Unacceptable Conduct

  •  The prohibition of unacceptable conduct:

    Certain conduct by any participant is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Examples of such unacceptable conduct include, but are not limited to, theft, vandalism, disrespect, hazing, harassment, violation of alcohol, tobacco and illegal substances restrictions, major infractions of The Student Code of Conduct, or violations of law. This unacceptable conduct rule shall be in force twelve months of the year. This means that the school district may penalize or punish a participant who engages in unacceptable conduct during the school term, over a holiday break, or while school is out of session. This also means that the school district may impose sanctions for unacceptable conduct which occurs at school, at a school sponsored event, or off school grounds. The penalty for engaging in unacceptable conduct can include revocation of the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities.

    Definitions of specific kinds of unacceptable conduct:

    • Theft- stealing or taking personal property that belongs to another person, school, team, or organization.
    • Vandalism- willful or malicious breaking, destruction, or defacement of public or private property.
    • Disrespect- actions that show or express a lack of high regard or respect for others (fellow students, opponents, teachers, coaches, administrators, parents, or adults). This includes actions that result in OSS and the use of unacceptable language (cursing).
    • Hazing- any action that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers another person, regardless of that person’s willingness to participate. These actions may include initiation rituals into a team, club or organization.
    • Harassment- actions, comments, threats, verbalizations, coercion, jokes, teasing, or intimidation that is based on or takes place because of the race, color, sex, religion, or national origin of another person, who reports the actions as unwelcome.
    • Alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances restrictions – Any illegal use or possession of alcohol or tobacco or use, sale, possession, or purchase of any illegal or controlled substance, including prescription drugs..
    • Providing false address or residency information ** – See Rock Hill guidelines for Establishing Proof of Residence.

    This list of examples is not intended to be exhaustive and the appropriate staff members may impose disciplinary action for conduct not specifically listed here.

    Punishment for Unacceptable Conduct:

    Generally, when a school official has reason to believe that a student participant has engaged in unacceptable conduct as described in this code of conduct, the responsible school official shall notify the student of the violation and provide the student with the opportunity to present his or her account and explanation. The responsible school official will then confer with the Athletic Director or designated administrator to determine the appropriate sanction or penalty to be imposed. The level of discipline imposed is at the school official's discretion, and sanctions may range from reprimands to suspension from a game or contests, or in the most serious incidents of misconduct, dismissal from a team or permanent denial of participating for the remainder of the student's high school career.

    ** Providing false address or residency information will result in the student’s dismissal from team and the student will be ineligible for the remainder of the school year at all school locations.

    Suspension means that the student is not allowed to dress out or participate in a contest or event. It may also include suspension from practice. However, the participant may be required to continue to practice with the team or program.

    Dismissal means that the student is no longer a part of the team or program. If dismissed, the participant’s uniform and equipment will be taken up and his/her name will be removed from the team or program roster.

    Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) – During the period that any participant is serving an out-of-school suspension, the student will not be allowed to participate in practice or games or contests. The participants may return to participation in any activity only after being readmitted to school and attending school for one day.