Team players are privileged to represent Laurel Heights and should conduct themselves as suitable ambassadors for our school at all times. All Students are responsible to the principal for their conduct at any school event. This includes all games, practices and tournaments.  Students are required to conduct themselves in accordance with WRDSB policy for all school-related activities.  Student-athletes are expected to be role-models and ambassadors of inclusive, team-building behaviour.  Hurricanes Athletics does not condone any threatening, bullying or abusive behaviour toward any student.  Any hazing-type activities are strictly forbidden.  Behavioural misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action.

It is a privilege to be on a Laurel Heights team – not a right!

Game ejections and unsportsmanlike conduct may be subject to further administrative disciplinary actions upon review.

ACADEMICS:

Players are expected to be conscientious students, and good citizens of the school. Sport-related absences are considered valid however, work missed because of athletic activities must be completed to the teachers’ satisfaction. All athletes must be enrolled in a full-time program, if they are in Grades 9, 10 or 11.  All athletes should communicate their absences to the classroom teacher in advance of the event.

SPORTSMANSHIP:

LHSS players will display good sportsmanship, at all times. Good sportsmanship means showing respect in dealing with teammates, coaches, opposition, officials and spectators.  All fans are expected to show good sportsmanship and keep all cheering positive.

TRANSPORTATION:

Strict adherence to school rules while on buses or visiting other schools is expected. Students must be transported in vehicles arranged by the school, unless otherwise approved.

FEES/UNIFORMS:

Players must purchase a Student Card to be eligible to play sports at LHSS.  There will be a minimum team fee for each team.  These fees have been pre-determined by the board and are uniform across the county.  These fees help to subsidize the cost of athletics to the student body.  There may be additional fees for tournaments and extras as determined by the coach.

School uniforms must be in good repair and washed upon their return. Team uniforms are to be worn for team activities only.  Students will be responsible for the cost of damaged or missing uniforms.

The cost of high school sports is far cheaper than community or private sports.

PLAYING TIME:

We are committed to the development of all our student-athletes, however, athletic teams are competitive and playing time is NOT guaranteed, nor is it equitable.  Playing time is up to the sole discretion of the coaching staff.  Coaches will be clear about their expectations with respect to playing time.  Players are encouraged to talk directly with their coach if they are not happy with playing time – it is not fair to coaches or other players to have parental interference with respect to playing time.  This means that some athletes could get very little or no playing time at all.  If you are not comfortable with this, then please do not commit to playing for a competitive team at SJAM.

ATTENDANCE:

In order to play on a specific game day, players must be in attendance at school and in class, unless the coach has been forewarned of a valid reason (ie doctor’s appointment).  All absences must be communicated to the attendance office for validation.  Players must participate in physical education classes on game days.

INJURIES:

All injuries must be reported to the coach. If warranted, the coach will fill out a Risk Management form.

VALUABLES:

Players are responsible for the safekeeping of their own valuables during practices, games or field trips.  Students should leave their valuables in their lockers.

DRUGS/ALCOHOL:

Consumption of drugs or alcohol is forbidden at any time, on any school premises, or at any school. Alcohol or drug consumption at any school-sporting event or activity is strictly forbidden.  Students will be subject to disciplinary action by the principal.

**  Students breaking this rule will be removed from the team for the remainder of the season and suspended indefinitely from all sports teams, pending a meeting with the principal, coach and head of Phys. ed**

SMOKING:

Since smoking is not considered a good health practice, players are expected to refrain from smoking at least during the sports season.

Smoking at any school event or activity is strictly forbidden, regardless of location.

COMMITMENT:

Once the commitment to a school team has been made, a player must follow through with his/her commitment to the team. It is unfair to teammates and coaches to leave a team mid-season. It is also unfair to other aspiring players who have failed to earn a place on that team.

Any player who quits a school team during the season, or is removed by the coach for reasons of commitment or behaviour, will be ineligible to play on any Sir John A. Macdonald school team for one full calendar year.

Any absences by the athlete from practices or games must be discussed with the coach beforehand or as soon after the absence as possible. Excessive absences could lead to removal from a school team, at the discretion of the coach and/or the administration.  This will result in the player being ineligible for 1 calendar year.  Players must abide by any decision made by the coaches. Students may leave the team without penalty, until the commitment date – as given by the coach. Under exceptional circumstances, arrangements can be made for a player to leave a team without penalty, pending approval of the Coach, Head of Phys-ed and Principal.

Teams with insufficient interest re: attendance at practices, poor effort, attitude, etc. will be subject to cancellation.

**GENERAL STATEMENT**

The Athletes’ Code of Conduct has been constructed to assist players, coaches and administration in making Laurel Heights’ Athletic Program rewarding for all those involved. The rules contained in the code are not designed to limit participation, but rather to ensure respect and dedication for the Athletic Program and the individuals involved in it.  It is a privilege to be on a Hurricane athletic team.