Principles of Pursuing Victory With Honor
The essential elements of character building and ethics in CIF sports are embodied in the
concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility,
fairness, caring and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when
competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”
It is the duty of School Boards, superintendents, school administrators, parents and
school sports leadership-including coaches, athletic administrators, program directors and
game officials-to promote sportsmanship and foster a good character by teaching,
enforcing, advocating and modeling these “six pillars of character.”
To promote sportsmanship and foster the development of good character, school sports
programs must be conducted in a manner that enhances the academic, emotional, social,
physical and ethical development of student-athletes and teaches them positive life skills
that will help them become personally successful and socially responsible.
Participation in school sports programs is a privilege, not a right. To earn that
privilege, students-athletes must abide by the rules and they must conduct themselves, on
and off the field, as positive role models who exemplify good character.
School Boards, superintendents, school administrators, parents and school sports
leadership shall establish standards for participation by adopting and enforcing codes of
conduct for coaches, athletes, parents and spectators.
All participants in high school sports must consistently demonstrate and demand
scrupulous integrity, observe and enforce the spirit as well as the letter of the rules.
The importance of character, ethics and sportsmanship should be emphasized in all
communications directed to student-athletes and their parents.
School Boards, superintendents, school administrators, parents and school sports
leadership must ensure that the first priority of their student-athletes is a serious
commitment to getting an education, developing the academic skills and character to
succeed.
School Boards, superintendents, principals, school administrators and everyone involved
at any level of governance in the CIF must maintain ultimate responsibility for the quality
and integrity of CIF programs. Such individuals must assure that education and character
development responsibilities are not compromised to achieve sports performance goals
and that the academic, social, emotional, physical and ethical well-being of studentathletes are always placed above desires and pressure to win.
All employees of member schools must be directly involved and committed to the
academic success of student-athletes and the character-building goals of the school.
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Everyone involved in competition including student-athletes, parents, spectators,
associated student body leaders, and all auxiliary groups have a duty to honor the
traditions of the sport and to treat other participants with respect. Coaches have a special
responsibility to model respectful behavior and the duty to demand that their studentathletes refrain from disrespectful conduct including verbal abuse of opponents and
officials, profane or belligerent trash-talking, taunting and inappropriate celebrations.
School Boards, superintendents, and school administrators of CIF member schools must
ensure that coaches, whether paid or voluntary, are competent to coach. Training or
experience may determine minimal competence. These competencies include basic
knowledge of: 1) The character building aspects of sports, including techniques and
methods of teaching and reinforcing the core values comprising sportsmanship and good
character.2) The physical capabilities and limitations of the age group coached as well as
first aid . 3) Coaching principles, rules and strategies of the sport.
To safeguard the health of athletes and the integrity of the sport, school sports program
must actively prohibit the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and performance enhancing
substances, as well as a demand compliance with all laws and regulations, including
those related to gambling and the use of drug(US Code, title 20, 7101-7184).
Schools that offer athletic programs must safeguard the integrity of their programs.
Commercial relationships should be continually monitored to ensure against
inappropriate exploitation of the school’s name or reputation. There should be no undue
influence of commercial interests. In addition, sports programs must be prudent, avoiding
undue dependency on particular companies or sponsors.
Coaching is a profession of teaching. In addition to teaching the mental and physical
dimensions of their sport, coaches, through words and example, must also strive to build
the character of their athletes by teaching them to be trustworthy, respectful, responsible,
fair, caring and good citizens.
Academic Eligibility
(Policy 6146.1)
A student is scholastically eligible if:
a) The student is currently enrolled in at least 20 semester credits of work.
b) The student was passing the equivalent of at least 20 semester credits of work
at the completion of the most recent grading period.
c) The student is maintaining minimum progress toward meeting the high school
graduation requirements as prescribed by the governing board. (See student
handbook.)
d) The student has maintained during the previous grading period a minimum 2.0
grade point average, on a 4.0 scale, in all enrolled courses. (If a student is
enrolled in more than one physical education class, only one grade will count
towards GPA calculations.)
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Citizenship
Model behavior is expected by all students participating in athletics and students
participating in non-required extracurricular activities. The Superintendent or Designee
may revoke a student’s eligibility for participation in extra/co-curricular activities when a
student’s poor citizenship is serious enough to warrant loss of this privilege. Any student
who violates the Athletic Code of Conduct more than once shall be excluded from any
current season participation in an athletic sport or related activities. Any student who
violates school rules more than once, or is involved in any altercation will be excluded
from participation in athletics or after school activities (Policy BP 6145c.)
Dress Code
It is expected that every student come to school dressed acceptable for any public
gathering (Ca Code of Reg. 302).The dress code is designed for safety and to prepare
students for the world of work. In order to promote a high standard for participation,
students will dress in clothing appropriate for the event. The Superintendent will ensure
that no student is denied participation in these activities due to financial hardship relate to
required apparel (i.e. team warm-ups, polo shirts, dress clothes).
Alcohol & Tobacco
Athletes may not use or possess any form of alcoholic beverage or illegal drugs. This rule
applies on and off campus during the entire season of each sport. In addition to the rules
stated in the student handbook, the first offense will result in removal from team and
forfeiture of all awards. The second offense will result in exclusion from all athletic
teams for the remainder of the school year. Appropriate school discipline rules and
consequences will also apply.
Athletes may not smoke, possess, or use tobacco in any manner, including chewing
tobacco or snuff. This rule applies on and off campus during the entire season of each
sport. Discipline administered will be consistent with school rules. Violations that take
place off campus may result in consequences from other agencies than that of the Mojave
Unified School District.
Gangs
Students that engage in any violation of school behavior rules and are affiliated with any
gang-type activity will be excluded from athletic competition and other extracurricular
activities for one year, and may only participate after one calendar year upon approval by
the Superintendent and Board of Trustees. No gang apparel will be permitted at any
school or school activity (policy cf. 5132).
Expulsion & Suspension
A student who is expelled by Mojave High School pursuant to the provisions of Article 1,
Chapter 6 of Part 27, Division 4 of Title 2(commencing with Section 48900) of the
Education Code of California, shall be ineligible to participate in any sport activity that is
under the jurisdiction of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for a period of
time not to exceed the duration of the expulsion. The expelled student may request a
hearing for reinstatement from the school of attendance section. This hearing may not be
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held until forty-five school days have elapsed from the date of the official expulsion
action.
Athletes who have received a school suspension may not participate in practice or
compete in contests until the suspension has been completed. Students who have been
suspended from school because of misconduct may be dismissed from the team.
Appeals
Please note that all appeals on any disciplinary decision made by Mojave High School
administration will go through the Superintendent’s office.
Grading Period
Academic eligibility will be checked and determined twice each semester: fall and spring,
two quarters each.
Lettering
Athletes may earn a letter by competing for an entire season on an athletic team.
Coaches’ discretion will be used for unusual circumstances. Disputes will be resolved by
the Athletic Director and Principal.
Parental Consent
All athletes must return written parental or guardian permission to try out, practice or
compete in athletics and travel by school provided transportation. This form must be
turned into the office before a student is eligible to participate.
Physical Examination
An annual physical examination or a statement by a medical practitioner, certifying that
the student is physically fit to participate in athletics is required before a student may try
out, practice, or participate in interscholastic athletic competition. This form must be
turned into the office before the student is eligible to try out and participate.
Chiropractor physicals are no longer accepted.
Summer School Credits
Summer school credits shall be counted toward making up scholastic deficiencies
incurred in the grading period immediately preceding. Summer school courses failed
shall not impair an athlete’s scholastic eligibility. Credit shall be made up in the subject
failed or received a poor grade in; or by taking another course and dividing the credits
earned from that semester, including summer school credits, by the number of classes
taken, including summer school.
Team Rules
Each coach will submit a set of rules to the team for all athletes to follow. Athletes who
are late, miss practice or games without a valid reason or prior permission will be
disciplined by the coach. The discipline will be outlined in the team rules.
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Transportation
All athletes must travel to and from all contests in district provided transportation. While
on the bus all athletes must follow the bus regulations as stated in the student handbook.
After the contest, an athlete may be released to his/her parent or guardian in person by
informing the coach. If an athlete is to go home with another athlete’s parent or guardian,
permission must be requested in writing before the upcoming contest. A form must be
obtained from MHS administration, and returned with the proper signatures no later
than the lunch period of the contest date. Games that require departure during the school
day, the signed form must be returned by the end of 2nd period of the contest date. Any
athlete who does not return from a contest with the team without proper authorization
will be suspended from the team for the next contest. If a second offense occurs the
athlete will be removed from the team and forfeit any and all awards.
When proper authorization has been given, a copy of the signed form will be given to the
student, who in turn gives it to their respective coach.
Trying Out, Quitting, & Removal
Any student wishing to try out for a team may do so and quit without consequence during
the first two weeks of practice. Any athlete who is removed from a team or voluntarily
quits cannot participate in another sport until that team completes its season’s schedule.
Athletes who have been removed from a team have a right of appeal, in writing, to the
Athletic Director. The Athletic Director and Principal will adjudicate the problem. If
players are participating in the playoffs, mutual agreement among the coaches will be
reached before a player can play the next sport. Suspension or termination of the
participation privilege is within the sole discretion of the school administration.
Uniforms & Equipment
Athletes are responsible for all uniforms or equipment loaned to them by the school for
practices or athletic contests. Equipment or uniforms that are purposely destroyed or not
returned upon request by the coach or administration will be paid for by the parent or
guardian at current replacement cost. School records, awards, etc., will be withheld until
the debt is settled. Students will not be allowed to participate in another sport or extracurricular activity until the uniform or equipment problem has been resolved.
*Verification of Insurance
All athletes must provide proof of insurance before participation in any practice or game.
If an athlete does not have adequate insurance, insurance must be purchased before
practicing. Forms are available through the Athletic Director and returned to the office.
The cost of the insurance is to be paid by the parent or guardian.
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*CIF Code of Conduct for Interscholastic Student-Athletes
All athletes must return the CIF Code of Conduct for Interscholastic Student Athletes
with a signature before eligibility will be granted by the administration.
CIF - (Mojave High School)
Code of Conduct for Interscholastic Student-Athletes
Interscholastic athletics competition should demonstrate high standards of ethics,
sportsmanship, promote the development of good character and other important life
skills. The highest potential of sports is achieved when participants are committed to
pursuing victory with honor according to six core principals. This Code applies to all
student-athletes involved in interscholastic sports in California. I understand that, in
order to participate in high school athletics, I must act in accord with the following
principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.
Trustworthiness- be worthy of trust in all I do.
Integrity-live up to high ideals of ethics and sportsmanship always pursue
victory with honor; do what’s right even when it’s unpopular or personally
costly.
Honesty-live and compete honorably; don’t lie, cheat, steal or engage in
any other dishonest or unsportsmanlike conduct.
Reliability-fulfill commitments; do what I say I will do; be on time to
practices and games.
Loyalty-be loyal to my school and team; put the team above personal
glory.
Respect-treat all people with respect all the time and require the same of other
student-athletes.
Class-live and play with class; be a good sport; be gracious in victory and
accept defeat with dignity; give fallen opponents help, compliment
extraordinary performance, show sincere respect in pre-and post-game
rituals.
Disrespectful Conduct-don’t engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort
including profanity, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, trash-talking,
taunting, boastful celebrations, or other actions that demean individuals or
the sport.
*denotes that there is a signature required and return request of a specific form
Respect Officials- treat contest officials with respect; don’t complain or
argue with official calls or decisions during or after an athletic event.
Responsibility-be accountable for your actions.
Importance of Education-be a student first and commit to getting the best
education.
Role-Modeling-Remember, participation in sports is a privilege, not a right
and that `each student-athlete is expected to represent the school, coach
and teammates with honor, on and off the field. Consistently exhibit good
character and conduct as a positive role model.
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Self-Control-exercise self-control; don’t fight or show excessive displays
of anger or frustration; have the strength to overcome the temptation to
retaliate.
Healthy Lifestyle-safeguard your health; don’t use any illegal or unhealthy
substances including alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
Integrity of the Game-protect the integrity of the game; don’t gamble.
Play the game according to the rules.
Fairness- live up to high standards of fair play; be open-minded; always be
willing to listen and learn.
Caring- demonstrate concern for others.
Concern for others- never intentionally injure any player or engage in
reckless behavior that might cause injury to myself or others.
Teammates-help promote the well-being of teammates by positive
counseling and encouragement or by reporting any unhealthy or dangerous
conduct to coaches.
Citizenship- abides and follows rules.
Play by the rules- maintain a thorough knowledge of and abide by all
applicable game and competition rules.
Spirit of rules-honor the spirit and the letter of rules; avoid temptations to
gain competitive advantage through improper gamesmanship techniques
that violate the highest traditions of sportsmanship
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Detach and return to coach)
I have read and understand the requirements of this code of Conduct. I
understand that I’m expected to perform according to this code and I
understand that there may be sanctions or penalties if I do not.
__________________________________________
Student-Athlete Signature
___________
Date
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