Student Athletic Policy
When you become a member of a Sunnyside High School athletic program you assume important responsibilities.
The following Sunnyside High School Code of Ethics applies to all students who represent Sunnyside High School in the athletic program.
Eligibility, Residential & Academic
Residential; To be eligible for athletics, the athlete must be in compliance with the Fresno Unified School District (F.U.S.D.) and California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.), policies rules and regulations regarding residential eligibility.
Academic; The athlete must currently be enrolled in a minimum of 25 credits of class work while having passed a minimum of 20 credits during the previous grading period. The student-athlete must have earned at least a 2.0 grade point average for the prior grading period in order to participate in the current grading period. A student who fails to achieve a 2.0 G.P.A. will be placed on probation for the current grading period. A student who does not achieve at least a 2.0 G.P.A. during the probationary period shall be excluded from participation in extracurricular activities during the subsequent grading period. The student-athlete must be making progress towards graduation.
Attendance
Regular school attendance is expected of all our students. Habitual absenteeism or tardiness can result in disciplinary action. To be eligible for participation, an athlete must be in attendance the day of the contest, or in school the day prior to the contest on a non-school day, (minimum: 3 class hours of attendance. All team members of each sport will attend all scheduled practices/meetings. If by chance circumstances arise whereby the athlete cannot attend a practice/meeting, the coach must be notified prior to the practice/meeting missed by personal contact, phone call, or written statement from the parent/guardian. Any athlete who cuts practice, fails to show up for a game, fails to make a scheduled team/individual meeting, may not be allowed to suit up for any game or games for a period of time to be determined by the coach and Athletic Director. Any athlete who does not attend school on game day, without the approval of the Principal or Assistant Principal, will not participate in games that day.
School Behavior and Conduct
Students are expected to display satisfactory citizenship, attitude, and behavior as a participant on athletic teams, whether or not they are under the supervision of the school. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action.
Personal Appearance
Sunnyside High School athletes shall be well groomed. Jewelry of any kind is not to be worn at anytime during practice or games. Wearing jewelry is a National Federation High School Rules violation. For the safety of the athletes and security for private property, it is advisable to leave all jewelry at home.
Equipment, Fees, Physical Examination and Other Requirements
All athletes are monetarily responsible for all issued equipment and uniforms lost, stolen, or damaged during the season of sport. All athletes will be required to clear with their coaches on all gear before entering another sport. All athletes will be required to have a signed physicians’ examination on file, before practicing or competing, provide verification of insurance, provide signed F.U.S.D. and C.I.F. Code of Ethics, provide informed consent form and emergency procedure card. The student cannot be nineteen years old before July 1st of the current school year, the student cannot be a 5th year high school student nor can the student compete on another team of the same sport during the season of that sport.
Sport Changes: Quitting/Dismissal From Team
It is recommended that all athletes participate in as many sports as they are capable. The head coach of that sport shall have the right to determine if an athlete is skillful enough to remain on the team. Once an athlete begins the in-season training period of a sport, he should not quit while that sport is in season. Any athlete who fails to make an athletic team may immediately try out for another sport. Any athlete who quits a team with the consent of the coach may immediately try out for another sport if both coaches of the teams involved agree. Any athlete who becomes academically ineligible during the course of a season, may not begin practice with another team, until that season of sport is complete. Any athlete who quits a team without the consent of the coach or is removed from the team for disciplinary reasons is ineligible for athletics as follows:
- If the above happens during the first half of the season of a sport, the athlete is dropped the remainder of that season of the sport before he/she may try out for another sport.
- If the above happens during the last half of the season of a sport, the athlete (a) is out of sports for the remainder of the season of that sport, (b) shall miss two weeks of practice in the next sport which he/she desires to try out for, (c) must practice one week before he/she may participate in any games, meets, matches, etc., and (d) will not participate on two scheduled contest dates not to exceed 3 contest. A football participant must miss one scheduled contest. Scrimmages do not constitute a contest.
Lettering
In order to receive a “VARSITY LETTER”, a player must finish the season in “GOOD STANDING”. “GOOD STANDING” means to abide by the above expectations and responsibilities, as well as those of the team you are a part of, and finish the season “ACADEMICALLY ELIGIBLE”. (Additional criteria may be furnished to the athlete by the coach in that sport prior to the beginning of the season.)
Personal Health Practices
Due to the harmful effect upon the health of the individual, all athletes will refrain from use of: steroids, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, abusive drugs of any kind, improper diet, and improper rest.
Failure To Abide By The Rules
Athletes who fail to abide by the school, coaches, district, or C.I.F. rules are subject to disciplinary action and may be dismissed from the athletic team by the coach and/or administration.
Athletic Appeals
This procedure is available to any athlete who has been removed or suspended from an athletic team. The athlete may request that eligibility be reinstated by writing a letter to the Athletic Director asking that the case be heard by the Appeals Review Panel.
Parent / Spectator Expectations
Sunnyside High School promotes good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators. Your cooperation is requested at all times in supporting the participants, coaches, and officials in a positive manner. Profanity, racial or sexist comments, or other intimidating actions directed at officials, student-athletes, coaches or other spectators will not be tolerated and may be grounds for removal from the site of competition. Your help is appreciated in promoting good sportsmanship while at the same time enjoying the many benefits of athletic competition.