Academic Eligibility Requirement for Participation
in Athletic, Curricular, and Extra Curricular
(A.C.E) Activities
Westfield Academy and Central School Mission Statement
With a commitment to excellence, Westfield Academy and Central School, in
partnership with the community, will educate all students to the highest level of
their academic potentials, teaching them the skills and knowledge to become
capable and responsible members of society. We will provide all students with a
range of challenging educational opportunities in a safe, supportive environment that
fosters honesty, integrity, and respect for self and others.
Westfield Academy and Central School A.C.E. Guide
(Athletic, Curricular, and Extracurricular)
The A.C.E programs at Westfield Academy are integral parts of the total educational program. Qualifying for
membership in an A.C.E activity requires academic success and responsibility to coaches, teammates, and the
school. Participation in an A.C.E program at Westfield Academy is a privilege that requires that you be a
representative of your school as a student in good academic standing.
A. High School Students: In order to be academically eligible to participate in A.C.E. activities, High
School students must be passing all of their classes. Academic success will be determined every two
weeks throughout the school year. If a High School A.C.E. participant is determined to be failing a
subject, that student shall be ineligible for participation in games, contests and events, according to the
A.C.E Ineligibility Policy. ** Students who are failing two or more courses must participate in a
remediation program with the teachers, a minimum of two days each week, per failing course, from
2:30-3:15 p.m. until their course averages improve to passing or above.
B. Middle School Students: In order to be academically eligible to participate in A.C.E. activities, Middle
School students may be failing no more than one course. Academic success will be determined every
two weeks throughout the school year. If a Middle School student is determined to be failing more than
one subject, that student shall be ineligible for participation in games, contests and events, according to
the A.C.E. Policy. **Students who are failing two or more courses must participate in a remediation
program with the teachers, a minimum of two days each week, per failing course, from 2:30-3:15p.m,
until their course averages improve to passing or above.
Please see page 37 for a copy of the Co-curricular Participation Card students & parents must complete
before student can participate after completing the above procedures. (this blue card is available in the
high school office).
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Academic Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities and Interscholastic
Athletics in Grades 6-12
The board of education believes that a student’s academic progress is the primary reason for his/her attendance
in school. No student may participate in extracurricular activities or in interscholastic athletics unless the
student is demonstrating satisfactory academic progress.
At the beginning of each activity or sports season, the advisor or coach shall formally counsel student
participants on the expected academic progress required for participation in extracurricular activities and
interscholastic athletics.
1. In the event of the start of a new course, there will be a two week probation period to allow for the
accumulation of grades.
2. Students will have their academic performance continually evaluated by all classroom teachers. On the
dates designated by the school’s principal, all teachers 6-12 shall submit to the office the names of all
students in their classes who are failing. Teachers will submit the names of failing students after every
two weeks of school.
3. Students in grades 9-12 who are failing one or more subjects and students in grades 6-8 who are failing
two or more subjects will be placed on an Academic Ineligibility List.
4. The Guidance Counselors shall review the names of students placed on the Academic Ineligibility List
with the Building Principal to determine if there are any extenuating circumstances that should be
considered regarding the placement of a student on the list.
5. Students who are placed on the Academic Ineligibility List may continue to attend and/or participate in
extracurricular activities and/or interscholastic athletics by meeting all of the following criteria:
a. Obtaining academic assistance two times a week for each of the courses the student is failing
b. Completing regularly assigned coursework and exhibiting appropriate school behavior
c. Completing a student “participation card.” Once a participation card is completed, it must be
taken to the High School Office and verified by the High School/Middle School Secretary
d. A daily signature from a teacher when a student stays from 2:30 to 3:15p.m. for academic
assistance on a “participation card” will allow students to participate in practices that day.
e. Achieving a passing grade for the week
**BECAUSE ACADEMIC PROGRESS IS A STUDENT’S PRIMARY REASON FOR
ATTENDANCE IN SCHOOL, ALL STUDENTS (GRADE 6-12) PLACED ON THE
ACADEMIC INELIGIBILITY LIST SHOULD SEEK ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE
FROM 2:30-3:15P.M., UNTIL THEY ARE PASSING. THIS IS AN INTEGRAL PIECE
OF THE A.C.E GUIDE. THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THIS TIME (2:30-3:15) IS FOR
STUDENTS TO OBTAIN ASSISTANCE FROM TEACHERS.
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When determining student eligibility for participation in Athletics or Extracurricular Activities, the following
definitions should be considered:
Curricular Activities may be defined as: credit bearing courses defined by the New York State Learning
Standards. **No student who is on the Academic Ineligibility list should be denied the opportunity to
participate in curricular programs and activities.
Athletic Activities may be defined as any interscholastic, school-sponsored sports teams.
Extra Curricular Activities may be defined as enrichment or non-credit bearing programs, clubs,
organizations, or trips.
Curricular activities include (but are not limited to):
Marching Band: Football Games, Memorial Day
Parade
We the People
Yearbook
FFA
High School & Middle School Chorus
Middle School Musical
High School & Middle School Band
Voice Class
Handbells
Steel Pans
String Band
NYSSMA Evaluations
Athletic activities include (but are not limited to):
FALL SEASON
Football………………..…(Varsity, JV)
Boys Soccer……………...(Modified)
Girls Soccer………….......(Modified)
Girls Basketball..................(Modified)
Girls Volleyball..................(Varsity, JV)
Girls Swimming.................(Varsity)
Girls Tennis........................(Varsity)
Cheerleading......................(Varsity, JV)
Cross Country.....................(Varsity)
Girls Basketball………..….(Modified)
WINTER SEASON
Boys Basketball..............(Varsity, JV, Modified)
Girls Basketball.........................(Varsity, JV)
Wrestling...................................(Varsity, JV)
Bowling.....................................(Varsity)
Boys Volleyball........................ (Varsity, JV)
Cheerleading..............................(Varsity, JV)
SPRING SEASON
Baseball......................................(Varsity, JV)
Softball.......................................(Varsity, JV)
Golf.............................................(Varsity)
Boys Tennis................................(Varsity)
Rifle Club....................................(Varsity)
Track & Field…………………..(Varsity, JV)
Extra Curricular activities include (but are not limited to):
High School Bowl
Drama Club
School Plays and School Musicals
Environmental Club
Student Store
Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program
Activity Nights
SADD Club
School Dances (including Homecoming and Prom)
Student Council
National Honor Society
Science and Technology Club
AFS
Weight Room
Westwinds
NYSSMA Honors Events
Ape Men
All-County Honors Events
Firecrackers
Middle School Mixed Vocal Ensemble
Cross Country /Ski Club
Middle School Girl’s Vocal Ensemble
Key Club
Jazz and Dixie Ensembles
Builders Club
Chautauqua All County Events
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WESTFIELD ATHLETICS
Participation in athletics is a valuable learning and growth experience in which the athlete learns and
experiences leadership, teamwork, patience, loyalty, grace in winning and dignity in losing. Skill development
and a healthy lifestyle are other chief benefits of an athletic program. Athletic participation will continue to
serve the participants well throughout their lives.
CODE OF ETHICS
It is the duty of all concerned with Westfield Athletics to:
1. Emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.
2. Stress the values derived from playing the game fairly
3. Encourage leadership, the use of incentive, and good judgment by the players on the team.
4. Recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional
well-being of the individual athletes.
5. Respect the integrity and judgment of the sports officials.
6. Remember that an athletic contest is only a game.... not a matter of life or death for player, coach,
school, official, fan or community.
KEYS TO SPORTSMANSHIP
1. Know the rules of the game.
2. Recognize good play by both teams.
3. Respect your opponent and its spectators.
4. Look at the game with your head instead of your heart.
5. Realize that bad play loses more games than bad calls.
6. Practice the Golden Rule.
Sportsmanship and fair play will be emphasized by all participants at all times.
Westfield Academy and Central School
Athletic Guide
The athletic programs at Westfield Academy are integral parts of the total educational program. Qualifying for
team membership requires academic success, physical fitness, sportsmanship, and responsibility to coaches,
teammates and the school. Participation as an athlete at Westfield Academy is a privilege that requires that you
be a representative of your school. Your conduct and behavior, both in and out of school, draws constant
attention from other students, faculty and the public. Therefore, you will be subject to the regulations of the
Board of Education and the following guide:
A. Academic Eligibility
1. High School Students: In order to be academically eligible to compete as an athlete, High School
students must be passing all of their classes. Academic success will be determined every two weeks
throughout the school year. If a High School student/athlete is determined to be failing a subject, that
student shall be ineligible for competition for the succeeding two-week period; the student/athlete shall
be reinstated to full participation at the end of the two-week period providing that he/she is failing no
subjects at that time. The student/athlete will also be required to attend remedial class time a minimum
of two days/week from 2:30-3:15 p.m.
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2.
Middle School Students: In order to be academically eligible to compete as an athlete, Middle School
students may be failing no more than one course. Academic success will be determined every two weeks
throughout the school year. If a Middle School student/athlete is determined to be failing more than one
subject, that student shall be ineligible for competition for the succeeding two-week period; the student/
athlete shall be reinstated to full participation at the end of the two-week period providing that he/she is
failing no more than one subject at that time. The student/athlete will also be required to attend remedial
class time a minimum of two days/week from 2:30-3:15 p.m.
B. Participants will not be permitted to participate on a given day if they are absent from school for illness or
illegal reasons for all or part of the school day. If serving office detention for disciplinary reasons, the
student may not participate in any scheduled events that day, but will be required to attend practice.
Enforcement of this provision rests with the coach of that activity. Special situations over which the student
has no control will be decided by the coach and either the Athletic Director or the Principal.
C. Any participant who is guilty of stealing, possession or use of any tobacco product, alcohol or any nonprescription, illegal drug whether on or off school grounds, will be subject to a review by the Athletic
Council that will determine the status of the individual. The consequences listed below will be applied.
D. Misconduct not covered above including, but not limited to, vandalism, violent conduct, exhibition of poor
sportsmanship, evidence of a lack of responsibility or respect to the coach, any other staff member, the team
or the school will result in consequences determined by the Athletic Council.
STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF BEHAVIOR
If a Student-Athlete is suspected to be in violation of the Athletic Code of Conduct, the Athletic Council
will meet to discuss the said violation(s) and may elect to administer a consequence from the following:
Consequences for Athletes:
1. First Offense
Suspension from 25 percent of that team’s scheduled contest. Should the number of the contests remaining
in that season not equal 25 percent, the remaining penalty will be ruled on by the Athletic Council. Notice
will be given as to how it applies to possible playoff games and/or to the next sport (one that has been
previously played) in which the athlete participates. During the time of suspension, the student may be
expected to meet all team requirements and practice unless the season ends within the time frame of the
penalty.
*If the violation(s) fall within the 300-605 classification range per the WACS Student Discipline Chart, The
Athletic Council reserves the right to “bump” the violation(s) to a Second Offense level, even if it is the
student’s First Offense.
2. Second Offense
Suspension from 100 percent of that team’s remaining contests during the same sport. Suspension from 50
percent of the team’s remaining contests during the next season’s sport.
3. All Succeeding Offenses
Suspension from participation for one calendar year from the date of the offense.
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Composition of Council
The Athletic Council will be comprised of the Principal, the Athletic Director, two members of the Student
Assistance program, the student’s advisor or coach and one other out of season coach.
Community Service Option
First offense only— Students may request a reduction in suspension time for a first violation only. If approved,
a community service project may be substituted for up to 50% of the penalty time assessed for a first violation.
Upon application by a student, approval may be granted by the Extra-Curricular Council. The student must
initiate, organize and conduct this community service project. Progress and final reports must be submitted by
the student as directed by the Council which shall have final authority as to the value and successful completion
of the project. If the Council determines the student not to be truthful in any part of the process, the full penalty
(30 days) shall be assessed in addition to any penalty already served. All offenses carry over from previous
grade levels (i.e. first offense may occur during the ninth grade year resulting in a 25 percent suspension and the
second offense may occur during the eleventh grade year resulting in a 50 percent suspension). The exception to
this will be between the middle and high school years. A "clean slate" is given once a student enters ninth grade.
Students are also considered for suspension if they are present at said offenses.
Administrative Procedures
1. This policy shall remain in effect from the onset of participation or the beginning of the school year,
whichever is earlier, through the end of the school year to include off season times. All participants in all
interscholastic athletic programs and activities shall be governed by this policy.
2. All BOE approved Coaches are required to report any and all violations of the Athletic Code of Conduct
to the Athletic Director and/or Principal. Coaches are required to do this as soon as a violation is brought
to their attention.
3. The Principal shall investigate any alleged violation of this Policy upon receipt of credible first-hand
information. Oral reports must be reduced to writing and signed by the witness prior to any Athletic
Council action. The Principal must advise the student and his/her parents/guardians of any accusation
and must provide the student and his/her parents/guardians an opportunity to review the evidence and to
provide any additional information for consideration.
4. The Principal shall present all information to the Athletic Council, which shall make a determination as
to whether a violation of the Athletic Guide has occurred. The decision shall be rendered by the Athletic
Council within a reasonable time period generally not to exceed two weeks. The Principal will mail said
written decision to the parent/guardian and student.
5. Any consequence involving event forfeiture will have that consequence applied to the appropriate
number of regularly scheduled events in consecutive order immediately following the determination by
the Council.
6. A student/athlete has the right to appeal a decision of the Athletic Council to the Superintendent, the
Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education of New York State, in that order. In order to file
an appeal with the Superintendent or Board of Education, the student/athlete must set forth the grounds
for the appeal in writing and must submit the appeal to his/her Principal within five school days of
receipt of the determination that is being appealed. The filing of an appeal shall not affect the imposition
of an event forfeiture penalty while the appeal is being considered.
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