SPORTSMANSHIP/CODE OF CONDUCT

Albert Guzzo, Athletic Director

(754) 322-2202

albert.guzzo@browardschools.com

A Douglas High School Policy

Much emphasis is being placed on the sportsmanship of high school athletes, coaches, and fans. Poor Sportsmanship is becoming a widespread problem ranging from youth recreation programs up through professional sports. The Florida High School Activities Association (FHSAA) is taking a strong stance on unsportsmanlike conduct by high school athletes and coaches.

The following Policy was adopted by the FHSAA: Policy 29 FHSAA Handbook

In the event that more than two (2) students from the same school are disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct in any one sport, that school- beginning with the second disqualification- will be immediately placed on administrative probation in that sport for one or more years and will be assessed a minimum financial penalty of $120 per disqualification in that sport for the remainder of that sport season.

When the first disqualification for a student for “gross unsportsmanlike conduct” occurs in any sport, a written warning shall be issued to the school represented by the offending student that each subsequent disqualification of a student for an act of "gross unsportsmanlike conduct" in any sport will subject the school to a minimum financial penalty of $250 per occurrence.

Douglas High School will adhere to the letter of this rule and expand upon it. In the event that Douglas High School is fined by the FHSAA for the actions of a student-athlete or coach, the school will ask that the parents of the student-athlete or the coach pay the fine. Douglas High School will also take school disciplinary action, up to and including out-of-school suspension, against student-athletes or coaches who display unsportsmanlike conduct but may or may not have been penalized by officials.

This will include but not limited to, flagrant incidents of disrespect, vulgar language, acts of violence, destroying property or any other act that, in a classroom setting, would require disciplinary action. Student-athletes are expected to refrain from posting inflammatory, inappropriate, or vulgar words or photos online.

Additionally, student-athletes may not leave one sport in progress to join another in progress, whether it is in the same or the following season, without the permission of the coach of the original sport.

According to the FHSAA Handbook, when a coach or student-athlete is ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct or a flagrant foul, the coach or student-athlete must leave the facility and is ineligible for the remainder of that contest and any contest for the next seven calendar days.

According to the FHSAA Handbook, when a coach or student athlete is affected for GROSS unsportsmanlike conduct or second or subsequent act of general unsportsmanlike conduct, the coach or student athlete will be ineligible for a period of up to six weeks.

When an infraction occurs, the following procedure will be followed:

The FHSAA Bylaws and Policies will be adhered to without question:

A conference will be held within three (3) days with the student-athlete, the student-athletes assistant principal, the head coach, the athletic director, the principal, and the student-athlete's parents.
This Board of Review will meet to analyze the infraction and consider further disciplinary action including school disciplinary action up to and including out-of- school suspension.
A letter of apology will be written by the student-athlete or coach and sent to the FHSAA, game officials and opposing school’s principal and head coach.
During the time of ineligibility, the student-athlete or coach will not be able to practice with the team or be on the sidelines during games.

Interscholastic Athletic Activities are an extension of the classroom. Student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves in real life and online as they do in the classroom. They are to keep in mind that they are representing Douglas High School both in real life and online and participating in Interscholastic Athletic Activities is a privilege. When student-athletes represent themselves well, they represent their parents well, they represent their team well and they represent their school well.

MSD Athletic Policies:

·Understand that practices are mandatory. I will attend each and every practice on time or notify the coaches ahead of time why I am unable to attend. A failure to communicate will result in a suspension from team activities.

·Understand that not everybody will play. There may be many games that I do not get any playing time.

·Focus on what the team is doing and try to use the practice time to improve my skills and my physical abilities. Those who put little or no effort into practice will get little or no playing time.

·Treat everyone involved with the team with respect and courtesy. This includes coaches, teammates, officials, opponents and fans of both teams. Behavior that demonstrates lack of self-control will not be tolerated.

·Go to the coaches first if I have a problem related to the team. I will not complain to others until I have given the person I have a problem with an opportunity to address it. Communication is the key.

·Work hard to develop good habits by practicing with good form and great effort. The habits we develop in practice are the habits that will determine how we play in games.

·I understand that members of this team are EXPECTED to WORK HARDER demonstrate greater DISCIPLINE, HUSTLE, ENTHUSIASM, TEAMWORK and DEDICATION than any opponent we face.

·Attend school every day, attend all classes during the day, and be on time. I understand that I represent my family, my teammates, and my coaches while in class. Do not wait for the last minute for homework so that it interferes with practices and games.

·Do not use, sell, distribute or be involved with any persons who use, sell, or distribute, or have any other contact or involvement with drugs or alcohol.

·I understand that playing time is earned, not given. I will earn my time in practice and understand that the coaches will decide on the playing time I receive.

·I understand that there is no excuse for being late. I will manage my time wisely and make good decisions.

·I understand that if I am asked to leave the team or if I quit the team, I will not be allowed back on the team this season.

·I understand that cell phones are to be off and out of sight when I am in the gym/field/track/court for practice or for games.

·I understand that if injury occurs to the player, the school trainer is the 1st contact, and all medical care should be sought after the player has had communication with the trainer and the coach. I understand that injuries do not relieve me of my obligations to study hall, practices, or games.

As a parent of the above-named player, I promise to do the following:

·Influence my child to abide by the contract they have signed.

·Be an example of good sportsmanship at games by making only positive comments about the players, keeping criticism of the officials to a minimum level of volume and frequency, and treating fans of our opponents with respect.

·Contact the coaches in an appropriate manner and setting if you have a complaint.

Parents:

Please speak to your son or daughter and encourage them to practice good sportsmanship and understand the MSD athletic policies.. This is something positive we all can get from Interscholastic Athletic Activity. Your signature below indicates that you have read this policy.

By signing below, you agree with this policy and will help Douglas High School enforce it.

Parent Name (Please Print) Parent Signature

Student-Athletes:

Do something positive for yourself, your parents, your team, your school and your community.

Practice good sportsmanship. Speak to your teammates about it. Expect it from yourself and your teammates. It can be contagious. Your signature below indicates that you have read this policy.

By signing below, you agree with this policy and will help Douglas High School enforce it.

Student-Athlete Name (Please Print) Student-Athlete Signature