Student/Parent Athletic Handbook

To the Student Athlete

It’s a pleasure to welcome you to Mason Public School’s athletic program. We consider it a privilege to work with you as you strive to become the best you can be, both as a student and as an athlete.

It will take considerable time and effort by you and your parent/guardian(s) to be successful in the athletic program. It will involve not only the hard work associated with physical conditioning and skill development, but also the discipline required to demonstrate sportsmanship and obey the rules of the athletic code. This same discipline and hard work will be required in the classroom. The athletes of Mason High School are expected to perform their best, on and off the athletic field. It is our belief that with a proper attitude and a willingness to work, you can achieve your full potential as a student and athlete. We wish you the very best as you pursue your goals and dreams as a Mason athlete.

If you or your parent/guardian(s) have questions regarding any information contained in the athletic handbook, please feel free to contact the high school athletic department.

To the Parent/Guardian

Your child has indicated an interest in participating in the program of interscholastic athletics offered by Mason High School. Students who choose to participate in athletic programs also choose to discipline and govern their behavior in accordance with the rules and policies established for our student-athletes. The rules established in our athletic code have been established to help our athletes perform to the highest levels of their ability by fostering sound behaviors related to athletic training, behavior, academic performance and teamwork. As participation upon our athletic teams is considered to be a privilege, failure to comply with the rules and policies provided within our athletic code may result in an athlete’s exclusion from participation.

Our athletic department accepts the responsibility to provide the following for each of our student-athletes:

• Well-maintained equipment and facilities
• Well-trained coaches
• Equalized contests with skilled officials, and
• Well-organized competitive arenas in which our students may grow and develop in physical and emotional safety

It is the mission of the department of athletics to foster the healthy physical and emotional growth of each of our student-athletes in the context of interscholastic athletic competition. We are striving for excellence and do not want our student-athletes to compromise and accept mediocrity. Parents/guardians can assist and support the mission of the athletic department by encouraging their children to comply with the rules contained within our athletic code and by enthusiastically supporting their student-athletes whenever and however they compete.

The guiding principle of Mason Public Schools Athletic Programs shall be the promotion of the general welfare of all students.

The Mason Athletic Program is designed to offer our students positive life experiences within the context of competitive interscholastic athletic activities. Interscholastic athletics are provided with the belief that the following goals may be accomplished through membership on an interscholastic athletic team:

• Teamwork and cooperation
• Good health and physical fitness
• Good sportsmanship and fair competition
• School spirit and loyalty
• Self-respect and respect for others
• Social skills development
• Emotional maturity development
• Hard work and discipline

The success of the program is not based solely on the win-loss record of the teams. A goal of the program is to have each participant reach his or her maximum potential. At all times the athletic program must be conducted in such a way as to justify it as an educational activity.

Freshmen

We believe that athletes competing at the freshmen level are still learning the fundamentals and developing the skills that will become increasingly important as they mature and progress athletically. Opportunities for participation are weighted more heavily upon skill development than upon the importance of winning and losing.

Junior Varsity

Players selected for participation at the junior varsity level have already demonstrated levels of skill development and commitment that allow greater emphasis upon team concepts and competitiveness. Though the development of skills and fundamentals will remain a primary focus at the junior varsity level, the balance between playing time and demonstrated skill begins to shift to the formulas that will offer the team the greatest competitive advantage.

Varsity

Athletes selected for participation at the varsity level understand that varsity sports are the most demanding in terms of the levels of ability, athleticism, commitment and competitiveness. Much greater emphasis is placed upon fielding teams that are highly competitive and decisions for participation are based upon the competitive abilities and contributions that individual athletes can offer which will enhance the team’s chances of winning.

Standards of Sportsmanship

• The reputation or image of Mason High School or the Capital Area Activities Conference should never be placed in jeopardy because of unsportsmanlike behavior. Students and fans attending athletic contests are encouraged to demonstrate positive enthusiasm and spirit which does not cause harm or embarrassment to our opponents and guests.
• Language which is offensive to others such as verbally abusing players, coaches or officials is always unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Vulgarity in any will always be considered unacceptable.
• Obscene/inflammatory gestures or materials (i.e. signs, t-shirts) are unacceptable.
• Dangerous and boisterous behaviors such as pushing, shoving, or fighting are not acceptable.
• The throwing of objects is unacceptable, and could result in an injury or the team being penalized by the game officials.
• Respect is the key to good sportsmanship. Opponents should be respected. They are not enemies, but teenagers who happen to attend other schools.
• Acknowledge good plays by both teams.
• Work together with cheerleaders for positive chants and avoid obscene or degrading cheers.
• Respect the rights and property of others when hosting or visiting other schools.
• Win with character and lose with dignity.

Spectator Behavior Guidelines for Home or Away Games

Everyone has a responsibility to demonstrate good sportsmanship for our student-athletes. This is easy when things go Mason’s way, but it is inevitable that there will be times this season when things will not go our way. There will be “bad calls” by officials, “perceived” poor play calling by coaches and mistakes made by players. However, keep in mind that officials, coaches, and players are all doing their best.

In the event that a spectator acts in an unsportsmanlike manner, he/she will be approached and advised of the inappropriate behavior by a staff member/game manager and may be removed from the event. A suspension of spectator privileges for all extracurricular activities will be imposed after a conference with a school administrator. Should a second offense occur, the spectator will be removed, and a suspension of spectator privileges will be imposed from all extracurricular activities for 1-60 school days. Should a third offense occur, the spectator will be removed, and a suspension of spectator privileges will be imposed from all extracurricular activities for at least 60 school days. If the spectator is a student, the parent/guardian will be contacted.

Participant Behavior Guidelines for Home or Away Games

Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Disqualification, Technical Fouls: Unsportsmanlike conduct is governed by the MHSAA and states “…a student/athlete or coach will be removed from the present contest and shall miss the next scheduled day of competition.” Depending on the severity of the unsportsmanlike conduct, the student/athlete from Mason could be declared ineligible for additional days of competition by the high school athletic director.

The following are requirements for full participation on any Mason Athletic Team:

Mason Athletic Code of Conduct

At the time a student tries out for an athletic team for the first time, he/she will be required to review the Mason Public Schools Student/Parent Athletic Handbook containing all the necessary forms and information for participating in athletics. Each parent/guardian shall read all of the enclosed material and certify that he/she understands the athletic eligibility rules, code of conduct and policies of the school district. The Student/Parent Athletic Contract signed annually by both the parent/guardian and student will remain in the athletic director’s office.

Physical Examination and Medical Treatment Consent Form

A valid physical examination card shall be submitted on or before the first day of team tryouts. In order to be valid, the physical card must be dated after April 15 of the previous school year. Each athlete’s parent/guardian shall complete an Athlete Medical Information and Medical Treatment Consent form giving permission for treatment by a physician or hospital when the parent/guardian(s) is not available.

Informed Consent

By its nature, participation in interscholastic athletics includes risk of injury which may range in severity. Mason Public Schools does not carry insurance to cover student athletic injuries and is not responsible for payment of medical services required by an athlete because of injury sustained or illness contracted while participating in any interscholastic sport. It is recommended that all athletes have medical insurance.

Scholastic Eligibility

In order to participate on a Mason High School athletic team, each student-athlete must have satisfied all of the scholastic eligibility requirements of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) and Mason High School prior to participation. In addition to these rules and regulations, the student-athlete is expected to comply with the eligibility requirements of the MHSAA and Mason Public Schools.

Financial Obligations

Student-athletes may be assessed an athletic participation fee for each season of participation to help offset the costs associated with the financial maintenance of the Mason High School athletic program. Students in need of financial assistance should inform their coach and athletic director. The athlete shall be responsible for proper use of equipment and for its prompt return at the end of the season. The athlete to whom it was issued must pay for lost, damaged, or stolen equipment. Any athlete who has not returned or paid for lost or damaged equipment shall not be issued any athletic awards or additional equipment until the matter is resolved. Seniors may not participate in commencement until all financial obligations are fulfilled.

Daily School Attendance

All student-athletes are expected to be in attendance the entire school day in order to participate in that day’s practice or contest(s). Parents/guardians are not to excuse student-athletes from school for non-emergency situations during a student’s athletic season. A student-athlete, after signing out of school due to illness, will not be allowed to return after school for a practice session or competition. Exceptions to the attendance requirement must be approved in advance by the athletic director and prior to the absence and/or participation.

Missing Practice

Perfect attendance for all practices is the expectation for all Mason student-athletes. If it is necessary for a student-athlete to miss a practice, the coach of that team shall be notified prior to the absence. Three (3) unexcused absences are unacceptable and will lead to the student-athlete’s dismissal from the team, forfeiture of awards, and no participation in another sport that season.

Dual Sport Participation

Participation in two sports during the same season is allowed, however, it requires the approval of both coaches and the athletic director. Students should exercise caution when gaining membership on teams where many conflicts are likely to exist. The student must designate which will be his/her primary sport. In the event of a conflict between two contests, the student will participate in the primary sport. Competition in the secondary sport will supersede practice in the primary sport unless otherwise agreed upon by the coaches of the teams involved.

Dropping or Transferring Sports

Unless mutually agreed upon by both coaches, and approved by the athletic director, players quitting a team may not play on another team until the season of the team he/she quit has concluded.

Transportation

Mason Public Schools will provide transportation of students to athletic events occurring Monday-Friday. Student participants in these events are required, except in the situations provided below, to ride in the designated school vehicles both to and from (when provided) the activity. In most instances, the method of transportation will be a school bus. In situations where a limited number of participants are involved, students may be transported via automobile or van that is driven by a school employee. Weekend (Saturday-Sunday) transportation may be provided to state tournament athletic events.

While the district normally requires that participants ride in school vehicles, some exceptions to the above regulations may exist depending on the circumstances. The following guidelines address these situations:

• Parents/guardians may transport their student to/from athletic events. In situations where parents/guardians transport their student, the district requires written notification to the coach supervising the team. This requirement enables coaches to have knowledge of each participant’s whereabouts before/after events away from the school. In case of emergency, the parent/guardian may provide verbal notice to the coach.
• Parents/guardians may elect to have their student athlete transported to and/or from an event by another family member or adult. In these special cases, the transported athlete’s parent/guardian must provide specific written permission that includes the date when it was granted. Advance notice is required and must be presented to the coach. In emergency cases, the parent/guardian may provide verbal notice to the coach.
• The district does not provide transportation to Saturday-Sunday athletic events, except for participants in state sponsored tournament events. Parents/guardians are responsible for the transportation to/from all other scheduled away Saturday and Sunday athletic events.

When transportation is provided, the district does not permit student participants to be transported by other students to and/or from school sponsored away activities. However, in the event that an athletic practice is regularly scheduled off campus (i.e. golf), and transportation is not provided, exceptions will be granted upon written parental request.

Inclement Weather

Practice

If school is canceled prior to the start of school because of inclement weather, all practices are canceled. If weather should permit, the varsity teams may have the possibility of practicing (non-mandatory) later in the day after receiving authorization from the athletic director. If school is canceled during the school day because of inclement weather, all practices will be canceled.

Contest

On days of inclement weather, the athletic director, in consultation with the superintendent, will announce whether and when contests will be held as quickly as possible.

Team Travel

Varsity team athletic trips which take place during the season are a valuable team experience and all members of the team are expected to participate. However, Mason Public Schools recognizes the importance of family time and acknowledges that if a student-athlete chooses to spend vacation with their family (while the team is traveling) the student-athlete will remain in good standing with the athletic team. Should that occur, everyone must fully understand that the student-athlete missing a full week of intense training must return to the team prepared to make up for lost practice time.

Health Information

All injuries and health issues (i.e. MRSA, concussions, etc.) which occur while participating in athletics should be reported to the athletic trainer and/or coach. Once student-athletes are treated by a physician, the athlete must obtain the doctor’s permission in order to return to the activity.

Concussions

MHSAA requires that, “any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional.” For more information, visit Understanding Concussion.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph that is resistant to certain antibiotics. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities, but more recently have occurred among persons on athletic teams. Staph or MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boils, and occur in otherwise healthy people.

Conflicts in Extracurricular Activities

We believe that the opportunity for participation in a wide variety of student selected activities is a vital part of the student’s educational experience. The student-athlete should exercise caution when gaining membership on teams and in activities where conflicts are likely to exist. When a conflict does arise, THE STUDENT MUST IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE SPONSORS/COACHES INVOLVED. If a student cannot fulfill the obligation of one activity without conflicting with another that student may be asked to withdraw from one of the conflicting activities. When a conflict occurs the sponsors, coaches and athletic director will work out a solution that minimizes pressure on the student (who feels allegiance to more than one activity) according to the following criteria:

• The relative importance of each event (performance/contest vs. practice.)
• The relative contribution the student can make
• Discussion between the school and the parents/guardians
• Any other contributing factors

Once the decision has been made and the student has followed that decision, he/she will not be penalized in any way by either faculty sponsor or coach.

Squad Selection

In accordance with our philosophy of athletics and our desire to see as many students as possible participate in our athletic program, we encourage coaches to keep as many students as possible on their respective teams. Choosing the members of athletic squads is the responsibility of the coaches with the approval of the athletic director. However, time, space, facilities, equipment, and other factors will place limitations on the most effective squad size for any particular sport. When a squad cut becomes a necessity, the process will include five important elements:

• Extent of try-out period (a minimum number of practice sessions).
• Criteria used for team selection
• Number to be selected
• Practice, Game, and Season commitment if they make the team (including possible holiday conflicts and/or commitments)
• Be personally informed by the coach (no posting lists) who will explain the rationale for the selection.

Coaches will discuss specific alternative possibilities for continued participation in the sport, or in other areas of participation within the athletic program with the athletes.

Playing Out of Level

The head coach may recommend any level change (up or down) at any time to the athletic director for approval. However, students will begin practice with their own age level unless prior approval is granted by the athletic director. If approval is granted, the head coach will discuss the move with the player and parents/guardians of the player. The physical, emotional, and social well-being of the athlete will be the main criteria used and will be evaluated periodically throughout the season when any level change occurs.

Athletic Awards

Freshman: Certificate and numerals
Junior Varsity: Certificate and Bulldog head
Varsity: Certificate, letter, and pin

One set of numerals, one bulldog head and one varsity letter will be awarded. When a player is on a championship team, then a second “champs” letter will be awarded. In order to earn an award, all athletes must complete the season in good standing and be recommended by the coach to the athletic director.

Special awards: Plaque or Certificate

• MVP, MIP, Sport Specific (i.e. Offensive Player)
• Senior Scholar Athletic Award
  • Four-year grade point average of 3.4 or better, two sports for three years and two Varsity “M” awards in senior year. No violations of the athletic code in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
• Senior Sportsmanship Award
  • Awarded to one male and one female athlete who have demonstrated excellent sportsmanship throughout their high school career.
• Four-Year Varsity Award
  • Four Varsity “M” awards in the same sport
• Three-Year Varsity Award
  • Three Varsity “M” awards in the same sport
• Tri “M” Award
  • Three Varsity Letters in any one year

Athletic Banquets and Gifts to Coaches

Coaches will inform parents/guardians and athletes in advance regarding specific details of the banquet. Students shall be discouraged from collecting money, allocating activity funds or purchasing gifts for staff members or coaches. The Board welcomes letters expressing gratitude or appreciation as more appropriate. Staff members or coaches may not accept gifts of a monetary value in excess of $100.00.

Communication Between Athletes, Parents/Guardians, and Coaches

It is our intent to work cooperatively as a unit for the welfare of each of our students. The following guidelines will provide the most effective communication:

• The student athlete should first discuss any problems with his/her coach.
• If the problem is not resolved, the parent/guardian and the student athlete should then meet with the coach.
• If this meeting does not result in the resolution of the problem, the parent/guardian, student-athlete, and coach may ask to meet with the athletic director.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches are the educational progress as related to athletic participation, suggestions for student-athlete improvement, behavior on and off the field or court, and the treatment of your child mentally and physically by the coach or team. Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches are playing time, team strategy, play calling and other student-athletes.

Please do not attempt to confront a coach just prior to, during or immediately after a contest or practice session. These are emotional and stressful times for the parent/guardian, athlete, coach, and team. Confrontations of this nature do not promote healthy resolutions.

Mason High School Sports Offerings

Mason High School Academic Eligibility Requirements

Students participating in interscholastic athletics will be evaluated every third week on Tuesday. Students must be passing at least four classes to be deemed eligible for competition the following week (Monday-Sunday). Ineligible students will then be evaluated weekly until they are meeting minimum standards (passing at least four classes). Students who are deemed eligible at the third week evaluation will not be evaluated again until the next evaluation three weeks later. Students must also be on track to graduate in 4 years (5 credits after 9th grade, 12½ credits after 10th grade, and 20 credits after 11th grade).

NCAA

All potential college athletes should contact the high school counseling department during their freshmen year for assistance in selecting appropriate classes so as to meet the NCAA eligibility requirements before graduation. NCAA eligibility packets are available in the counseling office.

To be eligible for interscholastic athletics, a high school student must comply with the following state regulations:

1. AGE: High school students become ineligible if they reach their 19th birthday before September 1 of a current school year.
2. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Students must have on file, in the school’s office, a physician’s statement for the current school year (on or after April 15), certifying that he/she is physically able to compete in athletic practices and contests. A signed consent to disclosure of information otherwise protected by FERPA and HIPAA must also be on file prior to participation.
3. ENROLLMENT: Students must be enrolled in the school they are representing prior to the fourth Friday after Labor Day for the first semester/trimester or second trimester or prior to the fourth Friday of February for the second semester or second or third trimester.
4. MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT: Students cannot be eligible in high school for more than eight semesters, or twelve trimesters and the seventh and eighth semesters or 10th, 11th and 12th trimesters must be consecutive. Students are allowed four first semesters and four second semesters or four first, four second and four third trimesters of enrollment and competition and cannot compete if they have graduated from high school or accepted a GED.
5. ACADEMIC RECORDS: Students must have received credit for at least the equivalent of 66 percent of full class load potential for a full time student in the previous semester/trimester of enrollment, and must be currently receiving credit toward graduation and passing the same on the transcript of the school they represent in competition.
6. TRANSFER STUDENTS:Under the Sport Specific Transfer rule, students who change schools and do not meet one of the 15 stated exceptions and their interpretations, such as a full and complete residential change as defined – would not be eligible for the upcoming season in a sport he or she participated in during the previous season in that sport. Participation means actually entering into an interscholastic scrimmage or contest. Students who transfer during a season in which they are participating are ineligible for the rest of that season and they remain ineligible at all levels of that sport through the next complete season in that sport.
   • A transfer student would have immediate eligibility in a sport not played in the previous school year.
   • An otherwise eligible transfer student who changes schools later in a season, after set dates, is not eligible for MHSAA Tournaments in that sport but may play in the regular season. (Oct. 1 for Fall sports, Feb. 1 for Winter sports, May 1 for Spring sports).
7. UNDUE INFLUENCE: The use of undue influence by any person directly or indirectly associated with a school to secure or encourage the attendance of a student for athletic purposes, shall cause the student to become ineligible for a minimum of 90 scheduled school days and a maximum of one year.
8. LIMITED TEAM MEMBERSHIP: After practicing with or participating with high school teams, students cannot participate in athletic competition not sponsored by his or her school in the same sport in the same season. Exceptions include ice hockey and all individual sports, which apply the rule from the point of a student’s first participation in a contest or scrimmage, rather than practice. In tennis, the rule applies from the first date that practices are allowed to commence for any player. In skiing, it applies when the team holds its first scrimmage or contest. Students in individual sports may participate in a maximum of two (2) non-school individual meets or contests during the school season while not representing their school.
9. ALL-STAR COMPETITION: Students shall not compete at any time in any MHSAA tournament sport jurisdiction in all-star contests or national high school championships, regardless of the method of selection. Participation in such a contest shall cause that student to become ineligible for a maximum period of one year of school enrollment.
10. AWARD STATUS & AWARDS: Students cannot receive money or other valuable consideration for participating in MHSAA-sponsored sports or officiating in interscholastic athletic contests, except as allowed by the MHSAA HANDBOOK. Students may accept, for participating in MHSAA sponsored sports, a symbolic or merchandise award which does not have a value over $40. Banquets, luncheons, dinners, trips and admissions to events, are permitted if accepted “in kind.” Awards in the form of cash, merchandise, certificates, or any other type of negotiable document are never allowed.

Warning! Steroid Use

A person who knowingly uses an androgen anabolic steroid in violation of Section 17766a of the public health code, Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, being section 17766a of the Michigan Compiled Laws, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or a fine of not more than $100, or both.

The above MHSAA Regulations are presented in an abbreviated form. To view the complete MHSAA Handbook, visit the MHSAA website. If you have any questions regarding interpretation of the above eligibility rules, please contact the athletic director.

Number of Contests Regulations

A high school may have any number of teams in each sport, but only one team from that school may enter the MHSAA tournament for that sport each season. No team or individual is to exceed the following number of contests, games or days of competition in addition to the MHSAA meets or tournaments:

Games – Contests

Days of Competition

State Tournaments are not included in the above.

A total of four (4) scrimmages are allowed per season for all sports, two of which may be used prior to the first competition.

The Athletic Code of Conduct is in effect for the entire calendar year. Student-athletes are not released from adherence to provisions of the Code of Conduct during vacation periods.

The Student/Parent Athletic Handbook (which includes the athletic code of conduct) is in effect beginning with a student-athlete’s first day of participation in an extra-curricular activity and continuing through to the date of graduation or the last date of participation, whichever is later. All infractions will be penalized and be applicable at any time during the calendar year and will carry over from year to year.

The student-athlete is expected to conduct himself/herself in a manner that is consistent with team rules. The coach, with the approval of the athletic director, will deal with violations of team rules. If the coach and athletic director disagree on the proposed disciplinary action, the matter will be referred to the building principal for resolution.

Athlete Misconduct

Athletes who engage in prohibited behaviors or activities will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension from participation in team events or expulsion from Mason athletic programs. Misconduct records shall be maintained from the time the student enters the high school athletic program and progressive discipline will be applied for multiple offenses throughout the athlete’s participation in the program. The following is the disciplinary guide for all student-athletes.

• Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco: Use or possession of alcohol, marijuana/illegal drugs, steroids, or prescription drugs used illegally or tobacco (in any product form, i.e. vaping) by the athlete is prohibited. Violation will result in a suspension from competition for 1/3 of the scheduled contests or 20% of the scheduled contests plus 20 hours of community service approved by the athletic director to be completed beforethe student-athlete may resume competition.
  • 1st offense: 1/3 of scheduled contests
  • 2nd offense: 1/2 of scheduled contests
  • 3rd offense: 3/4 of scheduled contests
  • 4th offense: Indefinite Suspension
• Suspension Reduction: Any athlete who successfully completes an approved awareness program (i.e. Teen Court or N-O-T Program) may have their suspension reduced to 20% of scheduled contests. This option may only be utilized once during a student-athlete’s career.
• Distribution and Narcotics: Athletes who distribute an illegal or prescription drug or use or possess a narcotic or illegal Class I or II prescription drug shall be indefinitely suspended from the athletic program unless there are extreme mitigating circumstances. In these cases, the High School Administration may modify the level of discipline imposed.
• Inappropriate Conduct: Athletes who engage in conduct unbecoming of a student-athlete and a representative of Mason Public Schools such as, but not limited to, suspension from school, inappropriate use of technology, inappropriate language, theft, cheating, and disrespect to athletic officials or opposing team members may be suspended for one or more scheduled contests as determined by the athletic director. Athletes who are found in violation for a second or third offense will receive a progressive suspension or expulsion from the athletic program as determined by the athletic director. A fourth offense shall result in an indefinite suspension from the athletic program.
• Gross Misconduct: Athletes who are convicted and/or adjudicated of gross misconduct or felonious behavior shall be expelled from the athletic program unless there are extreme mitigating circumstances. In those cases, the Superintendent may modify the level of discipline imposed.
• Hazing/Bullying: Student-athletes shall not be involved in bullying, initiations, or hazing of other athletes or team members. Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to bullying/hazing/initiation shall not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy. Such actions will result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from athletic participation. Coaches will talk to their teams at the beginning of each season to impress upon the team members the seriousness of any initiation or hazing practices.
• Self Disclosure: Any athlete who, by him/herself or together with his/her parent or legal guardian, voluntarily discloses a violation of the Athletic Code of Conduct prior to any reports, charges, or complaints and within seven days of the occurrence of the violation may have the level of discipline modified on the first offense. Such modification shall be approved by the High School Administration. This self-disclosure policy will only be available to student-athletes once during their athletic career at Mason High School.
• Due Process: Discipline procedures are administered with due process in mind. Therefore students are: 1) Provided with oral or written examples of misbehavior; 2) Provided an opportunity to present their view of the situation; 3) Entitled to an explanation of the reasons used for disciplinary action.
• Indefinite Suspension: A Student Athlete who has received an indefinite suspension must be suspended no fewer than 365 days from the date of suspension. At that time, a student may apply for reinstatement to the athletic program. The student must submit their request for reinstatement in writing, citing the various steps the student has taken to alter their behavior and regain the trust of the school. Upon receipt of this written request, the Athletic Director will make a decision to reinstate. This decision will be final.

Determination of Partial Season Suspension

• If the suspension can be served within the same season and the contests are not divisible by 3 (for a 1/3 season suspension) the suspension shall be rounded to the next whole number. Post-season play will count toward the suspension.
• If the suspension overlaps seasons, the suspension shall be determined by taking the number of days of competition left in the season that the athlete is currently in and divide by the total number of games in the season. This will result in a decimal value. Subtract this value from .33 (if the suspension is 1/3 of the season) and multiply it by the number of games in the next season the athlete will participate. Round up to the whole number and this will be the number of games the athlete is suspended from in their next season of participation.
• The student-athlete must finish the season in “good standing” in order for contests missed to be counted toward suspension. Good standing is demonstrated by a continued commitment to the team by attending practices and contests through the close of the season and attending the team banquet. Good standing would be further demonstrated by a student who displays a positive attitude and accepts his/her role on the team.