Athletic Code

High school: A student shall be under 20 years old on or before the Saturday of the second week of each sport season. (WIAA 18.5.0)

Middle school: A student shall not have reached their 15th birthday prior to June 1 of the previous school year. (WIAA 18.5.0)

Every student who participates in athletics must have a current ASB card unless a waiver or district-approved exception applies.

• 1.3.1 A student-athlete must be a member of the school they represent, as defined by WIAA, and meet all WIAA and NTPS eligibility requirements. (WIAA 18.5.0) 
• 1.3.2 Running Start students are eligible through their public school of residence/record where they access the Running Start program. (WIAA 18.6.0) 
• 1.3.3 Students enrolled in home-based education, private schools, alternative schools, online schools, or other qualifying programs may participate when permitted under WIAA membership and eligibility rules and NTPS procedures. (WIAA 18.5.2, 18.5.3, 18.5.4, and 18.5.5, as applicable) 
• 1.3.4 Student-athletes must remain in good standing and complete all NTPS athletic clearance requirements to participate in practices, contests, summer activities, and team events. (WIAA 18.0.0)

• 1.4.1 ASB Card: Every student who participates in athletics must have a current ASB card.
• 1.4.2 Athletic Fees: High school student-athletes are required to pay an athletic participation fee for each sport. Middle school student-athletes pay a one-time annual athletic participation fee, regardless of the number of sports in which they participate. Families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact their school regarding fee waiver options.
• 1.4.3 Outstanding Fines: Student-athletes with outstanding school-related fines may be ineligible for full athletic participation until one of the following has occurred:
  • The fine is paid in full
  • The item is returned, or the matter is resolved
  • A payment agreement has been established with the school
  •  The fine has been waived or removed by the school

• Before the first practice, student-athletes must have a current physical on file completed by a WIAA-approved medical authority. Physicals are valid for 24 consecutive months unless otherwise limited by the provider. (WIAA 17.11.0)
• Students returning after an illness, injury, or significant health change must provide written medical clearance before participating. Families are responsible for keeping health, medication, emergency contact, and medical authorization information current in FinalForms. (WIAA 17.11.4)
• Students suspected of having a concussion may not return to practice or competition until they are evaluated and cleared by an authorized health care provider in accordance with Washington law, WIAA requirements, and the NTPS Concussion Awareness & Return-to-Play Acknowledgment. (WIAA 17.13.0)
• Students and parents/guardians must complete all required annual health, eligibility, safety, and authorization forms in FinalForms before participation. (WIAA 17.11.0)

Student-athletes must complete the Insurance Verification & Financial Responsibility form in FinalForms and have medical insurance with at least $25,000 in coverage before participating in interscholastic athletics. Families who are unable to afford the required insurance may request information about a partial or full waiver through their school's Athletic Director. Parents/guardians are responsible for medical expenses not covered by insurance.

Student-athletes must meet WIAA residency and school membership requirements and be eligible to participate at the school they represent. (WIAA 18.10.0)

Transfer rules may affect a student-athlete's varsity eligibility. Families considering a school transfer should contact the school's Athletic Director before changing schools or participating in summer or out-of-season activities.

• Students who transfer schools may be subject to varsity eligibility restrictions unless they qualify for a WIAA exception or waiver. (WIAA 18.11.0) 
• A student who transfers without a corresponding change of residence may use the WIAA Window of Transfer one time after first becoming a high school student, during the natural break between school years and before the first published WIAA fall practice date. (WIAA 18.11.3) 
• Students using the Window of Transfer are ineligible for varsity competition during the first 40% of allowable contests in sports they participated in at the school, club, or community level during the previous calendar year. This period of varsity ineligibility is not appealable. (WIAA 18.11.3)
• Students who transfer outside the WIAA Window of Transfer or who transfer more than once during high school may face additional varsity eligibility restrictions. Eligibility will be determined under WIAA transfer and residency rules, including any applicable exceptions or waiver processes. Families should contact the school's Athletic Director before transferring to understand how a change in schools may affect athletic eligibility. (WIAA 18.11.0–18.11.6)

Students may participate in only one interscholastic sports team during each sports season.

1.9.1 An exception applies to a student competing in an alternate season who qualifies for the state tournament and is required to practice before competing.

1.9.2 This restriction does not apply to students who participate in cheer or dance/drill while also participating in another sport.

Running Start: Running Start coursework is converted to the equivalent number of high school classes for athletic eligibility in accordance with WIAA requirements. (WIAA 18.8.0)

Withdrawn Classes: A class marked with a "W" does not count toward the minimum class requirements. (WIAA 18.8.0)

Seniors: Seniors approved to take one fewer class than other full-time students must pass every class in which they are enrolled and may not drop or withdraw from a class to remain eligible. (WIAA 18.8.1)

Student-athletes must pass the minimum number of classes required by WIAA each semester to remain eligible for athletics. Students who do not meet this requirement may be placed on academic probation or temporarily lose their eligibility to compete. (WIAA 18.8.2–18.8.6)

Grades will be reviewed at least every three weeks during the season. Student-athletes who do not meet academic eligibility requirements may be placed on academic support and may be temporarily ineligible to practice or compete until academically eligible. The Athletic Director or designee will notify the student and parent/guardian and work with coaches, counselors, teachers, and families to support the student's academic success. Students must meet academic eligibility requirements before returning to competition and may be removed from the team if academic eligibility is not restored. (WIAA 18.8.0–18.8.6)

Student-athletes are expected to attend all classes. Students with an excused absence approved by the school may remain eligible to participate. Families should notify the attendance office and coach as soon as possible when an absence is necessary. Any exceptions are subject to approval by the Athletic Director or designee.

Participation in athletics is a privilege. Student-athletes are expected to represent themselves, their team, their school, and North Thurston Public Schools with integrity, responsibility, respect, and good sportsmanship. Student-athletes must follow this Athletic Code, the NTPS Student & Family Handbook, team rules, applicable WIAA rules, and complete all required FinalForms athletic acknowledgments. These expectations apply throughout the year whenever a student's conduct has a connection to the school or athletic program.

Violations of these expectations may result in athletic consequences, school discipline, or both. Athletic participation decisions are separate from school discipline and will be made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with district policy, state law, and WIAA rules. Conduct that results in law enforcement involvement or criminal charges may also be reviewed when it affects the safety, operation, or integrity of the athletic program.

Student conduct that results in law enforcement involvement may be reviewed under this Athletic Code and may result in athletic consequences when appropriate.

Student-athletes are expected to use social media, electronic communication, and digital technology responsibly. Online conduct that affects the safety, reputation, or integrity of the school or athletic program may result in athletic consequences.

Student-athletes must not use digital platforms to bully, harass, intimidate, haze, discriminate against, impersonate, threaten, or retaliate against others, or otherwise violate the expectations of the Athletic Code, the NTPS Student & Family Handbook, or applicable WIAA rules.

Posts, messages, photos, videos, screenshots, and other electronic communications may be reviewed as part of an Athletic Code investigation and may be used in determining athletic consequences.

North Thurston Public Schools is committed to providing athletic programs that are safe, respectful, and inclusive. Harassment, intimidation, bullying, hazing, discrimination, retaliation, and other misconduct prohibited by the NTPS Student & Family Handbook, Board Policy, applicable state and federal law, or WIAA rules will not be tolerated. Such conduct may result in athletic consequences, school discipline, referral to law enforcement when appropriate, and other legal consequences.

Students and parents/guardians are required to review and acknowledge the Parent/Guardian Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying & Hazing Acknowledgment and the Student Athlete Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying & Hazing Acknowledgment in FinalForms.

Students who experience, witness, or become aware of harassment, intimidation, bullying, hazing, or retaliation are expected to report it immediately to a coach, Athletic Director, school administrator, counselor, or another trusted staff member. Reports will be reviewed and addressed in accordance with district policy, state law, and applicable procedures.

The use, possession, purchase, sale, delivery, distribution, or being under the influence of legend drugs (prescription medications), anabolic steroids, controlled substances, controlled substance analogs, drug paraphernalia, or substances represented as drugs is prohibited unless the medication is lawfully prescribed to the student and used as directed. Prescription medications may not be shared with others. (WIAA 18.26.2.0).  Applies whether a student-athlete is in or out of season.

First Violation (WIAA 18.26.2.1–18.26.2.2)

A student-athlete who violates the WIAA legend drugs and controlled substances rule will be immediately ineligible for interscholastic competition for the remainder of the current sports season. The student-athlete has two options:

• Option 1: Remain ineligible for the remainder of the current season and meet all school eligibility requirements before participating in the next sports season. The school principal has final authority regarding future athletic participation.
• Option 2: Seek and successfully complete an approved school or community substance use assistance program. Upon recommendation of the school, the student-athlete may be considered for reinstatement during the current sports season. Participation in an assistance program does not excuse future violations of the Athletic Code or WIAA rules.

Second Violation (WIAA 18.26.2)

A student-athlete is ineligible for interscholastic competition for one calendar year from the date of the second violation.

Third Violation (WIAA 18.26.2)

A student-athlete is permanently ineligible for interscholastic athletic competition.

Appeal Process (WIAA 18.26.2.3)

A student-athlete suspended for a second or third violation involving legend drugs may appeal to the WIAA Executive Director for reinstatement.

Middle School and High School Eligibility

Suspensions for legend drug violations apply separately to middle school and high school athletics. A suspension served in middle school does not carry over to high school athletics.
 

The use, possession, purchase, sale, delivery, distribution, or being under the influence of tobacco, nicotine, vapor products, alcohol, marijuana/cannabis, or related paraphernalia is prohibited. 

Student-athletes are expected to leave any situation involving the illegal use or distribution of these substances when it is safe to do so. Remaining in such a situation may be considered when determining athletic consequences.

Applies whether a student-athlete is in or out of season.

4.2.1 Tobacco, Nicotine, and Vapor Products Violations

Below are minimum athletic consequences. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, additional athletic consequences or school discipline may be imposed in accordance with district policy, state law, WIAA rules, and this Athletic Code.

1st violation

• Athletic Consequence: Suspension from competition for 5 participation days and completion of an approved educational, diversion, or cessation program.

2nd violation

• Athletic Consequence: Suspension from competition for 10 participation days and completion of an approved educational or cessation program.

3rd violation

• Athletic Consequence: Suspension of 30 participation days or the remainder of the season, whichever is greater.

4.2.2 Alcohol or Marijuana Violations

Below are minimum athletic consequences. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, additional athletic consequences or school discipline may be imposed in accordance with district policy, state law, WIAA rules, and this Athletic Code.

1st violation

• Athletic Consequence: Suspension from competition for 10 participation days and completion of an approved intervention program.

2nd violation

• Athletic Consequence: Suspension from competition for 20 participation days, completion of an approved intervention program, and a meeting with the Building Athletic Appeal Committee before returning to athletics.

3rd violation

• Athletic Consequence: Ineligible from all athletics for one calendar year.

• A student-athlete or parent/guardian may submit a written appeal to the school principal or designee within 5 school business days of receiving notice of the athletic consequence.
• The principal or designee will schedule an appeal meeting within 3 school business days of receiving the appeal, unless another timeline is mutually agreed upon. During the meeting, the student-athlete and parent/guardian will have the opportunity to share their perspective and any information they would like considered. 
• The principal or designee may consult with the Athletic Director, coach, or other staff members as appropriate before making a decision.
• The principal or designee will provide a written decision within 3 school business days after the appeal meeting.

Athletic consequences remain in effect during the appeal process unless otherwise determined by the principal.

• If the family disagrees with the building-level decision, a written appeal may be submitted to the District Athletic Director within 5 school business days of receiving the building decision.
• The District Athletic Director or designee will schedule an appeal meeting within 5 school business days of receiving the appeal, unless another timeline is mutually agreed upon. During the meeting, the student-athlete and parent/guardian will have the opportunity to present any additional information for consideration.
• The District Athletic Director or designee will provide a written decision within three (3) school business days after the appeal meeting. 
• The District Athletic Director's decision is final for matters arising under the NTPS Athletic Code.

Athletic consequences remain in effect during the appeal process unless otherwise determined by the District Athletic Director.
 

Some sports may limit the number of participants because of safety, facilities, equipment, coaching capacity, league rules, or the nature of the sport. Participation in tryouts does not guarantee team selection.

Coaches are responsible for evaluating student-athletes and selecting teams. Team selection may be based on factors including skill, effort, attitude, sportsmanship, teamwork, attendance, coachability, positional needs, academic eligibility, commitment, consistent performance, and the needs of the team. Every student-athlete will receive a fair opportunity to be evaluated.

While team selection decisions may be subjective, only the coach can evaluate student-athletes and determine team membership. Accordingly, team selection decisions are not subject to appeal or reversal.

Playing time, starting positions, lineups, and team strategy are the responsibility of the coach. These decisions are based on what the coach believes is in the best interest of the team and may change throughout the season.

While playing time decisions may be subjective, only the coach can evaluate student-athletes and make these decisions. Accordingly, playing time, lineup, and strategy decisions are not subject to appeal or reversal.

Families are encouraged to discuss with the coach how a student-athlete can improve or earn additional opportunities. School administrators will review concerns only when there is evidence that district policy, the Athletic Code, the communicated team evaluation process, or applicable law was not followed.

Head coaches may establish additional team rules and expectations that are consistent with the Athletic Code, NTPS policies, school rules, applicable WIAA rules, and required FinalForms acknowledgments. 

Team rules will be provided to student-athletes and parents/guardians before the first competition whenever possible. Students and parents/guardians are expected to review and acknowledge their understanding of the team rules.

Failure to follow approved team rules may result in team consequences, including reduced playing time, suspension from team activities, or removal from the team, as determined by the coach.

Open, respectful communication between student-athletes, families, and coaches is essential to a positive athletic experience. Student-athletes are encouraged to speak directly with their coach when appropriate. Families should avoid discussing concerns with coaches immediately before, during, or after practices or contests unless the matter involves an immediate health or safety concern.

Most concerns can be resolved by following these steps:

1. Student-athlete speaks with the coach. 
2. If the concern remains unresolved, the parent/guardian contacts the coach. 
3. If additional assistance is needed, the parent/guardian contacts the Athletic Director, who may facilitate a meeting with the student-athlete, parent/guardian, and coach. 
4. If the concern remains unresolved, the parent/guardian contacts the building administrator responsible for athletics. 

Appropriate topics for parent/guardian and coach discussion:

• Student health, safety, and well-being
• Academic progress and eligibility
• Team expectations and communication
• Student behavior and sportsmanship
• Attendance or family circumstances affecting participation
• Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or hazing concerns
• Ways the student-athlete can improve

• Academic Eligibility: Meeting the academic requirements established by WIAA and NTPS to participate in athletics. 
• Academic Support: Academic monitoring and support provided when a student-athlete is not meeting eligibility requirements and may be temporarily ineligible to practice or compete. 
• Appeal: A process that allows a student-athlete or parent/guardian to request a review of an athletic consequence. 
• Athletic Consequence: A participation-related response under the Athletic Code, such as loss of playing time, suspension from competition, or removal from a team. 
• Conduct with a Connection to the School or Athletic Program: Behavior on or off campus that affects the safety, operation, or integrity of the school or athletic program. 
• Controlled Substance: A drug or substance regulated under Washington law (RCW 69.50). 
• FinalForms: The district's online athletic registration system used to complete required forms, acknowledgments, and athletic clearance requirements. 
• Good Standing: Meeting the academic, behavioral, attendance, and eligibility expectations required to participate in athletics. 
• Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB): Behavior prohibited by NTPS Board Policy 3207 and Washington law that intentionally threatens, intimidates, or harms another person. 
• Hazing: Any activity expected of a student to join or remain on a team that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers the student, regardless of the student's willingness to participate. 
• Legend Drug: A prescription medication that may only be used by the person for whom it was prescribed. 
• Participation Day: A scheduled practice, contest, or team activity that counts toward an athletic suspension. 
• Playing Time: The amount of time a student-athlete participates in a contest. Playing time is determined solely by the coach. 
• Season: The period beginning with the first official practice and ending with the team's final contest or recognized end-of-season activity. 
• Sportsmanship: Demonstrating integrity, respect, fairness, and appropriate behavior toward teammates, opponents, officials, coaches, and spectators. 
• WIAA: The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, the governing body for interscholastic athletics in Washington.

North Thurston Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator: studentachievement@ntps.org, 360-412-4466; Title IX Officer: executivedirectorHR@ntps.org, 360-412-4457; Section 504 Coordinator: 504@ntps.org, 360-412-4465. Address: 305 College Street NE, Lacey, WA 98516.