CMS Athletic Handbook

CMS students can participate in various instructional/interscholastic athletic programs, which aligns with their development. Schedules and expectations will be shared at the first practice or organizational meeting. A current physical is required before the first interscholastic practice and covers all sports for the entire academic year.

7th & 8th Grade Programs:
Boys’/Girls’ Interscholastic Cross-Country
Boys’ Interscholastic Football
Girls’ Interscholastic Volleyball
Boys’/Girls’ Interscholastic Basketball
Boys’/Girls’ Interscholastic Wrestling
Boys’/Girls’ Interscholastic Soccer
Boys’/Girls’ Interscholastic Track
Cheerleading
Drill Team
Quiz Bowl

Comanche Middle School is a member of the Kansas State High School Activities Association and will observe the Association’s rules. Listed below are a few of the rules that parents and athletes should keep in mind.

• Any student who turns fourteen on or before August 1 is ineligible for seventh grade interscholastic sports.
• Any student who turns fifteen on or before August 1 is ineligible for eighth grade interscholastic competition.
• Hardship provisions for the age rule may be available upon discussion with the Athletic Director.
• Students on a school athletic squad may not compete in the same sport outside of school (e.g., church teams, town teams, fun runs). Consult the Athletic Director if you have questions.
• Buses generally transport only participating students to out-of-town contests; exceptions require approval from the Athletic Director and coaches.
• Students must have a signed Physical Form, Emergency Information Form, and a signed concussion release form on file to be eligible to represent the school.
• K.S.H.S.A.A. Rule 52, which promotes positive and sportsmanlike conduct, is in effect at all middle school activities. Negative or disrespectful actions will not be tolerated, and responsible person(s) will be asked to leave.
• Academic eligibility requires passing a minimum of five classes the previous semester.
• A weekly grade check is used for eligibility; a student with two "F's" is ineligible for contests until at least one grade is raised.
• Ineligibility due to grades runs from Friday through the following Thursday; students can still practice.
• Students may regain contest eligibility if they raise their grades by 3:00 PM the day before a contest, with coach's consent.
• Recurring grade eligibility issues may lead to suspension from the sport by the Athletic Director.
• The student must be in "Good Standing" with the school.

If a student is suspended from school, the student must complete the suspension period (school days) before being allowed to participate in school activities. Students are not to represent CMS in any activity or sporting event on the day or days they are serving their suspension. A student becomes eligible again for participation on the next school day after they complete their suspension assignment. There can be no exceptions to this rule. Students may not attend practice while suspended from school. Further discipline action may be taken by the Athletic Department/Coaching Staff if deemed necessary including dismissal from the team/squad.

Any student who does not attend all of his/her practices the day before a competition is not eligible to play the following day/day of the contest. Any student who does not attend school the day before, day of, or day after competition, will not be allowed to attend/compete in the next competition. The athletic director must approve any special cases before the athlete may compete. Examples: funerals, dental appointments, etc.

Coaches may have other rules and guidelines that may apply to their individual sport or program. These will be available to athletes and parents at their first practice.

• The athlete is responsible for all equipment checked out to him/her. Unreturned equipment will result in a charge for replacement.
• Schoolwork takes precedence over athletic practices and events.
• If a participant misses class for a competition, it is their responsibility to complete all assignments before returning to class.
• An athletic contest is not an excuse for an unfinished homework assignment.

Participation in the school district’s athletic and activity programs is a privilege requiring commitment and self-discipline beyond regular school conduct rules. These more stringent rules apply at all times and places during the school year. Violations on school property or at school-sponsored events will result in enforcement of these rules in addition to standard disciplinary action. The purpose of these rules is to maximize student benefits from participation and establish a positive image for the program and school. Benefits include physical conditioning, teamwork, cooperation, self-restraint, and positive self-esteem. As representatives of USD 443, participants are expected to conduct themselves to bring credit to themselves, their activity, the school, and the community. Adherence to these standards, adopted and subject to change by the Board of Education, is a requirement for participation. Any changes will be provided to students.

Rules of Conduct

All students participating, or intending to participate, in any school-sponsored and/or KSHSAA supervised athletic or activities program including Basketball, Football, Track, Cross Country, Wrestling, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Soccer, Scholars’ Bowl, Orchestra, Band, Drill Team, Student Council, Vocal Music, and Athletic Training Program, shall:

1. Not consume or be in possession of any alcoholic beverage or rice cereal malt beverage
2. Not use, possess, manufacture, distribute, or dispense any controlled substance, as defined by state or federal law, in any illegal manner
3. Not use or possess any form of tobacco products
4. Not violate any state or federal law, the commission of which would constitute a misdemeanor or felony if committed by an adult
5. Not be involved in any personal actions that could discredit the team, school or community
6. Not commit playing rule violations that endanger the life and safety of others

Any student who is under suspension which includes ISS or expulsion from class shall not participate in any athletic or activity program during the period of suspension from class. If a student misses all or part of a school day, he/she may not practice or participate in any athletic or activity program during the period of suspension from class. Each coach/sponsor may also establish other rules of conduct that are specific to his/her respective activity and which apply during their respective season, including but not limited to absences from practices, tardiness, disrespect for coaches or sponsors, lack of effort or attention, violation of team training rules and similar conduct. Disciplinary action for such individual program violations may be more severe than the general rules provided herein. If such disciplinary action involves removal of the student from the program, the procedural rules set out herein will apply.

These rules of conduct supplement and are in addition to rules of conduct and eligibility as imposed by KSHSAA.

Effective Period

• The Rules of Conduct are in effect continuously from the first KSHSAA approved practice for Fall sports until the end of all post-school year activities in the Spring ("school year"), including weekends, holidays, and vacations.
• All participating students must abide by these rules throughout the entire school year.
• If a violation occurs during the school year, but prior to the student participating in a program: Disciplinary action will be imposed when the student next participates in any program.
• If a violation occurs during the time the student is actively participating in a program: Disciplinary action will be imposed during that activity. If the current program ends before the disciplinary action is completed, the balance will carry over to the next program, including programs occurring during the next school year if necessary.
• If a violation occurs during the time after the program in which the student participates has ended: Disciplinary action will be enforced when the student next participates in any program, including programs occurring during the next school year if necessary.

Expected Consequences
Consequences for Violations of Athletic/Activity Policy

The following consequences will occur if a violation of this policy is reported to the Athletic Director or coach/sponsor by a school staff member, the parent/guardian of the student involved, the involved student or law enforcement personnel. Although the consequences are categorized as first, second and third violations during the school year, any disciplinary action listed in any category may be imposed for any violation depending on the existing circumstances and the nature and extent of the violation. All reports are properly, investigated before consequence are given.

First Offense Disciplinary Actions

A student's first verified violation within the school year will result in the following minimum actions:

• Formal Notification: The Athletic Director or coach/sponsor will promptly notify both the student and their parent/guardian regarding the violation and the specific disciplinary action(s) being imposed. This notification may occur through a meeting, phone call, or written communication.
• Loss of Participation in Competitive Events: The student will be barred from participating in a minimum of 10% of the next scheduled competitive events. This suspension is calculated based on the full regular season schedule following the date the violation is confirmed.
  • For activities that do not involve competitive events (e.g., certain clubs or non-competitive performance groups), the student may be suspended from participation in the activity for a period of time deemed appropriate by the Athletic Director and the activity sponsor. The duration will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Mandatory Counseling Consideration: The student may be required to undergo drug and/or alcohol counseling. The necessity and scope of this counseling will be determined and directed by the Athletic Director in consultation with appropriate school resources.
• Additional Disciplinary Measures: The student may be subjected to special conditioning, additional training sessions, or other similar structured disciplinary actions. The specific details and duration of these measures will be implemented at the sole discretion of the coach or sponsor, based on the needs of the team/activity and the student's behavior.

Second Offense Disciplinary Actions

A second verified violation within the school year signifies a pattern of non-compliance and will result in significantly escalated consequences:

• Formal Notification: The Athletic Director or coach/sponsor will promptly notify both the student and their parent/guardian regarding the violation and the specific disciplinary action(s) being imposed. This communication will emphasize the seriousness of the repeat offense.
• Loss of Participation in Competitive Events: The student will be barred from participating in a minimum of 20% of the next scheduled competitive events. This suspension is calculated based on the full regular season schedule following the date the violation is confirmed, compounding the penalty from the first offense.
  • For activities that do not involve competitive events, the student may be suspended from participation in the activity for an extended period of time deemed appropriate by the Athletic Director and the activity sponsor. This period will be notably longer than a First Offense suspension.
• Mandatory Counseling Consideration: The student may be required to undergo drug and/or alcohol counseling. The Athletic Director will determine the appropriateness, scope, and duration of this counseling, often requiring a formal assessment or participation in a structured program.
• Additional Disciplinary Measures: The student will be subject to a special conditioning program or other structured disciplinary action of a significant nature. The specifics of this program will be determined at the discretion of the coach or sponsor, intended to address the persistent nature of the violation.

Third Offense Disciplinary Actions

A third verified violation within the school year is considered a serious breach of the athletic/activity code and will result in the most severe consequences:

• Formal Notification: The Athletic Director or coach/sponsor will issue a final notification to both the student and their parent/guardian, confirming the violation and the resulting expulsion from school activities.
• Expulsion from Activities: The student will face a loss of participation in all athletics and activities for the remainder of the current school year.
• Extended Loss of Participation: Depending on the severity of the violation and the overall disciplinary history, the penalty may extend to the loss of participation in all athletics and activities during the next school year or years. This determination will be made by the Athletic Director in consultation with the school administration, potentially leading to a multi-year ban from all competitive and non-competitive extracurricular programs.
• Drug and/or alcohol counseling if deemed appropriate by the Athletic Director

Conference and Appeal Rights

• If disciplinary action involves ineligibility for the remainder of the school year or years, parents/guardians are requested to attend a conference with the Athletic Director, coach/sponsor, and student.
• If parents/guardians refuse or cannot be located, the conference will proceed with the student only.
• If the student refuses to attend, it is a waiver of the student’s and parents/guardian’s right to the conference and any possible appeal.
• At the conference, the student will be informed of the nature and basis of the violation and given an opportunity to make a statement.
• A written notice of the disciplinary action and reasons will be given to the student and parent/guardian after the conference.
• The student and parent/guardian may appeal by filing a written notice with the Clerk of the Board of Education within five (5) calendar days of receiving the written notice of ineligibility.
• An appeal hearing will be held by a hearing officer appointed by the Superintendent within twenty (20) calendar days after the notice of appeal is filed.
• The student and parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the time and place of the hearing at least five (5) calendar days prior.
• The decision on the appeal will be rendered within five (5) calendar days after the hearing concludes.

Appeal hearing rights include:

1. The right to have counsel or an advisor present.
2. The right of the parents or guardian to be present.
3. The right to hear or read a full report of the facts and reasons for the disciplinary action.
4. The right to cross-examine witnesses who appear in person.
5. The right to present the student's own witnesses in person.
6. The right to testify in the student's own behalf.
7. The right to an orderly hearing.
8. The right to a fair and impartial decision based on the evidence.

• Failure of the student and parent/guardian to appear at the appeal hearing constitutes a waiver of the right to such hearing.
• The hearing officer's decision is final and binding, and a copy will be provided to the student and parent/guardian.

USD 443 Spectator Expectations & Consequences
Applicable to all Students, Parents, and Community Members

I. Our Shared Commitment
Spectator support—from our students, families, and community—is essential to the success and atmosphere of our athletic and activity programs. All individuals attending USD 443 events are expected to know and follow the rules and expectations established by the District, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA), and any other governing body.

These expectations apply to every person in attendance. Whether you are a student in the cheering section or an adult in the stands, choosing to attend a USD 443 event carries a responsibility to uphold our community standards. Individuals who choose not to follow these guidelines will be addressed by school administration, contest officials, or security.

II. The Spirit of Competition: "Cheer for us, not against them"
We believe that a high-energy, loud, and exciting game environment is a vital part of the student experience. We distinguish between competitive energy (which we want) and prohibited targeting (which we will not tolerate):

• Allowed and Encouraged (The Energy):
  • Loud cheering, school chants, and themed student sections.
  • High-energy celebrations of big plays and school pride.
  • Representing Dodge City with intensity and respect.
• Prohibited (The Targeting):
  • Targeting Individuals: Specifically directing insults, personal attacks, or derogatory language at officials, opposing players, or coaches.
  • Inappropriate Conduct: Use of profanity, inappropriate gestures, or chants that escalate conflict.
  • Taunting: Any behavior intended to degrade or humiliate the opposition.

III. Mandatory Consequences for High-Risk Behavior
To ensure a safe environment for students and officials, the following actions result in an immediate and non-appealable suspension:

1. Contact/Confrontation with Officials: Making physical contact with an official, engaging in unsporting behavior directed toward an official, or negatively confronting an official following a contest.
2. Ejection from a Contest: Any spectator (student or adult) removed by an official or administrator for behavior that targets individuals or crosses into disrespect.

The Penalty: The individual shall be suspended from the next contest at that level and from all contests at any level in that activity until the suspension has been fully served. Building administration may impose additional sanctions (such as school-day discipline for students or extended bans for adults) as deemed appropriate.

IV. Requirements for Reinstatement
Any spectator ejected from a contest must complete the following prior to being allowed back at USD 443 events:

• NFHS Sportsmanship Course
• NFHS Teaching and Modeling Behavior Course
• Completion certificates must be submitted to the Building Principal or Athletic Director.

V. Repeat Offenses: The 365-Day Rule
We maintain a consistent standard across CMS, DCMS, and DCHS.

• If the same spectator is ejected from any contest at any level during the same school year, that individual will be suspended from ALL USD 443 athletic contests for 365 calendar days from the date of the second ejection.

VI. Administrative Review
The building principal or athletic director may review the circumstances of any removal. If it is determined that an ejection was unwarranted, issued in error, or inconsistent with district expectations, the suspension may be modified or rescinded. The decision of the administration shall be final.

• The Departure Rule: Students leaving for school-sponsored athletic or activity events (e.g., away games, music competitions) may retrieve their personal devices from their vehicle or another building-designated storage location only after they have been officially dismissed from their academic classes for travel. Buildings may determine the most appropriate storage location for devices prior to dismissal (e.g., Main Office, Athletic Office, etc.).
• Instructional Field Trips: This exception does not apply to instructional field trips. Field trips are considered an extension of the classroom, and the "Device-Free" building policy remains in effect for the duration of the trip.
• Usage: Once the athletic/activity bus departs school grounds, personal devices may be used at the discretion of the head coach or sponsor to coordinate late-night pickups with parents.

USD 443 Spectator Expectations & Consequences
Applicable to all Students, Parents, and Community Members

I. Our Shared Commitment
Spectator support—from our students, families, and community—is essential to the success and atmosphere of our athletic and activity programs. All individuals attending USD 443 events are expected to know and follow the rules and expectations established by the District, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA), and any other governing body.

These expectations apply to every person in attendance. Whether you are a student in the cheering section or an adult in the stands, choosing to attend a USD 443 event carries a responsibility to uphold our community standards. Individuals who choose not to follow these guidelines will be addressed by school administration, contest officials, or security.

II. The Spirit of Competition: "Cheer for us, not against them"
We believe that a high-energy, loud, and exciting game environment is a vital part of the student experience. We distinguish between competitive energy (which we want) and prohibited targeting (which we will not tolerate):

• Allowed and Encouraged (The Energy):
  • Loud cheering, school chants, and themed student sections.
  • High-energy celebrations of big plays and school pride.
  • Representing Dodge City with intensity and respect.
• Prohibited (The Targeting):
  • Targeting Individuals: Specifically directing insults, personal attacks, or derogatory language at officials, opposing players, or coaches.
  • Inappropriate Conduct: Use of profanity, inappropriate gestures, or chants that escalate conflict.
  • Taunting: Any behavior intended to degrade or humiliate the opposition.

III. Mandatory Consequences for High-Risk Behavior
To ensure a safe environment for students and officials, the following actions result in an immediate and non-appealable suspension:

1. Contact/Confrontation with Officials: Making physical contact with an official, engaging in unsporting behavior directed toward an official, or negatively confronting an official following a contest.
2. Ejection from a Contest: Any spectator (student or adult) removed by an official or administrator for behavior that targets individuals or crosses into disrespect.

The Penalty: The individual shall be suspended from the next contest at that level and from all contests at any level in that activity until the suspension has been fully served. Building administration may impose additional sanctions (such as school-day discipline for students or extended bans for adults) as deemed appropriate.

IV. Requirements for Reinstatement
Any spectator ejected from a contest must complete the following prior to being allowed back at USD 443 events:

• NFHS Sportsmanship Course
• NFHS Teaching and Modeling Behavior Course
• Completion certificates must be submitted to the Building Principal or Athletic Director.

V. Repeat Offenses: The 365-Day Rule
We maintain a consistent standard across CMS, DCMS, and DCHS.

• If the same spectator is ejected from any contest at any level during the same school year, that individual will be suspended from ALL USD 443 athletic contests for 365 calendar days from the date of the second ejection.

VI. Administrative Review
The building principal or athletic director may review the circumstances of any removal. If it is determined that an ejection was unwarranted, issued in error, or inconsistent with district expectations, the suspension may be modified or rescinded. The decision of the administration shall be fina

All school-sponsored trips will be made on school provided transportation to and from the contest, except where injury may require a release to a parent/guardian or school official. Any special requests for a student release to a parent/guardian will require the proper form filled out and approved by the Athletic Director and head coach prior to the trip. Only the Athletic Director will accept the approved release form. A coach/sponsor may not release a student at the site of the contest without prior authorization from the Athletic Director. A student cannot be released to anyone other than his or her parent or guardian.

ALL STUDENTS MUST BE IN PROPER UNIFORM when traveling with the team. Managers must remain in proper uniform during the games. Athletes will remain in proper uniform until they change into their sport uniform. Team Specific Shirts are permitted.

• Good behavior is mandatory; misbehavior can endanger lives.
• Do not talk to or distract the driver.
• Observe normal classroom procedure and conduct, maintaining a moderate noise level.
• Personal listening devices and food are acceptable with the coach's permission only.
• Each student must have a seat and remain seated while the bus is in motion. Seats may be assigned.
• Do not throw waste paper or trash on the floor. The bus must be kept clean and sanitary.
• Pupils must not extend any part of their body out of the bus at any time.
• Do not get on or off the bus while it is in motion.
• Stay seated until the bus comes to a complete stop when leaving.
• Any damage to a bus must be reported to the driver and coach.

Penalty for violating these rules: The driver’s report is to be sent to the proper school official who can deny the pupil the privilege of riding the bus.

DODGE CITY USD 443 – ACTIVITIES / ATHLETICS
REQUEST TO TRANSPORT STUDENT FROM GAME SITE OR ACTIVITY

(For use with students riding district transportation to attend an activity, but wish to return home with a parent/guardian.)
Please make arrangements to have this form completed 48 hours prior to the scheduled trip.

I request that _________________________________________ be released to my custody after
(print student full name clearly)

____________________________ in _________________________________ on _______________ rather
(activity/sport) (event location) (date)
than returning to the school in the transportation provided by Dodge City USD 443.

I understand and acknowledge that athletes are expected to ride the scheduled school transportation to and from the event. I do not wish to have my student use district transportation to return home from this activity and request that my student be released to my custody. I understand that my signature signifies that USD 443 is no longer responsible for the safety or transportation of my student on his/her return home from this event.

PARENT SIGNATURE

____________________________________________________          Date_____________________

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR SIGNATURE
____________________________________________________        Date______________________

STUDENTS WILL BE RELEASED ONLY TO THEIR PARENTS AT THE SITE OF THE CONTEST

MSWAC League Schools

Kenneth Henderson Middle School - 2406 N. Fleming, Garden City (620 276-5210)
Horace Good Middle School – 1412 N. Main Street, Garden City
Liberal Seymour Rogers – 721 Griffith, Liberal (620 309-2440)
Liberal Eisenhower – 2000 N Western Ave, Liberal (620 626-3804)
Great Bend Middle School – 1919 Harrison Street, Great Bend (620 793-1510)
Hays Middle School – 2300 E 13th Street, Hays (785 623-2450)
Comanche Middle School – 1601 1st Ave (620-374-1108
Dodge City Middle School – 2000 6th Ave, Dodge City (620) 471-2100

Non-League Schools

Scott City Middle School – 809 9th, Scott City (620 872-7640)
Ulysses Kepley Middle School – 113 N. Colorado Street, Ulysses (620 356- 3125)
Hugoton Middle School – 115 West 11th Street, (620-544-4341)
Holcomb Middle School – 500 N Henderson Street, (620-277-2699)
Pratt Liberty Middle School – 300 S Iuka Street, Pratt (620-672-4530)

USD 443 Spectator Expectations & Consequences
Applicable to all Students, Parents, and Community Members

I. Our Shared Commitment
Spectator support—from our students, families, and community—is essential to the success and atmosphere of our athletic and activity programs. All individuals attending USD 443 events are expected to know and follow the rules and expectations established by the District, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA), and any other governing body.

These expectations apply to every person in attendance. Whether you are a student in the cheering section or an adult in the stands, choosing to attend a USD 443 event carries a responsibility to uphold our community standards. Individuals who choose not to follow these guidelines will be addressed by school administration, contest officials, or security.

II. The Spirit of Competition: "Cheer for us, not against them"
We believe that a high-energy, loud, and exciting game environment is a vital part of the student experience. We distinguish between competitive energy (which we want) and prohibited targeting (which we will not tolerate):

• Allowed and Encouraged (The Energy):
  • Loud cheering, school chants, and themed student sections.
  • High-energy celebrations of big plays and school pride.
  • Representing Dodge City with intensity and respect.
• Prohibited (The Targeting):
  • Targeting Individuals: Specifically directing insults, personal attacks, or derogatory language at officials, opposing players, or coaches.
  • Inappropriate Conduct: Use of profanity, inappropriate gestures, or chants that escalate conflict.
  • Taunting: Any behavior intended to degrade or humiliate the opposition.

III. Mandatory Consequences for High-Risk Behavior
To ensure a safe environment for students and officials, the following actions result in an immediate and non-appealable suspension:

1. Contact/Confrontation with Officials: Making physical contact with an official, engaging in unsporting behavior directed toward an official, or negatively confronting an official following a contest.
2. Ejection from a Contest: Any spectator (student or adult) removed by an official or administrator for behavior that targets individuals or crosses into disrespect.

The Penalty: The individual shall be suspended from the next contest at that level and from all contests at any level in that activity until the suspension has been fully served. Building administration may impose additional sanctions (such as school-day discipline for students or extended bans for adults) as deemed appropriate.

IV. Requirements for Reinstatement
Any spectator ejected from a contest must complete the following prior to being allowed back at USD 443 events:

• NFHS Sportsmanship Course
• NFHS Teaching and Modeling Behavior Course
• Completion certificates must be submitted to the Building Principal or Athletic Director.

V. Repeat Offenses: The 365-Day Rule
We maintain a consistent standard across CMS, DCMS, and DCHS.

• If the same spectator is ejected from any contest at any level during the same school year, that individual will be suspended from ALL USD 443 athletic contests for 365 calendar days from the date of the second ejection.

VI. Administrative Review
The building principal or athletic director may review the circumstances of any removal. If it is determined that an ejection was unwarranted, issued in error, or inconsistent with district expectations, the suspension may be modified or rescinded. The decision of the administration shall be fina