BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

Bismarck Public Schools Code of Conduct

NDHSAA Condensed Eligibility Rules

BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The co-curricular programs in the Bismarck Public Schools exist for the development of skills,
attitudes, and self-esteem of students, and are intended to enhance the physical, social,
emotional, artistic and intellectual growth of our young people. Parents are encouraged to be
positive and supportive in their relationships with advisors and coaches. It is the prerogative of
the advisor/coach to manage the activity in such a manner that sound human relationships are
encouraged and the regulations of the North Dakota High School Activities Association are met. A
team effort by parents, school officials, and the participants is needed. Our co- curricular
programs are voluntary and are a privilege to participate in rather than a right.

ELIGIBILITY

Scholastic:
Students (grades 9-12) shall be doing passing work in at least twenty-five hours per week in order
to maintain eligibility. For eligibility purposes, grades are the cumulative average grade from the
beginning of a semester and will be computed at the following repo rting periods: midterms,
quarters, and semesters. Students not meeting said standard will be ineligible for a period of 2
calendar weeks. If the standard has been met at the conclusion of 2 calendar weeks, the student
will regain eligibility. If the student has not regained eligibility after 2 weeks, they will
remain ineligible until the next reporting period.

Summer School: Summer school can be used to regain eligibility if a student did not pass the
minimum of twenty-five hours per week in the previous semester. The summer school course used to
regain eligibility must be the same course as the failed course which led to loss of eligibility in
the previous semester. If the like course is not offered in summer school, a core summer school
class can replace a failed elective class with approval of the building activities director.

Middle School: A student (7-8) that receives a total of 4 or more Needs Improvement scores in
Responsibility + Respect Standards shall be ineligible for participation for two weeks. A 7th or
8th grade student participating on a high school team cannot have any Needs Improvement scores in
Responsibility + Respect Standards or they will be ineligible. For eligibility purposes, reports
will be run every two weeks. If the standard has been met at the conclusion of 2 calendar weeks,
the student will regain eligibility. The period of ineligibility from the activity may be extended
by the coach/advisor/administration. A period of ineligibility may be extended by the coach
/advisor or administration due to un-excused absences or inappropriate behavior infractions.

Attendance: Participants must be in attendance for all academic and required activities designated
by the school in order to be eligible to participate in co-curricular activities on any given day.

Suspension or Expulsion: Any participant who receives an out-of-school suspension or expulsion
shall be ineligible for participation, including practices, during the period of suspension or
expulsion. Participants shall be eligible to participate when they are readmitted to school.
Period of ineligibility from the activity may be extended by the coach/advisor.

Tobacco, Alcohol or Controlled Substance Violations: The use or possession of tobacco,
e-cigarettes, electronic delivery device, alcohol or any controlled substance as defined by the
North Dakota Century Code is prohibited. Any student who is in violation of the foregoing shall be
declared ineligible from participation in interscholastic contests or activities for a minimum
period of six consecutive weeks for the first offense and a period of eighteen consecutive school
weeks for any subsequent offense. The period of ineligibility shall begin from the date and time
notification is given to the student by the school administration (NDHSAA Constitution and By
Laws).

“ M e re Presence” : Being in attendance at a function, in a vehicle or at a party where the
student knows or has reason to know that alcohol or other drugs are being consumed illegally by
minors and failing to leave despite having a reasonable opportunity to do so is a violation. When a
student recognizes this situation, he/she must leave immediately or is in violation of the Bismarck
Public Schools tobacco, alcohol or any controlled substance rule.

In-season Penalty: Penalty shall be 6 weeks for 1st offense and 18 weeks for 2nd offense (NDHSAA
Section XII). Period of ineligibility will start at the time the student is notified of the
violation by the administration.

Out of Season Penalty (Includes Summer): Penalty shall be 6 weeks for 1st offense and 18 weeks for
2nd offense (NDHSAA Section XII). Period of ineligibility will start at the time the student is
notified of the violation by the administration. In addition, there will be a 2 week period of
ineligibility from the first authorized date of competition/performance for the activity in which
they will be participating. Participants in activities that do not have a contest/performance in
the two week window will be ineligible for their first contest/performance. It should be noted that
the 2 week period of ineligibility may run concurrent with the 6 week or 18 week period of
ineligibility starting from the first authorized date of competition/performance for the activity
they are participating in. Ex. Student has alcohol violation in October but does not participate in
any activity until track. Student serves the 6 or 18 week period of ineligibility starting October
4 which is the time the school is notified and then serves the two week period of ineligibility
from the first authorized date of competition for track. To satisfy the 2 week requirement, the
student must remain with the program in which the period of
ineligibility was served through the completion of the season.

Rev06/21/17

SPECIFIC STANDARDS

A participant in any BPS co-curricular activity will be declared ineligible for engaging in any act
that would be grounds for arrest or citation in the court system (excluding minor offenses such as
traffic or hunting/fishing violations). Ineligibility can occur without a formal citation, arrest,
conviction, or adjudication. All ineligibility appeals must be directed to the Bismarck Public
School Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools. Exceedingly inappropriate or offensive
conduct such as assaulting staff or students, gross insubordination (talking back or refusing to
cooperate with authorities), hazing or harassment of others is grounds for ineligibility from
co-curricular activities. Such conduct could include group conduct. This is not an all- inclusive
list of prohibited behaviors. The school reserves the right to discipline a student for violation
of the good conduct rule which includes, but is not limited to, the above referenced behaviors.

Accumulation of consequence for ineligibility is active for one calendar year. The last day of
school for students (as defined by the district calendar) will be the conclusion date of all
violations for that academic year and the start for the upcoming academic year. An exception to
this would be a student who is deemed ineligible and their activity extends beyond the ending date
of school. They would remain ineligible until the conclusion of their activity or their period of
ineligibility expires.

BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT STANDARDS

Respect for Others: Respect should be displayed toward officials, opponents, teammates, others in
the community & towards oneself.

Dress and Grooming: Students who participate in co-curricular activities are expected to dress
appropriately for out-of- town trips. Coaches/Advisors may establish and post appropriate
standards with each individual group.

Travel: Students are to travel to and from away events with the squad. No other means of
transportation is to be arranged unless approval has been granted by the coach or advisor and that
release will only be a visual release to the student’s parent/guardian.

Citizenship: The conduct and behavior of participants is a direct reflection of themselves, their
parents, the school, the organization, and the coach/advisor. Participants shall be courteous and
show respect for people and property. All varsity students must participate in a team community
project (minimum of two hours).

My signature below indicates that I have reviewed, understand, and agree to adhere to the
regulations, expectations, and penalties contained within the Bismarck Public School District’s
Code of Conduct for co-curricular activities. It is also an acknowledgement that I have been
properly advised, cautioned, and warned by the proper administrative coaching personnel of
the Bismarck Public School District that by participating in sports one exposes themselves to the
risk of serious injury including, but not limited to, the risk of concussion, paralysis; or even
death. I have viewed the film entitled “Sports & Activities: Know the Risks” and understand the
message it conveys. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K25IgZvgoCA)
I hereby further acknowledge that I do so with full knowledge and understanding of the risk of
serious injury to which I am exposing myself by participating in sport(s). Having been so cautioned
and warned, it is still my desire and my choice to participate.

I also understand that hazing of any kind is not allowed in the Bismarck School District. This
includes written, verbal and physical acts. My signature is an acknowledgement that I have read
the Bismarck Public Schools Hazing Policy – JCDAE.