ATHLETICS 

The goal of the Northampton athletics program is to provide a competitive arena where student-athletes can display their  talents, enhance their physical wellness and skills, and gain greater technical and tactical understanding of, and appreciation  for, their chosen sport. We expect our student-athletes to display a competitive spirit, outstanding sportsmanship, and  exemplary character throughout the year, on and off the field of play. The athletics program should be a positive component  of the student-athlete’s educational experience. 

Participation in the athletics program is considered a privilege and requires student-athletes to commit time, energy, and loyalty, as well as accept coaches’ decisions, training techniques, and expectations. Student-athletes should willingly  assume all responsibilities and obligations that are inherent in and unique to the program. Student-athletes must understand  and appreciate that they not only represent themselves, but also their teams, Northampton High School, and the greater  Northampton community. 

Teams 

Athletic Eligibility

A student must be eligible to participate in athletics at the start of the respective season in order to try out, practice,  compete, or represent NHS in any way. This pertains to all areas of eligibility: academics, attendance, chemical health, and  citizenship. Students may be able to join a team but are not guaranteed participation after eligibility is restored. 

Academic 

• A student may not, at any time, represent a school unless that student is taking courses that would provide credit equivalent to three one-credit courses per semester. 
• A student must pass and earn credit in three one-credit classes during the last semester preceding the contest
• To be eligible for a fall sport, a student must have: 
  • Pass and earn credit in three one-credit classes during the last semester, AND 
  • passed and received credit for the equivalent of six credits during the previous academic year. 
• The academic eligibility of all students shall be considered only on the date report cards for that semester are issued to the parents/guardians of all students. 
• Incomplete grades may not be counted toward eligibility. 
• A student who repeats a class in which that student has once received credit may not count that subject a second time for eligibility. 
• A student may not count for eligibility, any subject taken during the summer vacation unless that subject has been  previously pursued, failed, and the make-up grade has been recorded on the student’s official transcript.

Attendance 

Eligibility based on attendance is determined on a daily basis. Unless prior permission has been obtained from the athletics director and/or the principal, a student must be in school for three full class periods to be eligible to participate in athletics on any particular school day. 

Student-athletes may not represent their school if they are on in-school or out-of-school disciplinary suspension. A suspended student is ineligible for practice or competition for at least the number of days (or partial days) equal to the number of days of  the suspension (MIAA Good Citizenship Rule). 

Conduct 

Student-athletes must comply with expectations outlined in the Code of Conduct and those in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Rules and Regulations. 

Physical 

All athletes must have a physical within 13 months after their last dated physical to remain eligible during the season. A  registered physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner must perform physical examinations.  

Concussion Baseline Screening 

Upon enrolling at Northampton High School for the first time and every two years, student-athletes must take and pass this  screening. 

Chemical Health Policy Contract 

Pursuant to the MIAA Chemical Health Policy, student-athletes and their caregiver must sign a contract agreeing to and  verifying awareness of the MIAA Chemical Health Policy*. 

MIAA Chemical Health Policy 

When coaches first hear of any violations of the Chemical Health Policy, they are directed to contact the athletic director who  will contact the caregiver with this information. Penalties will be assessed when confirmation of the violation has been  received. Any violations that occur during school functions, including practices, games, and travel situations will be subjected  to the NHS Code of Conduct. 

From the earliest fall practice date to the conclusion of the academic year or final athletic event (whichever is latest), a  student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product (including e-cigarettes); marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance. This policy includes  products such as “NA or near beer”. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug  specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by their doctor.  

This MIAA statewide minimum standard is not intended to render “guilt by association”, e.g. many student-athletes might  be present at a party where only a few violate this standard. This rule represents a minimum standard upon which schools  may develop more stringent requirements. If a student in violation of this rule is unable to participate in interscholastic  sports due to injury or academics, the penalty will not take effect until that student is able to participate again. 

Minimum Penalties 

First Violation: When the principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occurred,  the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests (regular season and tournament) totaling 25% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a  treatment program. It is recommended that the student be allowed to remain at practice for the purpose of rehabilitation.  During the suspension, the disqualified student may not be in uniform and their attendance at the competition site is  determined by the high school principal. Any fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 25% of the  season. 

Second and Subsequent Violations: When the principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that  a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests (regular season and  tournament) totaling 60% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. Any fractional part of an event will be dropped when  calculating the 60% of the season.

If after the second or subsequent violations the student of their own volition becomes a participant in an approved chemical  dependency or treatment program, the student may be certified for reinstatement in MIAA activities after a minimum of  40% of events provided the student was fully engaged in the program throughout that penalty period. The high school  principal, in collaboration with a chemical dependency or treatment program, must certify the student is attending or issue a certificate of completion. If the student does not complete the program, the penalty reverts back to 60% of the season. 

Penalties shall be cumulative each academic year, but serving the penalty could carryover for one year. Or, if the penalty  period is not completed during the season of violation, the penalty shall carry over to the student’s next season of actual  participation, which may affect the eligibility status of the student during the next academic year. For example, a student  who plays only football violates the rule in the winter and/or the spring of the same academic year, he would serve the penalty[ies] during the fall season of the next academic year.