As a complement to its academic courses, Columbia School District offers extra curricular programs which include athletics,
academic teams, and a variety of clubs involved in non-graded activities. The purpose of these programs are to provide
instruction in areas of student interest, to develop self-discipline, to develop pride and dignity, to develop sportsmanship and
teamwork, to develop successful competitors, to help prepare students for the competitive world after school, to develop
leadership skills and to allow students to responsibly represent Columbia School. Representing Columbia School is both a
responsibility and a privilege. Therefore, it requires that those involved meet a higher standard than other students.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1: Local Rules and Regulations

1a:Columbia School District will offer the following interscholastic athletic programs for their high school and junior high students:

1a1: High School - Volleyball, B-8 Football, Basketball (girls and boys), Baseball, Softball, Track and Cheerleading.

1a2: Junior High - Volleyball, Football, Basketball (girls and boys), baseball and softball.

1a3: The school district may offer other activities if a suitable coach is available, suitable site for practice is available, and enough student athletes are available who wish to turn out for that sport.

1b: All students who participate in athletics must meet Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association requirements.

1c: All students who participate in athletics must meet the following Columbia School District requirements and have documentation on file in the office, prior to participating in a given sport season:

1c1: Physical examination. A physical examination must be completed by a physician at your expense. Physical examination forms are available in the office and are valid for two years from the date of the physical. Columbia School highly recommends that students receive a thorough exam if they want to use the two year option.

1c2: Parental permission/Emergency Medical Release form. A parental permission form must be signed by the parent/guardian and turned in to the school in order for an athlete to participate. The form also has a space to indicate if the athlete has read and understands the handbook for student athletes. Your signature will indicate that you have read and understand our rules, regulations, and training requirements. Participation will be denied to anyone not signing this form. This form is available in the office.

1c3: Evidence of paid enrollment in the school sponsored athletic insurance program or a parent signed insurance waiver for that sport/school year must be on file with the school office. The school insurance form and a waiver are available in the office.

1c4: ASB Card. Students must have paid ASB dues prior to participation in their first interscholastic game.

1c5: Drug test authorization form. All student participants and their parents are required to sign the Columbia School District drug testing authorization form.

1d: Once a student has participated in a sport, they are considered an athlete until they graduate. Consequently, athletes who are “out
of season” are expected to behave in a way which does not break the law, training regulations, or embarrass their school or team.

1e: When students enter the 9th grade, they will have a “clean slate” on discipline steps.

1f: Athletes may participate in any organized school athletic team while a member of a similar team upon approval of both coaches
and school board approval.

1g: Any athlete who is injured or becomes seriously ill enough to require a doctor's note not to participate, will be required to have a
written doctor's permission to resume the activity.

1h: Any athlete who quits a team for medical reasons must provide a doctor’s note or they will be considered to have quit the team.

2: Academic Standings

2a: Senior High students: Eligibility for senior high school students will be determined after each quarter and at the end of each semester. Student athletes will not be allowed to participate in interscholastic athletics or extra-curricular activities if they received more than one F and/or have below a 2.0 g.p.a., for the preceding quarter grade. All athletes (including home school students) will have grades checked at the end of the quarter and semester.

Students, who fail to meet these standards, but meet WIAA minimum standards, will be suspended from competition for two weeks and be put on academic probation for the rest of the quarter (week to week grade checks). After two weeks students will be checked each Wednesday to determine eligibility. Semester grades will be used to determine eligibility for students of probation. WIAA minimum standards require a student to pass 6 of 7 classes. If a student does not meet this standard they will be ineligible for competition for 5 weeks. A week must have at least 4 school days to count as a week. Junior High Students: Junior High students are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA and no more than one F. Student grades will be checked every Wednesday during the season. If a student fails to meet these standards they will be given one week of probation. During this week students are expected to use some practice time studying, but will be allowed to participate in the games. 

If a student fails to meet these standards two consecutive weeks, they will ineligible to participate during the following week.

 

2b: Special Education Students - Eligibility will be determined by the Special Education teacher and the administration with appeal
rights for the student to his MDT committee. Special education students will be held accountable in regard to failing grades.
3: School Attendance Prior to a Contest or Practice 3a: In order to participate in practice or games, the participant
must be in school attendance the full day of said practice or game. Any exception must be cleared through the Principal prior to the
absence. Excusable exceptions could be such as medical, dental, pre-excused at school, or any other circumstance the Principal
deems appropriate.

CONDUCT DURING THE SPORT SEASON

1: Coaches’ Guidelines for participants

1a: A student shall refrain from flagrant or abusive conduct directed toward a faculty member, coach, official, student, any
opponent, or any member of the community while participating in the activity or sport. Disrespectful conduct of any team member
will not be tolerated. The Coach shall decide what disciplinary actions are appropriate.

 
1b: Each respective coach will establish his/her own team rules, which can include curfew, dress code, hair length code, and any
other rules he/she deems necessary to conduct an orderly and successful program.

 
1c: All athletes shall attend all practices, meetings, contests, etc.,unless excused by the coach or unless the athlete is absent during
the school day from class or multiple classes.

2a: No use or carrying of tobacco (smoking or chewing).

 

1st Violation – The athlete will serve their school suspension
plus an additional three days sport suspension. Their suspension must include at least one contest. The athlete will not practice during this suspension time.

2nd Violation – The athlete will serve their school suspension, a six day sport suspension, and they will miss 1/4th of the games for that season. (The penalty will carry over into the next season if needed)

3rd Violation - suspended from athletics for one calendar year. Off-season violations Students will given the choice to serve their step consequences or complete community service in a timely manner as assigned be the athletic director or principal. Step 1 violations will require 10 hours of community service, Step 2 violation will require 20 hours on community service.

2: Major rule violations

2b: No carrying of, distribution of, possession of, or being under the influence of narcotics, dangerous drugs, controlled substances, or alcoholic beverages. Appearance or attendance at parties or gatherings where alcoholic beverages or drugs are being illegally used is prohibited.

2c: Legend Drugs. This code will follow WIAA and State of Washington rules dealing with Legend Drugs (legend drugs are defined as drugs that are legal only through prescription).

2d: Major Crimes: (Examples: theft, assault, possession of a dangerous weapon) These are incidences which would be reported to the law.

2f: Major rule violations in the student handbook.

 

1st Violation – The athlete will serve their school suspension, a six day sport suspension, and they will miss 1/4th of the games for that season. (The penalty will carry over into the next season if needed)

2nd Violation – The athlete will be suspended from athletics for one calendar year. Note: Merit award: Upon completion of the suspension, the student will be put on probation for one year. If during this time the student has no more major rule violations, he/she will be allowed to reduce their major rule violation standing by one. Note: When a student is ineligible to participate they will not be allowed to travel with the team or be on the sidelines with the team.

Off Season Violations

If a violation occurs during an off season, an athlete will be given the choice between serving their violation step consequences, or taking an opportunity to do community service. A student could complete 20 hours of community service for a step one violation. hours in a timely manner as assigned by the Athletic Director and/or principal.

Quitting Rule

3a: Students will be allowed to quit a sport during the first ten days of practice without repercussion. If a student must quit after the 10 day grace period due to extenuating circumstances, he/she must meet with the coach and principal or athletic director to discuss such circumstances.

3b: If a student athlete quits or is kicked off a team they will serve the 2nd violation penalty each time this occurs. This violation will not progress down the major rule violation steps.

4a: All student participants and their parents are required to sign the Columbia School District drug testing authorization.

4b: Any student testing positive for illegal drugs, under the drug testing program, will have the following consequences:

4c: Students can be tested if reasonable suspicion exists that an athlete may be using and illegal substance.

1st Violation – The Athletic Director, coach, parent and athlete will have a meeting to discuss the test results. Counseling will be encouraged. The athlete will be tested again in two weeks, if they are still positive they will progress to step two.

2nd Violation – The participant will be suspended from the team for four weeks, which must include at least 2 contests. (It will carry over into next season if the incident occurs at the end of a season). Student should receive counseling from a school approved drug/alcohol counselor.

3rd Violation - The participant is suspended from all activities for one calendar year. The participant can regain eligibility sooner after the following have been completed:

1. The student completes a drug program pre-approved by the principal and counselor at their own expense.
2. A minimum of 60 calendar days have passed.
3. The student and parents pass an interview with the principal, athletic director and coach.


Subsequent violations: The participant is suspended from extra curricular activities for one calendar year.

5a: All students and athletes have access to appeal under WAC 180-40. If an athlete has been disciplined or suspended from a
sport squad for any reason, he/she shall have the opportunity to appeal the decision. The student will be notified, in writing, of the appeal process by the Principal or Athletic Director. Procedure

1st step: The athlete should first approach the head coach of the in-season sport and tell him/her of his/her intentions to appeal (this must be done within three (3) school days of the suspension notification). The coach will notify the Principal.

2nd step: If the athlete or coach is not satisfied with the decision of the Principal, he/she should then appeal the decision (within three (3) school days) to the Superintendent, who shall review the case and make a decision. The decision of the Superintendent shall be final.


6: Equipment

6a: Issued Equipment - School equipment checked out by the student is his/her responsibility. He/she 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.

6b: Wearing issued equipment - Issued equipment is to be worn only while participating with the team in practice or during a scheduled contest. The WIAA prohibits the use of school issued equipment while participating in any event outside the yearly program or activities not sponsored by the WIAA.

6c: A participant who drops from a sport squad without turning in his/her issued practice or game equipment will forfeit his/her right to participate in any other sport season and will have credits and grades withheld until proper restitution has been made. NOTE: No athlete will be allowed to participate in a sport until all previously issued equipment has been returned or proper restitution made.

7a: The school district provides students with excellent physical facilities for athletics at great expense in the form of taxes to parents and community members. Therefore, it is important the students exercise care and personal regard for these facilities.

7b: Misuse of dressing room facilities, lockers, towels, benches, gymnasium, or field facilities will not be permitted. NOTE: Failure to comply with this regulation may result in denial of their use.

8: Travel

8a: Transportation to and from extra-curricular or athletic events will be provided by the Columbia School District.

8b: Each student will remain with their peer group and under the supervision of the staff member in charge when attending the event.

8c: All students must travel to and from the event with the peer group and in transportation provided for this purpose. Exceptions to this rule:

1) Parent or Guardian must be present at event and personally sign for their child’s release.

2) Parent or Guardian must have a note in the office stating to whom they are to be released before the bus departs for the event.
NOTE: Office form must be used.

8d: Students will give chaperones, bus drivers, and teachers on school buses the same status as teachers in the classroom.

8e: Students going to day games must receive a note of permission from their parents and go to the game either with a parent or on the rooter bus.

8f: Permission for a student to ride with another student will NOT be given at any time.