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GCPS

Code of Conduct for Athletes

Participation in interscholastic athletic competitions is a privilege extended to the students by the Board of Education.

Students participating in Georgia High School Association (GHSA) extracurricular athletic activities act as representatives of Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). All students are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to meet the highest standards of GCPS at all times.

The Code of Conduct is designed to establish high expectations and standards for all students participating in GHSA sanctioned athletic activities. All students, parents, and coaches understand that the top priority is academic achievement. The Code of Conduct establishes high expectations regarding behavior and consistent consequences when violations occur.

The Code of Conduct goes into effect on the first day a student joins a GCPS athletic team. The Code remains in effect for the entire calendar year, including time when school is not in session.

The offenses and consequences listed below are in addition to (not in lieu of) any school or criminal consequences associated with the student misconduct.

All consequences listed in this Code of Conduct are minimum standards. The Coach has the discretion to set consequences over and above the minimum standards.

Code of Conduct Violations and Consequences

Violation A: Long-Term Suspension

Violation: Students given Long-Term (exceeding ten days) Suspension (With or without GIVE option).

Consequence: Ineligible to attend or participate in any athletic or extracurricular activities during time of suspension.

Violation B: Felony Arrest or Charges

Violation: Arrest for, or charged with the commission of any act that is a felony or would constitute a felony if committed by an adult (regardless of location or time of the alleged act; in or out of school).

Consequence: Immediate suspension from all participation until such time as:

  1. School officials determine that the student did not commit the act(s) or other felony conduct; or
  2. Local prosecutors dismiss or drop all pending charges and petitions; or
  3. The student pleads guilty to a misdemeanor charge, in which case refer to Violation D listed in this Code; or
  4. The student is convicted and sentenced to a felony or is adjudicated delinquent in the Juvenile Court of conduct which if committed by an adult could be charged as a felony and serves any and all portions of the sentence including all periods of probation.

Verification Requirements for Violations C, D, and E:

For violations C, D, and E, the school administration must have valid evidence and/or verification of the violation as defined by one of the following:

  • Self-admitted involvement by the student.
  • Witnessed student involvement by the sponsor, coach, or any staff member.
  • Parent admission of their student's involvement in tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
  • Verified by official police report given to the school.
  • Evidence of violations through investigation by school officials.

If the offense occurs at school or on school property (at any time), off school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, function, or event, or en route to and from school, the student will be subject to the actions described in the Student Conduct Behavior Code (Policy JCD) and the corresponding extracurricular consequences below.

Violation C: Tobacco (Any Type)

Consequences:

  • 1st Offense: Consequence determined by approved local school athletic/extracurricular policy.
  • 2nd Offense: Suspension from athletic extracurricular competition for a minimum of 10% of the remainder of the total regular season games (including playoffs if applicable).
  • 3rd Offense: Dismissed from team but allowed to try out for subsequent athletic extracurricular activities after that sport/activity has completed its season.

Violation D: Alcohol / Other Drugs / Misdemeanor Violations

Violation: Alcohol/Other Drugs (Possession and/or Use) / Misdemeanor Criminal Law Violations.

Note: The Coach/Sponsor and Administrator will meet with the student and parent(s) or guardian.

Consequences:

  • 1st Offense: Consequence determined by approved local school athletic/extracurricular policy.
  • 2nd Offense: Suspension from athletic extracurricular competition for a minimum of 20% of the remainder of the total regular season games (including playoffs if applicable).
  • 3rd Offense: Suspension from all athletic extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year.

Violation E: School Rule Violations Resulting in ISS or OSS

Consequences:

  • In-School Suspension (ISS): Participation may resume when student is released from ISS.
  • Out-of-School Suspension (OSS - Short Term, not exceeding 10 days): Student cannot participate on the day s/he is released. Participation may resume after suspension is served (Policy JDD).

Violation F: Hazing

Definition: Hazing (as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in any school or school organization, subjecting a student to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health or emotional well-being of a student, regardless of a student's willingness to participate in such activity).

Consequence: All instances of hazing will be immediately referred to administration.

Violation G: Social Media

Expectation: Student athletes are expected to use social media as an effective tool for communication. Inappropriate material (as deemed by coaches and/or school personnel) that has a negative impact on the school, staff, team, or players will not be an acceptable practice. Students will remove information immediately.

Note: The Coach/Sponsor and Administrator will meet with the student and parent(s) or guardian.

Consequences:

  • 1st Offense: Suspension from any athletic extracurricular activity for a minimum of 10% of games (including playoffs if applicable).
  • 2nd Offense: Suspension from athletic extracurricular competition for a minimum of 20% of the remainder of the total regular season games (including playoffs if applicable).
  • 3rd Offense: Dismissed from team but allowed to try out for subsequent athletic extracurricular activities after that sport/activity has completed its season.