citizens (65 and over) can pick up a season ticket for no charge at the office.

Communication Expectations - Coaches/Advisors and Parents

Communication you should expect from your child’s coach:

• When and where practices and contests will be held;

• The coach’s philosophy;

• Expectations the coach has for team members;

• Requirements to be part of the team – equipment, etc.;

• When your child is injured while participating;

• Any disciplinary action that involves your child.

Communication coaches/advisors expect from parents:

• Concerns expressed directly to coach/advisor;

• Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance;

• Support a commitment to the program.

Things to discuss with your child’s coach:

• The treatment of your child;

• Skill improvement and development;

• Concerns about your child’s behavior.

Inappropriate things to discuss with your child’s coach/advisor:

• Playing time;

• Team strategy;

• Play calling;

• Other student-athletes.

If you have a concern:

1. Make an appointment with the coach;

2. If the coach cannot be reached, contact the AA;

3. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before, during, or after a practice or game.  These are emotional times for both the parent and the coach and this period does not promote objective analysis of the situation.

4. In all instances, the child will be present at any meeting taking place between the coach and parent(s) unless it is deemed by both groups that it may not be in the best interest for the student to be there.

If meeting with the coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution:

• Schedule a meeting with the AA to discuss the issue and determine the next appropriate step.

Models of Sports

In looking at the various models of sports that exist, we can break them down into two distinct levels.  The first is the “Professional Model.”  And the second is the “Developmental Model”, with each having their proper place in society.  Below are expectations, focus areas and derivatives from each.  Marshwood Athletics operates under the “Developmental Model” for obvious reasons.

Professional Model of Sport

1. Product orientation – winning;

2. Athletes are commodities – value is based on how much they contribute to winning;

3. Coach’s primary job is to win;

• The team that makes the fewest mistakes wins, which in turn leads to:

• Emphasis on eliminating mistakes through the use of punishment and criticism, which in turn leads to:

• An athlete who is motivated by fear of failure, which in turn leads to:

• An athlete who perceives athletic competition as a threat.

Developmental Model of Sport

1. Success is measured in terms of athletes personal growth and development;

2. Most important product is the quality of the experience;

3. Coach’s primary job is to develop character;

• The team that makes the most good plays wins, which in turn leads to:

• Emphasis on strengthening desirable behavior by encouragement and positive reinforcement, which in turn leads to:

• An athlete who is motivated by positive desire to achieve, which in turn leads to:

• An athlete who perceives athletic competition as a challenge.

Models of Sports and Marshwood Athletics

Sub-Varsity Programs – between the two models

Goals of the Sub-Varsity Program:

• Development of skills and refinement to prepare for Varsity competition;

• A quality experience for all athletes involved;

• Sportsmanship on and off the field;

• Enjoyment of the game and the team-building experience.

At this level, a primary focus is the development of players to compete at the Varsity level – but not at the expense of the other goals.  The desire to win is more strongly encouraged, but again not at the expense of the other goals.

Varsity Programs – closest to the Professional model, but not pure Professional

Goals of the Varsity Program:

• Refinement of skills to create a competitive interscholastic team;

• Sportsmanship on and off the field;

• Develop citizenship and leadership (school and community);

• A quality experience for all athletes involved;

• Enjoyment of the game and the team-building experience.

Winning at all costs is not a concept that is promoted at any level in the Marshwood school system.  However, there is a higher expectation to win.  Coaches may make team decisions that will affect individuals on the team differently in an effort to win, but not at the expense of the other goals.  

Athletic Goals and Objectives

The student-athlete shall learn:

• To work and cooperate with others. The welfare and success of the team must always come before and placed higher than personal goals and desires.

• To be successful. We cannot and do not always win, but we succeed when we continually strive to do so.

• To develop sportsmanship. We learn to develop desirable social traits, including emotional control, honesty, integrity, cooperation and dependability.

• To improve. It is important for athletes to establish goals and constantly try to reach those goals.

• To enjoy athletics. Even though athletics require hard work, considerable time and energy, it is very important to have fun at the same time.

• To develop desirable personal health habits. Through athletics we can obtain a high degree of physical fitness through exercise and good health habits.

Athletes’ Responsibilities

1. Responsibilities to yourself:

The most important responsibility is to broaden yourself and develop strength of character. You deserve to get the greatest possible good from your high school experiences.

2. Responsibilities to your school:

Marshwood cannot maintain its reputation of being an outstanding school unless you do your best in whatever activity you wish to engage. By participating in our activities and by doing your best you will be contributing to the reputation of our school.

3. Responsibilities to others:

As a member of a team you share a responsibility to your teammates and coaches. It is also important to remember that the younger students in our district are watching you. They will copy you in many ways. Set good examples for them and do not let them down.

Athletes’ Code of Conduct

• Athletes will refrain from unsportsmanlike behavior at all times.  

• Athletes will model appropriate behavior and interactions with officials, coaches, and other players.

• Athletes will honor and uphold all school policies as specified in the Athletic Handbook.

Marshwood High School will be judged by the behavior of our athletes, especially when we are at an away contest.  Trash talk, negative comments about other teams or players, inappropriate language and other demonstrations of such behavior are unacceptable.  

As an athlete representing Marshwood High School, it is your responsibility to promote positive relationships amongst athletes, regardless of their school affiliation.  

Should an athlete be found to be neglecting their responsibilities or to be violating the code of conduct, that athlete will meet with the Athletic Director to assess the situation and determine the proper course of action.  

Captains/Leaders

Captains are team leaders.  While athletes assume additional responsibilities by choosing to be a part of a team, so do the Captains when they choose to accept this position of leadership.  The additional responsibilities that pertain to team Captains are:

• To actively encourage sportsmanship (through one’s own behavior and actions) and actively discourage unsportsmanlike conduct (by actively addressing such behavior by teammates, coaches, and other athletes).  Captains are expected to be a liaison between their coach and other players; on the field between players and officials; and in other capacities as needed.

• To model and promote appropriate conduct on and off the field – to include support of and adherence to school policies governing athletics.  Captains who violate school policies will meet with the Athletic Director and may be removed from their role as Captain.

• To promote the development of sports and athletics – to include attendance at Captain’s Council meetings, public relations, and community outreach.  Captains who fail to attend meetings as requested or to participate in required activities will meet with the Athletic Director and may be removed from their role as Captain.

Coaches are asked to consider the following criteria when selecting team Captains:

• Leadership – keeps others motivated; gives positive reinforcement and criticism to other players; communicates with coaches and other players; takes care of equipment and facilities; does not have to be asked to help out; other athletes look to them for Guidance counseling and assistance.

• Attitude – works hard even when the coach isn’t looking; comes to practice prepared and ready to go; listens to coaches; enjoys the sport; sees things in a positive light; encourages other players to work hard and participate.

• Sportsmanship – can win or lose with grace; does not argue with officials; can disagree with coaches in a constructive manner; models sportsmanlike behavior for other athletes.

Coaches will individually present their Captains with written expectations for each team (i.e. leading warm-ups before games; meet with coaches weekly to discuss team issues; work with less skilled athletes to develop skills; etc).  Captains are encouraged to seek out options for expanding and developing their role as team leaders on and off the field.

Specific Responsibilities of Captains

Captains agree to perform the following duties:  

1. Actively promote one’s team/sport.

2. Organize and lead the team in pre-game warm-up.

3. Ensure that locker rooms, benches, buses, and other facilities used by the team are clean when the team is done.  (Delegate!)

4. Meet weekly with the coach to discuss team issues – to maintain an open line of communication.

5. Organize team meetings on an ‘as needed’ basis.

6. Attend Captain’s Council meetings when called by administration.

Captains who have difficulty performing their duties will be asked to meet with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation and determine an appropriate course of action.

Captain’s Code of Conduct

1. Captains will model appropriate behavior and interactions with officials, coaches, and other players.

2. Captains will encourage appropriate behavior and interactions from their team members.

3. Captains will abide by and uphold all school policies as detailed in the Athletic Handbook.

A Captain who is found to be in violation of the school’s substance use policy will lose their position as Captain, in addition to the consequences imposed by the policy.

Social Media Policy (When posting material, you agree not to:)

• Post material that Marshwood Schools determines is threatening, harassing, illegal, obscene, defamatory, slanderous, or hostile towards any individual or entity.

• Post phone numbers, email addresses or other confidential information of students, faculty, or any other person other than yourself. If you choose to post your own contact information for any reason, please be aware that the information will be available to the public and is, therefore, subject to misuse.

• Post material that infringes on the rights of Marshwood or any individual or entity, including privacy, intellectual property or publication rights.

• Post material that promotes or advertises a commercial product or solicits business or membership or financial or other support in any business, group or organization except those which are officially sponsored by Marshwood, except in designated areas specifically marked for this purpose.

• Post chain letters, post the same comment multiple times, or otherwise distribute “spam” via the Marshwood-sponsored site.

• Allow any other individual or entity to use your identification for posting or viewing comments.

The Marshwood High School community promotes participation by all students in extracurricular activities and encourages strong academic effort and high achievement.  All students who wish to participate in extracurricular activities* are required to abide by the eligibility rules set by the Maine Principals' Association and Marshwood High School.  

Eligibility for Participation in Extracurricular and Interscholastic Activities at RSU 35 Schools - (JJJ/JJIC)

All high school and middle school students who wish to participate in activities outside of the school day are required to abide by all applicable eligibility rules as defined below.

A.    Requirements for Participation for all students

1. Physical Examination - A yearly physical exam is required for all students who participate in interscholastic sports, including the tryout period.  A student must provide written proof of a physical examination within 13 months of his/her previous exam and that verification must be on file with the school nurse.  A health clinic offers these physicals periodically throughout the year at a reasonable cost.

2.  Attendance - Regular school attendance is required to participate in all after school activities.   A student who arrives after 9:00 a.m. M,T, W, F or 9:15 on Thursdays, is dismissed from school early, or misses any part of the school day may not participate unless excused beforehand and approved by the principal.  

3.  Obligations - Students who owe obligations to the school (library fines, books, uniforms from previous seasons, etc.) at the start of a season will not be permitted to participate until those obligations are satisfied.  

4.  Acknowledgement of Risk/Emergency Medical Authorization - Prior to participation, parents and students must complete all pre-participation forms** that indicates, in part, acceptance of the risk of injury that may result from participation.  Parents must complete an emergency information card** that gives permission for their son/daughter to be treated by appropriate medical personnel in the event of injury.

5.  Medical Insurance - All athletes must provide proof of medical insurance coverage in order to participate.

B. Scholastic Eligibility Rules and Requirements for participation in Interscholastic and Extracurricular Activities

1.  Eligibility shall be determined by academic quarters only.  Eligibility will be reviewed at the end of each academic quarter and will go into effect for the following quarter the day report cards are issued.  For the purpose of determining fall eligibility, any student that did not pass 4 classes in the fourth quarter will remain ineligible for interscholastics and co-curriculars until Quarter 1 grades are calculated.   

 2.  A student must be enrolled in six credits or the equivalent each quarter and must pass four credits or the equivalent in the previous quarter.  Four of these classes MUST be Marshwood HS courses, unless alternative programming is approved by the Building Principal.  The other two may be approved courses off campus at the discretion of the administration.

3.   Students who do not meet the scholastic eligibility requirement will be ineligible for the academic quarter – that is, until the next quarter’s report cards are issued.

4.  Summer school courses may not be used for purposes of regaining eligibility.

5.  An ineligible student may not participate in meetings, practices, games, and matches; may not sit with the group at home or away competitions; may not travel with the group.

6.  An ineligible student may try out during the eligibility period for a spring sport that is to begin in the fourth quarter, but may not participate in any contests.

7.  Students who are assigned in school or out of school suspension are ineligible to participate until the suspension has ended.

8.  Entering Grade 9 students will be academically eligible to start the school year.

Interscholastic activities are defined as those activities that involve competition with other schools. All high school students who wish to participate in interscholastic activities are required to abide by the eligibility rules set by the Maine Principals’ Association and Marshwood High School.  Examples of interscholastic activities include: athletic teams, math and other academic teams, and drama (One-Act Play competition).

Extracurricular activities are defined as those activities that occur outside the normal school day, but within the school itself.  All high school students who wish to participate in extracurricular activities are required to abide by the eligibility rules set by Marshwood High School.  These activities do not involve sanctioned competition with other schools.  Examples of extracurricular activities include: school publications, student government and class officers, theatrical performing groups *, musical performing groups *, any other activity not listed as determined by the Administration.

*Unless participation is an extension of a course and/or credit is given.

**These forms are now located online at FormReleaf as part of the parent-student registration process.  This online application must be completed by both a parent and student.  This application includes the following:

• Parental contact information;

• Student Medical & Health Information;

• Acknowledgement of School Policies;

• Insurance information;

• Inherent Risks and Consequences.