Each student must agree and meet the following conditions before the first day of participation in any given sport:
- Acknowledgment of having read and understood the Athletics Handbook
- Agreement and signature to comply with Athlete Code of Conduct
- A current (within the last 12 months) Sports Physical Examination from a physician
- TAPPS Acknowledgement of Rules (for those at the Rhetoric School level)
- Signature of any individual sport programs handbook if provided
- All Required TAPPS documents such as Medical History, Sudden Cardiac, Concussion Awareness and Steroid Use Agreement
Student-athletes cannot participate in an athletics practice or competition until all of the necessary forms are completed, signed and on file in the Athletics Office.
All student-athletes must adhere to the school’s code of conduct. Any violation will result in a period of probation or suspension, the length of which is determined by the school administration, with possible dismissal from the athletic program.
Any dismissal will result in the student-athlete being withheld from any and all practices and games for the remainder of the season. Reinstatement may be considered for the following season and all decisions regarding reinstatement of student-athletes are determined by the school administration.
When at any school-sanctioned event (defined as those events organized by the school, approved by the administration and encouraged in school communications), exemplary Christian behavior of all involved is expected so that we may reflect well our Lord and school. This involves modeling the school’s code of conduct and abstaining from drinking, drugs, smoking, profanity, immodesty and gossip.
In addition, students must abide by the following to participate in athletics:
- Good academic and behavioral standing. (See Academic Probation and Behavioral Probation sections for more information on requirements)
- Clearance from previous sports. Student-athletes cannot join a sport if they have an outstanding balance for participation fees or uniform/equipment not returned from a previous sport.
- Student-athletes must attend at least three consecutive academic periods on the day of a practice or game in order to play. The only exception to this rule is if the absence is caused due to a school event (field trip, college visit, etc.). For athletic events requiring the student-athlete to miss a whole day of school, the student must attend at least three consecutive academic periods the previous school day.
- When class is in session student athletes are expected to be in class and on time following away games from the previous night. Student-athletes are also not excused to leave class earlier than the communicated dismissal times for away games.
- Attain medical clearance if injured and wanting to be able to rejoin the team in full participation.
Teachers are notified by the administration as soon as possible of any upcoming absences due to game schedules. Individual teacher's policies for makeup work apply.
In addition to the guidelines established here for participation, Geneva coaches are encouraged to communicate expectations with their players regarding attendance at practices and games and commitment to the team and season. Dates and times of games and practices should be shared with student-athletes and parents, including possible time commitments over school holidays. These items should be addressed before the first practice begins. With such timely information, parents and student-athletes should enter into the season with a willingness to modify family plans to fulfill the commitment. All contracts must be approved in advance by the athletic director.
Commitment to practice and games is a significant factor in determining athletic contest participation and playing time. Each coach will have discretion to define participation expectations and the consequences of missing practices or games for any excused or unexcused purposes. The parents and athletes understand that missing practices or games, for any reason, can affect a coach’s decision to play, start or utilize an athlete in a game, meet or match.
Geneva has the right to deny re-enrollment, terminate enrollment or dismiss students from school-sponsored athletics based on parental behavior.