• BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

    Bismarck Public Schools Code of Conduct

    NDHSAA Condensed Eligibility Rules

     

    BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

              

    CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

    The co-curricular programs in the Bismarck Public Schools exist for the development of skills, attitudes, and self-esteem of students, and are intended to enhance the physical, social, emotional, artistic and intellectual growth of our young people. Parents are encouraged to be positive and supportive in their relationships with advisors and coaches.  It is the prerogative of the advisor/coach to manage the activity in such a manner that sound human relationships are encouraged and the regulations of the North Dakota High School Activities Association are met.  A team effort by parents, school officials, and the participants is needed.  Our co-curricular programs are voluntary and are a privilege to participate in rather than a right.

     

     

    ELIGIBILITY

    Scholastic:  

    Students in grades 9-12 shall be doing passing work in at least twenty-five hours per week in order to maintain eligibility. For eligibility purposes, grades are the cumulative average grade from the beginning of a semester and will be computed at the following reporting periods: midterms, quarters, and semesters. Students not meeting said standard will be ineligible for a period of 2 calendar weeks. If the standard has been met at the conclusion of 2 calendar weeks, the student will regain eligibility.  If the student has not regained eligibility after 2 weeks, they will remain ineligible until the next reporting period.  


    Summer School:     Summer school can be used to regain eligibility if a student did not pass the minimum of twenty-five hours per week in the previous semester.  The summer school course used to regain eligibility must be the same course as the failed course which led to loss of eligibility in the previous semester.  If the like course is not offered in summer school, a core summer school class can replace a failed elective class with approval of the building activities director.

     

    Middle School:  Students in grades 6-8 must have no more than one “failing grade” to maintain eligibility. A 7th or 8th grade student participating on a high school team must be passing all classes to maintain eligibility. For eligibility purposes, reports will be run every two weeks. If the standard has been met at the conclusion of 2 calendar weeks, the student will regain eligibility.  The period of ineligibility from the activity may be extended by the coach/advisor/administration. A period of ineligibility may be extended by the coach /advisor or administration due to un-excused absences or inappropriate behavior infractions.

     

    Attendance:  Participants must be in attendance for all academic and required activities designated by the school in order to be eligible to participate in co-curricular activities on any given day.

     

    Suspension or Expulsion:  Any participant who receives an out-of-school suspension or expulsion shall be ineligible for participation, including practices, during the period of suspension or expulsion.  Participants shall be eligible to participate when they are readmitted to school.  Period of ineligibility from the activity may be extended by the coach/advisor.

     

    Tobacco, Alcohol or Controlled Substance Violations: The use or possession of tobacco, e-cigarettes, electronic delivery device, alcohol or any controlled substance as defined by the North Dakota Century Code is prohibited.  Any student who is in violation of the foregoing shall be declared ineligible from participation in interscholastic contests or activities for a minimum period of six consecutive weeks for the first offense and a period of eighteen consecutive school weeks for any subsequent offense.  The period of ineligibility shall begin from the date and time notification is given to the student by the school administration (NDHSAA Constitution and By Laws).

     

    “Mere Presence”:  Being in attendance at a function, in a vehicle or at a party where the student knows or has reason to know that alcohol or other drugs are being consumed illegally by minors and failing to leave despite having a reasonable opportunity to do so is a violation.  When a student recognizes this situation, he/she must leave immediately or is in violation of the Bismarck Public Schools tobacco, alcohol or any controlled substance rule.

     

    In-season Penalty:  Penalty shall be 6 weeks for 1st offense and 18 weeks for 2nd offense (NDHSAA Section XII).  Period of ineligibility will start at the time the student is notified of the violation by the administration.

     

    Out of Season Penalty (Includes Summer):  Penalty shall be 6 weeks for 1st offense and 18 weeks for 2nd offense (NDHSAA Section XII).  Period of ineligibility will start at the time the student is notified of the violation by the administration. In addition, there will be a 2 week period of ineligibility from the first authorized date of competition/performance for the activity in which they will be participating.  Participants in activities that do not have a contest/performance in the two week window will be ineligible for their first contest/performance.  It should be noted that the 2 week period of ineligibility may run concurrent with the 6 week or 18 week period of ineligibility starting from the first authorized date of competition/performance for the activity they are participating in.   Ex.  Student has alcohol violation in October but does not participate in any activity until track.  Student serves the 6 or 18 week period of ineligibility starting October 4 which is the time the school is notified and then serves the two week period of ineligibility from the first authorized date of competition for track.  To satisfy the 2 week requirement, the student must remain with the program in which the period of ineligibility was served through the completion of the season.

     

    SPECIFIC STANDARDS

     

    A participant in any BPS co-curricular activity will be declared ineligible for engaging in any act that would be grounds for arrest or citation in the court system (excluding minor offenses such as traffic or hunting/fishing violations). Ineligibility can occur without a formal citation, arrest, conviction, or adjudication.  All ineligibility appeals must be directed to the Bismarck Public School Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools.  Exceedingly inappropriate or offensive conduct such as assaulting staff or students, gross insubordination (talking back or refusing to cooperate with authorities), hazing or harassment of others is grounds for ineligibility from co-curricular activities.  Such conduct could include group conduct.  This is not an all-inclusive list of prohibited behaviors.  The school reserves the right to discipline a student for violation of the good conduct rule which includes, but is not limited to, the above referenced behaviors.

     

    Accumulation of consequence for ineligibility is active for one calendar year.  The last day of school for students (as defined by the district calendar) will be the conclusion date of all violations for that academic year and the start for the upcoming academic year.   An exception to this would be a student who is deemed ineligible and their activity extends beyond the ending date of school. They would remain ineligible until the conclusion of their activity or their period of ineligibility expires.

     

     

     

     

    BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT STANDARDS

     

    Respect for Others:   Respect should be displayed toward officials, opponents, teammates, others in the community &

    towards oneself.

     

    Dress and Grooming:  Students who participate in co-curricular activities are expected to dress appropriately for out-of- town trips.  Coaches/Advisors may establish and post appropriate standards with each individual group.

     

    Travel:  Students are to travel to and from away events with the squad.  No other means of transportation is to be arranged unless approval has been granted by the coach or advisor and that release will only be a visual release to the student’s parent/guardian.

     

    Citizenship:  The conduct and behavior of participants is a direct reflection of themselves, their parents, the school, the organization, and the coach/advisor.  Participants shall be courteous and show respect for people and property.  All varsity students must participate in a team community project (minimum of two hours).

     

     

    My signature below indicates that I have reviewed, understand, and agree to adhere to the regulations, expectations, and penalties contained within the Bismarck Public School District’s Code of Conduct for co-curricular activities.  It is also an acknowledgement  that  I  have  been  properly  advised,  cautioned,  and  warned  by  the  proper  administrative  coaching personnel of the Bismarck Public School District that by participating in sports one exposes themselves to the risk of serious injury including, but not limited to, the risk of concussion, paralysis; or even death.  I have viewed the film entitled “Sports & Activities: Know the Risks” and understand the message it conveys. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K25IgZvgoCA)
    I hereby further acknowledge that I do so with full knowledge and understanding of the risk of serious injury to which I am exposing myself by participating in sport(s).   Having been so cautioned and warned, it is still my desire and my choice to participate.

     

    I also understand that hazing of any kind is not allowed in the Bismarck School District.  This includes written, verbal and physical acts.  My signature is an acknowledgement that I have read the Bismarck Public Schools Hazing Policy – JCDAE.
    (http://www.bismarck.k12.nd.us/uploads/resources/1044/policy-jcdae.pdf)

     

     

    (Student Signature)                                                    (Parent/Guardian Signature)                                          (Date)

     

     

    Dave Zittleman

    Director of Student Activities

    Bismarck Public Schools

    701-323-4079