Attendees: Chris Sampson, Dana Tavener, Jeff Lowell, Michelle Ball, Tobey Bryant, Woody MacLeod
Welcome/Introductions
Self-introductions were made including relevant background and intentions for committee.
Review of Committee Purpose and Charge
A brief explanation of committee’s purpose was given. Prior discussions regarding BSD Policy and Procedure 3241 “Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishment” led to discussions about how that policy and procedure trickle down to coaches, student athletes and the Athletic Code (BSD Policy and Procedure 2151 “Interscholastic Activities”). Thus, a committee of interested persons throughout the community has been tasked with reviewing the current Athletic Code and submitting a list of recommendations to the BSD Executive Directors. They will then use those recommendations to help determine what language should go into updating the Athletic Code. Additional recommendations might include how the Athletic Code is taught to students, who teaches the code and how they are to be trained (and if a budget should be put in place).
Establishing Norms
Informal setting, open discussion.
Review Current Athletic Code
BSD Policy 2151 “Interscholastic Activities” https://bsd405.org/wp-content/pdf/policy/3241P.pdf
A quick summary of this policy was given. For this committee, the important part of 2151 is the Procedure.
BSD Procedure 2151 “Interscholastic Activities” https://bsd405.org/wp-content/pdf/policy/2151P.pdf
A discussion was held while the procedure was reviewed.
This procedure is the Athletic Code. The important piece is sanctions. Here the word sanction means discipline and sanctions are one of the items we need to look at.
Clarification was asked on violations and sanctions, if an athlete can just quit. If they just quit, it will be applied to the next sport. Example: an athlete violates football in the fall, so joins swim in winter to serve the sanction. The wording states you have to participate.
Clarification was asked on complicated violations, ones that violate the wording but not spirit of the code: That will be covered with “Exceptional Misconduct.” More schools are applying the code to behaviors other than drug and alcohol. Some recommended guidance from the committee would be helpful here. Currently there is flexibility in the classroom which is not included in the Athletic Code.
Another consideration is when kids are identified by video. Do you consider when the event occurred as well as when the video was reported. What if a student took appropriate/responsible steps between the event and report to address the issue? Do the same sanctions apply?
Violations that deal with drugs and alcohol are relatively straight forward. First violation, suspended for the remainder of the season. You need to look from a safety perspective. For example, a cheerleader with a clear drug violation is a flyer with six people under her.
Clarification was asked regarding extenuating circumstances, might it be reasonable to engage a counselor, administrator, coach or other stakeholders? The student’s privacy is important to keep in mind when bringing in more people and suspension can only be given by principals or assistant principals.
Second Violation … one calendar year. This is something for the committee to think about. When it comes to the classroom, it is different than the Athletic Code. Third Violation … another thing to consider is athletics is not a right. Education is a right, but athletics is not. How do we balance those things?
When comparing consequences of students and athletes, keep in mind students that participate in athletics are more visible than students with no activities or only out-of-school activities.
Self-reporting is also something for consideration. Would the penalty look different? This may also create transparency to encourage conversation, a more honest and authentic environment between students and admin. Students would need to know these rules. Would they sign a paper or electronic copy? Who would teach the students? AD or Coaches? Via team or assembly? Further discussion is required.
Tobacco changed. We don’t suspend for tobacco anymore. Vaping is like tobacco.
Section B5 talks about 3241. Think about theft for example, or parking a vehicle to block doors, or auto racing behind the school. What is the consequences for students and athletes?
The committee is not tasked with making recommendation to Procedure 2151 after “Attendance Requirement.”
Clarification was asked on investigation and the procedure: It depends on the circumstance. Complicated ones can be multiple investigators that go into much detail including interviews of witnesses, student, coaches, parents, etc. Some are cut and dry, others require more work. It could include the AD, Jeff, etc. It was recommended if the student is under 18 a parent should always be present when student is questioned.
BSD Procedure 3241 “Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishment” Section III “Exceptional Misconduct” https://bsd405.org/wp-content/pdf/policy/3241P.pdf
A discussion was held while the procedure was reviewed.
Look at IV “Alcohol, Drugs, and Other Mood Altering Substances” and the level of detail. This can be used as an example for the recommendations we make.
Regarding statistics on athletes that drop or return after violations, Jeff will try to get numbers and consider possible tracking mechanisms.
BSD Policy/Procedure 3241 Exhibit B “Consequence Matrix – Secondary” https://bsd405.org/wp-content/pdf/policy/3241P%20Exh.%20B.pdf
Review for next meeting.
Logistics
Future Meetings Dates and Times – to be held every two weeks on Thursdays, 5:00-6:30pm, ESC-West Suite 308 (except for 1/19 to accommodate a previously scheduled Community Forum meeting).
Next meeting Thursday, 1/19, 4:30-6:00pm Sammamish High School room 331.
Posting of Meeting Minutes – Minutes will be emailed to committee members on Friday. Reply to [email protected] no later than Sunday with any requests to edit Minutes. Minutes will then be submitted Monday for online posting.
Homework – Read through Policies and Procedures (3241 and 2151). Send any questions/thoughts to [email protected]. This will drive the discussion for the next meeting. Jeff will also go through the minutes to for discussion items.