The students, staff, parents, and community of Fulton High School are committed to providing a safe environment in which all students will become responsible, successful learners and be prepared to meet life's challenges and opportunities as productive members of society through the development of:

 

- essential academic an technological skills as defined by our curriculum

 

- student awareness of career and educational planning

 

- communication, problem solving and human relations skills

The purpose of the athletic program sponsored by the Fulton Board of Education is to provide all eligible students an equal opportunity to participate in activities which will help them to grow and mature mentally, physically, socially and emotionally.

The primary function of athletic programs at the freshman and junior high levels is to provide instruction in the basic skills. The skills are best learned under game conditions. Therefore, a major goal of programs at these levels is to give every athlete the opportunity to use these skills under game conditions.

 

The primary function of athletic programs at the J.V. and the Varsity levels is to win the game, while allowing as many as possible to participate.

 

Every attempt will be made to allow all interested students to remain on the team in which they are interested. The athletic director, after having a discussion with the varsity head coach regarding the various members on the team, will make the final decision on the number of athletes to be carried on a team. Many variables will be taken into consideration before making such a decision (number of positions on a team, philosophy of participation at a particular age level, attitudes of participants involved, etc.) In general, the following will apply:

7-8	Everyone on the team in good standing will participate in the game but may not receive equal playing time.
9-J.V.	Every attempt will be made to get all athletes in good standing in the game but may not be possible in a close contest.
Varsity	At this level, the ultimate goal is to follow our guidelines in developing responsible student-athletes and to win. In some game situations, not all team members may be able to participate.

Sunday, Summer and holiday practices - when scheduling Sunday, summer and

holiday practices, the head coach will meet with the athletic director to discuss such practices. Family vacations and personal commitments, along with grade level of participants, will be a major consideration when determining such schedules. All schedules must be approved by the athletic director and such practices may not be mandatory.

It should be stressed that taking part in high school sports is a privilege and is extended to those high school students whose scholastic record and citizenship status satisfies the standards imposed by the school, as well as those set up by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Athletes earn their place on a team and keep that place with a show of commitment, dedication, and attitude. Coaches should not tolerate any departure from this course that would adversely affect the performance or attitude of the team.

 

Participation in athletics means more than competition between two individuals or two teams representing different high schools. It means the teaching of fair play and sportsmanship: understanding and appreciation of teamwork; the fact that quitting means failure, while hard work means success.

 

With these goals in mind, this code has been formulated to be used as a guide for the use of all individuals concerned.

 A. ON THE FIELD

 

In the area of athletic competition, an athlete does not use profanity or illegal tactics. The student athlete learns the fact that losing is part of the game, and that he or she should be gracious in defeat and modest in victory. It is always courteous to congratulate your opponent on a well played game after the contest. If the occasion should arise where there is nothing good to say to your opponent, shake hands and say nothing. As a Fulton athlete, you are expected to show exemplary sportsmanship at all times.

 

FALSE athletes often display fits of temper, clown, or become exhibitionists in other ways when things fail to go as desired or when replaced by a teammate. A TRUE athlete has complete control of himself or herself at all times. Officials in a game are there for the purpose of insuring that both teams will receive a fair deal. Officials do not lose a game for you. It is athletic tradition and rule, that no player except the team captain or appointed captain talks to the officials. The captain should always speak in a tone of respect and only for the purpose of clarifying a rule.

 

Any behavior contrary to that which has been stated is a direct reflection of a school, team, and coaches, and will not be tolerated. Violations of a major nature will result in suspension and possible expulsion from the team, at the discretion of the coach.

 B. IN THE CLASSROOM

 

A good athlete is a good student. He or she plans to spend his or her time so that sufficient energy is given to his or her studies to insure acceptable grades.

 

School regulations require the following academic standards for eligibility:

 

WEEKLY ELIGIBILITY:   Two "E's"for the week will make a player ineligible for the following week's contests. Weekly ineligibility will run from Monday through (and including) the following Sunday. Weekly eligibility will be based on the current marking period cumulative record.   QUARTER MARKING PERIOD ELIGIBILITY:  A. Two failures for a 9 week marking period will make a player ineligible for the following 9 weeks .  B. Decisions regarding eligibility for the 1st marking period of a new academic year will be based on the last marking period of the preceding school year.  C. Eligibility carries over from season to season.  D. Eligibility rules will involve grades 9-12. All 1st Semester 9th graders are eligible.  E. Students in grades 9-12 enrolling in summer school to repeat a failed course may have eligibility reinstated.

In addition to maintaining satisfactory grades, an athlete should give respectful attention to classroom activities, and show respect for students and faculty members at all times.   Horseplay and unnecessary talking are not approved habits of behavior. If these standards present a problem that the athlete is unable to correct, the coach may suspend the athlete from the next game.   Missing one-half day of school or more without approval of the principal on the day of a game or a practice automatically makes a player ineligible for the game or practice. Students sent home ill or missing afternoon classes without pre-approval will not be allowed to participate in that day's game or practice.

 C. ON THE CAMPUS

Behavior and appearance on the campus is of great importance. Athletes should be leaders, since fellow students respect and follow them. An athlete should conform to school dress and grooming rules at all times.

Real leaders will accept these responsibilities, realizing that they influence many others on the campus. Athletic leaders work for the betterment of the school and what is right and good for their fellow students.

It is our philosophy that the team and individuals benefit when all athletes and coaches ride to and from events on the school transportation. Exceptions are discouraged, except in extreme circumstances, and then only with advanced written permission from parents or guardians to have their son or daughter return with them or another parent. Student athletes may not be released to any other individual, even with parental permission. All requests must be cleared with the principal or athletic director.

Violation of these rules will result in suspension and possible expulsion from the team. If an athlete is placed on any form of suspension, (except Saturday detention) he or she will be ineligible for one game after his/her return and for any game during the suspension. A second suspension will result in expulsion from the team. Students on out of school suspension may not practice. Students on in school suspension are expected to practice.

Don't let your team down.

 D. ON TRIPS

On trips, athletes directly represent the community, school, and coaches. Therefore, it is expected that all concerned will dress in an acceptable manner when traveling, and conduct themselves on the bus in a manner in keeping with this code. Violations in the area will result in a minimum of suspension from the next game with additional penalties left to the discretion of the coach. Vandalism or theft from another school will be considered very serious and will lead to harsh discipline.

 E. TRAINING RULES

Training rules must be obeyed. They have been developed for the welfare and benefit of the athletes. The athlete must observe the rules, train faithfully, and follow the specific training instructions of the coaches of the particular season. General training rules are in effect for all athletes year round. Violations will be recorded cumulatively beginning in 9th grade for all students. This also includes any sponsored camp, activity, fundraising event, or any other instance where the student can be considered to be representing Fulton High school.

The following behaviors constitute a violation of the Fulton Athletic Training Rules and subject the athlete to penalty as outlined in the Penalty provisions of the Training Rules.

1.	Use, possession, concealment, distribution, sale or being under the influence of:  a. Tobacco or tobacco products in any form.  b. Alcohol or alcoholic beverages in any form.  c. Illegal drugs, including but not limited to those substances defined as "controlled substances" pursuant to federal and/or state statute.  d. Steroids, human growth hormones or other performance-enhancing drugs.  e. Substances purported to be illegal, abusive or performance enhancing, i.e., look-alike" drugs. It shall not be a violation of the Athletic Training Rules for an athlete to use or possess a prescription or patent drug when taken pursuant to a legal prescription issued by a licensed physician for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to school-sponsored activity.
2.	Violation of federal, state or local law/ordinance on school premises or during a school-sponsored activity.
3.	Theft, vandalism or destruction of property, belonging to our school or to an opponent's school.
4.	Felony or misdemeanor acts other than minor traffic offenses. Conviction of said act is not necessary.

1st Violation - The athlete will be suspended from 33% of a season's contests. If the season is more than 67% complete, the remainder of the suspension will be made up in the next sport in which the athlete participates. The athlete will serve a three day term in the Self Discipline Room (SDR) to develop an Exit Plan that will be acceptable to all coaches involved. For the suspension to be completed, the athlete must finish any season in which the suspension occurs in good standing with the coaches involved. The athlete will be expected to practice with the team throughout the suspension period. The athlete suspended due to violation of the alcohol or illegal drug prohibition must undergo a student assistance program assessment. If the athlete and family fail to seek treatment and/or follow the recommendation of the assessment team, the student will be recommended for permanent ineligibility. The athlete may apply for reinstatement if this comply with an assessment at a later date.

2nd Violation - The athlete will be suspended from 66% of a season's contests. If the season is more than 33% complete, the remainder of the suspension will be made up in the next sport in which the athlete participates. The athlete will repeat a term of three days in the SDR to develop a new Exit Plan that will be acceptable to all coaches involved. For the suspension to be completed, the athlete must finish any season in which the suspension occurs in good standing with the coaches involved. The athlete will be expected to practice with the team throughout the suspension period. The athlete suspended due to violation of the alcohol or illegal drug prohibition must undergo a student assistance program assessment. If the athlete and family fail to seek treatment and/or follow the recommendation of the assessment team, the student will be recommended for permanent ineligibility. The athlete may apply for reinstatement if this comply with an assessment at a later date.

3rd Violation - The athlete will be placed on indefinite suspension, to be reviewed by the Athletic Council one year ( 365 days ) after the offense. The athlete may practice with a team during the suspension period at the discretion of the coaches involved. The athlete suspended due to violation of the alcohol or illegal drug prohibition must undergo a student assistance program assessment. If the athlete and family fail to seek treatment and/or follow the recommendation of the assessment team, the student will be recommended for permanent ineligibility. The athlete may apply for reinstatement if this comply with an assessment at a later date.

4th Violation - The athlete will be permanently ineligible to participate in athletics at Fulton.

Violations will accumulate in each of the four areas listed earlier in this section.

Violations will be verified in the following manner:

1.	Student or parental admission.
2.	Law enforcement reports.
3.	Fulton Staff member report, detailing an observed violation by the staff member.

Due process and right of appeal are offered to athletes according to school policy. Any athlete who feels that he or she has been unjustly suspended or discriminated against in the enforcement of the guidelines listed in Sections B, C, D or E may appeal the decision to the athletic council. Academic eligibility appeals as described in Section A are directed to the affected building principal. All appeals must be in writing, dated and addressed to the athletic director and signed by parents ( for students under the age of 18 ). Copies go to the superintendent and the principal.

The athletic council shall consist of five head coaches (appointed by the Athletic Director before the beginning of each school year begins), three non-coaching high school staff members (appointed by the Principal before the school year begins), a representative of the Athletic Boosters Club (appointed by the Booster President before the school year begins), a Board of Education member (appointed by the Board President before the school year begins), the principal, and the Athletic Director. The Principal shall act as secretary, and the Athletic Director shall act as chairperson and shall be non-voting members of the council.

Should an appeal directly involve a coach or a staff member, an alternate will be appointed by the appropriate administrator. The involved coach or staff member will then be asked to present facts in the appeal. In all cases, the council should seek out opinions and facts of all parties involved in the appeal and have those parties present the facts to the council in person.

Upon receipt of an appeal, as referenced in Sections B, C, D, or E, the athletic director shall call a meeting of the council within five (5) school days. Parents of the appellant shall be notified of the hearing in advance of such hearing. In all appeals, the athlete will remain ineligible during the appeal process. Votes shall be of public record and recorded as part of the record kept by the secretary. The council must decide to either uphold the decision of the coach or administrator, overturn it, or amend it. Within three (3) school days of the hearing, the council shall render its decision and give written notice to the student, parents, principal, coach, and the athletic director. Records of the hearing shall be maintained by the athletic director.

The student may appeal the decision of the council to the principal within 5 school days of the council's decision. The Principal shall schedule a meeting within 5 school days of the receipt of a written request for a hearing. The Principal will render a decision within 3 school days of this hearing.

The student may then appeal the decision to the superintendent within 5 school days of the Principal's ruling. The Superintendent shall schedule a meeting within 5 school days of the receipt of a written request for a hearing. The Superintendent will render a decision within 3 school days of the hearing.

If not satisfied with the decision at this point, the student may further appeal to the Fulton Board of Education within five school days of the Superintendent's ruling. The Board of Education shall meet no later than their next regularly scheduled meeting to hear the appeal upon receipt of a written request for a hearing. Any decision by the Fulton Board of Education will be final.

LETTER REQUIREMENTS

Athletes may earn varsity letters by meeting the following requirements;

GIRLS BASKETBALL

A player who completes the season in good standing and makes a contribution to the team shall receive a varsity letter.

FOOTBALL

An athlete must play in six (6) quarters or start in one (1) game and be in good standing at the end of the season to receive a varsity letter.

CHEERLEADING

An athlete must cheer in all games through each season, follow the rules and requirements of the coach, and be in good standing at the end of the season to receive a varsity letter.

BOYS BASKETBALL

A player who completes the season in good standing and makes a contribution to the team shall receive a varsity letter.

VOLLEYBALL

A player who completes the season in good standing and makes a contribution to the team shall receive a varsity letter.

WRESTLING

An athlete must have ten (10) wins or thirty (30) team points or place in two (2) tournaments or in district and be in good standing at the end of the season to receive a varsity letter.

BASEBALL

A player who completes the season in good standing and makes a contribution to the team shall receive a varsity letter.

SOFTBALL

A player who completes the season in good standing and makes a contribution to the team shall receive a varsity letter.

BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK

An athlete must earn twelve (12) points through the season or run on a varsity relay that wins two (2) times through the season, or score points at an invitational, regional or state meet, and be in good standing with the team at the end of the season to receive a letter.

CROSS COUNTRY

An athlete who completes the season in good standing and ran at least 5 varsity meets.

GOLF

A player who completes the season in good standing and has played in at least 5 matches as a varsity team member .

NCAA REQUIREMENTS

Before an athlete can play a sport or receive an athletic scholarship at a Division I or II college, he/she must meet specific academic criteria as set forth by the NCAA. A student must have at least a 2.0 GPA ( based on a 4.0 scale ) in 13 core courses. A student must also achieve a minimum combined ACT score of 68 ( sum of the four scores ) or a combined SAT score of 820. To be eligible at a Division I school, the student with a minimum GPA will need a higher test score, and the student with a minimum test score will need a higher GPA.

Students must take specific courses in order to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. These include a certain number of college preparatory English, science, social science, and math courses, with at least one year of algebra and one year of geometry. Because the NCAA has such specific requirements, and because these requirements can be confusing, it is very important that athletes meet with their guidance counselors in the 8th or 9th grade to obtain information on all of the NCAA requirements. At this time athletes also need to make sure that their four year plans include courses that will satisfy NCAA requirements.

Athletes should take the ACT and the SAT no later than the Spring of the Junior year in order to have time to retake them if necessary. In order to initiate the eligibility process, athletes also need to complete an NCAA clearinghouse student release form. This form should be submitted after completion of the junior year. Forms and information are available in the high school office.