The Board of Education believes that student activities sponsored by the district are a vital part of the total educational program and should be used as a means of developing social interactions, as well as knowledge and skills for students enrolled in the district. The Board further recognizes that not all of the district's goals and objectives can be met in formal classroom study and authorizes the use of necessary resources to provide student extracurricular activities and groups.

The Board directs the superintendent or designee to administer the district’s extracurricular activities and groups and create any administrative procedures necessary for implementation of this policy.

Student-initiated groups formed pursuant to the Equal Access Act are subject to the applicable Board policy for such groups in addition to this policy.

Definitions

Extracurricular Activity or Group – All district-sponsored student activities and groups meeting or occurring during noninstructional time. Extracurricular activities or groups may be either cocurricular or noncurricular.

Cocurricular Activity or Group – An extracurricular activity or group that meets any one of the following criteria:

1. The subject matter of the activity or group is or will be taught in a regularly offered class.

2. The subject matter of the activity or group concerns the body of courses as a whole.

3. Participation in the group is a requirement for a course.

4. Academic credit is granted for participation.

Noncurricular Activity or Group – An extracurricular activity or group that primarily involves students, occurs outside of academic class time and is not cocurricular.

Sponsors, Advisors and Coaches

All extracurricular activities or groups must have an appointed sponsor, advisor or coach. In general, the sponsor, advisor or coach must be a district employee; however, upon the recommendation of the superintendent and approval by the Board, an individual who is not an employee may serve as a sponsor, advisor or coach subject to the completion of the criminal background check required of employees. It shall be the duty of such individuals to attend all meetings, functions or practices of the relevant group, advise and supervise students, and keep the appropriate principal informed regarding activities. All district-sponsored extracurricular activities must be included on the school calendar.

Participation

Students may belong to and take part in all extracurricular activities or groups for which they are qualified, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability or any other personal characteristic protected under the district's policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment. Participation in all extracurricular activities or groups is voluntary unless participation is required for an academic course in which the student is enrolled.

All students participating in extracurricular activities or groups are subject to district supervision and discipline. Students must comply with all policies, eligibility requirements, rules and procedures established by the district and the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), when applicable. Students who wish to participate in district athletic programs will not be allowed to participate until all required paperwork has been submitted, in accordance with law and district procedures.

If an extracurricular activity has an application deadline for participation, that deadline will be waived for students who live in the household of an active duty member of the military and who transfer from another state when the students are otherwise qualified to participate in the activity.

Unless participation in an extracurricular activity or group is required for a course in which the student is enrolled, participation is a privilege, not a right. Students may be excluded from extracurricular activities or groups as a disciplinary action, as a consequence for poor performance in school or otherwise as determined by district administrators. Students and/or their parents/guardians are not entitled to a hearing solely on the basis of exclusion from an extracurricular activity or group that is not required for a course in which the student is enrolled.

Athletics

The Board of Education believes that individual students should have opportunities to grow physically and intellectually through experience in self-discipline and contribution to a team effort made possible through competitive athletics. An athletic program shall be conducted in the district to further the development of students as competitors and spectators through friendly interschool and intraschool contests. The purpose of the program is to develop leadership, good sportsmanship and new friendships while encouraging regular school attendance, academic achievement and engagement in the school community.

In accordance with law, the district will provide equal athletic opportunities to both male and female students and will not illegally discriminate based on the quality of facilities, coaching or instruction, scheduling of practice times or events, or equipment and other related factors.

Insurance

Pursuant to state law and upon the adoption of a resolution by a majority of the entire Board, the district may designate extracurricular activities that the Board believes present unusual physical hazards to students. The Board may then authorize the expenditure of district funds to purchase medical insurance covering students while engaged in the activity, if the purchase of insurance would constitute a financial hardship to the parent/guardian or student. The district may require parents/guardians to provide proof of insurance or equivalent coverage by some other means as a condition of participation in the extracurricular activity.

Federal

20 U.S.C. § 4071-4072 Boy Scout Equal Access Act Westside Community Bd. of Educ. v. Mergens, 496 U.S. 226 (1990)

AC PROHIBITION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION ACA: Sexual Harassment Under Title IX

JFCF: Bullying

JFCG: Hazing

JHCF: Student Allergy Prevention and Response

KG: Community Use of District Facilities

§ 167.765, RSMo

§ 162.063, RSMo § 160.2000, RSMo