FILE:  IDFA

Cf:  IDCH, IDE

Cf:  IDFAA, IDFAB

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

The Sabine Parish School Board believes that the competitive athletic program is a part of the overall educational program of the school system.  It also believes that the athletic program should be closely coordinated with the general instructional program of the school, and that the aims achieved through athletics should justify its inclusion in the overall educational program.  The athletic program shall also be based on a spirit of non-professionalism so that participation is regarded as a privileged opportunity.

Interscholastic athletic programs should exist mainly for the value which they have for students, and not for the benefit of the sponsoring institutions.  The activities and contests involved shall be psychologically sound by being tailored to the physical, mental, and emotional maturity levels of the youth participating in them.  Athletics are for all students who are physically able to participate, who qualify under eligibility requirements, and who adhere to the rules set forth by the state and local school officials.  Participation will contribute to the following:

1. The improvement of health, fitness, and general welfare of all individuals taking part in a safe well supervised program.
   
   

2. The involvement of a maximum number of students in both supportive and active areas of the program.
   
   

3. The stimulation of all participants to achieve academic progress as their primary school objectives.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM

Interscholastic athletics may be made available for students in the schools of the school district.  The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain an athletic program in the school district that emphasizes participation of all students.  The conduction of all athletic programs within the school district shall comply fully with regulations of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), and policies of the Board.

The School Board shall allow students to participate in as many sports activities and academic activities as he is capable of participating in without fear of reprisal.  

PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS IN HOME STUDY PROGRAMS

A public school shall not disqualify a student from participating in interscholastic athletics solely because the student is enrolled in an approved home study program, so long as the student lives in the attendance zone of the public school, and meets the qualifications as detailed in policy IDCH, Home Study Program.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

No student shall be permitted to practice or participate in any interscholastic athletic program in any public school of the Sabine Parish School Board until such student shall have furnished to the principal of the school documentation that he/she has met the following requirements:

1. Evidence of having had a physical examination by a licensed physician who shall have completed documentation as required by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).
   
   

2. Properly complete a School Entrance and General Health Exam Form/LHSAA Medical History and pass a medical examination by a licensed physician prior to the first time he/she participates in a sport in a LHSAA school.  Physicians may continue to use the original LHSAA Sports Physical Form in performing sports physicals.  In addition, parents shall be required to complete the Authorization for Release of Confidential Information.
   
   

3. Once a student passes the initial medical examination and completes an LHSAA Medical History Form prior to the sports season in which he/she participates, he/she shall annually pass any medical screening or medical examination required by a licensed physician and shall update his/her LHSAA Medical History Form as required.
   
   

4. A copy of all completed and signed medical examination and participation/release of information forms (and any others required by the School Board) must be on file at the school for every student before he/she practices or participates in interscholastic athletics during that school year.
   
   

5. An agreement signed by the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to hold the School Board and its members, employees, agents, assigns and insurers harmless from and against any liability for any accidents involving the student while participating in such athletic activities and any injuries suffered by the student during, or as a result of, such participation.  The agreement shall also authorize team physicians to treat the student in the event of an injury requiring emergency treatment.
   
   

6. Students shall sign a form consenting to random drug screening and must obtain the written consent of their parent(s) or guardian(s) for said tests in order to be eligible to participate in any athletic or certain other extracurricular activities. (See policy IDFAA, Student Drug Testing)
   
   

RULES VIOLATION

Adherence to the rules of athletic representation and participation shall be strictly enforced by the Board.  Any violations of athletic rules shall be immediately reported to the Superintendent.  In the event that a member school, member school principal, or member school coach is penalized or cited by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association due to a violation, the athletic director, principal, and coach involved shall provide a full report to the Superintendent.  The Superintendent in turn shall make a report to the School Board with pertinent recommendations for disciplinary action, if found warranted.

SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS

The School Board endorses the scholastic eligibility requirements as a condition for participation in high school extracurricular activities as stipulated by the LHSAA.  Scholastic requirements shall be as follows:

1. To be eligible for the first semester of the school year, a student shall have earned at least six (6) units from the previous school year, which shall be listed on the student’s transcript, and shall have at least a “C” average as determined by the School Board when considering all “graded” subjects.  The Sabine Parish School Board shall use a 1.5 GPA as a “C” average.
   
   

2. To be eligible for the second semester of the school year, a student shall pass at least six (6) subjects from the first semester.  A senior must take the number of courses which allows him/her to earn a minimum of four (4) half Carnegie units or a total of two (2) Carnegie units per semester.
   
   

3. The LHSAA includes specific eligibility rules for special education students which must be met for their participation.
   
   

4. Block Scheduling
   
   The following process shall be used to determine the scholastic eligibility of students enrolled in schools that schedule classes for one full credit during one semester of classes:

5. The LHSAA includes specific eligibility rules for special education students which must be met for their participation.

Individual schools or the School Board may set higher, but not lower scholastic requirements for interscholastic athletic participation.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

An election by the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) either (a) to decline student insurance and be fully responsible for all bills associated with any injuries suffered by the student as a result of participating in any Sabine Parish School Board public school interscholastic athletic programs, or (b) to purchase student insurance and be responsible for any bills not covered by such insurance.

No students shall be allowed to practice or participate in interscholastic athletics until this requirement has been met.

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:169, 17:176, 17:176.2

Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education

Official Handbook, Louisiana High School Athletic Association

Board minutes, 9-20-10, 10-3-11, 12-9-13, 8-12-24

Sabine Parish School Board