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Westby Area School District

Co-Curricular Code

2023~2024

Norse Co-Curricular Philosophy

Research has shown that student involvement in co-curricular activities is a measurable ingredient in success both during and after high school.  Therefore, the Westby Area School District believes that all students should be given the opportunity to be part of a multifaceted co-curricular program. Traditionally, participation in Westby co-curricular programs teaches students to strive for success through discipline and sacrifice, while embracing the values of good sportsmanship, pride in accomplishment, and teamwork.  Most importantly, students will learn these values through clear, concise and consistent expectations.  Ideally, students will be exposed to the skills needed to develop into responsible, educated, mature citizens who will be able to make a positive contribution to our society.  

Definitions of Co-Curricular Activity Groups

1. Miscellaneous Groups - Consists of Homecoming and Prom Courts, and Class Officers

2. Performing Groups - Consists of performing organizations and clubs.

3. Athletics - Consists of athletic-related teams that perform and / or compete.

4. CTSO - Career and Technical Student Organizations. Consists of DPI and non-DPI recognized academic student organizations. Has a class connection within a CTE area. Excludes music ensembles.

Curricular                                Co-Curricular                

Musical                                 Cheerleading                        FFA                        NHS

Pep Band                                Song Leaders                        Football                FCCLA

Plays                                        Twirlers                        Softball                        Thorbots

                                Flags                                Volleyball                Green Club

                                        Jazz Band                        Wrestling                Student Council

                                        Jazz Choir                        Gymnastics                       Class Officer

                                        Swing Choir                        Boys and Girls Basketball GSA

                                        Forensics                        Baseball                         FBLA           

                                        Drama                                Boys and Girls Track         Mind over Matter

                                        Solo / Ensemble                Boys and Girls Golf          Battle of the Books

                                        Homecoming Court                Boys and Girls Hockey    Newspaper

                                        Prom Court                        Boys and Girls Cross Country

                                        Norse Link                         Tennis

                                        Service Club                        Bowling

Coverage by the Code

Performing Groups will each draft a code of conduct to address the concerns and characteristics of that group.  These will be submitted to the principal for annual review.  Some portions of this code may still be applied to Performing Groups.


LEGAL EXPECTATIONS

Legal Status of This Code

The rules and regulations in this handbook are designed to maintain institutional order.                

Legal Status of Co-curricular Programs and Their Participants

This co-curricular activity program is a privilege not a right that complements the academic program.  Continued participation in these interscholastic co-curricular programs is at the discretion of school administration.

Nondiscrimination Clause

It is the policy of the Westby Area School District to comply with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against anyone in a protected class in its curricular, extracurricular, pupil services or recreational or other programs and its employment practices. This includes not discriminating against, or denying the benefits of, a person on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, color, creed, political affiliation, citizenship, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law.

The Westby Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, color, creed, political affiliation, citizenship, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law, in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. The Westby Area School District Career and Technical Education Department does not discriminate in enrollment or access to any of the programs available including Agriculture, Business Education, Technology Education, and Family and Consumer Education. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district’s activities and programs. The Westby Area School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

The District encourages informal resolution of complaints, however a formal complaint procedure is available. If any person believes that the District has discriminated against any individual on the basis listed above, he/she may file a complaint. The procedure for filing a complaint is outlined in Board Rule 411 for students or Board Rule 511 for applicants or employees.

This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, national origin), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (sex), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints should be forwarded to the designated compliance coordinator: Charles Norton, District Administrator, Westby Area School District, 206 West Avenue South, Westby, WI 54667, (608) 634-0101.

WIAA Disclaimer        

All WIAA rules not specifically covered in this publication are still applicable to all athletic participants.

Honesty Clause

All students falling under this code are expected to display honesty in all matters dealing with this code.  Any student displaying honesty in any investigation may seek an adjustment of penalty under the mitigating circumstances provision contained in the investigation section (page 10) of the code.  Students will be made aware of the honesty clause at the beginning of any investigation and will have a 1 time chance to inform administration of any information they may have. After this opportunity is past, they will not be granted any reduced suspension.


Table of Contents

Cover Page...............................................................Page 1

Norse Philosophy and Definitions of  Groups.........Page 2

Legal Expectations and Requirements...................Pages 3

Table of Contents....................................................Page 4

Academic Eligibility................................................Pages 5 and 6

        * Grading period (medical emergency exemption) (p. 5)

        * Failing grades, Incompletes  (pp. 5 and 6)

        * Return to Eligibility (p. 6)

        *WIAA Provisions (p. 6)

Code of Conduct for Participants............................Page 7

        *Expected behavior (also see appendix)

        (1)Alcohol use

        (2)Tobacco use

        (3)Controlled Substances

        (4)Theft

        (5)Criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming an athlete

        (6)School suspension

Penalties for Code of Conduct Violations..................Pages 8 and 9

        Section 1:  (1) or (2) Alcohol use  or tobacco use  (p. 8)

                contains athletic, performing, non-performing and miscellaneous provisions

        Section Two:  (3) Controlled Substances  (p.8)

        Section Three:  (4) or (5) Theft or Criminal acts and conduct unbecoming an athlete (p.8)

        Section Four:  (6)School suspension (p. 9)

        Section Five:   Additional penalty provisions (p. 9)

                Administrative issues

                Finishing the season

                Removal from leadership positions

                Solo-ensemble

                All State competitions

                Transfer Students

Investigations and Appeals...................................Pages 10 and 11

        Investigation procedures (including due process) (p.10)

                 Notification of finding and file for appeal

                Accusers

        Appeals to Co-Curricular Council (pp. 10 and 11)

Responsibilities of Students..................................Pages 12 and 13

        Equipment

        Physicals

        Injuries

        Consent Form

        Attendance

        Travel

        Extra-Curricular Fees

        Locker Searches

        Unsupervised Use of Facilities

Conflict-Resolution Process..................................Page 14

Letter Requirements............................................Pages 15 and 16

Appendix..............................................................Page 17


Academic Eligibility

In order to be eligible for participation, each student must be doing passing work in all classes (minimum of 25 hours taken).  

A.  Grading Period:  Only nine-week grades will be used to determine academic eligibility.   An extension to the grading period may be granted for co-curricular eligibility purposes in medical emergency situations.  This extension will only be granted with administrative and medical pre-approval.

B.  General Ineligibility Period:  Should a student fail any class the student will be declared ineligible from the first day following the date that a Failure/Incomplete list can be generated in the office (or earlier at administrative discretion).  The ineligibility of the student will be 15 school days and any competitions, activities, and performances that naturally occur in that time.

C.  Fall Sports Ineligibility Period:  The WIAA has a special ineligibility period rule for any fall sport whose earliest allowed competition is prior to the beginning of the first day of school.  According to this rule the ineligibility period will be the lesser of 21 consecutive calendar days beginning with the date of earliest allowed competition or one third of the maximum number of contests allowed.  Students may not fail any class under this provision.  All other fall sports will follow the above school policy.  If the student successfully completes his/her corresponding summer school courses (if offered), then their period of ineligibility will be reduced to 7 consecutive calendar days beginning with the date of their first scheduled competition.

D.  Incompletes:

        Incompletes will be submitted with a percentage grade indicating the student’s score.

        Note:  There are two types of incompletes -- those with failing grades attached, and

                those with a passing grade attached.

        1.         Incompletes submitted with a failing grade are considered failing grades.  A

                student becomes ineligible from the first day following the date Failure/

                Incomplete list can be generated in the office.  A student regains eligibility

                 immediately* once a passing grade is entered in the office within two weeks

                (10 school days) after a grade-reporting period.  

                If a student does not make up this type of incomplete with in 10 school days,

                a grade of “F” is entered.  Once an “F” is entered as a grade, the 15 day

                ineligibility period for a failing grade becomes effective.

                Hence, failure to make up this type of incomplete will result in a minimum of 25

                 days of ineligibility.

        

        2.        Incompletes submitted with a passing grade will be treated as a passing grade.

                The teacher is giving the student the option to improve their grade, even

                though it is passing.

                *  Teachers will be given a reasonable amount of time to determine if incomplete         

                work meets acceptable academic standards. 

E.  In-Season Ineligibility:  For students that participate in performing groups and athletic teams that continue into the next grading period, new sport season, or into the next school year, the academic ineligibility period will continue until the 15 school days have been served and passing marks in all classes have been achieved.  For the end of the school year, there will be 1 unified grading period for all students to determine ineligible students at the end of the year.  Students that are still in spring sports after the academic school year has been completed are subject to end of the year grades.

Students that participate in performing groups that have qualifying contests or events must check the rules of eligibility with their advisor/coach governing that specific contest or event for participation in the next level following the ineligibility period.

        

F.  Reinstatement:  To become eligible, on the first school day after the final day of any academic ineligibility period

(i.e.  on the 16th school day), a student  must:

1.        Get an academic eligibility card from the Athletic Director or Dean of Students.

2.         Have teachers sign the academic eligibility card indicating that the student athlete is doing passing work in all current quarter classes.

3.        Return the fully completed card to the Athletic Director or Dean of Students for consideration.

Acceptable cards must have teachers’ signatures indicating that the student is doing passing work in all current quarter classes.  Once the conditions in 1, 2, and 3 are met in a manner acceptable to the administration or designee, the student becomes eligible on that day.

G. WIAA Tournament Academic Provisions:

1.  Tournament Provisions -- individual qualifiers

                Student athletes that personally qualify for the WIAA tournament series shall:

                - not be eligible for that entire WIAA tournament series

                - lose eligibility for 15 school days following the time an F/I list can be generated in the office and any

competitions naturally occurring in that time frame.

2.  Tournament Provisions -- team qualifiers

Student athletes that do not personally qualify for the WIAA tournament series:

                - shall lose eligibility for 15 school days following the  time an F/I list can be generated in the office

and any competitions that naturally occur in that time frame.        

                -may on the 16th school day eligibility under provision E (see above).

H.  Transfer Students:  Transfer students must serve penalties as decreed by their previous school.  Transfer students are deemed ineligible until cleared by administration.  Transfer students should review WIAA regulations regarding eligibility.

  1. Number of Sports:  Westby Area School District wants students to engage in all sports but students are limited to participating in 1 WIAA recognized sport in any given season.  Example:  Student A can be in track during the spring season but cannot do both track and baseball at the same time.


Code of Conduct

Overview

It is the desire of Westby Area High School to develop a Co-Curricular program that will provide opportunities for all youth to develop the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.  To make this possible, regulations have been established which will not only protect the Co-Curricular program, but also any student within it from exploitation by others. 

The Code of Conduct pertains to any student who participates in any non-performing group, performing group, and / or athletic-related teams sponsored by Westby Area High School.  Strict adherence to these rules must be followed, year round, throughout each student’s high school career.

Westby Area School District takes pride in the conduct of our students who participate in co-curricular activities.  Conduct or behavior not specifically cited in this handbook may violate standards of behavior expected from our student participants.  These acts will include, but not be limited to, criminal activity or ordinance violations.  This provision also bans the practice of hazing of students (see appendices for more information on hazing).  Such violations for conduct unbecoming a student participant will be dealt with at the discretion of the coach/advisor under the direction of the administration (see appendices for more information on unbecoming behavior).

SECTION 1

A. Students are expected to comply with Westby Area High School’s general code of student conduct.

B. Violations of the Westby Area High School Code of Conduct will result in suspension of the student from contests, competitions, activities and performances for acts:

                        (1)        involving use/possession of alcohol,

                        (2)        involving use/possession of tobacco products,

                        (3)        involving use/possession, buying or selling of controlled

                                substances or street drugs, ****

                        (4)        involving use/possession of Performance Enhancing Substances (PES)

                        (5)        involving school related theft,

                        (6)         involving criminal acts or ordinance violations, or involving behavior

                                that is unbecoming a student participant,

(7)        involving suspension from school.

(8)        Any drug paraphernalia.

(9)        Any vaping or juuling products including any vaping or juuling paraphernalia and/or

        nicotine related products.

                                

C. Hearsay/Rumors - Westby Area HS will do its due diligence to follow up on allegations they received via word of mouth reports. However, concrete evidence (clear video, pictures, social media posts, or self admittance) are needed in order to suspend someone for a violation. Simple word of mouth reports accusing someone of a violation is not enough to warrant a suspension, even in the case of several people confirming a story.


Penalties for Violating the Code of Conduct

Section 1:  Penalties for violations of items (1), or (2) (alcohol or tobacco use):

A. Penalties for performing groups and athletic related teams

1.        First Offense-  First offense will be a suspension from the next 2 co-curricular events (not just athletic) - Honesty clause can be invoked to reduce this. Students must remain in good standing for the remainder of their co-curricular season(s). See Section 5 on Finishing the Season.

2.        Second Offense- The next 10 consecutive events - Honesty clause can be invoked to reduce this.

3.        Third Offense-  Loss of eligibility to compete or perform for one calendar year from the date of suspension

4.        Each Additional Offense- Loss of eligibility to compete or perform for one calendar year from the date of

suspension.

B.  Penalties for other school sponsored activities :

Homecoming Court, Prom Court, and Class Officers: Violation of the Co-Curricular Code of Conduct will forfeit the class office for the current academic year.  Violation of the Co-Curricular Code of Conduct will forfeit eligibility for being on the Homecoming and Prom Court for the current academic year.  If the violation occurs in the summer, the student will not be eligible to be on the Homecoming and Prom Court or be a class officer during the upcoming academic year.

C. Look Back Period

The look back period will be 1 calendar year from the date of any incident that has been reported. Example: If a student is found out to have been drinking within 1 calendar year, then that student may be subject to suspension from events if this is found to be true. If a student was found to have been drinking 3 years ago then no investigation or suspension will be invoked.

If a student becomes ineligible for a trip,  refunds can be made only for recoverable amounts.

Section 2:  Penalties for violation of items (3) and (4) (controlled substances and or Performance Enhancing Substances):

The penalty for the first offense will result in ineligibility from participation for any period of removal from school, plus 25% of a season after the return of the student.  The penalty for a second offense will result in ineligibility from participation for any period of removal from school plus 50% of the season after the return of the student. The penalty for any subsequent offenses will result in ineligibility for one calendar year or the length of removal from school, whichever is longer.

Students and parents are cautioned that the term controlled substance is a legal definition under Wisconsin state law.  The term refers to all substances listed under the Wisconsin law and WIAA definitions.  This includes, but is not limited to:  prescription drugs, street drugs, performance enhancing substances and other substances.  If it is not prescribed to you by a doctor, do not take it.

Felony Charges:

According to WIAA policy, students that are charged with or convicted of a felony are ineligible for all participation until the student has satisfied all of the requirements ordered by the court in declaring a sentence served, including probation, community service and any other court orders.

Section 4:  Penalties for violation of  item (7):

Students committing a violation of school rules resulting in an out-of-school or a full-day in-school suspension or more are also suspended from all school activities (including practices) that naturally occur during that time.  Upon their return to school, students will also be suspended from AT LEAST the next co-curricular contest, competition activity, and/or performance.  The number of events missed may vary with the nature of the violation.  This determination will be made by the school administration.

Upon receipt of an in-school suspension, students shall be ineligible for the next contest, competition, activity, and/or performance.        

Students who repeatedly violate school rules, or who are repeatedly suspended, may have previous violations or suspensions considered by administration when administration determines the appropriate penalty.

Section 5:  Additional penalty provisions

Conduct detrimental to the team or school -- At the discretion of the advisor/coach, any student may be penalized for engaging in conduct that is not governed by Sections I of the Code of Conduct, above, but that has a direct and immediate tendency to interfere with institutional order (including, but not limited to, acts that interfere with school or team discipline, acts that impair the authority of teachers, coaches or advisors and other school officials, or acts that adversely affect the conduct of other students, whether in a classroom or activity).

        

Finishing the season -- The student must complete the group’s total activities or sport’s season if that sport or group activity is used to make up the penalty of an upcoming sport or group activity.  

        

Leadership positions -- Leadership positions within organizations can be revoked at the discretion of the advisor or coach.

All State Competitions -- The WIAA rule for eligibility during tournament competition will apply to all groups with state competitions.  This rule states that once a student is ineligible due to a nonacademic violation for part of a state tournament series, that student is ineligible for the entirety of the state tournament series.

        

Transfer Students -- Transfer students must serve penalties as decreed by their previous school.

Students Ineligible for the remainder of a season -- Any student whose ineligibility will extend beyond the end of any season may be removed from a sport by administration if the student’s continued participation is deemed to be detrimental to the team.


Investigations and Appeals

SECTION I -- INVESTIGATION

Allegations of any violation of the Westby Area High School Code of Conduct made within a reasonable time (no more than one year) shall be brought to the attention of and investigated by the High School Administration or designee as follows:  

A.        If the student voluntarily brings his/her own violation to the High School Administration or designee’s attention, the High School Administration or designee shall confer with the student to determine if a modification to the appropriate specified penalty is justified. 

B. If the violation is brought to the High School Administration or designee’s attention by someone other than the student, the High School Administration or designee shall investigate as necessary to ascertain the basis for the allegations and shall confer with the student concerning the allegations.  If the athlete admits the allegations, the High School Administration or designee shall confer with the student to determine whether there are any mitigating circumstances before determining if a modification to the appropriate specified penalty is justified.  Remember, as part of the “Honesty Clause,” it is the expectation for all participants to be honest in all matters dealing with this code.  Mitigating circumstances can only be claimed by the participant if that participant has been honest in the investigation phase of the process. If the student denies the allegations, the High School Administration or designee shall state the basis for the allegations and shall receive and, as necessary, investigate the student’s explanation of the situation before determining the appropriate penalty.

SECTION II -- NOTIFICATION OF FINDING AND FILE OF APPEAL

The High School Administration or designee shall inform the student and his/her parent/guardian in writing of the results of any investigation of an alleged violation of the Westby Area High School Co-Curricular Code.  Any student found to have violated the Westby Area High School Co-Curricular Code may appeal the finding that a violation has occurred.  Also, if the investigator determines that mitigating circumstances are present, the student may appeal the penalty imposed to the Co-Curricular Council.

SECTION III -- ACCUSERS

Persons alleging violations of the Westby Area High School Co-Curricular Code and witnesses may be required to provide a written and signed statement and/or appear before the Co-Curricular Council if necessary.

SECTION IV -- APPEAL PROCESS --     *Note that all participants are ineligible during the appeal  process.

Co-Curricular Council

A.        Council Purpose

1.        Interpretation of rules.

        2.        Appeals of eligibility decisions.

        3.        Once the council is convened, the investigation phase has ended.  This means that a student

who has denied the allegations may not, after this point, invoke the mitigating circumstances

provision of the code.

B.        Council Membership – The Co-Curricular Council is made up of a minimum of five voting members.  

        1.        High School Administration or designee (Up to two)        

        2.        Available non-conflict athletic related coaches / performing advisors (minimum of two)

        3.        Coach or advisor of student involved (nonvoting)

        Note:  Personnel involved in any investigation will not vote.

C.  Council Procedure -- Note:  Council appeals will only be held during normal school days and /or during normal

school hours.  The Council’s decision shall be determined by majority vote.  The council may not reduce a

penalty to less than one contest.

1.  Request for a Council meeting must be made to the High School Administration or designee in writing by the student or his/her parent/guardian within seven (7) days of the date of the notification of suspension under Section V.

2.   The Council will meet as soon as reasonably possible after it is requested to do so, during normal school hours and /or days in which school is in session.  

3.   The student and/or parent/guardian may attend the Council meeting to testify and present other evidence.

4.  Deliberation and voting by the Council following the meeting will be in closed session.

5.  Appeal to the Council shall be the sole means of challenging a finding of a code violation. Appeal to the Council shall be the sole method of reviewing the penalty imposed, and if mitigating circumstances are present, the Council shall have sole power to modify a penalty.

6.  The structure of Appeals hearing will be as follows:

            A.  Part One:  Investigators Report:  All parties are present.

                The investigator will present the facts compiled from the investigation.

                The investigator will explain the application of the code to this violation.

            B.  Part Two:  Appellants Testimony:  All parties are present.

                The student, parent and/or guardian may testify and present other evidence.

                The Council, investigator and administrative designee may question the presenters

                         and discuss this testimony and evidence with the student, parent or guardian.

    C.  Part Three:  Recommendation and Discussion:  The Council and investigator are present.

The student, parent and/or guardian will be excused from the hearing.  

                The investigator will make any recommendations if mitigating circumstances are

present.

                The Council may discuss any issues with the investigator.

    D.  Part Four:  Deliberations:  Only the Council is present.  (Others may be present at the

Council’s discretion)

                The Council may recall any person who presented testimony.

                The Council may have the investigator present if the Council chooses.

                The Council will deliberate and reach a conclusion.

                If no conclusion is reached, or if no majority vote is achieved, the code must be

enforced as written.

            E.  Part Five:  Notification

                The Council will inform the investigator or administrative designee of the decision.

                The investigator or administrative designee will write a summary of the Council’s

decision.

                The investigator or administrative designee shall make a reasonable effort to

immediately inform the student, parents and/or guardian of the Council’s decision.

                If the investigator or administrative designee cannot immediately reach the student,

parents and/or guardian, the investigator’s written summary of the Council’s

finding will be mailed and will suffice as notification.


Responsibilities of Students

A.  Equipment:  The majority of all equipment that is used is the property of Westby Area High School.  The student is responsible for the care for all equipment checked out to him or her.  Uniforms must be returned at the end of the season, washed or dry cleaned, depending upon the type of uniform.  When the student and his/her parents or guardian sign the Co-Curricular Code consent form, physical form or alternate-year permit card, the student agrees to be financially responsible at replacement cost for the safe return of all equipment issued to him or her.  If financial obligations are not met, or equipment is not returned to the school, the student will not be issued any equipment for the next activity.  The student may not participate in any events in subsequent seasons in which he or she participates until the equipment is returned or restitution is made.

B.  Physicals:  Under no circumstances can the student compete or practice on an athletic related team until the student has presented the coach or athletic director with a WIAA physical exam card signed by parent/guardian and a licensed physician, surgeon, or nurse practitioner.  This exam is good for two years.  An alternate-year athletic permit card must be presented to the coach or athletic director before a student can compete or practice during the second year a student is being covered under the original WIAA physical exam.  The cost of the physical examination is the responsibility of the student.  Exam cards are available in the High School office or at most area clinics.  Alternate-year permit forms are also available in the High School office.

C.  Injuries:  All students participating in co-curricular activities are covered by accident insurance.  If a student has an injury that results from a co-curricular activity, the student shall inform his/her coach or advisor immediately.  If the student does seek medical services, the student shall inform the coach, advisor, and the School Nurse or Aide the following day so proper reports can be completed.  The insurance company requires that the student seek medical attention from a licensed physician within 30 days of the injury. The claim must be submitted within 90 days.  

D.  Consent Form:  This form is a part of the physical or alternate-year card and Co-Curricular consent form.  It states that parents and students must agree to abide by the rules and regulations found within this handbook.  These forms MUST be given to the appropriate coach, advisor, Athletic Director, or Coordinator before a student can participate.

E. Attendance:  Students with a school approved pre-excused absence are eligible to participate on the day that they are absent.  Students must be in attendance at school for at least a half-day on the date of an event or activity.  Exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis by the High School Administration or designee.  Students without a pre-excused absence are to miss no more than the first 2 blocks of the day in order to be eligible to compete/practice that day. This is an approximate time of 11:15 am.

F.  Travel to and from contests:  Since it is the Westby Area School District’s responsibility to provide safe transportation to and from any contests or events sponsored by Westby Area High School, the following travel regulations must be followed.  Students must ride to and from any contest or event sponsored by Westby Area High School in school transportation.  

1.  A student may return home from an event or contest with his/her parent(s) upon prior request made in writing by the parent(s) to

 the coach or advisor in charge

2.  Requests for other exceptions (i.e. students riding with a non-parent adult who is out of high school) must be made in writing by the parent(s) to the coach or advisor prior to departure to the event.

        3.  Any driver transporting a student must be an adult, out of high school.

        4.  Any student driver must have school and parental permission prior to departure for the event.  The

student-driver cannot transport any other student(s) unless they are siblings.

5.  On a case-by-case basis, with prior administrative approval, mutual parental consent may allow

students to ride together to an event or contest.

G.  Transportation to and from practices:

        1.  Many practices take place away from school grounds and/or on non-school days.

        2.  For practices that occur on school days away from school grounds, the district may

                offer transportation for students to the practice.  However,

                a.  A student may drive to practice with parent permission.

                b.  A student may ride with another student if both sets of parents/guardians

                        agree to this arrangement.  There is a form, available from the athletic

                        director, that must contain both sets of parental signatures.

H.  Fees:  Students are required to pay all extra-curricular fees before participation will be allowed in any sport requiring a participation fee.  Under this Board approved format the student is required to pay before practicing or playing.  Exceptions may be made by the administration due to extenuating circumstances.  Once fees are charged, they will not be refunded after the first week of practice.   Boys and girls Golf requires the purchase of a reduced membership for participation.  In 2022/2023 that fee was $225.00.

I.  Lockers: Student athletic lockers are the property of the Westby Area School district and may be searched by administration at any time.  Lockers are expected to be locked.  Acts of vandalism or jamming a lock mechanism in the open position may lead to the loss of the use of the locker and removal of personal items from within the locker.  When indicated, lockers must be cleaned out at the end of each season.

                                

J.  Unsupervised Use of Facilities:  At no time will students be allowed to use school facilities for unsupervised activities.  Students are to leave the facilities immediately after activities and events.  If the coach, advisor, or designee is not present to supervise, the student should not be in the facility unless he/she has another scheduled activity to attend.

K.  Students are allowed to participate in 1 school sponsored sport per season at a time.

Return to Play of Injured Athletes

For non-concussive injuries, student-athletes may return to play following an injury in the following situations when the corresponding criteria have been met:

  1. During a contest:  When cleared by an athletic trainer (when no trainer is present, this responsibility falls to the coach).
  2. For the next contest:  When cleared by the school’s athletic provider, presently Vernon Memorial Hospital (VMH) Sports Medicine Department (when no trainer is available, this responsibility falls to the coach).

For concussive injuries the following will apply (it may be changed during the school year upon recommendation from VMH).

  1. IMPACT testing will be implemented whenever feasible.
  2. A return to play protocol will be established by VMH Sports Medicine and strictly followed.  Following a concussion, a student-athlete’s medical provider should clear the student to resume activity.  However, VMH Sports Medicine will determine when student-athletes are ready to participate in athletic competition or practice at WAHS.  [The medical provider must meet WIAA regulations.]

Presently, upon the recommendation of VMH the following protocols will be followed:

  1. Rest until asymptomatic
  2. Light aerobic exercise (e.g. stationary bike)
  3. Sport-specific training
  4. Non-contact training drills (start light resistance training)
  5. Full contact after medical clearance
  6. Return to competition (Game play)

***There should be approximately 24 hours (or longer) for each stage and the athlete should return to stage 1 if symptoms recur.


Conflict Resolution Process

It is the belief of Westby Area High School that communicating with adults is an important skill for our students to learn.  In our co-curricular offerings, we encourage communication between participants and their coaches.  From time-to-time, conflicts will arise between participants and their coaches.  In cases of conflict, participants need to learn to express their opinions and listen to other perspectives.  With this learning process in mind, Westby Area High School will follow the ensuing steps in conflict resolution.

Step 1.  Students will meet with their coach.

If no resolution is reached…

Step 2.  Students will discuss the issue with the coach and athletic director.

If no resolution is reached…

Step 3.  Students and their parents will meet with the coach and athletic director.

If no resolution is reached…

Step 4.  Students and their parents will meet with the coach, athletic director and principal.

If no resolution is reached…

Step 5.  Students and their parents will meet with the coach, athletic director, principal and district administrator.

If no resolution is reached…

Step 6.  Students and their parents may approach the school board with their concerns.

***At administrative discretion conflicts can begin on or skip to a higher step in the process.


Requirements for a Varsity Athletic Letter

        

Football         1/2 of the quarters.  Seniors out for the sport four years or coaches discretion.

Cross-Country         Finish in top 5 of Westby’s placements in a simple majority of Westby’s meets.  Consideration to 6th and 7th squad members on a strong team or coaches discretion.

Volleyball         Participation in 3/4 of the total matches played.  All practices must be attended unless excused by the coach or coaches discretion.

Basketball         1/4 of the quarters or coaches discretion.

        

Wrestling         Score 45 team points  (Pin, 6 points; Superior, 5 points; Major, 4 points; Decision, 3 points; Draw, 2 points) or wrestle in at least 15 varsity matches or coaches discretion.

Gymnastics         Number of meets and events competed in - placing for team points in 11 of 14 possible meets; individual scores / meet placings / team placing; conference placings / regionals / sectionals / state; number of years on team; team support, practice attitude, and attendance; competing in good standing (as listed in Athletic Code); exceptional value or merit to the team or coaches discretion.

Hockey                Participation in 1/2 of the total games played or Coach’s discretion.  No code violations.

Baseball         Must play an average of one inning per game.  Seniors out for the sport four years or coaches discretion.

Softball          Average one inning per game or coaches discretion.

Golf          Must score in at least four varsity matches or coaches discretion.

Track         Average of 3 points per meet; personal times/distance/heights;         conference placings/regionals/sectionals/state; number of years on the team;  team support, practice attitude, and attendance; competing in good standing (as listed in Athletic Code); exceptional value or merit to the team or coaches discretion.

Cheerleaders          Two seasons in the same sport (football, basketball, wrestling).  Additional letter for each season completed in that sport or coaches discretion.

Managers & Trainers         Coach’s  discretion.

Athletic Awards

An insert and varsity letter is awarded to the athlete in the first sport that he/she qualifies for.  An insert is awarded to the athlete for the remainder of the sports for which he/she meets the requirements for a letter

A bar is awarded in each successful season of a sport after the first letter is earned.

A senior award will be presented to all seniors who have earned at least three (3) varsity letters.  

Letter jackets may be ordered only after receiving a letter in a varsity sport (including cheerleading and managing) sponsored by Westby Area High School.


Requirements for a Fine Arts Letter

Band / Choir

Jazz Band / Choir        3 pts.

Swing Choir        3 pts.

Student Conductor        2 pts.

Accompanist        5 pts.

All - District Band / Choir        3 pts.

NBA & FFA Band        5 pts.

Dorian Band / Choir        5 pts.

Ambassadors of Music        7 pts.

State Honors Band / Choir        10 pts.

Solo-Ensemble

Class A

Solo-*First        5 pts.

Solo-First        4 pts.

Solo-Second        3 pts.

Solo-State First        3 pts.

Small Ensemble - *First        4 pts.

Small Ensemble - First        3 pts.

Small Ensemble - Second        2 pts.

Small Ensemble - State First        1 pt

Large Ensemble - *First        3 pts.

Large Ensemble - First        2 pts.

Large Ensemble - Second        1 pt

Large Ensemble - State First        2 pts.

Class B

Solo - First        2 pts.

Letter and / or Music Pin 40 points.  Additional Bars 40 points.

Musical / Drama

Large Speaking Part        20 pts.

Chorus / Extra        10 pts.

Student Director        20 pts.

Set / Crew        5 pts.

Set Design        5 pts.

Pit Band        15 pts.

Letter and / or Drama pin 40 points.  Additional Bars 40 points.


APPENDIX

ARTICLE ONE -- HAZING

Wisconsin has an anti-hazing law, Wis. Stat. 948.51..  Under this law no person may intentionally or recklessly engage in acts that endanger the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating in connection with a school, college, or university.  Under those circumstances, prohibited acts may include any brutality of a physical nature (such as whipping, beating, or branding),  forced consumption or any food, liquor, drug or other substance; and forced confinement or any other forced activity that endangers the physical health or safety of the student.  Violation of the statute is a Class A misdemeanor if the act results in or is likely to result in bodily harm to another.  A Class A Misdemeanor is punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed nine months, or both.  If the act results in grave bodily harm or death to another, the offense is a Class E felony punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed three years, or both.  

This law also makes clear that a hazing victim’s consent to endure a ritual is not a defense for the accused.

As hazing is conduct unbecoming an athlete and a criminal act it will be penalized under items (5) and (6).

ARTICLE TWO -- CONDUCT UNBECOMING AN ATHLETE

There will be penalties for behavior which conflicts with the ideals, principles, and standards of the organization and the school.  This includes, but is not limited to, criminal acts.

The following conduct is considered unbecoming:

Dishonesty

Rude or discourteous behavior

Insubordination

Unsportsmanlike behavior

Use of foul language (cursing, swearing)

Fighting

Hazing

Behavior that results in ejection from a contest

Use of threats or intimidation

Failure to follow school rules

Social delinquency

Academic Dishonesty

Cheating

Plagiarism

ARTICLE THREE -- CRIMINAL CONDUCT

The State of Wisconsin has a criminal code that defines acts which violate the ideals, principles, and standards of acceptable behavior in our society.  Furthermore, local governments are authorized by the state to pass ordinances to achieve that same end.  Westby Area School District shares these ideals, principles, and standards with the state and local communities.  Westby Area School District, in an effort to reinforce these widely accepted norms, will expect its student participants to abide by these state laws and local ordinances. There will be penalties, under this co-curricular code, for criminal acts which conflict with the ideals, principles, and standards.