Darlington County
School District
Student Athletic Manual
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Below you will find an accessible text version of the entire student athletic manual.
Dear Parents & Guardians:
We believe participation in sports and other interscholastic activities offers students opportunities and experiences that will help
them grow and develop into responsible adults.
A properly controlled, well-organized athletic program builds a student’s self-expression, mental alertness, and physical growth.
We wish to maintain a program that is sound in purpose and furthers each athlete’s educational maturity.
A student who participates in an athletic program is choosing self-discipline and sacrifice. These are two reasons we stress good
training habits. Students who will not discipline their mind and bodies for rigorous competition have no place in sports. We strive
for excellence and will not accept mediocrity of effort. We also recognize the rights of the individual within the objectives of the
team or activity. Students who do not follow the rules training and conduct will be dismissed from the program.
For our part, when your child enlists in one of our athletic programs, we promise to provide
• Adequate equipment and facilities
• Well-trained coaches
• Full schedules with qualified officials
The Athletic Department’s role is to set rules to govern the spirit of competition. These rules are designed to provide fair play,
while also preparing our students for life after high school. For the rules to work and the athletic programs to succeed, we must
have community and parent support. We hope this manual will help improve communication between parents and staff.
Thank you.
Michael Hamlin, Darlington Middle School Athletics Director
Andy Hamilton, Hartsville Middle School Athletics Director
James Brown, Spaulding Middle School Athletics Director
Regina Damon, Rosenwald Elementary/Middle School Athletics Director
Michael Jordan, Darlington High School Athletics Director
Jamie Horton, Hartsville High School Athletics Director
Alan Poole, Lamar High School Athletics Director
Tony Thomas, DCSD Athletics Director
Larry Johnson, Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Administration
Dr. Tim Newman, Superintendent
I. Governance
A. Darlington County School District
• The Darlington County Board (“the Board”) of Education is the governing body for our school system.
• One of its responsibilities is to provide interscholastic athletic programs as a value to our students and community.
• All personnel involved with our interscholastic athletic programs are approved by the Board of Education.
B. South Carolina High School League (SCHSL)
• All schools are voluntary members of the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) and compete only with
member schools or out-of-state schools that are approved by the SCHSL.
• As a member school system, the secondary schools of Darlington County School District (DCSD) will follow all the
SCHSL rules and regulations.
• The main role of the SCHSL is to maintain rules and regulations that ensure fair competition for the students and a
balance with other educational programs.
• The SCHSL solicits input and is responsive to feeback from member schools, appointed committees, and coaches’
associations.
C. Regions
• Each secondary school in DCSD is a member of a region, as set by the SCHSL.
• Regions are established to promote interscholastic activities among member schools and the benefits gained by
working together.
• Region membership makes it easier to arrange schedules, equalize competition, conduct meets/tournaments/playoffs,
and determine championships.
• The region provides each school the opportunity for competition without excessive travel and with schools of
similar size.
• Membership requires following region schedules, rules, and regulations.
II. Interscholastic Athletic Competition Philosophy
A. Statement of Philosophy
DCSD athletic programs should provide a variety of experiences to help students develop habits and attitudes that will
prepare them for adult lifee in a democratic society. Our programs will follow the policies of our Board of Education and
the regulations of the SCHSL. While our Board, district, and schools take great pride in winning, we do not believe in
“winning at any cost.” We discourage any pressure that might adversely affect good sportsmanship. Our athletic
programs will be positive educational activities for our students.
B. Goals and Objectives
Our main goal for a student-athlete is to help them become effective citizens in a democratic society. Our student-
athletes will learn the following:
• How to work with others: A person must develop self-discipline, respect for authority and the spirit of hard work
and sacrifice. The team and its objectives must be placed before an athlete’s personal desires.
• How to be successful: Our society is very competitive. We do not always win, but we succeed when we continually
do our best. An athlete can learn to accept defeat only striving to win with earnest dedication. He/she must develop
a desire to excel.
• How to develop sportsmanship: To accept any defeat like a true sportsman involves knowing we have done our
best. We must learn to treat others the way we would have them treat us. An athlete must develop positive social
traits, including emotional control, honesty, cooperation, and dependability.
• How to improve: Continual improvement is essential to athletic excellence. As a participant, you must establish
goals and continually strive to reach them. You must try to better yourself in the skills required for success.
• How to develop positive personal health habits: To be an active, contributing citizen, it is important to obtain a
high degree of physical fitness through exercise and good health habits and to develop the desire to maintain this
level of physical fitness after a formal competition has been completed.
III. Message To Parents/Guardians and Student-Athletes
A. Parental Involvement
The role of parenting is extremely important in athletics. Both parenting and coaching are difficult vocations. By establishing
an understanding of each position, we are better equipped to accept the actions of others and provide greater
benefit to our children.
1. Communication a parent should expect from a coach:
a. Philosophy
b. Expectations
c. Practice and contest locations, as well as times
d. Team requirements
e. Procedures to follow should your child become injured
f. School Athletic Department policies and procedures
2. Communication coaches expect from parents:
a. Concerns expressed directly to the head coach
b. Notification of any scheduling conflicts well in advance
3. Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches
a. The treatment of your child
b. Ways to help your child improve
c. Concern’s about your child’s behavior
4. Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches
a. Playing time
b. Team strategy
c. Play calling
d. Other student-athletes
5. To discuss a concern with the head coach
a. Call to set up an appointment with the head coach
b. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before, during, or after a practice or a contest
c. The phone call should be to set the appointment time
d. The meeting in person should help create a resolution
6. Positive ways parents can support teams and athletes
a. Rewards the team
b. Cheer for your team with positive remarks and actions
c. Remember, good sportsmanship is contagious
7. Negative behavior while attending events will not be tolerated
a. Verbal warning
b. Dismissal
c. Third offense – removed from all events
As your children become involved in the many athletic programs offered at their school, they will experience some of
the most rewarding and memorable moments of their lives. Please join us as we share these special moments together.
B. Message to Student-Athletes
Membership on a Darlington County School District interscholastic team is the fulfillment of an ambition for many
students. The attainment of this goal carries with it traditions and responsibilities that must be upheld. A great competitive
tradition is not built overnight. It takes hard work from many people over many years. As a member of an interscholastic
team, you will be faced with maintaining an already successful tradition or establishing a successful tradition.
It is not easy to build a great tradition in interscholastic athletics or academics. When you represent your school, we
assume you understand our goals and traditions and will meet the responsibilities that go with them. We hope that the
contributions you make will be a satisfying accomplishment for you and your family.
• Responsibilities to yourself: Your most important responsibility is to strengthen your character. You owe it to yourself
to get the greatest possible benefits from your school experiences. Your academic studies and your participation
in extracurricular activities, as well as sports, prepare you for adulthood.
• Responsibilities to your school: Your school cannot build or maintain a reputation as an outstanding school unless
you do your best in each activity in which you engage. By participating in an interscholastic competition, you are
contributing to the reputation of your school. You also assume a leadership role if you are on an interscholastic
team. The student body and citizens of the community know you. The student body, the community, and other
communities judge our school by your conduct and attitude in and out of school. Because of your leadership role,
you can contribute greatly to school spirit and community pride.
• Responsibilities to others: As a team member you bear a heavy responsibility to your family. You should never
bring shame to your family. When you know in your heart that you have met all training rules, that you have practiced
to the best of your ability and that you have played the game “all-out,” you can maintain your self-respect.
Your family can be justly proud of you and your effort. Always remember that younger students are watching you
and will copy you in many ways. Always set good examples for them.
C. Individual Coaches Rules:
Coaches may establish additional rules and regulations with the approval of the Athletics Director and principal for their
respective sports. The rules pertaining to a particular sport must be given by the coach in writing to all team members
and explained fully at the start of the season. Specific discipline and the penalties for violations will be provided in
writing by the coach. The coach will retain a signed statement from the athlete and parent stating they have read and
agreed to all rules and regulations.
IV. Athletic Academic Requirements
All athletes must meet all academic standards of the South Carolina High School League and the Academic Performance
guidelines in the student-athlete code of conduct for the Darlington County School District.
SC High School League Rules for Student Eligibility
Section 1
In order to participate in athletic activities of the South Carolina High School League, a student must be enrolled in and
attending a member or associate member school. The student must also meet other necessary
requirements of all sections of this article.
Section 2 - Age Limitations
A. A student who becomes 19 years of age prior to July 1 of the upcoming school year, will not be eligible to
compete in any athletic activities during that school year.
B. Should a student become 15 years of age prior to July 1 of the upcoming school year, he/she shall be too old
for a 7th- and 8th-grade team, he/she may be considered as enrolled in the 9th grade for eligibility purposes.
C. The SCHSL’s age rule may not be set aside under the special conditions provisions of the governing documents of
the SCHSL.
Section 3 - Birth Certification
A. Schools shall have on file a copy of an official birth document for all student-athletes. Any questions on authenticity
will be submitted to the SCHSL Office.
B. Official birth documents must meet the following criteria:
1. It must be an original certified document.
2. It must be obtained from the state, county, or city government in which the student was born.
3. It must include the given and surnames.
4. It must be legible and unaltered.
C. Children born abroad may supply one of the following documents:
1. If born abroad of American citizens:
i. Foreign Service Forms 240 or 545
ii. Department of State Form 1350
iii. Citizenship papers
iv. Passport
2. If born abroad of alien parents who are now U.S. citizens:
i. Immigration and Naturalization Service Form G-350
ii. Original Naturalization Papers
3. If born abroad and still a citizen of the foreign country:
i. Birth Certificates
ii. Alien Card
iii. Passports issued in foreign countries
4. The following will not be accepted:
i. Hospital Certificates
ii. Birth Notices
iii. Copies certified by Notaries
Section 4 - Academic Requirements
A. A student, while participating, must be a full-time student as determined by guidelines set forth by the South
Carolina Department of Education. A student who is repeating a course for which he/she has previously received
credit cannot count this course as one required for eligibility. This is considered as monitoring a course.
B. To participate in interscholastic athletic activities, students in grades 9-12 must achieve an overall passing average in
addition to the following:
1. To be eligible in the first semester a student must pass a minimum of five Carnegie units applicable toward a
high school diploma during the previous year. At least two units must have been passed during the second
semester or summer school.
2. To be eligible during the second semester the student must meet one of the following conditions:
a) If the student met first-semester eligibility requirements then he or she must pass the equivalent of four half-
units during the first semester.
b) If the student did not meet first-semester eligibility requirements then he or she must pass the equivalent of
five half-units during the first semester.
3. Students must satisfy eligibility requirements in the semester preceding participation.
a) Credits earned in a summer school that are approved by the S.C. Department of Education may apply for
first-semester eligibility. A maximum of two units per year may be used.
b) Students eligible for a first-semester sport will be permitted to complete that sport even if it extends into the
second-semester. Under the current SCHSL program, this will apply to participants in basketball and wrestling
in high school and middle school programs.
4. Students with Disabilities
a) Students diagnosed with disabilities and being served in a non-diploma program shall be considered eligible
for participation in interscholastic activities if he/she is successfully meeting the requirements of his/her
Individual Education Plan.
b) Students diagnosed with disabilities and being served in a program leading to a high school diploma must
meet all eligibility requirements previously stated for participation in interscholastic activities.
5. A course that is dropped after the 20th day of a semester with a failing average will be considered as a failed
course when determining academic eligibility for the following semester
6. Credit courses used for eligibility purposes must be courses that are applicable as credit toward a high school
diploma. A student may also use college credit courses, provided the student has met or is meeting all
requirements for graduation.
7. Academic deficiencies may not be made up through enrollment in adult education programs.
8. A maximum of two credit-recovery units may be used toward eligibility, to include the two units presently
allowed in summer school. A credit-recovery course must be accepted by the S.C. Department of Education for
graduation. To be eligible for recovery credits, the student must have received a minimum grade of 60. Credit-
recovery/incompletes must be completed by the second Monday in August for first-semester eligibility and by
the second Monday in March for second-semester eligibility.
In most cases on a traditional or AB block schedule, the following example would apply:
• If eligible first semester, must pass four subjects
• If not eligible first semester, must pass five subjects
In a 4 x 4 block schedule where units or half-units are granted at the end of the first
semester, the following will apply:
• If eligible first semester, must earn 2 units
• If not eligible first semester, must earn 2 . units
C. A student must not have received a high school diploma or its equivalent.
D. Academic requirements for students enrolled in the 7th and 8th grades, including first-semester 9th graders
1. Students passing the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades by academic promotion pursuant to district policy are considered
as having met the requirements for academic eligibility for the first semester.
2. Students in grades 7 and 8 must be meeting the school district promotion policy at the end of the first semester
in order to be eligible second semester. Second-semester 9th grade students must meet SCHSL academic
regulations.
3. A 7th- or 8th-grade repeater shall not be eligible during a school year if academic requirements for promotion
were met during the previous year.
4. A student who previously failed the 7th or 8th grade is eligible during the second semester if he/she has
satisfactorily passed first-semester work. Second-semester eligibility begins when the first semester ends and
the student is added to the certificate of eligibility form signed by the principal.
E. Schools will follow the procedures outlined in the School Administrators Guide, published by the S.C. Department
of Education, in accepting or rejecting credits received by a student while the student is enrolled in private schools,
including home schools and/or out of state schools.
V. Academic Performance
Academic performance comes first. The athlete’s primary responsibility is schoolwork. Grades and/or progress reports of
student-athletes will be reviewed every interim by the coaching staff to apprise them of the student-athlete’s academic
status. For failing classes, the coach will contact teachers for additional help or tutoring after school
VI. Requirements for Participation
A. Physical Examination
1. A yearly physical examination is required.
2. The physical must be completed after April 1.
3. Must be completed by a licensed physician.
4. Must be on a form approved by the SCHSL.
B. Parent’s Permission and Acknowledgment of Risk of Participation
All athletes and parent(s)/guardian(s) must realize serious injury may occur as a result of athletic participation. DCSD
and the SCHSL require that the parent’s permission and risk of participation form be signed by athletes and parent(s)/
guardian(s) prior to participation.
C. Concussion Form (copy of this included at the end of this manual)
It is mandated by the state that every athlete be given information on the causes, signs, and symptoms of concussions.
Every athlete prior to participating on an athletic team must read the required information regarding concussions.
Before participating on an athletic team, the approved form must be signed by the student/athlete and parent(s)/
guardian(s) and returned to be filed in the athlete’s individual file in the Athletics Director’s office.
D. Emergency Medical Health information and Authorization
Each athlete’ s parent(s)/guardian(s) must complete an Emergency Medical Authorization Form giving permission for
treatment by a physician/hospital when the parent(s)/guardian(s) is not available. This form must be completed prior to
participation on any athletic team. Forms are to be kept by the AD or certified athletic trainer at each school.
E. Insurance (copy of this included at the end of this manual)
DCSD provides a supplemental accident insurance policy for student-athletes, which helps pay 70 percent of usual
and customary medical expenses after the primary insurance. The district’s policy can be accessed by filling an insurance
claim at the time of an injury.
3. Claim forms are available from the Athletics Director or from our certified athletic trainers.
4. Claim must be initiated within 90 days of the date of the accident or injury in order to be honored.
5. It also requires that medical treatment be sought within 90 days of the injury.
6. SCHSL also provides accident insurance coverage for serious injuries, which are in excess of $25,000 in total
medical costs.
VII. Basic Interscholastic Participation Policies
A. Participation
1. Athletes may participate in only one interscholastic activity per season unless all coaches/sponsors agree and
priorities are set to resolve conflicts prior to the season.
2. If choosing to participate in more than one sport during a season, coaches/sponsors must inform the Athletics
Director for eligibility purposes.
3. A student chosen to be a member of a team is a representative of that sport, their school, community, and the
Darlington County School District. It is vital that student-athletes continue their involvement and participation
throughout the season. The list below are the consequences for not continuing their commitment for the entire
season.
• Dismissal - An athlete dismissed from a team for violation of rules or conduct cannot practice with or join an
other team until the season of dismissal is complete.
• Quitting – An athlete quitting a team for any reason during the season will not be permitted to try-out/work
out for another team until the sport he/she quit is complete.
• If a student-athlete is dismissed or quits a team twice in one year, he/she is not allowed to participate in
sports for the remainder of the year.
B. Equipment
1. School equipment and uniforms issued to the student/athlete are the athlete’s responsibility.
2. Loss of any equipment or uniform is the athlete’s financial obligation.
3. Failing to return or replace equipment or uniforms will result in a stop card on the student’s report card and also may
result in denial of participation in the athletic program.
C. Attendance
1. Athletes marked absent for more than half of the school day will not be able to play in a contest or practice on that
date.
2. Athletes with just reason may be excused from this policy. Just reason shall be anything beyond the control of the
student, with the exception of illness. Doctor/dental appointments and DCSD activities absences are just reason.
However, confirmation notes must be given to the AD or coach of that sport.
3. An athlete who leaves school early due to an illness is considered too ill to participate in athletics.
4. An athlete who arrives at school late because of sickness must arrive before 11:30 a.m. to be granted permission to
compete. Students must comply with the minimum attendance requirements in all classes to remain eligible.
D. In-School and Out-of-School Suspensions
1. Athletes assigned in-school suspension will be allowed to participate in practice and/or a contest the day of the
served suspension.
2. Athletes assigned out-of-school suspension will not be allowed to participate in practice and/or a contest the day(s)
of their suspension.
3. Athletic penalties for in-school or out-of-school suspensions will be determined by the individual coach or Athletics
Director.
NOTE: Students and coaches should be aware that students serving out-of-school suspensions are not allowed to
be on campus or attend any school function.
E. Team Selection
1. Choosing members of the athletic teams is the responsibility of the coaches, and they have the final authority in
doing so.
2. Selections are based on skill and knowledge of the sport.
3. All of the team must meet the eligibility requirements of the SCHSL.
F. Reporting Injuries
1. All injuries should be reported to the coach/athletic trainer.
2. If medical treatment is needed, secure an insurance form from either the Athletics Director or certified athletic
trainer.
3. Parent(s)/guardian(s) must complete the form, and it must also be signed by a school representative.
4. This completed form should be taken to the physician or hospital.
5. A copy needs to be retained for any further treatments needed pertaining to the specific injury.
G. Individual Coaches Rules:
Coaches may establish additional rules and regulations with approval of the Athletics Director and principal for thei
respective sports. The additional rules need to include specific discipline. These rules pertaining to a particular sport
must be given by the coach in writing to all team members and explained fully at the start of the season. Penalties for
violations of the rules shall also be in writing and shall be administered by the coach. The coach will retain a signed
statement from the athlete and parent stating they have read and agreed to all rules and regulations.
VIII. Athletic Code of Conduct
A. Code of Conduct
A firm policy of enforcement is necessary to uphold the regulations and standards of the DCSD athletic programs. The
community, school administrators, and the coaching staff feel strongly that high standards of conduct and citizenship
are essential in maintaining a sound program of athletics. The welfare of the student is our major consideration and
transcends any other consideration. Another consideration is the instilling of honor, duty, loyalty, and values within the
students that participate in athletics. All athletes shall abide by a code of ethics, which will earn them the honor and
respect that particpation and competition in the interscholastic program affords. Any conduct, while in season or out
of season, that results in dishonor to the athlete, the team, or the school, whether on campus or off campus, will not be
tolerated.
B. Penalty for Unacceptable Conduct:
Due to the serious nature of this rule, the coach should involve the Athletics Director and the principal to determine the
penalty according to the degree of the infraction. The penalty shall range from a minimum of one game/contest
suspension in the season or subsequent season to a maximum of permanent denial of participation.
Unacceptable conduct and definitions:
• Theft - stealing, borrowing without permission, or taking of personal property that belongs to another person,
school, team, or organization.
• Vandalism - willful or malicious breaking, destruction, or defacement of public or private property.
• Disrespect - actions that show or express a lack of high regard or reverence for others, including fellow students,
opponents, and especially those who have earned a position of honor such as a teacher, coach, official, administrator,
parent, or adult. Disrespect includes the use of unacceptable language, such as cursing, in addressing others.
Profanity will not be tolerated.
• Immorality - any action that shows or expresses a disregard of right and wrong.
• Hazing - any action that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers another person, regardless of that person’s willingness
to participate. These actions may include initiation rituals into a team or club.
• Sexual Harassment - actions, comments, threats, verbalization, coercion, jokes, teasing, or intimidation that are
of sexual nature and are unwelcome by those exposed to them, whether they are staff members, visitors, or other
students.
• Social Media – any type of cyber bullying, posted derogatory comments, negative pictures of any student, athlete,
coach, official, teacher, and/or administrator, or any violation of the district’s code of conduct in a digital forum.
IX. District Athletic Program Disciplinary Policies
Substance Abuse Policy
Any student/athlete determined by DCSD authorities to be using, under the influence of, or having illegal possession
of alcohol, drugs, unauthorized controlled substance, or drug paraphernalia on school property or at a school event
will be subject to the DCSD code of conduct in the same manner as any other student. This also applies to offenses that
are deemed by DCSD to be “crimes in the community.” A “crime in the community” is a case in which the offender could
pose a danger to students, the school campus, and/or the school climate.
If the substance abuse offense does not occur on school property, during school hours, or at a school event, the
consequences will include but are not limited to the disciplinary sanctions listed below consistent with the District’s
policy and code of conduct. In addition to the sanctions listed below, a student may be referred to the District’s hearing
officer depending on the nature and severity of a particular offense. The student/athlete’s head coach has the authority
to assign additional consequences.
Rationale: The use of alcohol can be injurious to one’s health and is prohibited by law for those who are underage. The
unauthorized use of drugs or other controlled substances can be injurious to one’s health and is prohibited by law.
Substance Abuse Policy (continued):
A. First Offense
1. The student/athlete will be suspended for the entire next upcoming sport season in which he/she wishes to
participate.
2. Should the offense occur after the mid-point of the current season in which the student/athlete is participating, the
suspension will carry over to the entire next sport season in which he/she wishes to participate.
3. The suspension may be waived after a minimum one-game suspension if the student/athlete participates in and
ultimately completes a school-approved counseling program to address the substance abuse problem. The suspen-
sion will be will be lifted at the time the student athlete presents evidence that he/she is enrolled in an approved
program.
4. Lack of satisfactory progress in the counseling program will result in the suspension being reinstated immediately.
5. If the student/athlete faces legal charges, the suspension will be lifted after a minimum one-game suspension if the
charges are dropped, or if he/she is found in court to be “not guilty” of the charges.
6. If the student/athlete does not face legal charges, the suspension may be lifted after a minimum one-game
suspension if the principal determines that the individual is not guilty of the offense.
7. The student/athlete may be required to complete 10 hours of school service assigned by the principal and/or
Athletics Director, in consultation with the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The community service hours will
be supervised by a school official.
B. Second Offense
1. Suspension immediately from athletic participation for one calendar year. The student/athlete cannot participate in
an athletic function (in-season or out-of-season) until the suspension is served.
2. If the student/athlete faces legal charges, the suspension will be lifted after a minimum two-game suspension if the
charges are dropped (for reasons other than participation in a counseling program), or if the individual is found in
court to be “not guilty” of the charges.
3. If the student/athlete does not face legal charges, the suspension may be lifted after a minimum two-game
suspension if the principal determines that the individual is not guilty of the offense.
4. The student/athlete may be required to complete 20 hours of school service assigned by the principal and/or
Athletics Director, in consultation with the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The community service hours will
be supervised by a school official.
C. Third Offense
1. Prohibition from any participation on any sport team for remaining years of eligibility at any school within the
Darlington County School District.
2. If the student/athlete faces legal charges, the prohibition will be lifted after a minimum three-game suspension if the
charges are dropped (for reasons other than participation in a counseling program), or if the individual is found in
court to be “no guilty” of the charges.
3. If the student/athlete does not face legal charges, the suspension may be lifted after a minimum three-game
suspension if the principal determines the individual is not guilty of the offense.
4. The student/athlete may be required to complete 30 hours of community service assigned by the principal and/or
Athletics Director, in consultation with the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The community service hours will
be supervised by a school official.
Tobacco Use Policy
Any student/athlete determined by DCSD authorities to be using tobacco products on school property or at a school
event will be subject to the DCSD Code of Conduct in the same manner as any other student.
If the use of tobacco products does not occur on school property, during school hours, or at a school event, the
consequences will include but are not limited to the disciplinary sanctions listed below consistent with the District’s
policy and code of conduct. . The student/athlete’s head coach has the authority to assign additional consequences.
Rationale: The use of tobacco products is injurious to one’s health, and is prohibited by law for those who are underage.
A. First Offense
1. Suspension for a number of games (including playoff games, if necessary) equal to 10% of the regular season
contests.
2. Should the season end before the suspension is completed, the remainder of the suspension will carry over to the
next season for that sport.
Tobacco Abuse Policy (continued):
3. The suspension may be waived after a minimum 1-game suspension if the student/athlete participates in and
ultimately completes a school-approved counseling program to address the tobacco use problem. The suspensio
will be lifted at the time the student/athlete presents evidence that he/she is enrolled in an approved program.
4. Lack of satisfactory progress in the counseling program will result in the suspension being reinstated immediately.
5. If the student/athlete faces legal charges, the suspension will be lifted after a minimum one-game suspension if the
charges are dropped, or if the individual is found in court to be “not guilty” of the charges.
6. If the student/athlete does not face legal charges, the suspension may be lifted after a minimum one-game
suspension if the principal determines the individual is not guilty of the offense.
7. The student/athlete may be required to complete 10 hours of school service assigned by the principal and/or
Athletics Director, in consultation with the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The community service hours will
be supervised by a school official.
B. Second Offense
1. Suspension for a number of games (including playoff games, if necessary) equal to 25% of the regular season
contests.
2. Should the season end before the suspension is completed, the remainder of the suspension will carry over to the
next season for that sport.
3. If the student/athlete faces legal charges, the suspension will be lifted after a minimum two-game suspension if the
charges are dropped (for reasons other than participation in a counseling program), or if the individual is found in
court to be “not guilty” of the charges.
4. If the student/athlete does not face legal charges, the suspension may be lifted after a minimum two-game
suspension if the principal determines that the individual is not guilty of the offense.
5. The student/athlete may be required to complete 20 hours of school service assigned by the principal and/or
Athletics Director, in consultation with the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The community service hours will
be supervised by a school official.
C. Third Offense
1. Suspended immediately from athletic participation for one calendar year.
2. The student/athlete cannot participate in any athletic function (in-season or out-of-season) until suspension is
served.
3. If the student/athlete faces legal charges, the suspension will be lifted after a minimum three-game suspension if the
charges are dropped (for reasons other than participation in a counseling program), or if the individual is found in
court to be “not guilty” of the charges.
4. If the student/athlete does not face legal charges, the suspension may be lifted after a minimum three-game
suspension if the principal determines that the individual is not guilty of the offense.
5. The student/athlete may be required to complete 30 hours of school service assigned by the principal and/or
Athletics Director, in consultation with the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The community service hours will
be supervised by a school official.
Criminal Conduct Policy
Any student/athlete arrested or detained for a criminal offense (not to include minor traffic violations) will be subject
to consequences that will include but are not limited to the disciplinary sanctions listed below, consistent with the
District’s policy and code of conduct. In addition, to the sanctions listed below, a student may be referred to the
District’s hearing officer depending on the nature and severity of a particular offense. Depending on the severity of a
particular criminal offense, a student/athlete may by prohibited from participating in any team sports for the remainder
of a season or the remainder of his/her time as a student in the Darlington County School District on the first offense
and may receive disciplinary consequences up to and including expulsion from school. The student/athlete’s head coach
has the authority to assign additional consequences.
A. First Offense
1. Suspension for a number of games (including playoff games, if necessary) equal to 25% of the regular season
contests.
2. Should the season end before the suspension is completed, the remainder of the suspension will carry over to the
next season for that sport.
Criminal Conduct Policy (continued):
3. The suspension may be waived after a minimum one-game suspension if the student/athlete participates in and
ultimately completes a school-approved counseling program to address the nature of the offense. The suspension
will be lifted at the time the student/athlete presents evidence that he/she is enrolled in an approved program.
4. Lack of satisfactory progress in the counseling program will result in the suspension being reinstated immediately.
5. The suspension may be lifted after a minimum one-game suspension if the charges are dropped, or if the individual
is found in court to be “not guilty” of the charges.
6. If the student/athlete does not face legal charges, the suspension may be lifted after a minimum one-game
suspension if the principal determines that the individual is not guilty of the offense.
7. The student/athlete may be required to complete 10 hours of school service assigned by the principal and/or
Athletics Director, in consultation with the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The community service hours will
be supervised by a school official.
B. Second Offense
1. Suspension for a number of games (including playoff games, if necessary) equal to 50% of the regular season
contests.
2. Should the season end before the suspension is completed, the remainder of the suspension will carry over to the
next season for that sport.
3. The suspension may be lifted after a minimum two-game suspension if the charges are dropped (for reasons other
than participation in a counseling program), or if the individual is found in court to be “not guilty” of the charges.
4. If the student/athlete does not face legal charges, the suspension may be lifted after a minimum two-game
suspension if the principal determines that the individual is not guilty of the offense.
5. The student/athlete will be required to complete 20 hours of school service assigned by the principal and/or
Athletics Director. The community service hours will be supervised by a school official.
C. Third Offense
1. Immediate suspension from athletic participation for one calendar year. The student/athlete cannot participate in
any athletic function (in-season or out-of-season) until the suspension is served.
2. The suspension will be lifted after a minimum three-game suspension if the charges are dropped (for reasons other
than participation in a counseling program), or if the individual is found in court to be “not guilty” of the charges.
3. If the student/athlete does not face legal charges, the suspension may be lifted after a minimum three-game
suspension if the principal determines that the individual is not guilty of the offense.
4. The student/athlete will be required to complete 30 hours of school service assigned by the principal and/or
Athletics Director. The community service hours will be supervised by a school official.
SOCIAL MEDIA
The DCSD recognizes and supports the student-athletes’ rights to freedom of speech, expression, and association, including
the use of social networks. In this context, however, each student-athlete must remember that playing and competing for
teams in the Darlington County School District is a privilege. As a student-athlete, you represent the DCSD and the communities
and you are expected to portray yourself, your team, and the School District in a positive manner at all times. All
student-athletes are required to sign a Social Media Contract prior to participating on an athletic team.
1. Everything an athlete posts is public information – any text or photo placed online is completely out of your control
the moment it is placed online – even if you limit access to your site. Information (including pictures, videos and
comments) may be accessible even after you remove it. Once you post a photo on a social networking site, that
photo or comment becomes the property of the site and may be searchable even after you remove it.
2. What you post may affect your future. Many coaches and college admissions officers review social networking sites
as part of their overall evaluation of an applicant. Carefully consider how you want people to perceive you before
you give them a chance to misinterpret your information (including pictures, videos, commets and posters).
3. Similar to comments made in person, the DCSD will not tolerate disrespectful comments/behavior online, such as:
• Derogatory language or remarks that may harm teammates or coaches; other DCSD student athletes,
teachers or coaches; and student-athletes, coaches or representatives of other schools, including comments
that may disrespect opponents.
• Creating a serious danger to safety of another person or making a credible threat of serious physical or
emotional injury to another person.
Social Media Policy (continued):
• Incriminating photos or statements depicting violence; hazing; sexual harassment; full or partial nudity;
inappropriate gestures; vandalism, stalking; underage drinking, selling, possessing or using controlled
substances; or any other inappropriate behaviors.
• Indicating knowledge of an unreported school or team violation – regardless if the violation was unintentional
or intentional.
Do not have a false sense of security about your rights to freedom of speech. Understand that freedom of speech is not
unlimited. The on-line social network sites are NOT a place where you can say and do whatever you want without
repercussions. The information you post on a social networking site is considered public information. Protect yourself by
maintaining a self-image of which you can be proud for years to come.
IX. REQUIRED FORMS
The Darlington County School District requires certain forms to be completed by student athletes and their parents/guardians
and then submited to the appropriate coaches BEFORE student athletes can participate in schools sports. A copy of
some of the forms are attached for reference. These required forms include:
• DCSD Athletic Contract (copy included)
• Student-Athlete Concussion Form (copy included)
• Medical History Form
• Physical/Parent Permission Form
• Travel Liability Form
• Insurance Form (copy included)
DCSD Athletic Contract
Because we expect our student-athletes to become contributing citizens in our local communities, we place emphasis
on teamwork, self-discipline, commitment, loyalty, pride and achieving high academic standards. We expect Darlington
County School District athletes to meet the standards set up in this contract, not only during the season(s) of their respective
sport(s), but throughout the school year. It is our belief that by meeting these standards and setting a positive example,
they will serve as role models for all students in Darlington County Schools.
PRACTICES AND SCHEDULED CONTESTS
A. Players are to attend all practices and scheduled contests. It is the responsibility of the coach or athletics director to
set practice and contest times. If a player must miss a practice and/or contest, it is the responsibility of the
players or their parents to contact the coach prior to the practice or contest time. Acceptable excuses are limited to:
illness, training room attendance and family crisis. (All others must be cleared with the Athletics Director.) A note
from a parent/or trainer is necessary even if contact has been made.
B. Players are to be on time for all practices and scheduled contests. Acceptable tardy excuses are limited to: training
room with a note from the trainer; academic assistance with a note from a teacher; or a school organization meeting
with a note from the sponsor. (These should be cleared with the coach prior to the tardy).
C. Players are to remain at practice for the duration. If a player must leave practice early, he/she must notify the coach
before practice with a written note from the parent.
BEHAVIOR AND ETHICS
A. Disrespect includes, but is not limited to, the use of foul language or gestures, fighting, taunting, or acting in any
manner deemed disrespectful by coaches, teachers or administrators. (This includes time both on and off the field
of play)
B. Stealing will not be tolerated
C. Student athletes are expected to act in the best interest of Darlington County School District. Any conduct
detrimental to the school or team will result in suspension or dismissal.
D. Student athletes are expected to be leaders in our schools. Therefore, school behavior policies and rules must be
followed to the letter.
E. Student athletes must adhere to the DCSD Social Media Policy.
I/We fully understand the expectations of the Darlington County School District for their athletic programs and agree to
abide by these expectations and policies throughout the school year, not only when my sport is in season.
Concussions and Student Athletes Fact Sheet for Parents and Athletes
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a bump/ blow to the head. It can change the way your brain normally works.
It can occur during practices or games in any sport. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump
or blow to the head can be serious. A concussion can happen even if you haven’t been knocked out. You can’t see a concussion.
Signs and symptoms of a concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or
weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek
medical attention right away.
Parents and Guardians
If your child experiences a bump/blow to the head during a game/ practice, look for any of the following signs/symptoms of
a concussion:
• Appears dazed or stunned • Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets an instruction • Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily • Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly) • Shows behavior or personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior to being hit or falling • Can’t recall events after being hit or falling
Every sport is different, but there are steps your children can take to protect themselves from concussion.
• Ensure that they follow their coach’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport.
• Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
• Make sure they wear the right protective equipment for their activity (ex: helmets, padding, shin guards, and eye/
mouth guards). Protective equipment should fit properly, be well maintained, and be worn consistently and correctly.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
What should a Parent/Guardian do if they think their child has a concussion?
1. Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is
and when it is safe for your child to return to sports. Notify your child’s coach if you think your child has a
concussion.
2. Keep your child out of play. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play until a health care
professional says it’s OK. Children who return to play too soon—while the brain is still healing—risk a greater chance
of having a second concussion. Second or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain
damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.
3. Tell your child’s coach about any recent concussion in ANY sport or activity. Your child’s coach may not know about a
concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless you tell the coach.
Athletes
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
• Headache or “pressure” in head • Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizzines • Double or blurry vision
• Bothered by ligh • Bothered by noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy or fogg • Difficulty paying attention
• Memory problem • Confusion
• Does not “feel right
What should an athlete do if they think they have a concussion?
• Tell your coaches and your parents. Never ignore a bump or blow to the head even if you feel fine. Also, tell your
coach if one of your teammates might have a concussion.
• Get a medical checkup. A doctor /health care professional can tell you if you have a concussion and when you are OK
to return to play.
• Give yourself time to get better. If you have had a concussion, your brain needs time to heal. While your brain is
still healing, you are much more likely to have a second concussion. Second or later concussions can cause damage
to your brain. It is important to rest until you get approval from a doctor or health care professional to return to play.
• It is better to miss one game than the whole season.
For more detailed information on concussion and traumatic brain injury, visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/injury or www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports