The following information is intended to be a guideline for our school procedures and policies governing school athletics/activities.  Each coach, each parent and student participant should be familiar with this handbook so that he/she understands the rules and regulations that all participants must follow. If you are unsure of a policy or it appears to be unclear, speak to the Athletic/Activities Director or Principal for clarification.  The Montana High School Association (MHSA) is the ruling body for Montana high school activities.

STATEMENT of INTRODUCTION

Participation in athletics and activities provides students an opportunity to learn self-discipline, leadership, character, a positive attitude, and integrity.  It also encourages the spirit of competition, Christian ethics and sportsmanship. Participation in extra-curricular activities is a privilege and not a right.  Students, who wish to participate in extra-curricular opportunities made available by BCCHS and funded through the generous donations of the Butte Central Roundtable, must be willing to accept the responsibilities as well as the benefits, which are associated with activities.  The main goals of activity programs at BCCHS are to meet the needs of the students.  All policies and procedures are designed to foster these goals:

All parties concerned, school personnel, parents, students and patrons, should realize that academic endeavors have priority over athletics and activities.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS

Butte Central Catholic High School will provide co-curricular, curricular, and club activities as an extension of the Catholic school environment for a complete educational experience, for all students throughout the academic year.  BCCHS activities exist to provide opportunities outside the classroom in which students may develop spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially.

BCCHS will sponsor and/or support activities only when there is an availability of adequate funds, coaches/sponsors, and facilities to provide a positive, safe, and successful activity.  It is a privilege and not a right for BCCHS students to participate in the activity program of BCCHS.

By their very nature, activity participants are a visible representative of the Catholic Community of Western Montana and are therefore held to the highest standard of the Student Honor Code.  BCCHS activities will support individual skill development, academic development, and teamwork.  The focus of school related activity programs, elementary and secondary, is the individual student, his/her growth and self-esteem, and participation in a worthwhile learning experience.  All students enrolled at BCCHS shall have the opportunity to try out for participation in all activities.

ELIGIBILITY

In order for a student to participate in a BCCHS activity, he/she must meet the following criteria:  Maintain a 2.0 GPA for the previous semester and current semester, successfully passing all classes for the current semester, and successfully pass a physical examination in the last twelve months.  Students who earn a failing grade or less than 2.0 GPA at the quarter or semester grading period are immediately placed on academic probation.

ACADEMIC PROBATION-SCHOOL-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES

All BCCHS students participating in school-sponsored activities are expected to maintain passing grades throughout the entire grading period.  To ensure consistent academic grading assessment for student participation, the quarter and semester grades will be used to certify student participation in school-sponsored activities.

A student is placed on Academic Probation-School Sponsored Activities when he/she fails to earn passing academic work or a 2.0 GPA at the quarter or semester grading period.

Students placed on Academic Probation-School Sponsored Activities, will be suspended for two weeks from all school sponsored co-curricular competition.  Students will be allowed to practice, but will not be allowed to compete.  At the conclusion of the two-week suspension, a student on Academic Probation is responsible for submitting a written document from the involved teacher to the Activity Director attesting to their successful academic progress and showing significant improvement.

ACCIDENTS

Every accident in the school building, on school grounds, at practice sessions or at any extra-curricular events sponsored by the school, must be reported immediately to the person in charge (coach/advisor), to the Activities Director and to the Principal’s office.  The person in charge (coach/advisor) must file an accident report form with the Activities Director as soon after the accident as possible.  Parents must request a Christian Brothers Accident form from the AD within one week of the accident.

BCCHS ACTIVITIES

FALL: Football, Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Cross-Country, Boys and Girls Golf, Cheerleading, Speech/Debate, Chorus.
WINTER: Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling, Cheerleading, Speech/Debate, Chorus
SPRING: Boys and Girls track, Boys and Girls Tennis, Softball, Chorus
CLUBS: Student Council, Key Club, National Honor Society, Speech/Debate Teams, Peer Counseling

ACTIVITY REGULATIONS

To participate in extra-curricular activities at BCCHS, students must comply with the following regulations as well as any others stated by MHSA:

• On the day of event, student participants must be in school at the beginning of the day (all seven periods).  The tardy bell is 8:10 a.m.  1st period tardies extend to 8:25 a.m.  After 8:25 a.m. it becomes an absence for 1st period.  If this occurs, a student in ineligible to practice or participate in an event scheduled for the day.
• If the activity falls on a non-school day, the student participant must be in school all seven periods on the nearest school day prior to the event. On any shortened day that does not have a lunch period, students must be in school the full day.  A student remains eligible if a legitimate doctor’s note is received for any absence during the day.  Exceptions may be discussed with the Activities Director in collaboration with the Principal.  Absences as the result of extraordinary circumstances beyond the student’s control will be considered.
• Physical exams are required for each participant before engaging in athletic practice or play.
• All examination forms must be submitted to the Activities Director PRIOR to the first day of practice for the activity.
• Student participants and parents/guardians must submit a signed activity consent/release form and proof of insurance to the Activities Director PRIOR to activity participation.
• Student participants must be younger than 19 years of age on or before August 31st of the school year.
• Student participants who have already attended four years in school after the eighth grade are not eligible to participate.
• Student participants placed on in-school-suspension (ISS) for any reason, will be eligible to practice during the suspension, but ineligible for competition in the next regularly scheduled contest or performance.
• First semester participation: a student must be enrolled by October 15; for second semester participation, a student must be enrolled no later than the 11th day of the semester.
• Student participants must return the signature portion of the Activities Handbook with student parent/guardian signatures that indicate all parties understand the rules and agree to comply with them

ACTIVITY TICKETS

Students are required to purchase an activity ticket that is included as part of their tuition and fees.  This ticket will permit students to attend all “home” athletic events and musical productions except for the Butte High/Butte Central contests, post-season contests and the musical performance at the Mother Lode Theatre.

ACTIVITY TRANSPORTATION

Students who participate in out-of-town, extra-curricular activities must travel on school provided transportation.  Students may not drive themselves to or from an activity or ride with any driver other than the school sponsor, coach/advisor or their own parent/guardian.  If necessary, parents/guardians may request permission for their student participant to go to or return from an activity with them.  Permission slips must be signed in the presence of the coach/advisor.  The following guidelines will help insure the safety and comfort of all individuals traveling on the bus:

• Remain seated and face the front.
• Refrain from excessive noise.  Headphones must be used with tape players.
• Coach/Advisor is responsible to take roll immediately after loading the bus and to monitor student conduct on the bus.
• Tape recorders and other hard objects will be stored on the floor or in the baggage compartment.
• Food and drink must be kept to a minimum and each student is expected to pick up after himself/herself.  Sandwiches, fresh fruit, canned or bottled juice with a lid, pop, water, candy bars and chips can be consumed on the bus.  Food items not allowed include sunflower seeds, any other type of shell nuts, popcorn, and drinks in paper cups, milk shakes, malts, or ice cream.  All garbage must be disposed of prior to leaving the bus at the team’s destination and upon returning home.
• Destruction to any part of the bus will not be tolerated.  Immediate suspension for the remainder of the season will be the consequence for any student/athlete guilty of destroying bus property.
• At all times, treat the bus driver with courtesy and respect.

BUILDING USE

Use of the building by an organization or individual must be cleared through the Activities Director and must be properly sponsored.

CALENDAR of EVENTS

The Activities Director will maintain a calendar of MHSA sponsored activities.  Coaches and advisors should meet about any changes to the season with the Activities Director.

CHURCH NIGHT

Wednesday evening is usually considered “church night.”  Any BCCHS students, who are involved in parish religious-ed activities or Confirmation preparation, must be dismissed from practice before 7:00p.m.

COMMUNICATIONS

Keep the Activities Director informed at all times.

COMMUNICATIONS with PARENTS

It is essential to maintain open lines of communication with parents.  Coaches/advisors are encouraged to call parents when the following occur: injury, suspension from team, unexcused absences from practice and games, as well as any other situation deemed necessary to discuss.

COMPLAINTS and CRITICISM

If you have complaints or constructive criticism to offer or if you wonder why a certain policy may be in effect, it is requested that such matters be discussed with the Activities Director and/or the Principal.  If you have any questions regarding training rules or coaching decisions, discuss them with the coach/advisor.  Comments that are unnecessarily negative are harmful to the school and to its personnel who are attempting to provide the best possible activities for your student.

DAILY BULLETIN and DISMISSAL LISTS

All activity announcements to be included in the daily bulletin shall be in the office by 2:30 p.m. the day before they are to be read.  Dismissal lists should be turned in to the Activities Director at least three days prior to dismissal for an event.

DRESS CODE/TEAM APPEARANCE

Head Coach/Advisor will set the dress standards for their teams at home and away events.  It is suggested that students wear Maroon logo shirts with collars and sleeves with young men in “Docker-style” slacks in tan, blue or black and young women in skirts or slacks in tan, blue or black.  When traveling to any event, at home or away, participants are to remember that they represent BCCHS, themselves, and their families, and conduct themselves accordingly.

EQUIPMENT

Students entrusted with equipment and supplies belonging to Butte Central Catholic High School will receive fines for items not returned, lost, altered, or vandalized.  Fines will be such to cover the complete replacement costs of supplies or equipment involved.  Participation in another activity may be limited if current or previous fines are not paid.

FIRST AID CERTIFICATION

All coaches are to be first aid certified.

HARASSMENT

Harassment among student participants that results in any type of demeaning hazing or humiliation will not be tolerated in any school program.  All coaching staff/advisors are to monitor their areas of responsibility to assure that students treat each other with respect, courtesy and charity to assure that harassment does not occur.  Violators of this policy will be dealt with firmly and promptly.  Consequences will be determined after consultation with the Activities Director in collaboration with the Principal.  All teams/clubs/school-sponsored activities are to be supervised by adults at all times.

HOTEL ROOM CHECKS

These may be announced or unannounced and are for the purpose to maintain order, discipline and compliance with school policy.  A coach or other school employee is expected to do room checks and may deem it necessary to search a student’s hotel room and contents when on overnight trips. If a participant is found to have violated school policy or is insubordinate to school employees, that participant will be sent home early, at parent’s expense, and subject to disciplinary actions.

INJURY or OTHER CATASTROPHE

If a participant is seriously or critically injured or some other catastrophic incident occurs, coaches/advisors are to follow these guidelines:

1. Never leave an injured participant unattended.  Send someone for help immediately.
2. Do not attempt to move a seriously injured person unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.
3. Immediately contact Activities Director, Principal or their designee.
4. Any evidence should be secured.
5. List witnesses and turn the list over to the AD or designee.
6. Be certain that parents of affected students are contacted.
7. Make out accident report forms with pertinent information and give to the AD as soon as possible

KEYS

Keys are issued to coaches/advisors for their use by the Activities Director and should not be loaned or given to students.  Should anyone other than authorized personnel request a key, he/she should be sent to the Principal.

LETTERING REQUIREMENTS

Each Head Coach/Advisor will determine the criteria for lettering in their programs and communicate the criteria to the Activities Director.  In all programs, the participant must complete the season in “good standing.”

LITURGY/MASS

It has always been a tradition at BCCHS that athletic teams attend weekly Mass with coaches/advisors during the season.  The practice is expected to continue along with prayer before each event, whether at home or away.

MHSA HANDBOOK

All coaches/advisors should be familiar with the sections of the handbook relating to the area of responsibility.

MONEY COLLECTIONS

Money collected by coaches and sponsors for projects, events, etc. is to be turned in to the Activities Director immediately.  Money is to be turned in by the coach/advisor and not by the students.

NEWS ARTICLES/INTERVIEWS

The Principal serves as spokesperson regarding school matters.  However, the AD and coaches/advisors may be interviewed and submit articles to newspapers.  Anything in writing should be approved by the Principal.  Remember to be conversant with school policy, be positive and mindful, at all times, that you represent BCCHS.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL MISCONDUCT

Students traveling for extra-curricular activities must conduct themselves in a responsible and Christian manner.  Failure to do so creates a major liability for the school and its employees.  The BCCHS community is very supportive of student activities and deserves our very best representation.  Students will be held responsible for any misconduct and the penalties applied according to the School Discipline Code.

PHYSICAL/PARENTCONSENT/INSURANCE

Every student participating in an activity must have a physical for the current school year and must have proof of insurance on file.  These are to be given to the Activities Director BEFORE the first day of practice.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

PRACTICE

Organize practices with the AD so conflicts are avoided with other groups, including music, play, speech practice, etc.  Due to the lack of space, avoid last minute changes in practice times.  Communicate ALL CHANGES promptly to the AD.  Remember, students have other commitments, be reasonable, set your practice schedule and stick with it.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Coaches and advisors AT ALL TIMES represent not just themselves, but BCCHS, their community and their profession.  In relations with others, it is expected that coaches and advisors conduct themselves as professionals and model Christian values to their students/athletes.

PURCHASING

Please see the Activities Director before making any purchases.  There are specific procedures to follow.

SCHOOL EQUIPMENT and SECURITY of the BUILDING
It is the responsibility of the coaches and advisors to account for all equipment issued for any sport or activity.  Coaches and advisors need to see that windows and doors are locked and secured after practices and lights turned off.  Let the Activities Director know if you will be using the facility other than scheduled times and have special needs for assistance in securing the building.

SPORTMANSHIP

“Sportsmanship is not a set of rules, but a spirit that should guide our behavior each day of our lives according to the simple idea that we will treat others as we would like to be treated.”
Expectations for student athletes regarding sportsmanship are as follows:

• Accept and understand the seriousness of your responsibility and privilege of representing BCCHS and the community of Butte.
• Treat opponents the way you would like to be treated.
• Wish opponents good luck before the game and congratulate them in a sincere manner following the game.
• Respect the integrity and judgment of officials.  Never argue or make non-verbal gestures that indicate disagreement.  This type of immature activity may incite undesirable behavior in the stands and by teammates.

TITLE IX

                This is a policy to provide equal athletic benefits to all student athletes without regard for gender.

1. Motel accommodations
2. Assemblies
3. Publicity and news media
4. Cheerleader travel
5. Transportation
6. Uniform replacement

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Each coach must refer transfer students to the Activity Director for determination of eligibility.  Keep the Principal informed of transfer students and follow all MHSA guidelines.

VOLUNTEER COACHES/ADVISORS

All personnel affiliated with any of the MHSA sponsored activities in the high school are to complete and sign a form before their first practice/game.  All forms are to be turned in to the Athletic Director.  Head coaches/advisors, please let your volunteers know that we must have a signed form for our records.  Virtus training must be completed by all volunteer coaches/advisors.

TRAINING RULES

The purpose for training rules is to insure the safety of all student participants and to maintain the integrity of the extra-curricular program offered at Butte Central Catholic High School.  All participants are expected to make personal sacrifices for the good of the group.  Self-discipline, accountability and responsibility on the part of each participant are expectations that are held for all.  Additionally, it is important for student participants to become positive leaders in and out of school, as well as during school activities.  Successful people succeed in their task by hard work, perseverance, honesty and dedication.  Participation in extra-curricular activities is a student choice and carries with it responsibilities.  Where violations occur and penalties are enacted, consequences will apply to all student activities covered by these rules.  Specific expectations and guidelines for ALL student activity participants can be found in the Chemical and Tobacco Policy as stated in the Student Handbook.

DRUGS/ALCOHOL POLICY

Participants in BCCHS activities are expected to refrain from the use, possession, or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, marijuana, or other mind or mood altering substances.  Unlawful drugs and controlled substances are those defined as illegal under federal and state laws.  Participants involved in illegal activities while going to or coming from school, during the lunch period whether on or off-campus, or while going to and from any school sponsored activity or during any school event, will be reported to the police and/or applicable school authority.
                Violation of the alcohol/drug policy will be cumulative throughout a student’s high school career.
                Penalties for the violation of the drug/ alcohol policy are defined in the Student Handbook.

Please print and sign the Activities Acknowledgement Form: PDF Version