Spearfish School District 40-2
5000 Students
Board Policy
Code: 5430/6315
SPEARFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT EXTRA-CURRICULAR RULES
AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE
At the beginning of each sport season, an informational meeting for participants, parents/guardians, coaches, advisors and the activities director will be held to go over activities information and the eligibility rules of the Spearfish School District. Attendance will be encouraged before a student is allowed to practice with the team or group activity.
The use and/or possession of mood-altering chemicals such as tobacco, alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia by participants of extra-curricular activities grades 6-8 and 9-12 is prohibited. This prohibition will be in force all year, including the summer months, weekends and holidays. Out-of-school suspension supercedes all training rules.
Consequences for Violations of This Policy
First Violation: The participant will be suspended for two weeks (14 calendar days and minimum of two events) of scheduled extra-curricular activities in the activity in session or the next activity of participation. The suspension will occur when competition begins, not when practice begins. The attendance at practice will be at the discretion of the coach or advisor.
Parent/guardians and the students will be notified and a record will be kept of pertinent facts, actions and contracts. Conferences with the participant, his/her parent/guardian, coach or advisor and the activities director will be required before any future participation by the individual.
For the first offense, the student will enroll, show a record of participation and complete an alcohol/drug diversion program by an approved, certified chemical dependency counselor or licensed health professional trained in chemical dependency. All costs of the diversion program are the responsibility of the student and family.
Second Violation: The participant will be suspended for four weeks (28 calendar days and minimum of four events) of scheduled extra-curricular activity in the activity in session or the next activity of participation. The suspension will occur when competition begins, not when practice begins. The attendance at practice will be at the discretion of the coach or advisor.
A conference among the student, his/her coach or advisor, and the activities director will be required prior to future participation once the second violation has occurred.
The student will enroll, show a record of participation and complete an alcohol/drug diversion program by an approved, certified chemical dependency counselor or licensed health professional trained in chemical dependency. All costs of the diversion program are the responsibility of the student and family.
Third Violation: The participant will not be allowed to participate in any school extra-curricular activity, including athletics or fine arts, for the remainder of his/her high school career.
Consequences for Violations Involving Controlled Substances or Marijuana
In accordance with SDCL 13-32-9 the following consequences will occur with any violation of possession, use or distribution of a controlled substance or marijuana:
First Violation: Any participant who is adjudicated, convicted or subject of a suspended imposition of sentence for possession, use or distribution of controlled substances or marijuana will be ineligible to participate in any extra-curricular activity for one year. The one-year suspension may be reduced to sixty school days if the person participates in an assessment with a certified chemical dependency counselor or completes an accredited intensive prevention or treatment program. If the assessment indicates the need for a higher level of care, the student is required to complete the prescribed program before becoming eligible to participate in extracurricular activities.
Second Violation: Upon a subsequent adjudication, conviction, diversion, or suspended imposition of sentence for possession, use, or distribution of controlled drugs or substances or marijuana as defined in chapter 22-42, or for ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise taking into the body any substances as prohibited by § 22-42-15, by a court of competent jurisdiction, that person is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity at any secondary school accredited by the Department of Education.
When a participant is accused of violating a training rule, the allegation will be directed to the coach
and the activities director. The allegation may also be reported to any building administrator who will forward it to the activities director. The individual making the allegation must sign an accusation form, complete with details of when, where and witnesses. The accuser will be informed that the accuser’s name and written statement will be kept in confidence to the greatest extent possible, but may be released to the participant in case of an appeal. The activities director and the principal and/or asst. principal will discuss the allegation with the participant in question to determine the nature of the violation. After a proper investigation, a decision to suspend or not to suspend will be decided by the activities director and/or the principal.
Upon suspension for a First or Second violation, the participant may appeal the decision to the Superintendent by submitting an appeal in writing within 10 calendar days after the issuance of the suspension. The written request for a Superintendent appeal shall be directed to the Superintendent. Failure by the participant to request a Superintendent appeal within the 10 calendar days will be a waiver of any appeal right, and the suspension will be final. The Superintendent will conduct an investigation and issue a written decision as soon as possible and this decision will be final. The suspension will not begin until the Superintendent issues a decision affirming the suspension.
Upon suspension for a Third Violation, the participant may first appeal the decision to the Superintendent. If the participant is not satisfied with the Superintendent’s decision, a written appeal may be made to the Board of Education within 10 calendar days from the date the Superintendent issues a decision. Failure by the participant to request a Board hearing within the 10 calendar days will be a waiver of any appeal right and the Superintendent’s decision will be final. If the Superintendent affirms the suspension and the participant appeals to the Board of Education, the participant will be temporarily suspended during the period of appeal to the Board.
A student may not behave in a manner that will bring discredit to the students’ team, activity or school.
This policy to be reviewed annually.
Approved May 27, 1997
Reviewed December 14, 1998
Revised December 11, 2000
Revised January 12, 2004
Revised April 10, 2006
Revised January 12, 2009
Reviewed January 11, 2010