Discipline Guidelines

Procedures

Whenever there is an allegation of a violation of the regulations in this handbook, these procedures shall be followed:

1. Any school, coach, or student-athlete may notify the school, the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics or the Director of Secondary Education of the alleged violation. All allegations shall be filed in writing with the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics.


2. The Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics shall conduct an investigation of the allegation and shall report his/her findings and render his/her interpretation in writing.


3. If the facts confirm that a violation has occurred, a penalty shall be imposed in accordance with this regulation by the Principal in concurrence with or by the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics.

Penalties

Whenever a violation of the regulations in this handbook has been confirmed, a penalty/penalties shall be imposed against the school and either the contestant, the coach, or both, dependent upon the nature and severity of the infraction.

• Against a School:
  
  
  1. Declare forfeiture of all games in which an ineligible player has participated
  
  
  2. Impose additional penalties as may seem justified in the particular case considered.


• Against a Contestant:
  
  
  1. Declare the student-athlete to be ineligible for the next 60 school days following the date of the violation. These 60 school days will carry over into the next school year if the violation occurs during the second semester.
  
  
  2. Declare the student-athlete to be ineligible to compete in the sport in which the violation occurred during the subsequent season.
  
  
  3. Impose additional penalties as may seem justified in the particular case considered.
  
  
  4. Residency Violations:
     1. Student-athletes in violation of HCPS Residency guidelines will be ineligible for the next 180 school days following the date of violation. These 180 days will carry over into the next school year.
     2. Student-athletes in violation of the HCPS Residency guidelines will be ineligible to participate in the sport where the violation occurred for the remainder of enrollment in Harford County Public Schools.


• Against a Coach:
  
  
  1. Censure.
  
  
  2. Declare the coach ineligible to coach the next scheduled contest or to attend the contest in any capacity.
  
  
  3. Declare the coach ineligible to coach a team for the current school year in the sport in which the violation occurred.
  
  
  4. Declare the coach ineligible to coach a team in any sport for the current year.
  
  
  5. Impose additional penalties as may seem justified in the particular case considered.

Appeals

In the event that any of the parties involved feel that an incorrect or inappropriate decision has been made, the decision may be appealed to the Director of Secondary Education. The decision of the Director of Secondary Education may be appealed to the County Superintendent whose decision will be final.

1. Each coach is responsible for knowing and understanding the rules as set forth in the Harford County Public Schools Administrative Regulations and Procedures for Middle School Interscholastic Athletics.


2. Preceding each season, each coach shall provide written communication with both student-athletes and parent/guardians concerning the specific rules governing each sport (training rules, practice hours, game day procedures, care of equipment, safety, disciplinary procedures, etc.) In addition, each coach should provide an opportunity for appropriate further contacts with students and parent/guardians regarding such rules.


3. A coach has the responsibility to administer appropriate forms of discipline (not involving long-term suspension or dismissal) for infractions of athletic rules or regulations.


4. Confirmed use or possession of alcohol; tobacco, including smokeless tobacco; vaping devices, hookah pipes, e-cigarettes or illegal drugs on school property or during school activities will be subject to all provisions of the Board of Education of Harford County policy, "Participation in Extracurricular Activities - Eligibility Rules," and the coaches' individual team rules and regulations subject to the approval of the Principal.


5. For cause, a coach may suspend a student-athlete from participation in interscholastic activities not to exceed three successive days. A brief written report of the circumstances will be filed promptly with the Principal.


6. In cases where the coach may feel a longer suspension or expulsion from athletic practice and competition is necessary, he/she shall refer the matter to the Athletic Director who, if he or she concurs, shall immediately submit a written report to the Principal. The Principal or his/her designated representative shall make a prompt and thorough investigation of the problem. If the Principal, after such investigation, determines that a longer suspension or expulsion is warranted, he/she or his/her representative shall promptly make available an opportunity for a conference with the Athletic Director, the coach, the student, and his/her parent/guardian.


7. The Principal's decision will be final unless an appeal is made to the Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics by the student or his/her parent/guardian. However, appeals may be made only on matters of alleged misinterpretation or misapplication of athletic rules, regulations, or procedures. The Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics shall serve as the Interpreter as specified in the "Administrative Regulations and Procedures for Middle School Interscholastic Athletics in the Harford County Public Schools."

Athletic supplies and equipment that are to become the personal property of the student are to be purchased through a vendor of the student's choice or the school store. The staff member designated to operate the school store will manage the financial transactions for all the personal athletic equipment or supplies sold through the school. It is permissible for coaches and Athletic Directors to assist in the financial transactions for the student purchase of personal equipment or supplies. Coaches, Athletic Directors, and other knowledgeable staff members should continue to provide the manager of the school store and students who participate in the interscholastic athletic program with information and guidance concerning the criteria for the selection of appropriate athletic equipment and supplies.

Any attempt to promote individualism by wearing different apparel or equipment will not be permitted. Personalized uniforms or equipment will not be permitted. Any exception to this must have prior approval from the Athletic Director and Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics.

Athletic equipment owned by the school that is to be used by individuals (uniforms, helmets, practice equipment, bats, etc.) may be used only by Harford County Public Schools sponsored teams.