APPENDIX F
XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL
Guidelines for Athletes
2015 - 2016
Xavier High School, by its very philosophy, exists to form the whole
individual: spirit, mind, and body. All of its programs, be they academic,
athletic, or extracurricular, exist to meet this objective. First and foremost,
Xavier is a Catholic secondary school. Academics always take priority over
any extracurricular activity. Athletics, however, are an integral part of the education which many students
receive at Xavier. Seen in their proper place they can be rewarding and educational. The discipline policies in
the Student Handbook/Calendar always take priority in regards to athletics and/or extracurricular activities.
The handbook/calendar as well as these "Guidelines for Athletes" are meant to state Xavier's expectations for
its athletes. All athletes are expected to follow the handbook and guidelines. Athletes are required to sign a
statement which says that they have read these "Guidelines" and that they will adhere to them. These
guidelines do not replace CIAC guidelines; instead, they are supplemental and reflect Xavier's philosophy
regarding athletics. No athlete will be allowed to participate in a practice or athletic competition unless this
statement is signed and returned to his coach.
Academics and Eligibility
Underclassmen who fail two or more subjects at the end of a marking period may not participate in their
particular sport for the entire next marking period.
Parents and administrators reserve the right to declare an athlete ineligible at any time throughout the school
year because of poor attitude toward studies or because of other circumstances.
A game, match or meet the night before is not a reason to miss homework, nor is it an excuse to be absent from
school. The athlete is responsible to obtain and complete assignments on time.
Alcohol/Drugs
As stated on Page 21 in the Student Handbook/Calendar under the section “Controlled Substances” the
following apply:
(a) the possession or use of controlled substances of any type or the possession of drug paraphernalia
on school property or at any school-related activity will be considered a serious breach of school
discipline and may result in suspension or expulsion. In addition, a drug/alcohol dependency testing
may, in certain cases, be required before re-admittance to classes/athletic teams is allowed.
(b) students involved with controlled substances of any type or the possession of drug paraphernalia off
school grounds or at a non-school function may be subject to disciplinary action.
(c) students who are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol will be subject to disciplinary
action.
(d) the distribution of controlled substances of any type will normally result in expulsion.
Athletes must not attend any student parties/get togethers where alcohol and/or drugs are being used. If the inseason athlete unknowingly attends such an event and does not leave immediately, he will be subject to
disciplinary action from the team for that season. If the in-season athlete is in possession of alcohol and/or
drugs, he will be subject to disciplinary action from that team for that season. If an athlete is in possession of
alcohol/drugs when out-of-season, he will be subject to disciplinary action. All disciplinary action taken will
be at the discretion of the administration in consultation with the athletic director, assistant athletic director and
head coach.
The use of performance enhancing drugs/supplements is prohibited.
Tobacco
Xavier strongly discourages smoking. Therefore, the use or possession of any tobacco product is prohibited
on school buses, on school grounds, in the school building or in the vicinity of the school. This prohibition
also applies to school sponsored events. Student-athletes who violate this policy will be appropriately
disciplined and may be a candidate for suspension and probation.
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Appearance
Guidelines found in the (Student Calendar/Handbook page 16) should be followed with regard to appearance
in school and at athletic contests. Athletes must avoid faddish or extreme haircuts. Shirt and tie are
recommended for athletes traveling to an away competition.
Attendance
An unexcused absence from practice will result in suspension from competition in the next game, match or
meet. (Student Calendar/Handbook Page 15). Two unexcused absences result in dismissal from the team.
To be excused from practice, sufficient reason must be given to the coach at the earliest possible time. On days
when school is cancelled due to inclement weather or other reasons, coaches and athletes should communicate.
Each athlete is responsible for attending all practices and games, including those held during vacation periods
and all post-season competition. If vacations are planned during the sport season, the athlete will suffer the
consequences set by each individual head coach.
Absence from school normally means the athlete is ineligible to play in an athletic contest scheduled that day
and is not allowed to report to practice. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by Mr. Cerreta in
consultation with Mr. Jaskot.
If an athlete is unable to participate due to injury or illness, he is expected to attend team functions (games,
matches, meets) unless conditions prevent it.
Behavior and Sportsmanship
Administrators reserve the right to declare an athlete ineligible at any time due to behavioral problems.
Athletes are responsible for their actions and impressions inside or outside of Xavier and in the greater
community.
Any display of poor sportsmanship will be dealt with in a harsh manner. Suspension or expulsion from the
team may be a consequence of an athlete's improper actions. The administration and the athletic director, in
consultation with the head coach, will decide the appropriate disciplinary action for each individual case of
poor sportsmanship.
Frequent detention could result in suspension or expulsion from a team. The administration and the athletic
director, in consultation with the head coach, will decide the consequences.
Suspension from school means suspension from the team. In addition, team consequences may be imposed by
the head coach.
Hazing
Coaches are to see that there is absolutely no hazing. Any hazing incident must be immediately reported by
any member of the coaching staff to the athletic director and principal. The athlete(s) involved in the hazing
incident will be considered ineligible to practice or play until the incident is reviewed by the athletic director
and administration.
Frequent Lateness to Practice
Each individual coach will decide the disciplinary action. Extra help is never a problem.
Equipment and Uniforms
Each athlete is responsible for the care and security of his uniform and any equipment. Equipment and
uniforms must be turned in on the day(s) designated by each head coach. Failure to do so means the athlete
must pay the price for replacement of missing equipment or uniforms.
Participation
Participation on any other organized athletic team outside of Xavier while in season is strongly discouraged
because of the academic and physical demands placed on the athlete during the season. Participation in
organized non-school sports competition, practice and tryouts during the authorized contest season,
including CIAC tournament series, IN THE SAME BRANCH OF ATHLETICS shall mean that the
student is SUSPENDED FROM ALL INTERSCHOLASIC ATHLETICS until he has been reinstated by the
CIAC Board of Control. A student-athlete shall not participate in or represent his school in more than one
sport after the date of the first contest for that school in that sport season.
Team Awards
Guidelines for earning numerals, J.V. and Varsity letters or any special awards are set by each individual head
coach. All seniors completing the season as a team member or in any other capacity with the team will
receive varsity letter and pin/patch and will be eligible for special awards or recognition.
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REV. 08/2013