RUSD Athletic Code of Conduct
1. The Rocklin Unified School District encourages all parents to assist us in administering this policy fairly and equitably for all students by mutually cooperating with school personnel during school conferences regarding alleged violations of this policy. In order to develop themselves as students and citizens, and so that they can fulfill their duties in the most appropriate fashion, students must discipline themselves both mentally and emotionally. This is especially true of Rocklin Unified School District students involved in extracurricular programs, for competition is more than contests between individuals representing different schools. It is, as well, a means to learning a way of life which exemplifies the concepts of honesty, fair play, hard work and dedication to standards of the highest caliber relative to personal and team conduct. Moreover, it must be remembered that representing one’s school in an extracurricular activity is a privilege, and not a right.
2. Sportsmanship will be the top priority of interscholastic athletics. Commitment to fair play, integrity, and a genuine empathy for others must be taught and practiced if we are to make a difference. Athletics should assist in the development of fellowship and goodwill, and encourage the qualities of good citizenship. It plays an important role in developing a healthy self-image as well as a healthy body. Athletics also contribute to school/community spirit and pride.
3. Interscholastic athletics is a voluntary program. Thus, participation is a privilege and not a right. Along with that privilege comes the responsibility to conform to standards established for the high school athletic programs. This privilege may be revoked when the athlete fails or refuses to comply with the rules. The following processes and procedures will apply to the student-athlete when they are in “season of sport” as defined by CIF Bylaw 511, Section B. Out of season violations of code of conduct will result in parents, coaches, and law enforcement (if applicable) being notified, with appropriate consequences to be determined.
4. The programs, activities, and participants listed below shall be governed by this policy: sanctioned CIF sports, cheer, and dance.
5. Class I Infractions. Academic Eligibility: Failure to maintain academic standards will result in the student being declared ineligible for competition and practice until the publication of grades at the close of the next grading period or until grades for the grading period average a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) and 2 no credit/mark (NC/NM) or less. At the end of a grading period, an ineligible student-athlete has two weeks to clear any essential skills and receive a grade change for that grading period.
6. Social Media Policy: Social Media refers to internet-based applications designed to create and share user-generated content (Twitter, Instagram, blogs, etc.). As the user of these platforms, student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves responsibly as members of their respective team and the school. Users must understand that any content shared is expected to follow acceptable social behaviors outlined in the Athletic and Student Handbooks. Violations of this policy are subject to investigation and sanctions outlined in the Athletic and Student Handbooks, and may be subject to review by law enforcement.
Student athletes must accept responsibility for their social media use. Student athletes must project the positive values and responsibilities of the school as a highly visible member of the school and community. Any malicious use of social media platforms will not be tolerated. Malicious use may include but is not limited to:
6.1. Derogatory language and remarks regarding fellow athletes, students, coaches, administrators, faculty, and staff of any school.
6.2. Demeaning statements or threats that endanger the safety of another person.
6.3. Incriminating photos, videos, or statements regarding criminal behavior, drinking, and use of illegal drugs, sexual harassment, or violence.
Any violation of this responsibility may result in a panel hearing. Based on the severity of any offense, the athlete may be suspended or removed from the team on the first offense along with other school-applied consequences.
7. Class II Infractions. Behavioral: Class II Behavioral Infractions occur when the student/athlete, while at school, during a school activity, while going to or from school, or off campus during “season of sport”, commits any of the following acts, which are prohibited by the California State Education Code or Rocklin Unified School District Policy. The following Class II infractions may be assigned consequences by the Athletic Administration and may be recommended for a panel hearing.
7.1. Causes or attempts to cause physical and/or emotional injury to another person such as fighting and/or bullying.
7.2. Habitual truancy (school regulations will be enforced along with possible athletic regulations)
7.3. Commits an obscene act or engages in profanity/vulgarity
7.4. Disrupts school activities or otherwise defies the valid authority of school personnel
7.5. Violation of league sportsmanship standards. The following behavior is unacceptable at all CIF high school contests: Berating your opponent’s school or mascot, berating opposing players, obscene cheers or gestures, negative signs, noise makers, complaining about officials’ calls (verbal or gestures).
7.6. Commits theft or receives stolen property
7.7. Conduct unbecoming of a student athlete on campus, off campus, or on social media
7.8. 2nd and 3rd offense of the site Academic Integrity policy
7.9. Hazing
7.10. Possession of a dangerous object/weapon
7.11. Commits or attempts to commit robbery/extortion
7.12. Vandalism targeted towards another school, student, or group
8. Class III Infractions. Substance Abuse (Drugs/Alcohol): A Class III Infraction occurs when a student is in violation of Education Code Section 48900 (c) and (d). A student may be held accountable during “season of sport” for any substantiated on or off campus violation, when observed by school officials, reported by a parent or guardian, or otherwise proven by investigation. The Class III infractions below may go to a panel hearing:
8.1. Possession of tobacco, including chewing tobacco, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape pens, etc.
8.2. Possession and/or under the influence of drugs.
8.3. Possession of drug and/or tobacco paraphernalia.
8.4. Possession and/or under the influence of alcohol.
8.5. Use of androgenic/anabolic steroids without the written prescription of a fully-licensed physician to treat a medical condition.
9. Suspension and/or Removal Procedure
9.1. When a violation of this Code of Conduct and/or the California Education Code occurs the Director of Athletics and/or Administration can temporarily exclude a student from participation on a team for a period of up to 5 or more school days to investigate the possible infraction.
9.2. The parents/guardians are to be notified in person or by phone within 24 hours of the temporary exclusion from participation.
9.3. An informal conference with the Director of Athletics and/or Administration and the student could possibly occur. The purpose of this meeting is to give the student an opportunity to be heard with respect to the alleged violation.
9.4. Within 5 school days after notice of being temporarily excluded from the team, the student and the student’s parents/guardians must be given an opportunity to be present at an eligibility hearing to determine the length of the student’s exclusion, the criteria for reinstatement on the team, or if the student will be permanently removed from the team. Time periods for the above procedure may be adjusted if necessary to complete the investigation of the offense; the student in question and his/her parents/ guardians will be notified of the adjusted schedule.
10. Removal Hearing - For purposes of the Removal Procedure described above, the hearing panel that will determine whether to permanently remove a student from a team will be composed of three (3) voting school personnel as follows:
10.1. Director of Athletics and/or Administrator (one vote)
10.2. School personnel member #1 (one vote)
10.3. School personnel member #2 (one vote)
10.4. Others who may attend and have input:
10.4.1. Coaches/advisors (non-voting, provide information only)
10.4.2. Student in question (non-voting, provide information only)
10.4.3. Parents/guardians (non-voting, provide information only)
11. Discipline Parameters (based on one calendar year)
11.1. First offense for a Class II or III infraction - The student-athlete may be suspended from 1 to 30 days from athletic competition or possible removal from the team.
11.2. Second offense for a Class II or III infraction - The student-athlete may be suspended from 10 to 60 days from athletic competition or possible removal from the team.
11.3. Third offense for a Class II or III infraction - May result in removal from team and Athletic Department for one calendar year.
11.4. Based on severity of the infraction other consequences may be issued in addition and/or in lieu of suspension and removal from team , including but not limited to:
11.4.1. Letters of apology
11.4.2. Community service
11.4.3. Mandated counseling and/or drug and alcohol assessment
11.5 Consequences that are issued for an infraction can carry over from one season of sport to another based on the recommendation from the hearing panel. Furthermore, suspensions and/or consequences can carry over from one school year to the next.
11.6. The Athletic Administration or Hearing Panel may take into account a student’s cooperation, honesty, and attitude when determining consequences.
11.7. Self-Disclosure: Students who voluntarily disclose substance abuse dependency to school personnel/ parents and who involve themselves in an assessment and treatment program will not be penalized under this policy. The recommendations of the assessor will be shared with the principal in order that he/she may monitor adherence to the program.
12. Appeal Procedure - The Athletic Administration and/or Hearing Panel is charged with the interpretation and enforcement of this policy. Should a student or a parent/guardian wish to appeal decisions of the Athletic Administration or Hearing Panel they have the right to bring this matter to the Principal for resolution. Should the matter remain unresolved to the satisfaction of all concerned, the appeal may be made to the Associate Superintendent of Secondary Programs.
