FILE: IDFA
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS
The Bossier 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 Bossier 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 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 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 2010-2011 school
year, a student shall have earned at least five (5) units from the
2009-2010 school year which shall be listed on the student’s transcript,
including any special education subjects and shall have earned at
least a 1.5 grade point average when considering all "graded"
subjects.
To be eligible for the second semester of the 2010-2011 school
year, a student shall pass at least six (6) units from the first semester
of the 2010-2011 school year, including any special education subjects.
To be eligible for the first semester of the 2011-2012 school year, a student shall have earned at least six (6) units from the 2010-2011 school year which shall be listed on the student’s transcript, including any special education subject(s) and shall have at least a "C" average as determined by the School Board when considering all "graded" subjects.
Individual schools or the School Board may set higher, but not lower scholastic requirements for interscholastic athletic 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.
Revised: October 3, 2013
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, 10-3-13
Bossier Parish School Board