It is the policy of the Pleasanton Independent School District not to discriminate on

the basis of sex, handicap, race, color, age, or national origin and to take steps to assure

that the lack of English language skills will not be a barrier in its educational and career

and technology programs, services, activities or employment as required by

Title IX, Section 504 and Title VI.

Es la politica del districto independiente de la escuela de Pleasanton a no discriminar

sobre la base del sexo, desventaja, raza, color, edad, u origen nacional y para no tomar

medidas para asequrar que la carencia de las habilidades de lengua inglesa no será una

barrera en sus programas educativos y de la carrera y de la tecnologia, los servicios, las

actividades o el empleo

Pleasanton ISD 831 STADIUM DRIVE PLEASANTON, TEXAS 78064

PLEASANTON I.S.D.

JR. HIGH and

HIGH SCHOOL

ATHLETIC GUIDELINES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT

We acknowledge that we have read and received a copy of the

Pleasanton ISD Athletic Guidelines for the 2020-2021 school year.

GRADE: ______

Student Name Printed:

Student Signature:

Date:

Parent Name Printed:

Parent Signature:

Date:

XVII. SUMMARY

In dealing with this or any group, there will be circumstances when a coach will have to make a decision on a rule interpretation or circumstances not covered by this handbook. In that event, the coach will make a decision based on a full investigation and in the interest of fairness to all involved. All the above mentioned penalties are subject to change by the Athletic Director and Head Coach. In addition to these guidelines, each individual sport may set additional rules that are not covered in the Athletic Guidelines.

It is the hope of our coaching staff that these guidelines will enable our youth to represent the many positive aspects of our community. We appreci-ate your concern and time with regard to these guidelines.

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XIII. SCHOOL TRIPS – TRANSPORTATION

Students who participate in school-sponsored trips shall be required to ride in transportation provided by the school to the event unless there are ex-tenuating circumstances.

Students needing to travel from one school-sponsored event to another school-sponsored event will ride in transportation provided by the school or in transportation arranged by the principal and activity sponsor.

XIV. QUITTERS OR DISMISSAL FROM TEAM

If an athlete quits a team he/she will have two school days to return to the team, if the head coach deems this is appropriate action. Each of these days will count as an absence. The coach will decide if they are excused or unex-cused absences. Athletes who do not return within two school days will be dis-missed from the team before participating in same sport. The running may begin as soon as practice for the sport he/she plans to participate in starts. This must be done in addition to all workouts. Participating in any contest will not be allowed until the running is completed. Athletes who quit one sport will not be allowed to start practice for another sport until such time as the sport they quit is over, unless coinciding sports, and then, at the discretion of the coaches involved.

XV. ATHLETIC TRAINER

The athletic trainer is licensed by the State of Texas to treat and rehabil-itate minor injuries. The trainer will work closely with an athlete’s personal physician in all cases requiring physician’s care. The trainer is responsible for monitoring the physical well-being of all P.I.S.D. athletes during practices and games. Since it will be impossible for the trainer to personally attend all prac-tices and games, he/she will work with both coaches and parents to ensure that our athletes’ physical well-being is monitored at all times. The Athletic Trainer will handle any insurance questions. In order to participate in athletic activities, all athletes must have all rank one paperwork and a yearly physical completed on the UIL form to be approved by the athletic trainer. Physicals must be dated after May 1st to be valid for the upcoming school year. Once submitted, allow 48 hours for review and approval process. All paperwork must only be submitted to the athletic trainer or athletic office. Any requests for copies of athletic pa-perwork will take up to 48 hours to complete.

XVI. TREATMENT OF INJURIES

Athletes requiring treatment for athletic injuries will be required to at-tend treatment sessions in the morning before school at a time designated by the athletic trainer. No treatment will be given during the athletic period unless prescribed by the athletic trainer. All injured athletes will still be required to work out during the athletic period under the supervision of the athletic trainer.

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I. INTRODUCTION

This Student Athletic Manual was developed for the purpose of giving both athletes and parents an overall view of the athletic program in addition to providing basic information as to its operation. Student athletes and parents should read and become familiar with its contents.

II. ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

The participant is expected to fulfill at least the minimum academic re-quirements mandated by State Law.

The method of determining eligibility for the first six weeks each academ-ic year is not the same as the method used to determine eligibility for the re-mainder of the grading periods. First six weeks eligibility is determined by the number of credits accumulated that count toward graduation (except for fresh-man). After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward graduation. The following criterion is used:

Credits Earned: 5 Classification: Grade 10 (Sophomore) 10 Grade 11 (Junior) 15 Grade 12 (Senior)

In order to remain eligible, an athlete must pass all courses each six weeks grading period. If an athlete fails one or more courses for a six weeks grading period, the grades for all courses will be checked at the end of the desig-nated status reporting period (approx. 3 weeks), and the athlete will regain eli-gibility if he/she is passing every course. When any change in eligibility takes place, it is seven days before the change is effective. In Junior High, if a student athlete fails Athletics two six weeks in a row, he/she will be removed from athletic period, if possible, or placed in a P.E. Class. In High School, the Athlete may be re-moved from the athletic period by the Head Coach/Athletic Director if he/she re-fuses to dress out and practice in the athletic period/sport.

III. ATHLETIC AGE ELIGIBILITY

To participate in athletics at the high school level, an athlete cannot have reached his/her 19th birthday before September 1st.

To participate in athletics on the junior high level, the following local and district rules shall be followed:

1. 8th grade – A student cannot have reached their 15th birthday be fore September 1st.

2. 7th Grade – A student cannot have reached their 14th birthday be-fore September 1st.

3. Anyone repeating the 8th grade is NOT eligible to play the 8th grade team.

4. No student athlete may be permitted to play two games in one

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IV. ATHLETIC PERIOD EXPECTATIONS

All students involved in sports will be expected to have athletics as a class period the entire school year if an athletic period is provided for that sport. The only students (or those involved in major team sports) that will not be in the athletic period will be those who must be scheduled in another class to meet graduation requirements. This exception must have the approval of the athletic director, counselor and principal.

Any student who has never been in the athletic period may enter the ath-letic period to participate in a major team sport, provided the student has com-pleted the off-season program prior to that sport season; or, at the coaches’ dis-cretion. Any student who leaves the athletic period must (unless schedule for-bids) re-enter the athletic period the semester before or after the sport he/she wants to participate in. The student must have the approval from the athletic director and head coach.

Unusual situations will be considered on an individual basis.

ATHLETIC PERIOD GRADING SYSTEM

For All Athletes: Beginning with a perfect score of 100: 5 points will be subtracted for not dressing in athletic uniform which is

shorts/T-shirt/socks and appropriate athletic footwear; If a student is no longer in athletics, he/she will have the grading system

above unless he/she: 1. Transfers out of the athletic class; or 2. Becomes an aide during the high school athletic period.

Two Week Grace Period

The athlete will be allowed a two (2) week grace period at the beginning of each sport in which the quitter’s policy will not be in effect. This grace period is to be used as a trial time for the athlete. If an athlete enters one sport and decides to quit that sport within two (2) weeks it will not fall under the quit-ter’s policy. Reinstatement to team will be at the discretion of the head coach.

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XII. AWARDS AND LETTERING To earn a varsity letter, the requirements listed below must be met. An award jacket will be presented to the athlete at the end of the year for the first letter he/she earns. Only one jacket may be received by each athlete. In or-der to letter, an athlete must complete a season. A season begins with the first game of a sport and ends with the last game of a sport.

Football: an athlete must participate in one -half of the quarters the team plays.

Volleyball: an athlete must participate in one -half of the matches the team plays. Basketball: an athlete must participate in one -half of the quarters the team plays. Baseball: an athlete must participate in one -half of the innings the

team plays or demonstrates outstanding performance as a specialist. Track: an athlete must score 20 points in invitational meets or score one point in the district meet as an individual or as a member of a relay team. Tennis: an athlete must score one point in the district meet or be

the number one singles or doubles player for the year. Golf: an athlete must score a point in the district meet as a medal-

ist or as a member of the team. Cross-Country: an athlete must qualify 1st or 2nd in the district either

as an individual or team. Softball: an athlete must participate in one -half of the innings the

team plays or demonstrates outstanding performance as a specialist. Soccer: an athlete must participate in one-half of the games the

team plays. Powerlifting: an athlete must qualify for the Regional meet. Manager: a student must participate and complete two years as a

varsity student manager.

The coach of any sport, at his/her discretion, may recommend a letter award to an athlete who has not met the above mentioned requirements. These are instances when an athlete will contribute greatly to team success through personal effort, loyalty, attitude, etc., and if deemed worthy, should receive the varsity award.

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X. INSURANCE

All PISD athletes involved in UIL and school sponsored activities are covered by a school insurance policy. There will be no charge for this coverage except in some cases where a deductible and “reasonable” charges are covered. Your insurance will be the Primary policy (main form) of coverage. The PISD policy is a secondary policy. Our policy is designed to hopefully prevent you from having large “out-of-pocket” expenses. Be aware, that insurance compa-nies will pay for what is termed “Usual & Customary” charges. This might mean that the remainder of the bill may not always be “0.” NO CHARGES CAN BE SENT DIRECTLY TO PISD; the parents/guardians are the responsible party. Athletes must be referred by either the Athletic Trainer, Athletic Direc-tor, or their Coach. If not referred by the school personnel, you might have to assume full responsibility for all bills/charge incurred. Physical problems/injuries brought about by PISD athletics, but not showing up until after school hours, should be brought to the Athletic Trainer’s attention ASAP. (cvtristan@pisd.us or see before school, 7:15 a.m.) Emergency situations or conditions should be considered an exception. Do not hesitate to call the Ath-letic Trainer (830-569-1235 ext. 1625). If you are injured, you have 90 days from the date of the injury to see the athletic trainer and initiate a claim with school insurance.

XI. DUAL PARTICIPATION IN NON-SCHOOL SANCTIONED PARTICIPA-TION/CLUB SPORTS

All athletes in Pleasanton ISD Athletics make a commitment to the

team, their teammates and their school. Each program demands the dedication of time and energy of the athlete. Part of this commitment is to be a student first and strive for academic excellence. Another integral part of that commit-ment is to place the Pleasanton ISD Athletic team above participation in any non-school sanctioned activity and attend all practices and games scheduled by PISD Coaches.

If an athlete chooses to miss a Pleasanton ISD athletic practice or game because of participation in an activity not under the supervision of PISD, the student-athlete will face consequences. Each varsity head coach will determine and communicate to the parents and student–athlete prior to the season the consequences for missing a PISD athletic game or practice. Repeated absences may result in the student-athlete’s removal from the team.

Non-athletic PISD school sanctioned activities do not fall under this policy.

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V. BEHAVIOR

Inappropriate behavior, as defined in the appropriate school student-parent handbook or as announced by the coach, sponsor and/or school admin-istration, will not be tolerated. Participants will be made aware of the problems that their inappropriate behavior may cause. He/she shall be subject to extra physical exercise or other discipline management techniques which may in-clude dismissal from the team. Athletes should not use profanity or other acts suggesting poor moral character.

Athletes should be leaders in the school. They should not be tardy to class or have discipline referrals. Athletes will do extra work or may be sus-pended from a team for being sent to I.S.S. /D-Hall/D.A.E.P-R.O.C. or J.J.A.E.P.

Athletes sent to D.A.E.P.-R.O.C. /J.J.A.E.P. will follow student code of con-duct policies in the Student Handbook. In addition, a student athlete returning from D.A.E.P.-R.O.C. /J.J.A.E.P. may not participate in games or competition for three (3) weeks in the sport he/she participates in following the violation for one calendar year. (Practices and scrimmages do not count as games or compe-tition.)

THEFT

Any participant caught stealing personal possessions will be subject to dismissal from the team and suspension from U.I.L. athletic activities. For a first offense, this penalty may be reduced and the participant reinstated if the partic-ipant returns the stolen property, exhibits a positive and cooperative attitude. In addition, to fully participate in make-up drills, extra running and other drills as determined by the coach. If a subsequent offense occurs during a partici-pant’s career in Pleasanton I.S.D., the penalty will be dismissal from the team and suspension from athletics for one calendar year following such offense. If a participant receives a theft related citation, in or out of school, he/she will be removed from all U.I.L. athletic activities for at least one calendar year.

In addition to the above penalties, any participant convicted of the above referenced criminal offenses shall also be subjected to penalties as provided by state law and local school board policies.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Specifically prohibited behaviors include but are not limited to:

Sexually explicit, profane, lewd, indecent, illegal, or defamatory language/actions.

Derogatory language regarding school personnel or other students. Comments designed to harass or bully students or school personnel. Nude, sexually-oriented, or indecent photos, images or altered pictures.

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VI. DRESS CODE

Participants must abide by our district policy in regard to the dress code. In addition to the district policy, coaches will enforce the following:

Athletes will not be allowed to have facial hair/or sideburns below the

bottom of the ear. They will be clean shaven. Hair will be neatly trimmed. The hair may not extend below the eye brows, over the top of the ear, and over the collar of a regular shirt. Students will not be allowed to have hair styles which are considered distracting, which will be determined by the athletic director. Athletes will follow these guidelines as long as they are in athletics and must be in compliance to attend any athletic function.

Jewelry—Inappropriate jewelry, as announced by the coach and/or

school administration, will not be worn at school or school activities. Dress in General – Attire that is deemed inappropriate by the coach will

not be allowed. Athletes are not to wear athletic equipment except for practices or games, or at events designated by the coach (ex: Pep Rally).

VII. ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUG USE

If a participant consumes alcohol or uses illegal drugs and/or re-ceives an alcohol/illegal drug related citation or is in possession of or is seen by a coach, administrator or school employee committing the offense, he/she will be subject to penalties provided by state law and local school board policies. Additionally, the participant will be dismissed from sport participation. Imme-diate reinstatement may be possible if the participant exhibits a positive and cooperative attitude and has attended at least three (3) hours of counseling on the hazards of alcohol and/or drug abuse. The counseling must be approved, in advance, by the coach. Other conditions for reinstatement include make-up of practices missed and students must run twenty (20) miles. Students are allowed to run a maximum of three (3) miles a day on school days only, not during the athletic period for ten (10) consecutive school days. The running must be com-pleted at the high school track and supervised by a Pleasanton ISD coach; or, twenty (20) pre-approved community service hours. Reinstatement shall not oc-cur unless the above conditions have been fully met. After a twelve (12) month period where the participant has had no further problems, he/she may request that the first offense be removed from his/her record. If a second violation occurs before the twelve (12) month period has passed, the participant will be dismissed from the team/squad and suspended from all U.I.L. athletic activities for one (1) calendar year.

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Tobacco Use and / or Vaping

The use of tobacco / vaping products will not be allowed. The penalty for violation of this rule shall range from extra exercise, or other discipline manage-ment techniques for a first offense, to dismissal from the team for repeated viola-tions.

VIII. D.A.E.P.-R.O.C./J.J.A.E.P.

Any athlete sent to D.A.E.P.-R.O.C. /J.J.A.E.P. will follow the student code of conduct policies in the handbook. A student returning from D.A.E.P.-R.O.C./ J.J.A.E.P. may not participate in games or competition for three (3) weeks in the sport he/she participates in. Practices and scrimmages do not count. A student must not have any further violations for one (1) calendar year following the first offense. A second offense within the calendar year results in immediate suspension from the Athletic program and suspended from all U.I.L. athletic activities for one (1) calendar year.

Requirements to return to the Athletic program:

1) Run twenty (20) miles, or complete 20 hours of pre-approved community service hours, within ten (10) consecutive days; 2) The 20 miles or 20 hours must be completed in the allowed time or

they will be required to start miles and/or hours over; 3) Reinstatement shall not occur unless the above conditions have been

fully met.

After the twelve (12) month period has passed with no violations, the athlete may request that the offenses be stricken from his/her athletic record.

IX. ATTENDANCE

If a participant is aware that he/she is going to miss a practice, he/she should contact his/her coach ahead of time. If an illness causes a participant to miss practice, the student or the student’s parent must contact the coach.

In all cases, the participant will be asked to do make-up drills or exercises for the day or days missed. The length of the make-up drills will be determined by the coach. Make-up activities shall not interfere with recuperation from an injury or illness.

Athletes should take care of all injuries. If possible, check with your coach before going to the athletic trainer for athletic injuries.

PHS students must be present for the entire attendance accounting period in order to participate in after school activities.

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