High School Code of Conduct

The co-curricular activity program is an important part of the educational experience. It provides opportunities for learning experiences difficult to duplicate in regular school activities. When participants and their parents/guardians fully commit to a co-curricular activity, the following objectives can be achieved:

1. To develop leadership skills that seek to promote goal setting, work ethic, and personal resolve. This can be accomplished through hard work, overcoming challenges, communicating effectively, understanding commitment,  navigating adversity, and appreciating success.
2. To teach attitudes of responsibility and cooperation, and to help students realize that participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege with accompanying responsibilities.
3. To help students learn and develop good habits of health and safety.
4. To provide activities that help to create school unity, a sense of connectedness, and self-confidence.
5. To provide activities for learning self-discipline, loyalty, team play, personal pride, pride in the organization, respect for the rights of others, and the will to be successful.
6. To provide students with opportunities for competition in their areas of interest and skill.
7. To provide students with opportunities to place the unit, team, squad, class, and school above personal desires.

• Co-curricular activities are defined as any school-related, organized activity that is offered outside of academic class requirements.  
• Participation in any AASD co-curricular activity is governed by district policies and school rules.
• Co-curricular activities governed by our AASD Code of Conduct for grades 9-12 are divided into two distinct categories. Each category has unique rules and expectations that regulate participation.

The two categories  include:

CATEGORY 1 - ATHLETICS, PERFORMANCE/COMPETITION-BASED ACTIVITIES

• Interscholastic athletics are considered Category 1 activities and are governed by the Appleton Area School District (AASD) co-curricular code and the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA).
• Performance/competition-based activities are also considered Category 1 activities under the AASD co-curricular code. However, these activities are not sanctioned by the WIAA.  
• Students participating in Category 1 activities will be expected to comply with the academic rules, attendance rules, and social behavior and conduct rules listed as part of the AASD co-curricular code. In order to be eligible to participate, students must be in good standing, exhibit proper school behavior, and have no school violations. Students who violate stated rules are subject to the consequences laid out in this co-curricular code  (See Violations and Consequences for Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 Violations).  

ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES  

Boys Fall  

• Cross Country  
• Football
• Soccer
• Spirit Squads
• Volleyball

Boys Winter  

• Basketball
• Hockey
• Wrestling
• Spirit Squads
• Swimming

Boys Spring  

• Baseball
• Golf
• Tennis
• Track

Girls Fall  

• Cross Country
• Golf
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Spirit Squads

Girls Winter  

• Basketball
• Hockey
• Spirit Squads
• Wrestling

Girls Spring  

• Soccer
• Softball
• Track

PERFORMANCE/COMPETITION-BASED ACTIVITIES

• Academic Decathlon
• Bowling
• Debate
• DECA
• Drama
• FBLA
• FIRST Robotics
• Forensics
• Lacrosse
• Math League
• Mock Trial
• School Musical/Play
• Science Olympiad
• WSMA State Honors

CATEGORY 2 - LEADERSHIP/PUBLIC RECOGNITION ACTIVITIES

• This category includes those activities that have as their membership representatives elected or appointed to positions of leadership and/or public recognition. There will be an application, nomination, or selection process established by the building administration for these activities. Students in this category are expected to be representative of the values, expectations, and ideals supported by the school.  
• Students participating in any Category 2 activities will be expected to comply with the academic rules,  attendance rules, social behavior, and conduct rules listed as part of the AASD co-curricular code. In order to be eligible to participate, students must be in good standing, exhibit proper school behavior, and have no school violations. Students who violate stated rules are subject to the consequences laid out in this co-curricular code (See Violations and Consequences for Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 Violations).
• In addition, students who violate stated rules are subject to removal from the activity as deemed appropriate by the activity advisor and/or the building administration. All final eligibility determinations for Category 2 will be made by the advisor and/or the building administration.

LEADERSHIP/PUBLIC RECOGNITION ACTIVITIES  (not all-encompassing)  

• Badger Boys State
• Badger Girls State
• Commencement Speakers
• Homecoming Court
• Link Crew
• National Honor Society
• Peer Helpers
• Student Council

CONSIDERATIONS

Music (or other) Classes Where Students May Perform In Public as Part of Class Grade

• All students participating in music (or other) curriculum classes where they may perform in public as part of their class grade will adhere to school board policies, school rules, and classroom rules and regulations.
• Behaviors of students will be addressed by the individual classroom teacher and/or administration as deemed appropriate. Decisions about a student performing in public will ultimately be made by the teacher/administration and are not subject to review under this co-curricular code.

Intramural and Interest Clubs

• Interest clubs are defined as those clubs generated by student or staff interest. Students participate on a voluntary basis and are not involved in public performance. 
• The co-curricular code does not specifically affect student participation in intramurals or interest clubs. Intramurals and interest clubs will be governed by School Board policies, school rules and regulations, and the written intramural or club rules. In cases where disciplinary situations may arise, the advisor will confer with the building administrator to determine appropriate action.

Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Rules of Eligibility

Students participating in interscholastic athletics must abide by the specific rules of eligibility as stipulated by the WIAA. 

See the WIAA Senior High School Handbook.

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be academically eligible, a student must have no failing quarter grades in the most recent grade reporting period (quarter grades) or academic evaluation period in order to be eligible.  School rules for calculating GPA shall be followed, and the Appleton Area School District posting date for grades shall be used. All athletes who are in a program or programs outside of the school will also use this date.

A student not meeting this criteria will be ineligible for activities for fifteen (15) consecutive scheduled school days and nights. The ineligibility will begin on the fifth (5th) scheduled school day following the end of the first (1st), second (2nd), or third (3rd) quarter, which allows for a grace period for grade changes and removal of any incomplete grades. Eligibility for activities that begin on or before the first (1st) quarter of the new academic year shall be based on the previous fourth (4th) quarter grades.

Opportunities may exist to regain eligibility through summer school courses.  Summer school grades may be substituted for fourth (4th) quarter failures, provided they are in the same academic area as the failed class. Summer school is to be considered an extension of the school year it follows.

To regain eligibility, a student must complete a grade check with the Activities Director on the fifteenth (15th) school day after the declaration of ineligibility to ensure passing grades in all classes.  If at the end of the fifteenth (15th) day the student is still ineligible due to failing grades, they remain ineligible until the teacher from the class or classes they are failing communicate to the Activities Director they are now passing and confirm they are in good academic standing.

A student who is ineligible due to failing grades will continue to practice, but may not return to competition - until the SCHOOL DAY FOLLOWING the fifteen (15) day ineligibility period. For fall activities, the period of ineligibility is the lesser of twenty-one (21) calendar days beginning with the date of earliest allowed competition in an activity or one-third of the maximum number of games/meets allowed in an activity.

• All students must be in school ALL DAY of scheduled events and/or practice in order to participate.
• Students may not participate in any co-curricular activity during/after school on the same day as an unexcused absence.
• Failure to be in attendance as stated will result in non-participation in all co-curricular events and practices that day.

Exceptions to these attendance rules will include the following:

• Absences that have been excused for a funeral, court appearance, school-approved trips, documented medical appointments, or for other unusual extenuating circumstances as cleared in advance with the coach or advisor.
• Absences in an activity that is related to a classroom grade.
• The Attendance Office must be contacted by 9:00 am for an excused absence that impacts the first hour of the school day.

The student shall be encouraged to seek help through the guidance department or Student Assistance Program (SAP) whenever personal problems may be affecting student attendance.

• A full-time student may be afforded up to eight consecutive semesters of interscholastic eligibility upon entry into the 9th Grade. Transferring schools at any time may result in restrictions being imposed on eligibility or, in some cases, a denial of eligibility.
• A student who transfers from any school into a member school after the sixth consecutive semester following entry into the 9th Grade shall be ineligible for practice and competition for one calendar year unless the transfer is made necessary by a total change in residence by parent(s) or a waiver has been provided by the WIAA. This process should begin with the Activities Director.
• AASD students are eligible for interscholastic athletic competition and competitive activities at their assigned school. A 9th-11th-grade student who transfers within the district, after attending class(es) and/or athletic practice at the assigned school, will be ineligible for athletic competition and competitive activities for the balance of the school year unless approval is granted on the basis of extenuating circumstances through the WIAA waiver process.

1. WIAA rules do not prevent athletes from practicing with non-school teams or from receiving private skills instruction during the school season.
2. Rules indicate athletes may not participate in more than two non-school competitions during the school season, in the same respective sport, with school approval. a. Non-school competitions include races, scrimmages against other teams, normal non-school games, “gimmicks,” such as reduced numbers competition (3-on-3 basketball, 6 player soccer, etc.), fun runs (including “banditing”), etc.
3. During the season, athletes may participate in a skills contest with the approval of the school. Specific skill contests (punt, pass, and kick, shooting contests, e.g., free throws, 3-point, drive, chip, and putt) isolate separate skills outside of the traditional competition setting. The skill contest may not include physical contact or extreme fatigue as the actual sports competition. Fun runs are not considered skills contests.
4. There can be no school coach involvement. All other eligibility rules, including amateur status, apply. Additionally, a student who was a member of a school team during the previous year may not delay reporting for the school team beyond the school’s official opening day of practice in order to continue non-school training or competition. It is recommended that all such requests and approvals of said contests are documented with the Activities Director.

1. A student who quits a seasonal co-curricular activity shall be ineligible to participate in another activity during that season unless he/she receives consent from the coaches or advisors involved. This does not apply if the activity meets all year or if a student is cut from a team.
2. A student who is removed from one activity for disciplinary reasons shall be ineligible to participate in another activity during that season.
3. In the case of a student quitting an activity or being dropped from an activity for disciplinary reasons, the student participation fee (rental fee, admission fee, lift ticket, etc) will not be refunded.

Accountability for Violations of Conduct Rule

1. A student is accountable to the Code from the time he/she begins his/her involvement with the co-curricular program until the conclusion of his/her high school co-curricular activity career (including summer months).
2. The student is expected to apply common sense and follow all school rules and display high standards of behavior, including good sportsmanship, respect for others, and use of appropriate language and dress at all times. Students shall be encouraged to seek help through the guidance department or the Student Assistance Program (SAP) whenever personal problems may be affecting student conduct.
3. Rules are established for the best interests of the participants and their school. The participant who complies with those rules demonstrates a desire to dedicate themselves to self-improvement as well as to enhance the best interests of fellow teammates, team, coach/advisor, and school. Rules must be observed by all participants throughout the year (365 days), including when the particular activity is not in season. The three types of violations listed below and accompanying consequences are an attempt to blend appropriate consequences through an educational lens, using restorative practices whenever possible.

TYPE I VIOLATIONS  

Violating school rules (per Student Handbook) and/or displaying conduct not consistent with representing a WIAA  member school or the AASD may result in a co-curricular code violation.

The following is a list of examples of violations that may impact participation. This is not an all-inclusive list.

• Bullying/Harassment (1st time) as defined by the Student Handbook.
• Causing a disturbance during the school day.
• Fighting (1st time).
• Blatant disrespect of person or property.
• Repeated inappropriate behavior.
• Academic Dishonesty.

In most cases, Type I consequences will not be cumulative. However, multiple Type I violations can result in Type II or Type III suspension.

TYPE I CONSEQUENCES

Category 1 (Athletics/Performance/Competition-based Activities)

• Participants will be suspended for no less than one contest/event/performance and up to 20% of the current  Category 1 activity in which the student is involved (or the next upcoming Category 1 activity if out of season).
• The suspension will be extended into the next season until the full suspension has been served.
• Additionally, participants may complete 5 community service hours to reduce their suspension (see Appendix C).
• Participants are able to practice with their team, but not able to perform or compete until suspensions and restorative practices are completed.
• If a meeting with Student Assistance Program (SAP) personnel is recommended, this meeting must occur before the student is able to continue the activity.

Category 2 (Leadership-based Activities)

• Participants will serve 5 community service hours before continuing in their leadership activity (See Appendix C).
• If a meeting with Student Assistance Program (SAP) personnel is recommended, this meeting must occur before the student is able to continue leadership activity.

Type I Violations and Consequences Notes

1. Category 1 participants may have the option of having game suspensions reduced by choosing to complete community service hours.
2. Category 2 participants are subject to removal from the activity/activities as deemed appropriate by the activity advisor/building administration. All final eligibility determinations will be made by the activity advisor/building administration.
3. Depending on the severity of the offense, a Type II or Type III consequence may be applied. 4. For students engaged in both Category 1 and Category 2 activities, community service hours may be served concurrently.  

The following is a list of examples of violations that may impact participation. This is not an all-inclusive list. Type II violations are cumulative.

1. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug-Related Athletic Code Violations

• Use, possession, buying, or selling of controlled substances, street drugs, and performance-enhancing substances (PES).
• Use, possession, buying, or selling of alcoholic beverages.
• Possession or use of drug paraphernalia.
• Use or possession of tobacco or nicotine products in any form, and/or the use or possession of electronic cigarettes or “hookah” pens.
• Remaining present at events/parties or situations where alcohol or other illegal/controlled substances are being illegally consumed. Students are required to leave any gathering immediately upon their knowledge of the presence of illegal substances or illegal activities.
• Deliberately transporting other students to any illegal gatherings where it is known that alcohol, tobacco, or drug-related usage will take place.

2. Additionally

• Violations that lead to out-of-school suspension
• Theft on/or off-campus (less than $250)
• Bullying/Harassment/Hazing that leads to an out-of-school suspension
• Fighting that leads to an out-of-school suspension
• Significant conduct (as determined by school administration) not consistent with representing a WIAA member school and AASD Student

First Type II Violation

• Category 1 (Athletics/Performance/Competition-based Activities) participants will be suspended for 50% of the current Category 1 activity in which the student is involved (or the next upcoming Category 1 activity if out of season). The suspension will be extended into the next season until the full suspension has been served.
• Restorative Practice: A Category 1 participant may select a reduction in their suspension by agreeing to do community service hours. The suspension could be reduced from 50% to 25% of the season/activity when accompanied by serving 10 community service hours (See Appendix C). The Category 1 participant is able to practice with the team, but not able to perform or compete until suspensions and restorative practices are fully completed.
• Category 2 (Leadership-based Activities) participants will serve 15 community service hours (See Appendix C) before continuing in their leadership activity.  

Second Type II Violation

• Category 1 (Athletics/Performance/Competition-based Activities) participants will be suspended for 75% of the current Category 1 activity in which the student is involved (or the next upcoming Category 1 activity if out of season). The suspension will be extended into the next season until the full suspension has been served.
• Restorative Practice: A Category 1 participant may select a reduction in their suspension by selecting restorative practices via community service hours. The suspension could be reduced from 75% to 50% of the season/activity when accompanied by serving 20 community service hours (See Appendix C). The Category 1 participant is able to practice with their team, but not able to perform or compete until suspensions and restorative practices are fully completed.
• Category 2 (Leadership-based Activities) participants will serve 25 community service hours before continuing in their leadership activity (See Appendix C).  

Third Type II Violation

• Category 1 (Athletics/Performance/Competition-based Activities) and/or Category 2 (Leadership-based Activities)  participants will be suspended for 365 days from all activities from the day of the offense, in addition to serving 40 community service hours (See Appendix C). Students are not able to practice/rehearse or participate in any manner in school-based activities until all suspensions and restorative practices are fully completed.

Fourth Type II Violation

• Category 1 (Athletics/Performance/Competition-based Activities) and/or Category 2 (Leadership-based Activities)  participants will be suspended from all activities for the remainder of their high school career from all co-curricular activities. Students are not able to practice/rehearse or participate in any manner in school-based activities.  

Type II Notes

A student meeting with Student Assistance Program (SAP) personnel is required for every Type II violation. Proof or certificate of completion of this assessment and follow-up recommendations must be presented to the Activities Director.  

Category 2 participants are subject to removal from the activity/activities as deemed appropriate by the activity advisor/building administration. All final eligibility determinations will be made by the activity advisor/building administration.

For students engaged in both Category 1 and Category 2 activities, community service hours may be served concurrently.

The following is a list of violations that impact student participation. This is not an all-inclusive list. TYPE III offenses are cumulative.  

• Organizing, hosting, or having gatherings where the student knows there will be consumption of alcohol or the use of controlled substances.
• Selling, providing, distributing, or possession with intent to deliver alcohol or controlled substances, or look-alikes.
• Use, possession, or possession with intent to deliver anabolic steroids, androstenedione, or human growth hormones.
• Possession of a dangerous or concealed weapon.
• Reproducing or distributing school keys.
• Theft greater than $250.00.
• Vandalism (criminal damage of property).
• Hazing/Initiations.
• Threatening a staff member.
• Battery or sexual assault.
• Charged with a serious local, state, or federal violation, which may or may not include a citation or arrest.
• Conduct not consistent with representing a WIAA member school and the AASD.

The first violation results in a suspension of up to 365 days from all activities from the date of the offense in addition to serving 40 community service hours.  

The second violation results in a suspension of up to 2 full years (730 days) from the date of the offense in addition to serving 80 community service hours.

The third violation results in a student no longer being eligible for AASD activities.

Type III Notes

• Students are not able to practice/rehearse or participate in any manner in school-based co-curricular activities during this time.
• A student meeting with Student Assistance Program (SAP) personnel is required for every Type III violation. Proof or certificate of completion of this assessment and follow-up recommendations must be presented to the Activities Director.

The above-suggested penalties are minimum guidelines only. For each individual situation and case, the District expressly reserves the right to impose a more severe penalty if deemed appropriate.

When a suspension results in a fraction of a game, the number shall be rounded up to the next whole number of games (i.e. 2.1 or 2.8 games equals 3 games).

Multiple suspensions and/or academic ineligibility must be served consecutively and may not be served concurrently (i.e. an athlete must be academically eligible first in order to then serve any code violation suspension).

During a period of suspension, the student may be required to attend all practices and team functions to maintain his/her status as a team member, as determined by the coach/advisor.  

Students suspended from a competitive contest that required student-subsidized travel will forfeit all personal funds paid in advance of the competition.

If a student does not successfully complete the activity in which he/she is serving the suspension, the same penalty that he/she had to serve at the beginning of the activity will need to be served at the beginning of the next activity.

It is the purpose of this policy to prevent students from participating in co-curricular programs while under the influence of or while having alcohol or drugs in their bodies. In addition, this Code is meant to educate, help, and direct students away from drug and alcohol use toward a healthy and drug-free participation and lifestyle.  

Therefore, a student who has been suspended due to drug/alcohol use must voluntarily take part in an  Alcohol/Other Drug Assessment (AODA) assessment and follow all recommendations from the AODA assessment. In addition, the student must provide a clean drug/alcohol screen prior to resuming practice or competition.  

The drug screening will be conducted at the Options Treatment Center Lab on Spencer Street or other approved agencies. The AASD will cover the cost of this test. Alcohol tests will be conducted by the building School Resource Officer or other agency designated by the district.  

The participant follows all recommendations of a treatment program if required. All recommended treatment services will be provided at the participant/parent’s expense. A Release of Information will be signed by the participant and the parent/guardian, that information can be exchanged between the District and the agency that provides any recommended services.  

If treatment is not required, the participant will obtain counseling specific to drug/alcohol use and the possible effects of drug/alcohol use.  

The participant will also obtain a clean urinalysis. A copy of that report will be shared with the District.

Students who refuse to be tested: Students will be suspended for a minimum of one calendar year with no opportunity for a reduction in the penalty. The student must provide a clean drug/alcohol screen prior to resuming practice or competition. 

Reports of a violation of the Code are brought to the attention of the building administration through various means. A typical response is an administrator meets directly with the student in question to determine if the report has merit. These are the steps taken throughout the process.

1. In the process, the Activities Director/Designee: Will meet with the student(s) and investigate the violation. The student will have the opportunity to discuss the circumstances of the alleged violation. The Activities  Director may make a decision immediately if the evidence supports the report, the violation occurs in/or at a school function, if the student confesses, or if the violation is a result of a police report or citation. Each report will be investigated on its merits.  
2. In the process, the Activities Director/Designee: Shall notify the student verbally of his/her decision and appropriate consequences.  
3. In the process, the Activities Director/Designee: Shall also notify the student and custodial parent/legal guardian in writing or electronically of the final decision, and will define the details of the consequences.

Cooperation During Investigation

It is important that all students understand that involvement in co-curricular activities is a privilege. Therefore, committing to the Code is their responsibility. In the event a student comes under investigation for a possible violation of the Code, it is expected that the student will:

• Be truthful/cooperative
• Be forthcoming with information
• Not be deceptive
• Be accountable

Great weight must be placed on the privilege of representing our community outside the District. Any student who would fail to be truthful and/or cooperative would jeopardize the perceived character of the District's programs and may limit the student's future participation.

Appeals

During the appeal process, the suspension shall remain in effect unless otherwise directed by the school administration. A parent/guardian and/or student has five days after notification of suspension to file an appeal. The review of any appeal will be limited to determine if the process of the policy was properly followed and a rational basis exists for the decision.

A written appeal may be submitted to the Principal/Designee by the student participant and/or his/her parents/guardians within five (5) days of the student being informed of the disciplinary action by the Activities Director. The Principal/Designee will review the appeal and respond in writing within five (5) days.  

A second written appeal may be submitted to the Superintendent/Designee by the student participant and/or his/her parent/guardian within five (5) days of the delivery of the Principal’s/Designee’s ruling. The Superintendent/Designee will review the appeal and respond in writing within five (5) days. The decision of the Superintendent/Designee shall be final.

Equipment

• Each student is responsible for the school equipment issued to him/her. The student must pay for the replacement of any equipment that is lost or damaged.

Travel

• The student must travel to and from out-of-town events via transportation arranged by the coach or advisor. A student who travels via other transportation will not participate in that event.
• Exceptions may be made in advance with the written permission of the parent/guardian, the coach/advisor, and the Activities Director.

Awards

• Letters and other awards are earned according to written criteria established by each coach or advisor. The criteria shall be kept on file with the school Principal/Activities Director.
• An award may be recalled by a coach or advisor if the student’s conduct warrants such action.

Publication of Standards

This code shall be published and remain on file with the Appleton Area School District Board of Education. Copies will be available to all interested parties and will be available on the AASD website.

Preseason Meeting

• This code shall be made available electronically to each parent/guardian via the Appleton Area School District website. A hard copy can be produced upon request and made available at the preseason meeting.
• Students are to read all items and ask for clarification by the coach or advisor of any items not understood.
• Additional standards determined by each coach or advisor shall also be written and distributed to each participant at this meeting or at the onset of the sports season. A copy shall be placed on file with the Activities Director and/or school principal.
• Parent Involvement: Parental attendance at the preseason meeting is expected, and involvement throughout the season is encouraged.
• Code Enforcement: The responsibility for enforcing this code lies with the student, his/her parent/guardian, the coaches/advisors, and the school administration.

• All sports will have a written set of criteria for the selection of their all-conference teams as determined by coaches of that sport.
• All sports shall select a 1st team, 2nd team, and a number of honorable mentions for all conferences.
• All conference selection criteria shall be the same for boys and girls teams of the same sport.
• No one suspended for a code of conduct violation, with the exception of academics and attendance, shall receive all-conference consideration in that sport where the suspension was initiated.

AASD NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Consequences for Breach of Code 

Notes: Percentages reflect the suspension time that a participant is ineligible from participation in a game, contest, performance, or event.

Ex: 50% suspension. The season has 22 games. Suspension equals 11 games.  

Ex: 20 community service hours. The student is involved in 3 activities. They would only perform 20 community service hours. Not  60.

Calculation of contests, games, and performances for suspensions.  

Community Service Hours (CSH)

It is the purpose of this Code to provide students with restorative options to volunteer and/or give back to their community through non-paid service hours. A list of acceptable options will be provided by the building administration or designee. These hours are intended to be completely separate from any other volunteer organization that the student is already involved in.

Volunteer activities must be pre-approved by the administration or designee. All hours need to be recorded on this form. All hours must be completed and verified by the Activities Director before a student becomes eligible again.

This form is available from the Athletic Director or the school office. The form must be submitted to the Advisor or Athletic Director when complete.