Student Football Strike System

STUDENT FOOTBALL STRIKE SYSTEM

Purpose: The Student Football Strike System establishes standards of conduct, procedures for documenting and adjudicating on-field and off-field incidents involving members of the school's football program, and the progressive disciplinary consequences for violations. This policy is binding for all rostered players. Effective Date:

Student Information

Parent / Guardian and Emergency Contact

Definitions and Principles

"Strike" means a documented adjudication of misconduct related to team participation. Strikes are issued when conduct violates team rules, school policies, or law. The Athletic Department applies the following principles: proportionality of sanction to offense, written notice of the strike and consequence, an opportunity to respond, and an appeal mechanism limited to procedural or substantive error.

Offenses and Strike Levels

Offenses are categorized by severity. Examples are illustrative, not exhaustive.

Minor Offenses (typically 1 strike): tardiness to mandatory team events, noncompliance with uniform/equipment rules, unsportsmanlike behavior not resulting in injury.

Major Offenses (typically 2 strikes): repeated violations of Minor Offenses, failure to attend required practices, possession of prohibited substances on school property, conduct causing safety risk to others.

Severe Offenses (may result in immediate removal and additional disciplinary action by the school): physical violence causing injury, possession/distribution of illegal drugs, criminal conduct, or conduct that brings significant disrepute to the school.

Accumulation of Strikes and Consequences

The following consequences apply to accumulation of strikes during a single season unless otherwise noted:

1st Strike: Written warning and documented corrective plan; meeting with coach and student. 2nd Strike: Suspension from one full practice session and reassessment; parent/guardian notified. 3rd Strike: Suspension from at least one competitive game and placement on disciplinary probation. 4th Strike: Removal from the team for the remainder of the season; eligibility for future reinstatement contingent on rehabilitation requirements and approval by the Athletic Director. Severe Offenses may trigger immediate removal, referral to school administration, and potential law enforcement involvement.

Procedures: Notice, Hearing, and Appeal

Notice: The coach or designee will provide written notice of the incident, the strike issued, and the consequence within 48 hours of the decision. Hearing: The student and parent/guardian may request a meeting with the coach and the Athletic Director to present information within five school days of notice. Appeal: Appeals are limited to (a) demonstration of procedural error that materially affected the outcome, or (b) presentation of new, material evidence not reasonably available at the time of the hearing. Appeals must be filed in writing within five school days to the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director's decision on appeal is final at the school level.

Academic and Attendance Eligibility

Players must meet the school's academic and attendance requirements. Failure to maintain the minimum academic standard established by the school or excessive unexcused absences may result in ineligibility to participate until deficiencies are corrected. Eligibility determinations are made by the school in accordance with applicable academic review schedules.

Medical Reporting and Safety

All injuries, including suspected concussions, must be reported immediately. Return-to-play decisions are governed by applicable medical protocols and require written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider when concussion or significant injury is involved. The Athletic Department will maintain confidentiality for medical information consistent with applicable privacy laws, while sharing necessary information with staff responsible for the student's health and safety.

Record of Strikes (To be completed by coach/athletic staff)

Incident 1 — Date:

Incident 2 — Date:

Incident 3 — Date:

Acknowledgment and Consent

By signing below, the signer acknowledges that they have received and read the Student Football Strike System, understand the offenses and consequences, consent to the school's procedures for notice, hearing and appeal, and authorize necessary medical treatment in the event of injury when the signer cannot be reached. The signer further acknowledges that failure to comply with the policy may result in progressive discipline, including removal from the football program.

I understand the Strike System and consequences.
I authorize emergency medical treatment if required.
I consent to sharing necessary medical/eligibility information with school athletic staff.

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