FILE:  IDFA

Cf:  EGB, IDE

Cf:  IDFAA, IDFAB

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

The Richland Parish School Board is committed to the belief that for the learning process for students to be complete, additional student activities, such as athletics, must be an integral part of the educational process.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM

Interscholastic athletics may be made available for students in the schools of the school district.  The Superintendent or 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 and policies of the School Board.

The Board shall allow students to participate in as many sport activities and academic activities as he/she is capable.

ACTIVITIES WHEN SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED DUE TO NATURAL DISASTER

Contracted activities during a school day should provide a clause that allows for re-scheduling of any activity if schools are closed for inclement weather or any other disaster.  If Richland Parish Schools are unable to provide academic instruction, then extra-curricular activities should be canceled or reschedules.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

No student shall be permitted to practice or participate in any interscholastic athletic program in any public school of the Richland Parish School Board until such student shall have furnished to the principal of the school documentation that he/she has met the following requirements:

1. 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).
   
   

2. 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.
   
   

3. 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.
   
   

4. 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.
   
   

5. 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.
   
   

6. 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 activity. (See policy IDFAA, Drug Testing of Athletes)

RULES VIOLATION

Adherence to the rules of athletic representation and participation shall be strictly enforced by the School 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 Louisiana High School Athletic Association the athletic director, principal, and coach involved shall provide a full written report to the Superintendent.  If found warranted, the Superintendent School Board will provide the School Board with pertinent recommendations for disciplinary action.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Students shall be required to maintain a 2.00 grade point average in their courses of study and pass at least six (6) units, in order to remain eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, unless the student is a senior.  In the case of a senior, the student shall be required to take and successfully pass the minimum number of courses required and enumerated in the eligibility rules of the LHSAA.  The LHSAA also includes specific eligibility rules for special education students which must be met for their participation.

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.

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, 8-7-84, 10-14-08, 10-11-11, 11-12-13

Richland Parish School Board