Anderson Community Schools

Highland Middle School

Athletic Handbook

ATHLETIC HANDBOOK FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

This athletic booklet is designed to inform athletes and their parents or guardians of the rules, regulations and information that have developed the tradition of competition in the Anderson Community School Corporation (ACSC).

Highland Middle School Athletic Vision

The vision of Highland Middle School Athletics in Anderson Community Schools is to utilize competitive and fair play in sports to foster a sense of purpose within our young student athletes by focusing on skills that translate to life lessons beyond the game, such as sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment, self-discipline, and determination.

Residency Requirements

Student-athletes, managers, student staff, or support groups must be eligible to attend ACSC in order to participate in athletics in Anderson Community Schools. That means that the student must reside within the legally defined attendance areas of the ACSC or have been approved through the transfer process. Participation for students who transfer during the season is subject to a decision by both the school transferring to and transferring from, the coaches, and the AD. Students in any kind of relocation program must play at the school that they are attending during the school day. 

Academic Eligibility for Athletics

Participation in school athletics is a privilege that comes with academic expectations. The following guidelines outline the academic requirements for all student-athletes.

1. General Eligibility Requirements

To maintain full eligibility for practices, games, and other team-related activities:

• Students must be passing at least six (6) classes.

• Students may have no more than one (1) failing grade (F) in their course schedule.

Students who meet these criteria are considered academically eligible and may participate fully in athletic activities.

2. Athletic Academic Probation

Students who are not meeting the general eligibility requirements before the start of the sports season may be placed on Athletic Academic Probation. This decision is made by the coach in consultation with school administration. Students can be placed on Athletic Academic Probation only one(1) time per athletic season.

Criteria for Athletic Academic Probation:

• Student is only passing five (5) classes or fewer (i.e., has two or more Fs) before the season begins or at the mid-term grade check of each 9-week grading quarter.

Conditions While on Athletic Academic Probation:

• Student is not allowed to participate in games or team events.

• Student may not be permitted to practice with the team.

• Student grades will be checked at the mid-term of the grading period to determine if the eligibility standards are met.

Outcome at Mid-Term:

• If the student is passing six (6) or more classes, they will be removed from Athletic Academic Probation and allowed to resume full team participation.

• If the student is still passing five (5) classes or fewer, they will be removed from the team and may not practice or compete for the remainder of the season.

3. In-Season Academic Monitoring

Even after being cleared to participate, all student-athletes are subject to ongoing academic checks during the sports season.

Grading Period Reviews:

• Mid-term grades will be reviewed each academic quarter.

• Students who are found to be passing only five (5) classes or fewer (with two or more Fs) will be placed on Athletic Academic Probation, even if they had not previously been on probation during the season.

Returning to Eligibility:

• Students placed on Athletic Academic Probation during the season may return to full participation once they are passing at least six (6) classes.
• Students will be allowed one week from the date of the mid-term grades check to regain eligibility (passing at least six (6) classes).  Until that point, they will remain ineligible for games and possibly practices, per coach and administrative discretion.
• After the allotted week to regain eligibility, if  

• 1. the student is passing six (6) or more classes, they will be removed from Athletic Academic Probation and allowed to resume full team participation.
  2. the student is still only passing five (5) classes or fewer, they will be removed from the team and may not practice or compete for the remainder of the season.

Note to Students and Parent/Guadians

It is the responsibility of each student-athlete to maintain their academic standing. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to create a PowerSchool parent portal account to support student-athletes in balancing academics and athletics to ensure long-term success in both areas.

For any questions regarding eligibility, please contact the Athletic Director.

Enforcement of the Code of Conduct

The Principal and the Highland Middle School (HMS) Athletic Director are responsible for enforcing all rules and regulations outlined in the Code of Conduct for Athletes. All school and team rules apply at all times. Each sport’s coach is responsible for enforcing the Code throughout the school year.

All student-athletes and their parents are required to sign a Code of Conduct Agreement, acknowledging that they understand the Code and agree that violations will result in disciplinary action.

Discipline, Eligibility, and Code of Conduct

Participation in athletics at HMS is a privilege, honor, and responsibility. Athletes represent the school and community and are expected to maintain high standards both on and off the field. Good physical conditioning combined with positive attitudes is essential.

Students and parents share the responsibility to:

1. Exhibit high standards of social behavior.

2. Respect other students, spectators, officials, and authority figures.

3. Maintain a good personal appearance.

4. Use language that reflects well on themselves, their families, and the school.

5. Fulfill their commitment as members of the HMS team.

All behavior and training rules outlined by coaches, the school handbook, HMS discipline policies, and the state athletic association must be followed.

Violations That May Result in Disciplinary Action

The following behaviors may lead to suspension from practices and/or contests, or even removal from the team. This list is not exhaustive but includes common serious infractions. Administration will handle each case of a major rules violation on a case by case basis and will make the final decision for consequences:

• Possession, use, influence of, or presence where alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, or other controlled substances are used or distributed.

• Theft or vandalism of property.

• Use of profane or disrespectful language, inappropriate conduct, or physical confrontations during practices, events, or on school grounds.

• Inappropriate behavior on the bus.

• Being in unsupervised school areas without permission before practice or events.

• Referrals resulting in detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or placement in the Scot Support Center.

• Failing 9-week or semester grades.

• Violation of the school’s drug testing policy.

Consequences for Behavioral Violations

• Student-athletes are held to a higher behavioral standard.

• Assigned full-day suspensions or detentions will result in the same number of missed competitions.

• Out-of-school suspensions will result in no practice or competition during suspension days.

• In-school detentions may allow practice attendance but no competitions.

• Any incidents written up as a "Fight" or "Fighting" will result in removal from the team. 

• Coaches may enforce additional consequences during practice, including requiring athletes to attend games in plain clothes, sitting with the team, and cheering.

Student-Athlete Expectations

• Equipment Care: Athletes must care for all equipment as if it were their own. Lost or damaged equipment due to misuse must be paid for by the athlete.

• Attendance: Athletes must attend school and practice consistently. Absences of four or more class periods in a day result in ineligibility to participate that day or the following Saturday if the absence is on a Friday.

• Positive Influence: Athletes should be positive role models in the school community.

• Composure: Maintain control and good sportsmanship during practices and events despite the competitive nature of athletics.

• Respect for Officials: Athletes must show respect to officials. Do not speak to officials unless addressed first or asked a question. Coaches should be contacted for concerns.

• Sport Commitment: Athletes may not quit one sport and join another during the same season after team cuts are made.

• Behavior: Disrespect or unsportsmanlike conduct towards officials, players, or staff can result in suspension from subsequent games. The Athletic Director has final authority on such suspensions.

Information for Athletes

Accidents and Injuries

Both student and parent must sign an acknowledgement of receipt of concussion and injury information documents.

Equipment

Athletes are responsible for equipment care. Equipment damaged during practice will be replaced by the school. Lost or stolen equipment must be paid for by the athlete. Stealing or wearing stolen equipment violates the Code of Conduct and may lead to suspension. Equipment should not be worn during school hours without coach approval.

Highland Middle School Parent Pledge

Parents play an important role in creating a positive athletic environment. HMS asks parents to uphold the following principles:

• Be a Good Example: Children watch and imitate trusted adults. Model positive behavior and attitudes.

• Stay Positive: Encourage your child to handle both wins and losses with positivity and resilience.

• Let Coaches Coach: Avoid coaching from the stands, which can be distracting and confusing for athletes.

• Respect Coaches: If you have concerns about playing time or other issues, request a meeting with the coach at an appropriate time.

• Support Your Child: Encourage athletes to stay engaged and positive, sit with their teams, and cheer for teammates.

• Respect Officials: Officiating is challenging. Do not yell at or criticize officials as it harms the event atmosphere.

• Punctuality: Pick up athletes within 20 minutes after practices or events. Repeated late pickups may result in consequences, including exclusion from the sport.

Prior to participating in any practice or tryout sessions for any interscholastic sports, each student athlete must:

1. Return ATHLETIC RESPONSIBILITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT form properly signed.
2. Return ANDERSON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION (ACSC) Permission/Insurance Waiver properly signed.
3. Return HEAD CONCUSSION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND SIGNATURE FORM properly signed.

As a school’s student-athlete participating voluntarily in interscholastic athletics, I understand that:

1. I will abide by the school’s student Code of Conduct, the school’s Athletic Handbook, the coach’s team rules and ALL school rules. 
2. I will conduct myself in an exemplary manner at ALL times

As a parent and/or a spectator, I understand that I will  not violate any of the following rules:

1. Unruly or disruptive behavior
2. Impairment related to intoxication or drugs
3. Foul, obscene, threatening, offensive or abusive language, gestures or actions
4. Interfering with the progress of the game.
5. Failure to follow the instructions of the AIS personnel.
6. Negative behavior with the opposing team.

HMS administration will enforce the consequences. This list is not limited and not in order of progression. HMS administration will make final decisions based on an individual basis.

• Escorted off MS or opposing team property.
• Video and Certificate: National Federation of State High School Associations
• Ban for multiple days or set time frame
• No Trespass with official court order

*I have read and agree to the contents and guidelines of the Highland Middle School Student-Athlete Handbook.