Athletics Code of Conduct

Regulations Governing Interscholastic Athletics

All Mayfield Central School District students participating in athletics are required to abide by the same eligibility guidelines and disciplinary regulations. The handbook is a reflection of the School District’s concern for safety, well-being, and conduct of its students. The rules and regulations that are contained in this extra-curricular handbook are in the best interests of the students, parents, and School District.

Students and parents are reminded that participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege, which is earned, by being good students and good citizens. The status of interscholastic athletics as a privilege rather than a right or requirement is held by not only the Mayfield Central School District, but also the New York State Commissioner of Education who has ruled on such matters numerous times. Since interscholastic athletics are an optional activity, those who choose to participate in athletics and extra-curricular activities will be held to higher standards in terms of their behavior and their performance in the classroom.

The athletic program at Mayfield is founded on the principle that the playing field is indeed an extension of the classroom and that the athletic experience contributes to the growth of mind and body. Dedication and desire, cooperation and compassion, and the importance of working collectively toward a common goal are just some of the ideas that permeate the Mayfield playing fields and gymnasiums.

Philosophy & Objectives of Interscholastic Athletics

Athletics should be a broadening experience in which harmony of mind and body functions are created through striving for physical and mental excellence. A well-coordinated program is vitally important to the morale of the school and our community. Everyone involved in the delivery of athletics possesses a unique opportunity to teach positive life skills and values. Desire, dedication, self-discipline and responsibility need to be developed in order to ensure the commitment and personal sacrifice required by an athlete. Making such a commitment helps nurture integrity, pride, loyalty, and overall character. The final outcome is a better citizenry carrying these values throughout their life.

It is the very nature of athletic competition to strive for victory. However, the number of victories is only one criterion when determining a team’s success. Guiding the team to attain maximum potential is the ultimate goal. To this end, the coaching staff must teach student-athletes to prepare their minds and bodies in order to reach maximum potential, and then to be modest in victory and steadfast in defeat.

Modified Program Philosophy

This program is available to all students in the seventh and eighth grade (sometimes ninth grade depending on the sport). At this level, the focus is on participation, learning athletic skills and game rules, fundamentals of team play, social and emotional growth, physiologically appropriate demands on the adolescent body, and healthy competition. Ultimately, the number of teams and size of the squad in any sport will be determined by the availability of:

A) Qualified coaches
B) Safe and suitable indoor and outdoor facilities
C) Financial resources

In order for the desired development of the adolescent athlete and team to occur, practice sessions are vital. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association publishes regulations by which practice sessions are governed. Practices or contests may be scheduled for Saturdays and vacations with permission from the AD.

Advanced Placement Process – By Coaches Invitation Only

In some circumstances, a student athlete in grade seven or eight can test up to play at the junior varsity or varsity level. To do so, we are governed by the Advanced Placement Process For Interschool Athletic Programs which was published by the University of the State of New York and the New York State Education Department, Office of Curriculum and Instruction in February 2015. It is important to emphasize, as this document states, that this process is to be initiated by a formal letter (template included in the APP policy) from the junior varsity or varsity coach, as is applicable, and all of the steps outlined in the policy are followed accurately. Additionally, any student-athlete who is on the Ineligibility List as a result of academic achievement will not be considered as a candidate for Advanced Placement.

Junior Varsity Program Policy

The Junior Varsity level is intended for those who display the potential of continued development into productive varsity level performers. At this level, athletes are expected to have visibly committed themselves to the program, team, and continued self-development. To this end, increased emphasis is placed on physical conditioning, refinement of fundamental skills, elements and strategies of team play, in addition to social and emotional development. Junior varsity programs work towards achieving a balance between continued team and player development and striving for victory. The outcome of the contest becomes a consideration at this level. The realization that practice sessions are important is a premise that is vital to a successful junior varsity team and player. With the goal of becoming a varsity player clearly in sight, the highest level of dedication and commitment is expected at the junior varsity level.

Varsity Program Policy

A sound attitude and advanced level of skill are prerequisites for a position on a varsity team, as is the realization that a varsity sport requires a strong commitment. The components of the philosophy of the junior varsity program are further developed and enhanced at the varsity level. In the determination of the team roster, participation on the varsity team during the previous year does not guarantee a spot on the team the subsequent year. Those demonstrating the best level of skill and attitude will be selected. While the primary goal at this level continues to emphasize sportsmanship and character, winning contests takes a high priority and there is no guarantee that all team members will play in all or any contests.

Objectives of the Interscholastic Athletic Program

Our goals are:

1. To develop and maintain the highest level of sportsmanship.
2. To develop proper attitudes toward winning and losing, success and failure.
3. To encourage and develop respect for fellow athletes whether they are teammates, members of other Mayfield teams, or members of opposing teams.
4. To assure that the amount of time required for athletic participation does not interfere with academic success.
5. To develop proper attitudes toward individual health habits, appearance on and off the field, and citizenship in and out of school.
6. To encourage competition not only for the tangible rewards but also for the development of positive attitudes which make athletic competition valuable and worthwhile.
7. To orient all athletic staff members to abide by the rules, regulations, and officials’ decisions that govern each sport.
8. To maintain the highest standard of ethics, recognize each participant as an individual who will conduct him/herself in a manner befitting his/her responsibilities, and develop the kind of rapport with the broader school community that will improve the total educational program.

Coaches

Coaches will abide by the COACHING CODE OF ETHICS of SECTION II, which states that it is the duty of all concerned with school athletics to do the following:

1. Emphasize the ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play;
2. Eliminate all possibilities that tend to destroy the best values of the game;
3. Stress the values derived from playing the game fairly;
4. Show cordial courtesy to visiting teams and officials;
5. Establish a happy relationship between visiting teams and officials;
6. Respect the integrity and judgment of sports officials;
7. Achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and of the standards of eligibility;
8. Encourage leadership, initiative and good judgment by players on the team;
9. Recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well being of the individual players;
10. Remember that an athletic contest is only a game, not a matter of life and death.

Coaches will make all student athletes aware of the following elements of sportsmanship at all times throughout the season, especially as part of teaching during practices and games:

1. Learn and understand the rules of the sport.
2. Play hard, play to win and play fairly within these rules.
3. Maintain self-control and concentrate on good sportsmanship under pressure.
4. Respect the opponent, never taunt, acknowledge good play and offer congratulations.
5. Respect the role of the officials and accept their decisions as part of the game.
6. Be an example for your school, teammates, and opponents.

Student Athletes

Rules of Training and Conditioning: All players are expected to observe all training and team rules as prescribed by the coach with regard to curfew, team conduct, conditioning, and other pertinent considerations. Violations of team rules may result in a range of disciplinary actions. Decisions on removal from a team or denial of awards will be made by the high school principal with input from the coach and athletic director.

Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs: Shall be consistent with the MCSD code of conduct. The following rules apply 24 hours per day, in all locations:

1. During the season of practice or play, a student will not,

• Possess or use any beverage containing alcohol,
• Possess or use tobacco in any form,
• Possess, use or consume, buy, sell or give away any controlled substance defined by law as a drug.

2. There will be no warnings. A first infraction will cause the student to be suspended from 20% of the scheduled contests. While suspended from contests, students must practice with the team and attend all contests in uniform. Any remaining suspended contests will be completed at the start of the next season.

3. A second infraction will cause the student to be dropped from the team and from participation on any other team during that season. A student may participate on a team in the next season. However, a second “first” infraction in any subsequent season will cause the student to be dropped from the team.

4. Athletic penalties are imposed in addition to school code of conduct penalties.

5. Hosting Rule: If it is determined that a party with illegal drugs or alcohol was hosted by a student-athlete, that student will be suspended from Mayfield athletics for one full year.

Student Conduct: Shall be consistent with the MCSD code of conduct, additional consequences may include the following:

• Removal from the team or suspension for one or more contests at the discretion of the athletic director and/or principal.
• The coach or athletic director may temporarily suspend from the team or group, any team member whenever the coach, athletic director, or principal determines the student is not contributing to good inter-squad or group discipline and decorum.

The district is committed to safeguarding the right of all students within the school district to learn in an environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Conduct is deemed to be sexual harassment when the student perceives such behavior as unwelcome, such as inappropriate touching, verbal comments, sexual name-calling, spreading sexual rumors, gestures, jokes or pictures.

Conduct is considered discrimination when such behavior is based on race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, family background, or physical/mental disability. These can take the form of name-calling; physical, verbal or written threats; hate literature, or any other act intended to hurt, scare or put down another based on who they are. These words and acts are unacceptable even when used as jokes.

Whether the act is deliberate, intentional, or unintentional, discrimination and harassment are unacceptable.

Hazing of any form will not be tolerated among athlete team members.

The principal shall enforce the regulations of the “Code of Conduct”. Violations of school rules, inappropriate behavior, and unlawful behavior (whether on or off school grounds) may result in suspension or determination of ineligibility to participate in athletics as well as possible suspension from school.

Academic Eligibility: All student athletes are expected to achieve acceptable academic progress while participating in Mayfield’s athletics program. The following policy will govern academic eligibility for athletics:

• All coaches will submit a list of participating students to the athletic director once students are chosen to participate in a sport.
• To be eligible, a student athlete must not have a failing or incomplete grade in a total of two or more subjects in the course of two weeks, or longer. Should the student’s average fall below 65 they will then be placed on the ineligible list.
• Eligibility will be checked bi-weekly, starting with progress reports in the fifth week of school. Students must have passing grades on a regular basis to participate.
• If a student is found to have failing or incomplete grades for two or more subjects, they must do the following to remain eligible for participation:

Attendance: Attendance requirements will be consistent with the MCSD code of conduct. Additionally, all students must be on time and in attendance for a full day to participate in or attend any practice, game or team activity that day unless administrative approval due to a verifiable medical appointment, death in the family, religious observance, required court appearance, or another preapproved scheduled appointment. Any extenuating circumstances must be approved by the High School Principal. Students must be present in their classroom at the beginning of their first period class to be considered on time. Any dismissal, not covered in the above approval, prior to the end of the school day will be considered less than the full-day requirement.

Travel: All athletes must utilize school transportation for all interscholastic contests. Parents may take custody of the athlete, in person, with the full knowledge and approval of the coach and with 24 hour written approval. Individuals who are listed in a student’s SchoolTool profile may also take custody of the athlete, in person, provided they have prior approval from the building Principal (i.e. a note from the parent signed by the Principal). Students may not ride home with other parents or students from interscholastic contests unless they are listed as a contact in the student’s SchoolTool profile.

Equipment, Property, and Facilities: Players are responsible for all equipment issued to them. Equipment is to be used only during practices and contests in the sport for which it was issued. No part of any uniform is to be used in physical education class. If equipment cannot be accounted for at the end of the sport season, the athlete is financially responsible for it. The athlete may not compete in any succeeding sport until arrangements are made for restitution of the lost equipment, or property, or damage.

Team members are expected to refrain from willfully or carelessly damaging equipment, property, or facilities whether at home or away. No athletic or other awards will be made to squad members who damage or misuse equipment, facilities, or property unless restitution has been made. No Mayfield squad member shall exchange or trade equipment or property with another Mayfield squad member or with a squad member from another school district. Possession by a Mayfield squad member of unauthorized equipment or property may result in disciplinary action. Players must return property or equipment that belongs to another school district, along with a written apology.

Dual Sport Participation: With the approval of the Athletic Director and each of the involved coaches, a student may participate on two athletic teams during the same season. The student athlete must declare at the start of the season their major sport. This will determine participation in the event of scheduling conflicts during the regular season and postseason play.

The following guidelines will be used for scheduling of dual sports athletes:

• The coaches of the two sports and the athlete should collaborate prior to the season starting to create a schedule for contests.
• The primary sport will take precedence over the secondary sport in most scheduling matters.
• When the dual sport athlete competes at the varsity level, all parties involved will make every effort to ensure that the athlete reaches the representation requirement for post season participation as determined by Section 2 and New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

Leaving the Team: A squad member is expected to remain a member of the team until the season is completed. When a member wishes to leave a team, he or she must discuss his or her reasons with the coach. Leaving the team without prior discussion is quitting. A student who leaves the team without the approval of the coach after the third full week following the start of the official season for each sport may not participate on another athletic team for that season. Team members should honor their commitments to participate on teams. If a student desires to transfer to another team during the season, he or she must have prior permission from both coaches.

In some situations it may be necessary for an athlete to leave a team (academic difficulties, home situations, economic hardships etc.). The coach and athlete should arrive at a mutual agreement whereby the student is given permission to leave the team. The coach will notify the athletic director and principal in writing of any such change.

Physicals: Each athlete must pass a sports physical given by the Mayfield Central School District doctor or the nurse practitioner working under the supervision of the school doctor in order to be eligible to participate in athletic activities.

The sports physicals are given before each sport season, fall, winter, and spring. Every athlete must also have an update (interval health history) during the year. If an athlete is absent five (5) or more consecutive school days, or injured, the school nurse must recertify the athlete as “able to participate” in sports. If an athlete is participating under the Selection Classification Program, he/she must pass a comprehensive sports maturity physical given only by the school doctor.

Sportsmanship: All team members commit themselves to act in a sportsmanlike way at all times reflecting the pride and self discipline expected in our athletic program. Players should be mindful that they represent their team, school, home and community as well as themselves. Appropriate and respectful behavior is expected in the community, in school and on the athletic field or court.

Any player, coach, or assistant coach on a varsity, junior varsity, freshman, or modified team in Section II shall be suspended for the next scheduled contest (next game, season or year) if an official ejects a player or coach from a contest for unsportsmanlike behavior.

Athletes or coaches who exhibit such behavior but are not disqualified by an official (or in a sport where no official is employed, such as golf or tennis) would receive the same penalty as an athlete or coach who was indeed ejected from a contest.

Social Media Use: Playing and competing for the Mayfield Central School District is a privilege. Student athletes are held in the highest regard and are seen as role models in the community. As leaders, you have the responsibility to portray your team, our school and yourselves in a positive manner at all times. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and other social media sites have increased in popularity and are used by the majority of student athletes in one form or another. Student athletes should be aware that third parties -including school personnel, opponents, and referees – could easily access your profiles and view all personal information, including all pictures, videos, and comments. Inappropriate material affects the perception of the student-athlete, the athletic department and Mayfield Central School District.

Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors concerning participation in social media may include, but are not limited to depictions or presentations of the following:

• Photos, videos, posts and/or comments showing the personal use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco.
• Photos, videos, posts and/or comments that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a pornographic nature and other inappropriate material.
• Pictures, videos or comments that condone drug-related activity. This includes, but is not limited to images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
• Content online that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, demeaning or threatening toward any other individual or entity (examples: derogatory comments regarding another school, taunting comments aimed at an opposing student-athlete, coach or team, and derogatory comments against race and/or gender). No posts should depict or encourage unacceptable, violent or illegal activities (examples: hazing, sexual harassment/assault, gambling, discrimination, fighting, vandalism, academic dishonesty, underage drinking, illegal drug use). In addition, derogatory comments regarding a Mayfield student-athlete’s own coach, teammates or the school in general, will not be tolerated.

If a student athlete’s profile and its contents are found to be inappropriate in accordance with the above behaviors, he/she will be subject to the following penalties:

1. A meeting (including a parent of the offending student-athlete) with Director of Athletics, Head Coach and Principal;

2. Penalties as determined by the athletic department, including, but not limited to possible suspension from his/her athletic team.

Physical Confrontation with an Official: In no case shall a player or coach strike, bump, or otherwise physically intimidate an official, including before, during, or after a contest. If this occurs, a Section II Sportsmanship Committee hearing will be held as soon as possible with all parties or representatives present. Decisions of this committee are final and penalties may be assessed, such as multiple game suspension, season suspension, or suspension from playing or coaching any sport for one calendar year. The official would retain the legal right to initiate legal action against the offending player or coach. Written reports of any such incident must be filed with Section II by the Athletic Director for either of the above. An appeal procedure is available which must be initiated by the high school principal within forty eight (48) hours of the incident.

Parent Communications: Parents should call the school and ask to have coaches return their calls when they wish to discuss situations or concerns, the same way that parents should communicate with teachers. Parents must refrain from discussing concerns with officials and with coaches and players of both teams prior to, during or immediately following, contests. Coaches are expected to inform parents immediately when serious concerns arise.

Parents and Interscholastic Athletics

One of the goals of the interscholastic athletic department at Mayfield is to make the athletic experience a positive one for the athletes, the parents, and those who choose to watch our teams perform. To achieve that goal we must all work together and support each other. In an effort to facilitate this we ask that each parent or guardian to recognize that it is vital to support the efforts and decisions of the coaching staff. In doing so, all spectators will be required to follow the NYSPHSAA sportsmanship policy.

Communications you should expect from your child’s coach:

1. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all players on the team.
2. Team requirements, i.e. team rules, equipment needs, off-season conditioning, etc.
3. Discipline procedures that may result in the denial of your child’s participation.
4. Location and times of practices and contests.

Communication coaches expect from parents:

1. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
2. Specific medical problems that could adversely impact your child’s safety or performance.
3. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches:

1. The treatment of your child mentally and physically.
2. Ways to help your child improve.
3. Concerns about your child’s behavior.
4. Family concerns that may have an emotional impact upon your child and his or her athletic participation.

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:

1. Playing time.
2. Line-ups and/or substitutions.
3. Team strategy and/or play calling.
4. Other student-athletes on the team.

Unacceptable contact with your child’s coach:

1. Prior to or during practice.
2. Prior to, during, or after a contest.

These are typically either very busy times or, in the case of a contest, emotional times for all parties involved. Things can and will be said that are not meant and meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

Proper procedures to discuss concerns:

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and parent. These are encouraged as it is important that both parties have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following should be followed to promote resolution:

1. Contact the coach directly to set up a meeting to discuss concerns.
2. If the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution, contact the Athletic Director to discuss the situation.
3. If the meeting with the Athletic Director did not provide a satisfactory resolution, contact the Building Principal to discuss the situation.
4. If the meeting with the building principal did not provide a satisfactory resolution, contact the Superintendent of Schools to discuss the situation.

Parent or guardian code of conduct:

1. Pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement to my student-athlete and his or her team, coaches and school.
2. Pledge to provide positive support and encouragement to the visiting team, their coaches and school.
3. Pledge to serve as a positive role model by demonstrating positive behavior and attitude at all athletic contests, both at Mayfield and opposing school sites.
4. Respect the position and professionalism of the game official.
5. Refrain from the use of foul language.
6. Refrain from yelling criticism at my student-athlete and his or her coach or team.
7. Refrain from making derogatory comments to players, other parents, game officials or school administrators.
8. Refrain from interfering with the coach.
9. Be willing to let the coach be responsible for my son or daughter during practice, games, and team-related activities.
10.Will assist in providing for student safety and welfare.
11.Will sign and submit, with accurate information, all required student-athlete handbook forms to the Athletic Director.
12.Will not attempt to circumvent any rules or guidelines of Mayfield Central School District or NYSPHSAA.

Informed Consent: Participation in sports may involve a certain degree of injury. The coaching staff and other responsible school officials will do everything within reason to protect a student against injury, including the provision for appropriate equipment, safe facilities, and training designed to reduce the impact of accidents. However, injuries sometimes occur and on very rare occasions, may be serious and/or disabling. Parents/ Guardians who are concerned about this possibility should discuss this with the coach, athletic director, or principal prior to signing the permission form.

Student Response and Parent/Guardian Permission Forms: Student athletes will turn in completed and signed information/permission forms to their coaches by the third practice of the season. Players lacking the completed and signed forms will not be able to participate.

Policy 5280.1
Revised: July 25, 2025
Adopted by BOE: August 11, 2025