We believe interscholastic athletics serve as a miniature model of life in that they provide opportunities for students with regard to responsibility, fair play, cooperation, concern for others, leadership, respect for authority, good citizenship, loyalty, and tolerance. Thus, the athletic program which is centered around the welfare of the students is a vital part of the total school curriculum.

To utilize fully the potential in athletics for educational experiences, the interscholastic athletic program:

• Is regarded as an integral part of the total educational program and conducted so that it is worthy of such regard. It should encourage good scholarship.
• Supplements rather than serves as substitutes for basic physical education programs and intramural athletic programs.
• Is subject to the same administrative control as the total education program.
• Is conducted by persons with adequate training either in physical education or through coaching certification programs.
• Is conducted so that the physical welfare and safety of participants is protected and fostered.
• Is conducted in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the rules and regulations of the league, section, state and national athletic associations.

Player Ejection Policy

Any player on a varsity, junior varsity, freshman or modified team in Section II shall be suspended for the next scheduled contest if he/she is ejected from a contest for un-sportsmanlike behavior by an official. The next contest is defined as the next contest in which the disqualified athlete is eligible to play, whether it be that sport’s season, the next sport’s season, or the next year. A player who might be injured (for example, during a fight for which he was ejected) would be ineligible for the first contest for which he/she is medically cleared. Sectional, Regional or state tournament games are NOT exempt from this rule.

Transfer

A student who transfers, with a corresponding change in residence of his/her parents (or other persons with whom the student has resided for at least six months) shall become eligible after starting regular attendance in the second school. A student who transfers without a corresponding change in residence of his/her parents (or other persons with who the student has resided for at least six months) is ineligible to participate in any interscholastic athletic contest in a particular sport for a period of one year if the student participated in that sport during the one-year period immediately preceding his/her transfer. However, a student may appeal to the Section 2 Transfer Committee.

When you accept the privilege of being an athlete in Colonie interscholastic program you also accept the tremendous responsibilities that go along with being a member of a team. These responsibilities are:

• The attitude and degree of leadership and sportsmanship you display reflects upon you, your fellow players, school, family and community.
• How you conduct yourself in school when dealing with teachers, administrators, secretaries, cafeteria workers, hall monitors and others reflects upon our program. Be courteous and respectful when dealing with school employees.
• Being a part of an athletic team does not give you special privileges or consideration. During the school day you abide by the same rules and procedures as every other student in the building. These rules include completion of homework and test assignments and punctual attendance to school and class.
• Being an athlete you represent to students in grammar school a role model for someone to look up to and want to emulate. Project a positive image to students.

Participation on a Colonie athletic team is a special privilege. Participation on a Colonie athletic team is also a responsibility that demands extra commitment – a commitment to represent your teammates, coaches, school and community well. Membership and participation in all extracurricular activities in the South Colonie School District is not denied on the basis of race, sex, marital status, color, religion or disability. Inquiries regarding this policy should be made to the district’s Title IV Coordinator.

Listed next are the player regulations and procedures that must be adhered to when you accept the responsibility of being an athletic in the South Colonie Central School district.

Practice

Team members are required to attend all practices unless excused by the coach. This policy is still in effect if an injury occurs which removes you from competition.

Transportation

Members of athletic teams must travel to and from athletic contests on transportation provided by the school district. To use transportation other than provided by school, the athlete must present a written note, signed by parent or guardian, to the building principal, grade-level principal or the athletic director during regular school hours. The note must be returned to the coach prior to the departure of the bus. Students are NOT allowed to drive themselves or other team members. A student may travel ONLY with THEIR parents, with prior approval.

Physical Examination

All athletes must pass a school-provided sport’s physical conducted by the school family physician before participating in any sport.  Athletes who are injured must be released by a school or family physician.

Attendance in School

A student who is absent from school is not allowed to participate in practice or games that day. A student must be in attendance at least five periods to be eligible to participate. Special circumstances must be approved by the building principal and athletic director (Example: college visit, funeral, etc.).

School Suspension

Athletes who are externally suspended will not be permitted to practice, play in a game or participate in any way during their suspension. Athletes who are in internal suspension may be allowed to participate pending approval by building principal and athletic director.

School Behavior

Good citizenship is expected of an athlete at all times. Behavior such as fighting, vandalism, use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, cutting classes or school, not completing school work assignments or a behavior which casts an adverse reflection on our program can result in varying degrees of penalty. A penalty may range from one-game suspension to permanent suspension for that sport season or the school year. A penalty may be appealed to a review panel consisting of teacher/coach, a school counselor and a school administrator. The decision of the panel may be further appealed to the high school principal and the superintendent of schools.

Injury

Risk of injury is always a possibility in Interscholastic sports. Report all injuries immediately to your coach. Insurance claims are covered under the Student Accident Policy. Parents’ health insurance is primary, the Student Accident Policy is secondary in regard to all injuries.

Quitting a Team

An athlete may not quit one sport and then participate in another sport during the same season. Any exception must be approved by the director of athletics.

Athletes and their families are strongly encouraged to plan vacations and other foreseeable family obligations around the athletic calendar. Student athletes who missed a scheduled contest as a result of a vacation shall be deemed ineligible for the next scheduled competition. For each contest missed, athletes shall be deemed ineligible for an equal number of contests. A waiver of the rule will be allowed if it is a sponsored trip that is a requirement of a class course. Athletes must notify their coach of vacation plans before the final selection of a team roster. At the discretion of the coach, athletes who will miss an unacceptable percentage of the season may be moved down to the junior varsity team. The intent of this protocol is to be consistent and fair with all South Colonie student athletes regardless of athletic ability.

The director of athletics shall determine all matters of student athlete eligibility. Appeals may be submitted to a review panel consisting of a teacher, coach, school counselor and a school administrator. The decision of this panel may be further appealed to the high school principal and the superintendent of schools.

Conditions for earning an award

• Athletes unable to complete a season due to injury, illness or other such circumstances may earn a letter if the coach feels the letter is justified.
• Any student having outstanding debts for equipment (lost or stolen) will not receive any awards until the debts are paid.
• In such cases where a senior competing on a varsity team for the first time, and/or second/third, may be granted a varsity letter if so approved by the coach.
• Athletes must finish the season to be eligible for an award.

Awards

• Certificate – An athlete can earn a middle school certificate, freshmen certificate, Junior Varsity certificate, varsity certificate
• Letter – One varsity letter will be issued to an individual for his/her high school career in each sport. 
• Pin inserts – (Sport designation) – Athletes receive one insert in each sport for the first year in each sport.
• Service Bar – Varsity insert bar given to a student/athlete for years of service to a team beyond the original first year in each sport.