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February 16, 2012

CCS proposes changes to athletic code of conduct

BY MICHELLE MILLER

STAFF WRITER

Members of the Cooperstown Central School Board of Education amended the interscholastic athletic code of conduct during a first reading of the contract at a meeting last week.

The first change made was in regard to student attendance. A student must be at school all day on the day of athletic activity in order to participate. If an athlete arrives at school after 8:25 a.m. he or she will be prohibited from practicing or playing in a contest of that day. The new language says any absence, including tardiness, with or without a note will cause forfeiture of that day’s practice or event. This would include notes from a doctor. However, Paula Greene board member and member of the policy committee, said extenuating circumstances will be evaluated on an individual basis by the athletic director and principal.

“The problem was, I think there was some abuse, whether it be from people being tired from a game from the day before or whatever.” Greene said. “Academics should come before the extra-curricular activities.”

The second change was adding that “student athletes and their parents/ guardians must realize that the CCS coaching staff and the director of athletics will follow board policy and the Cooperstown Central School Code of Conduct.” Before the language referred to the specific policy 7310, according to Greene.

“We did not want to be that specific,” she said. “We follow all school policies.”

The last amendment was adding the word discrimination to language regarding hazing and harassment. The policy now reads, “The Cooperstown Central School District is committed  to providing educational, extra-curricularand athletic programs free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and/or hazing for all students and staff members. Subjecting someone to acts that are humiliating, indecent, painful or unsafe will not be tolerated. Athletes who engage in any of the above mentioned behaviors will be subject to disciplinary procedures as per school policy.”

“This is in part because of the (state’s) Dignity for All Students Act, which is going to require a lot more changes to many policies that specifically talk about discrimination,” Green said.

The Dignity Act was signed into law in Sept. 2010 to provide the state’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying on school property, a school bus and or at a school function. It will take effect in July.

Greene said although the academic integrity portion of the code of conduct has not been amended there have been concerns among board members that the district has been lacking in holding students to strict enough standards.

“We will have more discussion among the board to decide whether we need to change or tighten the language,” Greene said.

The language currently reads, “It is the responsibility of every Cooperstown athlete to maintain a sound academic standing. The director of athletics and or middle/high school principal may adjust students’ eligibility to compete in contests if need be.”

All changes were approved by the board. A second reading will be held during the March 21 board meeting.

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