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.

Enforcement:

1. This code is to be enforced by the Athletic Discipline Committee (ADC) and shall consist of four coaches and the principal.
2. The ADC determines code violations which can include: use of alcohol or unprescribed drugs, disrespect for authority, profane language, legal difficulties, use of tobacco, violation of school rules of behavior.
3. A meeting of the ADC will convene as soon as possible to deal with any reported violation.
4. All penalties are at the discretion of the ADC, subject to the following guidelines:
   1. First violation: The normal suspension from athletic activities would be for a period of four weeks. If a student was in attendance but not participating the suspension length could be changed.
   2. Subsequent violations: The normal suspension from athletic activities if the violations occurred during the same school year would be for a period of twelve weeks or the length of one complete sports season. If violations occurred during separate school years, the length of suspension could be changed.
   3. A substance abuse evaluation could be required before participation could begin again, especially if this is the second offense.
   4. One significant factor that is used to determine the length of the suspension is the attitude of the athlete.
   5. An athlete who has participated previously in a specific sport and is cut from the team while serving a suspension could receive partial credit for that sports season.
   6. The length of the suspension period carried over from one school year to the next could be shorter depending on the attitude and subsequent behavior of the student as determined by the ADC.
   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 the 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. If exceptional circumstances occur, the ADC may request the Education Committee of the School Board to review and/or make a decision.

5. If a student has violated the code, but reports this to the school him or herself, a reduction in the penalty may be considered.

Revised: December 1992