Co/extra-curricular activities in the context of this policy include all school sponsored activities other than the regular classroom and laboratory experiences. All approved school activities, clubs, organizations, athletic programs, and intramural competitions are considered co/extra-curricular activities.

Participation in co/extra-curricular activities is considered a privilege by the Linn-Mar Community School District. Proper student conduct in these activities, whether on school grounds or away from school, is expected and must coincide with the rules of the school and the district. Violations of the rules can result in a student being suspended from the activity, removed from the activity permanently, and/or referred to law enforcement agencies.

The director of the co/extra-curricular activity will establish and make known the rules of conduct and regulations for the students participating in the activity. The rules of conduct shall be approved by the building principal [or designee]. Said rules will be in writing and given to each student in the particular activity prior to their membership or involvement. Additional rules of conduct may be established and made known during the school year.

The director of the co/extra-curricular activity may declare a student ineligible whose conduct is contrary to and in violation of the established rules and regulations. A student may contest the declaration of the ineligibility to the building principal [or designee]. An appeal must be submitted in writing and within 48 hours of the declaration. An adverse decision of the building principal [or designee] may be appealed to the superintendent of schools. This appeal must be within seven days of the receipt of the building principal's [or designee’s] decision.

In the event of an adverse decision by the building principal [or designee] and superintendent, the eligibility may be appealed to the Linn-Mar Board of Directors. This appeal must be within seven days of receipt of the decision from the superintendent.

GOOD CONDUCT RULE FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
Any student declared ineligible under their prior school district's good conduct rule, and who has not completed the full period of ineligibility at that school that transfers to Linn-Mar, will not be eligible for participation in co/extra-curricular activities with the Linn-Mar Community School District until their full period of ineligibility has been completed. Once the period of ineligibility has been completed, the student is then immediately eligible for participation in co/extra-curricular activities with the Linn-Mar Community School District as far as any good conduct rule is concerned.

Adopted: 3/84
Reviewed: 5/11; 3/12; 10/14; 1/15; 10/17; 9/20; 10/23
Revised: 7/13
Related Policy: 502.1; 502.5; 502.5-R2-R3; 502.6; 503.4-6; 503.10

PHILOSOPHY
We believe the Linn-Mar Community School District’s co/extra-curricular program is an extension of a balanced educational program that allows students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in school to real life situations. It is through this interaction and systematic guidance of students in their everyday environments that we can provide first-hand experiences, test their skills, provide successes, and offer an effective means to prepare students for a total growth. Co/extra-curricular activities contribute to the total growth of a young person, provided these activities are conducted from a balanced educational perspective. The educational challenge is to provide a student the opportunity to learn how to learn. 

Co/extra-curricular activities serve many purposes. The benefits of a well-directed co/extra-curricular program are far reaching. Each activity should strive to achieve the following goals:

1. Develop school spirit;
2. Provide service to the school;
3. Help students develop a feeling of competency;
4. Provide opportunities to develop social skills;
5. Provide opportunities for social mobility;
6. Provide for informal interaction between faculty members, students, and parents;
7. Provide training in citizenship and foster leadership;
8. Provide opportunities for self-expression;
9. Help students develop worthwhile activities for their leisure time;
10. Provide opportunities for recreation;
11. Provide information on vocations/careers and other topics of interest; and
12. Promote healthy and productive lifestyles.

CO/EXTRA-CURRICULAR CONDUCT POLICY
The Linn-Mar Community School District co/extra-curricular programs are completely voluntary. No student is obligated to take part in co/extra-curricular school activities. Participation is not required for advancement or graduation. Furthermore, school boards have the authority to adopt good conduct rules (Reference: Board of Directors of the Independent School District of Waterloo vs Green, 147 NW 2d 854, 1967). The basis of good conduct rules may apply to co/extra-curricular activities beyond athletics (Reference: Bunger vs Iowa High School Athletic Association, 197 NW 2d 555, Iowa 1972).

Co/extra-curricular participants in athletics, forensics, dramatics, or other interscholastic activities play a somewhat different role at school. Leadership brings additional responsibility and more is expected of participants in order to be eligible for their particular activity.

According to Linn-Mar Policy 502.5, proper student conduct in these activities whether on school grounds or away from school during the school year or during the summer is expected and must coincide with the rules of the school and district.

By signing the Co/Extra-curricular Information Form, parents are indicating they have read and understand the following:

1. I am aware of the inherent risks of potentially serious injury while participating in school co/extra-curricular activities. In light of these potential risks, I give my child permission to participate;
2. I understand that certain co/extra-curricular activities require, by state and local rule, that participants have a physical examination completed by an MD, DO, DC, or approved nurse practitioner and on file with the school health services office prior to participation in a sport or activities;
3. I understand that there is no school insurance to provide protection to my child during any phase of their participation in co/extra-curricular activities. All participants in co/extra-curricular activities should have some type of health/accident coverage or purchase an alternate student insurance policy available through the district;
4. I give permission for an authorized school official to obtain medical attention for my child in case of injury or illness;
5. I give consent for my child to engage in school approved co/extra-curricular activities as a representative of the school;
6. I give consent for my child to accompany the school approved co/extra-curricular group on school-sponsored transportation to both in and out-of-town co/extra-curricular activities. Transportation home, other than school-sponsored transportation, may only be approved by the sponsor or coach if the parent of the child is present;
7. I give consent for my child to travel to and from school-approved co/extra-curricular activities by means other than a school vehicle when school transportation is unavailable or impractical. I also waive the responsibility of the school district when my child is being transported by means other than a school vehicle and/or by a driver other than school personnel to or from a school-sponsored activity;
8. I am aware that there are board policies and a board approved student handbook that contain certain regulations for academic eligibility; attendance in school; behavior both in and out of school; and rules concerning the possession, distribution, or use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco/nicotine. I understand that school administration may suspend or expel my child from co/extra-curricular activities for failure to abide by these regulations. I also understand that each activity may have additional rules for participation;
9. I understand that some activities require fees, such as uniform and rental fees;
10. I understand that academic eligibility for co/extra-curricular activities will be determined according to the guidelines established in Linn-Mar Policy 502.6. Students are advised that high school students must pass all courses during the preceding grading period in order to be eligible to participate in co/extra-curricular activities; and
11. I understand that parents/spectators should be role models at all activities whether they are home or away. Parents/spectators must realize inappropriate and unsportsmanlike behavior may result in removal from the activities.

Adopted: 7/97
Reviewed: 5/11; 3/12; 10/14; 1/15; 10/17; 9/20; 10/23
Revised: 7/13
Related Policy: 502.1; 502.5-R1, R3; 502.6; 503.4-6; 503.10; 1005.6; 1005.6-E

Students who participate in co/extra-curricular activities involving public performances are prohibited from possessing, using, transporting, controlling, or transmitting tobacco/nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs at any time (year-round) during their middle school or high school career. The administration will suspend a student if it is determined, as reported by school personnel, that a violation did occur. The ruling will include any activities outside of school, as well as at school or at school events (either home or away). Suspensions may also result from either legal documentation or by self-admittance. Investigation of possible infractions will involve parent notification. If a student is guilty of an infraction and is not currently involved in an activity, the suspension will become effective utilizing the activities they were involved in the previous year.

1st Offense (During middle school or high school career):

1. Suspended from at least 20% of public performances with carryover to next activity;
2. Counseling required prior to reinstatement (Suspended from at least 33% of performances if no progression in counseling); and
3. Must continue practicing.

2nd Offense (During middle school or high school career):

1. Suspended from at least 50% of public performances with carryover to next activity;
2. Counseling required prior to reinstatement; and
3. Must continue practicing.

3rd Offense (During middle school or high school career):

1. One-year suspension from co/extra-curricular activities; and
2. Counseling required prior to reinstatement for all third offenses.

4th Offense (During middle school or high school career):

1. Permanent suspension from co/extra-curricular activities; and
2. Counseling available for all fourth offenses.

**Established school/team/group rules may also apply to violations.

In order for the suspension to be put into effect, it must be clearly determined that the violation did occur. It is clear that an admission from the student is not required prior to disciplining a student. (Reference: Schmahl vs. Glenwood Community School District, 2 DPI App Dec. 26, 1979)

COURT SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT
Students admitting to or found guilty of non-trafficking misdemeanors or felonies not defined in these regulations may be subject to suspension from co/extra-curricular activities as determined by the building principal [or designee]. The district will cooperate with the courts or other recognized public agencies in carrying out consequences in co/extra-curricular activities.

APPEAL PROCESS
As established by Linn-Mar policies 502.5 and 502.5-R1.

DEFINITIONS
Carryover: In situations when there are not enough performances remaining in a season to complete a suspension, the suspension will be carried over to the next co/extra-curricular activity in which the student participates.

Counseling: Directed by Linn-Mar middle school/high school counseling offices or other non-school agencies that students are referred to, or are approved by, school counselors or the district’s Student Assistance Team. Any cost for use of non-school agencies is the responsibility of the student/parent. Linn-Mar counseling services will include discussion of decision-making skills, tobacco/nicotine/alcohol/drug information, and peer and family relationships with parents invited to participate. A student may receive confidential assistance at any time during their middle school or high school career.

Possession/Use/Transportation/Control/Transmission:

• Tobacco/Nicotine: Personal possession, use, transportation, control, or transmission.
• Alcohol and Other Drugs: As defined by legal statute and/or court interpretation.
• Possession, transportation, control, or transmission may be determined by prior knowledge or intent. 
• Team/activity rules may be more specific.

Public Performance Activity: Is a co/extra-curricular activity where students are expected to perform in activities which the public may view. Examples include but are not limited to athletic events, concerts, plays, debates, speech contests, music contests, previews, and exhibitions. Activities begin with the first required meeting for any participant and end when equipment is checked in, the set is struck, or the last required meeting occurs, etc. Athletic seasons are defined by the state or locally designated starting and ending dates. Public performances are determined by the administration prior to the beginning of co/extra- curricular activities.

Adopted: 4/91
Reviewed: 5/11; 3/12; 10/14; 10/17; 9/20; 10/23
Revised: 7/13; 1/15
Related Policy: 5021; 502.3; 502.3-R; 502.5; 502.5-R1-R2; 502.6; 503.4-6; 503.10; 1004.3