GV Athletics and Activities

The role of our High School activities program is to teach, promote, and build character and skills for all of those involved. Involvement in the activities program will assist students in becoming high-functioning adults who can succeed in society by using the qualities promoted by the individual programs, coaches, teammates, and the overall activities program philosophy.

The philosophy of our Activities program is that each person will promote and model these beliefs:

• I will not sacrifice character for winning (I will be a person of character, always.)
• I will promote and think of the team or the program before myself.
• I will not allow others to out work me.
• I will not give in to my personal boundaries and roadblocks.
• I will earn the trust and respect of others.
• I will believe that WE can. (I will be optimistic and I will be a builder!)

The Activities program will promote the MSHSAA motto of “Enjoy the Game”. In order to “Enjoy the Game” everyone must understand and perform in their role.

• Activities Director- assist in the development of a successful Activities Program by using the philosophies stated above. (Direct the game)
• Coach- to model and coach student-athletes or participants by using the philosophies stated above. (Coach the game)
• Officials- apply the rules of the game to each team and promote sportsmanship. (Officiate the game)
• Student-Athlete- to be a good student, show good citizenship, be coachable, and to be committed to activities using the philosophies stated above. (Play the game)
• Parent- to positively support your student, coach, and the Activities Program using the philosophies stated above. (Support the game)

The Grain Valley School District (grades 7-12) is a member school of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). The School District competes in various statewide competitions offered by MSHSAA. As a member school, we are governed by the rules and regulations of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and MSHSAA.

The Grain Valley School District is a cooperating member of the Suburban Conference. The Suburban Conference consists of 27 schools that are divided into 4 divisions based off of enrollment. As a member of the Suburban Conference, we are governed by the rules and regulations of the conference.

Gold Division-Blue Springs, Blue Springs South, Lee’s Summit North, Lee’s Summit West, Ray Pec, Park Hill, Liberty, Liberty North
Red Division-Park Hill South, Lee’s Summit, St Joe Central, Staley, North Kansas City, Oak Park
White Division-Raytown, William Chrisman, Fort Osage, Belton, Grain Valley, Truman
Blue Division-Platte County, Kearney, Smithville, Winnetonka, Grandview, Raytown South, Ruskin

As a member of the Suburban Conference, we will compete in conference championships in the following sports:

Girls- Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track, Volleyball, Swim/Dive
Boys- Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track, Wrestling, Swim/Dive Both Grain Valley Middle Schools offer many of the same activities and compete in the MRVC.
 

It is expected that ALL members of the Grain Valley School community portray sportsmanship, whether we win, lose, or tie. Grain Valley will be represented with class and dignity at all times. There will be adversity in activities, as well as in life. How each of us handles these moments determines our character, our sportsmanship, and our legacy. Coaches, participants, parents, and spectators will be held to the highest standard of sportsmanship. If an individual or group of individuals does not adhere to this standard, removal from an activity may be necessary. It MUST be remembered that participating in or attending an activity is a privilege, not a right.

The Activities’ Department believes it is vital that each student participant gain the skill of communicating concerns or problems to others.  Therefore, we will expect that if a student participant has a concern, they first speak with their coach or sponsor in person. If further action is needed, the Activities Department will require that a meeting is scheduled with the coach/sponsor, the parent, and the student.  If concerns still exist, the student or parent can request a meeting with the coach/sponsor, student, parent and the Activities Director.  Following this structure ensures that effective and direct communication is occurring among everyone involved.  

At no time is it acceptable for a parent to attempt to speak with a coach/sponsor immediately before, during, or after a practice or competition.  Appropriate boundaries and communication are expected at all times.  Parents should not address a coach or sponsor about game/activity decisions, playing/participation time, and other student participants.

If a parent has a concern regarding their student’s health, family occurrences, emotional well-being, academics, life choices, or specific outside-of-school decisions, coaches/sponsors will be willing to listen and be of any and all assistance.
 

The following social media resources are used to increase the communications between coaches/sponsors, students, and parents.  Please use these resources to stay updated and informed.

ParentSquare
Activity specific Twitter, Facebook pages, and text (HUDL)- coaches will provide information
GV District Activities webpage- www.gvr5.net , Activities tab 
rSchool- http://www.missouririvervalley.org  
Activities Department Twitter- @gvhsactivities
 

In order to have the most successful student participant, parents should discuss proper diet, rest amounts, and nutrition with their student. Parents should encourage students to eat a well-balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and consult with the Athletic Trainer if there are concerns. Parents must insist their student stay away from alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and performance-enhancing supplements.

The Grain Valley Activities Department believes that the extracurricular programs offered by our school district can benefit students immensely.  Therefore, we believe the following criteria should be followed.

• Students should be free to make their own selection as to the activities they wish to participate.  It should be understood that coaches and sponsors will try to encourage participation in other activities.
• Once the decision of participation has been made, the student should fully commit themselves to the activity.  If a student decides to quit an activity during the season, he/she will not be eligible for an activity during that same season without a release of both Head Coaches and the Activities Director. If it is necessary to be absent from practice or a scheduled event, the student participant is expected to obtain permission from the head coach or sponsor prior to the practice or event.  If the absence is unforeseen, the student should make every attempt to contact the head coach or sponsor concerning the nature of the absence.  The head coach or sponsor will determine whether the absence is EXCUSED or UNEXCUSED.  Unexcused absences could have ramifications on playing/participation time, position within the activity, or suspension or removal from the activity.
• Student participants are expected to attend school.  Students who have been absent on the day of a practice or scheduled event will not be allowed to participate without approval from the Administration.

Student participants will be expected to ride the school bus both to and from activities.  Certain occasions will warrant consideration as an exception of this rule. Students who miss the bus to a practice or scheduled event will not be allowed to participate.  Students may ride home from an activity with their parent with the Head Coach/sponsor’s approval and under an unusual, unavoidable circumstance.  The head coach or sponsor will make the final determination in all transportation decisions.

Students in grades 7-12 must maintain certain academic standards in order to be eligible to participate in MSHSAA sponsored activities. It is the student’s responsibility to know and meet the eligibility criteria.  If a student fails to meet these minimum standards, the student will be ineligible for the entire semester.  A student’s academic eligibility is based upon the following criteria:

• Each student must be enrolled in a minimum of 7 of 8 credit earning classes each semester (HS) 
• A student’s eligibility is based upon their most recent semester grades/credits earned
• A student must earn at least 3.5 units of credit (pass 7 courses) each semester (HS)
• A student who was academically ineligible the preceding semester, but meets the academic standard at the end of that semester, becomes eligible when the student has attended the fifth day of classes
• Students will NOT be allowed to use Summer School credit to regain eligibility for the semester.  Students may appeal summer school credits to the AD and principal.
• Student will NOT be allowed to use Credit Recovery/Transition credits to regain eligibility for the semester 

In compliance with MSHSAA regulations, a student must be in attendance at school all day in order to be eligible to participate in any activity on that day, unless approved or excused by school administration. Approval from the office prior to the absence is needed in order to practice or compete on the day missed.  Students should arrive at school on time.  In addition, a student who is unexcused tardy to school more than 20 minutes will be ineligible for any and all practices or competitions for that day. Students should only be absent for the duration of an appointment and a note must accompany the student when they return to school.  A degree of reasonability can be used by the administration. The following absences will be viewed by the administration as unavoidable, but every effort should be made to see that appointments do not conflict with school or activities.
Unavoidable Absences; court appearances, doctor appointments, dental appointments, college visits, funerals
 

Each student is responsible for the equipment issued to him or her. A student will be financially responsible for any equipment that is lost, stolen, or damaged outside of normal use. It is the student’s responsibility to properly secure their equipment and should take the following steps:

• Keep equipment and personal possessions locked and secured 
• Never loan, borrow, or exchange equipment
• Report any damaged equipment to a coach/sponsor immediately
• Report any lost equipment to a coach/sponsor immediately
• Never wear or use equipment outside of school or the activity is was assigned
• Report Grain Valley misplaced equipment that you see to the coach/sponsor or Activities Director.  This helps keep cost lower and fellow students who may have misplaced equipment

Students with missing equipment will not be allowed to practice or compete in the next season’s activities until the replacement cost is paid.
 

Every student participant is required to have the following paperwork on file in the Activities Office and updated in Arbiter prior to participating in any activity:

• A current physical completed by an authorized medical professional (each year) w/proof of student health insurance with the MSHSAA participation certificate signed by a parent or guardian
• Emergency contact information
• Activities Handbook commitment form signed by the student and parent or guardian
• Social Media contract

As stated previously, all student participants are expected to be good citizens.  This is defined in the MSHSAA Handbook as 

(2.2.1) Citizenship “Students who represent a school in interscholastic activities must be creditable citizens and judged so by the proper authority.  Those students whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon themselves or their schools are not considered creditable citizens.  Conduct shall be satisfactory in accord with the standards of good discipline.” 

(2.2.2) Law Enforcement “A student who commits an act for which charges may be or have been filed by law enforcement under any municipal ordinance, misdemeanor or felony status shall not be eligible until all proceedings with the legal system have been concluded and any penalty (i.e. jail time, fine, court cost, etc) or special condition of probation (i.e. restitution, community service, counseling, etc.) has been satisfied.  If law enforcement authorities determine that charges will not be filed, eligibility will be contingent upon local school policies.  Moving traffic offenses shall not affect eligibility, unless they involve drugs, alcohol, or injuries to others. After a student has completed all court appearances and penalties, and has satisfied all special conditions of probation and remains under general probation only, local school authorities shall determine eligibility.”

(2.2.4) Student Responsibility “Each student is responsible to notify the school of any and all situations that would affect his/her eligibility under the above standards.  If the student does not notify the school of the situation prior to the school’s discovery, then the student shall be ineligible for up to 365 days from the discovery, pending review by the Board of Directors.”

Actions by a student participant that result in school disciplinary consequences are viewed by MSHSAA and the Grain Valley Activities Department as actions that affect credibility and therefore eligibility.  

(2.2.3) A student who violates a local school policy is ineligible until the completion of the prescribed school penalties. 

The following school penalties that affect a student’s eligibility are as follows;

• Red Card status- may practice but not participate in any contest or performances.
• In-School Suspensions- may be in attendance and attend practice.  However, students may not participate in any contests, or performances until ISS is complete.  ISS is considered complete at the end of the last school day.
• Out-of-School Suspension- may not be in attendance or participate at any practices, contests, or performances during the entire suspension.  OSS is considered completed on the first day a student attends classes after a suspension.  Certain OSS suspension may result in removal from a team or activity.  

Citizenship is the responsibility of everyone.  It is expected that each individual who has knowledge of a citizenship infraction reports the situation to a parent, coach/sponsor, and/or the Activities Director. If a citizenship infraction is reported, there will be a certain degree of confidentiality granted. However, anonymous information will not be accepted nor used as basis for investigation. The information may be passed to the individual and parent/guardian.

The use, possession, or distribution of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, or any substance defined by law, as an illegal controlled substance is Absolutely Prohibited.  Possession includes on your person, in your locker, clothing, or vehicle.  The following policies will be considered to be in effect for the entire school year and including the summer months.  Suspensions for summer violations will begin on the first day of any organized practice/activity for students participating in a fall activity and the first day of school for all other students.  While school is in session, suspensions will begin on the date of the violation.

Tobacco

• 1st Offense- One event suspension
• 2nd Offense- 30- day suspension from all games, competitions, performances, the student must fulfill all program/coach expectations prior to full reinstatement to the program
• 3rd Offense- 45-day suspension from all games, competitions, performances, the student must fulfill all program/coach expectations prior to full reinstatement to the program

Alcohol

• 1st Offense- 10- day suspension from all games, competitions, performances, the student must fulfill all program/coach expectations prior to full reinstatement to the program
• 2nd Offense- 45-day suspension from all games, competitions, performances, the student must fulfill all program/coach expectations prior to full reinstatement to the program
• 3rd Offense- 365-day suspension from all activities

Illegal Controlled Substance/Mood Altering Chemicals

1st Offense- 10- day suspension from all games, competitions, performances, the student must fulfill all program/coach expectations prior to full reinstatement to the program.  The student and parent/guardian must also agree to the following requirements:

• Students must undergo drug treatment/drug counseling, complete and pass a drug screening PRIOR to full reinstatement of activities.
• Student must agree to complete and pass random drug screening throughout the remainder of their participation in High School activities at Grain Valley.
• The student will be responsible for all expenses incurred for the above requirements.
• Failure to agree or abide by these requirements will result in a COMPLETE ACTIVITY SUSPENSION for 365 days from the date of the violation.

2nd Offense- a 365- day COMPLETE ACTIVITY SUSPENSION from the date of the violation
Students and parents should be aware that these offenses and policies are applicable over a student’s entire activity career (grades 7-12).  If a student commits an infraction at a lower grade level, the next offense will be considered a second offense.
 

Bullying
Bullying is not tolerated at GVHS and disciplinary consequences will be issued to students involved in such activity.  Bullying is defined as “aggressive behavior or intentional harm-doing that is repeatedly carried out over time characterized by an imbalance of power in an interpersonal relationship.”  Please report any instance of bullying to the coach, sponsor, or Activities Director.

• Bullying is categorized into three main types:
• Physical- Harm through damage or threat of damage to another’s physical well-being.  Examples:  Hitting, kicking, shoving, spitting, intimidating physical contact, taking belongings, and hazing.
• Verbal/Emotional- Obvious and hidden verbal acts of aggression OR behavior that is intended to harm someone’s self-concept or by damaging or manipulating his/her relationships with others.  Examples:  Name calling, unfair verbal criticism, stare downs, obscene gestures, exclusion or ignoring, spreading rumors or gossip, verbal threats to harm or hazing, convincing others to tease or call names, manipulative affection.
• Cyberbullying- Sending or posting harmful or cruel text or images using the Internet or other digital communication devices.  Examples:  Exclusion, impersonation, outing and trickery, denigration, flaming, harassment, cyberstalking, three-way calling, using any type of electronic tool such as email, cell phone, blogs, blog rings, instant messaging, chat rooms, web pages.

Student referrals for bullying will result in Level 2, 3, or 4 consequences per Grain Valley High School Code of Conduct.  All bullying infractions will result in both school code of conduct and Activity code of conduct consequences.

Hazing
Hazing is defined as, including, but not necessarily limited to any action or situation created, whether on or off school premises, which might reasonably be expected to result in mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.  This definition includes the following activities: Paddling, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks, requiring or encouraging the wearing of apparel in public that is conspicuous and normally not considered in good taste, requiring or encouraging others to perform acts against their will, demanding or encouraging any other activities that conflict with civil law and/or school policies.  “According to Missouri State statutes “consent” to hazing is not a defense.

Disciplinary consequences will occur to anyone or any team found to be guilty of hazing.
 

As stated earlier, students who are involved in extracurricular activities must be credible citizens as defined by MSHSAA.  Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc, and the use of text messages to transmit pictures or information are subject to rules and policies for both in and out of school hours.  Any use of electronic media that violates the activity handbook is subject to consequences by the Activities Director or other school administration.  These violations could include, but not limited to: use, consumption, or access to alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs, inappropriate sexually-oriented material, activities involving bullying, hazing, or harassment.  

The activity letter at Grain Valley High School is a “Badge of Honor” bestowed on an individual student for outstanding service to the school in a specific activity.  Objective criteria and qualifications for lettering are set by the individual sport/activities coaching staff.  Subjective criteria such as, but not limited to, the factors of sportsmanship, citizenship, and good team membership also determine the conferring of a letter.  The head coach has the ultimate authority in the granting of a varsity letter.  Provisional letter certificates may be awarded at the discretion of the coach/sponsor for athletes who have rendered exceptional service, but who did not qualify for a varsity letter.  If the athlete earns a letter at a later date, the number of year’s letter will include the provisional year. An awards night will be held following the fall, winter, and spring sports seasons.  Awards for these sports will then be presented.  In order for a student to be awarded a letter he/she MUST attend the banquet for that activity.

LETTERING POLICY FOR ACTIVITIES

Academic Bowl

1. Varsity points eligible for ½ of the varsity matches for the season played or participated every varsity match
2. Earn 1000 points minimum comprised from practice attendance, lists, subject quizzes, scrimmages, and game question 
3. 95% attendance of total practices
4. Must remain in good stand and be a credible citizen as defined by MSHSAA and the GVSD.
5. Participate on varsity level 4 academically eligible years
6. Team managers for varsity level may letter as defined by protocol of the GV Activities Department.

Baseball & Softball
In order for a student-athlete to earn a Varsity letter in baseball or softball, he/she must complete at least one:

1. Appear in half of varsity innings played by the team during the season (unless injured or serious illness, then at coaches discretion)
2. Pitch in 1/4th of the varsity innings played by the team during the season (unless injured or serious illness, then at coaches discretion)
3. Participation in the Grain Valley High School Baseball/Softball Program for four years.
4. All decisions for lettering will be the responsibility of the head baseball/softball coach and are at his/her discretion.

Basketball (Girls & Boys) 

1. Must play in one half of the total quarters in varsity contests for the season played.
2. Must be in compliance with team rules and expectations and must follow discipline if rules are broken. Must finish the season in good standing.
3. If a student has participated in the basketball program for four years, fulfilled the coaches expectations while in compliance with team rules and proper attitude, they shall be awarded a varsity letter without playing in one half of the total quarters.  

Cheerleading/Dance

1. See Cheerleading/Dance handbook.

Choir and/or Show Choir

1. Student must earn a minimum of 250 points from pre-approved choral activities listed in the Choir syllabus.

Color Guard

1. Must participate in Color Guard for 2 semesters.
2. No unexcused absences from any performance, No excused absence from any competition
3. One or less excused absence from a football game and/or local parade.
4. All choreography passed off by memory to an approved staff member.
5. Outstanding attitude, discipline, and work ethic.
6. The instructor can amend the lettering framework if a member has participated in the activity for at least 6 consecutive seasons.

Cross Country

1. An athlete must first meet 1 of the following athletic criteria:
   1. Automatic Lettering 5K Time Standard: Boys: 18:20 | Girls: 22:00 
   2. Automatic Lettering Competition Standard: Compete on the District Team (Top 7)
   3. Complete 4 full seasons in good standing with the team
2. In addition to athletic criteria, the following must also be met:
   1. Must be in compliance with team rules and expectations and must follow discipline if rules are broken. Must finish the season in good standing.
   2. Must have no unexcused absences for meets or practices.
   3. Negative influence on team may result in not lettering
3. All lettering decisions are the responsibility of the head cross country coach and are at his/her discretion.

Debate

1. Regular attendance at practice sessions.
2. 100% attendance at scheduled tournaments during the season.
3. Advancing to elimination rounds or placing in top 10 at two or more invitational tournaments during year.

Football

1. An athlete must play in 50% of regular season varsity quarters and meet the expectations of the football coaching staff to earn a Varsity letter in football.
2. All decisions for lettering will be the responsibility of the head football coach and are at his discretion.

Golf

1. Score in the top six places in one fourth of the varsity matches or participate in one half of the varsity matches or place in the Conference tournament, District, or State Tournament
2. Must finish the season in good standing.
3. All lettering decisions are the responsibility of the head coach and are at his/her discretion.

Marching Band

1. 95% min. attendance for all rehearsals, performances, and attendance at summer camp.
2. No unexcused absences from any performance or competition.
3. One or less excused absences from a football game and/or local parade.
4. All music and marching fundamentals passed off by memory to an adult staff member.
5. Outstanding attitude, discipline, and work ethic.

Winter/Spring Band Letter

1. Each student must earn a minimum of 12 points from pre-approved band activities listed in the band handbook.
2. Eighteen or more points will result in an “above and beyond award recognition.”

Soccer 

1. Must play in one half of the total game minutes in varsity contests for the season played.
2. Must be in compliance with team rules and expectations and must follow discipline if rules are broken. Must finish the season in good standing.
3. Must have no unexcused absences for games or practices.

Tennis 

1. Must play in one half of the varsity matches for the season.
2. Must finish the season as a member “in good standing with the program.
3. All lettering decisions are the responsibility of the head coach and are at his/her direction. 

Theatre

1. Actively participating as a member of the Drama Club/International Thespian Society.
2. Be a part of the Fall Musical & Spring Play, no unexcused absences and 100% attendance at      performances
3. Demonstrates proper care of equipment, costumes, and facilities.
4. Outstanding attitude, discipline and work ethic at all rehearsals and performances.
5. Memorize line by due dates.

Track (Boys & Girls)

1. Earns place points in 50% of varsity track meets.
2. Medals in a varsity track meet.
3. In addition, an athlete eligible for a varsity track letter must meet coaching staff requirements. All lettering decisions are the responsibility of the head track coach and are at his/her discretion.

Volleyball

1. Must have played in one half of the total games in varsity contests for the season played.
2. Must be in compliance with team rules and expectations and must follow discipline policies.
3. Must respect team coaches, players, and managers.
4. Display sportsmanship: this left to the coaching staff based on each individual’s attitude and performance.
5. No unexcused absences – An unexcused absence would result in a provisional letter being awarded if all other requirements are met.
6. Must finish the season in good standing.

Wrestling

1. Varsity points scored
2. Jr. Varsity achievement
3. Overall standing on the team throughout the year.
4. Academic achievement, practice attendance and effort