Code of Conduct in High School

1. Code of Conduct in High School The application, enforcement, penalties, and legal aspects are all considerations a sports administrator must keep in mind when developing and utilizing a high school code of conduct.

2. History • In the 1980’s and 90’ most schools developed a code of conduct for athletes. • It has expanded to other activities such as plays, clubs, band and chorus in recent years. • It has also been applied to the Jr. High programs in many schools. • Many schools have soften from one strike you out. Suspensions are given out before expulsions.(2)

3. Current status • It is recommended by IHSA Board of Directors that every member school establish and maintain a local Code of Conduct, dealing with the problem of the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and other illegal, mood-altering and/or performance enhancing drugs or chemicals by students who participate in school athletics and activity programs. ( IHSA policy) (4)

4. Current Status • Effingham High School • 1st Offense: A suspension of one-third (1/3) of the total number of the regular contests/performances. (This total number does include regular season contests/performances and regular season tournaments/contests) On the first offense, a participant may go through the Student Assistance Program (SAP) training and reduce the original suspension by one-third (1/3) • 2nd offense: 365-day suspension • 3rd offense: Expulsion from all activities for the remainder of the participant’s eligibility. (3) Alleman High School Belleville East athletic Code

5. Administrator does an investigation into all offences. The School must have hard evidence or admission to punish the athlete. The administrator and coach enforce the rules. Enforcement

6. Effingham High Enforcement (1)

7. The courts for the most part do not overturn the schools decision. Athletes sue,but rarely win.(4) The Ohio High State Athletic Association has lost only two cases parents have sued an estimated four-hundred and fifty times.(4) Current status -courts

8. Current status - Issues • School and community members are looking at the effects of strict policies. • Many athletes break the rules only a few get caught. • Introducing drug testing as part of the code of conduct.

9. Solutions • Form a committee that includes, students, parents, coaches, and administrators to evaluate the penalties. • The only solution to the fact that some get caught and others do not is to have drug testing. This still would not solve the alcohol problem completely, because alcohol leaves the system so quickly. (6) • Every varsity team member would have to be tested at the beginning of the season and all athletes would have to consent to random testing throughout the year.

10. References 1. David Woltman, Activities Director Effingham High School. Personal interview 2. Phat X. Chiem,, Critics say Zero Tolerance too rigid, Chicago TribuneP.1. Sept.19, 1999. 3. Effingham High and Junior High School Co-Curricular Activity Code, 2006 4. IHSA ihsa.org/org/policy/2005-06 5. Ford,Aimee, Blade, (Toledo OH), Athletes sue, but rarely win June 15, 1997, 6. Schulz, Frank, Jansville Gasette ,(WI)Drug testing still being graded, April 28, 1999 7. Allememan High School websit, allemanhighschool.org/athletics/athletic_code. 8. Belleville west website bths201.org/west/Athletics/athleticcode.asp

11. Questions to think about • Who should a code of conduct apply? Only athletes ? • Do you question students if they are accused by members of the community? • Only enforce if there is a confession or hard evidence (ticket)? • How long should a student be suspended? 1st offense, 2nd ? 3rd ? Or Zero tolerance?