Policies, Handbooks and Resources

Code of Conduct

Medical research clearly substantiates the fact that use of tobacco, alcohol and any type of mood modifying substances produces harmful effects on the human organism.

Students have to decide if they want to be athletes. If a student does wish to be an athlete, he/she must make the commitment to be a competitor. A big part of this commitment is following a simple set of training rules which the department of athletics believed to be fair.

No Tobacco: Students shall not use or possess any tobacco products, including but not limited to smokeless tobacco (such as dip or chew), cigarettes and cigars.
No Alcohol: Students shall not use or possess any alcoholic beverage of any kind, including but not limited to beer, wine and hard liquor.
No Drugs: Students shall not use or possess any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, steroids, or other controlled substance of any kind.

Procedures

This Code applies to student athletes twenty-four (24) hours per day, 365 days per year, both at school and away from school.

Penalties for Violations District Policy

All students are subject to current district policies contained in the student handbook. This Athletic Code is an added layer or responsibility for our student-athletes.

VOLUNTARY ADMISSION IS ONLY AN OPTION WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT IS NOT INVOLVED. MSHSAA CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS ARE IN EFFECT WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS OR MAY FILE CHARGES.

VOLUNTARY ADMISSION to any school representative.Voluntary admission of a violation of the Code will not result in suspension from competition but will count as a first violation, as the Athletic Director will be notified. In such as case, the student is required to meet with an intervention counselor. This provision may be used only one time by any athlete. The purpose of this provision is to allow the student to seek help and may not be used by a student if the Code violation is already known by the school or a school representative.

Consequences for Violations

In Season Violation

1st Violation: The first violation shall result in the student being suspended from 10% of all scheduled MSHSAA competitions. Games missed as part of an OSS will count as part of the athletic code violation.
2nd Violation: The second violation shall result in the student being suspended from an additional 20% of all scheduled MSHSAA competitions. Games missed as part of an OSS will count as part of the athletic code violation. If the penalty is not fully administered during that sport season, the remainder of the penalty will be applied to the next sport season in which the athlete participates.
3rd Violation: The third violation shall result in the student losing eligibility for up to 180 school days.

Out Of Season Violation

1st Violation: The first violation shall result in the coach or Athletic Director calling the parents and recommending drug intervention counseling. This violation will result in the student being subject to 2nd in-season violation consequences if he/she is reported again during a season.
2nd Violation: The second violation shall result in a meeting with the coach, administrator, parents and student athlete. This violation will result in the student being subject to the 3 rd in season violation consequences if he/she is reported again either in or out of season.

By-Law 212.0 Citizenship Requirements

Students who represent a school in interscholastic activities must be creditable citizens and judged so by the proper authority. Those students whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon themselves or their schools are not considered "creditable citizens." Conduct shall be satisfactory in accord with the standards of good discipline.

Law Enforcement: A student who commits an act for which charges may be or have been filed by law enforcement authorities under any municipal ordinance, misdemeanor or felony statute shall not be eligible until all proceedings with the legal system have been concluded and any penalty (i.e. jail time, fine, court costs, etc.) or special condition of probation (i.e. restitution, community service, counseling, etc.) has been satisfied. If law enforcement authorities determine that charges will not be filed, eligibility will be contingent upon local school policies. Moving traffic offenses shall not affect eligibility, unless they involve drugs, alcohol, or injuries to others. After a student has completed all court appearances and penalties, and has satisfied all special conditions of probation and remains under general probation only, local school authorities shall determine eligibility.
Local School: A student who violates a local school policy is ineligible until completion of the prescribed school penalties.
The eligibility of a student who is serving detention or in-school suspension shall be determined by local school authorities.
A student shall not be considered eligible while serving an out-of-school suspension.
A student who is expelled or who withdraws from school because of disciplinary measures shall not be considered eligible for 365 days from the date of expulsion or withdrawal.
If a student misses class(es) without being excused by the principal, the student shall not be considered eligible on that date. Further, the student cannot be certified eligible to participate on any subsequent date until the student attends a full day of classes.
Each individual school has the authority to set more restrictive citizenship standards and shall have the authority and responsibility to judge its students under those standards.
Each school shall diligently and completely investigate any issue that could affect student eligibility.
Student Responsibility: Each student is responsible to notify the school of any and all situations that would affect his/her eligibility under the above standards. If the student does not notify the school of the situation prior to the school’s discovery, then the student shall be ineligible for up to 365 days from discovery, pending review by the Board of Directors.

Student-Athlete/Citizenship and Sportsmanship Pledge

"I have read, had the opportunity to ask questions that I may have had, and understand all of the elements of the Clayton High School 'Code for Interscholastic Athletics.' As an athlete, I agree to abide and comply with all sections of the code regarding tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. I also understand and support the Sportsmanship Code. Finally, I agree to comply with other rules established by my coach or sponsor."

To demonstrate my commitment, I pledge:

to abstain from the use and possession of tobacco, alcohol, and other illegal drugs
to seek information and assistance in dealing with any tobacco or chemical dependency problems
to approach my parents, coach, or sponsor about my needs and problems
to follow training rules established by my coach or sponsor to promote my health and well-being
to exhibit and promote good sportsmanship
to comply with all team rules and regulations

Required Forms and Eligibility

If you are planning on participating in a sport, you must complete the following requirements to be eligible for athletic participation:

Required Forms

All forms for the upcoming high school year are now available in PowerSchool under the E-collect tab that is located in the left-hand column. Note: Please do not use Internet Explorer when completing E-collect forms.

Physical - Good for two years from date of physical unless indicated otherwise by the doctor.

PowerSchool Forms: The following forms (located in PowerSchool under FORMS) need to be completed:

MSHSAA Pre-Participation-Annual Requirements (All Sports & Activities)
CHS Athletic Team Selection
Athlete Code of Training, Rules, and Regulations d. Private Transportation Form
Mercy Authorization Form

Download the physical form or access the form through PowerSchool. Please note that only page 5 showing medical clearance is uploaded to PowerSchool. Do not send the physical to the nurse's office AND DO NOT give it to the coach.

Returning Students
Returning CHS students must have passed 3 units of credit during the Spring 2024 semester and all students must be actively enrolled in 3.0 units of credit. For Spring 2025, all students must have earned 3.0 credits during Fall 2024 and be enrolled in 3.0 credits. All students must maintain a 2.0 GPA each quarter. Students who fall below a 2.0 GPA for the quarter will be assigned Academic Support.

MSHSAA Handbook

Media Relations

The Clayton High School Athletic Department would like to thank you for your interest and coverage of our Clayton Greyhounds. This publication is designed to assist you in your coverage. Please feel free to contact the Athletic Department for any additional information. The Clayton High School Athletic Department is located in Clayton High School between the commons and Stuber Gym. Call for directions (314) 854-6740.

Mailing Address

Clayton Athletic Department
#1 Mark Twain Circle
Clayton, MO 63105

Credentials

Credentials for Clayton High School home games are issued for working media ONLY and should be requested as early as possible due to space limitations. All members of the media must request credentials through the Athletic Director (314) 854-6743. Requests are honored from sports editors of daily newspapers and sports directors of television and radio stations. Requests from individuals not employed by a media outlet WILL NOT be considered.
Note: Websites that sponsor message boards, message centers or chat rooms where people are allowed to post anonymous information will not be issued credentials. If a medium has an online site and they sponsor these anonymous forums, they may continue to request credentials under its traditional medium (newspaper, magazine, radio, television) but will not be granted additional passes for online staff.

Media Entrance

There is no special media entrance. Media is expected to use the main entrance to all facilities except for football where there is a pass gate. Court/field level access will be available to photographers only with prior approval.

Parking

Space in our lots is limited and is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you have any questions or need additional information please contact the Athletic Office at (314) 854-6740.

Local TV/Satellite Truck Access

Media outlets requesting satellite trucks or local television trucks access must request such, in advance, through the Athletic Office at (314) 854-6740. Trucks must be in place at least three hours prior to the game. Parking credentials will be issued to other necessary accompanying vehicles.

Press Area

This area is reserved for print media and statistical operations and will be based on a first-come, first-served basis. Wireless internet is available in Stuber Gym only.

Sidelines

Photographers and cameramen are granted access to shoot during home games along each baseline for basketball, beyond the blue soccer line at Gay Field and behind the fence on Shaw Park #7. All photographers and cameramen wishing to shoot during home games must have a valid credential with them at all times. No one under 18 years of age will be issued credentials for sideline access.

Press Row Services

Individual/team statistics, record and game facts can be found on the STL Today website under prep sports. Programs, when available, are provided at least one hour prior to tip-off.

Collegiate/Professional Scouts

Space limitations may prohibit the issuance of credentials to scouts. Scouts must contact the Athletic Department at (314) 854-6740 prior to each game to guarantee choice seating or field access.

Interviews

Interviews with the coaching staff need to be coordinated through the Athletic Department at (314) 854-6740.

Student-Athlete Interviews

All interviews must be arranged by the Athletic Department. Student-Athletes have been instructed not to grant any interviews, in person or by telephone, not arranged by the Athletic Department. Student-athlete telephone numbers and information are private and will not be released. Interviews with student-athletes must be coordinated through the Athletic Department preferably at least one day in advance to minimize demands on the student-athlete’s time. All other requests for interviews at practice should be made by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the requested interview. The Coaching staff and/or Athletic Department review ALL media requests for student-athletes, both at practice, or requests by phone. Approval by the coach and/or Athletic Department is needed before interviews are scheduled. Phone interviews must also be coordinated through the Athletic Department with the requested player, returning the call at an agreed upon time from the Athletic office or coaches office.

Practices

Practices are closed to members of the working media and public on a day-by-day basis. Members of the working media wishing to attend practice should contact the Athletic Department preferably one day in advance to request admission to a specific practice. The coaching staff reserves the right to open practice on a day-by-day basis. During an open practice, members of the media are allowed to conduct interviews before or after practice. The coaching staff will review requests for ALL interviews and approval is required before an interview can be granted.

Postgame

Requests for student-athlete interviews must be made to the Athletic Director or coaching staff prior to any interaction. Locker rooms are closed and Clayton High School student-athletes are brought to a neutral setting for interviews. The opposing coach and student-athletes are available at the discretion of the visiting school.

Participation Policy

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.

Vertical Communication Model

The relationship we have between the athletic department and the community we serve must include a foundation built on strong communication. This includes communication with both the players and their parents/guardians. We feel that by following this vertical communication model, we will best serve our community.

Coach and Player

Our goal is to teach our student athletes to have conversations rather than confrontations with their coaches and the adults in their lives.
Coaches will have conversations with all their student athletes so that each individual can articulate their role on the team.
If at anytime a player has any questions or concerns, we encourage them to meet with their coach to have a conversation.
Coaches will also utilize a technological platform (Groupme, Remind) of their choice to communicate with student athletes throughout the season. This will only be used to communicate with the entire team.

Parent and Coach

If a student athlete is still unsure of their role on the team following a conversation with the coach, we welcome the parent/guardian to reach out to the coach to continue the conversation.
Coaches will also send out weekly updates that will be posted on the team’s webpage, and also linked within weekly emails.

Parent and Athletic Director/Assistant Athletic Director

Following the conversation with the coach, if the parent/guardian still has questions or concerns, we welcome the parent to, then, reach out to the athletic director to continue the conversation.

Parent and Principal

Following the conversation with the athletic director, if the parent/guardian still has questions or concerns, we welcome the parent/guardian to contact the building principal to continue the conversation.

Parent and Superintendent

Following the conversation with the building principal, if the parent/guardian still has questions or concerns, we welcome them to contact the superintendent's office to continue the conversation.

Concussion Forms & Information

Optional Insurance Coverage

The School District of Clayton has selected the Student Insurance Plan from K&K Insurance Group to make reliable coverage available to parents.

If you don't have other insurance, this plan may be a resource to consider. Additionally, even if you have other coverage, this plan can help fill expensive "gaps" caused by deductible and co-pays.

Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year by visiting the K&K Insurance Group website.