FILE: IDFA
Cf: IDFAB
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS
The Iberia Parish School Board believes that the competitive athletic program is a part of the overall educational program of the school system. It also believes that the athletic program should be closely coordinated with the general instructional program of the school, and that the aims achieved through athletics should justify its inclusion in the overall educational program. The athletic program shall also be based on a spirit of non-professionalism so that participation is regarded as a privileged opportunity.
ATHLETIC PROGRAM
Interscholastic athletics may be made available for students in the schools of the school district. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall develop and maintain an athletic program in the school district that emphasizes participation of all students. The conduction of all athletic programs within the school district shall comply fully with regulations of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) and policies of the School Board. The School Board shall allow students to participate in as many sports activities and academic activities as he/she is capable of participating in without fear of reprisal.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
No student shall be permitted to practice or participate in any interscholastic athletic program in any public school of the Iberia Parish School Board until such student shall have furnished to the principal of the school documentation that he/she has met the following requirements:
Evidence of having had a physical examination by a licensed
physician who shall have completed documentation as required by the
Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).
Properly complete a School Entrance and
General Health Exam Form/LHSAA Medical History
and pass a medical examination by a licensed physician prior to the
first time he/she participates in a sport in a LHSAA school. Physicians
may continue to use the original LHSAA Sports Physical Form
in performing sports physicals. In addition, parents shall
be required to complete the Authorization
for Release of Confidential Information.
Once a student passes the initial medical examination and completes
an LHSAA Medical History Form prior to the sports season in
which he/she participates, he/she shall annually pass any medical
screening or medical examination required by a licensed physician
and shall update his/her LHSAA Medical History Form as required.
A copy of all completed and signed medical examination and participation/release
of information forms (and any others required by the School Board)
must be on file at the school for every student before he/she practices
or participates in interscholastic athletics during that school year.
An agreement signed by the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
to hold the School Board and its members, employees, agents, assigns
and insurers harmless from and against any liability for any accidents
involving the student while participating in such athletic activities
and any injuries suffered by the student during, or as a result of,
such participation. The agreement shall also authorize
team physicians to treat the student in the event of an injury requiring
emergency treatment.
Students shall sign a form consenting to random drug screening and must obtain the written consent of their parent(s) or guardian(s) for said tests in order to be eligible to participate in any athletic or extracurricular activity. (See policy IDFAA, Athletic and Extracurricular Activity Drug Screening)
RULES VIOLATION
Adherence to the rules of athletic representation and participation shall be strictly enforced by the Board. Any violations of athletic rules shall be immediately reported to the Superintendent by the principal. In the event that a member school, member school principal, or member school coach is penalized or cited by the LHSAA due to a violation, the athletic director, principal, and coach involved shall provide a full report to the Superintendent. If found warranted, the Superintendent in turn shall make a report to the School Board with pertinent recommendations for disciplinary action.
SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS
The School Board endorses the scholastic eligibility requirements as a condition for participation in high school extracurricular activities as stipulated by the LHSAA. Scholastic requirements shall be as follow:
To
be eligible for the first semester of the school year, a student shall
have earned at least six (6) units from the previous school year,
which shall be listed on the student’s transcript, and shall have
at least a “C” average as determined by the School Board when considering
all “graded” subjects.
To
be eligible for the second semester of the school year, a student
shall pass at least six (6) subjects from the first semester. A
senior attempting four (4) units in the first semester must pass all
four (4) units to be eligible in the second semester. Likewise,
a senior attempting five (5) units in the first semester must pass
all five (5) units, and a senior taking six (6) or more units in the
first semester must pass six (6) units for second semester eligibility.
The LHSAA includes specific eligibility rules for special education students which must be met for their participation.
Individual schools or the School Board may set higher, but not lower scholastic requirements for interscholastic athletic participation.
Middle School Athletic Eligibility
A student is ineligible for interscholastic athletic participation in any middle school if he/she has reached his/her fifteenth (15th) birthday before September 1st of the school year. If he/she becomes fifteen (15) on or after September 1st, the student is eligible for the remainder of the school year provided he/she meets all other eligibility rules. This provision is congruent with the policy of LHSAA to ensure senior eligibility for students as they progress through the education program.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Athletes shall have either school student insurance or a signed statement from the parent showing that the student is otherwise covered for any accident or injuries that may occur during any athletic participation. No students shall be allowed to practice or participate in interscholastic athletics until this requirement has been met.
Revised: August, 2010
Revised: August, 2011
Revised: August, 2013 (Board Adopted: 9-7-16)
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:169, 17:176
Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education
Official Handbook, Louisiana High School Athletic Association
Board minutes, 4-28-76, 4-05, 9-7-16
Iberia Parish School Board