Lynden Christian students who participate in athletics represent the school in a distinctive way. These students, therefore, take upon themselves the responsibility of defending and promoting the ideals of the school by their actions and words. Athletes are to behave in a manner consistent with that expected of a Christian student and to conduct their lives to bring honor and respect upon themselves and their school.

You may download the form to be signed: Athletic Code (Word file)

Students are asked to sign the following: "I realize it is a privilege to represent Lynden Christian School in athletic events. I promise not to use tobacco, alcohol beverages, or unprescribed drugs, both during the school year and summer months." "I understand that at Lynden Christian there is a Christian standard of behavior that monitors our words and deeds in the classroom, at athletic activities, in everyday life. If I seriously violate these standards, I will be subject to discipline." "If my actions are such that I am judged to have violated the letter or intent of this code, I agree to submit to the discipline of the Athletic Committee." At least one parent is asked to sign the following: "As a parent I will do everything within my power to help my child live by this code. I also agree to cooperate to the utmost with the coaches and administration of Lynden Christian School."

This code is to be signed and agreed to by all students involved in athletic teams, managers and cheerleaders. This code is in force beginning at the time of the student's tryout or involvement with a team until the end of their school career; this includes summers and the times between seasons.

Students agree not to use tobacco, alcohol or any unprescribed drugs. In addition, any offenses considered illegal in the eyes of the law (excluding minor traffic offenses) may be considered to be in violation of the code. Students are expected to behave in a manner consistent with Christian principles of morality.

If the student is at a location where minors are using drugs or alcohol, the student has the obligation to pursue all means to leave the premises immediately. If the school believes that the most expeditious means to leave were not taken, the student is presumed to have participated in the activity in fact as well as in spirit.

Procedures for Rule Infraction:

1. Student Attendance Rules. A student must be in school for the afternoon classes in order to participate in games or practices on that day. An unexcused absence will be treated as a truancy until it is excused by the Attendance Office by the end of the next school day. Students should make every attempt to satisfy this rule, but it is understood that there will be exceptions. Acceptable exceptions are:
   1. A completed prior excuse form on file in the office.

   2. A signed statement from a doctor verifying an appointment.

   3. A phone call from a parent/guardian or emancipated student prior to the student's absence.

2. Academic Standards. Participation in athletics requires successful performance in academics. The academic standards place proper emphasis on student achievement in the classroom to maintain eligibility.
   1. The WIAA requires that each participant pass a minimum of six (6) full-time subjects to be eligible for competition the following semester. Each participant who fails to make this requirement shall be placed on probation during the first five (5) weeks of the succeeding semester, and shall be ineligible during this time.
   2. The Lynden Christian High School requires each participant to maintain passing grades in all assigned classes to remain eligible during the current semester.
   1. Each participant is eligible providing they are passing all classes.
   2. Each participant receiving at least one (1) failing grade in a class at the end of a nine week grading period will be put on academic probation for two weeks. The first week the student will not practice, the second week, the student can practice but not participate in games.
   3. Each participant receiving a failing grade in a class after a one (1) week probation period will be suspended from participating in games or events for that week and any subsequent weeks until the academic situation is rectified and the student is passing. The participant's parent or guardian will be notified of such suspension. The week of probation and suspension is defined as Monday to Monday.
   4. After the two (2) weeks of suspension, a student is eligible to come off the suspended list if they are passing. In this case, the Athletic Director or an administrator must have a signed note or verbal confirmation from the teacher in whose class the student was failing.
   3. Participants agree not to use tobacco, alcohol or any unprescribed drugs. In addition, any offenses considered illegal in the eyes of the law (excluding minor traffic offenses) may be considered to be in violation of the code. Participants are expected to behave in a manner consistent with Christian principles of morality. If a student is at a location where minors are using drugs or alcohol, the participant has the obligation to pursue all means to leave the premises immediately. If the school believes that the most expeditious means to leave were not taken, the student is presumed to have participated in the activity in fact as well as in spirit. The Athletic Discipline Committee determines code violations which can include: use of alcohol or unprescribed drugs, disrespect for authority, profane language, legal difficulties, use of tobacco, and violations of school rules of behavior.

   All penalties are at the discretion of the Athletic Discipline Committee (ADC), subject to the following suggested guidelines.

   ** 1. First Offense During High School - During an athletic season and up until the last contest in that sport, the participant will be suspended for up to 30% of the allowable contests. For example, basketball is allowed 20 total contests; a 30% suspension would result in the athlete missing six (6) contests. The suspension could be continued into the next sport season if not fulfilled.

   2. Second Offense During High School - Suspension for a minimum of 40% of contests up to 60% depending on the attitude and honesty of the athlete when dealing with the ADC and may be transferred over to the next season. (b) The student may be required, at own expense, to submit to a tobacco/alcohol/drug evaluation by an approved community agency or individual to be completed within ten (10) school days from the time of the incident.

   3. Subsequent Offense or Offenses During High School - Suspension from participating in all athletic programs within Lynden Christian High School for a minimum of 70% of the contests up to one complete season, depending on the attitude and honesty of the student when dealing with the ADC, and may be transferred over to the next season. A student who has completed an approved treatment program and provides recommendation from that treatment program will be given favorable consideration in an appeal for re-instatement of eligibility. This appeal must be submitted in writing to the ADC.

   4. Subsequent substance abuse offenses accumulate throughout the student's high school career and disciplinary action will be based on the number of cumulative offenses, not just on the offenses during a given year.

   5. In-season offense will result in the first five (5) days of the punishment being suspended from all practices and may attend games, but not suit up. After the five (5) days without practice, the athlete may return to practice and serve the remainder of his/her punishment.

   6. Out-of-season offense-the athlete may begin practicing with the team on the start date of that season and will not participate in any contests until he/she has completed their suspension period.

   7. If an athlete under suspension seeks to participate in an activity in order to "get rid of his/her suspension," he/she must first receive permission from the ADC and coaches involved. After the season is completed, his/her performance will be evaluated before being able to begin another activity.

   8. At the end of suspension, the ADC will meet with the student to determine if attitude and behavior of the student warrants reinstatement to athletic activities. Lifting of the suspension is NOT automatic, but there must be demonstrated improvement in behavior and attitude.

   9. Practice Requirements- On mutually agreement of the ADC and the participant's coach, the student-athlete will be allowed to begin practice at the start of a new season or after the 5 (five) day in-season suspension. The honesty and attitude of the participant will be a contributing factor to whether the athlete is allowed to return to team practices.

   ** Self report of violations - Between ten percent (10%) and up to twenty percent (20%) of the total allowable contests suspended may be waived for "first time" violations when the violation is voluntarily reported by the student or the parent/guardian to the coach or an administrator by the end of the next school day. The Principal or Athletic Director will be informed immediately. The violation is still considered a first offense.

   Revised 8/8/08