FILE:  IDFA

Cf:  IDE, IDFAA

Cf:  IDFAB

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

The East Feliciana 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 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.  

Non-Faculty Coaches

Non-faculty certified coaches may be permitted to coach certain sports as allowed by the LHSAA, with supervision by the Athletic Director or designee.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

No student shall be permitted to practice or participate in any interscholastic athletic program in any public school of the East Feliciana 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 for 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 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.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

1. 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 and maintain a “C” average as determined by the School Board when considering all “graded” subjects.
   
   

2. 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.
   
   

3. 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.

If a student participant/athlete fails to attend mandatory tutoring or maintain the proper grade point average, he/she shall not be eligible to participate in the extracurricular and/or athletic activity.

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, 42:19.1

Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education

Official Handbook, Louisiana High School Athletic Association

Board minutes, 10-3-78, 11-2-99, 8-6-02, 7-19-11, 11-02-10, 7-19-11, 11-1-11, 1-8-13, 11-5-13

East Feliciana Parish School Board