Athletics / Athletic Code (2024)

OTHELLO SCHOOL DISTRICT

2019-20 ATHLETIC CODE

PHILOSOPHY:

Othello High School provides an athletic/activity program, which sets high standards for participating students. The athletic/activity program is extra-curricular only in the sense that student involvement is voluntary and a privilege and, to a great extent, requires an investment of considerable time outside the regular school day. Athletics/Activities contribute to educational opportunities offered by Othello School District. Therefore, with these opportunities available, students are expected to represent the school as a part of the community, with exemplary behavior wherever they go, as the public will take notice.

It is essential that every student-athlete involved in the athletic program understand that no matter how formidable the opponent, the team competes to win. However, students must also know that no disgrace comes to the team that plays its best when it is behind at the end of the contest. This includes individual competition as well. Winning is not the guiding principle; it is how well the team or individual plays the game.

Athletics/Activities develop specific individual character traits such as cooperation, an understanding of physical well-being, determination, perseverance, self-discipline, emotional control, realization of self-limitations, and sportsmanship. These traits and others carry over into later life. Athletics/Activities continually expose and test these traits. If practiced long enough, these traits will be reinforced. In summary, let us together strive towards goals that will reinforce positive traits.

PROTECT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY:

To Participate in High School Athletics, You Must:

1. Be less than 20 years old at the beginning of any sport season;
2. Be enrolled and in regular attendance within the first 15 school days of the current semester in order to participate in the current semester;
3. Be passing ALL enrolled academic classes;
4. Have athletic injury insurance approved by Othello High School;
5. Have passed a physical examination from a medical authority licensed to perform a physical examination (physical exams are good for 13 months from the date of exam).

Your Eligibility May be Subject to Special Rules:

1. If you want to participate in non-school athletic activities;
2. If your family does NOT live in the school district in which you attend;
3. If you have transferred from one school to another within the last academic year.

To Participate in Interscholastic Athletics, You:

1. Cannot be eligible for more than four consecutive years after beginning ninth grade;
2. Cannot accept, from any source, awards of intrinsic value except letters awarded by your school or medals or trophies given in high school contests;
3. Cannot accept any merchandise totaling more than $300 in retail value in one calendar year; cannot accept a cash award. Cannot play on any professional team in any sport, nor sign a professional athletic contract nor enter a competition under an assumed name.

Note: There may be more restrictive school and/or league requirements in addition to the above rules. Consult your athletic director and the school, league, and WIAA handbook for precise wording or regulations.

CONCUSSION INFORMATION:

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious.

You can’t see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs or symptoms of a concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of a concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

• Headaches
• “Pressure in head”
• Nausea or vomiting
• Neck pain
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish or slowed down
• Feeling foggy or groggy
• Drowsiness
• Change in sleep patterns
• Amnesia
• “Don’t feel right”
• Fatigue or low energy
• Sadness
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Irritability
• More emotional
• Confusion
• Concentration or memory problems (forgetting game plays)
• Repeating the same question/comment

Signs observed by teammates, parents, and coaches include:

• Appears dazed
• Vacant facial expression
• Confused about assignment
• Forgets plays
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily or displays incoordination
• Answers questions slowly
• Slurred speech
• Shows behavioral or personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior to hit
• Can’t recall events after hit
• Seizures or convulsions
• Any change in typical behavior or personality
• Loses consciousness

What can happen if my child continues to participate with a concussion or returns too soon?

Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athletes will often fail to report symptoms of injuries. Concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key to student-athlete’s safety.

What if I think my child has suffered a concussion?

Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. IHSA Policy requires athletes to provide their school with written clearance from either a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches or a certified athletic trainer working in conjunction with a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches prior to returning to play or practice following a concussion or after being removed from an interscholastic contest due to a possible head injury or concussion and not cleared to return to that same contest. In accordance with state law, all IHSA member schools are required to follow this policy. You should also inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion.

Remember it’s better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out. For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to:

http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports/

STUDENT STANDARDS FOR ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY:

WIAA Standards for Interscholastic Eligibility

All contestants must be eligible under the rules of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to participate in an interscholastic contest. Eligibility rules pertain to age; student being a member of the school; Running Start; scholarship; previous semester; attendance; residence; transferring students; season limitations; gender identity participation; amateur standing; physical examination; exchange students; and Washington laws and student eligibility.

• Some of these rules will be addressed further in other sections of this athletic code
• Othello School District may have more restrictive eligibility standards than the WIAA
• For further information about WIAA rules, contact the Othello School District Athletic Director

Students in violation of WIAA rules may be restricted from game competition. The Athletic Director will notify any student found in violation of a WIAA rule in writing. This decision may be appealed through the WIAA Activity District 5 Eligibility Committee. Proper appeal forms can be obtained from the A.S.B. secretary. It is the responsibility of the person in violation to satisfactorily complete and return the forms to the Athletic Director.

Othello High School Standards for Interscholastic Eligibility

Students participating in WIAA athletics/activities must follow these guidelines in order to become eligible to participate in practice or competition: as an athlete or as a student manager/statistician:

1. Members of the Student Body: A student must have these items on file with the Associated Student Body (ASB) secretary before a clearance slip is issued:
   1. Athletic/Activity Registration Form along with Athletic/Activity Code signed by the student and parent/guardian;
   2. Physician’s approval for participation (including Dance & Drill and

Cheerleaders);

1. ASB card purchased;
2. Financial responsibility (proof of purchase of insurance required);
3. Emergency and Guardian Consent Form, signed by both student and parent/guardian;
4. Completed Athletic Eligibility Form;
5. Social Media Policy and Guidelines for Student-Athletes, signed by both student and parent/guardian;
6. All fines must be paid in full.

Note:

• A clearance slip from the ASB secretary does not mean that WIAA eligibility requirements have been met;
• A school staff member who sponsors, promotes, or directs activities during the summer vacation shall clearly indicate that he/she is operating independent of the Othello School District. As such, the school district shall be free of liability associated with the activity. Authorization for use of school facilities shall not be considered as an endorsem*nt or approval of the activity group or organization nor the purposes it represents;
• Student-athletes requiring the attention of a physician due to illness and/or injury must have a physician’s written release prior to returning to practice and/or competition.

2. Academic Scholarship: The following rules pertain to the academic scholarship athletes must maintain in order to participate in athletic contests. A student must maintain a passing grade in all academic classes in the previous and current semester and be on track for graduation per a student's graduating class requirements. The record at the end of the semester shall be final except for those credits earned in a regular accredited correspondence or summer school program and accepted by the school district.

Incompletes may be made up for credit following regular school rules for incompletes. However, the student shall be ineligible for interscholastic competition until the incomplete(s) is cleared.

Students on track for graduation but failing to meet previous semester credit requirement shall be placed on suspension through the fourth Saturday in September in the fall, or the first five weeks of the succeeding semester. Each student is eligible on Monday of the week following the end of the suspension. Three or more teaching days shall comprise a week. A student who does not meet the on track to graduate requirements will be placed on suspension indefinitely, until he or she is back on line for graduation.

1. Grade Checks: A grade check will be made every Wednesday, beginning with the third week of each semester. Beginning with the third week of any grade check, if a student is not passing all classes, he/she will be placed on probation until the following Monday. The student is able to continue to practice and compete at the discretion of the coach. For students on academic probation, they may regain eligibility at any point in which the student is passing all academic classes. The student-athlete, coach, and teacher(s) will be in communication for verification of a passing grade. If a student is academically ineligible after a probationary period, the student may still practice but will not travel with the team, will not sit on the bench, nor will he/she participate in any official athletic contests. If a student-athlete is placed on probation three times throughout the same season, they will be athletically ineligible for a period of two weeks.

Students wanting to participate in athletics/activities who are enrolled less than full-time in Othello High School, such as Running Start or home-schooling options, are subject to the guidelines for eligibility found in the WIAA Handbook and the Othello High School guidelines for eligibility, whichever standards are higher.

The Othello High School Eligibility Standards will be consistently applied to all students. School Board (or schools so authorized by school district policy) adopted standards greater than WIAA standards will be applied.

1. Hardship: Students and/or parents may appeal academic probation or ineligibility in writing or orally to the school principal on the basis of hardship/extraordinary circ*mstances. Exceptions to the required academic standards may be made by the principal and/or a committee consisting of the building administrator(s) and district athletic director. The decision of the Principal or committee is final.

IEP or 504 student eligibility will be determined on an individual basis and according to the IEP and/or 504 Plan.

1. Transfers from OHS to Desert Oasis: Upon transfer from OHS to DOHS, the student will meet with the principal of DOHS to set up an academic/attendance/behavior contract specific to that student, which may include a suspension period from competition in athletics/activities. The length of the period will be determined by the principal, with consultation provided by the district athletic director.

3. Attendance in Class: In order to participate in athletics, students taking course work at the middle school or high school must attend all of his/her assigned classes during a school day before participating the day of practice or game activity. If a student is absent from school the day prior to a Saturday or vacation event, participation must be approved by the coach. Exceptions may be made by the principal, assistant principal, or athletic director for medical appointments, family emergency, and funeral as a reason for being gone from school. Verification of an appointment may be required. Students gone from campus for school-related absences would be considered being in attendance at school. Please refer to the Student Handbook for attendance procedures.

4. Attendance at Practice: An athlete not attending practice the day before a game/contest will not be allowed to participate in that game/contest. The principal, assistant principal or athletic director, for such things as medical appointments, family emergency, funeral or other unavoidable circ*mstances may make exceptions to this rule. When possible the athlete must receive this clearance before missing the practice.

5. Responsibility of Equipment: A student must be in good standing with the school and particular area of participation. This means that school-owned equipment checked out by a participant in any sport is his/her responsibility. The loss or misuse of equipment will be the financial obligation of the participant. Participants will not be allowed to continue competition or allowed to receive awards until this obligation is fulfilled.

6. Transportation: All students are expected to travel to and from out-of-town contests with transportation provided by the Othello School District.

Exceptions:

• In case of personal or family inconvenience, other arrangements may be made (usually the student riding with someone other than his/her parent/guardian). A permission slip signed by the parent/guardian, obtained from the school office, must be signed by the coach and then by a principal or athletic director prior to the team departing. The slip then must be returned to the coach
• A participant may be released only to a parent/guardian with a face-to-face release and a written note to the coach/advisor stating the parent/guardian’s intent to take their own child home with them.

7. Changing Sports: The student must obtain a new clearance slip before being allowed to begin practicing in the second sport, and the permission of the new sport’s coach to participate in that sport.

8. Athletic Season: The athletic season shall run from the date of the first WIAA practice until the Monday after the last contest.

VIOLATIONS OF THE ATHLETIC CODE:

1. Tobacco, Alcoholic Beverages, Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, and Steroids: The use of tobacco products, alcohol, legend drugs (including anabolic steroids), vaping or vape devices including electronic devices, controlled substances (including marijuana/cannabis) and controlled substance analogs is prohibited. The intent to portray or imitate any substance as drugs, alcohol, tobacco or other banned substances is prohibited, and will result in the same consequence as though imitation is what it has portrayed to be. Any athlete possessing, selling and/or using tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, legend drugs (including anabolic steroids), controlled substances (including marijuana/cannabis) or controlled substance analogs, or drug paraphernalia during the athletic school year (see definitions below) shall be subject to disciplinary action below.

2. Criminal Acts: Acts contrary to the laws of the State of Washington – such acts include misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies. Acceptance of community service or deferred disposition, etc., in lieu of prosecution shall be considered a violation of this code. Criminal acts subject to the following discipline:

The offenses in sections 1 and 2 above will result in consequences which are accumulative for a student’s entire middle school and high school participation, but will not be cumulative from middle school participation to high school participation. However, students under athletic sanction at the end of the middle school must complete the required disciplinary action imposed.

First Violation: In-season or out-of-season will result in a four competitive week suspension. At the conclusion of the four competitive weeks, in order to be eligible to participate in the next interscholastic sports season, the student-athlete shall meet with the school eligibility board consisting of coaches and administrators selected by the principal to request approval to participate. The school eligibility board will recommend to the principal appropriate action to be taken in the student-athlete's case. The school principal shall have the final authority as to the student-athlete's participation in interscholastic sports program.

Second Violation: In-season or out-of-season will result in suspension from all sports in the Othello School District for one calendar year (365 consecutive days) from the date of the second violation. For a second offense from section 1 above, the participant will be required to complete counseling, related to the offense, at the parent/guardian expense before being allowed to participate at any time in the future.

Third Violation: In-season or out-of-season, will result in permanent ineligibility from interscholastic competition in the Othello School District. A student-athlete who seeks and receives help for a problem with the use of legend drugs (RCW 69.41.010 identified substances) shall be given the opportunity for assistance through the school and/or community agencies. In no instance shall participation in a school and/or community approved assistance program excuse a student-athlete from subsequent compliance with this regulation. However, successful utilization of such an opportunity or compliance with athletic code by the student-athlete may allow him/her to have eligibility reinstated in the athletic program, pending recommendation by the school eligibility authority.

WASHINGTON LAWS AND STUDENT ELIGIBILITY (23.30):

Whenever State of Washington laws prohibit eligibility, or as a result of the violation student eligibility is restricted by law, the member schools of WIAA shall minimally restrict participation in those activities under WIAA's jurisdiction as prescribed by law.

23.30.1 Penalties for Violation of RCW 69.41.020 - 69.41.050 (Legend drugs including anabolic steroids possession, sale, and/or use) –

A violation of RCW 69.1.020 - 69.41.050 shall be considered a violation of the eligibility code and standards, and shall subject the student to disciplinary actions. The following penalties will be administered:

First Violation: Student-athlete shall be immediately ineligible for interscholastic competition in the current interscholastic sports program for the remainder of the season. Ineligibility shall continue until the next sports season in which the student-athlete wishes to turn out. In order to be eligible to participate in the next interscholastic sports season, the student-athlete shall meet with the school eligibility board consisting of coaches and administrators selected by the principal to request approval to participate. The school eligibility board will recommend to the principal appropriate action to be taken in the student-athlete's case. The school principal shall have the final authority as to the student-athlete's participation in interscholastic sports program.

A student-athlete who seeks and receives help for a problem with the use of legend drugs (RCW 69.41.010 identified substances) shall be given the opportunity for assistance through the school and/or community agencies. In no instance shall participation in a school and/or community approved assistance program excuse a student-athlete from subsequent compliance with this regulation. However, successful utilization of such an opportunity or compliance with athletic code by the student-athlete may allow him/her to have eligibility reinstated in the athletic program, pending recommendation by the school eligibility authority.

Second Violation: A student-athlete who again violates any provision of RCW 69.41.020 through 69.41.050 shall be ineligible and prohibited from participating in any WIAA member school interscholastic sports' program for a period of one (1) calendar year from the date of the second violation.

Third Violation: A student-athlete who violates for a third time RCW 69.41.020 - 69.41.050 shall be permanently prohibited from participation in any WIAA member school athletic program.

ATTENDANCE AT FUNCTIONS where alcohol or drugs are being unlawfully used shall be a violation of this code. Athletes are prohibited from supporting, by their attendance, functions where alcohol or drugs are being unlawfully used, or placing themselves in circ*mstances where they should reasonably know that such conditions could exist. Participants under this code are to safely leave the function IMMEDIATELY.

• First Offense: Removal from the next contest in which the athlete is to participate.
• Subsequent Offense: The athlete will be judged using consequence steps outlined above, starting with First Violation.

REPORTING VIOLATIONS: Adults from the community may report violations of the code to a coach and/or school administrator by submitting and signing a written statement as evidence. Photos that are submitted must contain a written statement and be signed in order for credibility to be determined. Photos will be reviewed to determine authenticity and possible discipline. The photos and statements shall be submitted in a reasonable and timely fashion from the date of the infraction. Statements and photos that are not submitted in a timely manner will be reviewed and considered regarding credibility and discipline. Anonymous reporting or photos will not be accepted.

OTHER TYPES OF MISCONDUCT – VIOLATIONS OF THE ATHLETIC/ACTIVITY CODE:

1. Types of misconduct for which discipline may be imposed, but not limited to:
   1. Student conduct or expression that could be considered lewd, indecent, or obscene;
   2. Bullying, intimidation, or harassment of another student(s);
   3. Hazing another student(s);
   4. Ejections from a school contest;
   5. Conduct, determined by administration, which has a negative reflection on the school, team, or activity;
   6. Violations of the Social Media Policy and Guidelines for Student-Athletes;
   7. Any conduct or expression that causes a substantial or material disruption or obstruction of any school function or operation including disrupting other students or school personnel;
   8. Any conduct or expression away from school and after school hours and weekends, which is a negative reflection on the school, team, or activity.

2. Consequences for “Other Types of Misconduct” violations:

Note exception for Social Media Policy & Guidelines for Student-Athletes, below.

1. First Strike: proper notification will be made and student will be prohibited from competing in next contest;
2. Second Strike: proper notification will be made and participant will be on probation for four competitions. If a student quits the sport before serving the consequences, the punishment will carry over to the next sport season that the athlete participated in;
3. Third Strike: proper notification will be made and participant will be prohibited from competing for one calendar year (365 days from violation)

The head coach, in consultation with the principal and/or athletic director, has the ability to suspend or remove a student from the team on the first inappropriate violation of the Social Media Policy & Guidelines for Student-Athletes.

• Prior to questioning, student self-reporting may reduce discipline imposed.
• Participants will not be allowed to receive awards such as “Player of the Week” during any period of suspension. A participant will not be awarded a letter if he/she has reached the third strike or has been ejected from competition twice in one season.
• Strikes are cumulative for the current school year. However, discipline due to strikes must be completed, which may include the following school year or a different sport season. Students under athletic sanction at the end of their middle school competition must complete the required disciplinary action. Seasons are defined in the WIAA Handbook.
• Coach Rules: Each coach is responsible for the conduct of athletes within his or her program. Therefore, students turning out for a sport may receive an additional set of rules and consequences, specific to the sport they are participating in, from the coach explaining expected conduct and penalties for infractions.

3. Appeal Procedures for Exclusion from a Squad:

Every attempt should be made on the part of the student-athlete, parent/guardian and coach to resolve any conflict at the lowest possible level. If that is not possible, an appeal must be made within three (3) school business days. The Athletic Director will conduct an investigation of the infraction with consultation from one of the building administrators and the appropriate consequence will be determined.

The exclusion from competition will be enforced during the appeal process. The following chart should be used and followed step-by-step in the appeals process. There should also be an appeals committee composed of the following: principal or vice principal, counselor, and one staff member. This committee would hear the appeal, investigate the situation and then make a decision regarding the situation. If the parent/guardian wants to continue to appeal to a higher level they have the opportunity to contact the Othello School District office with-in three (3) school business days.

Each step in the appeals process should answer the following questions with a recommendation made:

1. Was the student-athlete involved in at least one meeting?
2. Was the decision made in a prudent manner?
3. Was the procedure for exclusion followed?

A recommendation should be made on how the matter is to be resolved based on answers to the first three questions.

4. Notification:

Any time there is an infraction, the following people shall be notified:

• Participant o Parent/Guardian of participant o Coach
• Athletic Director o Assistant Principal o Principal o Superintendent
• School Board

A report card will be prepared for the participant that will follow him/her from season-to-season.

Rules for Coaches:

1. A coach shall refrain from using obscene or vulgar language and refrain from fighting on or off the field of play;
2. A coach shall not steal or use another's property without permission of the owner;
3. A coach shall not engage in conduct detrimental to the team or school, which includes violations of the Penal Code of the State of Washington;
4. A coach shall show respect for the participants and officials and all comments and actions shall be in a positive tone;
5. Coaches are responsible for setting a good example, enforcing the players' rules and disciplining the players.

Infractions by Coaches:

• First Infraction: Report filed
• Second Infraction: Probation
• Third Infraction: Suspended for 1-3 contests
• Fourth Infraction: Termination of coaching contract

The athletic director is responsible for initiating disciplinary actions concerning coaches.

Each school will promote goodwill to the visiting teams.

Rules for Parents and Fans:

1. A parent or fan shall not use obscene or vulgar language;
2. A parent or fan shall not steal or use another’s property without permission of the owner;
3. A parent or fan shall not be physically or verbally abusive toward any participant, coach, other parent or fan, or official of the contest;
4. Parents and fans should police other parents and fans, keeping cheering and comments positive.

If behavior of parents and fans is not conducive to sportsmanship as outlined in these rules, they will be removed from the contest site. If a parent or fan is removed more than once during a sport season, they will not be allowed to attend a contest for the balance of that sport season, whether home or away.

Rules for Officials:

1. An official shall not use obscene or vulgar language;
2. An official shall not steal or use another’s property without permission of the owner;
3. An official shall not be physically or verbally abusive toward any participant, coach, parent or fan, or other official of the contest;

The coach to the athletic director shall initiate the complaint process. The athletic director may process the claim to the appropriate association.

Accountability:

All rules and/or appeals will be compiled by the athletic director and filed with all levels:

• Coach
• Athletic Director
• Assistant Principal
• Principal
• Superintendent
• Participant and Parent/Guardian

The school board will report statistics to the public:

• Number of complaints of each category; Number of first, second and third strikes;
• Number of expulsions, etc.

This information will allow the public to monitor progress and improvement. The statistics will be anonymous and provide numbers only. This procedure gives the school board backup with the WIAA and will guarantee the ability to hold everyone accountable.

Definitions:

• Probation: A trial period during which and athlete remains part of the team. The athlete attempts to correct his/her deficiencies within the prescribed time. The athlete will not be able to participate (compete, suit-up, or travel) in contests involving other schools during this time. Students on probation are required to attend all practices and fulfill the responsibilities of the team, unless released by the coach.
• Suspension: An action that denies an athlete participation in athletics for a period of time. In case where an athletic suspension carries over into part of his/her next sports season, it reverts to a probationary period provided the athlete completes that entire sport season.
• Athletic School Year: Begins with the first fall practice and ends with the last day of school.
• In-Season: Begins with the first WIAA allowed practice day and ends with the awards ceremony for that sport.
• Out-of-Season: Any time not “in-season”.
• Calendar Year: Twelve (12) months from the time a participant is again eligible to compete from a rule infraction.

Discrimination Statement: Othello School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs, activities and employment; and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination for Title IX, Section 504/ADA, Compliance of 28A.640 & 28A.642 RCW: Assistant Superintendent, Compliance Officer, 615 E. Juniper Street, Othello, WA 99344; 509-488-2659.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY & GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTATHLETES:

Playing and competing for the Othello School District is a privilege. Student-athletes at Othello High School are held in the highest regard and are seen as role models in the community. As leaders you have the responsibility to portray your team, your school and yourselves in a positive manner at all times. Sometimes this means doing things that are an inconvenience to you, but benefit the whole team.

Texting, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine and other social media sites have increased in popularity globally, and are used by the majority of student-athletes here at Othello High School in one form or another.

Student-athletes should be aware that third parties – including the media, faculty, future employers and WIAA officials – could easily access your profiles and view all personal information. This includes all pictures, videos, comments and posters. Inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of the student-athlete, the team and the school. This can also be detrimental to a student-athlete’s future employment options, whether in sports or in other industries.

Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors concerning participation in online communities may include, but are not limited to, depictions or presentations of the following:

• Photos, videos, comments or posters showing the personal use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco e.g., holding cups, bottles, cans, shot glasses, etc.
• Photos, videos, and comments that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a p*rnographic nature and other inappropriate material.
• Photos, videos, comments or posters that condone drug-related activity. This includes but is not limited to images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
• Content online that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, demeaning or threatening toward any other individual or entity (examples: derogatory comments regarding another school; taunting comments aimed at a student-athlete, coach or team at another institution and derogatory comments against race and/or gender). No posts should depict or encourage unacceptable, violent or illegal activities (examples: hazing, sexual harassment/assault, gambling, discrimination, fighting, vandalism, academic dishonesty, underage drinking, and illegal drug use).
• Content online that would constitute a violation of team, school, and league rules (examples: commenting/posting publicly about a coach, teammate, opponent, official, staff member, and school employees).
• Information that is sensitive or personal in nature or is proprietary to the team or the school, which is not public information (examples: tentative or future team schedules, student-athlete injuries and eligibility status, travel plans/itineraries or information).

Please remember, the head coach, in consultation with the principal and/or athletic director have the ability to suspend, or remove a student from the team on the first inappropriate violation of the Social Media Policy & Guidelines for Student-Athletes.

For your own safety, please keep the following recommendations in mind as you participate in social media websites:

• Set your security settings so that only your friends can view your profile;
• You should not post your email, home address, local address, telephone number(s), or other personal information as it could lead to unwanted attention, stalking, identity theft, etc.;
• Be aware of who you add as a friend to your site – many people may be looking to take advantage of student‐athletes or to seek connection with student-athletes;
• Consider how the above behaviors can be reflected in all social media applications. If you are ever in doubt of the appropriateness of your online public material, consider whether it upholds and positively reflects your own values and ethics as well as that of Othello

High School, and your team. Remember, always present a positive image and do not do anything to embarrass yourself, the team, your family or the school.