RULES AND STANDARDS GOVERNING ACTIVITIES

Because of the nature of activities and the purpose of activities, the sponsors and coaches of Aurora High School, along with the administration and Board of Education, believe that the participants have an obligation to themselves and to the school that requires high standards of conduct, personal habits, and behavior.

A. Eligibility. All participants must meet all requirements for eligibility as determined by the Aurora High School and the sponsoring or governing organization (such as the Nebraska School Activities Association).

B. Attendance. In order to participate in practice or competition, individual participants must have been in attendance at school for a minimum of four periods on the day in question. Pre-arranged absences will be accepted by the administration as allowable, thereby waiving this requirement. Participants who demonstrate undesirable patterns of attendance will not be allowed to continue participation in activities.

C. Decorum. All participants in activities will be expected to maintain a standard of personal conduct, behavior, and appearance that will promote pride and provide a favorable example to young people within the community who look with admiration toward the high school participant. Students who demonstrate undesirable conduct in school or in the community may be denied the opportunity to participate in activities. All participants in activities shall be required to adhere to the rules and regulations of the school and of the activity coach or sponsor.

D. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illegal Drugs. The use, possession, sale, or transmittal of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs will not be permitted by participants at any time, either in or out of season. If such violations occur during the season of any activity in which the student is participating, the student will be denied the opportunity of participating in any contest or performance for 30 calendar days. If a violation occurs during a time when the student is not participating in an activity, or during the summer break, the student shall be declared ineligible for 30 calendar days. The suspension period shall begin with the first day of practice in the student's next activity, which shall be defined as that activity in which the student participated during the current or preceding academic year. If the season ends before the expiration of a suspension period, the unexpired suspension time shall be continued into the student's next activity. A second violation during the high school (10-12) years will result in the student being suspended from all activities for 90 school days. Reinstatement may come sooner if the student agrees to attend an appropriate drug and alcohol intervention approved by the school. If the student is a senior who will not be participating in any further school activities, the suspension period or other appropriate consequence will be determined by the principal and/or activity director.

E. Special Regulations by Sport or Activity. A coach or sponsor may establish rules and regulations that are applicable to a sport or activity. Prior to their taking effect, the coach or sponsor must secure the approval of the administration, distribute the rules and regulations to activity participants, and make a reasonable attempt to distribute them to the participants’ parents/guardians.

PROCEDURES

When there is reasonable cause to believe that there has been a violation of the rules and regulations that govern participation in an activity, the school will follow the procedures summarized below:

A. Investigation. In the event of an alleged infraction, the principal, assistant principal or head coach/sponsor shall investigate the alleged infraction.

B. Pre-Decision Hearing. If the investigation discloses the probability of an infraction, an informal hearing will be held by the administration. Written or oral notice will be given the student. The notice will contain a brief description of the alleged infraction, and the charges to which the student must answer. The student will be given an opportunity to tell his/her side of the story.

C. Facts. A statement of findings of facts from the informal hearing will be compiled by the administrator. The student(s) and parents will be provided a copy.

D. Decision. The administrator shall issue a written decision which he/she shall provide the student and parents/guardians.

E. Right to Appeal. If the student and parents/guardians are not satisfied with the decision, they may appeal it to the superintendent of schools. Such an appeal must be in writing and received in the superintendent’s office within five (5) school days of the student’s and parents’ notification of the decision from the informal hearing, or the right to appeal will be waived. The student may be represented by legal counsel. At a hearing before the superintendent, the student will be permitted the opportunity to testify, to present evidence on his/her behalf, and to question witnesses. The superintendent shall issue a written decision which he/she shall provide the student and parents/guardians within five (5) school days of the hearing.