Code of Conduct

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ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

The most important goal of the Perry Local Schools’ Athletic Program is to provide every
participant the opportunity to grow mentally, morally, physically and emotionally. To assure that
the program can provide these opportunities, a degree of self-discipline is required of each
participant. Self-discipline involves compliance with rules and regulations concerning personal
behavior.

Rules promote order and safety and assist participants in reaching maximum performance
potential. Every participant should adhere to the rules of the school and conduct himself or
herself as a “good citizen” of that school and the community at all times. Dedication by each
participant promotes a sense of group unity and common goals.

Compliance with the rules can help each participant learn values that carry beyond the athletic
program and into daily living. In addition, research has shown that use and abuse of banned
substances (tobacco, vape products, drugs and alcohol) have harmful effects on their mental,
physical and emotional health.

It must also be remembered that participation in athletic activities is not a right but a privilege
that will be regulated. Therefore, all students who participate in interscholastic athletics at any
time must meet the following regulations from date of enrollment or date of participation,
whichever comes first. Regulations concerning banned substances and inappropriate/disruptive
behavior will be in effect for all athletes at all times, including summers, while enrolled as
students in grades 7 through 12 in the Perry Local Schools. Conduct of an
inappropriate/disruptive or criminal nature that is harmful to the individual and/or others will
receive consequences appropriate to the behavior, up to and including full removal from all
athletics and appropriate punishments from the school administration.

Athletes of Perry Local Schools are representatives of the school and their respective teams at all
times. Therefore, any behavior that is defaming the school, team, and/or athletes and staff, in
action or through digital means (including social media), will be met with punishment fitting of
the offense.

Perry Board of Education Policy 5530 regarding drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and criminal behavior
as well as the Athletic Code of Conduct shall be distributed so that all students and their parents
will be given notice that the unlawful use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and any unlawful or
unethical behavior is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action. (Each participant and parent 
shall review policy in Final Forms and confirm their acceptance of policy before athlete may
begin practice.)

Each participant shall abide by the terms and conditions of said contract.
Failure to comply with the regulations could jeopardize a student’s athletic career.

CRIMINAL AND INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AND BANNED SUBSTANCES
Students are volunteering to participate in the interscholastic athletic program and are expected
to accept the responsibilities granted them. Athletes are expected to be committed to the high
degree of conduct outlined by the Athletic Code of Conduct Policy throughout their athletic
career. As a representative of Perry Local Schools, an athlete is expected to make the
appropriate choices in his/her personal conduct. The code of conduct will be enforced year
round. Violations are cumulative for middle school athletes from grade 7 through grade 8.
Violations are cumulative for high school athletes from grade 9 through grade 12. Any
unfulfilled suspension at the end of the 8th grade year will carry over to high school for
fulfillment purposes only.
The policy addresses possession, use, selling, offering to sell, delivering or concealing any
instruments or paraphernalia for use with drug abuse (including but not limited to use of
e-cigarettes and similar delivery devices).
Drugs of abuse include, but are not limited to, alcohol, tobacco (including e-cigarettes), steroids,
any narcotic hallucinogens, stimulants or depressants, other harmful substances, and look-a-like
drugs.

Behavior of a criminal or unethical nature could result in loss of participation and/or disciplinary
action from school administrators.
If offenses occur, the following penalties will be applied:
First Violation:
1. The athlete will be suspended for 30% of the total season’s sanctioned athletic contests for drug or
alcohol usage and/or criminal/inappropriate behavior; for tobacco and vaping infractions, 20% of the total
season’s sanctioned athletic contests.
2. If the athlete is not suspended from school during the 20% or 30% period, the athlete may continue to
practice with the team and attend contests with the team (player cannot play in the contests, only attend to
support their teammates).
3. The athlete will be required to attend counseling and a prevention-based program geared toward their
infraction. The school will make an attempt to set up the counseling with a school-based provider.
However, if this is not possible due to capacity or other reasons, the athlete and their family are
responsible to set up a counseling session(s) and prevention-based programming with an outside agency.
The cost of counseling is to be paid by the family for both in and out of school referrals (unless otherwise
arranged by the school administration).
4. If a violation occurs after the athlete’s season ends, the suspension would take place at the beginning
of the athlete’s next season. For the suspension to be considered fulfilled, the entire season of the sport
must be completed.
5. Seasons are determined by the OHSAA.
Second Violation:
1.Athletes will be suspended for 50% of all sanctioned contests scheduled. All other requirements will
remain the same as the first violation.
Third Violation:
1.The athlete will be suspended from all athletic participation for one full year from the date the third
violation occurred for the use of banned substances and/or criminal/unethical behavior.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
The Athletic Code of Conduct shall be enforced by the school administration and/or deans
of students. Any staff member or student with knowledge of an infraction, should report
the alleged violation to school administration and/or deans of students immediately. The
school administration and/or deans of students will investigate and if warranted, set up a
meeting with the athlete and his/her family to discuss the violation and enforce the code of
conduct.