TEMPLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT
STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS
The Temple Independent School District believes that being an athlete in this District is an honor demanding many responsibilities. Being an athlete is a privilege, not a right.
The following are expectations for our athletes:
Be intense competitors during the contest while exhibiting good sportsmanship and courteous behavior.
Display positive leadership.
Aspire to the highest in moral and ethical values.
Conduct yourselves as ladies and gentlemen.
Show respect for others (faculty, students, opponents, and officials).
Strive to obtain a quality education, keeping this as the primary reason for attending school.
Develop and exhibit school pride.
As athletes in the Temple Independent School District, students present an image that reflects the District to both opponents and our school community. This image should be one of sportsmanship, competitiveness, and pride through positive action.
Participation in athletics sponsored by the Temple Independent School District and the University Interscholastic League is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, all students taking part in the program shall conform to all rules contained within the Temple I.S.D. policies, the Student Code of Conduct, and the Athletic Code of Conduct. When any rules or laws are violated, on or off school premises, during or after school hours, the administration, and coaches, at their sole discretion, shall have the right to deny the privilege of participating.
Violation of the principles outlined in the Athletic Code will result in corrective disciplinary action. The facts and circumstances will be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate action. Repeated violations will result in an increase in the severity of the punishment. The three types of action are as follows:
Constructive Punishment-Various physical exercises (i.e. lines, stand, tires) applicable to the specific sport. All corrective punishment must be completed prior to participation in a contest.
Suspension Punishment-Prohibits the athlete from participating in all or part of one or more contest. The athlete is expected to practice during the suspension period but will not suit-up or travel with the team for contest until the suspension period is completed. (Example)-(Academic Eligibility rules)
Dismissal Punishment-Results in the removal of the athlete from participation in the entire program. The Athletic Director will determine the use of Dismissal Punishment and set the length of dismissal.
Coaches are responsible for decisions affecting the teams they coach. Such decisions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Composition of the team
Verification of eligibility of athletes
Schedules
Playing time for individual students
Practice time (within the U.I.L. guidelines)
Disciplinary action
Awarding letters to athletes
Selection of individuals to be recognized for outstanding performance
Other rules not contradictory to the Athletic Code of Conduct
SECTION 1: STUDENT ATHLETE EXPECTATIONS
PRACTICE AND GAME REGULATIONS ON THE FIELD OR COURT
Practice is an essential part of athletics and students are expected to participate except when injured or sick. Missing a game or practice without permission may result in suspension, loss of playing time or removal from the team.
During practices or games, athletes shall:
Avoid using profanity
Be a team member, not an individual.
Make every effort to see the athletic trainer before school and not during practice time.
Refrain from the use of illegal tactics.
Understand that both winning and losing are part of the game
Understand that exhibitions of temper, flagrant rule violations, taunting, and unsportsmanlike actions will not be tolerated.
Game officials MUST be respected and treated with courtesy. Any discussion of decisions made by officials should be left to the coaches.
Any behavior that is contrary to that specified in the Athletic Code of Conduct, or any other behavior which is not conducive to good sportsmanship, may result in suspension or removal from the team.
SCHOOL VS CLUB EXPECTATIONS
Athletes that participate in both school and club sports should consult with their coach when scheduling conflicts occur. All school practices and games will take priority over club practices and games. An effort will be made to work with an athlete in club sports.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND GROOMING
As voluntary participants in the athletic program, students in the Temple Independent School District shall meet and maintain certain acceptable grooming and personal appearance standards. In addition to upholding the standards established in the school district’s dress code, athletes shall set examples for the school and community in the area of grooming and personal appearance. It is the responsibility of each head coach to convey his/her expectations pertaining to personal appearance and grooming.
To be eligible to participate in competitive sports or practice sessions, athletes shall adhere to the following rules:
School issued or approved clothing shall be worn during contests. No exceptions shall be made to the team uniform.
Comply with all other school rules relating to dress and grooming as described in the dress code policy for students.
DISRESPECT TO ADULTS
Any act of disrespect by an athlete to a teacher, coach, administrator, referee, or community member shall be addressed on an individual basis. Violations may result in disciplinary action, including without limitation, suspension of one game or more and/or removal from athletics for the remainder of the school year.
DISRESPECT TO TEAMMATES
Any act of disrespect or hazing, by an athlete to a teammate, shall be addressed on an individual basis. Violations may result in disciplinary action, including without limitation, suspension of one game or more and/or removal from athletics for the remainder of the school year.
REMOVAL FROM THE REGULAR SCHOOL SETTING
Athletes who receive in school suspension based upon violations of the TISD Student Code of Conduct will not be allowed to participate in an event or contest while serving ISS; however, students may still practice before or after school while serving ISS at the coach’s discretion. Students become eligible for events or contest participation at the end of the school day on their last day in ISS placement. Additional consequences such as makeup/disciplinary conditioning/suspension may be required.
Students who receive Out of School Suspension based upon violation of the TISD Student Code of Conduct will not be allowed to participate in an event or contest while serving their suspension. Students may not practice after school while serving their suspension as they are not allowed on campus. Students become eligible for practices, events, or contests on their first full day of attendance at their campus. Additional consequences such as makeup/disciplinary conditioning/suspension will be required.
Minimum Consequences for a DAEP Placement.
First Offense: The student will be suspended from participation in extra-curricular activities while assigned to DAEP.
Upon return from DAEP athlete will be placed on an athletic contract that will be evaluated for the remainder of the grading period.
If contract expectations are not met the athlete will be removed from the athletic period at the end of the current grading period.
Second Offense: The student will be suspended from participation in extra-curricular activities while assigned to DAEP.
Upon return from DAEP athlete will be removed from the athletic period for a minimum of one grading period, not to exceed one semester.
Return to participation and/or athletic period must be approved by the Athletic Director
LOCKER ROOM/ATHLETIC FACILITIES/BUSES
Safety is of primary concern in locker rooms/athletic facilities/buses. The following rules shall be observed:
No horse play (hitting, wrestling, throwing items, popping towels, etc.)
Maintain school equipment as directed by coaches.
Keep school facilities clean and help ensure their continued good maintenance.
Keep stereo volume at a comfortable level.
Music must not contain profanity.
No photography or recordings (audio or video) in the locker room/athletic facilities/buses. Do not pose for pictures or video while in locker rooms/athletic facilities/buses.
TRAVEL
Because athletes represent the community, parents, school, and coaches, as well as themselves, proper conduct is expected on athletic trips. Athletes shall dress in accordance to school policy and athletic code requirements. Specific travel details are:
Be on time for all trips.
All athletes must wear school approved clothing when out of uniform.
Be mannerly and courteous in restaurants and other public places.
Be quiet and orderly on the bus to avoid distractions to the driver.
Show respect for opponent’s facilities.
Travel with the team when leaving and returning except in emergency situations and/or when permission is given by the coach, the athlete may return with parents (parent signature required).
QUITTING
Discuss the situation with the head coach of the sport before quitting.
Turn in all equipment that has been issued by the school.
Forfeit the right to an award for the sport.
SANCTIONS
Any student athlete who experiences a pattern of academic difficulties that result in ineligibility and/or demonstrates a pattern of classroom disruption, shall be addressed on an individual basis. Violations may result in disciplinary action including, without limitation, suspension of one game or more and/or removal from athletics for the remainder of the school year.
TRAINING RULES
The training rules apply to all athletes at all times throughout their school athletic careers. Violations may result in disciplinary action including, without limitation, suspension of one game or more and/or removal from athletics for the remainder of the school year or removal from athletics for a period not to exceed one calendar year from the date of the incident.
No use or possession of tobacco of any kind, including vaping.
No use or possession of alcoholic beverages
No use of any type of anabolic steroid or any derivative
No use of an illegal drug
No inappropriate use of social media
It is the responsibility of each head coach to convey to his/her team the expectations and need for adherence to these rules.
SECTION 2: ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATIONS
The Athletic Director must be consulted when the following violations occur:
Use of tobacco by an athlete
Use of an illegal drug
Use of alcoholic beverage
Use of any type of anabolic steroid, any steroid derivative, or performance enhancing drug
Any other such violations of which the head coach deems necessary to inform the Athletic Director
Use of vaping, jewel, e-cigarette or any similar device.
Punishment will be assessed according to Temple I.S.D. policy, Student Code of Conduct and Athletic Code of Conduct.
TOBACCO
Student athletes are not permitted to use or possess on or off school premises tobacco products, including but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping, cigars, pipes, snuff, or chewing tobacco. Violations may result in disciplinary action, including without limitation, suspension or removal from athletics.
DRUG OR ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS
Student athletes shall not possess, use, transmit or attempt to possess, use, or transmit, or be under the influence of any of the following substances on or off school premises:
Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by the Texas Controlled Substance Act, without regard to amount including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate.
Alcohol or any alcoholic beverage
Any abusable glue, aerosol paint, or any other chemical substance for inhalation
Any other intoxicant or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drug
THEFT
Criminal theft or theft from other players, students, opponents, schools, or Temple I.S.D. school equipment shall not be tolerated. Punishment will be decided on an individual basis and may result in suspension and/or removal from all athletic activities for up to one calendar year from the date of the incident.
SCHOOL EQUIPMENT
School equipment is purchased for student use during athletic activities. The taking or wearing of athletic equipment which is the property of Temple I.S.D. on or off school premises at any time other than specified practices and competitions may be considered a manifestation of theft of such equipment and punished as provided in the Student Code of Conduct and this Athletic Code of Conduct.
ALLEGED FELONY CRIMES
Any athlete who has been referred for prosecution to the juvenile justice system based on alleged felony level delinquent conduct or charged with a felony in the criminal justice system shall not be allowed to practice or participate in contests.
If the prosecution is unconditionally dismissed or the athlete is found not guilty, then the athlete shall be readmitted to the athletic program.
If the prosecution results in a disposition other than an unconditional dismissal or a finding of not guilty, then the athlete shall be removed from all athletic activities for one calendar year from the date of the offense.
INTERNET OR OTHER PUBLIC MEDIA DISTRIBUTION OR EXPOSURE
Students who participate in extracurricular activities may be suspended or removed from the activity if they engage in inappropriate conduct related to internet or other public media distribution or exposure.
A student may be suspended or removed from participation if that student has knowingly and voluntarily allowed himself or herself to be photographed resulting in an image that is considered lewd by community standards or that depicts behavior that is sexually explicit or suggestive or illegal as determined by the administration, and that
image becomes accessible to the public irrespective of the means by which it became accessible to the public.
A student may be suspended or removed from participation if that student has an internet site such as Instagram, Twitter or Face Book that contains any images that are considered lewd by community standards or that depict any behavior that is sexually explicit or suggestive or illegal as determined by the administration.
A student may be suspended or removed from participation if that student sends any text messages or images that are considered lewd by community standards or that depict any behavior that is sexually explicit or suggestive or illegal as determined by the administration.
A student may be suspended or removed from participation if that student sends text messages or post messages on social media that contain profanity or explicit language as determined by the administration.
