Detroit I.S.D. Athletic Handbook

            The Board of Trustees and the Administration at Detroit I.S.D. realize the importance of an excellent athletic program and the values it can provide for students.  Athletics is an integral and desirable part of the total education process for those students who desire to participate.  Participation is optional and shall not be a required activity; however, for those who desire to be a part of the program, stringent rules involving discipline, hard work, self-sacrifice and academic achievement are required.  It is the belief of Detroit I.S.D. that in order for a quality program to be effective there must be total cooperation from the student, the family, and the athletic department.  Although it is a fact that the more talented and skilled athlete may receive more active participation in a given program, every student who chooses to enroll shall be given the opportunity for meaningful participation in some phase of the department’s activities.  As with all programs offered in the Detroit I.S.D., no student shall be denied the opportunity to participate in any athletic program because of race, country of natural origin, creed, sex or color.

            Interscholastic athletics are provided with the belief that the following goals may be accomplished through membership on an athletic team:

A.     Teamwork and cooperation

B.     Good health and physical fitness

C.     Good sportsmanship and fair competition

D.     School spirit and loyalty

E.      Moral development and training

F.      Social skills development

G.     Emotional maturity development

The success of the interscholastic athletic program is not based solely on the win-loss record of the team.  Instead, a goal of the program is to have each participant reach his/her maximum potential.

PERAONAL APPEARANCE AND GROOMING – As representatives of Detroit ISD, athletes will be influential when others form opinions of our school and community.  Therefore, we expect our athletes to be groomed in a manner that our school and community will be proud of.  One of the rewards of being an athlete is learning the art of self-discipline.  There is no better way to acquire self discipline than to make self-sacrifices.  Avoiding untidy fads of dress and grooming is one such sacrifice. 

CURFEW – Athletes must take care of themselves to perform at optimum levels.  We recommend all athletes be at home no later than 10:30 p.m. on weeknights and 12:00 midnight on weekends.

EQUIPMENT – When equipment is issued to an athlete it becomes the responsibility of the athlete.  Normal repair will be taken care of by the school.  Damage caused by misuse will be repaired at the athlete’s expense.

OFF-SEASON REQUIREMENTS – In order to participate in a sport, all athletes are required to actively take part in an off-season program.  They must be enrolled in the off-season program at the beginning of the semester prior to the sport they wish to participate in.  Exceptions may be granted by the Athletic Director.  Some of these may include, but are not limited to:   1) unable to participate because of need for necessary credits in other subjects to stay eligible; 2) unable to participate due to honor course conflicts where no other choice is available; 3) recently moved into the district.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE – Athletes must be in attendance a minimum of half the school day in order to participate in after school workouts or athletic contests.  Exceptions may be granted by the Athletic Director (ex. Funeral or family emergency)

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION – Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation provided by the school to and from the event.  The Principal, however, may make an exception if the parent makes a written request that the student be released to the parent or to another adult designated by the parent.  Coaches are given the authority to release a student to their parent when the parent request in person at the sight of the activity.

WITHDRAWAL FROM A SPORT – Participation in our athletic program is encouraged on a year-round basis because of training and school scheduling considerations.  In the event of withdrawal from a sport during the year, the student, prior to withdrawal, must give notice to the head coach of the activity from which withdrawing during the school year, the student must have permission from the Athletic Director and the head coach before entering any new activity.

ENROLLMENT IN THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM – When an athlete enrolls in the Detroit I.S.D. athletic program, he/she accepts the required policies and regulations outlined here.

REVOCATION OF ATHLETIC PRIVILEGES – The rights which guarantee every child a free education in the public school do not extend to participation in extracurricular activities.  Such participation is a privilege which must be earned and maintained by the student.  Any conduct while at school or in the community that is deemed detrimental to the program by the Athletic Director and Principal may be grounds for dismissal from a sport or from the entire program.

APPEALS PROCESS – If a student’s athletic privileges are revoked, the student and parents may request a conference to be held within ten days following the revocation and involving the student, parents, head coach, Athletic Director, and Principal.  Appeals beyond the conference must be directed to the Superintendent, and if beyond that, to the Board of Trustees.