Participation Policy

EXPECTATIONS 

Participation in Athletics at Clayton High School is a privilege and requirements must be met to maintain team membership. Sports programs have the autonomy to be less restrictive than the expectations below, and those expectations will be communicated prior to the start of the season. 

• The CHS Athletic program values athletes with a strong commitment to both the program and their team. All students who meet sport-specific requirements are eligible to participate on a team. Students earn spots on teams (freshman/C team, junior varsity or varsity) based on their athletic ability, commitment to the team and attitude towards the sport. 
• If a student-athlete is not selected for a roster spot following the tryout, they will have the option to participate in another sport within that season, as long as there are roster spots available. 
• Students are required to begin practice within the first three (3) days of the season unless previous arrangements have been made with the coach. If you are going to be out of town, or if there are extenuating circumstances, you must contact the coaching staff ASAP to ensure participation will not be impacted. 
• After three unexcused absences, a student-athlete can be dismissed from the team. After the first unexcused absence, the coach will call and/or email the parent. After the second unexcused absence, the coach will call and/or email the parent. After the third unexcused absence, the athlete can be removed from the team. 
• Excused absences include:
• Illness
• Family Illness
• Death
• Medical/Dental Appointment
• Religious Observance
• Prior Approval from Principal
• AP Exam 
• Student-athletes should be at practice on time. Three (3) unexcused tardies will be considered an unexcused absence. 
• Each student-athlete is expected to maintain a positive attitude towards the coaches, players, opponents, officials and all associated with the activity. Failure to do so can result in discipline and possible removal from the team. 
• Playing time is earned during practice and is not guaranteed. 
• Injured athletes are expected to attend all team activities unless the coach has excused the student-athlete from attendance.
• If a student-athlete is unhappy with their role on the team, or they have another concern, they should follow the Vertical Communication Model to find a resolution. 
• If a student-athlete’s cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0, they will be assigned to Academic Support. This support will be based on each individual student’s needs, and their availability. Failure to improve grades can result in missed time from practices and games.