Good sportsmanship is viewed by the National Federation of State High School Associations as a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity.  In perception and practice, sportsmanship is defined as those qualities which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others.

Everyone’s “High Five”

1. Show respect for the opponent at all times.

2. Show respect for the officials.

3. Know, understand, and appreciate the rules of the contest.

4. Maintain self-control at all times.

5. Recognize and appreciate skill in performance regardless of affiliation.

Coaches’ “High Five”

1. Always set a good example for participants and fans to follow, exemplifying the highest moral and ethical behavior.

2. Teach good sportsmanship and establish high standards for the athletes, parents, and fans.

3. Develop and enforce penalties for participants who do not abide by sportsmanship standards.

4. Treat opposing coaches, participants, and fans with respect.  Shake hands with officials and opposing coaches.

5. Teach the value of honest effort in conforming to the spirit as well as the letter of the rules.

Student-Athletes’ “High Five”

1. Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing your school and community; display positive public action at all times.

2. Treat opponents with the respect that is due them as guests and fellow athletes.

3. Exercise self-control at all times, accepting decisions and abiding by them.

4. Accept both victory and defeat with pride and compassion, never being boastful or bitter.

5. Live up to the high standard of sportsmanship established by your coaches and help fellow athletes and fans maintain these standards.

Parents, Students, and Other Fans’ “High Five”

1. Realize that a ticket is a privilege to observe a contest and support athletic activities, not a license to verbally assault others.

2. Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every manner possible, including content of cheers and signs.

3. Recognize and acknowledge good performances by athletes on either team.

4. Give support to those participating in, conducting, and/or officiating the athletic event.

5. Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach.

From WCPSS Sportsmanship Education Brochure

Reminder if you are ejected from a game you will need to take the NFHSLearn Course on Sportsmanship

Rules and Code of Ethics Contract

The Athlete:

1. Should remember that first and foremost that he/she is a student.  To accomplish the challenge of being a student athlete is never easy.  You must be disciplined, dedicated and have clear goals in your mind of what you want to accomplish and daily objectives to help you reach those goals.  You owe it to yourself to get the greatest possible good you can from your school experiences.

2. Should know they must meet the Wake County School Board & NCHSAA eligibility standards. Athletes must maintain a 1.5 cum GPA to participate on any KHS athletic team. Academic Appeals will not be granted.  This means students will need to have passed 3 of 4 classes in the previous semester and be passing all core classes in the current semester while maintaining good academic standing. 

3. Should remember that team comes first.  You are at all times a representative of your family, school and team.  We expect you to behave, only in a manner that will bring honor to those institutions.  Failing to do so will result in disciplinary action.

4. Will accept, with good grace, the decisions of the game official, and show no disrespect to these decisions no matter how unjust they seem.  Coaches will handle questions on rules and their application.  Disrespect to a game official will result in disciplinary action.

5. Must demonstrate a positive attitude and behavior, on and off the field, which is characterized by good sportsmanship, and use of the WCPSS character traits.  Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

6. Should, by word and action only encourage and support teammates.  Only positive attitudes are acceptable.  You have no right to, at any time say or do anything that could be detrimental to teammates, and or coaches of Knightdale High School Athletics.  Any player acting in a manner that is unbecoming to team unity will be disciplined.

7. Do not allow yourself to be taken out of control by excessive emotional or physical contact. NO FIGHTING! Failure to control yourself will result in disciplinary action.

8. Should know they can be disciplined for behavior that occurs off campus.  Serious offenses such as arrests, criminal charges or criminal convictions can result from dismissal from the team and may prohibit further participation in Knightdale High School Athletics.

9. Should know the use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs on school campus, at a school activity or in the community will NOT be tolerated and can result in immediate dismissal from the team.

1. Tobacco – 1st Offense – one week suspension from team (no games)

                         2nd Offense – Suspension from team for remainder of season (no games or 

                                              practice)

2. Alcohol/Drugs – 1st Offense – Suspension from team for remainder of season (no games  or    

practice

       2nd Offense – Student may not participate on a Knightdale athletic team  for   

       365 days

10. Should know that any act of insubordination by a player will result in disciplinary action.  Insubordination being defined as any act in direct contradiction with a coach’s instruction.  This includes failing to complete a task requested by a coach.

11. Should know that accumulating three days suspension from school will result in a one week suspension from the team in addition to any punishment issued by the Head Coach. Five or more days in suspensions results in automatic removal from the team for the remainder of the season. 

12. Should know any athlete charged with (or convicted of) a criminal offense, misdemeanor or felony,  including all traffic offenses, may be suspended from extra and/or co-curricular activities for any amount of time up to the remainder of the student’s high school career. The athlete must inform his or her coach or the Athletic Director of any charges against them as soon as practicable, but no later than the student’s next participation (i.e. practice or game). The Principal and Athletic Director will review the circumstances surrounding the behavior and determine what disciplinary action, if any, is necessary. A dismissal, or other disposition of any criminal charges shall not prevent school officials from imposing discipline based on the behavior. Failure to report a criminal offense as outlined above will result in the immediate removal of the athlete from the team for the remainder of the season and possibly the school year.  

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13. Should know any disciplinary referral or criminal charge involving gang activity will result in automatic dismissal for the team. A second such offense in the school year will result in suspension from Knightdale Athletics for 365 days. Gang activity will not be tolerated. 

14. Should know that theft will not be tolerated. Any athlete who is caught stealing and/or in possession of stolen property.

1. 1st Offense – Dismissal From Team

2. 2nd Offense – Athletes will be unable to participate in sports at KHS for 365 days.

15. Is expected to:

1. NOTIFY A COACH IF LEAVING SCHOOL FOR ANY REASON

2. Be prepared for indoor and outdoor practice every day.

3. Have a ride home by no later than time designated by the Coach.  If getting a ride home is a problem we will meet and decide if continuing on the team is appropriate.  This is a major safety and time issue.

4. Behave at all times.  Athletes are role models for the other students at KHS.

5. Abide by School Dress Code at all times.

6. Not wear jewelry during games or practices (includes earrings).

7. GIVE KNIGHTDALE ATHLETICS FIRST PRIORITY OVER ANY CLUB, SELECT OR REC. SPORTS TEAM. A PLAYER SHOULD NEVER MISS ANY KHS PRACTICE OR GAME DUE TO A CONFLICT WITH AN OUTSIDE TEAM.

8. Be dressed, on time and at practice everyday.  Unexcused absences will lead to reduction in playing time, suspension from team and/or dismissal.  The TEAM needs every player every day!

16.  Should know the Head Coach will decide what is and is not an excused absence from practice.

17. Should know they cannot train, tryout, or practice with another Knightdale team until their current season is completed.  In certain cases such as individual sports (cross country, tennis, swimming, diving, wrestling) when the athlete is not advancing on the regionals etc. the coach can release in writing the athlete to participate in their next sport. 

18. Should know they are responsible for all school issued equipment.  Failure to return or pay for school equipment will result in no more equipment (uniforms, sweats, etc.) being issued to the athlete for any other sports until the fine is cleared.  Also athletes will not be allowed to participate in any off-season workouts until all school fines are cleared.

19. Should know they are required to have a physical that is valid through the entire sports season. They will not be allowed to play until they have a physical on file that runs through the entire sport’s season.

20. Should know they should be committed to their team. If they quit a team, or are dismissed from the team, they are not allowed to begin practice for the next season until their previous team’s season is completed.

21. Should know this contract applies to ALL sports the Athlete participates in at KHS.

22. Should know that parents/guardians have certain responsibilities associated with Knightdale Athletics. These include, but are not limited to, working ticket gates and working in the concession stand. Failure to fulfill the responsibilities outlined by the athletic department can result in reduction of playing time or dismissal for your athlete. Athletics at KHS requires a certain degree of parental commitment.

23. Knightdale High School student athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a respectable manner as a member of their teams and our Athletic program.  As a student athlete you are responsible for your social media use.  Any malicious use of social media platforms shall not be tolerated.  Malicious use may include, but not be limited to:

    1.  Derogatory language or remarks regarding fellow athletes, students, coaches, administrators, faculty and staff of KHS or other high schools.

    2. Demeaning statements or threats that endanger the safety of another person.

    3. Incriminating photos or statements regarding illegal criminal behavior, underage drinking, use of illegal drugs, sexual harassment or violence.