DOWNLOAD CODE OF CONDUCT (PDF)WFISD ATHLETICS CODE OF CONDUCT
General Provisions
What is an extracurricular activity?
Any University Interscholastic League (UIL), School District, or campus-sponsored public performances, event, contest, demonstration, display, club activity, and all athletics, whether on or off-campus;
Any elected offices and honors (such as student council and homecoming queen); All co-curricular activities, which are those held in conjunction with a credit-bearing class, but that may take place outside of school and outside of the school day (such as band and choir); All national organizations (such as National Honor Society or Future Farmers of America); and
Any activity held in conjunction with another activity that is considered to be an extracurricular activity (such as a meeting, practice, or fundraiser).
Any University Interscholastic League (UIL), School District, or campus-sponsored public performances, event, contest, demonstration, display, club activity, and all athletics, whether on or off-campus;
Any elected offices and honors (such as student council and homecoming queen); All co-curricular activities, which are those held in conjunction with a credit-bearing class, but that may take place outside of school and outside of the school day (such as band and choir); All national organizations (such as National Honor Society or Future Farmers of America); and
Any activity held in conjunction with another activity that is considered to be an extracurricular activity (such as a meeting, practice, or fundraiser).
Jurisdiction
Who is subject to the Athletic Code of Conduct?
Any student who participates in one or more athletic activities is subject to the Athletic Code of Conduct (ACC). A student is subject to the ACC from the time he/she is selected for, elected to, or otherwise joins an athletic activity in the 7th grade and continues to be subject to the ACC from that point forward unless or until the student no longer participates in athletic activities.
Why are athletic activities important?
They promote self-discipline, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, commitment, and student wellness.
They enhance and enrich curricular educational offerings.
They offer participants the opportunity to be leaders and role models on campus and in the community.
They enable participants to represent the School District in a positive manner.
They promote self-discipline, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, commitment, and student wellness.
They enhance and enrich curricular educational offerings.
They offer participants the opportunity to be leaders and role models on campus and in the community.
They enable participants to represent the School District in a positive manner.
When does the Athletic Code of Conduct apply?
The privilege of representing the School District carries with it a greater responsibility to conduct oneself with respect and dignity, and to serve as a role model for all students. Consequently, athletic participants are expected to comply with the ACC at all times, regardless of location. This includes both on and off-campus conduct as well as evenings, weekends, holidays, and summer vacation.
Is a student entitled to participate in athletic activities?
Participation in athletic activities is a privilege, not a right. As such, a student's participation may be revoked at the District's discretion.
Students placed in DAEP are ineligible to participate in or attend extracurricular activities pursuant to Texas Education Code 37.006 (g).
How will parents be notified that a violation of the ACC has occurred?
Parents will be notified of all violations that result in suspension from participation in athletic activities. Within 3 school days after the sponsor or coach becomes aware a violation has occurred, the student and student's parents will be notified. Applicable consequences will also be discussed once the student has been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
What if a parent does not agree with the decision?
Initial appeals will be made to the Director of Athletics. Parents will be given the opportunity to meet with the Campus Principal or their designee, the Campus Athletic Coordinator, and the Director of Athletics. Further appeals will follow policies contained in FNG(local).
The standards of the ACC are independent of the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of these standards of behavior that are also violations of the Student Code of Conduct may result in a student being disciplined under both standards.
Please be aware that the term "parent," unless otherwise noted in this publication, is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, any person granted some other type of lawful control of the student, or any other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
The standards of the ACC are independent of the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of these standards of behavior that are also violations of the Student Code of Conduct may result in a student being disciplined under both standards.
Please be aware that the term "parent," unless otherwise noted in this publication, is used to refer to the parent, legal guardian, any person granted some other type of lawful control of the student, or any other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student.
Conduct Expectations
What is expected of athletic participants?
Participants in athletic activities are representatives of the WFISD, and must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the School District at all times. Specifically, they must:
Maintain an average of 70% or better in all academic courses, except as provided in district policy FM (LEGAL);
Be punctual and prepared for all games, practices, meetings, performances, camps, and/or other scheduled events related to an extracurricular activity;
Treat all school property with respect and ensure that school property is returned upon request and in good condition (excluding reasonable wear and tear);
Abide by the District's dress and grooming standards as well as any dress and grooming standards applicable to the specific extracurricular activity;
Comply with UIL rules, including those related to random steroid testing, if applicable;
Be courteous and respectful toward all fellow participants, school faculty and staff members, spectators, parents, and officials, whether from WFISD or from any other school district;
Provide 48 hours advance written notice to the coach or sponsor of an activity if unable to attend a game, practice, meeting, performance, and/or other scheduled event related to the extracurricular activity (sponsors will work with emergencies);
Comply with all rules and guidelines in the ECC and those established for each specific extracurricular activity;
Comply with and adhere to the behavioral standards identified in the District's Student Code of Conduct;
Refrain from the use of tobacco, e-cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
Maintain an average of 70% or better in all academic courses, except as provided in district policy FM (LEGAL);
Be punctual and prepared for all games, practices, meetings, performances, camps, and/or other scheduled events related to an extracurricular activity;
Treat all school property with respect and ensure that school property is returned upon request and in good condition (excluding reasonable wear and tear);
Abide by the District's dress and grooming standards as well as any dress and grooming standards applicable to the specific extracurricular activity;
Comply with UIL rules, including those related to random steroid testing, if applicable;
Be courteous and respectful toward all fellow participants, school faculty and staff members, spectators, parents, and officials, whether from WFISD or from any other school district;
Provide 48 hours advance written notice to the coach or sponsor of an activity if unable to attend a game, practice, meeting, performance, and/or other scheduled event related to the extracurricular activity (sponsors will work with emergencies);
Comply with all rules and guidelines in the ECC and those established for each specific extracurricular activity;
Comply with and adhere to the behavioral standards identified in the District's Student Code of Conduct;
Refrain from the use of tobacco, e-cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
Guidelines
The following guidelines do not cover all situations that might arise but are intended to help parents and students better understand the basic expectations of the various athletic programs offered by the WFISD. Some of the guidelines are very general, thereby giving the individual campus some flexibility, and others are very specific. Questions concerning athletic guidelines or policies should be directed to the Head Coach, the Campus Athletic Coordinator, or the Athletic Director. The WFISD ACC sets a minimum standard of expectations for all athletes. Coaches are encouraged to set their own standards of their athletes that reflect the vision for their program. These rules and expectations must be shared with players and parents prior to the season.
Athletic Code of Conduct
Participation in athletic activities is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, not only do student athletes comply with the behavior guidelines set forth in the WFISD Student Code of Conduct they must also comply with the Athletic Code of Conduct and any additional policies initiated by the Head Coach of a specific sport. Since student athletes are under close scrutiny and quite often are the basis of opinions that are formed by individual schools and our entire district, they must strive to conduct themselves, both on and off the field, in a manner that will reflect poise and dignity. The ACC will be enforced 365 days a year.
A firm and fair policy of enforcement is necessary to uphold the integrity of the athletic programs of the WFISD. The patrons, school administrators, and coaching staff feel strongly that high standards of sportsmanship are essential in maintaining a competitive program.
Student athletes have an obligation to reflect an image that illustrates positive leadership, character, responsibility, and great competitive spirit. All participants shall conduct themselves in a manner that will earn them the honor and respect that participation in interscholastic athletics affords. Any conduct that results in dishonor to the participant, the team, or the school will not be tolerated. Acts of unacceptable conduct such as, but not limited to, misbehavior in class, theft, vandalism, disrespect, insubordination, and immorality tarnish the reputation of everyone associated with the athletic program.
Student athletes who violate the WFISD Student Code of Conduct are subject to its procedures and penalties, and are additionally subject to the procedures and penalties of the Athletic Code of Conduct. Student athletes may be disciplined under both Codes and thus may receive more stringent discipline than other students as a student athlete is held to a higher standard of accountability.
All athletic programs offered by the WFISD are governed by the rules and regulations of the University Interscholastic League as detailed in the Constitution and Contest Rules. When necessary, local policy as established by our Board of Trustees is used to complement UIL rules.
Whenever a student chooses to become a member of an athletic team he/she makes a commitment to the team and to the coaching staff. Student athletes must realize that not everyone can be a starter, but on the other hand every member of the team is vitally important. In many games and certainly throughout the course of the season, the success of a team often depends on how well non-starters are able to step in and perform. Student athletes must be willing to put team goals ahead of personal goals.
Student athletes are obligated to abide by the rules that govern his/her particular sport as well as the individual team rules that might apply. Whenever an athlete chooses to violate rules or behave in a manner that is unbecoming to an athlete, he/she is subject to disciplinary actions. Depending on the severity of the violation or if a pattern of misbehavior has been established, the coach has the authority to dismiss an athlete from the team. If an athlete quits or is dismissed for disciplinary reasons, he/she cannot participate in another sport until the season for the first sport is completed. Under special circumstances and with the approval of both head coaches involved, a waiver may be obtained.
The following is a list of rules and consequences that will be adhered to by all campuses:
Stealing or destruction of another's property will not be tolerated. On the first offense, any athlete who violates this rule will be required to sit out one contest (event) and return or replace the property stolen or damaged. If the act is of a criminal nature, see the Criminal Code of Conduct in this handbook.
If an athlete is ejected from competition twice in one season, he/she will sit out 1 week (seven calendar days).
Hazing of student athletes will not be tolerated. Hazing is defined as "any knowing, intentional, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization." Parents and students are cautioned that a student engaged in hazing is subject to placement in the District's Alternative Education Program (AEP) and possible criminal penalties. Student athletes assigned to an AEP are not eligible to attend any school functions, practice or competition during the period of assignment.
Engaging in bullying, harassment, and making hit lists will not be tolerated. Bullying is defined as "a written or oral expression or physical conduct that (1) has the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student's property; or (2) is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive to create an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student". Harassment is defined as "conduct that threatens to cause bodily injury to another student, is sexually intimidating, causes damage to the property of another student, subjects another student to physical confinement or restraint, or maliciously and substantially harms another student's physical or emotional health or safety". Hit list is defined as "a list of people targeted to be harmed using a firearm, knife or any object to be used with the intent to cause bodily harm.
WFISD campuses utilize In-School Suspension (ISS) and/or On-Campus Suspension (OCS) as disciplinary measures. Any student-athlete assigned to ISS or OCS shall be ineligible to participate in athletic competitions for the duration of the assignment. Eligibility for competition will be restored at the conclusion of the school day on the final day of the ISS or OCS assignment.
For purposes of this policy, participation refers to active involvement in contests, games, matches, meets, ceremonies, recognitions, performances, or other competitive events. Participation does not include attendance at or involvement in scheduled practices, workouts, or team meetings
Stealing or destruction of another's property will not be tolerated. On the first offense, any athlete who violates this rule will be required to sit out one contest (event) and return or replace the property stolen or damaged. If the act is of a criminal nature, see the Criminal Code of Conduct in this handbook.
If an athlete is ejected from competition twice in one season, he/she will sit out 1 week (seven calendar days).
Hazing of student athletes will not be tolerated. Hazing is defined as "any knowing, intentional, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization." Parents and students are cautioned that a student engaged in hazing is subject to placement in the District's Alternative Education Program (AEP) and possible criminal penalties. Student athletes assigned to an AEP are not eligible to attend any school functions, practice or competition during the period of assignment.
Engaging in bullying, harassment, and making hit lists will not be tolerated. Bullying is defined as "a written or oral expression or physical conduct that (1) has the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student's property; or (2) is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive to create an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student". Harassment is defined as "conduct that threatens to cause bodily injury to another student, is sexually intimidating, causes damage to the property of another student, subjects another student to physical confinement or restraint, or maliciously and substantially harms another student's physical or emotional health or safety". Hit list is defined as "a list of people targeted to be harmed using a firearm, knife or any object to be used with the intent to cause bodily harm.
Locker Room Behavior
The locker room and adjoining facilities (training room and showers) must be an area free from horseplay and roughhousing. All too often, incidents that begin as good-natured fun wind up with someone being injured since most locker rooms have lockers and benches in a very limited space. Hazing in any form is prohibited.
Equipment should be placed neatly in the locker when not in use and practice uniforms should be washed regularly. Athletes should not accumulate multiple changes of their school clothes in their lockers. Personal hygiene is very important and student athletes are encouraged to shower after practice.
Care of Equipment
Athletes are expected to take care of the equipment issued to them. Students should refrain from throwing equipment or abusing it in any manner. After practices and games, students should properly store equipment issued to them in their locker. Students will be expected to pay for school equipment that is damaged intentionally or lost.
Workouts/Practice
Athletic workouts are essential if a team is to be successful. An athlete who misses numerous practices cannot expect to achieve his/her full potential and will probably experience reduced playing time. There are times when absences are unavoidable. Athletes should be aware that they may have to practice during school holidays and that as a member of the team, they have an obligation to be at practice. Questions concerning conflicts should be discussed with the coach in advance. Workouts will be scheduled to begin and end at a specific time. Student athletes should be on time and ready to begin at the specified time. Athletes who do not drive should make arrangements in advance for their rides to pick them up after practice. Head Coaches are required to provide athletes and parents with a practice schedule and the methods they will use to alert athletes and parents to changes in the schedule. Parents and athletes are expected to communicate any absence in advance of the scheduled practice.
Tobacco, E-cigarettes, Alcohol & Drug Related Offenses
The following rules and consequences apply to all WFISD athletes during their involvement as a member of an extracurricular activity:
No consumption, possession, purchasing, distributing of alcoholic beverages
No use, possession, purchasing, distribution of illegal drugs
No misuse of prescription drugs
No use of tobacco products
No use of e-cigarettes(vaping)
The student involved in extracurricular activities who violates the above stated rules shall be subject to the following:
All offenses:
The student must report the offense to the head coach/sponsor within 3 days of the incident. Failure to do so will result in an additional 5 days' suspension from activities.
The Head Coach, participant, and participant's parents must meet in person to discuss the violation and address the consequences.
All participants who violate the ACC policy will be placed on a behavior contract and subsequently can be removed from athletics for any further infractions.
First offense:
The student will be suspended from participation in all extracurricular competitions, recognitions, and productions for a minimum of 10 school calendar days. (2 full weeks)
Participants may not travel with the team or group during their suspension.
If a student athlete self-reports their first violation they will have the option of being suspended for only 5 school calendar days or until they run 10 miles (40 laps on a track).
Second offense:
The student will be suspended from participation in all extracurricular competitions, recognitions, and productions for a minimum of 20 school calendar days (4 full weeks).
Third offense:
The student will be suspended from participation in all extracurricular competitions, recognitions, and productions for a minimum of one calendar year. Removal from the extracurricular roll sheet will be at the head coach's discretion.
Notes:
Any violation committed outside the season must be reported to the head coach and suspension will begin on the first day of UIL practice.
A student athlete who quits while being suspended will be subject to that suspension prior to playing another sport.
Suspensions begin on the first school calendar day that an incident is reported and confirmed by the head coach.
Weekends and holidays are not exempt during a suspension
Parents and athletes may appeal to the Director of Athletics
No consumption, possession, purchasing, distributing of alcoholic beverages
No use, possession, purchasing, distribution of illegal drugs
No misuse of prescription drugs
No use of tobacco products
No use of e-cigarettes(vaping)
The student must report the offense to the head coach/sponsor within 3 days of the incident. Failure to do so will result in an additional 5 days' suspension from activities.
The Head Coach, participant, and participant's parents must meet in person to discuss the violation and address the consequences.
All participants who violate the ACC policy will be placed on a behavior contract and subsequently can be removed from athletics for any further infractions.
The student will be suspended from participation in all extracurricular competitions, recognitions, and productions for a minimum of 10 school calendar days. (2 full weeks)
Participants may not travel with the team or group during their suspension.
If a student athlete self-reports their first violation they will have the option of being suspended for only 5 school calendar days or until they run 10 miles (40 laps on a track).
The student will be suspended from participation in all extracurricular competitions, recognitions, and productions for a minimum of 20 school calendar days (4 full weeks).
The student will be suspended from participation in all extracurricular competitions, recognitions, and productions for a minimum of one calendar year. Removal from the extracurricular roll sheet will be at the head coach's discretion.
Any violation committed outside the season must be reported to the head coach and suspension will begin on the first day of UIL practice.
A student athlete who quits while being suspended will be subject to that suspension prior to playing another sport.
Suspensions begin on the first school calendar day that an incident is reported and confirmed by the head coach.
Weekends and holidays are not exempt during a suspension
Parents and athletes may appeal to the Director of Athletics
Capital or Felony Offenses
Any athletic participant arrested for capital or felony offenses will be immediately suspended from participation until the charges are dropped, dismissed, or he/she is found not guilty. WFISD policy will govern these types of offenses.
Social Media
Athletic participants must adhere to WFISD's social media policy. In the event that a participant is accused and evidence is produced of a possible violation of the WFISD Social Media Policy the student will be suspended from practice and competition until the campus administration has conducted an investigation to determine if any policies have been violated.
Head Coaches and Sponsors are authorized and encouraged to institute and enforce standards that they believe reflect the values of successful programs as long as those standards are in writing and presented to all participants and their parents.
Removal from Athletics or extra-curricular activity
At times it is necessary to remove a participant from an athletic program. When a coach determines it is in the best interest of the program to remove a participant, the following will be taken:
A prior discussion and documentation describing the issues taking place will be conducted.
A phone call or meeting with parents/guardians describing the issues that are taking place.
A behavior contract will be incorporated which provides participants with written instructions on how to correct the issues and continue representing WFISD.
If a participant fails to meet the criteria established in the behavior contract, a meeting with all parties shall be held to recommend and execute the removal from athletics.
In extreme cases coaches and sponsors have the right to remove participants without a behavior contract but not until a meeting with the parents and campus administration has taken place.
A prior discussion and documentation describing the issues taking place will be conducted.
A phone call or meeting with parents/guardians describing the issues that are taking place.
A behavior contract will be incorporated which provides participants with written instructions on how to correct the issues and continue representing WFISD.
If a participant fails to meet the criteria established in the behavior contract, a meeting with all parties shall be held to recommend and execute the removal from athletics.
In extreme cases coaches and sponsors have the right to remove participants without a behavior contract but not until a meeting with the parents and campus administration has taken place.
Out of Town Travel
Competitive athletics requires a certain amount of travel outside Wichita Falls. Each coach will have specific rules concerning travel, but the following guidelines should serve as a starting point:
Parents should be notified of the time of departure and expected return time.
Students who do not drive should make arrangements in advance for their rides to meet them upon the return to school.
Students who wish to return with their parents after a contest may do so provided the parents communicate with the coaches and complete the WFISD release form.
Parents should be notified of the time of departure and expected return time.
Students who do not drive should make arrangements in advance for their rides to meet them upon the return to school.
Students who wish to return with their parents after a contest may do so provided the parents communicate with the coaches and complete the WFISD release form.
Student Insurance
The Wichita Falls Independent School District is not responsible for any medical bills/claims. Optional voluntary student accident insurance is offered through Student Insurance Plan. Information regarding plan cost and coverage can be found on the District website under Risk Management or by calling (940)235-1008.
Athletic Awards
High School
According to Chapter 1; Subchapter 0, Section 480 (a) of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules, students may earn ONE major award during their high school enrollment at the same school for participation in UIL competition(s). Price limitations for all awards are established by the UIL and can be found in Section 480(a)(1).
Junior High
According to Chapter 2; Subchapter D, Section 1400 (e) of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules, junior high school students may not receive awards for participation in inter school competition in excess of $10 per year (total for all UIL school activities). Junior high school athletes are expected to maintain the same high standards as high school athletes.
Eligibility Requirements
Medical History/Physicals
All students who participate in junior high or high school athletics must have an annual physical exam and medical history on file with the coach prior to the first practice whether it is in-season or off-season. Physical forms must be signed by the proper health care professionals as defined by WFISD policy. WFISD Board Policy FFAA(LOCAL) requires physical examinations for all athletes must be administered by a physician licensed to practice in the state of Texas, a physician assistant licensed by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners, or a Registered Nurse recognized as an Advanced Practice Nurse by the Board of Nurse Examiners (Nurse Practitioner), or a Doctor of Chiropractic. Physical forms are available online or from the coach's office and the Athletic Director's office. Parents should read the physical form carefully as it contains important information.
High School Requirements (UIL)
The following information concerning eligibility is summarized from the appropriate sections of the Constitution and Contest Rules. For detailed information, coaches should consult with the C&CR, the Campus Coordinator, the principal, or the Athletic Director.
Section 400: STUDENT'S ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL UIL CONTESTS
Subject to the other sections of this subchapter, an individual is eligible to participate in a League varsity contest as a representative of a participant school if that individual:
(a) is not a high school graduate (see Section 402);
(b) is a full-time, day student in the participant high school the student represents (see Section 403, academic exception, Section 906 and Official Interpretations #2-5, Appendix I);
(c) has been in regular attendance at the participant school since the sixth class day of the present school year or has been in enrolled and in regular attendance for 15 or more calendar days before the contest or competition (student becomes eligible on the fifteenth day) (see Section 404 and Official Interpretation #6, Appendix I);
(d) is in compliance with rules of the State Board of Education; (see Section 401) and state law regarding credit requirements and grades (the school shall verify a student's grades on the basis of the official grade report and independently of involvement by the student);
(e) has the required number of credits for eligibility during the first six weeks of school (see Section 409);
(f) is enrolled in a four-year program of high school courses (see Section 405);
(g) initially enrolled in the ninth grade not more than four years ago nor in the tenth grade not more than three years ago (see Section 405 and Official Interpretation #7, Appendix I);
(h) was not recruited (see Section 5 and section 406);
(i) is not in violation of the Awards Rules (see Sections 480 through 482); and
(j) meets the specific eligibility requirements for UIL academic competition in Section 420, for music competition in Section 430, and/or for athletic competition in Section 440.
Section 401: ELIGIBILITY - ATHLETICS
Subject to the related sections of the Constitution and Contest Rules, an individual is eligible to participate in a League varsity contest if that individual:
(a) meets all the requirements of Section 400;
(b) is a resident of the member school district (see Section 442), and a resident of the attendance zone in which the participant school being attended is situated,
(1) Or has been continuously enrolled in and regularly attending the school for at least the previous calendar year if his or her parents do not reside within the school district's attendance zone. A student who has changed schools for athletic purposes may be declared ineligible for more than one calendar year. See Section 443 (f) (3).
(2) Or the student is attending a school outside the attendance zone where the parents reside because the school board or other appropriate authority changed district or attendance zone lines.
(3) Or is a transfer student from a public 8-grade ISD not containing a high school, who transferred at the first opportunity:
(a) to select a high school with geographical boundaries contiguous to his or her K-8 school; or
(b) to a high school for which the K-8 school attended receives state transportation funds; or
(c) to the high school located nearest the student's residence.
(4) Intra-District Transfers. A student who has an option to attend more than one high school within a school district, rather than being assigned to a school according to attendance zones, is eligible at the school first selected if he/she transfers at the first opportunity. If a student subsequently transfers to another school, the student is not eligible for varsity athletic competition until he/she has been in and regularly attended that school for at least the previous calendar year
(5) Foreign Exchange Students.
(a) Foreign exchange students are ineligible for varsity athletic contests. They are eligible for sub-varsity competitions.
(b) is less than 19 years old on September 1 preceding the contest, or has been granted eligibility based on a disability which delayed his or her education by at least one year (see Section 446);
(c) did not change schools for athletic purposes (see Sections 5 and 443);
(d) is an amateur (see Section 441 and Official Interpretation #11, Appendix I); and
(e) was eligible according to Section 400 (c) (fifteen calendar day rule) and Section 440 (b) (residence rule) at the participant school the student wishes to represent prior to the deadline for district certification (non-compliance results in ineligibility only in post-district competition in that sport).
Section 442: RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS (HIGH SCHOOL)
PRESUMPTION OF STUDENT'S RESIDENCE
Parents, Spouse - The residence of a single, divorced, or widowed student is presumed to be that of the parents of the student. The residence of a married student is presumed to be that of his/her spouse.
Guardian of Person - If a student's parent is alive but a guardian of his/her person was appointed by appropriate authority more than one year ago, the residence of the student is presumed to be that of the guardian.
Guardian - If a student's parents are dead and a guardian of his/her person has been appointed by appropriate authority, the residence of the student is presumed to be that of the guardian.
Relative, Supporter - If a student's parents are dead and a guardianship of his/her has not been appointed, the residence of the student is presumed to be that of the grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult brother or sister, or other person with whom the student is living and by whom the student is supported.
Custodial - The residence of a student assigned by appropriate authority to a foster home or a home licensed by the state as a child care boarding facility, or placed in a home by the Texas Youth Commission, is presumed to be at the home.
Divorced Parents -The residence of a student whose parents are divorced is presumed to be that of either parent.
Separated Parents - (1) If a student's parents separate (and are not divorced), and if one parent remains in the attendance zone where the student has been attending school, the student's residence is presumed to be that of the parent who did not move. (2) If a student transfers to a new school with a separated (but not divorced) parent, the student is ineligible for one calendar year, but may apply for a waiver.
CRITERIA OF RESIDENCE
For UIL purposes, the residence of an athlete shall be the domicile which is a fixed, permanent, and principal home for legal purposes. The residence is not bona fide under UIL rules unless it complies with all of the following criteria.
Does the student's parent guardian, or other person whose residence determines the student's residence own a house or condominium or rent a house, apartment, or other living quarters in the school district and attendance zone? Parents must provide documentation to verify the purchase, lease, or rental of a home located in the new attendance zone. A lease agreement or rental agreement should be for a reasonable duration.
Do the student and the parent or guardian have their furniture and personal effects in the district and attendance zone? There should be no personal effects or furniture belonging to the family in the previous residence.
Do the student and the parent or guardian receive their mail (other than office mail) in the district and attendance zone? The family should have submitted a change of mailing address to the Post Office.
Is the parent or guardian registered to vote in the district and attendance zone? If either of the parents was registered to vote at the previous address, they should have applied for a new voter registration card at the new address.
Does the parent or guardian regularly live in the district and attendance zone, and intend to live there indefinitely? The new residence should accommodate the entire family. The former house should be on the market at a reasonable price, sold, or the lease or rental agreement terminated. All utilities and telephone service should be disconnected or no longer in the family's name. All licensed drivers in the household should have complied with DPS regulations for changing their address.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Credit requirements for eligibility during the first six weeks -
Grade nine and below - students must have been promoted from the previous grade.
Grade ten students must have accumulated five credits that count toward graduation requirements.
Grade eleven - students must have accumulated ten credits that count toward graduation requirements.
Grade twelve - students must have accumulated fifteen credits that count toward graduation requirements.
Students who are deficient in their earned credits when school starts or were placed instead of promoted, are ineligible the first six weeks of school. They become eligible seven calendar days after the end of the first six weeks if they pass all subjects.
NO PASS/NO PLAY
In order to remain eligible, students must make at least a 70 in each class for the first six weeks' period and each grade-reporting period thereafter.
At the end of a grading period, if a student receives a grade lower than 70, he/she becomes ineligible and is suspended from participation in any extra-curricular activity during the next three weeks.
A student regains eligibility seven calendar days after the three school week evaluation period if the student is passing all courses on the last class day of the three school week period. The three-week period begins with the first class day of the new grading period and concludes at the end of the third school week. If the student has at least a minimum grade of 70 on a scale of 70-100 for work done since the end of the previous period, the student may regain eligibility seven calendar days later at the time the regular school day ends.
Students who do not regain their eligibility after the three week grading period may next regain their eligibility at the end of the regular grading period. If the student is passing all subjects he/she becomes eligible seven calendar days after the grading period.
All students are eligible during a school holiday of a full calendar week or more (Christmas vacation and Spring Break). Students who were ineligible prior to these holidays become ineligible once classes resume and must adhere to the regular "no pass/no play" cycle again.
There is always a 7-day waiting period before a student becomes eligible or ineligible.
Students who are academically ineligible are permitted to practice with the team outside of the school day. Ineligible athletes are not permitted to travel with the team, appear in uniform for a contest, or be on the sideline with the team. This is a Texas Education Agency (TEA) rule and applies to student managers and trainers as well as players.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY/TRANSFER POLICIES
It is the responsibility of the receiving school sponsor/coach to insure the eligibility of all transfer students.
Athletic eligibility of students transferring within the Wichita Falls Independent School District is determined by district policy in compliance with the UIL eligibility guidelines. Students desiring participation in sanctioned UIL activities will be bound by University Interscholastic League rules. In the case there is any discrepancy between UIL policy and district policy, the UIL policy will be the overriding authority for any regarding UIL activities. For information pertaining to UIL athletic eligibility, please visit: http://uiltexas.org/files/constitution/uil-ccr-subchapter-m.pdf.
All students, grade 9-12, who have ever practiced or participated in any UIL activity in grades 8-12 at another school must have a Previous Athletic Participation Form completed by the previous school (last school of participation) and be approved by the District Executive Committee before they are eligible to participate at the varsity level at the new school. An individual is presumed to have changed schools for athletic purposes and will not be eligible for varsity competition until:
The student's parents change their residence to the new school or attendance zone.
The superintendent (or designated administrator) and principal and/or coach of the previous school signed a PAPF stating the student was not recruited to the new school and did not change schools or attendance zones for athletic purposes.
The superintendent (or designee) of the new school signs a PAPF stating the student was not recruited and is not moving for athletic purposes.
The parents sign a PAPF either in front of the new school's administrator or a notary public that they reside in the new school district or attendance zone and the change was not made for their child's athletic purposes.
The District's Executive Committee approves the completed PAPF.
The student's parents change their residence to the new school or attendance zone.
The superintendent (or designated administrator) and principal and/or coach of the previous school signed a PAPF stating the student was not recruited to the new school and did not change schools or attendance zones for athletic purposes.
The superintendent (or designee) of the new school signs a PAPF stating the student was not recruited and is not moving for athletic purposes.
The parents sign a PAPF either in front of the new school's administrator or a notary public that they reside in the new school district or attendance zone and the change was not made for their child's athletic purposes.
The District's Executive Committee approves the completed PAPF.
