KCSD UPHOLDS NON-DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES IN EMPLOYMENT AND IN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
In compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, KCSD and its schools shall not exclude any student from participation in, deny benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against in employment or in athletic programs offered on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, disability, past or present history of mental disorder, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age or marital status.

Complaint procedures

1. File complaint with school administration
2. If not satisfied, file the complaint with KCSD District Athletic Director
3. Next level is to file the complaint with the Office of the Superintendent

Interscholastic Athletics in KCSD are an outgrowth of physical education, health programs and an extension of the learning and growth opportunities for the student. The interscholastic programs provide an opportunity for participants to learn positive life skills, values, and ethics in an environment that requires dedication, responsibility, self-discipline, cooperation, positive work ethic, and a respect for others. These programs provide opportunities for all students to share a common interest and goal, celebrate differences, develop team unity, and learn and develop physical skills for a lifetime of healthy habits.

The student who voluntarily participates in the interscholastic program must have a personal commitment and dedication to the goals of the program and the team as membership may require choices and sacrifices only associated with participation. These personal commitments will nurture and grow personal traits of pride, loyalty, leadership, and goal setting while enabling the individual to become more resilient and cultivate and apply a set of skills to assist them in facing life’s challenges.   

The nature of athletic competition is to strive for and achieve victory, both personally and as a team. But this is not the sole measure of individual or team success. The win-loss record is only one measure of the success of the individual, team and the program. Ultimately, the measure of success comes from the development of the individual and team to achieve the philosophy of the athletic program. The competitive athletic environment is one that demands respect and recognition for those who rise to the challenges of their participation while accepting the potential for sacrifice and defeat. Those who develop and then apply the skills they learn through participation in interscholastic programs will embrace the future challenges of life and overcome them through goal setting, personal sacrifice, and personal commitment. If a participant strives to reach their potential with passion and perseverance, personal victories that last a lifetime will be the end reward and victory.

All schools in KCSD that offer interscholastic programs are members of the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) and are required to comply with the guidelines and rules outlined in the OSAA Handbook. 

All KCSD interscholastic programs must also comply with KCSD policies and the guidelines developed for the safe and equitable operation of the sponsored programs.

Each KSCD school participating in interscholastic programs is a member of a league/conference of similar size schools located regionally in their area of the state while also a member of a state classification of similar size leagues. In most programs, schools will participate in a pre-season schedule and then compete in a league schedule to see who advances to post-season play and potential state playoff games. Each league/conference will operate under the OSAA rules and guidelines and will also have a set of ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ (SOP) for their league. The SOP’s for a league set guidelines for the operation and organization of the league that includes games, all-league selections, and admission prices and how post-season teams are selected and games played. OSAA rules supersede league/conference SOP’s.

 

The Officials who oversee contests for events in The Basin are governed by OSAA guidelines and the rules and procedures of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). All Officials in Oregon, at all levels of league classification, must abide by the same OSAA and NFHS rules and guidelines for high school athletic contests.

Each school will provide interscholastic programs during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. The programs offered at a specific school will be determined by the potential number of participants, league opponents, the overall interscholastic programs the school is offering during a sport season, and the OSAA guidelines. Based on the structure of the league, the availability of opponents in this region, and the potential number of participants, schools will offer Varsity, Jr. Varsity, Jr. Varsity II, and Sophomore/Freshman level teams. The placement of participants will be based on their individual skill set, safety for participants, and a placement where they will best develop as an athlete. Each program, prior to the start of the season and program tryouts, will establish a criterion for the placement of participants on a specific level team. The criteria should include a process to evaluate each participant to determine the best team placement to achieve the criteria above. The selection and/or placement of any student/athlete prior to the OSAA official 1st day of practice is not allowed. The failure of any potential player to participate in any off-season camps, workouts, off-season leagues and/or teams will not influence or impact their position on a team.

The operation of the interscholastic programs in each school will be the responsibility of that school’s Athletic Director (AD). The AD for each school will establish the process to monitor and confirm all league, OSAA and KCSD rules and procedures are being followed and met in their specific school. This involves, but is not limited to, scheduling practices and contests, establishing practice and contest times, scheduling and making travel arrangements, hiring and evaluating coaches, and ensuring safety measures are in place and are being followed for participants and spectators. The building AD is supervised by the building Principal in unison with the KCSD District Athletic Director.

All coaches, paid or volunteer, are required to meet all OSAA and KCSD requirements before they can assume any coaching duties with participants during the season or during the off-season. These requirements are as follows:

Current KCSD Paid Employee All Paid Coaches and AD's	Non-KCSD Employee Paid Coaches - Only Coaches	All Volunteer Coaches
NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching or OSAA Beyond the Scoreboard 1-certification required Concussion Required annually Heat Illness Prevention Required every 4 years Anabolic Steroids Required every 4 years Interrupting/Preventing Discriminatory Acts 1-time requirement First Aid Hold Current Certification KCSD Safe School Certifications Required annually KCSD Coaches Medical Training  Required annually OSAA Sport Specific (FB-WR-Cheer) Required annually Racial Equity Training Optional	NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching or OSAA Beyond the Scoreboard 1-certification required Concussion Required annually Heat Illness Prevention Required every 4 years Anabolic Steroids Required every 4 years Interrupting/Preventing Discriminatory Acts 1-time requirement First Aid Hold Current Certification KCSD Safe School Certifications Required annually KCSD Coaches Medical Training  Required annually OSAA Sport Specific (FB-WR-Cheer) Required annually Racial Equity Training  Optional	NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching or OSAA Beyond the Scoreboard 1-certification required Concussion Required annually Heat Illness Prevention Required every 4 years Anabolic Steroids Required every 4 years Read KCSD Volunteer form Required Annually Complete KCSD Volunteer form Required Annually Interrupting/Preventing Discriminatory Acts 1-time requirement OSAA Sport Specific (FB-WR-Cheer) Required annually

Coaches that are moving from volunteer to paid status are not eligible to coach from the date of hire until cleared by Human Resources.

NOTE: Specific program requirements for coaches

• Spirit Safety Clinic All Cheerleading and Dance/Drill coaches only - Required annually
• OSAA Football Certification All Football coaches only - Required annually
• NFHS Football Tackling All Football coaches only - Required annually

Coaches who have not met the requirements for their coaching category listed above are prohibited from performing any coaching duties more then 3-separate occasions. It is the responsibility of the school AD to ensure all coaches, paid and volunteer, hold current certification for their position working with student/athletes. If a coach is not current, the school AD will ‘Self-Report’ the violation to the OSAA and the KCSD District Athletic Director.

Some programs invite and/or use a ‘Guest Coach’ during their season. Any individual who participates or has a role in a practice, program activity and/or a contest up to five (5) occurrences is considered a ‘Guest Coach’ and is not required to hold the above certifications. Any involvement by this individual for more than five (5) occurrences is required to hold all of the appropriate certifications listed above. Guest coaches are required to remain under the supervision of certified program coaches at all times.

KCSD, an individual school, or a specific athletic program will not pay for or compensate coaches for obtaining required certification to coach. 

No individual school or athletic program is allowed to compensate any paid and/or volunteer coach for any service provided. This includes, but is not limited to, money, gift cards, or any other form of compensation for their work.

Paid coaches will also be required to participate in KCSD trainings focused on the health/wellbeing of participants in KCSD sponsored athletic activities.

Interscholastic activities are considered extra-curricular and participants must meet and maintain an established set of KCSD and OSAA academic criteria to participate. The basic set of academic criteria is as follows:

• Participants must be enrolled as a full-time student in their school of attendance as per the OSAA ‘Full-Time Enrollment’ criteria.
• Must be making ‘Satisfactory Progress’ towards graduation as defined by the OSAA
• Must have earned the required number of credits the previous semester/trimester they wish to participate in an activity
• Any Home School Student must meet the OSAA Eligibility requirements in order to participate in athletic programs in KCSD or at a KCSD school.

Once OSAA eligibility has been met, KCSD has eligibility requirements for continued participation in extracurricular programs. These academic eligibility requirements are:

Student/athletes participating in KCSD athletics must be passing all courses with a 60% or better during any grading period or at the end of each semester. KCSD grading periods are listed below; grades will be checked on the first Wednesday following the KCSD ‘End of Grading Period’ listed below:

• End of the first six week grading period –October 8th
• End of the second six week grading period –November  19th  
• End of the First Semester (determines eligibility for next semester) –January 22nd 
• End of the fourth six week grading period –March 11th   
• End of the fifth six week grading period –April 29th 
• End of the Second Semester (determines OSAA eligibility for next athletic year -June 11th

Gilchrist will align grade checks as closely as possible with the above dates, consistent with its trimester schedule.

A grade violation will begin on the first Wednesday following the end of a grade period. If grades are checked before the proceeding Wednesday and the athlete has all courses 60% better, they are removed from academic probation period.

Grades may be reviewed more frequently than the periods listed above for monitoring. However, the specific periods listed will be the required dates that determine academic eligibility for extra-curricular participation. 

If a student/athlete fails to meet the academic standards at any of the above KCSD grading periods, the student/athlete will be placed on a three-week probationary period according to the following guidelines:

• Student-athletes will remain eligible for practices and contests during the three-week probationary period.
• Building administration will establish an intervention plan using the Student Academic Probation Plan (SAPP) form (Appendix A) during the first week of probation.
• The SAPP will be reviewed weekly while the student is on probation. Appropriate interventions may be modified or added as needed.
• If, at the end of the three-week probationary period, a student-athlete has one or more courses with a grade below 60%, the student-athlete will be ineligible to participate in practices and contests until academic eligibility is restored. School administration may move the student-athlete to the academic eligibility committee. 

The principal or designee of each school will notify the student-athlete, parent/guardian and coach when a student falls below the minimum standard of passing after the three (3) week probation. Individual cases of district academic standard waivers will be decided by the district athletic director.

Prior to an academic intervention plan being formed the principal or designee will seek input on the students’ progress from the following: current teacher from the class(es) that they are below standard, Special Education Teacher (if applicable), current head coach and parent.

When school administration determines that extenuating circumstances exist and that additional interventions, beyond those addressed in the three-week probation SAPP plan, may improve a student-athlete’s academic performance, the administration may develop, implement, and monitor an individualized improvement plan. This plan may allow the student-athlete to continue participating in a KCSD extracurricular program while demonstrating academic progress. The plan must contain correspondence from all of the above parties and the plan must include weekly improvement benchmarks, including attendance as well as behavior if applicable which must be met in order for participation to continue. The plan must include steps to be taken when benchmarks are not met and how at that time the plan will be concluded and the student/athlete will become ineligible for participation. The completed plan will be in the building within the students working file.  

When a student-athlete is enrolled in any summer school class and the class will be used for athletic eligibility participation, any applicable class must be officially entered on a transcript before it can be used by an athlete to meet eligibility criteria.

In the event an individual has a concern with an athletic program operation, the following is the Chain of Command to address the concern. The concerned individual will begin and share their concern(s) at the lowest level:

Level 1: Coach
Level 2: School Athletic Director
Level 3: School Administrator
Level 4: District Athletic Director
Level 5: Superintendent

This policy applies to student/athletes during the time period of the OSAA calendar for the current year, when the student signs the KCSD Athletic Participation form and/or for any student participating in a KCSD and/or school sponsored athletic activity - including but not limited to summer workouts, camps, competitions, and/or travel - beginning with the first day of summer activity until the conclusion of summer activities. This policy is continuous and accumulative each year under the above time period and until the student has either graduated, used all of their high school eligibility or has been banned from future participation due to infractions. 

 

Klamath County student/athletes shall not possess, use, transmit, or be under the influence of alcohol, tobacco-nicotine products, vaping products, and/or illegal drugs of any kind, nor shall the student/athlete have in their possession any paraphernalia associated with the above banned items during the time frame identified above. Student/athletes will not frequent, associate, or remain at locations where participation by minors in the above behaviors are taking place. 

Student/athletes will be found in violation if they are not personally using, but remain in the presence of individuals who are violating this policy on or off campus that includes outdoor areas and personal homes. Any infraction occurring will be enforced upon the conclusion of due process between the student/athlete, parents/guardians, and the school administration. Enforcement of any violation will take place during the present, next sport season, and/or a combination of the two overlapping seasons the athlete is/or will be participating. Violation of this policy can result in the athlete becoming ineligible for any team and/or school awards/honors and from being nominated for any league and/or state awards/honors for the sport they are participating in during the infraction. Athletes who find themselves in jeopardy because of a substance abuse problem should contact the school counselor, communicate concern to their coach, and/or seek professional assistance. An athlete who is in violation of these rules and transfers during the period of the consequence to another KCSD school will serve out their full consequence at their transferred enrolled KCSD school of attendance.

INFRACTION CONSEQUENCES – at the discretion of the Building Principal or Designee.

OCCURRENCE	USE OR POSSESSION OF TOBACCO/NICOTINE/VAPING PRODUCTS (Minor Violation)	ATTENDING PLACES WHERE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES ARE OCCURRING (Major Violation)	USE AND/OR POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL DRUGS OR ALCOHOL (Major Violation)
1st Occurrence	Participants will be suspended for 15% of the season’s play dates. A participant is allowed to continue to practice, but could be denied the privilege of traveling to AWAY events or be on sidelines for AWAY contests at the discretion of the school Administrator. A participant is allowed to be on the sideline during HOME events in street clothes, not a uniform.	Participants will be suspended for 30% of the season’s play dates. A participant is allowed to continue to practice, but could be denied the privilege of traveling to AWAY events or be on sidelines for AWAY contests at the discretion of the school Administrator. A participant is allowed to be on the sideline during HOME events in street clothes, not a uniform.	Participants will be suspended for 30% of the season’s play dates. A participant is allowed to continue to practice, but could be denied the privilege of traveling to AWAY events or be on sidelines for AWAY contests at the discretion of the school Administrator. A participant is allowed to be on the sideline during HOME events in street clothes, not a uniform.
2nd Occurrence	Participants will be suspended for 50% of the season’s play dates. A participant is not allowed to practice or travel to AWAY events or be on sidelines for HOME or AWAY contests.	Participants will be suspended for 75% of the season’s play dates. A participant is not allowed to practice or travel to AWAY events or be on sidelines for any contests.	Participants will be suspended for 75% of the season’s play dates. A participant is not allowed to practice or travel to AWAY events or be on sidelines for any contests.
3rd Occurrence	Loss of all further eligibility in KCSD sponsored programs for 1-calendar year. This consequence can carryover between school years.	Loss of all further eligibility in KCSD sponsored programs for 1-calendar year. This consequence can carryover between school years.	Loss of all further eligibility in KCSD sponsored programs for 1-calendar year. This consequence can carryover between school years.
4th Occurrence	The student will be ruled ineligible from participation in KCSD/school sponsored extra-curricular activities for the remainder of their Jr. High and/or High School years.	The student will be ruled ineligible from participation in KCSD/school sponsored extra-curricular activities for the remainder of their Jr. High and/or High School years.	The student will be ruled ineligible from participation in KCSD/school sponsored extra-curricular activities for the remainder of their Jr. High and/or High School years.

 

When a student-athlete violates the behavior code for athletics, the following guidelines will be used during their assigned consequence from contests/play dates. 

1. When a student-athlete is suspended for a violation, the suspension from contests/play dates. will begin after due process is completed by the administration.
   1. If due process is completed before the end of the regular school business day, any contest on that day will apply towards the consequence.
   2. If due process is completed after the end of the regular school business day, any contest on that day will not apply towards the consequence.
2. The consequence for all violations will be cumulative and progressive towards assigning a consequence for the latest violation.
   1. The consequence for a minor violation will not be combined with any major violation, but will be cumulative and progressive for assigning a consequence for a minor violation.
   2. The consequence for major violations will be cumulative. A second violation in either major category, even it is the first in that category, will earn a 2nd occurrence consequence.
3. If the student is expelled, the counting of play dates missed will cease on the date noted on the expulsion finding. On the date the expulsion ends, the counting of events will resume and count towards the suspension from contests/play dates. All events missed before the expulsion date will be credited towards the total number of events.
4. If the consequence is not able to be served during the season and/or year, the consequence percent balance will be carried over to the next extra-curricular program the student participates. Example: If the student is only able to serve 10% of missed events during the season/year of the infraction, the balance will carry over to the next season/year they participate. If 10% of the consequence is served in a season/year, the balance 20% will be served in the next season using the day total of that activity.
5.  A consequence for a behavior violation will apply to all extra-curricular activities/programs a student is participating in.
6. A behavior violation for participants in Athletics can/will also be assigned a school appropriate consequence if applicable.  

USE AND/OR POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, and/or
ATTENDING PLACES WHERE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES ARE OCCURRING 

In an effort to provide students/athletes an opportunity to have their removal from 30% of contests/play dates reduced, an Educational Awareness Option (EAO) is available for First Offense violations of a MAJOR violation ONLY. A student/athlete and parents/guardians, may choose to participate and successfully complete a KCSD approved alcohol and drug education program.

The student and their parent(s) will identify an EAO with assistance from the school. Any associated costs will be the responsibility of the student/parents/guardians. The program selected must be approved by the school before the student-athlete begins in order for completion of the program to reduce the consequence by 15%. The athlete must choose this option within five (5) calendar days upon the conclusion of a due process meeting between the school administration, the student, and parents/guardians.

Guidelines: 

• The athlete, with a parent or an adult advocate if applicable, will be required to complete all EAO sessions for the program.
• Upon successful completion of the EAO, the athlete and the parent or adult advocate will be required to meet with the advisor/coach and school administration.  The purpose of the meeting is to plan for continued assistance for the student/athlete. The meeting must take place prior to reinstatement to a KCSD athletic team/program.
• Athletes who choose this option will be suspended from contests/play dates for a minimum of 15% of contests/play dates. If the EAO program exceeds the duration of the consequence, the athlete will be expected to successfully complete the EAO program if they have rejoined the team/program. An athlete not making satisfactory progress in the EAO after being reinstated, can be removed from the team/program or from participating in the next athletic season they would like to join, at the discretion of the school administration until the EAO is fully completed.
• Athletes not choosing the EAO will be suspended for 15% contests/play dates. 
• Suspension from contests may carry from one sport season into the next in which the athlete participates.
• A consequence can be applied to all athletic programs the student participates or is a member.
• The athlete may be required to comply with additional recommendations/requirements before being permitted to rejoin the athletic program (compensation for damages to KCSD property)
• Any costs related to consequences will be the responsibility of the student/parent unless otherwise noted by the school.
• The total number of days per sport will be used for all level of teams in that sport. Example: In Volleyball, the days in determining the consequence will be the same for a Frosh, JV and/or Varsity player.
• Individuals will be considered a member of a single level/team of a program and ‘swinging’ between teams will not apply towards the total of contests/play dates served.
• If an individual ‘self-reports’ a violation before the investigation begins, there will not be a consequence assigned for the 1st occurrence. Self-reporting is only valid for 1st occurrence and future violations will be treated as a 2nd behavior violation.

NOTE: While under expulsion, a student is not allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activities.

Sport	15%	30%	75%
	Missed Games/Play Dates	Missed Games/Play Dates	Missed Games/Play Dates
Football	1	3	7
Volleyball-HS	3	6	14
Volleyball-MS	2	3	8
Soccer	2	5	11
Cross Country	2	4	9
Basketball - HS	4	8	18
Basketball - MS	2	3	8
Swimming	2	4	9
Wrestling	2	5	11
Baseball	4	9	20
Softball	4	9	20
Track - HS	2	4	9
Track - MS	1	2	4
Tennis	2	5	12
Golf	2	3	8

NOTE:

• Jamborees and/or inter-squad scrimmages will not count towards the total number of games missed/served during a consequence.
• Endowment games will count towards the total number of games missed/served during a consequence.

A student-athlete is considered to be in ‘Good Standing’ if they:

• Attend and actively participate in 90% of all practices
• Attend and compete in 90% of competitions they are eligible to participate
• Contribute to the team through their actions
• Participates in team activities as permitted (fundraisers, team events, team meetings, etc.)
• Have limited school related behavior infractions

Student/athletes are required to be in school the entire day of practice, contests, and/or travel related to an athletic program unless they have an administrative approved pre-arranged absence. For non-school day practice, contests, and/or travel, an athlete must be in school the entire previous day of the event in order to participate. 

Sportsmanship Responsibility. The high school administration, coach and other responsible officials of each member school shall take all reasonable measures to ensure the school's coaches, players, students and spectators maintain a sportsmanlike attitude during all events so events may be conducted without unreasonable danger or disorder. All cheers, comments and actions shall be in direct support of one’s team. Discriminatory harassment and bullying behavior will not be tolerated. Discrimination is defined as OAR 581‐021‐0045(1)(a): “any act that unreasonably differentiates treatment, intended or unintended, or any act that is fair in form but discriminatory in operation, either of which is based on age, disability, national origin, race, color, marital status, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.” 

Harassing conduct may take many forms, including verbal acts and name‐calling; graphic and written statements, which include use of cell phones or the Internet; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Examples include but are not limited to hazing, intimidation, bullying, cyberbullying or menacing another, or engaging in behavior deemed by the school administration to endanger the safety or well‐being of students, employees, self or others. Harassment does not have to include intent to harm, be directed at a specific target, or involve repeated incidents. Harassment creates a hostile environment when the conduct is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent, so as to interfere with or limit the ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by a school. This includes the use of, or engagement in, abusive verbal expression or physical conduct, especially if that conduct interferes with the performance of students, staff, event officials or sponsors of interscholastic activities.

Required Paperwork/Forms Prior To Participation

Prior to the participation of a student in a Klamath County School District Athletic program, the following completed paperwork must be submitted to the school they plan to participate:

1. Athletic Physical: If the individual is a freshman who will be participating for the first time in a high school program, they must have a current physical dated May 1st or after of the previous school year. The form used should be the current OSAA Physical Form that is located at this LINK.
2. KCSD Liability Release Form: This form can be obtained at the school you plan to attend and participate.
3. KCSD Athletic Conduct Verification: This form can be obtained at the school you plan to attend and participate.
4. KCSD Athletic Medical Information and Treatment Authorization: This form will be provided by the school. It allows the school to take steps to request and approve medical treatment from a doctor in the event you are not able to be contacted. The form also provides proof of the required personal insurance coverage for your student/athlete. 
5. Participation fee: Each participant will be assessed a $100 fee per sport to participate in district-funded and approved programs.  There will be a cap of $400 per family at the high school level per school year for participation fees.
6. All parent and student athlete forms completed and signed in Final Forms

If your students have previously attended another high school, additional requirements and/or restriction could apply. Please speak with the Athletic Director at the school your child plans to attend at the very earliest opportunity to confirm their eligibility or if restrictions apply.

NOTE: There are additional requirements that must be met for your student to be eligible to participate. These requirements come from the Oregon School Activities Association and can be found in this handbook or by contacting your school’s Athletic Director.

The official sport season will begin and end in accordance with OSAA Rules and Regulations as set forth in the OSAA Handbook. Any contact between any adult associated with the program (coach, volunteer coach, guest coach, building staff) and a student/athlete must have prior approval of the building athletic director before occurring.

Team and school competitions will be conducted on Mondays through Saturdays.  No contests will be held on legal holidays or Sundays. Any variation must have prior approval of the Superintendent or their designee.

There will be no practice sessions held on legal holidays or Sundays without administrative approval.  Administrative approval indicates the session will be optional participation and any athlete who chooses not to participate will not be penalized during future practices and/or games for non-participation in the optional practice.

When inclement weather causes delays and/or closures of schools in KCSD, all activities and athletic programs will follow the same direction of the district.  Games, activities and practices will be cancelled or postponed until schools return to regular status. Facilities will not be open for ‘optional’ practices or activities.

Participation Fee

• It is the policy of KCSD, as provided for in ORS 336.183 and in accordance with ORS 339.155 and ORS 336.168 to charge a fee for participation in extra-curricular activities that are not a required part of a credited class. In order for the district to assist with the operation of interscholastic athletic programs, athletes will be assessed a $100 fee per sport to participate in district-funded and approved programs.  If a student/athlete participates in two (2) sports during the same season, they will only pay one (1) participation fee. Example: A student/athlete participates in Football and Soccer in the Fall season, they would only pay one (1) participant fee. Participants in Cheer will only pay one (1) participation fee for a school year and this will be due during the Fall fee period. There will be a cap of $400 paid per family at the high school level per school year for participation fees. Any amount waived does not apply towards the $400 cap per family. 
•  Individual school participation fee deadlines for high schools will be due the last work day of the 3rd week of the 1st OSAA practice date (exception is Fall deadline due to summer program start date):
  • Fall Sport – September 11th (end of 4th week of start of season)
  • Winter Sport – December 4th (end of 3rd week of start of season)   
  • Spring Sport – April 19th (end of 3rd week of start of season)

An athlete who has not paid, established a payment plan, or had a waiver approved by the KCSD District Athletic Director will not be able to participate after the fee deadline. Individual school participation fees are to be submitted to the Accounts Payable department at the District Office. School will pay the total fee for any participant who is on a payment plan. It will be the responsibility of the school to collect those funds after the fee submittal deadline.

• Refunds:  If an athlete is eliminated from the program or removes himself/herself from participation prior to the first contest, he/she shall receive a full refund. Prorated refunds occur when the athlete is forced or chooses to leave the activity because of conditions beyond their control.  No refund will be made after one-half of the contests have been played. 
  • Prorated Formula: If an athlete qualifies for a prorated refund, the total number of contests for that sport will be divided by the participation fee paid. The refund will be equal to the number of contests remaining that the athlete will not participate. Example: If the fee paid was $100 and there were 24 contests, you divided $100 by 24 and this equals $4.16 per contest. If they are entitled to a refund and there are 15 regular season contests remaining, you would multiply 15 x $4.16 and the athlete would get a refund of $62.24.

 

The window to participate and join a team closes on the day the participation fees are due for that season. A current student athlete enrolled in a KCSD is not allowed to join a team after this date. Any new student to KCSD who enrolls after this deadline will be allowed to join a team upon a completed registration in the KCSD school they are attending and all KCSD and OSAA requirements have been met.

When a school is not able to support a team due to a lack of participants turnout, the school can request Klamath County School District to approve a cooperative team with another KCSD school offering the athletic program.  Upon approval by KCSD, the two schools will work together to meet all requirements of the OSAA for cooperative team between schools.

• KCSD will not approve a cooperative team when the combined enrollment moves the school to a higher classification and/or league. 
• If approved, KCSD will not provide additional transportation for individuals to travel between schools for practices and/or contests.
• If approved, students will be required to provide their own transportation as per KCSD policy on student transportation and will not be permitted to transport other participants to practices and/or contests.
• All other policies and guidelines for participation apply for any student involved in athletic cooperative programs.
• The participation fee will go to the receiving school.

Additional procedures and guidelines can be required based on the cooperative sponsorship and the sport.

School Collective Sponsorship

When a school is not able to support the following activities due to a lack of participants turnout, the school can request Klamath County School District to approve a collective sponsorship with another KCSD school offering the athletic program.  Upon approval by KCSD, the two schools will work together to meet all requirements of the OSAA for a collective sponsorship between schools.

• Cross Country 
• Swimming 
• Wrestling 
• Speech 
• Golf
• Tennis 
• Track and Field 

Schools in a collective sponsorship share resources but student-athletes from each school must compete as representatives of the school they attend in all competitions, including district and state championships. 

• If approved, KCSD will not provide additional transportation for individuals to travel between schools for practices and/or contests.
• If approved, students will be required to provide their own transportation as per KCSD policy on student transportation and will not be permitted to transport other participants to practices and/or contests.
• The participation fee will go to the participates enrolled school.

KCSD abides by the general Rules and Regulations as set forth by the OSAA.  In addition, the district has adopted more stringent standards in the areas of drugs, alcohol, tobacco/nicotine products, behavior, and academics. The guidelines and policies for athletic participation are located in this handbook, upon request from the athletic director for the school, and/or on the KCSD website. Additional rules and guidelines can be found in the KCSD Students Rights and Reasonability Handbook.

Officials for athletic contests played at HOME for KCSD schools shall be assigned by the Klamath Falls Officials Association or the Central Oregon Officials Association (for Gilchrist home games).  Any dissatisfaction with officials will be submitted in writing to the building principal or athletic director, who in turn will meet with the commissioner for resolution. Individuals directing inappropriate comments towards officials during a contest will be asked to leave the facility. Serious infractions or defiance of directives from the school Athletic Director and/or Administration can result in additional sanctions including rights to attend future KCSD games/events. 

Admission prices are determined by respective leagues within the league Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). OSAA state playoff contest admission prices are determined by OSAA and are not allowed to be changed. In most cases of OSAA playoffs or endowment games, guests will not be able to use passes for entrance. A current KCSD employee, with their official KCSD identification badge, will be allowed to enter HOME contests of KCSD schools FREE of charge. Family members of KCSD employees are required to pay the posted admission rate to enter games. The identification badge will not gain FREE admittance for any OSAA Endowment and/or post season game. 

Varsity – Varsity team competition is available to any eligible high school student possessing skills to contribute to the success of the team.

Junior Varsity – Junior Varsity competition is for those athletes who at their present physical development and skill set are not able to successfully compete at the varsity level.

Freshman – Must be ninth grade students only unless approved by the school athletic director.

High school athletes may be moved from one team to another during the season within the limits of the above statements providing they do not violate OSAA regulations on participation limitations as set forth in the OSAA Handbook. 

Note: Placement and movement of players during the season is at the discretion of the Head Coach and school Athletic Director.

Teams may conduct fund raising activities.  These functions are to have the prior approval of the school administration. The purpose of the fundraising activity (uniforms, tournaments fees, equipment, etc.) must be advertised and the funds spent for that purpose only. All funds collected in fundraising activities are required to be deposited and expended in an approved KCSD approved accounts.

If a player or a coach is ejected from a contest, they will be required to comply with the OSAA policies for such an infraction. Any fines associated with the ejection will be the responsibility of the individual and no school or programs funds can be used to cover any ejection fines or costs.

Based on the severity, nature of the infraction, and/or history of similar behavior, additional steps can be assigned and be required to be met before the individual rejoins the team/program and/or participates in practices and/or contests.

The official sport season will concur with the official OSAA calendar for the year. The OSAA calendar will determine when season practices and contests can begin and will end for each sport.

With prior approval, individual programs can run ‘open gyms’, workout sessions, and/or hold summer camps for their programs. Student/athletes cannot be required to attend these off-season activities and will not be penalized for non-participation. The programs are designed to develop/improve/enhance participants’ skills for interscholastic athletics, physical abilities and/or participants’ strength/endurance. The off-season activities should have a direct connection to the program and athletes are encouraged to attend when possible.

All summer programs shall complete a Facility Use Form when the activity involves any student or individual who will not be attending that school the following year. Schools who are running summer leagues, summer practices or other school specific activities are not required to submit a facility use form.  If the program is a ‘for operator profit’, the organizer must have the Facility Use Form approved by the Risk Management Department and provide proof of insurance before approval for KCSD facilities are granted. Based on participation fees being charged by the organizer to participants, KCSD may impose a Facility Use fee to the organizing group. 

KCSD Athletes participating in KCSD summer athletic programs will need to have the following completed prior to participating:

• Physical Examinations
  • Participation in KCSD sponsored summer activities (camps, practices, workouts, summer league) requires a student to have a current physical examination on file on the OSAA Physical Form signed by approved medical personnel. The exam must be current and performed/signed within 2-years of the participation date.  
• Athletic Participation Form
• Proof of Insurance
• Proof of School Residency
• Current Impact Test

Coaches involved with KCSD students in KCSD approved summer athletic activities will need to have the following completed prior to coaching and/or interaction/contact with any athlete.

• OSAA Required Certification Classes
• First Aid/CPR
• Criminal Background Check-non KCSD employed coaches
• Building Use Form Completed and Approved when applicable

The KCSD Athletic Director must be notified of any out of state contests or contests exceeding 400 miles round trip and/or overnight trips. This excludes district, regional, and state competition. Any program wishing to participate in a National competition must have prior Superintendent or KCSD District Athletic Director approval. Before contests are scheduled, the trip must be approved by the KCSD School Board or the identified representative.

Travel itineraries for post-season playoff games and/or state playoff games must be submitted and approved by the KCSD Athletic Director prior to any reservations for hotels or travel is made.

When schools plan extended trips that surpass 15 total bus driver hours for a single trip, communication with the Transportation Department to plan the overall trip should occur. The recommendation from the Transportation Department should be strongly considered for planning the trip. Schools should provide the Transportation Department with trip itineraries including planned stops with addresses of facility locations when applicable and should limit multiple stops and/or shuttling service of the participants.

Athletic travel should be limited to KCSD provided transportation (buses, activity buses, and/or district vehicles) and the use of private vehicles should be limited. Any private vehicle use will abide by KCSD policies and will be approved a minimum of 2-weeks in advance of the trip.

When private transportation is approved for use by a school to transport student-athletes instead of KCSD Transportation, the following conditions and procedures must be met:

• Meet all requirements of KCSD Policy EEAE
• Submit an application to KCSD Transportation 2-weeks prior to the planned trip
• Drivers must be a minimum of 21 years’ of age or older
  • An 18-year-old sibling can transport their own biological family member home with parent/guardian approval, but no other student-athlete
• Sign and return the “KCSD Volunteer Driver” form (Form to be developed for use)

The OSAA and Klamath County School District requires each school to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for their school for athletic programs. It is the responsibility of each school’s athletic Director to develop and implement this plan. The plan should be developed on the foundation format using the template found at the ‘Anyone Can Save A Life’ website. The plans must be submitted to the KCSD District Athletic Director prior to the start of each season.

If you incur a medical emergency during a contest, please approach the school Athletic Director and/or the PA announcer to request assistance. Each school should have access to an AED at their contests in the event such assistance of this nature is required. 

Social media provides a method for communication between all participants and interested parties that are associated or have an interest in an athletic program. It can be used to update times and locations for practices and games in the event changes are required. It allows Q&A to be viewed by large groups. There are many uses and it is part of the communication tools used by many programs.

It is NOT REQUIRED for participants to have access to social media formats as a tool of communication and other forms will be used to ensure participants are informed of program updates.

We also recognize that social media allows users to make anonymous comments associated with a program. KCSD discourages anyone from using any form of social media to make comments which would violate the concept of sportsmanship and respect towards players, coaches, teams, schools, spectators, and/or officials.

KCSD also encourages any communication between a participant and their coach be shared with their parents/guardians to ensure professionalism is in place.

Coaches

All KCSD coaches (paid and volunteer) shall annually complete an OSAA approved concussion management course for the purpose of ensuring they understand and learn how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and how to seek proper medical treatment for an athlete suspected of having a concussion. Approved concussion training courses must be completed prior to assuming coaching responsibilities. Any coach failing to complete approved courses will not be allowed to assume coaching responsibilities until successful completion of the course is verified by the building athletic director. 

Athletes

All high school athletes who participate in a KCSD eligible sport will be required to complete the most current district approved concussion management tool (e.g. ImPACT Concussion Management Software) during their ninth (9th) and eleventh (11th) grade school years. All new students to any KCSD high school who participates in an eligible sport will be required to complete the concussion management tool prior to the first day of practice. Students who receive a failing score on the initial baseline assessment shall be reassessed within two (2) weeks of the original assessment date and every failed date thereafter. Student participation in program services shall continue without interruption during the reassessment period while baseline performance is being established.

In order to provide a comprehensive concussion program, KCSD will complete an impact test using the guidelines above for participants in all KCSD sponsored athletic programs for grade 9-12. The following programs will be required to conduct the Impact Test assessment on all participants: Football, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Cheer/Dance, Wrestling, Baseball, Softball, Pole Vault and High Jump in Track. The following programs are not required, but will have access to the Impact Test Assessment as needed: Swim, Golf, Tennis, Cross Country, and other disciplines not listed above in Track. 

Student/Athletes do not need to be tested for each sport they participate, but only need one test to cover any sports they participate during the timeframe listed above. Example: A 9th grade student tested during a fall sport will be covered for all sports until the start of their 11th grade year.

Concussion Management Plan

The KCSD Concussion Management Plan shall be followed for any athlete and/or student who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion following an observed or suspected blow to the head or body, or who has been diagnosed with a concussion.

Concussion Management Procedure 

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure a timely, coordinated, and legally compliant response when a student is diagnosed with a concussion or other brain injury. This process protects student health and safety while supporting continued access to education and activities during recovery.

Each school will maintain a Building Brain Injury Management Team with clearly assigned roles. Administrative staff will ensure team membership and contact information are kept current, staff know how to route written notification within 24 hours, and required ODE forms and guidance are accessible. Administrative leadership may assign multiple responsibilities to one individual as appropriate.

Role 1: ITAP Initiator – School Administration/ Nurse
Role 2: ITAP Case Manager (Compliance & Timelines) – School Nurse
Role 3: Progress Monitor & Accommodation Adjuster 
Role 4: Teacher Coordination / Instructional Support
Role 5: Clinical Information Interpreter (qualified staff)

Notification, Recognition and Evaluation:

Suspected or Diagnosed Concussion.  Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion following an observed or suspected blow to the head or body, or who has been diagnosed with a concussion, shall not be permitted to return to that athletic contest or practice, or any other athletic contest or practice on that same day.  

NOTE: In schools which have the services of an athletic trainer registered by the Oregon Board of Athletic Trainers, that athletic trainer may determine an athlete has not exhibited signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion, and has not suffered a concussion, and may return the athlete to play.  Athletic trainers may also work in consultation with an appropriate Health Care Professional: Physician (MD), Physician’s Assistant (PA), Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) licensed by the Oregon State Board of Medicine, nurse practitioner licensed by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, or Psychologist licensed by the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners, in determining when an athlete is able to return to play following a concussion. 

Removal from Participation/with Medical Notification:

• Removal from the athletic contest/practice if a concussion is suspected.
• Documentation from Medical Provider must be logged in student’s education record as well as forwarded to the schools Brain Injury Management Team (BIMT) within 24 hours
• The Immediate and Temporary Accommodations Plan (ITAP) must begin immediately. 
• Parent/guardian and school administration must be contacted.
• KCSD Incident Report submitted.
• Immediate referral to a health care professional; any necessary scans, CT’s, etc. will be determined by the Health Care Professional (HCP).
• If a brain injury is suspected but written notification has not yet been received, temporary supports shall be implemented while documentation is pursued.
• Physical Activity limitations must be implemented across all-school related settings, including classrooms, PE, recess, field trips and before and after school programs. 
• Any athlete who sustains a concussion will not be allowed to return to full participation until the concussion management protocol is completed.

Step 1 – Intake and Trigger – Upon written notification (with medical documentation): 

Record date/time received & who received it
Send to parent/guardian/student

• OSAA Concussion form + impact test
• CDC “Return to School After Concussion” 

Log notification in student record & notify team within 24 hrs
Start ITAP immediately (new form)

If not medical notification

Recommend doctor visit 

If no documentation but injury suspected: implement temporary supports while seeking documentation

Step 2 – BIMT Notification & Input (within 2 school days) 

• Contact team, parent, student
• Collect records (provider notes, discharge summary, school observations)
•  Identify baseline functioning & current symptoms
•  Assign case manager (ROLE 2)
• Meeting date/time: ____________ Platform: In-person / Phone / Video
• Parent invited: ____________ Attended? Y / N

Step 3 – Immediate Physical Activity Limits

• Determine need for activity limits for safety/recovery
• Describe limits (e.g., no running/jumping, modified PE, quiet breaks): ___________________
• Implement immediately or by next activity requiring restriction
•  Notify all impacted staff (classroom, PE, recess, bus, coaches, aftercare)
•  Note provider instructions & clearance process
• Date/time implemented: ____________ Staff notified via: Email / In person / SIS flag

Step 4 – Complete ITAP (Immediate & Temporary Accommodations Plan) 

• Enter student/parent/medical contacts & injury date
• Document observed/reported signs & symptoms (physical, cognitive, social-emotional)
• Check accommodations matched to symptoms
•  Assign staff & start date for each accommodation
• Share completed ITAP with parent/guardian same day
• ITAP completed: ____________ By: ____________
• Shared with parent: ____________ (method: ____________)

Step 5 – Communicate & Implement (< 10 schools days from notification) 

• Distribute ITAP to all responsible staff (teachers, admin, nurse, PE, coaches, bus, aftercare)
•  Enter accommodations in SIS/learning platform
• Ensure staff know how to provide/report accommodations & who to contact
• Staff notified by: ____________ Method: SIS / Email / Hand-off
• Implementation verified: ____________ By: ____________

Step 6 – Monitor and Review

•  First review: within 5 school days of implementation
•  Ongoing reviews: every ≤2 months or sooner if symptoms change
•  Adjust accommodations/activity limits as needed
•  Document student/family/provider feedback
• First review: ____________ By: ____________
• Next review by: ____________

Step 7 – Section 504/IDEA/other supports (as needed) 

• If symptoms persist or impact learning: consider 504 evaluation
• If disability suspected: consider IDEA referral
•  Align with existing IEP/504 to avoid duplication
• 504 considered? Y / N Date: ____________
• IDEA referral considered? Y / N Date: ____________

Step 8 – Documentation and Records

•  Written notification & medical documentation
•  Current ITAP & revisions
•  Communication log (who received ITAP, dates, methods)
•  Review notes & progress data
•  Provider clearance/return-to-full-activity date**Step 9 – Discontinue or Transition Supports
• Team confirms symptoms resolved / accommodations no longer needed
• Notify staff & parent/guardian
• Transition lingering needs to 504/IEP/health plan if required
• Date ITAP discontinued/transitioned: ____________ By: ____________
• Notification sent to staff/parent: ____________

Additional Information/Definitions:

• Concussion: A concussion is a brain injury in which trauma to the head results in a temporary disruption in brain function.  The injury occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of direct or indirect force to the body.  An athlete does not have to lose consciousness (“knocked out”) to suffer a concussion.  A concussion may cause multiple symptoms which may appear immediately after the injury, while others may develop over several days or weeks.  Concussion symptoms may interfere with school, work, and social life.
• Brian Injury Management Team (BIMT) The KCSD Concussion management team will consist of one KCSD school administrator, one District nurse, one KCSD coach, one KCSD teacher, 
• Health Care Professional: Is defined by OSAA policy as a Physician (MD), Physician’s Assistant (PA), Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) licensed by the Oregon State Board of Medicine, nurse practitioner licensed by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, or Psychologist licensed by the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: Is characterized by prolonged concussion symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, sensitivity to light and/or sounds, etc.) that may continue for months or longer. 
• Second Impact Syndrome: Occurs when an individual receives a second blow to the head after they have already sustained a concussion, which results in rapid swelling of the brain and is often fatal. Even a very minor blow can cause Second Impact Syndrome.  Although Second Impact Syndrome is rare it can have dire consequences.
• Any necessary, scans, CT’s, etc., will be determined by the appropriate health care professional. (Cost of any procedures (CAT Scans, MRI’s, etc) will not be the responsibility of KCSD or the school the student attends.)