Procedure 2152 - Interscholastic Activities Participation

Regulations and guidelines for participation in interscholastic activities  

The Richland School District’s interscholastic activities program hopes to develop leadership, a strong school spirit, and friendly, positive interschool relationships. Students representing the District are expected to exemplify the highest standards of good sportsmanship. Sportsmanship includes the qualities of courteousness, fairness, and respectfulness to officials, teammates, opponents, coaches and all others associated with the sport or activity. 

As members of a high school team, squad, activity or office that represents the District, students are expected to make a strong personal commitment to rules of training and conduct in order to maintain a strong, healthy body and represent their school in an exemplary fashion. To that end, the following rules apply to all students participating in interscholastic athletics/activities or attending a team related activity such as out-of-season camps and tournaments. These rules will apply to all times throughout the school year which are defined as beginning with fall tryouts to the last day of school and includes any summer team related activities and will remain in effect for one calendar year. 

The following are general expectations of all participants: 

1. In order to participate in practice or the activity itself, the participant must be in school attendance the entire day of such practice or activity (except Saturday). Any exception must be cleared through the building administration or activity or athletic director. 

2. Theft of goods or equipment may result in expulsion from the team or activity. Theft is interpreted as the unauthorized possession of equipment or goods belonging to the District, Richland Schools, any other school, organization, or individual. 

3. Use or possession of tobacco, tobacco products, electronic cigarette, e-cigarette, or vaporize cigarette, nicotine, nicotine-delivering substances, chemicals or devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substitutes, and any other “tobacco innovation” will result in a two-week suspension on the first offense. Second offense will result in expulsion from the activity. 

4. Participants are prohibited from being in possession and/or use of alcohol, steroids, designer or synthetic drugs, legend drugs, controlled substances (RCW 69.50), and those prohibited drugs listed in Policy 3418 - Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use/Abuse Policy, which includes prescription drugs not belonging to the student. This prohibition also includes attending and/or remaining at an event where consumption of any of the above mentioned substances by a student or students occurs. Any of these violations will result in: 

1st Offense – the participant being immediately ineligible for any practices, competitions or performances of any team, squad, activity or office for sixty (60) school days. In the event that the 60-day suspension is invoked, up to 15 school days may be held in abeyance if the student participates in a certified substance abuse program and receives approval of the Athletic Eligibility Committee for reinstatement. A first time offender of this policy, who self-reports and who agrees to participate in a certified substance abuse program may have their suspension reduced up to 30 school days. NOTE: ASB Officer’s term begins with election; Cheerleader and Dance season begins with tryouts. 

2nd Offense – the immediate removal of the participant from and loss of eligibility from the any team, squad, activity or office for one calendar year with no option for appeal. 

3rd Offense – the immediate removal of the participant from and loss of eligibility from the any team, squad, activity, or office for the remainder of the student’s high school career with no option for appeal. 

5. Sale, transfer, or barter of alcohol, steroids, designer or synthetic drugs, legend drugs, or controlled substances (RCW 69.50), and those prohibited drugs listed in Policy 3418 - Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use/Abuse Policy which includes prescription drugs not belonging to the student will result in: 

1st Offense – the immediate removal of the participant from being eligible for any competitions or performances of the team, squad, activity or office for sixty (60) school days. A portion of the suspension may be held in abeyance, not to exceed 15 school days, if the student successfully completes an appropriate assistance program and receives approval of the Athletic Eligibility Committee for reinstatement. 

2nd Offense – the immediate removal of the participant from and loss of eligibility from any team, squad, activity or office for one calendar year with no option for appeal. 

3rd Offense – the immediate removal of the participant from and loss of eligibility from any team, squad, activity, or office for the remainder of the student’s high school career with no option for appeal. 

6. School equipment is to be worn only while participating in practice or during scheduled contests or with the approval of the supervisor. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) prohibits the use of school issued equipment while participating in any event outside the yearly school program or activities not sponsored by the WIAA or authorized by school officials. School equipment checked out by the student is his/her responsibility. The student is expected to keep it clean and in good condition. Loss of issued equipment or damage to issued equipment will be the student’s financial obligation and the District reserves the right to withhold transcripts until the obligation is satisfied. 

7. The school district and the ASB provide students with physical facilities for activities at great expense to parents and community members in the form of taxes; therefore, it is important that students exercise care and personal regard for these areas. Misuse of dressing areas, lockers, towels, soap, benches, gymnasiums, auditoriums, fields or any school facilities/equipment will not be tolerated. 

The head coach or activity advisor has the prerogative to discipline a student who refuses to observe acceptable patterns of behavior. At the beginning of the season, the head coach or director of an activity will provide student participants with a written outline of the training rules, expectations for participants, and criteria to be used in determining eligibility for a letter or other award applicable to that activity. In the event discipline is imposed, that discipline may result in denial of a letter or award. The head coach/activity advisor also has authority to suspend or remove a student from a sport, activity, or elected position. Because student participants in extracurricular activities are representatives of the school and are participating in a school activity, misconduct may result in imposition of both discipline related to athletics/activities and student discipline. Students will have access for appeal suspensions and removals. 

Athletic Eligibility Requirements

The Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) provides eligibility guidelines for all sports teams. All Richland School District’s sporting events will be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the WIAA. All other non-WIAA sanctioned sports, clubs and activities must also comply with all rules, regulations and eligibility requirements of the WIAA. In order for a student to participate in any school sanctioned sport or activity, the following items must be on file in the school office: 

  1. Physical examination and physician’s signature (as required for sports and specific activities). The student shall not be eligible to represent his school unless there is on file with the principal a physician’s statement for the current year certifying that the student has passed an adequate physical examination and, in the opinion of the certifying physician, is fully able to participate in the school’s activities. The physical examination is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. In case of serious injury or illness, the participating student must present to school officials a physician’s release to resume activities participation. 
  2. Parent permission and emergency information form. 
  3. Each student participating in interscholastic athletic activities is required to have or obtain medical insurance for expenses incurred as a result of injuries sustained while participating in the activity. Students shall provide evidence of medical coverage or shall obtain such coverage through the insurance plan offered to all students participating in activities in the District. 
  4. Signature of parent and student signifying that they have read and understand these regulations, team rules, and the District’s Anti-Hazing Agreement. 

Athletic Academic Eligibility Requirements

WIAA guidelines require participating students to maintain passing grades in a minimum of five classes at all times. A student who has been in regular attendance at least fifteen (15) weeks of the previous semester, but who failed to pass five classes, shall be placed on suspension. The student shall be ineligible to compete during the suspension period. During each week after being placed on suspension, the student may show that they are passing five classes. If the student demonstrates that they are passing five classes, they may be reinstated to compete for that week. 

Incompletes may be made up for credit during the first five (5) weeks of the subsequent semester. The student shall be ineligible for competition until the incompletes are cleared. 

Non-WIAA Sports

The Richland School District Board of Directors has authorized club sports for grades 7 – 12 as “non-WIAA club sports” within the meaning of Policy 2151. Students who participate in club sports authorized by the school board or its designee must be enrolled in a middle school or high school of the Richland School District. The school board will not authorize the same club sport for a school where the school already has that sport as a WIAA-sanctioned sport. Teams will be comprised only of students attending their home schools. 

A non-district club sport that wishes to become an authorized club sport, must first make written application to the District’s Activities Review Board. The Activities Review Board will take many things into consideration when evaluating the application. These include but are not limited to Title IX compliance (the number of males and female participants and total number of participants), along with cost, availability of opponents, sports season, player safety, and input by the District’s insurance provider. Findings of the evaluation conducted by the Activities Review Board will be provided to the Superintendent or designee. The Superintendent will provide the findings and any recommendation to the School Board for final approval. 

Any non-WIAA club sport is approved on the basis of the following conditions that parents and/or participants provide the funds into a District account to pay for: 

A. coaches’ salaries, 
B. equipment (including helmets, helmet inspections and reconditioning, if needed for such sport), 
C. uniforms, 
D. officials’ fees (if applicable), 
E. transportation (if necessary), 
F. trainers (where required for safety and/or insurance requirements), and 
G. fees for facilities (if applicable). 

 

Funds must be sufficient to cover any pre and post- season costs. Any district approved club sports that engage in fundraising must comply with all ASB requirements. Acceptance of funds for non-WIAA club sports must follow the appropriate District process. 

The District’s Human Resources Department will determine funds for coach salaries prior to the start of the first practice. Each team will deposit said funds in the appropriate account prior to the start of the first practice. 

It is the intent of the District that all non-WIAA club sports be self-supporting. Each year the District will provide groups with a calculation of anticipated costs for the sports season. A payment schedule will be negotiated with the District. If a group is unable to be self-supporting, it runs the risk of being cancelled for the following two school years. 

The District maintains the right to sever any and all relationships with a non-WIAA club sport should it occur that the District ever finds it must use its own funds to meet a financial obligation or debt incurred by any of these non-WIAA club sports. The severing of a relationship will mean no District involvement with that sport/activity and the authorization provided under this policy will be deemed withdrawn immediately. 

Insurance coverage is available through the District’s insurance providers and appropriate safety measures are in place for the participants, as recommended/required by the District’s insurance advisors/risk managers. Only those club sports approved by the school board or its designee will be allowed. 

Coaches will be paid according to the salary schedule determined by the District and the Richland Coaches Association. These coaches must meet all requirements set out by the WIAA, the District, and applicable regional/national government organizations, i.e., concussion training, background checks, fingerprinting, and qualifications. 

WIAA sports will be given first priority for use of fields and other school facilities. 

Athletic Directors will oversee and approve the selection, hiring, continuation with District programs, evaluation and/or recommendation of termination of coaches. All personnel associated with these sports must adhere to and conform to the rules that the District has for all of its personnel. 

Participants on these teams must conform to the rules and regulations for any student who participates in a school sport/activity/club. This includes, but is not limited to, eligibility for participation and standards for behavior. 

Athletic Directors will oversee and approve the operation of this non-WIAA club sports program (scheduling, transportation, etc.) to ensure that they conform to school and District policy and procedures. Further, coaches shall conform to all standards for a WIAA sports program and all District expectations. 

A team may find that it needs to use a District school other than its home high or middle school field. The team’s priority will be before those of community users. 

Additional Guidelines

  1. A student is not to be given special treatment or privileges on a regular basis to enable him to participate in non-school athletic activities, such as reduced practice times, special workouts, late arrivals, or early dismissals. 
  2. Students shall not be permitted to compete on any college, junior college, or university athletic team. 
  3. Students shall not compete in the uniform of their school at non-school events. 

Separability Clause

If any of these regulations or guidelines are held invalid, the remainder of this agreement shall not be affected. 

Activity Review Board

A District Activity Review Board will be established annually. The ten member Board will consist of five representatives from Hanford High School and five from Richland High School and will include an assistant principal, activities director, athletic director, ASB President or designee, and a parent. A chairperson will be selected by the members of the Review Board. 

The Board shall have three functions. First, to ensure a fair and impartial review of discipline imposed by a head coach or activity advisor. Second, in cases of alleged misconduct, to review decisions from the principal for imposition of discipline extending beyond the coach/advisor’s activity. Third, to review written applications from proposed non-district club sports. The Activity Review Board hearing process is initiated by a written appeal submitted to the appropriate building principal by the student or parent in discipline cases. The Board will meet when necessary and will have the authority to uphold, modify, or rescind: 

  1. coaches/advisors imposed discipline, 
  2. a suspension with appropriate treatment, 
  3. disqualification of students from participation in activities or competition, or 
  4. placement of the student on probation and such probation may extend beyond the school year or activity particularly involved. 

Appeal Guidelines for Extracurricular Activities

I. STUDENT ACTIONS 

1.1. Coach or activity advisor makes a determination of the need for disciplinary action and administers the corrective action. Coach or activity advisor then must notify the principal and activity or athletic director of the action taken. 
1.2. If a student or parent feels the action imposed was unfair, they may request an informal conference be held with the coach/advisor, activity or athletic director, and student. When the request is received, the parents, student, coach/advisor and the activity or athletic director will meet and review the corrective action. The activity or athletic director may uphold, modify or rescind the discipline. 
1.3. If the student or parent/guardian does not agree with the decision, they may appeal to the building principal. 
 

II. INFORMAL HEARING – BUILDING PRINCIPAL 

2.1. At the request of the student or parent/guardian, an informal conference will be held with the principal, coach/advisor, student, activity or athletic director and parent/guardian. 
2.2. The principal may uphold, modify, or rescind the imposed discipline. If the student or parent/guardian does not agree with the decision, they may appeal to the Activity Review Board. 
 

III. INFORMAL HEARING – ACTIVITY REVIEW BOARD 

3.1. At the written request of the student or parent/guardian, an informal review will be held with the Activity Review Board. Participants will include the principal, coach/advisor, student, and parent/guardian. The written request must be received by the principal within three (3) school days of the principal’s building level decision. 
3.2. The Activity Review Board may uphold, modify, or rescind the imposed discipline. If the student or parent/guardian does not agree with the decision, they may appeal to the superintendent or designee. 
 

IV. INFORMAL HEARING – SUPERINTENDENT OR DESIGNEE 

4.1. At the written request of the student or parent/guardian, an informal review will be held with the superintendent or designee, the chair of the Activity Review Board, affected principal, affected coach/advisor, and the student and parent/guardian. The written request must be received by the superintendent within three (3) school days of the Activity Review Board’s decision. 
4.2. The superintendent or designee may uphold, modify, or rescind the imposed discipline. If the student or parent/guardian does not agree with the decision, they may appeal to the School Board. 
 

V. INFORMAL HEARING – SCHOOL BOARD 

5.1. At the written request of the student or parent/guardian, an informal hearing will be held with the School District Board of Directors. Participants will include the superintendent or designee and related witnesses as determined by the superintendent; the student and parent/guardian and related witnesses as determined by the student and parent. The written request must be received by the School Board within three (3) school days of the superintendent’s decision. 
5.2. The Board of Directors may uphold, modify, or rescind the imposed discipline. 

Adoption:

Revised: August 21, 1989 
Revised: December 9, 2008 
Revised: January 24, 2012 
Revised: May 22, 2012 
Revised: October 23, 2018