Student-Athlete Code of Conduct
Introduction to the Pursuing Victory With Honor Program
At its best, athletic competition can hold intrinsic value for our society. It is a symbol of a great ideal: victory with honor. The love of sports is deeply embedded in our national consciousness. The values of millions of participants and spectators are directly and dramatically influenced by the values conveyed by organized sports. Thus, sports are a major social force that shapes the quality and character of the American culture. In the belief that the impact of sports can and should enhance the character and uplift the ethics of the nation, we seek to establish a framework of principles and a common language of values that can be adopted and practiced widely. The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and the six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. (Preamble to the Arizona Sports Accord – Pursuing Victory with Honor)
Athletics is an important part of the total school program in the St. Johns County Schools and works in conjunction with the other educational experiences to provide students the environment and opportunity to develop the values of character and ethical decision-making.~ This opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics is an extracurricular activity and privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, the sport, other students, the family, and the community, as well as the student-athlete.~ The Student-Athlete Code of Conduct governs all student-athletes (including home school and virtual school students) in the District who participate in interscholastic athletics.~ These standards of conduct shall supplement, and not supplant or replace, the District’s Student Code of Conduct or any additional or more stringent rules and standards of conduct that the Head Coach of each athletic team lawfully imposes as a condition of participation in such activity.~ Discipline imposed as a result of a violation of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct shall not preclude additional discipline or consequences under the Student Code of Conduct or the rules and bylaws of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). The Pursuing Victory With Honor Program and Student-Athlete Code of Conduct hold student-athletes to a higher standard of conduct than the general student body. Participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege, not a right, and that privilege is conditioned upon the student-athlete’s compliance with the Student Code of Conduct, FHSAA rules and by-laws, and, in addition, the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct. Student-athletes and their parents should be aware that the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct applies not only at school and school events and activities, but also off-campus and during non-school hours, including breaks and vacations.
It is the intent of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct to provide a clearly defined course for student-athletes to follow, at school and in the community. It is also the intent that a onetime infraction should result in appropriate consequences without causing lasting hardship.
